((Comments, good or bad, are encouraged. This will be a fairly long series, so expect semi-frequent updates. This installment is more or less of a teaser.)) Prologue When Sora, Riku, and Kairi received the King’s letter, they could never guess what events were truly unfolding. Though both the Heartless and Nobody of the scientist Xehanort had been vanquished, the creatures he helped create still ran amok, largely due to the efforts of the sorceress Maleficent. Her lust for power was too great. When the King had finally confronted her, she tried in desperation to cast a powerful yet mysterious spell from the back of an old book she had found in Hollow Bastion. Not knowing what it would do but figuring it would help her, she recited the incantation. According to the King, a great flash of light followed by pitch darkness enveloped them. When it cleared, the reconstituted Xehanort stood before them. Maleficent was destroyed and the King barely escaped. Now, Xehanort was traveling from world to world, recruiting the scum of the universe to fight for him. What was worse, he was training them all to use dark keyblades. It is well known that the keyblade is fickle in just who it chooses to allow its use. The King estimated that if Xehanort could find many dark keyblade wielders, that they would be able to find just as many light ones. And so Sora, Riku, and Kairi set off to the different worlds and collected all of their friends for battle training in Twilight Town. But even then, there was a problem. Obviously, with news of Xehanort’s return, the Princesses of Heart were kept under close supervision. However, word soon reached the King’s ear that Xehanort had discovered the existence of more Princesses, and that seven was just the number needed to unlock the true Kingdom Hearts. It was discovered that Ariel of Atlantica and Mulan of the Land of Dragons were such Princesses, but no worry was made as they were training in combat, as was Kairi and, oddly enough, Belle. However Xehanort and his agents were now searching worlds far outside the domain of both Disney Castle and Hollow Bastion for other Princesses, as well as more recruits. Once again, the King figured that two could play at this game. Enlisting the help of Cid Highwind, toymaker Gippetto, and Twilight Town’s Struggle champion and aviation expert Setzer Gabbiani, a great Gummi ship was constructed that would shuttle many passengers around. And, of course, Sora was instructed to head this mission alongside Donald and Goofy. After much preparation, Sora, Donald, and Goofy set out for innerspace. Leaving the familiar Disney galaxy behind, they began a long journey into uncharted territory. Chapter 1 – Bond of Flame The first world that they touched down on seemed mostly like grassland except for a small town in the middle of almost nowhere. All of the village’s citizens gave them really odd looks on arrival. Sora felt really uncomfortable now. Before, they were supposed to keep up the appearance that there were no other worlds and that they belonged to whatever place they were visiting. However, now that they were openly recruiting, they needn’t keep up such disguises anymore, or so Donald had said. This meant that they were more recognizably outsiders than ever before. Sora was awakened from these musings by the sound of a loud crash. Instantly, a young man with dirty-blonde hair and a long tail jumped out of the window of a nearby house, followed closely by a younger man with slightly lighter blonde hair and a woman of the same age with short, dark hair. “Tribal!†screamed the boy, “You give that back now!†Without thinking, Sora stuck his arm out and clotheslined the thief, who had been more interested by where he came from than where he was going. He picked up what the thief had dropped: an old, yet ornately designed button. The thief got up, looked from Sora to the other man, and whispered to Sora “You have no idea what you’re doing,†before running off into the distant hills. “Thanks,†said the other blonde-haired man when he reached the trio, “I thought he’d make off with it for sure.†“What is it?†asked Sora. “It’s a button. It belonged to our father.†“Adopted father,†the young woman added. “He disappeared about five years ago. He’s most likely dead. This was something he entrusted to us before he left.†“I’m sorry to hear that,†said Goofy. “Why did that other guy want it so bad?†asked Donald. “Who can tell?†replied the man. “Zidane Tribal is a menace, but he’s only ever stolen food before. Maybe some loose change. But for the past few months or so, he’s been trying to run off with things that were important to Ela.†“Ela was your foster father?†Sora asked. “Yes,†replied the young woman. “He was barely older than us, but he raised us the best he could. He was the closest this town had to a chief or an official. Five years ago, the town was attacked by these dark beings. Ela took a party to the hills to vanquish them. The creatures never appeared again, but neither did Ela.†“Some say,†said the man, “that his ghost haunts the caves. There is something menacing up there, but I don’t believe in ghosts. It’s probably a few more of those creatures that were leftover from the raid that are building numbers.†“We think somebody should go up there and exterminate whatever’s there,†said the woman, “but everyone in town is too afraid.†Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked at each other. This sounded like Heartless all right. “We’ll help you out,†said Sora, “We’re kind of traveling warriors, who have been fighting these creatures. I’m Sora, and this is Donald and Goofy.†“I’m Luke,†said the man, “and this is my sister Leia.†“I sure hope you can handle these things,†said Leia flatly. “Ela didn’t survive, and he was the consummate battle strategist. He always knew what to do and made sure everyone knew the plan, knew all the steps.†Luke chuckled, “You remember how he always used to ask if everyone had ‘got it memorized’ before anything was carried out†Sora started and looked at Donald and Goofy. “That sounds kinda like…†Goofy started. “Luke, Leia, would either of you have a picture of Ela?†Sora asked, “A painting or a statue, or some image?†“Well, sure,†said Luke, “and you guys should probably rest a bit before you trek up there. The trio was barely in the door five minutes when they saw the shrine to Ela. The hair was a bit longer and tied into a ponytail, and the marks under the eyes were a bit more elaborate, but this was definitely the same man. The same man who had acted as a double-agent of sorts against Sora’s enemies. The same man who Sora had seen dissolve into nothingness after opening a portal to the world of the Nobodies. “Axel…†Sora whispered to himself quietly. “What did you say?†asked Luke. “Nothing,†said Sora quickly, “It’s just…I knew someone who looked a lot like him once.†*** “So this ‘Ela’ person must have been Axel’s original self,†said Donald as the trio trekked up to the hills. Goofy nodded. Sora said nothing. He was staring at the miniature chakram keychain that Axel had left behind on their last meeting. Tell Kairi I’m sorry. You can tell her yourself. Think I’ll pass. My heart just wouldn’t be in it, you know? Haven’t got one. “Sora!†Sora jumped and looked at Donald, who continued “Stay with us, please?