Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 40 posted)

[Key Wielder]

Let me first preface my review by saying it has been a looooooooooooooooooooooooo--

*two days later*

--oooooooooong time since I read any fanfiction, whether of the KH variety or otherwise. I used to write it myself and did some beta reading for friends, but eventually I gave it up and started writing my own original stories/novels. I never missed fanfiction or looked back. That being said, you've made me thoroughly miss the world of fanfiction!!!!!!!!!!!

My attention was grabbed right from the very beginning as I skeptically made my way through the prologue; after years of reading fanfiction of pretty negotiable quality, I was wary of getting back into it even if it's only one story. The prologue, however, had me wanting more and I ended up reading through the whole thing as fast as I could just to see what was going to happen next. The cliffhangers are killer, but I've done enough of them myself to know that it is more fun to build the excitement. The story itself is very intriguing as a whole and has kept my attention from the beginning. I can't wait to see what Rudol and his boss are up to, what Isa and Braig are going to do next and what their newest scheme is, how SRK's story will progress.................. Put simply, I love that you've incorporated everyone into the story and given them separate but interrelated and interdependent storylines. It is very well organized and obvious that you've put a great deal of thought into this story. Oh, and your grammar is nearly impeccable, especially in later chapters, so it makes this really easy to read!

Something else I have to comment on is your use of character relationships. I have always loved how the games aren't afraid to show closeness between characters, whether they are both male, both female, or of different genders. Seeing that here really makes it feel more like KH canon because you don't force any shipping but show that closeness objectively, just like the games do. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes so far with Roxas and Ven; the fact that they can be close in their isolation and find comfort in each other's company more than anything else is heartwarming. I look forward to seeing where that friendship will go.

As for the most recent chapters, however: WOW! I never would have expected Sephiroth to show up in the RoD and troll Aqua like that. It seems like a good thing, though; perhaps he will start her on a path to understanding that, unlike what she was taught by Eraqus, using darkness does not mean being a slave to the forces of evil. Aqua's a great character and that is one of her biggest flaws, so I'd love to see some development on that front! Your descriptions of the fight sequences are spot on and I can see it in my head, so great job on that as well!

Thank you for the awesome story and I look forward to reading future chapters!

[Sephiroth0812]

Hehe, I sure was wondering when you would update again. I'm glad you did so, though! Seeing as how Nov and even yourself mentioned that you guys where busy as of late.
I'll respond to you in vm a little later, yes. :D

Anyways, while I'm sad about that Aqua arc ending, I hope we will see her sooner than later eventually! I want to see what they will do. Other than that, awesome with imagery as usual and Sephiroth is always a cup of win! Makes me think about things, very much so indeed. <3

Lol, I hope the crash from yesterday didn't affect your posting schedule that much? ^^;

I know I wasn't able to hold the schedule, lol. RL really threw a wrench into things this time around.

Aqua has now also somewhat of a longer pause as she needs time to think and move around together with Ansem in order to avoid attracting another Heartless Army.
She becomes important again later on though.
Thanks, yup, Sephiroth has in contrast to Aqua no problem at all traversing the RoD and the Heartless are more nuisances than a real danger to him. ;)
If you have a theory just post it, lol.

It's less the forum crash, more like RL really reducing my online time.

Ah! Another beautiful chapter!
I know I keep saying this and I hope it's not becoming annoying, but... I love your writing! The sarcastic banter between Sephi and Aqua is priceless. Her development, aka not being so biased for the light is wonderful.
Ansem and Aqua are good for each other. Comforting the other, looking out for one another, etc.
Anyways, this was one of the most entertaining chapters yet. Keep going!

Why thank you. ^___^
Nah, it isn't annoying, on the contrary it's rather flattering and of course a great motivator.
Glad you like that part. I included it since I am on the impression that while Aqua would be respectful of Sephiroth's power, she would not be intimidated by him and therefore confident enough to stand her ground against his trolling and snarky remarks.
This arc gave her merely the push to start thinking about her views. She hasn't changed anything yet about her views but the first seeds of doubt are planted, making it a little bit easier for Riku later in the story.
Now that you say it I noticed quite the parallels. Aqua has now Ansem to keep her company and make her torment bearable and Ventus has Roxas...^__^

Will do, next chapter is right around the corner.

Great chapter, seph! :) I so hope this will happen in KH3, or aqua battle with somebody else will be just amazing :D
Oh? Ansem protecting himself with dark power? Awesome! I just have one question.. He does can use the power of darkness to fight right?
I wonder who will they encounter next.* ggg*
Hope you will update the chapter soon

Gee, thanks. Ahaha, we do not even know yet if Sephiroth will even return in KH III.
I still think it's safe to assume though that Aqua must have a great battle prowess after such a long time in the RoD.
Ansem the Wise is still not really a fighter and he also can't summon dark corridors. As Sephiroth implied, in the heat of the Situation Ansem only remembered some of his connections to Darkness. He can summon a Dark Shield to protect himself and cast Dark Firaga as a counter attack, but that's all about what he can do right now.
Next time we'll take a look at how things at Radiant Garden unfold over three chapters before we get back to our Main Trio arriving at Disney Castle setting in motion some real interesting events.

Let me first preface my review by saying it has been a looooooooooooooooooooooooo--

*two days later*

--oooooooooong time since I read any fanfiction, whether of the KH variety or otherwise. I used to write it myself and did some beta reading for friends, but eventually I gave it up and started writing my own original stories/novels. I never missed fanfiction or looked back. That being said, you've made me thoroughly miss the world of fanfiction!!!!!!!!!!!

Oi, a new reader, I'm honored and happy you take the time to review. :D

My attention was grabbed right from the very beginning as I skeptically made my way through the prologue; after years of reading fanfiction of pretty negotiable quality, I was wary of getting back into it even if it's only one story. The prologue, however, had me wanting more and I ended up reading through the whole thing as fast as I could just to see what was going to happen next. The cliffhangers are killer, but I've done enough of them myself to know that it is more fun to build the excitement. The story itself is very intriguing as a whole and has kept my attention from the beginning. I can't wait to see what Rudol and his boss are up to, what Isa and Braig are going to do next and what their newest scheme is, how SRK's story will progress.................. Put simply, I love that you've incorporated everyone into the story and given them separate but interrelated and interdependent storylines. It is very well organized and obvious that you've put a great deal of thought into this story. Oh, and your grammar is nearly impeccable, especially in later chapters, so it makes this really easy to read!

