In the Eye of the Beholder

[Crimson Soul]

good chapter! good job! that is a good story!

[meganwashere->]

oh good im glad you liked it.

next chapter will be up tomorrow.. its much longer then the others.. mainly dialouge though..
so thanks again. ;D

[meganwashere->]

In the Eye of the Beholder:

Chapter Five.

Riku hesitated, “..Mickey?”

“Yes, King Mickey in fact,” he answered, “Far from God though I’m afraid.”

“Your a King?” Riku asked confused, “Wait, so you know God then?”

“Hm. Don’t believe so. I’m King of Disney Castle, which is simply just another one of our worlds,” King Mickey replied casually.

“So I’m not dead?” Riku said exasperated.

“Heaven’s no! Sorry no pun intended.” Mickey said with a giggle.

“My name is Riku by the way.”

“Riku you say? Its nice to have some company for a change.”

Riku wasn’t sure if he should feel relieved or disappointed. This so called King, who had saved him from danger, was wearing a thick, dark, hooded cloak that looked pitch black in the darkness. He had large, round ears that stuck upwards out the sides of his head. He had a sharp protruding snout with a button nose at the tip. Just below that he bared a wide, genuine grin, making Riku feel at ease with his new found friend.

“So I see you have found yourself lost in darkness too.” The king finally said, breaking the silence.

“Lost in darkness? What do you mean?” Riku said, even though it was pretty obvious being their surroundings what he meant.

“Well you have opened your heart to the darkness. I can see it in your appearance. Some times one may become lost in it, and that’s where we find ourselves here.” the King explained.

“How long have you been here?” Riku asked, scared of what the answer might be.

“It’s hard to say, you lose track of time here. Minutes feel like days. You fall asleep and when the nightmares come it’s hard to separate it from reality. When you wake up you had no idea you were sleeping.”

King Mickey and Riku sat in the darkness, side by side conversing all the while. It was hard for Riku not to feel close to this stranger he had just met. He felt a strong connection to this short little king that he had only felt with Sora, as he told Riku of his trials in the darkness. Riku’s heart felt full again.

“How did you become lost in the darkness?” Riku asked.

“I was out looking for a man that might hold the answers to some very important questions.”

“Did you ever find him?”

“Not yet.”

“Not yet? What do you mean? It’s not like your going to find him here in this deathly place.” Riku said almost rudely.

“You must not lose hope. Thoughts like that are all it takes to weaken your heart and fall prone to those awful heartless creatures. There is always light, Riku. Even in the darkest places.” Mickey held up his arm that had been hidden on the other side of his cloak.

In his hand was a gleaming blade, as it emulated light. This blade so familiar to Riku he almost didn’t believe his eyes, “A Keyblade? Wha.. where did you get that?”

“So you are familiar with the Keyblade? Let me ask you of your knowledge of it,” asked the King taken aback as well.

“My friend.. Sora.. he had one. A Keyblade, I mean. But he was “the chosen one” and Malificient, they were after him. He was ruining their plans, all because of that Keyblade. And then.. and then.. I killed him. My own friend. Why..?” Riku spoke as if talking to himself.

“You killed the Keyblade wielder.. oh my oh my.. and the keyhole?”

“I locked it. I had to.”

“And what about Kairi?” the king asked.

“Kairi’s safe, I hope. She was taken by this awkward pair that had been Sora’s new friends after we were separated,” Riku answered, “Wait, how do you know about Kairi?”

“Ohh yes Donald and Goofy. So they did find the Keyblade weilder like I requested. I know more than you think, Riku.”

Riku was astonished to discover his new friend’s amazing knowledge of the outside world from which he had came. He knew all about the heartless and how they were taking over the worlds and Malificients plans to take control. He also knew of Sora, not by name but rather by title, the Keyblade wielder. Riku told him of his fall to the dark power and his betrayal to his friend. It was hard to talk outwardly about, but he knew it needed to be said. A swell of saddness burrowed in Riku’s chest and his guilt was brought back to focus.

“This man? That you are trying to find, that will answer all of the questions about these heartless? Take me with you to find him. Please. I need you to take me with you.” Riku pleaded.

“I’m afraid that is not the path for you to take now.” Mickey said letting him down.

“Why? What do you mean? And you never answered how you have a keyblade too. Why isn’t Malificient after you? Why did Sora have to go around risking his life when you could have done it? He was my only friend! And I killed him!” Riku said spitting the words out, tears silently spilling down his face.

“It doesn’t work that way-”

“How does it work? I want answers too!” Riku said cutting him off.