†“Yeah…sorry…†was all Sora could manage to get out. When they finally arrived at a small rocky outcropping, they noticed the gigantic mouth of a cave. Sora examined it from the outside while Donald and Goofy checked the perimeter. The cave seemed fairly shallow, though it did lead off a bit to the left. When the duck and the dog returned to Sora’s side, the three of them entered the cave. They didn’t get far before flames shot towards them at startling speed. Barely making it out of the cave in time, they looked behind them to see they were followed by a large Heartless. It was thin, pitch-black except for its glowing yellow eyes, and its head seemed to be very spiky. Its hands were two black weapons of a familiar shape. “Axel?†cried Sora. The Heartless turned its head to the boy and shot out a stream of fire from its chakram-hand. Sora rolled towards the others. “It’s a Heartless, Sora! Destroy it!†screamed Donald. “I can’t! He helped us!†“Axel helped us!†shouted Donald as they dodged another pillar of flame, “This is a Heartless!†“Look out!†called Goofy as he shielded them from a large burst of flame. The force knocked them back, and the keychain that Sora was looking at flew out of his hand and straight into the creature’s eye. The Heartless howled in pain as little strands of thorny white energy slithered down from the object in its eye and wrapped around the beast, creating an odd-looking zebra pattern. The white energy collected around the chest area and Sora’s keyblade activated itself, shining a beam of light into the keyhole that white energy had created. There was a great flash of light, and the creature’s howls became the screaming of a familiar voice. When the light cleared, there was a man on the ground where the Heartless once stood. He was wearing a sleeveless cloak of pastel red, and his taped-up hands were holding two small chakrams. His hair was long and red, and tied into a small tail in the back, and when he looked up at the trio it was with green eyes with long blue darts underneath. He flashed the trio a trademark smirk. “I guess they were wrong when they said there’s no going home again,†he quipped. “Axel?†cried Sora in surprise, “or is it ‘Ela’?†“Apparently so,†said Ela, “though how I got here is a mystery.†“When you…when your nobody dissolved, a keychain was left behind, and we threw the keychain at your heartless.†“Ahh yes, the keychain,†smiled Ela, “Who knew? I left what remained of my nobody’s power in that thing for you to help you defeat Xemnas. Since you’re all here, I guess it worked. But what are you doing here? So far from the realm of Disney Castle?†“You’re not the only one who reconstituted,†explained Donald. “Maleficent inadvertently brought Xehanort back, and now he’s building up an army. We’re trying to do the same for our side.†“Hmm…the ultimate showdown of good verses evil?†Ela smirked, “Count me in! The twins should be old enough to take care of themselves by now. Over 20 years old, if my math is correct. Oh, sorry, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about.†“Sure we do,†said Goofy, “We met Luke and Leia. How did you come to adopt them in the first place?†Ela’s face dropped. “It’s a long and complicated story,†he said guardedly, “let’s just say I hope we don’t run into their birth father.†They were about to turn and leave when they heard a faint voice chanting something. They went a little farther into the woods beyond the hill cave and came across a small pyre with a large figure in front of it reading an incantation from a book. “Pete!†shouted Donald and Goofy. Pete, formally Maleficent’s right-hand cat, turned around. “Aww crud,†he moaned, “Not you punks again!†“What are you up to, Pete?†growled Sora. “Not that its any of your business, but I like hearing the sound of my own voice so I’ll tell you anyway,†chuckled Pete. “I’m in the employ of Xehanort now, and I was just about to summon an evil spirit to search this world for persons who might be useful to us. Word is there’s a princess of heart around here.†Ela stepped forward quickly and said “You’d better leave now if you know what’s good for you!†“Oh, I will,†said Pete, “Just as soon as my friend arrives. He’ll get the added bonus of cutting you down!†Sora and Ela rushed forward, and Pete summoned a force-field to keep them at bay. As they hacked away at the magic barrier, Pete picked up the old book and started to chant again. “Estuans interious ira vehementi, sors immanis et inanis, veni veni venias, ne me mori facias, gloriosa, generosa, SEPHIROTH!†“Did he just…†started Sora before a beam of light bore into the spot where the pyre was. When it dispersed, a man was seen kneeling on the spot. He slowly stood up and stretched his long, black wing and then turned to Pete. “What do you want?†Sephiroth snarled. “Xehanort’s orders. Search the world for a Princess of Heart and/or anyone who might be sympathetic to our cause. But first, eliminate these goons!†Sephiroth turned to face the heroes and he smiled. “I’ve dealt with them before. They’re weak. This should be no problem.†Pete smiled. “I didn’t think it would be for the great Sephiroth,†he said before blowing a raspberry at the heroes and sprinting away. Sephiroth unsheathed his massive sword, smiled at the heroes, and rushed towards them. The battle was fierce. Sephiroth kept slashing with his sword at lightning speeds. Sora, Goofy, and Ela worked feverishly to block all the strikes while Donald kept firing magic blasts at him. They battled their way into a clearing, the heroes very tired but Sephiroth barely winded. “Now, you die,†said Sephiroth softly. “Not if I have anything to do with it!†came a voice from the trees and a small dagger flew out of nowhere and hit Sephiroth square in the back. “Who dares?†cried Sephiroth in anger and pain. “I do, you big turkey!†replied the voice and another dagger hit Sephiroth square in the chest. “Fool…you can’t destroy me…†said Sephiroth weakly but triumphantly. “Wanna bet?†replied the voice. As quick as a flash, the thief Zidane Tribal leapt from behind a tree and slashed with a short sword, decapitating Sephiroth. Sephiroth’s body spasmed for a few moments before exploding in a great flash of light. “So,†said Zidane, “I see your finally back to normal.†Ela smiled, “Where have you been all this time?†“I’ve been trying to resurrect you, but the twins saw me taking your things and kept beating me. I would’ve gotten away the last time if it weren’t for these idiots!†aid Sora, “How were we supposed to know.†“You could’ve asked!†Ela chuckled. “Everything will be fine now, I’m sure. Hey, do you want to come with us to fight our little war? You’re certainly the type we need.†“Nah,†said Zidane. “Someone still needs to keep an eye on Skywalker’s spawn while you’re away.†“I agree,†said Ela, “First I thought they were old enough, but if Xehanort keeps sending agents like that creep…†“Also,†said Zidane, “Do you think they can stand up to their father?†“If he’s even still alive,†said Ela. “I hate it when people are cryptic around us,†said Donald. So, as Zidane headed back to the town, Sora, Donald, and Goofy took Ela to the Gummi ship. After a more detailed briefing, they were off to the next world.
*SPOILERS TO THOSE WHO HAVENT READ IT YET* Omigosh! I love your fan fic! Plus I love the way you crossed Axel with Star Wars! That is the best fan fic I have ever read! :D
This was only chapter one. I've got like about five or six chapters planned out. I just have to write them. Expect Chapter 2 within the next few days.
