Chain of Hearts (PG-13 For Language)

Hey everyone! Back again, this time with an all new story. Welcome, to Chain of Hearts!
MiniSummary:

Our hearts, and our memories, are intertwinced in such a way that they make a web. But what happens, if the web is broken? What awaits, where the threads are supposed to meet?

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Disclaimer: Christie and Kia are mine, so no stealing! The rest is Square/Disney
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Our journey began with a simple day, followed by some not so simple days. Followed by some simple months spent in Darkness. Funny, how spending six months in the Realm of Darkness can change a girl. I suppose, I should start at the begiining.


My name is Christie, and I'm 16.

Ha, you thought I'd use Tidus' line, didn't you?

I digress.

It's been six months since Sora and the King shut the Door out of here. Six months of walking, talking and sleeping with Riku.

Not like that you perverts. Not like that at all.

Again, I'm getting off topic.

The Realm of Darkness is behind me now, we made it out somehow.

At least, I did.

We are all connected, by an invisible Chain of Hearts.

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I groaned, opening my eyes slightly. It was bright here, not dark like it should have been. I was still half asleep when I shoved my way up onto my knees, so when I saw the grey walls instead of Darkness, it didn't register that I wasn't in the Dark Realm.

"Finally awake?"

I yelped in surprise, falling back onto my rear at the sound of a male voice that wasn't Riku's or the Kings.

"Sorry Squirt, didn't mean to scare you."

I shook my head as I took Axel's hand, dusting myself off.

"It's ok. Where are we?"

Axel sighed, stretching slightly like a cat.

"Floor 39 of Castle Oblivion. The 13th floor of the Attic to be exact."

He laughed at my expression, digging into a pocket of his cloak and handing me a deck of cards.

"Since you can't portal around on your own, and I have to be somewhere, these'll get you through here."

He stepped back, a Dark Portal appearing beneath his feet as he saluted.

"Good luck Squirt!"

He disappeared before I could say anything else, and I pouted.

"Thanks for running away on me again Ax. Thanks so much."

I lifted one card from the deck, put the rest in my short's pocket, and walked
down to the door. I took a deep breath, and held up the card. I shielded my eyes against the light, before dropping my arm and letting my shoulders sag when I saw where this card had taken me.

"Traverse Town."

---
Basement Level 13: Riku
---


Riku twitched, floating in the grey ether. Aqua eyes cracked open, and he looked around.


"Where...?"

He closed his eyes again, trying to regain his thoughts. The last thing he remembered was going to sleep with Christie in his arms, then...nothing.

"You've been sleeping."

Riku shot upright, eyes wide as he cried out.

"Who's there?!"

The voice responded, but not to his question.

"You've been sleeping. Here, between light and dark."

Riku scanned the area, but saw nothing but the grey fog.

"Between light and dark?"

It was then he realized he was alone.

"Hold on, where's Christie?! And the King?! We all closed the door together, but after that..."

The voice's tone was annoyed.

"You're the only one who washed up here. Christina is alive, as is the King. But you, you didn't have the power to prevail over the Darkness. No, you should have embraced the Darkness."

Riku scoffed, lips curling upward in a half snarl.

"Hmph. You talk like I'm some kind of demon of the dark."

"You turned your back to the light, before you closed your eyes. Here, blanketed by Darkness, sleep is safety. Sleep is eternal. But..."

Riku closed his eyes as a ball of light appeared in front of his face, the light turning into a card. Said card floated around him in a slow, lazy circle.

"Is this...?"

"It is a door to truth. Take it, and your sleep ends. Take it, and take the first step towards the truth. But, the truth will bring you pain. Will you still go?"

The card came to a stop in front of Riku's face.

"There can be no returning to the sweet security of sleep."

Riku closed his eyes, before grabbing the card. A smug smile flitting on his face.

"Seems like a boring place to take a nap anyway."

The voice laughed.

"As I expected from you, Riku Takemaru."

The card lit up in a bright flare, and a sound of pain ecaped Riku's throat as he clamped his eyes shut. when he opened them again, he was no longer floating in the ether, but rather had his feet on solid ground. White walls and floor greeting his as he looked around, before looking bak over the card.

"A door to the truth, huh? If it takes me to Chris, I couldn't care less."
----

Sorry it's so short, It's the best I could do. This won't tell Sora's story, just how Riku and Christie's stories connect. By the way, Kia will make her appearence later.

 

good job. good writing.

 

I like it so far.
Continue.

 

haha! riku finally has a last name! yes! BTW.... nice

 

YAY! RIKU!

XD

Sorry. I like Riku. And that's a perfect last name for him.

Anyways, its really good so far. I like your style of writing. But you make it seem like Riku doesn't care about Sora at all, and that seems a bit out of character.

But that's my only complaint. This is amazing. Continue!!
​

 

:glomp: thanks!! yah!! you made it and its awesome!!! :woohoo:

 

Hey everybody! I'm back again!
.
Disclaimer: KH is Disney/Squares, Christie/Kia are mine.
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DARK: Christie, Traverse Town.
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I bit my lip, crossing my fingers as Leon looked me over. He shook his head, sheathing his gunblade.


"Sorry, you're not ringing any bells. Besides, my sister would be 15 now, not 16."

I swallowed my response, shrugging as I leaned back against the walls.

"It's ok. Sorry, for getting you mixed up with someone else."

He smirked, gesturing for me to follow him.

"It's alright. You're a good fighter, who taught you?"

"My brother, when I was little. The rest was trial and error."

Leon stopped dead in his tracks, making me crash into him. He turned, grey eyes meeting my brown. I tilted my head as he licked his lower lip, placing one hand on my shoulder as he leaned down to my level, me being a good head shorter than him. I held his eyes with my own as he looked for something inside me. relief and love filled his eyes as he straightened, before he pulled me to him.

"Nee-chan."

I wrapped my arms around his back, grateful for the fact this memory was remembering me. He pulled away a moment later, lips quirking into a smile.

"Aerith and Yuffie will be so happy to see you."

I nodded, tripping as the ground shook beneath our feet with the ringing of the Gizmo Shop bell. Leon cursed, quickly unsheathing his Gun blade from it's sheath at his waist. He turned around, smirking.

"Double team?"

I nodded, unsheathing my daggers as I walked to his side. The heartless were cut down quickly enough, both of us complimenting the other as our fighting styles were nearly exact opposites. Once all the shadows were gone, Leon led the way to the small house in the third district. He held the door open for me, but I stepped aside to avoid Yuffie's glomp attack.

"STILL GOOD AT THAT!"

She hugged me anyway, Aerith's gentle laugh making both of us look at the pink clad woman as Leon walked into the house. Yuffie pounced onto the bed, burrowing back under the rumpled covers as Leon sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through the ninjas short black hair. Aerith smiled, fiddling with her Holy materia shard. I winced slightly, Cloud and Vincent weren't here. Aerith took a seat at the table as I hopped up onto the window seat, looking out onto the third district.

"Ten years. That's how long it's been. We all thought you were dead."

I shrugged, looking back over at them.

"No way to know otherwise, it's alright."

Yuffie sat up, draping herself over Leon.

"Still, we should have tried harder."

Nii-san looked at the floor, but before he could add to the girls sentence, a tremor rang through the District, sending me to the ground. Aerith sprinted to the window, green eyes narrowing at what she saw.

"It's the Guard Armor again!"

Leon stood from the bed, gently setting Yuffie on the ground.

"Yuffie, go and find Cid. Christie, Aerith, let's go."

Yuffie shoved her feet into her shoes, before sprinting back into the second district. Aerith, Nii-san and I headed down the stairs into the plaza.

Only I made it into the plaza itself.

I turned on my heel as pillars of stone shot up from the ground, blocking my ways out. Taking a deep breath, I withdrew my daggers from their sheaths. Guard Armor attacked with a vengeance, limbs spinning and kicking around. Ducking and weaving under the flying pieces of metal, I sent my daggers flying into the things body, cutting it to shards from the inside. With it's death throes, it's limbs took chunks off the pillars. I yelped, rolling away from one that would have taken my head off as teh Guard Armor faded away. The destroyed pillars faded into the ground, letting Nii-san and Aerith into the plaza just as Cid and Yuffie made thier appearance. I dusted myself off, smiling at them. Cid shook his head.

"Dang it midge, you got big."

Yuffie hopped onto Leon's back, making a peace sign over his head. Leon looked at me, nodding.

"Go. Do what you have to."

Leaving me with that, Cid, Leon and Yuffie headed out to the second district. I stared at the first district doors, before Aerith caught my shoulder with her hand.

"Be careful. Don't be afraid of your darkness."

She disappeared into thin air, leaving me shaking my head. I exited Traverse Town, closing my eyes against the white of Castle Oblivion. I sighed, jogging down the stairs and through the next 4 empty floors.

"So close, and yet so far."

-----
DAWN: Riku, Hollow Bastion
-----

Riku's jaw dropped as he looked around. After a moment of scanning his surroundings, he gave voice to his thoughts.


"This is Maleficent's castle! How'd I end up in here? Did someone bring me here while I was sleeping?"

He jumped slightly, the Voice ringing out across the abandoned hallways.

"What you see is not real. It's just a memory."

"Just a... Memory?"

Had the voice been beside him now, Riku was sure it's owner would have nodded.

"The things you remember of Maleficent's castle from your time here. Those memories became a card, and that card became this world. The things you see, you've seen them all before, haven't you?"

Riku nodded, hands on his hips as he looked up.

"Yeah. So, what now? Am I supposed to learn something while I'm here? Maybe run into Chris or Sora?"

"Ordinarily, yes. You would meet the people in your memories."

Riku screwed up his face, what was that supposed to mean?

"Ordinarily? Hey, I'm asking you a question!"

When the voice didn't answer, Riku rolled his eyes, lip curling into a snarl.

"Fine. But it better be you I run into next, I'm sick of talking to thin air."

The castle was more than abandoned, for not ever Heartless patrolled it's halls. After ten minutes of aimless walking, Riku stumbled upon his old room. Looking around the dusty area, Riku sighed.