“Yes. Yes. I have failed to answer your question. Mind my manners,” Mickey said apologetically, “Keyblades choose their masters, like your friend Sora. But in order to hold a Keyblade you must have a strong heart. Sora had the strongest heart any Keyblade has ever experianced. He is the chosen one. He is the only one that could have done what he did. What we hadn’t expected was for you, Riku,” at this Riku looked up into his companion’s eyes and saw that he was smiling, “You also have a strong heart.”

Riku felt the repetitive thump in his chest. He could almost hear it.

“When Ansem took over your body, he also took control of your heart,” choosing his words carefully, the king went on, “Ansem’s power combined with your heart, conquered over Sora and his Keyblade.”

King Mickey looked at Riku. His shoulders were slouched down with his arm rested over his pinned up knee. His face was covered by his sleek hair but Mickey could still tell he was crying. Faint whimpers broke the silence.

“It’s not your fault, Riku,” Mickey consoled, “You should know that.”

Suddenly, Riku felt a strange sensation form at the center of his palm.

“What’s this..?” Riku said holding out his hand away from his body as if it were dangerous.

Riku and King Mickey both watched intently. Suddenly, a cloud of smokey mold extended from Riku’s fingertips. A flash of light stunned the pair and when they looked back the smoke was gone. In it’s place, laying comfortably in Riku’s hand was Sora’s Keyblade. Speechless, Riku looked up at Mickey. He had a huge grin on his face, larger than the one that seemed to remain there permanently.

“How unusual..” the king said with a cheer.

“What? What?!” Riku said, confused and panicked.

“Why, isn’t it obvious?” The king answered with a giggle, “The Keyblade has chosen you! You of all people, how curious.”

“What? Why me? This can’t be possible, I don’t deserve this!” Riku said alarmed.

Before Mickey could reply a massive shaft of radiant light shot forth from the Keyblade, pulling Riku’s arm out straight.

“WahhahhooHOo!” Mickey giggled.

Riku looked at the king with a sideways glance. He couldn’t help but smile at the cheerful showing of his face. The light hit something solid and as it did it outlined it rapidly with a million incriptions up and down the face of the stone. Riku could see it was a door, bold and beautiful. Riku felt as if the lustrous doorway was beckoning him forward.

“Go on,” Mickey said grabbing Riku’s attention, “You weren’t afraid of the darkness, don’t tell me your afraid of the light! Not after it has made such a welcoming entrance for you!” Mickey grinned.

“Aren’t you coming with?” Riku asked suddenly anxious, “I mean.. I can’t just leave you.”

“Sure ya can.” Mickey said matter a factly, “That door is not for me. Don’t worry, I’m sure we will cross paths again.”

“Well, until then, I suppose. I hope you find who you’re looking for.” Riku said with little hope.

Mickey nodded, “Good luck.”

Riku turned towards the glorious entry laid before him. With a fresh sense of pride he straightened his shoulders and approached the gateway.

[Lectori Salutem]

Good chapter!

A door.........

[meganwashere->]

im terribly sorry about the super late post for this chapter! But here it is:

Chapter Six.

Warmth filtered through his mind. He felt strong again. The brilliant light that illuminated all of his body seemed to repair all that had been lost in the darkness. For a moment he no longer felt famished or tired. The lonesomeness was gone and all he could feel was the light.

The light from the portal began to fade and the sharp pain in his stomach due to extreme hunger returned. His throat felt chalky and dry again. He felt solid ground beneath his feet and as he looked around he found himself in a very welcoming town. He recognized the place; he had been there before.

People were walking about the square, conversing and working. To his left he could see a quaint little outdoor café, decorated with candles at every table. To his right was a giant set of doors. There were people everywhere.

Riku walked through the square up towards the large stone stairway that led to an assortment of shops. Riku opened the door and stepped inside.

“Welcome! Is there anything I can do for ya? We just got some lovely defense chains in earlier this week,” a jovial, plump man said from behind the counter.

“Actually, I just arrived in town,” Riku said looking at a brick, red fireplace to his right that warmed his aching bones.

“Why, a mighty good welcome to ya. So, you’ll be needin’ a place to stay while yer here, eh? And some clothes by the look of it.. You must be starving. Why don’t you head on down to that café down there in the square and I’ll tell em’ to meet ya down there.”

“Thanks.” Riku sighed.

Riku walked back down to the square and asked the woman for a table.

“Oh dear, me! Are you another one who has lost their world to the heartless?”

“Yeah.. swallowed up by the darkness.”

“Well don’t you worry, we’ll have some supper in you in no time and you’ll just as soon forget about your troubles,” replied the kind lady.

