Kingdom Hearts: The Coming Darkness

Chapter 6: Round Two

     "Alright, so what exactly can you do?"

     Kaiya questioned Haseo in a more demanding tone than he had expected. Her words also carried a degree of intimidation when taking into account her combative stance.

     "I'm pretty good with magic."

     Haseo quickly responded with with a subdued hint of annoyance in his voice.

     "Well then I'm pretty sure you're not going to be that useful, so try and stay out of my way. That goes for you too Tatsu."

     "Good to hear you think so highly of me Kaiya. However, I wouldn't underestimate Haseo if I were you. Without him Traverse Town would have fallen to the Eidolons."

     Although there was a faint mocking tone in his voice the fact that Tatsu had stood up for Haseo still stuck with him. Kaiya let out a combination of a grunt and a sigh in response to Tatsu's statement before continuing on herself.

     "I'm pretty sure that was avoided because Vanille was there."

     Kaiya's statement caused a somewhat tense silence between the trio.

     "Are you guys going to come at me, or are you guys going to keep arguing among yourselves?!"

     Riku's commanding words quickly caught their attention, Kaiya's more than the others. In response her grip on her keyblade tightened. With a reluctant sigh she spoke to Tatsu and Haseo.

     "Alright, as I said you're going to follow my lead. I'm going to take him head on. Tatsu, when ever you see an opportunity to strike take it. And since you're 'pretty good with magic' you'll support us both from a distance."

     Although still commanding, and by some extension intimidating, Kaiya's voice also had a degree of confidence to it. Without waiting for confirmation from Haseo and Tatsu she charged at Riku head on.

     "You know silence doesn't mean yes, right?"

     Tatsu murmured in response to Kaiya's head on charge. He clenched the handle of his Hidden Dragon keyblade and quickly followed Kaiya's lead. A large portion of Tatsu's decision was based on him not wanting to further aggravate Riku with more arguing. With a quick spin he turned to face Haseo.

     "Just fight like you did with Ifrit, If anyone can handle it it's him."

     Haseo gave Tatsu and understanding nod and in response continued on his original course of following Kaiya. Haseo remained were he was and began mentally cycling through the spells that he knew, prepared to cast at a moments notice. At this point Kaiya and Riku were trading blows, meaning Riku was blocking every strike Kaiya was throwing at him.

     "Let me guess. You're going to wear me down and create openings for Tatsu to strike unimpeded, while Haseo, who's abilities you know little of, provides magic support. That's a very simple strategy Kaiya."

     Kaiya looked to be defeated by Riku's words alone. An orange glow coming from behind Riku quickly wiped it away.

     "Faia Burittsu!"

     Tatsu came crashing into Riku, a ring of fire surrounding him. At the last moment, with a wave of his hand, Riku cast Aeroga. A large whirlwind surrounded Riku rendering Tatsu's attack useless, and knocking both he and Kaiya yards away. Instead of continuing his assault Riku remained in place as if waiting to see how Haseo would react. This slightly threw Haseo causing him to momentarily hesitate. He quickly composed himself though upon Riku shooting him an expecting glance.

     "Gravira!"

     The force of the Gravira caused Riku's feet to sink, although barely, into the ground beneath them. Riku seeming somewhat pleased with his action made a dash towards Haseo.