"It's like he said. Every thing's just how I remember it. Even this room."

The boy jumped as the voice spoke up once more.

"It must be nice. Being back in your old bedroom. Think of all the memories."

"You again. Sorry, but I could do without these memories. Maleficent gave me this room."

The voice laughed.

"So she did. And you lived here, tempted by the darkness so you could protect Christina. You cast away your home, your friends, everything, all to protect that one girl. At least they gave you a nice room."

Riku snarled, turning on his heel and running from the room. More rooms all turned up empty, although the room that Christie had used was more lived in, still smelling like her. Riku bit his lip as he left the room, shutting the door behind him.

"No one in there either. Theres no one in this castle."

He looked towards the castle ceiling, aqua eyes filled with rage, and sadness under that.

"Voice! I know you're watching, so explain this. Where are the people in my memories? Tell me!"

"Are you sure you want to see them?"

"Of course I do. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't."

"But you cast them aside. To reach the outside world and protect your friends, you passed through the door to darkness. Behind you, you left family, friends, home, everything, all in the pursuit of darkness."

Riku snarled again, fisting his hands.

"But I cast that aside too!"

"Then what do you have to show for it? First your home, then the darkness. Your heart only knows how to throw things away. It's empty, like this castle. Like your memories. That's why no one is in the castle with you, for your heart is hollow except for the dark you couldn't quite shake off."

"You're full of it! I rejected the darkness!"

The voice laughed as Riku sprinted down the hall.

"Did you really, son of Sephiroth?"

Riku pretended not to hear that, running through the doors of the castle chapel. Maleficent faced him once he entered the massive room.

"I knew you'd return, Riku."

Soul Eater appeared in his hand

"Maleficent! You're still alive?!"

The witch laughed.

"You haven't been paying attention, have you? I am but a figment of your memory."

Riku looked at the ground, knuckles going white beneath his gloves.

"Of all the people I could run into, it had to be you."

"Who else? Christina or Sora? Your heart is stepped in the darkness. You can only see people who exist in that same darkness. People like me."

Riku squeezed his eyes shut, trying to ignore the moisture pooling beneath his lids.

"No..."

"Be grateful that you have someone to keep you company. Your heart is empty. Were it not for the darkness in your heart, you would be completely alone."

Riku laughed, trying to keep his voice from cracking.

"That's sounding pretty good right about now."

Maleficent opened her arms, waiting.

"Come now. You once clung to me to sate your hunger for the darkness. You want me to be here. Who else but I can give you the darkness you so long for?"

Riku looked up, aqua eyes meeting the witches green cat slits.

"There was a time that I did want you around. I surrendered my heart to the dark. But never again. You and your darkness have nothing left to offer."

He turned around, fist clenching tightly around Soul Eater's hilt.

"All I did was lose myself. Empty myself! I'm finished with that, If I'm going to be stuck seeing people like you, people of the darkness..."

He turned back around, aqua eyes once more steeled on his target.

"Then I'll just have to take you out one by one."

Maleficent glared at the boy.

"Then don't forget to take yourself out last. After all, you are one of the darkness."

"That's fine with me. I turned to the darkness because my heart was weak. I hate that weakness. It's like I'll always be my own worst enemy."

He took a step closer to Maleficent.

"And seeing people like you embrace the darkness just makes it worse!"

He drew Soul Eater into a fighting position, aqua eyes filling with anger.

"Enough talk Maleficent, I've had enough."

Maleficent laughed, a haunting cackle that would have made anyone want to run and hide.

"So you hate the darkness enough to fight it. Oh, the agony you must feel!"

She lifted her staff into the air, it's orb tip glowing a harsh yellow.

"Let me end your pain Riku, end it forever with the wondrous power of Darkness!"

With a flash, she had transformed from the humanoid form she'd undertaken, into that of a humongous dragon. Riku ran forward to combat her, yelping as he had to roll away quickly to avoid her slashing claws and teeth. Her underbelly was within range, so he struck at it. He winced as she cried out in pain, her shriek dumping stones from the ceiling to the ground. Crying out in pain as she singed him with her flame breath, Riku rolled out from beneath her, crouching behind the stones to catch his breath and assess his wounds quickly.

His left arm was now sporting a rather odd burn mark, and his cheek was also burned. Cursing himself for getting sloppy, Riku jumped up onto one of the taller pieces of rock, before tossing Soul Eater into the crack he'd made in Maleficent's under scales. With another earth shaking shriek, she tumbled to the ground. Disappearing in a pillar of green fire, Maleficent faded away. Riku sighed in relief, wincing as his arm began to throb with pain. Leaving the castle chapel behind him, Riku exited Hollow Bastion, coming back to the same dreary white hall he'd arrived in after accepting the card.

In this hallway however, there was a spinning, diamond shaped crystal, pulsing a crystalline blue. Curiosity getting the better of the sixteen year old, he touched it with his good arm. A feeling much like a cure spell ran through his battered form, lingering longer on his wounded arm and cheek. And as sudden as it came, the feeling gone, taking the burns from Maleficents flame with it. The skin that had been burned away was now just like before he'd fought her, without even a scar to remind him. Riku shook his head before heading up the stairs. Upon reaching the hallway, the voice spoke up once more, making Riku stop midway to the next door.

"Why do you shun the dark?"

"Oh come on. I know you head every word I said to Maleficent."

"Darkness is your weapon, I need you to accept that."

"What do you care?"

"Stop resisting and accept the darkness. You must, if you are to serve me again!"

With a bright flash, Xehanort appeared in front of Riku.

"Xehanort. Just as I thought." The dark skinned man laughed.

"You don't seem surprised."

"You always were chatty when it came to the darkness. So, let me guess. You want to pull me back into the darkness and play puppet master again, right?"

Xehanort smirked.

"Clever boy, so much like your father. You'll make a fine host once more. No, surrender to me again and.."

Riku snarled, Soul Eater appearing in his hand.

"You're insane! There won't be an again!"

He lunged at Xehanort, only to get forced back by some kind of barrier. Sent flying through the air, Riku crashed onto the hard floor face first. Xehanorts booted feet clicked on the tile as he walked closer to Riku. The boy groaned, trying to settle the raging pain in his heart.

"Did you really think you could harm me? A weakling like you couldn't even defeat an Invisible, and you had Christina on your side."

Riku curled into himself.

"Excuse me, for being weak."

Xehanort laughed, but, for some reason, it sounded hollow to Riku's ears.

"You need the darkness. Submit! Bow to the darkness, and bow to me once more."

Another step, forcing the panic that Riku had tried to hard to hold back to flood his veins.

"Not a, chance."

Another step.

"Only darkness can help you now."

Riku squeezed his eyes shut, mental apologies flying across his consciousness as Xehanort was nearly on top of him.

"You're wrong!"

Riku's eyes flew open, and he shoved him self to his knees.

"That voice...Your Majesty!"

A bright white orb flew between the young boy and Xehanort, before hovering in a circle around Riku.

"You betcha! Riku, you're not alone. Christie and I are rootin' for ya!"

The orb flew back in between Riku and Xehanort, disappearing with a flash. But the Kings voice remained a moment longer as Riku stood, facing away from Xehanort.

"Listen carefully now Riku. The light'll never give up on you, you'll always be able to find it, even in the deepest darkness! But you have to believe!"

Riku nodded, looking over his shoulder at Xehanort.

I will.


"You hear that Xehanort? I'm not losing to the dark today."

Soul eater in hand, he readied himself to attack.

"You think some feeble light can save you from the darkness I command? Foll! You don't stand a chance---"

Another orb of light, this one a pale purple, placed itself between Riku and Xehanort.

"Stuff it you old geezer! You don't know him at all!"

Relief flooded though Riku's viens at that voice, making his voice choke.

"Chris?"

The orb circled his face, before coming to a stop in front of it. With another flash, the orb turned into a much smaller version of the Christie that Riku had last seen, with a major difference bieng that this one had a small pair of black angel wings that were keeping her aloft. She put her hands on her hips, smirking at him.

"Yup! Someones gotta cover your rear."

A small smile overtook Riku's face, before he turned back to face Xehanort. Xehanort shook his head.

"It seems you are intent on resisting the darkness. Very well, see with your own eyes."

A small deck of cards appeared in Xehanorts hand, beofre he tossed them to Riku. Christie dodged upwards to avoid getting clobbered, giggling as Riku caught them quickly, fumbling as they nearly slipped through his fingers.

"What are these?"

"Those are cards crafted from your memory. Advance through the worlds they beget, and you will come to understand. Chasing the light will not distance you from the darkness. You cannot run away."

Had Christie's true body been thier as well as her daggers, Xehanort would have turned tail and run from the glare she was giving him.

"Who's running you old coot?!"

Riku smothered a laugh as Xehanort took a step back from the little fairy. With a final spark of thunder magic at the elder man, the little fairy flew back to Riku's side.

"I'll enter those worlds Xehanort. And in the end, if I haven't given up, I win."

Xehanort nodded.

"Very well. I have one more gift for you."

Extending a hand to Riku, he called something from deep within the boy's heart. A green aura encircled Riku's, fading as quickly as it came. He looked up at Xehanort, Christie circling around him in concern.

"What did you do?!"

"I tempered the darkness that remains in your heart."

With a glare, Riku straightened up as Christie perched on his shoulder.

"What, you still think that I'd still rely on the darkness?"

Xehanort tilted his head before he crossed his arms.

"Whether you use it or not is your choice."

He floated back towards the door that Riku was about to go through, before fading from sight. But his voice remained.

"I'll be waiting, Riku. For you to come to your senses and yield to the Darkness!"

Christie flew off Riku's shoulder, shaking her fist at the cieling. She turned back to face the boy she loved, laughing slightly as he plopped down to lay on the floor. Flying to be directly in front of his face, she smiled. One hand swatted at her, making thr young girl giggle as she avoided it. Riku sat up, looking over the cards he'd recieved.

"I'm not running, am I?"