First of all... I'd like to say... SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!! AXELLLLLLLL!!!! *slaps self* A-hem... >.> Now that that's over... I'd like to say LIEK, ZOMG!!! YOU HAVE TO MAKE MORE NOOOOOOW!!!!11!1!!!oneoneone!!!!1!1eleven!!!!!!!pickle!!!11!111! DDDDDX *slaps self again* .................... Okay... Now that THAT'S over... XDDDD Just some little things I picked up that might make it even better than it already is... =3 It's just a personal thing of mine to want people to tell me how to make my work better and all, but if you don't like it, just tell me and I'll take it off quick, fast, an' in a hurry! XDDD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "“I’m sorry to hear that,†said Goofy." Maybe you could make him sound a wee bit more... Goofy-ish in this part. ^-^ I'm pretty sure the only thing ya need to change is that "to" to "tuh" Then it'll be all like... ""I'm sorry tuh hear that," said Goofy." Really adds some voice in -ere, don't it? XD Sora jumped and looked at Donald, who continued “Stay with us, please?†Now, when has Donald been one to say "please?" XD “You’re not the only one who reconstituted,†explained Donald. “Maleficent inadvertently brought Xehanort back, and now he’s building up an army. We’re trying to do the same for our side.†Sounds really... intellectual for Donald. XD Of course, that's just me. =3 “Sure we do,†said Goofy, “We met Luke and Leia. How did you come to adopt them in the first place?†Same thing as before goes here! =D The battle was fierce. Sephiroth kept slashing with his sword at lightning speeds. Sora, Goofy, and Ela worked feverishly to block all the strikes while Donald kept firing magic blasts at him. They battled their way into a clearing, the heroes very tired but Sephiroth barely winded. GRAWR! DX I DEMAND MORE ACTION!!! DX “How were we supposed to know.†Not that it matters much, but there's a typo right here. XD That "." is supposed to be a "?" am I correct? =3 *gets hit with a brick* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hope I didn't bore ya too much! XD NOW GET BACK TO WORK!!!! DX *cracks whip* Lord of the Wings, ~Leah
Chapter 2: The Right Back Alley Chapter 2: The Right Back Alley The Gummi ship had been making strange noises during the trip, so when they reached the next world, Goofy stayed behind with Setzer on intercom trying to make repairs. When Sora, Donald, and Ela landed on the world, they were met with a very bleak cityscape. Donald shuddered at the dark, almost monochromatic landscape, then to the bullet-ridden road sign that read “Basin City: 600 ft.†Sora, however, was elated. “This is just like those old black and white detective movies I used to watch as a kid! I remember I used to stay up late when my parents weren’t looking and just watch James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, Orson Wells, all the greats…†Ela studied the road sign. “That’s interesting,†he said, “These bullet holes almost completely obscure the ‘B’ and the ‘A’ in this town’s name.†“All the better!†squealed Sora in glee. “It’s a perfect name for the story of a hard-boiled detective. ‘Sin City.’ And I’m its newest Private Eye!†Sora lowered his voice, imitating the inner-monologue of a tough-guy. “I keep two Magnums in my desk. One’s a gun. I keep it loaded. The other’s a bottle. It keeps me loaded…†“Psst,†whispered Ela, “Don’t look now, but I think suspicious character number 1 has just graced us with his presence.†He subtly motioned over the guardrail, where a man could be seen at the bottom of the hill, slinking through the sparse covering of trees that separated the rocky hill from the city proper. He was wearing modest clothing: A black sweater with a white zigzag, and a pair of black jeans. But the moonlight caught his glasses in a way that gave them an almost inhuman glow. Also, it was hard to tell from this distance, but his fingernails looked a bit too long. Sora, Donald, and Ela followed the road down to the claustrophobic collection of buildings hoping to head the bespectacled man off, but he was nowhere to be found. So they shrugged and wandered the streets aimlessly until suddenly, a voice from behind said “Excuse me.†After jumping a mile in the air, they turned around to find a man in a trenchcoat staring at them. He was obviously an older man, but he had an energy and strength about him that belied his age. He bore an X-shaped scar on his forehead. He reached into his coat and very quickly flashed a badge. “Lieutenant John Hartigan, Basin City PD. What are you boys up to tonight?†“Just sight-seeing,†replied Sora quickly. “We’re kind of new in town.†“I see,†said Lt. Hartigan. “Then you wouldn’t happen to know anything regarding the whereabouts of one Nancy Callahan, age nineteen?†“No sir,†said Sora. “But if we find anything, we’ll come see you,†added Ela quickly. Hartigan’s face dropped for a second, then offered a sad smile. “Thanks, but you wouldn’t know where to find me. I’m…undercover. Thank you for your time,†he added before disappearing into the shadows. Another hour of walking, and they found themselves in a section of the city populated by old-fashioned lampposts. There were several women leaning against each of these. These women, in Sora’s opinion, were wearing far too few clothes. A tall woman in leather and fishnets walked up to the group and smiled. “Welcome to Old Town,†she said, “you new around here, boys?†“Oh boy,†Ela said quietly before turning to the others and saying “Let me handle this.†Turning back to the tall woman, he said “Yeah, we’re new, but we seem to have taken a wrong turn, and we’re sorry to have bothered you.†“Wait!†said Sora, “Maybe they know something about this Nancy Callahan person?†At this, the women froze to look at the trio. They suddenly drew a large assortment of guns from seemingly nowhere. Also seemingly out of nowhere, a small woman dropped from the rooftops and brandished two samurai swords and a mean look at the heroes. “What do you know about Nancy Callahan?†the tall woman asked slowly. Donald’s voice quivered as he spoke. “Only that some cop was looking for her…Lt. Hartigan?†The tall woman blinked. Lowering her gun, she said “If you see him again, tell him that Gail and the Old Town Girls have her in safekeeping, and not to worry about it. Now, you boys better buy something or leave.†“What do you have?†said Sora. Ela grabbed them both by the arm and led them away quickly, saying “Trust me, you don’t want what they’re selling.†“How do you know?†said the tall woman, Gail, “The kid looks lonely.†“He’s got a girlfriend,†Ela shouted back from the distance. “Never been a problem here,†Gail laughed as the trio rounded a corner and the women went out of sight. “What has that got to do with anything?†said Sora. “And besides, Kairi’s not…†“Stop living in denial, kid,†said Ela before a sneakered foot connected with his head. Before the others knew what happened, Donald was thrown into the wall of the alley with a “WAAK!†before falling down unconscious. Sora summoned the Keyblade as their assailant showed his face. It was the bespectacled man they had seen earlier. His face was expressionless except for an eerie half-smile. His hands were held out to the side in a relaxed manner, and Sora could now plainly see that the fingernails were pointed and probably razor-sharp. “Who are you?!†Sora shouted as he swung with the Keyblade. The bespectacled man dodged the blow by alighting on the Keyblade and kicking Sora in the face, knocking him out. *** The first thing Sora saw when he awoke was bathroom tile. He seemed to be in a large shower room of some kind. He looked to his left and saw Donald and Ela were also awake. They were staring at something on the opposite wall with terror. Sora followed their gaze. The heads of several women were mounted like animal heads with similar dumbfounded gazes. Sora, like the others, could only stare in silent horror. “He keeps the heads. He eats the rest,†said a gravelly voice from a corner of the room. The heroes’ gazes were pulled from the wall to a large man sitting in the corner. His face, gargoyle-like to begin with, was covered in scratches and medical tape. Yet despite his monstrous appearance, his eyes belied a soul worth trusting. All Sora could say was “Huh?