Just as she requested not a minute later was she back out by his table serving him a beautiful turkey dinner, with all the trimmings. Riku stabbed his fork into the plump meat and devoured the plate quickly. The food was delicious and almost did actually make him forget his troubles. Suddenly, Riku saw a young boy making his way over to his table from across the square.

“Riku? Is that really you?”

“Tidus? Hey, long time no see, huh...” Riku said surprised.

“Yeah, where have you been? I thought you had gotten swallowed up by the darkness just like the rest of our island. I’ve been here since the storm. Oh yeah! Sora was here earlier, too! You should of seen him, it was amazing! He took out this humoungous creature the last time he was here! It was incredible! He’s a natural hero. If I see him around, I’ll make sure to tell him your here. Oh yeah, and if you ever want to bat the old stick around, let me now, alright? I’ve been practicing.”

“Sounds good. “ Riku said forcing a smile and fighting back the urge to let out a tear along with the truth.

The kind woman swung around by his table again, “Would you like seconds, then?”

“Nah.. I’m not really hungry anymore. Thank you.” Riku spoke sullenly.

He pushed his plate out of the way and put his head down on the table. Everything had happened so fast, he hardly understood how he had arrived in this place when only days before he had been in service with Malificient. He thought of their conversations. He didn’t even know the person in his memories. He was a stranger to himself.

“Oh boy! You have got some nerve showing up here!” squeaked a familiar voice as Riku was got wrapped on the head with a heavy mallet.

“Now Donald, take it easy..”

“Ah phooey, Goofy.”

Riku lifted his head to come face to face with the unusual pair that had helped Sora, “Whoa, hold on. Hold on.”

Riku stood up quickly, lifting his arms in from of his body as to guard him. The Keyblade flashed into presence in his grip, sensing the danger.

“The Keyblade?!” squealed the duck.

“Donald. Goofy. I believe those are your names, correct? Riku asked.

“Yess...” the pair answered.

“Maybe you should have a seat so I can offer my explanation?”

“Hmph.” the duck scowled stubbornly.

They sat down and over some cheese and bread, Riku told them his side of the story.

“YOU FOUND THE KING?!!?” Donald cried out in ecstasy, “Well how is he? Huh? How is the King?”

“He’s just fine,” Riku answered.

“Just fine!? You mean he’s hurt? Oh no.. this is bad.. very bad.” Donald got up from his seat and began pacing around the cafe.

“That’s not so important right at this moment, Donald,” a voice from behind Riku spoke.

From out of the shadows walked a tall man with natural dirt brown hair that wisped across his shoulders, out of his face. His black vest was tattered and his jeans dirty. The blade he carried was thick and intimidating. The handle was that of a revolver.

“Leon? When did you get here?” Goofy asked.

“Ah, I’ve been here the whole time. Gotta eat sometime, right?” Leon said with a sly grin.

“That’s for sure!” Donald said.

“I’m Riku.” Riku firmly spoke.

“I know who you are. I’ve heard a lot about you. Varying reviews in fact. So who’s side are you on?” Leon spoke down to Riku.

Riku hesitated for a moment, “Sora’s.”

“Well, we’ll see about that. Come on.”

[Haku]

Awesome past chapter and this one was great as well xD.

[Lectori Salutem]

You're not that late!

Anyway, Nice chappie!

[meganwashere->]

sorry there won't be any new chapters for a few days cause I'm going upnorth where there is no computer : (.. but! on the bright side I will have lot's of peaceful quiet time to write some goo chapters up there so there will be new ones as soon as I get back.

Thanks for the comments guys! you are the best!

[meganwashere->]

Chapter Seven

Riku followed close behind Leon alongside Donald and Goofy. They made their way across the square, passing the stairs, reaching the doorway Riku had seen when he first arrived in Traverse Town.

“Third District. Be on your guard. The further streets are teaming with heartless,” Leon spoke quietly over his shoulder.

Riku gripped the keyblade and Leon pushed open the doors.

Adrenaline mixed with astonishment powered Riku’s ever quick movements. Heartless bounded towards him in jerking motions. The Keyblade, matched with his strength, took out any mere shadow heartless in one smooth, fluid stroke. The more stronger, complex heartless were an entirely new challenge. There were hundreds of them. To think he had been a part of this shocked Riku.

I brought this upon myself, thought Riku as he zig-zagged his weapon from left to right. Metal clanging against metal as he defended himself against an armored, floating enemy.

“This way!” called Leon, heading up a stairway across the infested district.

The pair who had been fighting alongside Riku ran to catch up with their guide. Donald pointed his staff to the sky startling heartless left and right. Goofy defended himself with a strong metal shield embellished with the symbol of the king.

