The Sacrificed

Ok...5 months have been too long...but you are all going to have to wait a few more days. This is taking longer than I thought.

Thanks gang.

 

No problem. I've been keeping myself busy with my own writings.

 

Chapter 8
​

A low pulsating gong entered into Ty’s meditation trance. It was foreign and Ty knew that he must exit the calming state, but something held him there. The image of a woman wrapped in a white fur smock. He tried to call out to her, pleading for an answer but all he received was the penetrating carbonite eyes locked with his, as if one blink would tear apart the galaxy.

Slowly the woman pointed westward, a red light leaking from her hand snaked around her body, hungry for death.

Ty moved subconsciously, igniting his saber, and began to hack and seer away the light, trying to free the dying woman. His blade faultered and slide through the delicate chest and through her heart. She opened her mouth but only a blue haze seeped out as a smoky darkness gurgled near her lungs.

An emotional eruption of sadness upended Ty as his blade flew from his left hand and severed his right. He grimaced as he clutched his cauterized stump, shocked to see the woman’s childish face morph into Kairi’s A venomous roar rattled Ty’s mind as a golden blade appeared from the dark shadows, slicing through his chest…

Ty’s eyes snapped open as his eyes slowly adjusted to his chamber, the vision slowly vanishing into the corners of his mind. Another knock rang through the meditation chamber.

“Master Azzuro?†Melana’s small voice echoed down the hallway, sinking into the pores of his door.

“What is it Melana?†Ty asked as the door slid aside, exposing a stretching Melana.

“The Princess received a message from a Leon on Hollow Bastion,†she said, unsure if the name and location were accurate, â€She asked me to request you fly to Hollow Bastion as her liason.â€

Ty nodded as he tightened his mediation robes. “Did she say what it is in reference to?â€

Melana shook her head. “No just that Leon as requested her and can’t get away until tomorrow at the earliest.â€

“All right, tell her I’ll be leaving within the hour.â€

Melana hesitated in the doorway, a question forming in the back of her mind. Ty smiled. “You’ve been through enough in the last few days and it’s clear that you need a bit of sleep. I’d rather not risk your time if this is a small matter.â€

“I can help! I’ve been stuck wandering around the castle and gardens for two days, I need to get out!â€

“ I can see that, but no. I must do this on my own, something doesn’t feel right in the force.â€

After a moment, Melana reluctantly nodded and left to navigate the twisting castle hallways toward the Princess’s chamber.

Ty remained standing for a minute as his vision briefly returned to him, the golden blade held by the hands of an unknown swordsmen. Something was lurking just out of reach, stalking the near future Ty feared.

***

Melana walked through the corridors as brooms set to work sweeping away the remnants of night. It’s not fair, she thought, I delivered my discovery to the Queen, I survived the attack when Kit and Professor Osgood didn’t, and now I have to remain here, a pawn.

Slowly gears began turning as cogs meshed together in her mind as she found herself standing in an open archway overlooking the grave of King Mickey.

The memorial statue gave off a warm and confident aura of determination, his golden eyes staring ahead. Melana couldn’t tell whether they were recalling the past, living the present, or forseeing the future. It was time to make a stand. She passed a servant and handed off her message for Kairi, then turned and descended the granite stairway toward the gummi hanger.

***

The great emptiness of space greeted Ty as he jinxed his ship away from Disney Castle, toward Hollow Bastion. No matter how hard he tried, he could not remove the woman from his vision from his mind. As the ship entered the direct warp hole, his mind clouded.

He frowned, as he closed his eyes and began to search for the cause or his heightened senses. An odd energy called to him from the storage compartment beneath the emergency escape pod. Ty sighed.

“You won’t take no as an answer will you Melana?â€

A metallic thud reverberated from beneath the hatch as Melana hesitantly lifted the floorboard above her head.