†“Kevin,†said the hulking man, “The little weirdo in the glasses. He eats people. Women mostly, which is probably why we aren’t steaks right now. They’re keeping me alive so they can pin it on me. But what they want with you three, I got no idea.†Donald cringed. Sora tried to hold back his insides. Ela asked, “Who are you?†“Me?†said the man, “I’m nobody. Just another brute with a mean face and a ‘condition.’ Which reminds me…I haven’t taken my medicine in a while. When you’ve got a condition, it’s bad to forget your medicine.†“Right,†said Ela nervously, “Well…my name is Ela. These are my friends Sora and Donald.†The man stared at them. “You sweethearts? Don’t matter to me if you are.†“God no!†said Ela. “Why does everyone always think that about me? No, we’re just on one of those quests you read about in the fantasy books.†“I don’t read much,†said the man, “wasn’t that great at school. Name’s Marv,†he added extending a hand for them to shake. “How did you get here?†asked Sora. “And for that matter, where is ‘here’?†“Well, they killed someone who did something nice for me. She only wanted me to protect her from them, but she was still nicer to me than anyone’s ever been. But I was stone drunk so I couldn’t protect her when she was murdered right next to me. Like I said, they needed someone to pin this all on, and they thought I was the perfect patsy. But I wasn’t about to stay put, so they locked me up.†Marv lit up a cigarette, much to the chagrin of the heroes, as he continued. “As for where ‘here’ is, ‘here’ is the Farm.†“The Farm?†Donald repeated quizzically. “Yeah,†said Marv, “The Roark Family Farm.†“Umm,†said Sora, “We’re kind of tourists, so…†“Aww, Christ,†sighed Marv, “I ain’t Mr. Storyteller over here. The Roarks have controlled most of Sin City since it was built. They’re nasty too, every single one of them, up to the current generation. Cardinal Roark found Kevin and the two of them began their eating binge together. I was able to let the Cardinal meet his God, but then Kevin sliced me up and hit me with a goddamn sledgehammer. Then there’s Senator Roark, he’s in congress now. He’s got a laundry list few people know about, and I can’t tell you the details.†“If these Roarks are what you say,†said Ela, “Then I hope none of them have any more kids.†“Well, there’s the thing,†said Marv, “The Senator used to have a son. I don’t know his name, everyone just called him ‘Junior.’ Anyway, he liked to get his kicks with little girls. If they could’ve spoken after, I don’t think they’d say it was much fun. But there was a good cop in Sin City, the only one. Hartigan. He was able to save the last victim before she became a victim, and put little Junior into a coma with a few less parts while at it, if you catch my meaning. But the Senator didn’t like that much, so he pinned all of Junior’s crimes on Hartigan. Got him kicked off the force and sent to jail.†“Hartigan?!†Exclaimed Sora, “We just saw him!†Marv looked at them gravely. “If Hartigan found a way out, that must mean Nancy’s in trouble.†“You know her?†asked Ela. “’Course I do. Sweet kid. Saved her from some frat boys who were roughing her up a few years back. I hate it when guys beat up on dames.†“So,†said Sora, “It looks like we have to find a way out of here, defeat Kevin and the Senator, and rescue Nancy.†“Almost,†said Marv, “except that the Senator ain’t the one running the show here.†“Who is?†asked Sora. “And…what is that smell?†added Donald. “Damn,†said Marv, “He’s here. The guy who’s behind all this, if you can even call him a guy…†It was then that the door opened. A dark-skinned man who was taller than Marv and had one gold eye entered, surveyed the room, then moved aside for a smaller creature to enter. He looked like he had been human once, except that he was canary yellow in addition to being bald and cartoonishly ugly. He also smelled like a rotting corpse covered in expired mayonnaise. “So,†said the yellow man with a sick grin, “This is the Keyblade Master I’ve heard so much about.†“How do you know who I am?†asked Sora, “Who are you?†“Just an investor in Xehanort’s little war,†the yellow man replied. “You can call me ‘YB.’†“Does that stand for ‘Yellow Bastard’?†asked Marv with a grin, “’Cause that’s what you are, you yellow *******!†YB gave a look to the taller man, who went over and smacked Marv across the face. “Nice shot, Manute,†chuckled Marv, “By the way, I love your new eye. Sorry I lost the old one for you.†The tall man, Manute, stared at Marv with his good eye quivering. “Enough!†said YB. “You can all just stew in here. Once Hartigan leads me to the Princess of Heart, I’ll offer him the heroes of the Key as a bonus.†“What’s in it for you?†said Ela. “Power to do what I want,†replied YB with a grin. “Whatever I want, However I want it, Whenever I want it! True, I was always able to get that here, but think…and entire universe where I can get away with anything. Isn’t that enough?†And with that, YB and Manute left the room and locked the door. About five minutes after they left, Marv started ramming the large steel door. “What are you doing?†asked Donald. “What do you think?†said Marv, “I’m getting us out of here. They got Goldie, they ain’t getting’ Nancy.†“Stand back, Marv,†said Sora as he summoned the Keyblade. A ray shot from its end and the door slowly swung open. “I won’t ask how you did that, ‘cause I probably won’t understand it anyway,†said Marv as he ran past them. They followed him up the stairs and to the Farm proper where they were surrounded by Neoshadows and several trench-coated heartless. Sora’s Keyblade, Donald’s magic, and Ela’s chakrams took care of several heartless, but Marv really did a number on them. At first he was punching them out with a strength akin to Hercules, then he found a hatchet and a gun he had hid, and went to work with them. Finally, there was one heartless left. “Now that there,†said Marv to the creature, “is one damn fine coat you’re wearing.†Marv took the heartless by the neck and removed its coat before destroying it. Putting the coat on, he found it was a perfect fit. *** When they returned to Old Town, they found the girls in a shooting war with a large band of heartless. “Where’s Nancy?†Marv asked Gail when they found her. “Hartigan took her to some motel for safekeeping. But these guys are relentless. Each one we kill, Manute summons ten more!†“Manute?!†exclaimed Donald. “So if we destroy him, we’ll stop the Heartless,†said Sora. “Donald, Ela, Marv, help the girls. I’m going after Manute.†“Wait,†said Gail. She made a hand motion and the small girl with the swords appeared. “Take Miho with you,†said Gail. “Neither of you can get close on your own, but together you have a chance.†Sora looked at Miho, who nodded. Together, they jumped up to the rooftops, cutting down heartless as they went. Battling in formation, they leapfrogged and launched each other at their enemies. When they were in sight of Manute, he noticed them. “The Keybearer!†exclaimed Manute, “But how?!†“The main word here is ‘Key,’ you idiot!†yelled Sora as he Miho delivered quick cross-slashes to Manute. The tall man fell to his knees and dissolved into darkness as he said “This…isn’t…the end…†Miho and Sora then turned to help the others eradicate the remaining heartless. *** “Eight years!†said Nancy. “Why do you think I kept writing all those letters? It wasn’t just gratitude. I tried falling in love with boys. I even thought I did, once or twice. But I was already in love with you!†“That’s enough, Nancy,†said Hartigan. Sitting next to her on the motel couch, he tried to talk some sense into her. “I’m old enough to be your grandfather! You’re scared, and it’s got you talking crazy.†“I’m not scared,†said Nancy, and with that she pressed her lips against his. For a moment in time, they were two star-crossed lovers melting together. Then Hartigan pulled away sharply. “Dear lord, no,†he said as he got up and walked to the other end of the room. “There’s wrong, and there’s wrong, and then there’s this. For god’s sake, Nancy, you’re just a kid! That’s the whole thing.†“I love you,†Nancy said to him as he began to exit the room. Turning back for a second, Hartigan smiled and said “I love you too, with all my heart.