Christie shook her head, kissing Riku on the nose.

"Of course not. Running would mean going back to sleep. What you're doing is called courage."

The little fairy looked over her shoulder, nodding to something Riku couldn't see before turning back to face him. With some effort, she dragged one of his gloved hands up into the air.

"I have to go now. If you ever need me, use this."

With her words, a small, green card had appeared in Riku's hand. A picture of a black wing decorated the card, with a small blue heart on it's back. Riku nodded, and Christie kissed him on the nose once more before flying towards the door
.
"See you soon Ri."
She disappeared in a flash, leaving Riku sitting on the floor. As he looked at the card she'd given him once more, he smiled sadly.

"Yeah. See you soon."
----

Hee! I had fun with that last bit. Enjoy!

~SH

 

YAY!
Updates-- you gotta love 'em.

I like... alot.
Moreee!

 

(walks into sight, all teary eyed) Sorry guys, the end of the most recent Spyro Game has me like this. Stupid dragon, you're such a fool!

Disclaimer: KH is Square/Disney, Christie/Kia are mine.

------
DARK: Christie, Hollow Bastion
------


Hollow Bastion, the place I was born. It won't change much over the coming years, theres to much Darkness here. Clasping my hands behind my back, I walked through the abandoned hallways, leaving footprints in the dust. It wasn't long before I realized, I wasn't alone in the castle. Ducking my head around one corner, I winced. Belle and Beast were in the middle of an argument.

"But Belle, I don't understand! I came here to rescue you!"

Belle looked away, not meeting Beast's eyes.

"I didn't ask you to come. And it dosen't matter anyway, I'm not going back with you. You're just wasting your time."

Beast stiffened, clawed paws clenching into fists.

"Have you lost your mind?! How can you stay here with that witch?"

Belle turned away, towards te hallway leading to the Library.

"I've nothing more to say. Now leave, before Maleficent finds you."

She walked away, shoes clicking on the tile. Beast just stood there, shock in his eyes. I sighed, coming out from my hiding spot and walking to his side.

"I'm not sure what just happened, but are you ok?"

Beast turned away, heading down another hall.

"No. Not without Belle..."

I shook my head, this guy was worse than I was when it came to Riku, and he was just a memory! Sighing, I took off after Belle. The Library doors were wide open, Belle looking out the large windows. She turned as I entered the room, padding forward on bare feet to meet me in the center of the room.

"Who are you? Did Maleficent kidnap you too?"

I shook my head as I looked around the ancient room. Nothing's changed at all.

"No. It's a bit of a long story, I used to live here, when I was little. Wanted to see the place again. Still, I'll take it you don't want to be here?"

Belle looked at the ground, discarding her yellow gloves onto the desk.

"No, I don't. That witch Maleficent forced me to come here. I've no one to talk, books are all I have to ease my loneliness."

She smiled, love coming over her eyes.

"And theres him. Oh, I've missed him so much."

Fiegning confusion, I tilted my head.

"You mean the Beast? If you miss him so much, why were you so mean? Seems to me that you really hurt his feelings."

Belle met my eyes, her borwn pools filled with something I couldn't figure out.

"You don't understand! I can't let him see how I really feel for him."

"Why not? If you love him, you should say so, before something happens to either of you."

Belle bit her lip.

"It's just that.."

Suddenly, she looked behind me at the door. I stiffened, Maleficent was coming. Turning to have Belle directly behind me, I withdrew my daggers from thier sheathes. Belle stifled a yelp as Maleficent entered the room, the witch having a vague look of surprise on her face as she looked at me.

"Well well, who do we have here? A guest in my castle?"

I snarled, charging at the witch. Word of advice for all you girls and guys out there, never charge at a witch who can throw you completly across the room only by flicking her fingers. Belle cried out as I crashed into one of the book cases, it toppling over just as I managed to roll away. Dodging Maleficents blasts was harder than I'd expected, as her final attack blew me clear over the stairs and onto the second level, where I crashed headfirst into the wall. Trying to shake the spots from my vision, I stumbled to the over hang just in time to see Belle and Maleficent vanish into a dark portal.

Growling, I recollected my thoughts and ran after them through the still open portal into the Great Hall. Maleficent had Belle at the edge of the raised center platform, where a waiting Neoshadow was ready to take her heart if she fell.

"What are you waiting for? Call to him!"

Belle shook her head, eyes shining with determination.

"No! I won't let you harm him!"

Maleficent snarled.

"Then I shall make you scream! The fool will come running the moment he hears your cries."

With a flash of silver light, my daggers cut down the Neoshadow, returning to my hands as I sprinted up onto the platform, placing myself between Belle and Maleficent. Surprise filled the witches eyes.

"You again? Ah, you wish to join in the screaming! Yes, when that brute hears your cries of pain, he'll certainly come right to me!"

I braced myself for an attack, ready to shield Belle from harm.

But the attack never came. Beast had arrived.

"Don't trouble yourself Maleficent, I'm here."

Belle hopped off the platform to stand directly in front of Beast.

"You came!"

Suddenly, she remembered what was going on.

"No! You mustn't! I told you to leave this place! Leave me alone! I never want to see your face again!"

I winced at the look on Beast's face. Still, he stood his ground.

"All right. If that's how you feel, I understand. My hideous form is punishment for bieng selfish and unable to love. Transformed into a monster, loved by no one, I only bacome more selfish."

He looked Belle in the eyes, his own filled with love.

"And then, I met you Belle. You're the only person who accepted me. Little by little, you warmed my cold, selfish heart. The memories of our days together are my most precious, I won't cast them aside. So I'm sorry, but I can't leave you here. Even if you hate me for it. Consider it my last selfish act."

Tears dripped off of Belles face onto the ground.

"But why...?"

I cried out in surprise as Maleficent tossed me into the wall, the witch taking the stairs down to Belle and Beast as I crashed to ground in a heap. For bieng just a memory, that woman's got a good throwing arm!

"Well well, I never dreamed such ugliness could hide so beautiful a heart. This most certainly calls for a change of plans. Beast, I shall claim your heart instead of Belle's!"

Maleficent raised her staff, before launching the ball of energy at Beast. Belle ran in front of him, taking the blast directly to the chest. Her heart was released in a flash of white light, floating into Maleficent's staff. The witch cackled.

"Well, so much for the change of plan. Belle's heart it is. It seems that her cold worlds spoke little of her true feeling. She loves you Beast! I can feel it shining in her heart!"

I winced, shoving my way off the cold floor as Beast roared at Maleficent. Belle had sacrificed herself to keep him safe out of her love for him, he still didn't realize it. Maleficent left our sight in a flash of green fire, leaving Beast to roar once more. I picked up the card that Maleficent had dropped, slipping it into my pocket as I walked to Beast's side.

"Come on, we've got to get her back."

He shook his head, looking at his claws.

"Why did Belle give her life for mine? I'm nothing but a Beast."

I sighed, getting to work on prying open the nearly sealed Great Hall doors. Now I know why Maleficent portaled in!

"She didn't seem to care about that. She cares for you."

Beast's surprised ice blue eyes met my own determined brown, before he stood. He padded over, ripping the heavy metal doors from thier hinges and tossing them aside with a roar. I grimaced as they hit the walls, ancient metal bending as some loose roof stones collapsed onto them. Beast payed it no mind, and I had to sprint to keep up with the man as he ran through the hallways. The Castle Chapel was where Maleficent was holed up, and the Heartless were adamant in defending it. Invisibles, Defenders, Wyverns and Wizards all jumped to attack us the moment we got close to the door, not giving us a moments rest. Ducking underneath another Wyvern's swooping claws, I cursed as I sent my daggers flying into it's back. With a flash of black and deep purple, it faded away. Beast finished his prey as I retrieved my daggers, shaking his claws of the Heartless blood. He nodded, and we worked together to push the heavy doors open. Maleficent turned as Beast ran up to be directly in front of her.

"You've done well to make it this far Beast. As your reward, I'll tell you why Belle rejected you. My dark magic requires hearts of utmost bueaty. Belle was perfect for the task. For deep in her heart, he love for you shone with an uncommon radience. But she somehow guessed my plans, and by denying her love for you, she had put her heart beyond my reach."

Beast clenched his fists.

"But she saved me! She protected me!"

I bit my lip, hand going to the shell necklace I still wore.

"She couldn't hide how she really felt."

I looked up as Beast roared at the witch.

"I've heard enough! Release her heart Maleficent! If you don't..."

Maleficent laughed, making shivers run down my spine.

"Witch! Don't try my patience!"

She halted in her cackles, looking directly at Beast.

"Don't you realize why I am telling you all this? Did you think it was out of kindness? I did it to erase your doubts of Belle. Now your heart is beginning to shine with love for her, and it is the perfect fuel for my dark magic! I shall have your heart as well, monster!"

I snarled, jumping in front of Beast with my daggers in my hands.

"Not if we stop you!"

Maleficent glared at me as Beast readied his claws.

"You dare to challenge me? You pitiful fools!"

She raised her staff, releasing her power and transforming into a dragon. Beast and I scrambled for cover as she doused the area with fire and fangs, her stomping nearly crushing us both. Beast charged at her, tearing scales from skin as my daggers tore into that exposed skin. Maleficent's death throes spread fire through the room, forcing Beast into an Alcove as I ducked behind a piece of rubble from the ceiling. She faded away into a puddle of black blood as Beast and I reappeared from our hiding spots. I covered my eyes as a flash of light swept through the room from Maleficents destroyed staff. Belle appeared from it's tip, looking none worse for the wear. Beast's eyes filled with joy as he ran to her.

"Belle! Thank goodness.."

Belle looked away, lacing her fingers.

"Please forgive me. I had to be cruel to you. But I suppose, I couldn't hide my true feelings."

Beast shook his hjead, and the young woman looked up at him.

"I'm the one who should apologize. For just a moment, I doubted your love. I never want to remember those feelings of despair."

Belle smiled gently, placing one gloved hand on Beast's face.

"Then don't. Let's replace the sad memories with happier ones. Starting now."