It's really nice to hear the story can grab attention like that, especially since it's my first serious attempt in English.

I know, I know, my cliffhangers tend to be very mean sometimes, especially when in the next chapter a location change happens and we follow other characters for two or three chapters.
You don't know how happy I am to hear that. That the story is intriguing was my main aim for everything, scattering out some mysteries and place different plots and factions on the "chessboard" and let the reader guess how they will come together (and they will eventually!).
Incorporating as many characters as possible and give them meaningful roles is my second main aim at writing this tale, which is also a reason why the story becomes so long. But I decided to accept that as a necessity in order to give many characters, original, Disney and Final Fantasy, some time to shine.

The great deal of thoughts were two and a half months to be exactly, as I planned the core plot and placement of characters out from April 2011 to mid-June 2011. ^___^

Thanks for the praise of my grammar. Although my Beta at FF.net still finds some issues, they're relatively minor.
The version of the story I post here is my raw version though, fellow Forum member and Friend November Rain helps me a bit with proofreading stuff for here (starting with chapter 17, that's probably why the later chapters are even better ;D).

The thoroughly betaed stuff is put on FF.net and takes therefore longer to post.

Something else I have to comment on is your use of character relationships. I have always loved how the games aren't afraid to show closeness between characters, whether they are both male, both female, or of different genders. Seeing that here really makes it feel more like KH canon because you don't force any shipping but show that closeness objectively, just like the games do. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes so far with Roxas and Ven; the fact that they can be close in their isolation and find comfort in each other's company more than anything else is heartwarming. I look forward to seeing where that friendship will go.

I have to admit, the relationships between the characters is one of my pets. I love to write those bits.
As I am a very open person I have also no problem at all with portraying more emotional (and partly physical) closeness between characters regardless of gender-combination.
It's great you see it more towards KH canon as that is exactly what I intend to convey, close bonds, friendship and "innocent love" between hearts like the main theme of the series itself is.
I'm not really a shipper so I do also see the relationships between the characters more objective. That doesn't mean I oppose shipping, on the contrary, I can accept many pairings. I also don't get upset if readers interpret something more in some scenes as thoughts are free anyways. I only ask for my own intention to be kept in mind, which means that there is no romantic interest and no sexual attraction between characters in this story canon.
The parts with Roxas and Ventus, while some of my own favorites (as I love both characters and their fates and experiences aren't so different after all), are also some of the most difficult to write for me since I need to keep a delicate balance between how their new friendship grows and not go too fast into things.
I also find it a bit funny that Roxas, while technically the younger, more inexperienced one acts mostly as the "older" brother in their developing relationship, which I intend to evolve more into close friendship, maybe even brotherly territory.
Things are bound to get even more interesting though when Sora also enters into the fray, that I can already guarantee. ^___^

As for the most recent chapters, however: WOW! I never would have expected Sephiroth to show up in the RoD and troll Aqua like that. It seems like a good thing, though; perhaps he will start her on a path to understanding that, unlike what she was taught by Eraqus, using darkness does not mean being a slave to the forces of evil. Aqua's a great character and that is one of her biggest flaws, so I'd love to see some development on that front! Your descriptions of the fight sequences are spot on and I can see it in my head, so great job on that as well!

Thank you for the awesome story and I look forward to reading future chapters!

Quite a surprise, huh? Hehe, I didn't include him there just for fanservice though. While one reason is that he will give Aqua first doubts about her absolute light views, there is another reason why Seph is in the RoD.
It has to do with the person "he's searching for" and he will play another time a short, but crucial role to another character.
Yep, that's one of Aqua's biggest flaws, but the character who will finally make her see the errors for real will be Riku. Sephiroth just serves as the first incentive so to speak.

After strong emotional scenes (like the one with Ven's wayfinder for example), fight scenes are the second most difficult scenes for me to write, so hearing this makes me really proud. :D

Gladly delivered. I'll put up the new chapter in short order. ^___^

[Sephiroth0812]

I know this is a double post, but in order for the Link-Collection in the first post I don't want to mix big Review-answers with a chapter.

It's time to look what's going on in Radiant Garden ;):

#####

XXI. Approaching paths

Letting his eyes search around through the metal-grilled window Lea frowned.
What is this...? Is there no one in this entire damned facility? Still, it looks sterile and clean like someone maintains it.

Looking around in the cell again he didn't notice anything that might be of help.
Similar but different memories still swirling around inside him he clutched and shook his head again in frustration.

STOP THAT! I need to focus on clear thoughts...

Of course he got no answer, but those confusing occurrences inside him hampered his ability to think clearly.
It causes a bad headache as well. Agh, man, I'm getting pissed!

To his great surprise, a wall of flame erupted around him, burning the few pieces of furniture in the cell.
Whoa, whoa...what?
I have power over fire?

Trying hard again to remember he managed to grasp an old memory now.
Right, I had an affinity for fire and started to learn to control and channel it into magic several years ago under the supervision of "her". That caring sorceress whose name I don't remember no, but I did not gain that much power behind it.

Glaring in frustration at the locked door again he now got a sudden memory flash of the "other" memories. Stretching out his arms flames soared around them and two red and silver colored large, sharp chakrams appeared in his hands.

What the heck? These aren't my old frisbees...but with them I surely would not have any chance at all to blast that friggin stupid door.

His expression changing to a weird gleeful grin, Lea spun one of the chakrams around with one hand, setting it ablaze.
With tremendous force he threw the flaming chakram at the locked door, blasting it to pieces in a big explosion.
Whoopsy, that blasts through. Man, I don't know what happened and why I feel there's suddenly more than just "me" in this body, but these powers surely come in handy. Now let's take a look if there's any living being beside me in this weird place.

Summoning the thrown chakram back into his hand without really thinking, he let out another impressed whistle. The redhead was completely awestruck about the powers he apparently could use now without any explanation.