†Hartigan decided that a cold shower was just the thing to keep his wits about him. He got in and tried relaxing when he heard the door open. At first he thought Nancy had followed him, then he noticed the smell that had plagued him during their entire trip to the motel. The curtains pulled back and a gloved fist connected with his face. Hartigan fell down and was held there by a yellow foot. He looked up into an angry yellow face that was trickling a small amount of yellow blood. “Recognize my voice, Hartigan?!†screamed YB. “Recognize my voice, you piece-of-s*** cop?! I look different, but I bet you can recognize my voice! I’d be really insulted if you didn’t recognize my voice!†“Sure I recognize your voice, Junior.†*** When Sora, Donald, Ela, and Marv reached the Motel, they found it dark and deserted. The broken window didn’t bode well either. They looked in to find Hartigan, completely naked, hanging by his neck with his hands tied, holding a shard of broken glass in his feet with which he was attempting to cut his bonds. “What happened?†exclaimed Donald as the others cut him down and got him his clothes. “Roark Jr.,†said Hartigan. “He’s back. His daddy brought him back somehow, turned him into some yellow mutant in the process.†“YB…†said Ela softly. “Where’s Nancy?†asked Sora. “He took her. Back to the Farm, most likely. He said something about delivering her to someone, but I have a hunch he’s going to want to finish what he didn’t get to do eight years ago.†“How are we going to get there in time?†asked Marv. “Knowing Junior, he’ll send some goons to pick up what he thinks is a dead body. When they arrive, we’ll be ready.†*** “The Princess is safe, but we’ve got a problem,†Junior said into his communicator, “The Keyblader and the Brute escaped, and I lost Manute.†“Correction, Roark,†said the image of Xehanort on the communicator, “It’s your problem. It’s your responsibility to make sure it doesn’t become my problem.†“Xehanort,†Junior said, “You need to come and pick her up now. And leave me some more reinforcements.†“You have all the reinforcements you require,†said Xehanort. “As for the Princess, I will pick her up on my own time. And she’d better be kept safe.†“Yeah, but…†“Do not forget your place, Roark. Xehanort out,†and with that, the communicator shut off. “Double-crossing…who does he think he is?†whined Junior. He turned to Kevin, who was sitting nearby reading a Bible. “I want you to set me up for a party tonight,†he said. Kevin narrowed his eyes at him, to which Junior replied “Don’t judge me, cannibal. Just make it perfect or else I’m calling my dad. It’s the perfect way to get back at Xehanort and Hartigan. She’s a little old for my taste, but I can forgive that just this once!†*** Hartigan drove them to the Farm with the car stolen from a couple of stupid thugs. They were halfway through the woods when Marv stopped them. “It’s Kevin,†said Marv, “He’s close. Hartigan, you go on ahead and rescue Nancy. The four of us will handle Kevin.†Hartigan nodded and headed towards the farmhouse in a diagonal. The rest of them waited for Kevin to show his face. He did, but not before showing his feet to Marv. Kevin leapt all over the place, as usually, throwing kicks and slashes to the heroes while they offered blows back, all of which expertly dodged by Kevin. “Over here!†called Marv, and Kevin leapt on him. That’s when Marv pulled out a pair of handcuffs, and chained himself to Kevin. “There, creep,†said Marv, “Let’s see you hop around now!†And with one punch, Marv knocked Kevin out. “Go help Hartigan,†said Marv, “he’ll need it. He’s got a bum ticker.†“What about you?†said Sora. “I’m not even close to finished with this creep yet, and I don’t want you watching the rest. It’ll give you nightmares.†Understanding, the rest of them ventured to the barn just in time to hear Junior’s ranting. “You’ve had it! You’re about to keel over! You can’t even lift that cannon!†Sora, Donald, and Ela burst in to see Hartigan wheezing on the floor, Nancy tied up in a corner, and Junior in his underwear holding a whip and a really large knife. They also noticed he was brimming with the power of darkness. “You gave me a scare there for a second, old beans!†Junior called to the newcomers. “I’m taking no chances with any of you. First I soften you all up, then it’s Showtime!†With the whip, he sent blasts of dark energy towards the heroes. He managed to knock Donald and Ela out, but Sora was hanging in there. Sora swung with the Keyblade, and Junior was barely able to dodge it. “You look like something my cat coughed up!†called Sora. “It’s not wise to make fun of me like that,†replied Junior, “It brings out the worst in me!†Junior’s whip wrapped around the Keyblade and kept it still as Junior came close and raised his knife. “Here it comes,†he smiled, “It’s gonna hurt!†“You’re right about that, “ said Hartigan as he came up underneath and stuck a switchblade into Juniors disgusting belly. “Sucker,†muttered Hartigan as he broke Junior’s arm, removed vital parts with his bare hands, and started beating Junior’s face into the floorboards, shouting “Eight Long Years, you Son of a *****!†After a while, what had become a puddle of yellow goo dissolved into darkness. Sora untied Nancy, and they helped Donald and Ela out of the barn. It was about this time that Marv ran up. “Kevin’s gone, kid’s not human. I killed him. I tore him apart, and he just disappeared in smoke and then came back together and hit me. Ran off.†“He won’t get far,†said Hartigan. *** In the moonlight, Miho was surveying Old Town when barely audible footsteps made her turn around. Kevin was standing there. So, this is your new foe said telepathically. Indeed. Shall we continue our battle? I’ve beaten you for centuries. What makes you think the forces of evil can win now? You know what they say on this rock. “Walk down the right back alley in Sin City, and you can find anything. The two silent demons nodded and posed for battle. *** “Nancy,†said Sora, “You’re a Princess of Heart, and there’s going to be a lot of people coming after you. You’re better off in our protection. Marv, Hartigan, you’re welcome to come with us too.†“Marv should go,†said Hartigan, “I’ve got friends on their way to collect evidence. I’m gonna blow this sick mess wide open. I’m gonna clear my name and get Senator Roark thrown behind bars where he belongs.†“Be careful,†said Nancy, “I can’t lose you. Not again.†She walked up to him and kissed him, then all of them except Hartigan warped to the Gummi ship. “Nice kids, all of them,†said Hartigan to himself. “Shame to lie to them like that. I hope they can forgive me for it.†He knew he couldn’t go with them. With his heart the way it was, he wouldn’t last even a second in a real battle. He also knew there was no way he’d be able to get Senator Roark. Roark was more likely to get him first. After killing the senator’s only son, the rest of Hartigan’s life was sure to be horrible. The Senator would also use him to find Nancy, and he couldn’t allow that. In Hartigan’s mind, there was only one way to truly beat the Senator and keep his loved ones safe. “An old man dies,†muttered Hartigan as he knelt down, “A young woman lives. Fair trade. I love you, Nancy.†A gunshot echoed through the woods, and wasn’t even acknowledged in Sin City.
Pretty dark stuff for a Disney site, and I thought the vampire RP was dark. Afraid I haven't seen some of the films used so the references are lost on me. Well written though.
Believe me, I toned down Frank Miller's "Sin City" for this, but I loved the characters so much and this story is basically "Kingdom Hearts using non-Disney worlds." Obviously Star Wars will come back, since I already established Luke and Leia, and other chapters will deal with other non-Disney worlds that I would've loved to see in a KH-style game. But yeah, Sin City is a graphic novel taken to the literal, and the film version is R-rated for a reason. I tried my best to tone it down for the site while staying true to the character and the story. I mean, "Pirates of the Carribean," while obviously much more lighthearted than this, was dark enough to have to be toned down for inclusion in Kingdom Hearts II. So basically, Kingdom Hearts II turned a PG-13 into a PG, so I turned an R into a PG-13. Please leave more comments! I'll be writing the third chapter some time next week, if I'm lucky.