"Belle..."

Blushing crimson, I ducked out of the Chapel. Let's just say those two needed their privacy. My face was still red as I left Hollow Bastion for the hallway of Castle Oblivion, prompting Axel to laugh at me.

"See something nice Squirt?"

I glared at him, only making him laugh harder, emereld eyes filled with mirth. By the time he'd stopped laughing, my face had gone back to it's normal color, cheeks having cooled. Axel coughed once, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry about this."

I yelped, quickly rolling away from the thrown chakram. Wincing as the heat from Axel's flames seared at my back, I withdrew my daggers into a defensive postion. I backpedeled away from his throws, careful to duck and dodge away from what I could, deflecting what I couldn't. After nearly ten minutes of my dodging his attacks, Axel bent over to recover his breath, and I took my chance. Knocking his chakrams from his hands, I placed one of my daggers to his throat. His weapons disappeared in a flash of fire, and Axel sighed.

"Fine, you win Squirt. Now, you gonna let me up or not?"

I jumped back off of him, resheathing my daggers as he dusted himself off. Digging out another deck of cards from his pocket and handing them to me, Axel leaned back against the wall.

"Now, what do you want to know?"

I plopped down onto the floor, leaning back on my elbows.

"For starters, what was that all about?"

Axel sighed.

"Orders. I'm to 'test your strength and recover any data.' Useless if you ask me, don't know why Vexen needs data on you."

I cocked an eyebrow, Axel's questioning tone gnawing at me.

"Vexen?"

He nodded.

"Number 4 in the Order. Cheif Scientist and Number 1 lunatic."

I swallowed a laugh at the look on Axel's face, before he leaned down and pulled me from the ground.

"Seriously Squirt, my orders are to 'babysit' you. Not that you need it, but orders are orders."

I nodded, heading down the stairs with Axel directly behind me. He looked at the cieling before he sighed, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"I've gotta go. I'll see you again when those cards run out."

I nodded to him, waving as he disappeared into the dark portal. Sighing tiredly, I sat against the wall before letting myself drift off to sleep.

"At least I'm getting somewhere with all this."

------
DAWN: Riku, Floor 11 of Castle Oblivion Basement.
----

Riku blinked, swallowing thickly.


"Something, tastes kind of funny."

He looked around the hall, but seeing nothing, looked back at his palm.

"What is this? It's so familiar..."

He snapped his fingers, understanding and sadness filling his aqua eyes.

"Darkness. The taste of Darkness. What's happening to me? The Darkness even seeps into my senses..."

Riku squeezed his eyes tightly shut, one hand clenching around the card Christie had given him.

"Don't you worry, Riku."

Opening his eyes at the King's voice, Riku cried out in surprise.

"Your Majesty!"

The bright white orb touched the ground with a flash, turning into the king Riku had last seen six months ago. The key difference was this one was all staticed and fuzzy, like an old TV screen.

"What happened to you? You're all, fuzzy?"

"I can only send a little bit of my power here."

The kind turned on his heel, looking at his tail before turning back to Riku.

"But, I have a request."

Riku looked at the king in surprise.

"A request, from Your Majesty?"

The little king nodded.

"Riku, don't let go of yourself just because the Darkness has a hold on you."

Mickey walked closer to Riku, extending one gloved hand to the teen.

"Fight the darkness inside of you! It won't be easy, but don't forget that even in the darkest night, dawn isn't that far away. There's always a little light."

"Light, within Darkness?"

Mickey nodded, smiling up at Riku.

"You, Christie and I have seen it. The far off, welcoming Light inside the Door to Darkness. The Light of Kingdom Hearts. Riku, it'll show you the way. Please don't give up. Believe in the light. That's all I ask of you."

Riku smiled, nodding.

"Okay. I'll try my best."

"And I'll try to find a way to reach you. I'll come, I promise."

Mickey extended his hand to Riku once more, but the boys hand passed straight through his. Riku looked at his gloved hand in surprise.

"You're, an illusion? My hand passes right through you."

Mickey shook his head.

"But we shook hands, in our hearts. We're connected, you and me."

Riku nodded slightly, watching the king dissappear.

"Yeah, I guess so."

Riku took Christie's card out of his pocket, but before he could summon her, a bell like chime sounded from behind him.

"He's got a point you know. We're all connected somehow."

Riku turned to meet a pair of small brown eyes, thier owner looking a bit ragged around the edged as she perched on his shoulder. Her clothes were slightly singed, and she smelled like smoke. Riku cocked an eyebrow.

"What happened to you?"

"Maleficent. We both fought her apparently."

Riku sighed, shoulders sagging. Christie yelped as the motion near sent her flying, but the little fairy managed to hold on. Riku smiled sheepishly as she playfully glared at him. She fluttered off his shoulder to float directly in front of him, kissing him on the nose.

"Get moving mister, you've got a lot of ground to cover."

Riku laughed as she tried to push him from behind, before heading up the stairs. A though struck the boy just before she began to disappear.

"Are you with the king?"

Christie shook her head, pointing up at the cieling.

"I'm upstairs, Attic Floor 8 to be precise. Like I said, get moving."

She disappeared in a cloud of pale purple sparkles, leaving Riku alone with his thoughts. He turned to the door.

"We're all connected. Right."
----

Done for now! Hope you liked it.

~SH

 

Wow.
Awesome chapter.
I did like it. =]
Cant wait for more!!

 

Hey everyone!

Disclaimer: KH is Square/Disney, Christie/Kia are mine.

WARNING: Dark!Undertones in Christie's portion

---
DARK: Christie, Attic Floor 2
---


Digging my hand into my pocket, I sighed. Only one card left, Destiny Islands. I really wasn't looking forward to this one. Ah well, time to face the music.

Squaring my shoulders, I walked forward. Holding the card to the door, I closed my eyes against the light, opening them only when the sweet smelling Island winds blew through my hair. Seeing no one around, I toed off my shoes and socks before wading into the cool ocean water. I really had missed this place, more than I wanted to admit.

"Chrissy!"

I jumped as someone tackled me from behind, barely catching myself before I fell into the ocean. Two male laughs rang out from behind me as the wieght on my back dropped into the water. I turned, smiling at Selphie, Tidus and Wakka. Tidus still had that silly little bo-staff in his hand, and Wakka was spinning his blitzball on one finger. Selphie grabbed my hand, draging me out of the water and back onto shore. Tidus smiled even wider as Wakka trapped my head under his arm, ruffling my hair.

"Girl, where ya been! Are the others with ya?"

Popping out from Wakka's arm, I shook my head. Selphie tried to hide her disapointment, but it didn't go very well. Tidus patted her on the pack as I padded back into the water, letting the tide flow around my ankles. Tidus turned to me, confusion in his bright blue eyes. He turned towards the docks as another pair of footsteps sounded on the sand, and I glared slightly as I caught sight of the person he was looking at.

"Naminé! Perfect timing, you remember Chrissy, right?" The blond girl nodded, and I had to force a smile as I walked forward to shake her hand.

"It's good to see you again Nami, I was worried about you."

Something flashed in her pale eyes, but she nodded rapidly to cover it. Tidus seemingly caught on to her nervousness, as he dragged Wakka and Selphie to the Cove.

"We'll just leave you two to talk alone."

Selphie waved as she squirmed out of Tidus' grasp and ran on ahead of her boys. I waited till they were out of earshot before I turned to Namine. She sat down on the sand, hands fisting around the pale yellow grains.

"I'm so sorry. I can't make your memories fade. I can't get inside your heart."

I shook my head.

"Not true."

She gasped a little, before looking up at me.

"Maybe you can't force your way into my heart Nami, but you're already in it. I don't know if it's becuase you seem to be a little like Kairi or what, but you've already got a place in my heart. That won't change for anything."

As the last of my words left my mouth, I turned to face the younger girl with a smile on my face. She bit her trembling lower lip as I helped her to stand, still smiling. She sniffled, wiping her eyes.

"Thank you."

I nodded, walking out of the water as the sun began to set. Namine walked off somewhere about an hour or so later, just as night began to tint the sky black. I put my shoes back on, climbing back up to the Treehouse. I sighed as I entered the room, everything was exactly as we'd left it the night of the attack, even the book Riku had been reading. I sent a silent "thank you" to whomever had made the world cards Axel had given me, as this one was really appreciated. I sat down onto the bed, letting my wieght settle heavily against the soft matress. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing i knew, it was dawn and Namine was screaming. I bolted off of the bed, jumping down the ladders and onto the sand. Shadows were licking at Namine's heels as she ran up the beach, but they quickly fell to my blades. Namine skidded to a halt directly in front of me, only to fade away with most of the Islands. Only the part of the beach I was standing on survived, even the shadows had been left to fall away into the void. I swallowed my rising fear and panic, turning as a pair of footsteps crunched on the sand.

"Kia..."

The girl nodded, a harsh smirk on her face as she tossed dusty-brown hair back over her shoulder. I stood firmly as the rock beneath our feet trembled in the darkness rising from below. Periwinkle blue eyes met my own brown, and it was then I remembered what she had said.

----

"Who are you?!"

"I'm you. At least, i'm your nobody."

"My Nobody?! But thats crazy, i've never become a heartless!"

"Not yet anyway, but you will, just as those three you know of will."
----

"I still haven't become a Heartless Kia. There's no way you could be my nobody."

She laughed, circling me like a vulture does its prey.

"You still don't get it do you?! You didn't become a Heartless, you let the Darkness into your heart!"

She pointed to my left hand, and the bandages still wrapped around it. It clicked then and there. By absorbing the Dark Flare that "Riku" had sent at Sora, I'd created Kia. I shook my head, unsheathing my daggers. She rolled her eyes, raising one hand in a gesture of peace.

"Relax Christina. I don't want a fight just yet. Just thought I'd warn you."

She vanished in a flash of dark smoke, before she reappeared just behind me. Whispering in my ear, she sent shivers up and down my spine.

"I'll take everything you have, and theres nothing you can do about it."