For a moment Riku remembered the kindness Mickey had bestowed onto him. The words they had shared, the hope he had shown. It was a kindness he missed.

“Riku! Watch out!”

Riku turned to see the face of a Large Body inches from his own about to catch him off guard and pummel him to death with nothing other than his own stomach. Just as Riku was about to be smothered by the thick skin of the heartless, it froze, as if caught in time. Instantaneously Riku slashed through the heartless multiple times. Moments later, it woke up from its frozen state to receive the extent of the previous blows, sentencing him to evaporation.

Riku quickly ran up the stairs, following Donald to a bland door feet away from the landing above.

“Stopra,” spoke the Duck, “It’s a very difficult spell, extremely effective.”

“Yeah. Thanks.” Riku replied, knowing it was just what the duck wanted.

Riku looked around the small house they had entered. It was old and somewhat run-down. Dirty white tarps hung loosely over piles. He could see one box sticking out whose flaps had been left open. Inside were various nunchucks, ribbons, belts and an assortment of daggers and deathstars. Scribbled on the side were the words, ‘Yuffie’s things’ written in green permanent marker. Cardboard boxes filled up the corners and most of the space in the house except for a small square table in the center of the room. Stairs in the back led upwards to a second level, which Riku could only guess were the living quarters.

“It’s getting late. We’re all tired, you’ve seen what we have to deal with. You’ll be staying in a room upstairs. In the morning I’ll introduce you to the others. I’m sure they would not be highly accepting of the thought of you this late at night.” Leon said glancing coldly at Riku.

Riku followed Leon quietly up the stairs with Goofy and Donald behind him. However upon reaching the top, they swiftly split off, retiring to their own rooms. Leon led Riku to the very end of the hallway.

“You can sleep there,” he said gesturing to the left door.

The wood was cracked and splitting, but it was no different then the other doors, “Thanks.”

Leon turned and went into the adjacent room without another word.

So this is what it’s like, thought Riku. To be on the other side.

He stepped over the barrier and entered a small but cozy room furnished with a single bed, a small night stand baring a single candle, a small bureau and a single worn down armchair of the most faded blue color. Built into the wall on the same side of the door was a bookcase. It seemed no one had gotten around to cleaning this room yet because the bookshelf was bare apart from the dust that matted the many shelves.

Riku shook off the thin vest that was all that was covering his back. He looked down to remove his pants but looked up instantly as the painful memories flooded back into his mind. He quickly pulled them off. Grabbing a match out of the night stand, he lit the candle with ease. He watched his rage burn as he dangled the material over the flame. The ash floated through the stale air and fell to the ground. All Riku could do was dispose of it out the window. But the pain remained. No fire could destroy it.

He picked up his vest which he had swung over the bed and glanced at the bureau. He walked over and opened the drawer when he discovered it was already filled with clothing. New clothing that hadn’t even been worn yet. He closed the drawer and threw his vest into the corner of the room.

This isn’t my room, he thought to himself. It’s Sora’s.

He climbed into the soft bed that felt so much like home and yet still was so unwelcoming. The warm covers smothered his aching muscles and held him tight. Within moments he was asleep, lost in his own nightmares.

[Crimson Soul]

Good buddy I did miss it! You are getting better every time!

[Lectori Salutem]

Nice chapter!!!
I'll be waiting for the next!

[meganwashere->]

[Would have been up sooner, but I was upnorth. Im a Minnesotan, what can you expect?]

In the Eye of the Beholder:

Chapter Eight

The metal pierced his hand. He looked down through the foggy air. The weapon, the Keyblade, melted away. His feet pushed forward out from under him. A chair of dry, unvarnished wood caught him as he fell backward without control. A rough table flew in, serving him a large bowl of delicious smelling stew. His stomach grumbled. Satisfaction was near. He picked up the rusty spoon laid beside the meal and fished for a bite. Closing his eyes he enveloped the utensil with his lips. A vile taste filled his mouth; the liquid burning his tongue. He spat the contents out onto the table with ultimate disgust. He looked at the contents and sifted his spoon through the bowl revealing rotten remains of carrots and cabbage, broccoli and potatoes. The legs of the small table jerked and twitched. The bowl spilled over, staining the table with colors of darkest purple. The table molded and transformed until it was but a shadow in his eyes. The leg became an arm. It stretched towards him and while he struggled to get away, he could not move. The arm reached out and a hand slowly grew out from the stem. The fingers joined together, forming a point. The hand, inches away from his immobile chest moved rapidly, gashing his skin with amazing power. True pain stabbed his center and he felt his body rip apart. The hand pulled away, caressed by his blood and flesh. The red stained fingers clutched his beating heart as the shadow danced away, leaving him. He wasn’t dead and to his surprise that fact made him furious.