I realize there is much, much to unravel in terms of mysterious things. I will have to do much investigation on the time I apparently was in "suspended" animation inside the darkness...

Many more thoughts running through his mind and now slowly trying to separate and arrange the different sets of memories Lea stepped through the doorframe on the wide corridor.

---

Leon entered Ansem's study and energetically threw the door shut to gain attention of his peers, as Cid and Yuffie seemed already be locked up in another argument, bickering while Merlin was certainly interested in some of the old books lying around.

What he didn't notice was that he threw the door exactly into Braig's face. The man was closely following him but invisible and inaudible due to Ienzo's illusion effects.

Tumbling backwards and holding his nose, the man with the eye patch snarled annoyed. "Goddamned idiocy...hrrn. You think I'm gonna let that slide? As if!"

"I told you to keep more distance." Isa mocked, standing a few feet behind him and suppressing a low laugh.
"Oh shut up blueberry. Better get up with a plan how to follow them further into the computer room, as we can't just walk through the closed door like ghosts."

Isa snorted. "Indeed, you gave a very figurative demonstration."
Braig shot him a glare, but before he could say anything Isa walked past him and put one ear on the door.

"They're already moving into the computer room, their voices are getting lower. We should just open the door ajar a bit and slip through."
"Splendid, good luck we didn't take Aeleus with us." Braig snickered.

"He has enough to do himself in the Land of Dragons." Isa answered, silently opening the door and sliding through the small opening.
Braig followed shortly behind, closing the door silently behind them again.

At the computer room, Cid was already busy typing while Yuffie, Merlin and Leon watched on gathered in a half circle around him.

"Seems like that lifeform has some notable powers. The computer registered an energy outburst down there." Cid stated, shortly wiping over his chin again.
"Notable powers? Hmm...strange. Have we any information on what kind of power it is?" Leon asked.

Words flashed over the screen on their own, obviously a direct answer from Tron.

"Fire elemental magic? Interesting..." Yuffie scratched her head. "...how many heartless use fire?"
"I sincerely doubt it is a heartless. They appear by using dark corridors, but the energy-signature of dark corridors can be detected by our new sensors now." Cid retorted calmly, typing in another question instead of asking it aloud.
"Cid, you know that the computer also has speech-recognition?" Leon interjected, a bit amused.

A dismissing grunt came as an answer as Cid hit another button on the side of the keyboard.

"Speech-output is also possible, hello friends of the Restoration Committee." Trons voice suddenly sounded through the loudspeaker system, making Yuffie jump in surprise while Leon allowed himself a short smile.
"Alright then, let's turn this into a full two-sided conversation with sound." He mumbled, stepping forward to stand beside Cid.

“So, what about that last question gramps put in?” Yuffie asked, having regained her composure.

"Concerning the room beneath the heartless manufactory it isn't just one, but a whole floor with several rooms and hallways. An entire facility is located down there." Tron explained over the loudspeaker.

Leon and the others all looked at each other with a surprised expression.
"A whole facility? That's...nuts! How come no one of us noticed it yet?" Cid yelled.

"It isn't listed in the normal maps nor in the official plans of the castle stored in the main dataspace. Only the installment of the new detection grid a week ago has made the scanners strong enough to reach the place." Tron's voice sounded focused and professional, completely oblivious to the excitement going on between the members of the Restoration Committee.

Braig and Isa leaned on the back wall, beside the digitizer, still no one noticing their presence.
The man with the eye patch displayed his known cocky grin again, causing Isa to roll his eyes in annoyance.

"They have already accessed the system. Wouldn't it be time for our diversion?" He asked.
"Maybe, but first we'll have to decide who goes inside the system looking for that blackbox, of course without getting spotted by the new System Administration program." Braig retorted, grinning even wider.

"Not to mention the access codes to the laboratory need to be erased so the area becomes inaccessible. As one of Ansem's former pupils you should know the password, right? So it'll be better you go inside the system...but don't goof around again!" Isa yelled, clenching his fist slamming it against the wall.

Braig laughed cockily again. "You'll never get used to my style, do you? Well, as there are a total of seven passwords I would be surely the more appropriate candidate to dive into the bytes. I am concerned about the lifeform that suddenly appeared down there though."

"Why should that bother us? If we seal that area off this lifeform, whatever it is, should dry out and then wither away." Isa answered, slightly puzzled.

"You have heard what the older guy said...this lifeform has notable powers...fire-related powers, and appeared down in the laboratory. If it's really a conscient being it can take in the secrets down there. Not to mention the Restoration Committee will most likely try to get it out at all costs."

"If sealing the place isn't enough we'll just blow it to pieces, so what's the deal?" Isa raised a brow.

"That would cause too much of a ruckus. No, while I go to fetch the data-blackbox you will have to go down there and eliminate that lifeform. I will unlock the way down to the laboratory one last time then. Get in there, eradicate that lifeform and get back asap. After that, I'll erase all seven passwords and disrupt the whole Hollow Bastion OS, causing them enough trouble so we can get off here without trouble." Braig retorted, his usual cocky behaviour now toned down a bit.

Isa crossed his arms, smirking. "Hey...so you can be serious if you want!?"
Braig ignored this, fuming a little. "These are unexpected interferences...we must...ghh, oh shit."

As Leon, Yuffie and Cid were contemplating and discussing over the whole up to now unknown floor below the castle, both Merlin and the invisible Braig had noticed another person entering the room.
Braig started to lose a bit of sweat. "Oh noes...not her..."

"A secret floor below the castle dungeons and that horrid machine? That can only be the secret laboratory for the heart-research originally built by Master Ansem after the suggestions by his Apprentices." A soft spoken, but firm voice cut through the discussion between the Restoration Committee members.

"Hah? Who's that?" Yuffie swirled around, obviously surprised.

The woman ignored her question, looking around a bit. "So this is the place where he had hid the main terminal of the computer..." She mumbled.
Leon turned and approached the newcomer, a small ounce of suspicion in his expression.

"May I inquire who you are, ma'am?"

She turned to him, her chestnut brown hair waving around, emanating an amazing air of confidence and pride.
"You could say I am a returner; after more than 9 years of wandering I found my way back here. I heard from several citizens that someone called "Leon" took charge in restoring our paradise. I suppose you are the one then?"