She faded away, leaving me feeling shaky. The little Island I was still standing on began to to slowly descend, leaving me directly in front of the door to the Hallway. Shaking off the lingering feeling of dread that remained, I walked forward. Axel was waiting there, looking oddly pissed off. My sneakers clicked on the white floor, making him look at me. His anger seemed to fade away as he looked at me.

"Squirt? You ok? You loook like you just saw a ghost or somethin."

I swallowed, licking my lower lip.

"Something like that."

I took a deep breath, taking the Twilight Town card from Axel's outstrecthed hand. He ruffled my hair as he walked down the stairs beside me, causing a small laugh to escape my lips. Once we reached the door, Axel stopped.

"Still can't go with ya."

I nodded, waving over my shoulder as he portaled away. I plopped down the stairs once he was fully gone, looking over the card.

"Will this take me to you, Ri? I hope so."

----
DAWN: Riku, Castle Oblivion Basement Floor 9
----

Riku dusted his arms off, sneezing away the pollen from Wonderlands flowers.

"Stupid flowers, useless things."

The next floor was dark, only one light from the wall casting a silveryglow over the hall way. An older man stood blocking the stair case. Dingy blonde hair extending to the small of his back, beady blue eyes set in a pointed face. His voice sounded like someone who'd been hitting the fermented Paopu juice a little to hard.

"Riku, I presume?"

The teenager tensed, one hand instinctively clenching, ready to summon Soul Eater if needed.

"Who are you? Are you with Xehanort?"

"You are half correct. Let us say that it's not the Xehanort you know. His is Xehanort and he is not. Which means to say he is nobody."

Riku cocked a brow, confused.

"Nobody huh? Sorry, riddles aren't my thing. Try to make some sense and I may listen."


"He belongs to niether the Light nor the Darkness, but walks the Twlight between. As so I. You and Christina for that matter, walk the same path as I."

Riku jerked back in surprise, and the man -Vexen- laughed.

"Thats right! We have much in common Riku."

Riku shook the surprise away, letting it be replaced by determination.

"Maybe we do. But so what?! Is that an invitation to join your club? Yeah, there's Darkness inside of me, just like you said."

Riku tensed, drawing Soul Eater up into a fighting position.

"But Darkness is my enemy! And you are too, for making everything around here reek of it!"

Vexen scoffed, a shield made of Ice that appeared on his arm glimmering in the dim light.

"Oh, so it's a fight you want. Very well Riku, it is a fight you shall get!"

Riku leaped into action, Soul Eater aimed at the man's head only to be deflected by his shield. Jumping back, Vexen blasted shards of ice at Riku, who barely managed to dodge them.Vexen tried again and again to pin RIku down with a spear of ice, but was never successful. Using Vexen's shield as a springboard, RIku jimped over the older mans head and struck his back. Tumbling to the floor, Vexen sent out waves of ice energy. Shivering, Riku ket on the defensive as Vexen leaped up at him. Finally having had enough to do with the ice coating the floor, Riku took one final leap at Vexen. The man was exhausted from using sp much power againt the teen, and didn't see him strike until it was too late. He managed to get away from Soul Eater's blade, floating back to the door. Laughing to himself, he looked at Riku.


"This battle has made it clear. The darkness coursing through you is a tremendous power. All you needed was the right provocation."

Riku snarled.

"Great. So this was just a trick?"

Vexen nodded.

"Precisely. Your fiery reaction provided just the data I needed. You have my thanks Riku!"

Leaving the confused boy with those words, Vexen faded away into a Dark Portal. Riku clicked his tongue, before shivering once more. Bolting up the the stairs to get away from the cold, Riku let his mind wander. What had the man meant by "data"? Why him? Riku shook his head, shoulders sagging as a weight settled onto his head.

"Don't let Vexen get to you. He's just a maniac."

Christie's small hands were stroking Riku's forehead as she kicked her feet back and forth in the air, but he didn't mind at all, as it was comforting. Taking a deep breath, he paced the length of the hallway, before turning around and doing it again.

"You're where now?"

"Floor 1 of the Attic. Almost down here, so no worries!"

She giggled at the look on his face, floating to be in front of his face. She crossed her arms over her chest, "sitting" cross legged in midair. Riku smothered a smile at the look on her face this time, and the little fairy-girl laughed.

"Finally! I got you to smile again!"

Riku nodded, and the girl kissed him on ths cheek.

"Love you Riku."

The boy nodded as she faded away.

"Love you too, Chrissy."
---

Done! Till next time!

~SH

 

LOVED IT.

Aww. Christie and Riku are so cute.

=]

More I say.
MORE.

 

ok, I like it but there are minor errors such as Chris is Leon's little sis. That means he has to call her "Imoto-chan" "nee-chan" is made for someone such as Aerith, someone who is older than you. I know because I call one of my friends "nee-chan" and in return I'm "imoto-chan".

We're dealing with Xehanort's Heartless but Chris and Riku should have known him as Ansem, what's up with that?

I kinda like Axel as a big brother figure in this story.

 

DOH! I knew something was off! Thank you for pointing that out, I'll be sure to go edit that.

Christie came to the KH Universe from Earth, and since she played the games, she knows "Ansem" as Xehanort. Riku knows because she explained to him what was going on during the six month time they were in Kingdom Hearts.

Hee! Thankies! Yes, they are cute. I'm working on another chapter, just trying to figure out what to do with Christie at Twilight Town. GAH! WHere's my R/R Script?!

 

I'll aske again, is it a double post after 5 days?


Back again!
Disclaimer: KH is Square/Disney, Christie/Kia/The Prophecy are mine.

-----
DAWN: Riku, Basement Floor 8-7
----

Still shaking off a lingering stinging feeling in his palm from having Soul Eater knocked from his hand by Ursula's tentacle, Riku didn't notice someone else enter the hallway until they near crashed into eachother. Stepping back to be near the door, Riku looked up before his jaw dropped. What he saw was more than a bit of surprise.

"What the? What are you supposed to be?"

The boy in front of him, a perfect replica of Riku himself, laughed.

"Surprised? I guess you would be."

He walked forward, the same gait that the real Riku had.

"I bet it's not everyday you meet your twin. Too shocked to speak? Then this should come as a relief. I'm a replica of you that Vexen made."

Riku rolled his eyes.
"A fake me then."

The Replica growled, snarling at Riku.

"I didn't mean "fake"! Just because you're real dosen't mean you're better! We share the same body and the same talents. There is one easy way of telling though. Know what it is? Unlike you, I'm not afraid of anything."

Riku scoffed.

"And that makes you better? I'm not getting the point here."

"YOU are a coward. You're afraid of the dark, and of losing that girl! Both scenarios scare you witless!"

Trying to resolve this without conflict, Riku raised one hand in a peaceful gesture.

"Look, I don't want a fight---"

"You really are a coward! I'm different, I embrace the darkness and that girl means nothing to me. Becuase of that, I can make the dark do whatever I want it to. In simple terms, that means I can wipe the floor with you!"

Replica pounced, forcing Riku to roll out of the way or lose his head. Replica wasn't afraid to throw Dark Firagas around like party favors, and by the time the fight was over, both the hallway and Riku were coated in singe marks. But Replica hadn't gotten away unscathed either, his right arm was hanging limply at his side from a solid blow of Soul Eater's hilt, and blood trickled down his face from a cut on his brow. Riku smirked.

"Hey, fake, I thought you were gonna wipe the floor with me."

"Go ahead, laugh. I'm still new. I'll get stronger and stronger, just you wait. It won't be long before I surpass you. Next time we fight, you're finished."

Riku cocked a brow.

"Sorry, you missed your only chance. I'm finishing you first, right here and now!"

Riku leapt at his copy, only to get knocked back onto the ground by a pulse of Darkness from the Replica. Said Replica laughed as he stood.

"It's nice to have the Darkness on my side."

He walked to Riku's side, smirking evilly.

"How could you be scared of such a thing? You're really missing out on a big thrill."

Riku swung his fist at Replicas face, causing the copy to jump back.

"Shut up!"

"So now the coward is playing tough guy? That's really cute. See you next time, Real Thing. Try not to miss me too much."

He ran off up the stairs as Riku's face contorted with anger.

"Come back here! I show you who's a coward you punk!"

Riku ran after his copy, skidding to a stop as he reached the top step.

"Come out you fake! Show yourself and fight!"

Riku jumped as another voice responded.

"Fake? Oh, I seriously doubt that's the right word."

Xehanort appeared in front of Riku as the teen glared at the man.

"What are you saying? He's just a copy of me, he said as much himself."

Xehanort tilted his head.

"A copy yes, or maybe a model. He is an example of what you should be. He accepts the Darkness, just as you once accepted me. But now, you are afraid. Perhaps you are the one who is bieng fake."

Riku crossed his arms over his chest.

"Name once that I've been afraid of the darkness."

"In the card worlds, you grappled desperately with the darkness. Desperation is a product of fear. You fight the Darkness becuase it frightens you."

Riku bit back a smart-aleck retort, letting his head take over.

"Oh, I get it. You think I'll stop fighting the Darkness just to prove I'm not afraid of it. Nice try, but I'm gonna keep fighting."

Xehanort rolled his eyes, a small deck of cards appearing in one gloved hand.

"Tch, so stubborn."

He threw the cards to Riku, and the boy caught them without a hitch.

"Then continue your fight, if you must. Eventually, you will see. You cannot resist the Dark, Riku."

Xehanort faded away, leaving Riku by himself in the quiet hallway. Riku toook one of the card and walked to the door, and it was only once he was through it that he realized something. Something important.

"She didn't come this time..."

Riku clenched his eyes shut.

"Christie..."

----
DARK: Christie, Twilight Town
----

Twilight Town. The town that Roxas wakes up on, and where DiZ will hide Sora when the time comes. It's peacefull really, a calm feeling evoked by the orange sunset, But something, or someone, lies beneath the surface. I growled, putting my hands on my hips.

"Alright. Whoever you are, come out right now!"