Woooow... @-@ <surfer dude voice> Powerful stuff, maaaaan! >=D You get no complaints from me, duuuuuude! XDDDD Liek, RIGHTEOUS, and whatever!!! XDDDDD
Chapter 3: The Dark Side of the Force ((I am SO SO SORRY! It's been like, four or five months. I just had a bad case of writer's block. But now Chapter 3 is finished, and I have a better idea of where the sotry as a whole is heading.)) Chapter 3: The Dark Side of the Force The lights were out when the hooded man walked down the hallway to the space station’s control room. That was okay. He liked the dark, anyway. Always had, ever since he was a child. He couldn’t remember too much of his childhood, though. It was ages ago. He was now and old man, bent and deformed with age and evil. But though he wasn’t much to look at, the man still held immense power. He was flanked by his lieutenants, his apprentices. They were, in his eyes, the perfect perverse joining of technology and organic matter. They were both perfect killing machines, even if they did sound a bit sickly; one emitted a hacking electronic cough every few minutes, and the steady breathing rhythm of an artificial lung followed the other at all times. The hooded man had begun taking comfort in their noises, as well as the twisted energy coming off them. He was not, however, looking forward to the communication he was about to make. He wasn’t all too fond of the man he had chosen to ally himself with, though only because this one’s ambitions were a threat to his own. He did, however, despise the man whom the other had chosen as his chief lackey as of late. The hooded man sat down on his command chair, which was really more of a throne, and flipped a few switches on the panel behind him. A small, holographic image flared to life of a man dressed in tight-fitting armor of some kind, holding a helmet under his arm. The helmet was a demonic face twisted in an insane grin. The face on the man wasn’t all that different. “I’m a busy man, Osborn,†the hooded man said, “Speak quickly and get out of my sight.†“Aren’t we cheery today?†said the electronic image of Osborn, displaying a level of arrogance that none other would dare give to the dark, hooded form. “Xehanort wants me to tell you that the spiky-haired kid and his little love-boat are headed in your direction. I’m to tell you that disposing of the little twerp will put you in the big man’s favor.†“Pitiful,†said the hooded man softly, “Xehanort wants to control the workings of the universe, and yet he can’t rid himself of a pubescent gnat by himself.†“He thought you might say that,†grinned Osborn, “So he told me to remind you that pubescent gnat defeated the sorceress Maleficent on a number of occasions, completely decimated Organization XIII, and made mincemeat out of Sephiroth.†“Sephiroth,†said the hooded man, “was hardly worthy of his fame. An acceptable loss. I was also delighted to hear that Roark was destroyed. I’ve known Rodian bounty hunters with more pleasant stenches.†“This kid’s got something,†said Osborn, “Something special. I don’t think you can handle it.†At this, the hooded man stood up in rage. “You dare denounce my power?! My ingenuity?! Do not forget, I was the one who first joined with Xehanort, and gave him his lieutenant. Were it not for my strength-enhancers and armor, you would still be a petty thief in purple boots. It was I who arranged the accident in Octavius’ lab and pushed the good doctor into your employ. And the ever-dense Brock? Were it not for the organism I created, he would surely be dead in a ditch somewhere instead of being your personal assassin. Do not forget your place, Norman!†Where one in the presence of this display would be rightly groveling for his or her life, Osborn just smirked and replied “And you would do well to remember your own place in this war, ‘Emperor.’ Osborn out.†As Osborn’s image dissipated, the control panel lit up in an array of light. The sound of rhythmic breathing stopped long enough for a deep, smooth voice to say “Master, their ship is in range.†“Well,†said the hooded man, “Then let us welcome them.†The other lieutenant spoke in a harsh, accented voice, giggling and rasping “Finally, a chance to put my training to use,†before violently hacking. *** “So, what’s the name of this next place we’re going, and how long until we get there?†said Marv while scratching his head. “I don’t know,†said Sora, “I’m just kind of winging it here.†“According to these maps,†said Donald, “There should be a world here called ‘Alderaan,’ but I don’t see it anywhere outside.†“Yeah, all I see is this stupid asteroid field,†said Sora. Goofy, who was looking on, tentatively said “Gawrsh, you don’t think…†“What?†said Donald. “Well, I was just thinkin’ that some of these asteroids look kinda…green,†said Goofy slowly. “And Alderaan is green on all these maps…†said Sora, catching on. “So what you’re sayin’,†said Marv, turning around, “is that someone or something blew this place up?†“Impossible!†shouted Donald. “The Heartless implode worlds, and nothing else has enough firepower to destroy a planet. If there was, I’d know. I’d have heard about it.†Suddenly, a few bolts of green energy shot across the nose of the ship, and Sora looked out the window to see a small craft that was more or less of a ball connected to a couple of flat vertical panels scream past the window. “Why that little,†growled Sora, “I’m going after him.†Ela, who had been sitting quietly until now, said “Just let it go. It’s not worth the trouble, trust me.†“Sucks to that,†said Sora, “Nobody shoots at us and gets away with it!†“Now you’re talkin’ my language,†said Marv. Sora gunned the ship, trying to catch up with its small attacker, which was surprisingly fast and agile. “Let’s get it before it reaches that small moon over there!†yelled Donald, and he pointed to the large mass that the smaller ship was speeding towards. Sora kept trying to catch up with it. Suddenly, Ela said softly “That’s no moon…it’s a space station!†“It’s too big,†said Donald, waving him off. “Trust me,†said Ela, “If that’s what I think it is, we need to get out of here now!†“I’m beginning to agree with you,†said Sora, and he flipped a few levers to try and turn around. The craft didn’t listen, however, and merely shuddered in place as if it were trying to tear itself apart. And it kept moving slowly farther. “It’s too late,†said Ela, his face devoid of color, “We’re caught in the tractor beam…†“Shucks, guys,†said Goofy, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.†And so their Gummi ship was pulled into the docking bay of what was now obviously a giant space station. Looking out the window, they saw it crawling with Heartless wearing strange white armor. Carrying guns, they trained them on the ship once it landed. “Exit your ship,†a smooth, deep voice commanded from an intercom, “Or you will be destroyed along with it.†“Goofy,†Ela whispered quickly, “Stay here and look over Nancy. Don’t let them find you.†“I think Setzer put smuggling compartments in this thing,†whispered Goofy, “They won’t find us there.†And so, Sora, Donald, Ela, and Marv exited the ship with their hands up. Standing to greet them amongst the white-armored Heartless where two tall figures. One looked like a robotic dragon, with cream-colored armor panels, a deep grey cloak, and startling yellow eyes. The other looked more like a man, except he was dressed entirely in black, save for a panel of flashing lights on his torso, and he worse a helmet and face mask that was truly terrifying in its inhumanness. “Welcome to the Death Star, Keybearer,†said the black one in that smooth voice from the intercom. “I am Lord Darth Vader.†“General Grievous, at your service,†rasped the dragon-like one, “And you are now guests of the exalted Emperor Palpatine, who seeks an audience with you.†Ela just kept staring at Vader, horror and recognition in his eyes. Vader noticed this and cocked his head strangely. “Can it be?†said Vader slowly, “Why, I thought you were dead.†“Oh my god,†gasped Ela, “Anakin?!†Vader rushed to meet Ela face to face. “That name,†he said dangerously, “no longer has any meaning for me.†Grievous chuckled at this as Vader went to rejoin him. “That does not change the fact that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my fr-“ and Ela suddenly choked and gagged. Sora saw that Vader was twisting his hand in Ela’s direction. He’s choking him with his thoughts! Sora gasped mentally. “As much as I like watching you work, Lord Vader,†said Grievous, “I must remind you that the Emperor demanded none of them be hurt just yet. You should release him for now.