Her auburn left eye pierced him with an estimating stare, while the right was covered by a broad silver metal eye patch.
Returning the stare head-on, Leon realized she was seemingly once part of the "higher" court around Ansem the Wise.

Yuffie fidgeted uneasily at their "standoff" while Merlin stroked his beard in deep thought, apparently trying to remember something.
Cid, chewing on his toothpick as usual, made a very weird expression, frowning yet also interested.

"I am indeed Leon, head of the Restoration Committee. So, may we now be introduced to you as well?"

#####

Another new character enters, I wonder if someone already knows who she is...;P

[Key Wielder]

...I've no clue who that is. I ruled out Larxene's somebody for obvious reasons, but hmmm...

Great chapter! Although now you've got me wondering what Aeleus is up to in the Land of Dragons. ;D Lea seems to be in an interesting predicament that I didn't see coming; I thought he'd figure everything out after the initial confusion of being thrown back into the RoL with a heart. It will be interesting to see where he goes, if he remembers Roxas, and how he's going to be important. (You said you had everything set up to connect somewhere, so I'm assuming he'll be pretty important. ;) )

And I'm liking the sarcastic interactions between Isa and Braig, and Merlin and Cid. Although the fact that Braig has a serious side is also news to me as well! D: Great job again, Sephiroth! :)

[Stars]

Ah, Lea didn't remember his life being a nobody but i'm sure you will give him an interesting and surprising development :D
I'm liking the interaction between Braig and Isa lol.. Braig is always acting weird and funny...and Ienzo's illusion effect is just brilliant :D
Great chapter,Seph :)

[Kiwi +]

Sorry I'm so late! Things have surely been slow as of lately, with no one coming on as much as before... Busy, busy, busy. >W<

Any who, I really liked the chapter as per usual. It's always great to see what directions you put all the characters in, and it really makes me think what is the next plan of action and to see what develops.
As for that "somebody", I also do not know who it might be! I always been a horrible guesser anyways, but correct me if I missed something utterly unmissable as to who it might be. For now, it will just have to wait.

You been busy, so I'll await patiently for your next chapter and for answers hopefully. :D

[D.D.D]

Y u no update for an entire month? D.D.D is a sad panda... D.D.D wants to read her favorite fanfic's next chapter...
:(
Anyways, sorry to beg. I just wanna read the next chapter soooo bad! I hope you're gonna update soon, because this is a really great fanfic. Millions of times better than the rest of the KH3 fanfics I've ever read anywhere.

[Sephiroth0812]

...I've no clue who that is. I ruled out Larxene's somebody for obvious reasons, but hmmm...

Great chapter! Although now you've got me wondering what Aeleus is up to in the Land of Dragons. ;D Lea seems to be in an interesting predicament that I didn't see coming; I thought he'd figure everything out after the initial confusion of being thrown back into the RoL with a heart. It will be interesting to see where he goes, if he remembers Roxas, and how he's going to be important. (You said you had everything set up to connect somewhere, so I'm assuming he'll be pretty important. ;) )

And I'm liking the sarcastic interactions between Isa and Braig, and Merlin and Cid. Although the fact that Braig has a serious side is also news to me as well! D: Great job again, Sephiroth! :)

I also never said it would be easy, lol. It's a Final Fantasy character, that much I can already say. ;)

Heh, what Aeleus is doing there is actually not that big of a deal. It's not shown in-story, but his task there is actually the same task that Rudol was fulfilling on Destiny Islands in chapters 15 and 16.
Lea's main problem right now is that he can't really connect the Axel-memories and the Lea-memories in his mind. He does have the memories of Axel but he can't really sort them out and associate them with himself yet (This has of course to do with Axel apparently gaining more emotion as he spent time with Sora and Roxas).
He does also remember Roxas, as one of the first things he saw in these memories when he awoke way back in chapter 8 was a picture of Roxas sitting on the clock tower in Twilight Town, but since he's so messed up at the moment he doesn't really pay much attention to this.

I just can't resist letting Isa sometimes snark back at Braig and give him some traits similar to the behaviour of the Isa we see in Birth by Sleep when he mocks Lea for losing to Ven.

This serious side of Braig shines only through in very special circumstances...and this new woman is one of those. Let's just say she's not really someone Braig wants to mess with for now.

Ah, Lea didn't remember his life being a nobody but i'm sure you will give him an interesting and surprising development :D
I'm liking the interaction between Braig and Isa lol.. Braig is always acting weird and funny...and Ienzo's illusion effect is just brilliant :D
Great chapter,Seph :)

That's not entirely correct, as Lea does have Axel's memories, remembers Roxas and can also access them all, but they are flooding disconnected into his main chain of memories as Lea, causing his confusion and headaches.
Lea needs to sort out the Axel-memories and arrange them into a memory-chain as well that doesn't interfere with his old Lea-memories, which is exactly what he slowly starts to do in the last scene he appears in the last chapter.

Braig and Isa are meant to be somewhat funny, but also still somewhat menacing villains, as they are truly up to no good in Radiant Garden.
Yep, Leon and co. have still no clue of them and as long as no one touches them physically Braig and Isa will remain unnoticed.

Sorry I'm so late! Things have surely been slow as of lately, with no one coming on as much as before... Busy, busy, busy. >W<

Any who, I really liked the chapter as per usual. It's always great to see what directions you put all the characters in, and it really makes me think what is the next plan of action and to see what develops.
As for that "somebody", I also do not know who it might be! I always been a horrible guesser anyways, but correct me if I missed something utterly unmissable as to who it might be. For now, it will just have to wait.

You been busy, so I'll await patiently for your next chapter and for answers hopefully. :D

Yea, I know, busy busy is the correct way to say it literally. <__<

Thanks, I also try to build up the character arcs with caution as to not rush into things to hastily. I want the readers to get a "feeling" of the atmosphere before I throw in the hard stuff. ;)
There aren't really any hints towards her identity in former chapters, only the description about her appearance in this chapter.
So if you have not played the Final Fantasy title she originates from or at least know decently about it you won't be able to guess her.
;)

I'm just answering this right now since I already feel it's been to long. Real Life is really eating me up.