Zero's and Ones appeared in a blaze of light in front of me, DiZ shaking his head.

"It's been a long time, Christina."

I rolled my eyes.
"Ansem the Wise. It has been a while."

Ansem uncrossed his arms, turning and gesturing for me to follow him.

"Come, I have much to teach you and very little time to say it all."

I nodded, running after the man. During our tour of the town, Ansem explained everything that had happened the night of the attack on Radient Garden. Apparently Xehanort had sent Ansem into the Dark Realm before throwing the keys to Radient Garden's heart to the Heartless. With both the remnants of the portal and the World Heart exposed, there was nothing to hold back the Heartless from attacking. The rest was simple. The Heartless poured out of the Darkness and nearly destroyed our home. I sighed as I leaned back against the fence of Sunset Hill.

"Xehanort is dead. His Heartless possesed my boyfriend, and his Nobody is somewhere out there for all I know."

DiZ' visible eye widened slightly at the boyfriend comment, but he nodded.

"I know of Riku's plight. I have been aiding him since he first awoke in this Castle. Christina, I ask for your assitance in defeating the Nobodies."

I shook my head.

"I won't help you with revenge. Axel and Naminé are my freinds."

DiZ growled, and I glared at him.

"Revenge makes you the fool Ansem. Kairi is alive, and she misses her father!"

One amber eye flooded with sadness, but he banished that from my sight.

"Kairi will survive without me."

I sighed. It was pointless to try and change his mind. I pushed off the fence, heading down the hill and out of the town back into Castle Oblivion.

"Maybe she will, maybe she won't. I stand on my statement, I won't help you with revenge. Thank you for explaining to me what happened that night, and thank you for helping Riku. But for revenge, you're on your own."

Before I left earshot, DiZ muttered one final sentence.

"I know. Your brother said the same thing."

----
LIGHT: Leon, Hollow Bastion Library.
----

Yuffie winced as Leon punched the wall hard, making a cloud of dust fall onto the floor. Aeith ran forward to grab him arm before he could make the dent any larger.

"Leon! Stop hurting yourself! You would have felt it if Christie was dead, that man was lying!"

Leon panted harshly, but Cloud grabbed his other arm before he could shake Aerith off.

"Leonhart! Stop this right now, Aerith's right!"

Leon nodded, heavily setting his wieght down onto the chair near the window. Vincent padded down the stairs, a heavy tome in his hand. Yuffie followed him down by sliding down the banisters.

"Come on Sqaullie, Chrissy's harder to kill than you, and that's saying something."

Leon didn't correct Yuffie on his name, so Aerith relaxed into Cloud's arms. Vincent set the book he'd carried downstairs onto the desk, open to a page in the middle of the book. At Leon's confused look, the gunner spoke up.

"It's a prophecy. Christina is in it."

Leon stood immeadiatly, looking over the book's page.

"Born of days bane, Nights Will defends the one of Dawn. Four as one, one as four. Twilight Crown, Daylight Pearl, Dawn Star, Night Lion. Weak on thier own, straong as one force. Destroying the one who cuased the worlds pain, dawn, twilight and light will become strong, while night fades away, never seen as it fades into the shadows"

Leon looked up at Vincent in confusion, and the gunner sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Twilight Crown speaks of Sora Isumaru. His pendant was passed down from his grandfather. Daylight Pearl is Kairi Hikari, that pendant is from her Great-Grandmother. Dawn Star is Riku Takemaru, his grandfather was the previous weilder of Dawn. As for Night Lion, it's obvious. The Leonhart family crest is the crest of Griever, the Lion."

Yuffie bit her lip, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"But if Chrissy is the "Night Lion", dosen't that mean she'll fade away?"

Vincent nodded, his crimson eyes clouded with sadness as Leon stiffly walked up the stairs.

"I'm afraid, that Christina may very well be lost to us already."

----
DARK: Christie, Attic Floor 1.
----

I sighed as I headed down the stairs. The gatway into Castle Oblivion proper was wide open, so I headed on inside. All of the floors but the one leading to the Pod Room were locked, but something was wrong. I turned around, heading back upstairs, and it was there I met one of my worst fears.

"Welcome to Pain, Christie."

I backpedalled, grabbing one dagger from my sheathes as Kia moved closer. She never went on the offensive, but my gut was screaming at me to get out of there, to turn around and run.

I really regret the fact I didn't listen to it.

Kia stuck her arm out at a 180 Degree angle to her side, clenching a fist. I almost sqawked in surpirse as my remaining dagger appeared in her hand, but that sqauwk turned into a screech as I had to hit the ground to avoid getting my head cut off.

"Why make this anymore painfull than it has to be? Let me end this here and now. Let me take your place!"

Kia went all out, and it was all I could do to stay alive. I lost count of the number of times I hit the ground hard, either nearly cracking my skull or back open. I never managed to land a hit on her, but I'd apparently seriously annoyed her. After ducking another swipe at me, she snarled.

"Hold still! Blind!"

Cursing as my vision went black, I backed up until I hit a wall. Hearing nothing but my own breathing, I wasn't able to hear which direction Kia would come from, so she caught me off gaurd, tossing me to the ground hard. I landed with all my weight on one shoulder, and the bone cracked. Kia laughed as I yelped in pain, her foorsteps coming close until they stopped directly next to me. She rolled me over with a harsh shove, unclasping the necklace that Riku had given me back on the islands.

"I told you I'd take everything from you. This will hurt."

I would have clenched my eyes shut if my vision wasn't already black, but the killing blow never came. Kia screamed as something or someone knocked her back, and the sound of a dark portal and a pair of running footsteps was all I could hear.

"Squirt!"

Using my good arm, I shoved my way onto my hands and knees as Axel skidded to a stop directly in front of me, kneeling with his hands on my shoulders.

"Are you alright?"

I shook my head, launching myself at the red headed man. I don't really remember what happened after that, it's all fuzzy. But I do remember crying in his arms.

I don't think I'll ever get over that day.

I don't think I'll ever get over having my life stolen from me.

------

Finally, the prophecy is explained, and Kia has shown her true colors.

What will happen to Christie and Riku's relationship now that she's been replaced?

That's for me to know, and you all to find out. Don't worry, it won't be long.

Originally, I'd planned to have Christie and Kia's fight take place in the Garden of Twilight Town's Mansion, but it didn't sit right on paper/computer files.

~SH

 

Hey everyone! I'm back again!

Disclaimer: KH is Square/Disney, Griever is Square, Christie/Kia are mine.

----
DAWN: Riku, Basement Level 6
----

Riku sighed, blowing a loose strand of his hair away from his eyes. Every single floor he'd been through was empty of people, only Heartless served as a mediocre diversion from all the loneliness. He clenched a hand around the card Christie had given him, bringing it out of his pocket for it to lay flat on his palm. He was about to call out to her, when he dropped it, clutching his hand in pain. The now burning card hit the floor, becoming a pile of ash before Riku could react to stop it. Eyes wide in shock, Riku looked around. There were no Heartless here, and no men in black cloaks. The card had just, caught fire in the air. Riku shook his head, confusion in his eyes.

"This doesn't make sense. Why would it do that?"

Riku watched with a heavy heart as the ashes faded away into the floor, blinking to avoid the stinging moisture at the back of his eyelids. Taking a deep breath, Riku continued up the stairs, only to get toppled back down them by a black blur. Riku hit the floor with a great "oof", the thing that had tackled him wrapping it's arms around his neck. Instead of the cold feeling of a Heartless, whoever had shoved him to the ground had a warm feeling to them, smelling vaguely like the orange trees back on the Islands. With a jolt, Riku realized who that scent belonged too. He wrapped his arms around the girls back, not bothering to hide his tears of sheer relief this time.

"Christie. You're really here?"

The girl nodded into his shoulder blade, fingers digging into his shirt. They stayed that way for at least five minutes, before Christie sat up, offering her hand to Riku. He took it, letting the love of his life pull him up off the ground. Riku smiled, taking her in. She still looked exactly the same, same clothes and hair, same posture, same eyes, and he could feel it, the same heartbeat. The girl licked her lips before opening her mouth, but Riku silenced her by placing a gloved finger to her lips.

"No, don't say anything. Just you bieng here is enough."

Christie smiled, hugging him around the neck once more.

"I'm glad you're alright Ri, I thought I'd lost you."

Riku nodded, aqua eyes alight with joy. Christie pulled away, leading him by the hand onto the next floor.

But throught the whole trip, Riku couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong.

-----
TWILIGHT: Axel, Pod Room, Castle Oblivion Floor 13
-----

Axel sighed, watching Christie burrow deeper into his cloak. He'd taken it off and given it to the girl for warmth, but she'd curled into a ball beneath it and hadn't come out for the last two hours. Her breath was still hitching, and she'd sniffle every few minutes, but other than that the girl was silent. Namine bit her lip as she looked from Christie to Axel, the man placing his arm around the blonds shoulders. Namine shook her head.

"Her heart is breaking into pieces. There's nothing I can do to help her."

Axel swallowed thickly, sympathy flooding his eyes as he looked at Christie again.

"Then I'll just have to take her to Riku."

Namine shook her head, periwinkle blue eyes flooded with sadness and anger.

"Kia has already reached Riku. Taking Christie to him now won't help matters, it's impossible to stop this."

Axel opened his mouth, wanting to protest, but Christie cut him off.

"I can do the impossible."

She stood, Axel's cloak draped around her shoulders. The man smirked.

"That's the squirt I know."

Christie smiled slightly, a ghost of her former self, but she smiled none the less. Namine stood, white dress crinkling with the movement as Christie headed over the Axel for the portal down.

"Kia is you, so you can use her powers as well. Summon your daggers, and you can win this fight."

Christie handed Axel his cloak, nodding to Namine.

"I'll be ok. I'm not alone."

She fiddled with her fingers, following Axel through the portal. Namine smiled, before returning to work on Sora's memory.

"I know, you are never alone. Daughter of Griever, I wish you luck."