†“As you wish,†Vader said with a shrug. He let his hand down, and Ela gasped for breath. “The Stormtroopers will show you to your quarters,†Grievous said, “and the Emperor will send for you once you’re…settled.†Grievous laughed, started hacking a bit, and said to one of the Stormtrooper Heartless, “Detention level.†*** Meanwhile, a long way away, a computer started churning to life. Several sheets of printed paper were being churned out into a pile on the floor. When it was finished, a menacing-looking metal claw deftly picked the stack up, and with its tentacle arm brought it to the human hands of the slightly annoyed scientist, who then read the cover sheet. Dr. Octavius, the note read, Included are the specifications for an experiment which, if successful, will provide Xehanort’s secret weapon with some added security. I trust you have the test subject already picked out. Sincerely, Galactic Emperor Palpatine. “Galactic Emperor,†Dr. Otto Octavius scoffed at nobody in particular, “He should be glad Xehanort didn’t see that.†Octavius had never liked Palpatine. He had a presence that reminded Octavius too much of his laboratory accident, which grafted his four patented hazardous-material-assist tentacles to his body, ruining the doctor’s life. Although he had to admit that it was Palpatine that introduced him to Xehanort, thereby giving his work purpose again. Octavius perused the document, entitled “Project: Sandman.†Palpatine was right. He had just the test subject. He grabbed another file and then began to trek into the basement levels of the castle Xehanort had graciously let him use for his research. “No one will find you there,†Xehanort had said to him, “Because it technically doesn’t exist.†Walking on his tentacles to save time, Octavius reached the dungeon. All the cells were empty except for the two at the end. One of which, the only one with a force-field, housed the castle’s new permanent resident. It was the traditional cell, however, that Octavius was interested in. Nobody will find me, eh? Octavius thought, Well, someone did. “Wake up, Mr. Marko,†he said to the man in the cell, who was dressed in a green-striped sweater and modest khakis. The man, Marko, turned to look at Octavius and grew a look that was a combination of fear and anger. “Flint Marko,†Octavius continued, “You’re a very lucky man. Normally trespassers are destroyed. Thieves are dealt with even worse. But you have the opportunity to be part of a grand experiment.†“Oh really?†Marko said, “Like him?†He pointed to the force-fielded cell across the hall, inside which one could barely make out a deformed shape clinging to the wall and twitching. “Oh, him?†Octavius said, “He did that to himself. Shame really. He was one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever known. One error of judgment later and…well…you can see. But it is the evolution of his technology that you will be protecting if all goes well.†“And what do I get for going through this…experiment?†Marko asked cautiously. “To not be killed by me,†said Octavius, “as well as power beyond your wildest dreams. And, once our task here is complete, I shall send you home with a cure for your ailing daughter.†“How did you…?†Marko started, shocked. “I have ways of collecting information,†Octavius said simply. Marko considered a moment. “Why does he need a force-field?†he asked finally. “Because,†Octavius replied somberly, “last week I caught him puking up some kind of bio-acid on the door locks.†Marko hesitated. “If you refuse, you will be very unhappy,†said Octavius as his pincers clipped menacingly. Marko nodded solemnly, and Octavius opened the cell door and began to lead Marko out. “Otto,†came a weak voice from the force-fielded cell. Octavius turned to face the deformed genius prisoner. “Otto,†he said again, “What you’re helping him do…is the worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas. I...ah…hope you realize that.†Octavius regarded his former contemporary, then turned and left. *** The heroes had several cells in the Death Star’s detention block specially prepared for them, and there they sat in a row. “Cells,†said Marv dryly, “The story of my life.†“Arrrrrggh!†cried Donald, “These doors are magic-proof! These clowns have thought of everything!†“You can say that again,†said Sora, “There’s something in here that’s nullifying the keyblade.†Suddenly, the measured breathing alerted them to the presence of Darth Vader. He came to the cells and said “My master awaits you, Keybearer. You and you alone.†Ela got up the small window and shouted, “Anakin, stop this!†“Still haven’t learned to keep your mouth shut, have you?†said Vader. Ela shook his head. “This isn’t you. I know you…I know there’s still good in you!†Something in Vader’s energy shifted, and he seemed for a split second to be a very tired man. “It is…too late for me,†he said. “It’s never too late,†said Ela hopefully. Vader once again became menacing and emotionless. “Of course it is. Anakin Skywalker died with his wife and unborn child. Nothing can change that.†Ela racked his brain, and finally decided to do the one thing he swore he would never do. “Children,†he said. Vader turned. “What did you say?†“Children,†said Ela. “Twins. She had twins. A boy and a girl. Just before she died. They lived. Obi-Wan took them and entrusted them to me before he set out to find you. I heard you killed him.†Vader was silent. “Twins…†he whispered at length. Ela said “I’m told her last words were that she knew there was still good in you. She’s right, I can feel it. Won’t you please stop this madness? Haven’t you let Palpatine ruin your life enough? Please…for Luke and Leia…†Vader was very quiet. “Leia…She named the girl Leia?†“Just like you were always begging her to,†Ela said, feeling he was getting through at last. Vader stood there, unreadable. Suddenly, he opened the door to Sora’s cell and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and slapped restraint cuffs on his wrists. “Thank you for the information, Ela, but my master awaits me.†Ela’s face dropped. “No, Anakin! You can’t turn them! I won’t let you!†As flames engulfed Ela’s cell, yet failed to reach beyond it, Vader said “You are in no position to make demands.†Vader turned and pushed Sora down the hall. As they were walking, Sora couldn’t help but give him dirty looks. “Ela told me about you,†said Sora, “While we were in the cells. He said you had an enormous power from life’s force. He said you used to use it for good, but now you’re twisted in darkness. And now, you’ll subject your own children to that? You’re a monster!†Vader ignored him. “The force is very strong with you, Keybearer, but it will not save you.†“I’ll take my chances,†said Sora. “General Grievous is not a practitioner of the force,†Vader continued, “for there is too little of him left that is organic. But he is one of the most skilled wielders of a lightsaber, particularly since he likes to use several at once.†“I don’t care!†yelled Sora. “You should, for my master will most likely have you duel him,†said Vader. “A lightsaber’s blade can only be stopped by another. Your weapon will be useless for blocking. It will grow back, your head will not.†“What does it matter to you?†asked Sora coldly. They reached the entrance to the throne room overlooking innerspace. Sora could see a throne in the distance, turned away from him, and Grievous monitoring some equipment on the other side of the room. Vader removed Sora’s restraint cuffs and, as he did, subtly slipped a small item into Sora’s hand. “More than you know,†Vader replied simply before turning and walking back down the corridor. Sora looked at the item. It was a scarlet crystal with a keychain attached to it. “Come forth, Keybearer,†a horrible voice said softly from the throne. Sora quickly pocketed the crystal chain and slowly approached the throne. It swiveled around and Sora saw a small, hooded man with a pale, deformed face smiling evilly at him. “My name is Palpatine,†he said, “The ruler of the Galactic Empire. We are expanding our territory a bit with the help of an old friend of yours, actually.†“Let me guess,†Sora said, “Xehanort?†Palpatine laughed. “I assure you, young one, that I have as much loathing for that man as you do. I know he will eventually try to supplant me once my usefulness to him has expired.†“Then why join him?