“I don’t like sitting around.â€

“That is not the point. You have suffered a traumatic ordeal on Macalania, you were flown away from your home to a foreign kingdom as a person of interest and until the border settlement is eased, you are not supposed to leave the castle.â€

“Neither are you.†Melana countered.

Ty swiveled in his chair. “What do you mean?â€

Melana stood and sat down in the co-pilots chair, gazing at the stars as they danced past the viewport. “You aren’t from Kingdom Hearts yet you are liason for the Queen and Princess. Technically then, shouldn’t you be grounded as well?â€

Ty absorbed this information and smiled in a humorous satisfaction. “There seems to be no end to your wit. All right you can come along I suppose but we’ll have to remain under a tight radar.â€

Melana smiled. “Sounds good to me.â€

Ty returned his full attention to the viewport as his mind travelled elsewhere. He began to recall, for the first time in almost a decade, his experiences with the jedi council, the trials of becoming a jedi knight, and leaving his home of Corellia with no family, no future…He paused, feeling an odd connection with Melana in the cramped cockpit.

“So…what is this force thing everybody keeps talking about?â€

A long sigh escaped Ty as his eyes remained closed. “The Force…it’s hard to describe to someone who has never been apart of my universe. A great Jedi Master once described the force as an energy field created by all living things. It penetrates us and binds us with the galaxy and everything it. A jedi is able to communicate with this energy and can use it to see into the future, manipulate thought, even give us extra strength.â€

“You mean that I am made up of the Force?â€

“In manner of speaking; yes.â€

Melana shook her head. “I was brought up to believe that the lifestream is what gives us life and what keeps us alive.â€

“That may be true, but the force and life stream are in essence the same thing. Each culture has a different name for it.†Ty explained as the ship began to chime a warning.

Ty reached forward and took the control stalk and maneuvered the ship out of the warp lane as Hollow Bastion grew large to greet them.

“What do you think is going to happened with this meeting?†Melana asked.

“If it is important enough for the Princess Kairi, it is important for us all.†Ty said as the ship entered into the high orbit, descending down towards the dilapidated castle where crews could be seen rebuilding.
“So this is Hollow Bastion?â€

“In a manner of speaking. This world was once, many years ago, named Radiant Garden and during the Heartless war, it was consumed and became the hollow shell of what it had once been; becoming Hollow Bastion. After the Organization Purge, a select group of former residents returned and have slowly been bringing the planet back to its former glory.â€

“And Leon is one of them?†Melana asked.

Ty nodded. “Leon is in charge of Ansem’s Laboratory and Research. It’s complicated work, but it has helped us keep the heartless under control for the last five years.â€

“Until now…†Melana shivered.

“Until now…†Ty answered as the gummi ship streaked across the morning sky.

***

Leon shielded his eyes as the early morning sun reflected off of the Royal Blue gummi ship. His mind continued to try and delve into the uncovered ghost drive but what troubled him more was the response that a messenger would answer and not the Queen herself.

The sight of Master Azzuro however, was a welcome one. “I see that the Queen didn’t send just anyone to listen to me ramble.†Leon chided.

Ty descended the ramp and his eyes locked with Leon’s as Melana followed in his shadow. “The Queen didn’t send me. Princess Kairi asked and I felt obliged.â€

“Princess…Kairi?â€

“Another time perhaps. I feel that you have something much more important at the moment that needs be discussed.â€

Leon nodded, motioning toward the Castle Spire. “Right this way.â€

Melana followed along, glaring at the back of Ty’s head. “Don’t think this is a cop out. Our discussion on the life stream and force is not over yet.†She whispered under her breath.

“I know.†Ty laughed clearly out of ear shot which only seemed to add to Melana’s momentary anger.

***

Ansem’s study was not like Sora would have remembered it, Ty thought as he walked delicately around the room; surveying the meticulous attention to detail and cleanliness. A single hallway led deeper into the study sat beneath a large painting of a young Ansem, full of hope and wonderment.