-----
DARK: Christie, Basement Level 4
-----

I winced against the brightness of the hallway, closing my eyes as the portal faded away behind us. Axel put a hand on my shoulder.

"You don't have to do this. We can just wait for them upstairs."

I shook my head, squaring my shoulders with a wince. The bone still hadn't healed all the way.

"No. I have to do this now."

I set off down the hall, Axel's bootsteps a welcome reprieve from what would have been complete silence otherwise. Riku was 1 floor below us, and I planned to meet him there. I was mentally preparing myself for Kia, all the while barely keeping my shoulders from trembling.

'I'm a short range fighter, which means Kia is too. I can use magic to stay away, and if push comes to shove, I can summon my own daggers back to me. And then there's... No, it's too risky to summon him. This place is too small, I might bring the whole place down if I summon him. So I'll just have to rely on my own magic. Sounds easy enough. I hope.'

My footsteps, and Axels, came to a halt as I stared Kia down from across the hall. She was playing me rather well, her hair had become a darker shade of brown, her eyes were my own green rimmed brown, and she even had the bandages around her left palm, which were conviently missing from my own, baring the scar for the world to see. She whimpered, hiding behind Riku. It took all my willpower not to go over there and carve her a new one, but I stood my ground. Riku summoned Soul Eater, brandishing it at me. I knew then that negotiation wouldn't work here, she had him wrapped around her little finger.

"I don't care who you are, but your scaring my girlfriend. Back off, or I will hurt you."

Axel seethed from behind me, and the temperature rose by at least five degrees.

"You little prick! Don't you get it! Don't you see!? You're bieng tricked by this witch, the real Christie is right in front of me, don't you get---"

I raised a hand to shut Axel up, but smiled at him anyway.

"Thank you Axel, but this is my fight."

I turned back to face Kia, taking three steps forward. She whimpered again, the fear in her eyes reflecting in my heart as Riku raised Soul Eater higher.

"Not another step."

I stopped, sighing.

"Fine. I didn't want to do this, but you give me no choice."

I met Kia's eyes with a fierce stare, forcing her to make a choice.

"Are you going to play along with this charade and hide behind him, or will you fight for your right to exist?"

Her eyes widenend, traces of blue shining through as she began to lose her concentration.

"You fight me, the winner lives. The loser, well, she dosen't."

Kia swallowed thickly, but she stepped forward anyway. Both Riku and Axel mae steps to come to our sides, but Kia and I turned in unison, shouting over our shoulders in perfect tandem.

"Stay outta this!"

Riku "meeped" and even Axel seemed shell shocked. A barrier went up, and with it, Kia's technique of mimicry fell into Oblivion. Her true colors shown through, the clothes she'd copied from me fading away into a knee-length balck cloak, the sleeves only coming up to her elbows. My daggers appeared in her hands, the hilts carved a bloody red. I smirked.

"Don't you know? Those daggers only accept the first person to use them. Me. They'll keep making your hands bleed like that until you give them back."

She growled, sending one flying towards me. In a lucky stroke, I caught it mid flight, the blades on the hilt retracting at my touch and it settled into my palm once more. Fear once more shown in her eyes, the playing field was even now. She lunged with a cry, forcing me to side with a yelp as I fell onto my rear to avoid her Kamikaze charge. It didn't do me much good, she was up and charging agin after barely five seconds, forcing me to stay low and fire spells from afar. She couldn't dodge my spells at all, and with every one that hit her, she became more and more desperate. I couldn't use any more spells, she was moving to fast for me to hit at all.

Hitting the ground with a hiss of pain as a cut opened on my forehead, I rolled away from another strike to my head, standing and staring her down. We were both running out of steam to keep fighting, this would be it. Kia summoned the dagger in my hand back into her own, crossing them in front of her face. Magical energy began to flow through the hallway, not only refreshing my own Mana reserves, but giving me an idea. I drew my fingers through the blood on my forehead, swiping it down my left palm. Lifting mh hand in front of my face, I closed my eyes.

"Listen to me little one, only through forgetting, can you remember what your blood already knows."

My eyes sprang open, the blood on my palm now in the Leonhart symbol. I slammed it into the ground just as Kia's spell took flight towards me.

"Griever!"

The magical energy's clashed with a massive crash, and my vision went white.

------
DAWN: Riku, Basement Floor 5
------

Riku covered his eyes with a yelp as the white light made the tile floor and walls glow painfully. The girls fighting inside the barrier vanished from his view for a moment, and when the light finally cleared, his jaw dropped in surprise. Instead of just both girls bieng inside the barrier, there was now a third person.

Well, maybe person wasn't the right word.

Lion would have been more approiate.

A golden lion stood in front of the girl that had come down the stiars with the redheaded man, tail swishing back and forth in agitation as it roared, the protective barrier in front of it's head having deflecting the massive ball of fire from hitting the girl who'd summoned it. It shook it's head, dark gold mane swishing with the movement as the barrier faded. Roaring once more, the lion sat back on it's haunches to await another order. It finally clicked, the firl who had found him one floor down,

Wasn't Christie.

Teal eyes filled with anger as the imposter charged at HIS Christie, but he needn't have worried. Christie jumped aside, and the lion jumped with her. The imposter hit the ground, the lion placing a paw onto her chest. With one more flash, the barrier faded away.

The imposter's hair was a pale, dusty brown, and from Riku could see around the lion, her eyes were blue. The lion growled, baring it's teeth, but Christies hand on it's mane kept it from actually hurting the imposter. The imposter was struggling to get away, but she couldn't wriggle out of this one.

Christie turned to the red headed back, before she nodded. He nodded as well, a gentle smile on his face. He walked over, took the imposter out from underneath the lions paw with a pat on it's head as a reward, then faded back into a portal, imposter slung over his shoulder.

The lion nuded Christies hand, got a hug as a reward, then faded away into a cloud of golden sparkles. Riku bit his lip, meeting Christie's brown eyes with his own aquamarine. She sighed, taking a few steps closer to Riku, with him doing the same. Her face was calm, no emotion showing in her eyes or face. Riku swallowed, afraid she was incredible angry at him for falling into the imposters trick, but she only stepped forward once more, calm face turning into a gentle, loving smile.

He cupped her cheek in one gloved hand, drawing her into his arms. They stayed that way for almost ten minutes, before she pulled back. Blushing, she met his lips with her own. Riku could only lose himself to the emotions flowing thorugh his soul as he met his mid kiss. From somewhere deep within the boy, a gentle, deep voice rang out.

"Take good care of my little one, she will care for you."
--------

And there we have it! CoH is beginning to wind down to a close, this story, is almost over.

 

Very nice. The grammar and spelling is pretty good, although sometimes, you ought to write who said what, as it can get confusing. For instance (which I have to point out, you spelled "doesn't" wrong accidentally):
"This doesn't make sense. Why would it do that?" Riku asked.
Or
"This doesn't make sense," Riku mused. "Why would it do that?"

Also, I have to admit - my attention tends to be scattered as I read...the story just needs more...I don't know, but it needs more action, move faster but yet smoother.

Otherwise, the story's great, and I love your grammar. ;) Keep it up!

 

Gah!!

GAHHHH!!!!

This is truly fantastic, amazing, great, etc.

You have a talent. And a good one at that.

OH MY LORD, your seriously having me bounce off the walls right now. I'm not even gonna lie. That was too good. Especially the last part... where they.....

kissed.

AGHH!!
LOVED IT!

You make me love this story even more evertime I read it.
HOW DO YOU GET THESE NAMES AND IDEAS!!?? Such as:

(I realize that was from the last chapter... I just got done reading it too.)
I'm writing a story like this of my own... and I just cant come up with ally (sp?) names or Keyblade names and such. It's hard!!!
Tips??

 

GAH! Gosh darnit! I'm falling behind again! Stupid, stupid, stupid. Pardon the fact that I've got to run, and enjoy!

---
Disclaimer: KH: CoM is Square/Disneys. Griever is Square, Christie/Kia are mine.

WARNING: Violent Battle in Christie's sector, Slight Zemyx in Axel's second sector.
--------
TWILIGHT: Axel and Namine, Pod Room
--------

Namine was angry.

No, angry wasn't the right word.

Livid was more like it. Even Axel could see this, and had the sense to back off as his little princess stared down at the girl that had tried to replace Squirt. Her blue eyes flashed, and the Imposter had fear in hers.

"Listen here Kia, try and do anything like that again, and I will personally make the rest of your very short life as painful as possible! Am I clear?!"

The imposter nodded quickly, before running out of the room in sheer terror. Namine glared after her, shaking her head as she sat down to continue her work. Axel chuckled, making the blond look up at him in surprise.

"What? I only said what was on my mind, like you said."

Axel smiled, sitting against the wall with a sigh and a wince as his back cracked loudly in protest.

"It suits you. You should speak up more often."

Namine nodded, but a smile was now set onto her face as she finished the sketch of the day Christie had arrived.

"No one can replace Squirt, that's for sure."

Namine couldn't help but agree with Axel, Christie was someone who no one could replace.

-------
DAWN and DARK : Riku and Christie, Basement Floors 4-3
-------

Theres a saying, on Earth.

"Cherish what you have while you have it, for it can be gone in an instant."

I don't know who said it, but they were right. I never though that Kia would try to take my life away from me like that. I'm just glad she didn't succeed. Riku
squeezed my hand, smiling at me. I smiled back, only to have to smother a yawn with my free hand. Riku chuckled, before yawning himself. It was my turn to laugh, I guess we were both exhuasted after everything that happened. It was probably really late anyway.

Unfortunately, the next hallway was far from empty. Unlike when Axel and I had come down through here, Lexaeus was standing in the middle of the hallway, giant tomahawk at his side. Soul Eater appeared in Riku's hand as my daggers appeared in mine. This wouldn't be easy, and there was no rediong it if we lost. Losing was not an ption here. Riku screwed up his face with a cough, and even I had no trouble identifying why. Lexaeus was making this place reek!

"That scent.. You're another Nobody!"

Lexaeus nodded.