†asked Sora. “So I can use his resources and eventually supplant him, of course,†said Palpatine. “You should know by now how the dark side operates. My orders were to destroy you. As if I can be ordered about like a common minion. Do not misunderstand me, I would derive great pleasure in carrying out your sentence, but I believe I have a better use for you.†“I know what you’re going to say,†said Sora, “You want me to join you and help you defeat Xehanort so you can take his place. Am I right?†At this, Palpatine laughed even more. A chilling sound that froze Sora’s blood. “Ahh, you’re quite perceptive, despite the numerous reports saying otherwise,†said Palpatine. “What do you say, boy? Let me teach you the ways of the Dark Side, and together we could end this destructive conflict and bring this universe to order. What do you say, my young apprentice?†Sora summoned the keyblade. “I say what I said to Marluxia. I’d rather be a white knight than a pawn for the darkness.†Palpatine looked at him sadly. “Then, my young friend, you will die.†*** Ela was banging his head against the walls of his cell. “I can’t believe I told him…I thought it would help him come back to the light, but instead I’ve doomed the twins…†“Aww, it’s not your fault,†said Donald, “Besides, Luke and Leia can take care of themselves.†“I dunno…†said Marv, “I mean, I don’t know these kids, but those two robo-goons look pretty bad.†Suddenly, just outside the cells, there was a sound of lasers firing, followed by a ghostly hum and the screams of dozens of Heartless. Then there was a crackle and all the doors slid open. Ela, Donald, and Marv ran out to see Vader standing over empty white armor and the remains of the control panel brandishing a strange weapon. “A laser…sword?†said Marv in disbelief. “Now I’ve seen everything.†Ela smirked. “You always were good with the lightsaber.†“Follow me,†said Vader, “I know where the plans are to this battle station. I’m sure we can find some kind of structural weakness, don’t you think?†*** Palpatine motioned over to Grievous who looked at Sora with horrid glee. He slipped off his cloak, holding onto four small metallic rods. Then his arms split down the middle for a grand total of four, each one holding a rod that produced brightly colored laser-blades. Grievous laughed as he began whirling the blades at dangerous speeds, disintegrating anything they came in contact with. Suddenly, he lunged. Sora managed to get away just in time, but the keyblade had been sliced in half. Sora leapt away, and as the key began to reform, he pulled out the crystal that Vader gave him. He clipped it onto the keyblade, which flashed and became just a metallic hilt. Grievous paused for a second, then laughed so hard he started hacking and large chunks of the floor melted beneath his sabers. Sora, meanwhile, noticed a switch on the hilt. He pressed it, and a red beam of energy emerged, much like Grievous’ weapons, except there was a notable tumbler-cut of a key at the end. Grievous stopped laughing, and Sora smiled. Grievous snarled and lunged again. This time, Sora blocked Grievous’ rapid blows with ease. Grievous kept slashing away so frantically that he mis-timed a blow and his top-right hand was sliced off. He looked at the burnt metal stump of his wrist indignantly and then caught Sora’s strike in crossed blades. “Weapon or not,†Grievous said, “surely you realize you are doomed.†“I think not,†said Sora, and blasted a Blizzard spell in Grievous’ face just as the General was about to use his third arm to gut Sora. Grievous staggered back as Sora swung and lost another hand and, therefore, another saber. Sora swung again and sliced open Grievous’ chest cavity that held his vital organs in a green sack. Grievous roared and kicked Sora across the room before running to the computer console and grabbing a blaster pistol. He fired a few shots and missed. Sora cast a fire spell that was a direct hit on Grievous’ exposed chest cavity. Whatever organic parts Grievous still had were instantly incinerated. With a gurgle, he fell down dead, his faceplate exploding off his head and landing at Palpatine’s feet. Sora turned. Palpatine was applauding. “Good, good,†said Palpatine, “You have proved your worth to me. Now, all you must do is destroy my other apprentice and take his place at my side. Then, your dark journey will be complete.†“I don’t think so, ‘Emperor,’†said Sora, “I’m still one of the good guys.†Palpatine looked at him solemnly. “So be it, Keybearer. If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed.†And with that, Palpatine splayed his fingers and shot a dark lightning at Sora. Sora had felt the effects of a Thunder spell before, but this was ten times more powerful. He felt like every molecule was screaming out in pain. It stopped, and for a brief moment Sora thought he was saved, but then the force-lightning started again. This was torture. Palpatine would stop every few seconds before blasting away again at full force. Sora felt like he wasn’t going to last much longer. This was confirmed when, through the haze of pain, he heard Palpatine say “Young fool. Only now, at the end, do you fully understand.†Sora felt the beginning of the death blow hit him. And then, again, it stopped. Sora was confused and thought Palpatine was playing with him some more, when he heard the awful screaming. He realized his eyes were closed, and worked hard to open them. He saw Vader holding Palpatine over his head, Palpatine’s lightning rebounding on both of them, Palpatine screaming, and Vader grunting. Vader slowly moved towards the reactor pit near the left side of the room and with great effort tossed Palpatine over the side. Palpatine’s screams grew fainter and fainter, and then what sounded like a quiet explosion sent a wave of dark energy shooting back up the shaft, which turned into Neoshadows. Sora tried to crawl quickly to Vader, who by his breathing was visibly injured, but Sora’s own wounds hindered him and the Neoshadows surrounded them both. At that moment, a fiery chakram flew in seemingly out of nowhere and destroyed the Neoshadows in one fell swoop. The chakram returned to its owner, Ela, who was running in with Donald by his side, and Marv firing a gun back down the hallway. “Are you two alright?†said Ela as Donald cast the Curaga spell on them. “I think so,†said Sora. “I’ll live, if you can call it that,†said Vader. “We’ll get you to the ship, and then we can blow this place, literally,†Ela said. “You two help them up,†said Marv, “Me and Gladys here will clear the way for you.†“You named your weapon ‘Gladys’?†said Vader? “Yeah,†said Marv, “After one of the Sisters from school. She’s almost lived up to the name.†As Marv ran ahead, gun blazing, Vader explained, “There’s a small thermal exhaust port on the outside of the station, roughly two meters wide. A direct hit with a photon torpuse a chain reaction and destroy this monstrosity once and for all.†“That’s great!†said Sora. Vader shook his head. “I should be destroyed with it, for what I’ve done to the people I care about.†“Shut up,†said Ela, “You’ve more than made up for it today.†They made their way to the hanger, where Goofy was standing near the door of the Gummi Ship. “All revved up and waiting to go, Ha-Yuck!†said Goofy cheerfully. After everyone was inside, Vader turned to Marv and said “Now, are you sure the tractor beam has been deactivated.†“Like I told ya,†said Marv, “It’s out of commission. Trust me.†Sora jumped behind the controls and the Gummi ship shot out of the Death Star’s hanger and began skimming the surface of the great space station. “Watch out for TIE Fighters,†said Vader, as more of the smaller ships that lead them here started shooting at them. Goofy and Ela took the gunning positing and kept the fighters at bay. “This trench here,†said Vader, “Follow it, and the port should be at the end. You need a direct hit or it won’t work.†Vader put his hand on Sora’s shoulder and looked out into the Force. Suddenly, he was everyone and everything, he could feel the past, present and future. “Now,†he said, squeezing on Sora’s shoulder, and Sora let the proton torpedo drop right into the exhaust port. They sped away as fast as they could. In the distance, they could see the Death Star explode in a blinding flash. They pushed the Gummi ship as far as it would go to escape the shockwave, and soon they were on their way once more
OMG - how could I not have guessed. XD; Star Wars - of course! *slaps forehead* Wow... My knowlage of the force is pret-ty rusty... *hasn't watched any Star Wars movie in over a year* Blast from the past. XD ................................ Nananananananana-- Spidermaaaan...?~ .3.;