“A few month’s after the Keyblade War, the Queen sanctioned extra restoration funding to Radiant Gardens so that we would be able to mold this great castle back to its former glory. In so doing, seismic machines were brought in to study the strength of the buildings foundation and we discovered a chamber.†Ty explained as he led the two messengers down the passage.

“What kind of chamber are we talking about?†Ty asked.

“We don’t know.†Leon sadly answered. “In almost five years, we’ve barely cracked the surface of Ansem’s research and have been compiling them with the notes from Sora. That is to say, up until early this morning.â€

“You broke through to the chamber?â€

“No, we found a hidden hard drive buried deep in Ansem’s files. When I opened the folder,†Leon motioned toward the left side of the station, “a disk ejected from a hidden slot. We have no idea what it goes to or what it contains, but we have reason to believe that it is vital to the SACRIFICED Initiative.â€

Ty crossed his arms behind his back, his brow furrowing. “The SACRIFICED Initiative?â€

Leon motioned toward three chairs. “You are going to want to sit down for this one.â€

***

The water painted the horizon in all directions as the Flying Dutchman sailed without wind toward the distant setting sun. Waves broke across the starboard railing as a motley crew raced across the deck, determined to keep the prized ship at full steam.

Jim Hawkins stood iconic at the helm, occasionally adjusting course as Jack’s compass sat in his outstretched hand; the needle pegged to the west. Captain Sparrow stood off the side, examining the newest cannon impact to the stern banister as Sora, Rinn and Crystal stood near the bow.

Crystal’s hair glistened in the sunset as she smiled, resting her rifle over her shoulder. “Portal? You think that there is a hidden portal that can lead you to another kingdom and we are your only ticket?â€

“I know it’s hard to believe but yes.†Sora announced, throwing his hands up in futility.

“Well, what kind of portal are you talking about? A door hovering above a small patch of sand? Or possibly an underwater colony that can open a roof for the sky that you can climb out of? I’m sorry Sora, but this sounds like utterly ridiculous.†Crystal sighed.

Sora turned his head, watching Jack pace tirelessly behind Hawkins as if one small mistake would cost him another mutiny. “After the war, Jack mentioned a chart.â€

Jack’s head instantly spun around at the mention of his name, his curiousity naturally being what it was. “Which charts are you talking about mate? As I recall, Sao Fang held those maps in Singapore. I believe that you are mistakening my words with…†Jack squinted, as if trying to understand the answer his own mind was producing, “not…my words.â€

“Well, why can’t we go and get these maps from Sao Fang?†Sora asked, not noticing Rinn’s slight cough.

“I wish that it was that easy. Sao Fang wishes me dead and if I’m not being so bold, you had a hand in making that dream unobtainable for him.†Jack grinned, making an imaginary blade cut across his chest.

“Well, then where are we going?â€

“To see Poseidon.†Hawkin answered from the wheel.

Jack spun around, his dread locked beads clattering together. “I beg your pardon?â€

“We are on a course for Poseidon. If there is a portal to another kingdom he would know.â€

“And how, exactly, are we supposed to contact a Greek God?†Crystal shook her head while laughing.

“We don’t need to find Poseidon.†Rinn said.

All eyes turned toward her as she stood against the port side deck railing; holding something in her hands. Sora moved forward seeing the edge of a playing card poking out from her grasp.

Jack calmly walked down the starboard stair case, the internal wheels spinning away as he slowed near the group. “Why, may I ask is that?â€

Rinn closed her eyes as a single tear fell down her cheek. “Tsukasa gave this to me before Beckett. He said that I would know what to do with it when the time came.â€

Rinn opened her eyes and stared long into her hands, as though struggling to unlock the final message from her past. Her hands opened. The deck grew deathly silent as the patico card of Captain Hector Barbossa glared from the cards face. Sora stared closer to see a chart clenched in his left fist while his cutlass hung menacingly from his right hand.