Y u no update for an entire month? D.D.D is a sad panda... D.D.D wants to read her favorite fanfic's next chapter...
:(
Anyways, sorry to beg. I just wanna read the next chapter soooo bad! I hope you're gonna update soon, because this is a really great fanfic. Millions of times better than the rest of the KH3 fanfics I've ever read anywhere.

Sadly because of RL, my friend. It's not only me alone but also my trusted proofreader November Rain who is very busy right now and the last month with RL stuff (you'll also notice she hasn't commented on the last two chapters yet).

I feel very honored you want the next chapter this badly, <3. I hope I can comply with the new chapter this weekend, but I can't make a definitive promise for that. :(

[D.D.D]

Sadly because of RL, my friend. It's not only me alone but also my trusted proofreader November Rain who is very busy right now and the last month with RL stuff (you'll also notice she hasn't commented on the last two chapters yet).

I feel very honored you want the next chapter this badly, <3. I hope I can comply with the new chapter this weekend, but I can't make a definitive promise for that. :(

<3 Da'aww... Well, just take your time. As a fanfic writer myself, I know that things come up or writer's block settles in, yadda, yadda... Don't feel rushed. Writer's need their time to write and if a beta reader doesn't proofread or you just can't write for any reason, I understand. But keep up the good work! This fanfic is amazing!

[Sephiroth0812]

<3 Da'aww... Well, just take your time. As a fanfic writer myself, I know that things come up or writer's block settles in, yadda, yadda... Don't feel rushed. Writer's need their time to write and if a beta reader doesn't proofread or you just can't write for any reason, I understand. But keep up the good work! This fanfic is amazing!

Thanks, but for me it's really the missing time right now as writer's block is not an issue. I only write on one story at a time and this story is already written up to chapter 42. ;)
It's going finally on though right now. ^___^

---

Yep, I apologize for the long delay, but now chapter 22 is finally here:

#####

XXII. The Rose of May

The woman's stern look softened a bit. "Of course, where are my manners; I am Beatrix, once the head of the castle guards of Radiant Garden, under the direct command of the Sage Ansem the Wise himself."
Cid slammed his left fist into the palm of his right hand.
"Now I can remember clearly, I knew that you were familiar somehow."

"Head of the castle guards!? Whew...so in short, this means that actually you should be in charge?" Yuffie pondered.
"Rank-wise, this could be actually true." Leon said in a low tone, somewhat unsure. "After all, I'm only an ordinary citizen."

Beatrix shook her head with determination. "No, the old ranks don't mean anything anymore. Those times are long over. I just recently returned here and needed over 3 months to finally settle in again. Furthermore, I would never step so low to hijack the good work of someone else. All of you put much effort in reviving this world and bring back survivors, I won't intrude in that just because I once held a high position."

"3 Months? Does that mean you were already here when the second heartless invasion took place a month ago?" Merlin asked.
"I was, but still recuperating from my odyssey, so I could only lent limited assistance to defend the hospital."

"Odyssey?" Cid mumbled.
"It's a long story...and surely not that important now. You said there's something odd in the secret laboratory down there, right?" Beatrix answered, turning back to Leon.

At the back of the room, Braig had gotten visibly paler, with Isa shooting him an amused side-glance.
"So that's the amazon you talked about once. She surely looks interesting."

"Interesting? AS IF, she's a monster. Ever since Ansem took in Xehanort and started his experiments and research on the heart she was broadly against it, fearing for the safety of the world and the people."

"A dutiful knight devoted to protecting her kingdom and citizens, it's not really surprising." Isa concluded, examining the female General from afar.

"Oh yeah, dutiful she is. She almost discovered our secret experiments twice and wholeheartedly supported Ansem as he ceased the research after befriending that King from the outer world. Xehanort was very pissed about her continuous interference. In the end, as she also won't give in to darkness, we had to banish her into the Realm of Darkness as well as Ansem before her."

"She didn't prevent you from banishing Ansem?" Isa raised a brow.
Braig let out a small laugh. "Nope, she couldn't. Dilan and Xehanort created a diversion by setting a pack of heartless free in the castle gardens, causing many casualties and she was so busy keeping the threat at bay we had free hands."

Isa snorted. "So if you banished her as well afterwards, why do you get that white like a sheet and worried? She should not be that much of a problem then."
Braig turned fully to him, his cocky tone totally absent. "As if blueberry, she would be a big problem. Underestimate her and you'll end up impaled on her holy sword. We banished her, yes, but it took the combined efforts of Dilan, Aeleus, Ienzo and me to beat her into submission first. She is not someone to take lightly. As a Paladin, she has a good balance of powerful physical and magical attacks, as well as high defense."

Isa eyed Beatrix with a more thoroughly glance at hearing this, before speaking again with unwavered confidence. "Shouldn't we already start the diversions then?"
"Screw the different time frames, start ALL of them at once. We need to get them away from here...and especially preoccupy Beatrix!" Braig answered, determined.

Leon in the meantime nodded at Beatrix' question. "Indeed, it seems there's a lifeform that suddenly appeared down there."
"We guess it could be another survivor who found his or her way back home." Yuffie added.
Beatrix made a thoughtful expression. "Possible, although it would then be quite interesting to find out how that person got there, as the main computer said it can be detected now if a dark corridor is opened."

"The main question would be how do we get there?" Cid Highwind interjected in a grumpy tone.
Leon raised a brow, turning to the computer. "Tron, can you open up a way down there?"

"There exists a set of routines that leads to the opening of the secret floor, but it is protected by six passwords and the form to enter those passwords is only reachable by putting in another password." Tron's voice answered over the speaker.

To that Leon rolled his eyes, Cid gave away some really heavy words while Yuffie made some annoyed sounds.
"Seems like more unnecessary troubles ahead." Merlin mumbled, seeing his dislike of computers and technology proven yet again.
"Oh old loon, having something locked by passwords or magical seals is not that much of a difference." Cid barked, fuming.

Merlin choose to ignore it this time.

"Tron, can't you just hack the routines and bypass the passwords?" Yuffie asked impatiently.