Riku shook himself awake, sweat stinging his skin. His surroundings jumped out at him like a pop-up book and his freedom of movement felt new after escaping the world inside his own mind. He heaved his body up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, shaking his hair into a messy bed head state. He shivered as the wind from the window he had accidentally left open the night before cooled the sweat on his body.

“Rough night?”

Riku looked up, startled by the sudden conversation.

“I came to bring you some clothes. Leon said yours were pretty useless. What were you dreaming about anyway? You were thrashing around pretty hard.”

The young lady walked over to Riku and handed him a pile of various garments, however, to Riku, the term lady didn’t seem fitting to this new visitor.

“I dunno,” Riku lied, “I never remember my dreams.”

“Ahh. That’s a shame. Merlin’s pretty good at deciphering them, but I suppose you haven’t met him yet. Well then I’ll see you down at breakfast I suppose.” the stranger said as she began to walk towards the threshold.

“Wait. What’s your name then?” Riku inquired with interest.

The girl stopped and turned to face him, “Oh, I’m sorry. My name’s Yuffie.” she smiled and then continued out the door.

Riku quickly dressed into a pair of dark grey, loose fitting pants and a plain navy long sleeved shirt that advertised the local accessory shop. He then cautiously made his way down to breakfast.

Riku took a deep breath and moved through the barrier. It definitely was not your average breakfast table, that was for sure. A number of individuals busied themselves in the little space. Yes, some were in fact eating meals of toast and jam and fruit and oatmeal. Others were shifting through piles of papers and books with utmost concentration. In fact, as Riku paid closer attention, the only ones eating were Donald and Goofy.

Creamy white stockings clung to her legs, accentuating her toned stature up through her mid thigh. Her golden boots of worn looking leather gripped the floor. Matching leather gloves cut off at the knuckles covered her wrists. Belted suspenders held up the small, fitted top covering her chest. A bright yellow scarf wrapped around her neck shifted as she swayed left and right. Cargo shorts twisted about her waist, held up by a loose blue belt as she bent over the box Riku had noticed last night.

Her short jet black hair cut in front of her eyes and fell around the back of her neck, framing her delicate face. A white headband held tightly to her forehead, contrasting her deep dark blue eyes which were busy closely examining countless numbers of daggers and deathstars. Her soft fingers reached out and smoothed across the blades, admiring the shiny disposition. Yuffie didn’t seem to notice Riku, but if she did, she paid no attention to him. A shard of pain hit his heart and anger fused his thoughts. Riku didn’t really understand why or perhaps he couldn’t admit to it.

“Would you like something to eat?”

“Oh! Uhhh.. yeah sure. That’d be great. Thanks.” Riku spoke, surprised by the unfamiliar voice.

A young lady, more fitting to the word, offered him a bowl of oatmeal and two pieces of toasted brown bread glazed with warm butter. Rosy pink straps draped over her shoulders holding up her dress of the same color. Matching buttons dotted the cotton material from the center of her chest down to her ankles. Brown leather boots peeked out from the pink.

A red ribbon held together her braided hair. Her brunette bangs alongside her bright green eyes reminded Riku of Selphie from Destiny Islands. I wonder if she made it off. I wonder if she’s safe. Riku hadn’t thought about that night in awhile. It all seemed so long ago.

He noticed another new face in a solid man with a stocky stature and somewhat spiky blonde hair.

“Riku. This is Cid,” Leon said pointing to the man, “He used to run the accessory shop. Now, he will take care of all of your Gummi Ship needs.” The man nodded gruffly, “This is Aerith,” Leon said nodding towards the young woman who had fed Riku, “and I believe you have already met Yuffie, correct?”

“Correct!” chirped the Yuffie, standing up from her crouched position and making her way to the table along with everyone else.

“Great. So now that everyone has been introduced, we’d like to hear from you, what happened.” Leon said, leaning into Riku.

Riku had finished his breakfast quickly after receiving it, “What happened.. when? On the island, when everyone was safe and we never thought about the darkness? Or are you talking about the night the Island was destroyed? Or maybe the moment I followed Ansem into shadow? Or is it about the day I murdered my only true friend!” his frustration sharply rose.

Riku closed his eyes and breathed heavy, his vision going hazy.

Leon didn’t blink, “Everything.”

[Lectori Salutem]

Nice chapter! I can wait to read the reactions on Riku's story.

[Crimson Soul]

good chapter I can't wait for more!