“Oh.†Jack gulped as Rinn laid the card down on the deck.

Instantly a billowing, swirling vortex of light erupted from the card, sending those staring in awe, backwards to shield their eyes. Sora blinked, as Crystal raised her rifle up to her line of sight as a lone figure stood in the glowing halo of light.

Barbossa laughed as he stepped forward keeping his cutlass on guard as he advanced toward Rinn. “A pleasure Miss, for releasing me from my prison.â€

He turned, zeroing all his attention on one man. “Jack…Jaaaack. It seems to me that you owe me a ship and a crew.â€

Jack drew his own saber, his face fixing in determination. “I owe you nothing more than what I’ve all ready done.â€

Barbossa smiled stiffly. Sora cleared his throat as he summoned Follow the Wind, stepping between the pair of pirate lords. “Captains. I don’t care if I’m medling with the world order, but right now,†Sora swung his blade toward Jack, “You have a ship that can sail beyond the reaches of any map†then piveted to block Barbossa’s approach. “And you have the charts that lead beyond.â€

Barbossa and Jack continued to glare at each other as they progressed in a slow circle till Barbossa stood pressed against the helm. “It seems that in a fair fight I’ve only got a handful of options. What if I tell you no?â€

Hawkins stepped forward, an unearthly menace painted across his face as his eyes met Barbossas. “Then our world and kingdom will fall. Lord Beckett all ready controls the seas of Singapore and Cuba, and the Caribbean is his next target. If we don’t do something, then we will have no safe haven.â€

Barbossa paused, sizing up the sailor. “Well, it seems there is more to you than John Silver led on. You paint a grim picture, and it seems like there is no way getting around the fact.†He held up the sea charts. “I help save our world and in exchange you grant me my freedom.â€

Jack rocked backwards, stroking his beard. “Saving the world is a matter of perspective. There is only one way to save the Caribbean: Beckett. You defeat Beckett, I grant you your freedom.â€

Barbossa squinted as he reached his hand out. “We have an accord?â€

Jack smiled, “That we do.†He shook Barbossa’s hand.

Barbossa roared as he ripped his hand away, staring at his palm as a a slimy black mark began to spread across his hand. Jack kept the smile on his face. “Call it an insurance policy.â€

Sora cleared his throat as he took the charts from Barbossa. He slid a crate clear as he set it down, and began to slowly twist and turn the circular dials as images and words twisted and contorted to form odd characters. The pirates gathered around as Sora slowed, clicking the map together where a red haze appeared off of the coast of Isle of the Forgotten.

Sora looked up, proudly. “Let’s do this.â€

***

“My God.†Ty whispered as the video drew to a close.

Leon stood leaning against the doorframe. “Now you understand the importance that this be delivered to the Queen…and Princess.â€

Melana remained staring at the now silent monitor, questions swirling inside her head as Ty stood and moved to pick up the disk as Leon stepped forward, halting his progress. Ty turned slowly, his eyes refusing to waver from Leon. “If this gets out, everything that we have fought for, will be erased.â€

Leon stood to block the door, unsheathing Lionheart. “You can’t take this all on your own Ty. You aren’t the only one that this has impacted. Think of Macalania. Think of Destiny Island. Think—“

“What about Coruscant? What about Alderaan? Dantoonie? Talus?†Ty roared, igniting his lightsaber. “ You have no idea the strain and grief I’ve had to bear since that Order was issued. The Queen has asked me to report back, and I will have the report of the century for her.â€

“Kairi.†Melana quietly interjected, forcing the arguing pair to momentarily stop their lust for battle. She looked up, her eyes red from tears. “Kairi should know before the Queen. It’s only right.†She rose from the chair and picked up the disk. “We have to get all the pieces for her.â€

The alternative dammed both men’s lust for vengence. Melana inserted the disk into the terminal as a low rumble began to wake beneath their feet. Her sad eyes moved from Leon to Ty. “We have to see the full truth.â€

Leon and Ty slowly nodded as a wall panel fell away as the trio slowly descended a giant spiraling staircase, into the soul of Radiant Garden, where three pair of faint footprints traced the way as through to lead the three to redemption.