"I can search the files for a way to circumvent them, but that may take a while and I can't promise it will be possible." Tron answered.

Yuffie made another annoyed sound, while Leon put his hand against his forehead deep in thought.
Seven passwords!? That's quite a big deal of security, which is no wonder if that floor really contains the laboratory where Ansem's apprentices conducted their immoral and dangerous experiments on darkness and hearts.

Isa moved now towards the computer, paying attention not to bump physically into one of the Committee members or Beatrix, as this was not covered by Ienzo's illusions. Braig took a position directly before the Digitizer, ready to move into the data world of Space Paranoids.

With a devious smirk Isa snapped his fingers three times. Time for some action.
Alert beeping sounds immediately started as the sensors detected several dark corridors opening in the town and the castle.

"Several groups of heartless and lower nobodies have entered the town perimeter!" Tron warned.
"Damn it! Now of all times?" Cid Highwind yelled.

As a confirmation one corridor even opened in the computer room, to which Braig raised a brow questioningly.
Isa just shrugged as a big Large Body and two Soldiers appeared in the computer room.

"Tron! Try to bypass those passwords, we'll destroy the heartless." Yuffie shouted, brandishing her big shuriken.
"Aerith, trouble is on the way." Leon spoke into the small head-phone-esque communication device he was wearing, his Gunblade appearing in his hand.

"Already noticed it...I'll take the kids to safety, Tifa's going to hold them off at the town square." Aerith's answer was only barely heard through the noise of screaming kids and static due to a bad connection.

"Agh-it's one of those fatso's..." Yuffie grunted, slashing one of the Soldiers with her shuriken.
The other one leaped at Leon, got blocked with the Gunblade and then stabbed by Cid's spear.

The Large Body took two steps nearer as Beatrix stepped between Leon and Cid, cold fury in her visible eye.
"Not this time, not again will Radiant Garden be ravaged by the likes of your ilk! This time around, I'll eradicate all of you I can get a hold of!"

Her holy sword Save the Queen quickly drawn out of its scabbard, Beatrix held it upright before her face gathering energy.

"Take this!" Beatrix released a big blue-white energy blast, her "Shock"-technique, which blasted apart the Large Body in one stroke.

Yuffie whistled impressed. What an attack...

"No time to gape, let's move out to protect the citizens!" Beatrix shouted, already running out of the computer room, the blade of her sword shining.

"Right!" Yuffie and Cid agreed, running after her.
"You coming too? Merlin?" Leon asked, turning around shortly.
"I'm already on my way, I'll meet up with Tifa on the central square." Merlin answered winking, already in the process of teleporting away.

Seeing them running away, Braig got in a fit of cocky laughter.
They're so easy to distract.
"Now then blueberry, get that thing up and digitize me...time to travel to another world."

"What about this "Tron"-Program...looks like it can detect our interference immediately." Isa asked, his hands stopping a few centimetres over the keyboard.

"I will erase its memory banks when I disrupt the OS, as well as the videos recorded by the cameras, no issue. Maybe I'll even grant myself the pleasure and burn all buses so no data transfer will ever be possible again." Braig answered, grinning evilly.

Meanwhile Leon, Beatrix and the others rushed through the corridors, slaying dozens of emblem heartless which had spawned in there. Yuffie threw many smaller shurikens while keeping her big one for close range battle, enhancing its sharpness with magic. Leon alternated using his Gunblade and a plethora of fire and ice magic while Cid was proficiently aiding with his spear at mid range.

Beatrix already was quite a bit more ahead, concentrating on eliminating the bigger heartless like Large Bodies, Morning Stars, Defenders and Crimson Jazzes with her "Seiken"-sword arts.

Meanwhile at the central town square the kids who had helped Aerith with the flowers where gathered together in a group in fright, Aerith trying to shield them to her best ability, wielding her iron staff which also served to channel her magic.
That's not going to work...I can't shield all of the kids at once but I also can't let Tifa facing them all alone.

Tifa jumped backwards dodging the slash of an Armored Knight, then charged forward tackling it with her shoulder, felling two Soldiers and a Hammer Frame with a round-house kick afterwards.
As a Surveillance Robot started to swoop down she met it with a heavy uppercut, sending the heartless back trundling into higher air.

"They're far fewer in number, but still annoying as heck!" She shouted to Aerith, blocking the strike of another Armored Knight, blasting it with a Blizzara-spell.

In a swirl of golden sparkles Merlin appeared beside Aerith. "Now my dear, I can take over the protection of the children." He exclaimed, raising a dome-like energy shield around the group of kids.

"Thanks Merlin. Tifa! Let's do a combo-attack!" Aerith said with her voice raised quite some bit, a rare occurrence.
"Okay!" Came the answer from the martial arts expert, kicking another Hammer Frame away with a backflip-kick.

Aerith stepped three steps forward, raising her staff.
"Magnega!"

A big magnetic field was created amidst the heartless, drawing them in and immobilizing them while doing slowly damage.
Tifa gave away a knowing smirk at this, jumping high into the air.
"That's the end for ya: Final Heaven!"
Loading up her right fist with condensed neutral magical energy in a blue hue, Tifa dived right into the gathered crowd of heartless, causing a big energy explosion destroying all the heartless of this group in one strike.

#####

So, there we are. Time for the FF characters to do some work. ^__^

[Key Wielder]

Another excellent chapter, Sephiroth! I don't feel so bad about not knowing who Beatrix was now; I've never played FFIX, but she definitely seems to be an appropriately tough addition to the Radiant Garden gang. Oh, and thanks for teaching me the word "ilk"--I had no clue that word existed, but I love it! 8D

Your battle details are great like before, and I'm glad to have seen this crew get a piece of the action. It's reminiscent of KH2 and a great way to keep the more exposition-based chapters like this one interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing the next chapter! Thanks for posting this one even though you've been so busy. :)

[D.D.D]

Me...
LOVES IT!
Gah, I'm glad you brought in Beatrix! In fact, I started playing IX just a few weeks ago and I love it. In fact, it might just be my favorite FF behind X. I hope Nomura actually does start incorporating IX characters besides Vivi. Zidane would fit perfectly in the KH world, IMO. So, I see that Braig is up to no good (as usual) and that the Restoration Committee have their hands full. Your battles are wonderful to read, too.
I'm glad that you updated. :) It was a great chapter to read, and I can't wait for the next one!

