A Reason To Smile

Chapter 25: The Gambit

Bobble: So do we have any idea where Y/n is Riku?

Riku: That, I have no idea. But I did do some digging through the other worlds and one of them I learned that Sora was there, as well as another Keyblade wielder.

Bobble: That's gotta be him!

Kairi: I'm sorry Bobble, but we can't just jump to conclusions. Also, even if it is him, we don't even know where Sora is.

Riku: I do have one idea, but it is gamble. We could return to The World That Never Was. I'm positive that Sora will get there at some point in his journey, but the only downside is that there are a lot of Nobodies and Heartless attracted to the area.

Kairi: The Nobodies are obvious, but why are the Heartless there?

Riku: The Organization are taking the hearts released by the Heartless defeated by the Keyblade. They are using them to once again create something artificial. An artificial Kingdom Hearts.

Bobble: That's the second time I've heard of Kingdom Hearts. What is it?

Riku: I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer for that. But what i have heard was from Ansem, is that it's the heart of all worlds, and it's what's left after an event called the Keyblade War, that shattered the one single world. And that's how we ended up scattered like this.

Bobble: ...That's confusing...

Riku: Yeah, it is. But my point still stands. We are going to the World That Never Was and hide there until Sora arrives. If he shows up, then possibly Y/n will too.

Kairi: It's a pretty heavy gamble.

Bobble: But it's the only lead and plan we have! We can find Y/n, defeat the Organization so he can finally be free of them, then return home!

Kairi: Same with us Riku! We can go back to Destiny Islands!

He was about to protest against that, but something else caught his attention. The power growing in both girl's hearts.

Riku: So that's why DiZ gave these to me...

Kairi: Gave what to you?

He hands them each a Keychain. Kairi's was a small star and Bobble's was like her in her squid form. When Kairi held hers, a bright flash of light blinded them. When it died down, a Keyblade was in Kairi's hand.

Riku: So my assumption and DiZ was right. Bobble, take the handle of my Keyblade.

He summons his own and holds it out for her. She grabs the handle. Remembering an initiation given to him years ago.

Riku: In your hand, take this Key. So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking, its wielder you shall one day be. And you will find me, friend—no ocean will contain you then. No more borders around, or below, or above, so long as you champion the ones you love.

He lets go of the Keyblade and once again, his assumption was correct. The Keyblade stayed with Bobble instead of immediately going back to Riku. He smiled and took it back from her.

Riku: Alright, now go ahead and call on your power. You need to mean it too.

Bobble nods and places the Keychain to her chest, focusing on all of her hopes, desires and dreams. And just like with Kairi, a bright flash came from her hand. When it died down, she couldn't believe it.

She had her own Keyblade.

The handle guard was designed like ink was being shot around it. The blade was shaped like an ink-brush and had ink coming off the brush acting as the "teeth" for the key.

Bobble: I... have a Keyblade...? I... can help?

A huge smile and tears of joy adorned her face as she cheered, her friends smiling as she did this.

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Your eyes flutter open as you saw the world of Hollow Bastion slowly come closer.

Sora: So, finally awake huh?

Y/n: Yeah, what are we doing back here?

Sora: Remember, Luxord said to start your search back here.

Y/n: Oh... right. Man that Heartless really packed a punch.

Sora: Yeah. So where haven't you searched yet?

You look out the window at the ground. A large castle in the middle of a wasteland got your attention.

Y/n: There, that castle.

He nods and lands the ship near the path to the wasteland. After making sure that everyone has everything, and your wounds cured completely, you make your way to the castle. About halfway there you make it to a few ruins, and out of everyone in the worlds, you run into Demyx again.

Demyx: Well hello there Y/n. Oh, and Sora too? Man this is just the greatest reunion!

He goes on and starts rambling.

Y/n: Alright, I don't have time for this.

You summon your Keyblade and dash towards him, delivering a fatal slash to his torso.

Demyx: How... brutal. That... really wasn't cool man...

He fades away into nothingness.

Sora: Wow, I know he's bad but... you didn't have to do that.

Y/n: I know, but because of him I got distracted and Saïx kidnapped Bobble. So seeing him makes me a little absolutely livid.

Sora gets an understanding and leaves it at that. After walking for a while you reach a clearing and in front of you was an entire army of Heartless.

Goofy: Look! Up there!

You look up to see the white haired leader of the Organization.

Y/n: Xemnas!

Xemnas: It seems that Luxord's gambit worked. You were lead right into our hands.

Y/n: What do you-

A sudden force hit you in the back of your head, knocking you out. Before Sora could reach you, he and the others were surrounded by the Heartless.

Saïx: Well, maybe I should apologize to Luxord when we return. His plan actually worked, somehow.

Xemnas: Yes, it did. Now we take him back to the castle and get our newest thirteenth member.

Saïx: But how?

Xemnas: Simple... erase his memories and implant them with false ones. Make him believe all those who were his friends are his enemies.