As Leon’s head vanished around down the stairs, the floor mechanically returned to it’s original location as a warning chime began to ping from Ansem’s main computer. An exclamation mark bounced across the display as thirteen icons materialized, with only an image of twin keyblades and dual chakram remaining as the other’s vanished into the belly of the virtual core.

***

The early morning sunlight danced acrossed Kairi’s suite as a collection of small birds sang the song of delight and joy. But no about of joy could be seen in Kairi’s eyes as she sat on a daise, her knees drawn to her chest as she slowly rocked back and forth; two rivers cascading down her cheeks.

For the first time in as long as she could remember, she didn’t have a friend to turn to for help. Riku was gone, and Sora was marked a traitor to the Kingdom after the escape from Port Royal. A cry caught in her throat as the image of her signing Becketts warrants…Sora’s death flashed in her mind.

A soft knock interrupted Kairi’s fall into the abyss. She quickly stood and brushed aside the drying river of tears. “Who—who’s there?â€

“Princess Kairi, it’s me.†the infamous voice of Honor Gaurdsman Goofy responded.

“Just one moment.†Kairi answered as she wrapped her faded pink robe tight around her and pushed her golden red hair from her eyes, and placed her lucky charm around her neck as she moved to the door.

The door swung open as Goofy’s discombobulated frame stood at attention just outside her door. Kairi couldn’t help but smile at Goofy’s dedication to protecting the Castle and it’s rulers. “At ease. What’s up?â€

Goofy relaxed, but a pained look remained fixed on his usually happy face. “You have an incoming conference call from both Princesach and Princess Ashe.â€

A rock tumbled down Kairi’s throat, slamming into her stomach. “Do…do you know what it is about?â€

Goofy shook his head. “They said that they would only speak with you. But I’ve got the feeling that something isn’t right.â€

Kairi shivered slightly as she nodded to Goofy. “I’ll…I’ll be there down in two minutes.â€

She closed the door, as scenarios and cataclysmic possibilities raced through her head.

Don’t be afraid Kairi. Namine offered.

How can’t I be afraid?

Maybe they just want to get your side of things and want to help.

Kairi pulled on her official dress. Peach maybe…Ashe I can’t see wanting to even watch us die. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.


I know it's short, but this I had to break this up or else it would have stretched on for far too long. I feel that the next chapter will be ready in maybe 2-3 weeks.

Thanks guys.

 

I'm lost, maybe if you updated a little quicker then I'd still remember what happened last... But in all seriousness I need to go back before I can say anything on this outside of grammar which, by the why, could be a bit better.

 

my own fault for not updating this quicker. School and real life have gotten in the way and I had to reread this to get back into the feel. When you say grammar are you refering to the scripting between the characters or are things over/under developed?

 

i was right 0.0 it was Kairi that appeared in Ty's image.

And i repeat what i said before, you are one of the only people i know who can keep us going into a story and still have no idea what's going on O.o

 

I was joking about the update time, you have more important things to do and I don't blame you for it. As far as grammar goes it's just things like...the out of earshot bit is messed up because that generally means distance not volume, but I thought I saw something else too... "All eyes turned toward her as she stood against the port side deck railing; holding something in her hands." That's actually a bad place to put a semicolon, semicolons can take the place of periods, but holding something in her hands is not a complete sentence and should be connected with a comma. In general it's stuff like this that I'm noticing, not big stuff but things that are noticeable if you're looking, which I often times am.

 

I think I already posted?...Well to make sure, I enjoyed it =]

 

That was a very good chapter. I really enjoyed it, it's decription was very well done. I'm looking forward to more of your work, Shades.