[Kiwi +]

Well...It certainly has been a long time since I posted on here! I'm so sorry, Seph! ^^; You probably are too busy anyways, to update and Nov being busy too. Oh real life. xD

As you know, I don't really know much about FF anything so I might need you to explain who and who some people might be. I'm glad Key Wielder and D.D.D said where she is from, though! Definitely comes in handy. :D
Battle imagery is by far one of my favorite from you too. It just might be up there with your emotional scenes you do all so extravagantly. <3

Again, sorry for taking so long. Uh, I guess I'll wait until your next chapter! It's worth the wait. >:)

[Sephiroth0812]

Another excellent chapter, Sephiroth! I don't feel so bad about not knowing who Beatrix was now; I've never played FFIX, but she definitely seems to be an appropriately tough addition to the Radiant Garden gang. Oh, and thanks for teaching me the word "ilk"--I had no clue that word existed, but I love it! 8D

Many thanks, it's really great to see that my efforts pay off when readers enjoy it. ^___^
No worries, since the next chapter isn't ready yet (as I assume that Nov is still in Amsterdam, lol) I thought about something different this time. ;)
Oh yes, Beatrix is definitely a very tough addition to the gang, she's exceptionally strong, in fact so strong that whenever you face her in FF IX it's always only a battle of endurance and no matter what you do in the end she always defeats your party.
Hehe, due to Beatrix' background the use of such "higher" speak is normal for her.
Another example would be her addressing your main characters in FF IX right before she kicks their asses the second time:
"Then allow me to shatter your delusions of grandeur."

Your battle details are great like before, and I'm glad to have seen this crew get a piece of the action. It's reminiscent of KH2 and a great way to keep the more exposition-based chapters like this one interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing the next chapter! Thanks for posting this one even though you've been so busy. :)

Seems I am improving with battle scenes, hehe. It is the best opportunity to give the FF-gang of Radiant Garden some action and focus since all other "parties" are occupied with rather "secondary stuff" right now.
Rudol is at the moment travelling through a frozen, spooky wasteland, that while surely creepy isn't that much interesting. Ventus is sleeping to recover from the horrid pain seizures he had and Roxas just sits beside him, so there's also not much to cover right now, Aqua has much to think about and Sora, Donald, Goofy, Riku and Kairi are still flying with the Gummi Ship towards Disney Castle.
Next chapter will built upon the turmoil in Radiant Garden some more, with some more surprises if I may say so, lol.
The busy stuff in RL really gets somewhat in the way as of the last three months <__<.

Me...
LOVES IT!
Gah, I'm glad you brought in Beatrix! In fact, I started playing IX just a few weeks ago and I love it. In fact, it might just be my favorite FF behind X. I hope Nomura actually does start incorporating IX characters besides Vivi. Zidane would fit perfectly in the KH world, IMO. So, I see that Braig is up to no good (as usual) and that the Restoration Committee have their hands full. Your battles are wonderful to read, too.
I'm glad that you updated. :) It was a great chapter to read, and I can't wait for the next one!

Glad you like it, lol, in fact, I have to admit that Beatrix is one of my favorite FF characters and I would love to see her incorporated into the canon KH...maybe as another secret boss.
The Vivi of KH is really more a glorified cameo rather than a true inclusion in my book. Not to mention he doesn't really act in character as the FF IX-Vivi would probably never follow a guy like Cifer.
Yep, Braig has some nasty plans up his sleeve right now and the consequences won't be so pleasant for the RG computer system, and therefore by extension for Tron.
Not to mention when Isa finally gets down into the Laboratory and comes face to face with the just reborn Lea. But that's far in the future. Next chapter will have some more focus on the FF-characters and after that we'll be back with Sora and co.
When the next chapter comes down depends on when I get notice from November how far the proofreading has gone. ;)

Well...It certainly has been a long time since I posted on here! I'm so sorry, Seph! ^^; You probably are too busy anyways, to update and Nov being busy too. Oh real life. xD

As you know, I don't really know much about FF anything so I might need you to explain who and who some people might be. I'm glad Key Wielder and D.D.D said where she is from, though! Definitely comes in handy. :D
Battle imagery is by far one of my favorite from you too. It just might be up there with your emotional scenes you do all so extravagantly. <3

Again, sorry for taking so long. Uh, I guess I'll wait until your next chapter! It's worth the wait. >:)

Heh, I don't see what there's to be sorry about, as you're one of those who posts here the most frequent ever since the thread was started. ;)
Still busy, yep. And Nov seems even more busy <__<.

Good for you then that instead of the new chapter (which cannot be brought up here right now) I decided to give out a bit environmental information and explain a bit who Beatrix is in both her original role in FF IX and inside Hearts in Unison. ;D

There will be more battle stuff in the next chapter, in fact I might even say that chapter 23 is a complete battle chapter.
Hah, emotional scenes, I am really thankful you like them so far as these are really difficult to write. As I am now working on chapter 43 which is a real heart-wrenching one I hope the practice I have from earlier chapters really helps me making this better.

Like said, the next chapter's arrival depends on when Nov contacts me about the proofread. ;)
Until then, take a good read at the information I give away about Beatrix. ^___^

-~-~-~-

-----------
Intermezzo: Supplementary information about the newly introduced character: Beatrix:
-----------

Some data:
Name: Beatrix
Age: 28
Role: Top General of the Alexandrian Army (in FF IX), Former head of the castle guards in Radiant Garden (in HiU, KH Universe).
Jobclass: Paladin
Weapon: Holy Sword "Save the Queen"
Abilities: Excellent swordmanship, "Seiken"-sword arts, White Magic, Holy Magic

This is a picture taken from the ending FMV of Final Fantasy IX, showing Beatrix in CGI-graphic:


On to her background in the original setting in FF IX:

In the FF IX world of Gaia, Beatrix is known worldwide as one of the best warriors available and she serves the royal family of the Kingdom of Alexandria as their commander-in-chief and top General. It should be noted that the army of Alexandria is nearly completely made up of female soldiers as there is only one batallion of male knights and they're more or less the butt monkeys of the forces (at least at the beginning of the game). When the Queen of Alexandria succumbs to her greed (secretly manipulated by the main antagonist of the game) she becomes a warmongering tyrant and attacks neighbouring countries. As the commander of the Alexandrian army Beatrix of course follows her duty and leads the invasions, which makes her an antagonist of the main player party for the first half of the game and you have to fight her three times (and always lose!)
Beatrix continues to oppose the party and even commits some acrocities in the name of her Kingdom until she realizes that the Queen has gone way too far (even ordering the execution of the Princess, to whom Beatrix also has an oath to protect) and finally switches sides.
In the second half of FF IX there are then two short segments where you can control her as a temporary party member.