"You've both done well to make it this far, Riku, Christina. Your reputations are well deserved. But for you both to fear the Darkness, what a waste of talent."

Riku's hand twitched as I growled. That again huh?

"I'm not scared."

Lexaeus crossed his arms, shaking his head.

"I can see that you both are. You've the potential to control it, so cast away the fears that weaken you. Unbind your hearts, and take hold of the Darkness within."

I shook my head, looking the man in front of us straight in the eyes.

"And if we say no?"

Lexaeus smirked, dark green eyes angry. He uncrossed his arms, leaning slightly to lower his center of gravity.

"Then you both end here, Light, Darkness and all!"

With a yelp, both Riku and I were forced onto the defensive as Lexaeus' dark pulse near sent us flying. He was strong enough to keep up the energy level for near a minute, and when it finished, he still wasn't out of breath. Riku and I on the other hand, were struggling to stay on our feet. Lexaeus took his Tomahawk by the handle, swinging it like it was feather.

"See the power of the Darkness! I, Lexaeus, will not yield to frail-hearted cravens! Now, end your resisitance, and let the Darkness into your hearts!"

He charged from his place in the center of the hallway, sending us to opposite ends of the room. I ended up near the stairs going up onto the next floor, while Riku was getting forced back onto the last floor. He was meeting Lexaeus' weapon swing for swing, but his back was to the wall, and at the rate they were going, this wouldn't end well. Letting one of my daggers hit the ground and fade away into the void, I gathered magic in my palm. Ice magic to be presice. After a moment to let it gather pwer, I let the Blizarra spell fly. Hitting such a large target was easy, and the spell sent the large man reeling to the ground, letting Riku get away. He smiled at me in thanks, before jumping back into the fray. Thunder and Fire spells proved to be useless, so Ice was the way to go.

After I'd peppered him with spells for a little while, Lexaeus turned on me. Raising one hand to the cieling, he cast boulders from the ground into the air, sending them flying every which way. With a yelp, Riku hit the ground to avoid the larger boulders, while I flipped and danced around the smaller ones. The attack left Lexaeus out of breath and panting, it had been his final shot at us. Riku growled, taking Soul Eater into his hand once more. He glared at Lexaeus as I dusted myself off.

"Lexaeus!"

My head shot up, Riku had played the fool once more and jumped at Lexaeus. The man was ready for him though, and grabbed his Tomahawk from the ground beside him.

"Perish!"

Before either of us could react, Lexaeus had swung his Tomahawk at Riku, catching him in the middle of his torso. He coughed blood, and for ine fleeting moment, he was suspended on the weapon. But that moment didn't last, Lexaeus swung his giant weapon in the opposite direction, sending Riku flying into the cieling. He hit the cratered tile with a cry of pain, before falling to the ground. In the few seconds before he hit the floor, something in me clicked. I ran forward, barely managing to catch his head with my stomach upon his impact with the ground. I coughed, he was heavier than he let on. Soul Eater clattered to the ground beside his hand, before lying as still as it's wielder. I sat up slightly, before spinning a glare on Lexaeus. He took a step back, but glared at me anyway.

"Such power, gone to waste."

He started walking towards us, but before I could make a move to get up and stop him, Darkness started to waft from Riku's body. Lexaeus stopped short in surprise, jaw dropping. I was blown back a little as Riku was covered in Darkness, Island garb replaced by the suit I'd seen him wear in Hollow Bastion all those months ago. Seemingly ignoring his injuries, he pushed his way off the ground, grabbed Soul Eater,

And disappeared.

Barely a moment later, Lexaeus was hitting the ground with a loud thump, tomahawk falling beside him. I looked behind the still falling man, daggers unconciuosly appearing in my hands as Riku stood up straight. Lexaeus disappeared, and Riku smirked. But that smirk was quickly replaed by a look of pain, and he fell to the ground. I let my daggers fade away as I ran to his side, rolling him onto his back and running one hand down his chest. I winced. More than 3 broken ribs, and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd cracked his spine when he hit the cieling.

I bit my lip, Cura spells wouldn't work here, they didn't target certain areas during the healing process.

Come child, do not tell me that you have forgotten what the Sorceress taught you.

I smacked my forehead, thanking Griever as I placed my hands on Riku's chest.

-------
12 Years before
------

Rinoa smiled at Christie. The teenage sorceress nodded, taking the little girl by her hand and leading her over to a table. Squall slept on top of it, fresh scar still bleeding slightly. Rinoa lifted Christie onto the table, careful to avoid Squall's twisted ankle

"If you concentrate your magic into your hands, you can heal things that a spell never could do on it's on."

Christie nodded, closing her eyes and placing her small hands in front of her, pale fingers ghosting up Squall's scar. Pale green sparks danced between her fingertips and the red skin on her brothers face, and the scar closed up. His brow relaxed now that it didn't hurt, and steel grey eyes opened up. Christie smiled at him, fingers still having that tiny glow. Leon pieced what had happened together, and with a lunge, grabbed his sister into a fierce hug.

"Thank you."

Christie nodded, dozing off in his arms. That healing spell had taken a lot out of her. Leon stood, and with the help of Rinoa, headed back to the residential quarters, sleeping sister in his arms.
-----

I smiled, the memory was still strong. I closed my eyes, concentrating on the healig magic that ran through me. Diverting the flow into my hands, I called upon the highest level of the white magic I knew.

Curaga

My hands glowed green, with tiny amounts of white and pale blue twisting and turning through the magical currents. Satisfied I had enough Mana left, I ran my hands down Riku's chest once more. I could feel the broken and cracked bones mending themselves under my fingers, and Riku twitched. Sighing in relief as he opened his eyes, I sat back on my hip. Riku looked around, one hand on his chest.

He looked at me, and smiled. I smiled back, before letting out a gigantic yawn hidden behind my hand. Those spells still took a lot outta me, even after all these years. Riku laughed gently as he stood, offering me his hand. I took it, shaky on my feet. Riku led me over to a corner, before sitting against the wall. I don't know if he pulled me down or if I fell, but i ended up in his arms. My head was on his shoulder, his breathing lulling me to sleep.

"Chris?" Sleepily blinking, I looked at him.

"Hmm? What'sa matter?" Riku chuckled, wrapping his arms around my back.

"Your cure spells taste like vanilla." I smiled, relaxing into his arms.


"Everybody's spells taste different, it's a magical signature." Riku nodded, my hair moving on his cheek. I fell asleep before he could ask anymore questions, with him following me into the land of dreams a moment later.
We could afford to relax a moment, we would be alright.

--------
TWILIGHT: Axel, Namine and Zexion, Pod Room
--------

Axel sighed, brushing some hair away from his sleeping princesses face, then turned from his place at Namines bed as a Dark Portal opened up behind them, only to relax slightly. It was Zexion, not Saix. Dark grey eyes met Axel's emerald green, before Zexion sighed.

"First Vexen, and now Lexaeus is gone. What's to become of this broken Organization?"


Axel shook his head.

"Larxene's outta the picture too, same as Marluxia. Namine and Sora took them out. I wonder who's next?"

Zexion chuckled bitterly, leaning against the wall.

"Maybe you."

Axel smirked, crossing his arms.

"Me? Nah. I already took my pounding from Sora, he thinks I'm done for good. I don't plan on doing a repeat performance anytime soon. The only ones left, are you and me. Demyx won't be happy about it either way."

Zexion looked away, before bringing out a blue covered book. At Axel's confused look, he handed it to the fire haired man.

"I'd like for you to give that to Demyx, if I don't make it. He will understand what it means."

Axel nodded, tucking the book into his cloak. Zexion was halfway through his portal, when he turned around.

"We won't be needing Riku or Christie any longer."

Axel scoffed.

"Good luck disposing of them. You wanna take on someone who wasted Lexaeus? Besides, I'm not hurting Squirt anymore than I already have."

Zexion smirked.

"That's not how I do things. Tell me, did you manage to retrieve the data on Riku's home?"

------
DARK and DAWN: Riku and Chrisite, Basement Floor 3-2
------

I woke up before Riku, and that gave me the time to notice something.

"The air doesn't stink much anymore." My voice woke Riku from his slumber, and he sighed in relief.

"Yeah. No wonder I slept so well."

I smacked his shoulder playfully.

"I could have sworn that was becuase of the company."

Riku chuckled as I stood, offering my hand. He took it.

"That to."

Still with smiles on our faces, we headed up the stairs. I knew Riku was out of cards, so it wasn't a surprise when Zexion appeared on the staircase next to the door. What was a surprise though, was how ragged around the edges he looked. No rest for the weary I suppose.

"The scent you both speak of was Marluxia. The ex-keeper of this castle, the Keybalde Master finished him off a while back."

Riku jumped at least a foot in the air.

"Sora?! Sora is here?!"

Zexion nodded.

"Would you like to see him? Or should I say, can you face him as you are?"

My eye twitched. This again.

"What is THAT supposed to mean?"

"Darkness and Xehanort's shadow nest themselves withoin your hearts. Aren't you both ashamed to face Sora in these states?"

Riku cocked a brow, but anger still ran underneath his eyes.

"What?"

"Sora's fate is to battle the Darkness. As the Hero of Light, he must oppose hosts of the Darkness. In other words, both of you. If you don't beleive me..."

Zexion tossed a card towards us, Riku catching it in midair and turning it over.

"Then you had best see the truth for yourselves.."

Riku looked down at the card, gasping in surprise. I winced, it just had to be that one.

"This card! This is our..."

Zexion nodded.

"Yes. It is your home."

Zexion faded away, leaving Riku and I to our thoughts. I looked from the door to the card still in Riku's hand, then at his face. I couldn't see his eyes, but I knew he was troubled.

I was too.

This, was getting far out of hand.
----------

UGH! Almost outta time, darnit!

See ya later everyone!

~SH

 

Great job on this chapter.
I read it around 10 or 10:30 this morning.
However, I couldn't comment because my school's computers block any site other than MSN and Yahoo.
So I had to wait 7 hours. =/
But great job otherwise!!
Can't wait for the next chapter.