To see how strong she really is take a look at these three Youtube-videos which show all three battles against her in FF IX, you can even see her special "Seiken" sword arts which she also uses in my story to fight the Heartless in the current (and next) chapter:

The music played in the first two battles against her is "Mystery Sword", sometimes also called "The wavering blade", Beatrix' battle theme.
Her actual character theme is called "Rose of May", just like the current chapter. ;D
I'll put that one in a Spoiler-tag since there are already three videos, lol.

First battle against her in Burmecia, Final boss of Disc 1:
(also introduces Kuja at the end, the main antagonist of Final Fantasy IX (and yes, that is a man, lol)


Second battle against her in Cleyra, Disc 2:


Third and final battle against her in Alexandria Castle, Disc 2:


That should give a small overview for the character for those who don't know her. And just for clarification, while she is an antagonist at start and may come across a bit aloof (or even arrogant) she really isn't a bad person, that shows pretty much during the second half of FF IX, but I don't want to spoil everything, *ggg*.

Now on to her setting and role in the KH Universe and inside Hearts in Unison:
Here, while she remains a General and retains much of her might, she doesn't serve the royal family of Alexandria but rather Ansem the Wise. Braig already explains much to Isa in the current chapter and why he's so wary of her.
That is also because before the apprentices were manipulated by Xehanort and started their immoral experiments Braig was, as vice-head of the guards, practically Beatrix' right hand-man and second in command.
While they were never friends or something, they at least worked together as friendly colleagues and Braig therefore knows exactly how dangerous she really is.

That's the general premise of the character in KH and while I know it can't replace a true chapter of the story itself I do hope it eases the wait and gives those who don't know who Beatrix is a general overview of her character and abilities. ^___^

-~-~-~-

[Kiwi +]

Until then, take a good read at the information I give away about Beatrix. ^___^

-~-~-~-

-----------
Intermezzo: Supplementary information about the newly introduced character: Beatrix:
-----------

Some data:
Name: Beatrix
Age: 28
Role: Top General of the Alexandrian Army (in FF IX), Former head of the castle guards in Radiant Garden (in HiU, KH Universe).
Jobclass: Paladin
Weapon: Holy Sword "Save the Queen"
Abilities: Excellent swordmanship, "Seiken"-sword arts, White Magic, Holy Magic

This is a picture taken from the ending FMV of Final Fantasy IX, showing Beatrix in CGI-graphic:


On to her background in the original setting in FF IX:

In the FF IX world of Gaia, Beatrix is known worldwide as one of the best warriors available and she serves the royal family of the Kingdom of Alexandria as their commander-in-chief and top General. It should be noted that the army of Alexandria is nearly completely made up of female soldiers as there is only one batallion of male knights and they're more or less the butt monkeys of the forces (at least at the beginning of the game). When the Queen of Alexandria succumbs to her greed (secretly manipulated by the main antagonist of the game) she becomes a warmongering tyrant and attacks neighbouring countries. As the commander of the Alexandrian army Beatrix of course follows her duty and leads the invasions, which makes her an antagonist of the main player party for the first half of the game and you have to fight her three times (and always lose!)
Beatrix continues to oppose the party and even commits some acrocities in the name of her Kingdom until she realizes that the Queen has gone way too far (even ordering the execution of the Princess, to whom Beatrix also has an oath to protect) and finally switches sides.
In the second half of FF IX there are then two short segments where you can control her as a temporary party member.

To see how strong she really is take a look at these three Youtube-videos which show all three battles against her in FF IX, you can even see her special "Seiken" sword arts which she also uses in my story to fight the Heartless in the current (and next) chapter:

The music played in the first two battles against her is "Mystery Sword", sometimes also called "The wavering blade", Beatrix' battle theme.
Her actual character theme is called "Rose of May", just like the current chapter. ;D
I'll put that one in a Spoiler-tag since there are already three videos, lol.

First battle against her in Burmecia, Final boss of Disc 1:
(also introduces Kuja at the end, the main antagonist of Final Fantasy IX (and yes, that is a man, lol)


Second battle against her in Cleyra, Disc 2:


Third and final battle against her in Alexandria Castle, Disc 2:


That should give a small overview for the character for those who don't know her. And just for clarification, while she is an antagonist at start and may come across a bit aloof (or even arrogant) she really isn't a bad person, that shows pretty much during the second half of FF IX, but I don't want to spoil everything, *ggg*.

Now on to her setting and role in the KH Universe and inside Hearts in Unison:
Here, while she remains a General and retains much of her might, she doesn't serve the royal family of Alexandria but rather Ansem the Wise. Braig already explains much to Isa in the current chapter and why he's so wary of her.
That is also because before the apprentices were manipulated by Xehanort and started their immoral experiments Braig was, as vice-head of the guards, practically Beatrix' right hand-man and second in command.
While they were never friends or something, they at least worked together as friendly colleagues and Braig therefore knows exactly how dangerous she really is.

That's the general premise of the character in KH and while I know it can't replace a true chapter of the story itself I do hope it eases the wait and gives those who don't know who Beatrix is a general overview of her character and abilities. ^___^

-~-~-~-

Ah, thank you Seph! <3

This was quite nice of you to inform us readers that quite don't know about Beatrix to get the premise of her character. Going the extra mile, I quite enjoy it. :D
I hope you do this other times just in case we don't know. Time permit of course. Now I await with this new found knowledge I didn't know before. Should make things easier to understand!~