Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, it belongs to Square-Enix, and I am not making any profit off this fanfiction.

-o-o-

Author’s Notes…

Well, here’s chapter one, sorry it took so long. This chapter is short, as most of them are going to be, but I’m doing it for a reason. Like I said, the story’s not going to be an epic or anything.

But thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Special thanks to Susie for beta-ing!

-o-o-

Forsaken Light

Chapter One

Secret Meeting

-o-o-

“C’mon, guys! Hurry up already! I want to reach registration!”

A series of irate quacks. “Slow down, Sora!”

“Aw, shucks, Donald, let him have his fun. Whatever it takes to make him happy.”

“We don’t have time for happiness. We still need to find the king.”

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head, and ducked into the line forming in front of the great coliseum doors. It figured that when I finally got a break, Donald immediately started rambling about the king again. I was anxious to find King Mickey, too, but sometimes you just need to relax now and again, you know?

Tough times were ahead of me. I liked to grab a couple of r’s while I could.

I don’t remember much after the last world we defeated. Most of it passed by in a blur—just like all the other ones. Land on a world, lock the keyhole, bathe in the congratulations… And I hate to say it, but after a while, it grows—monotonous. When people I barely know are patting me on the back and thanking me profusely and some even worshipping me—I’m only fourteen. I can only handle so much.

It’s gotten old. At first, I really liked all the attention—but now… now I just want to go home. I’m tired of being the hero.

But who else is it gonna be?

“Eh, you again, kid?”

Phil’s gruff voice brought me back to my senses, and I peered down at the satyr. Had the line moved already? But then, upon further inspection of my surroundings, I noticed the crestfallen expressions on everyone’s faces. That, and the angry ones.

I lifted an eyebrow.

“Listen—like I told the others—this ain’t no ordinary competition. You get me?” Phil placed his hairy hands on his hips and thumped a hind leg onto the ground. “But I’m gonna let you in—because you’re on the way to becoming a champ. These other losers won’t stand a chance.”

I laughed, crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a winning smile. “I’ll win, Phil, don’t worry.”

“I wouldn’t be so confident, kid,” Phil replied seriously. “This new challenge will rip you limb from limb.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is. Unless he’s some sort of god or something, but I’ve handled those, too,” I said, remembering Hades.

Phil held up a finger, jabbing it into my face. I forced myself not to take a step back. I hated things rushing in front of me like that. It made my fingers twitch and want to grasp onto my Keyblade. “I’m tellin’ you, kid—this ain’t no ordinary competition,” he reiterated.

“Well, I guess I’ll just find out when I get in there.” My words sounded cocky, but within my heart they were hollow. How long could I keep this façade up? I was tired. I wanted to sleep. But I was also waiting for a new challenge—everything else lately had been… well, the heartless didn’t let things quite become dull, but I’m sure you know what I’m getting at.

“All right, all right,” Phil grumbled. “I’ll sign you up.”

“Thanks!” Beaming a big smile, I whirled and rushed back over to Donald and Goofy. The mage was eyeing me irately, but that was okay. If a day passed by when he wasn’t irate, I’d start to grow worried. “He signed me up.”

“Just you?” Donald quacked. “What about us?”

“Sorry, guys, this one I’m taking on by myself.” My smile stretched into a grin. “Heehee.”

“Are you sure that’s all right, Sora?” Goofy asked, voicing his concern. “You heard the rumors—this isn’t supposed to be no ordinary competition.”

I could feel a slight scowl forming on my face. What was with everyone around here? Were they all broken records?

“Well, I’m going to go and get some sleep,” I said, avoiding Goofy’s concern, and starting to head towards the inn that we had registered in to stay the night. If more than one person said that I should be careful—… well…

I pushed the thought aside. It’d be fun. I could handle anything. I was Sora! The Keyblade Master!

“We’ll just go and buy some items, then!” Donald squawked after me indignantly. “Mr. High and Mighty!”

I could feel a fond smile crossing my lips. I loved my friends dearly. Of course, they were concerned for me.

Giving a wave over my shoulder, I turned the corner and slipped into the bustling streets.

A foreign language greeted my ears almost immediately, and it warmed my heart. If there was one thing about traveling to all sorts of different worlds, it was that you always got to see new sights, hear new things. And then there was just the old familiarity. For example: I had visited this world so many times, and yet I still didn’t have a clue as to the language these people were speaking.

I think Cloud had once told me that it was Greek.

Cloud, I thought, and an image of the blonde appeared before my mind’s eye. My steps slowed a little, so that I was puttering along at a leisurely pace to the inn, the rush leaving me almost instantly.

I pursed my lips slightly. I didn’t get to see Cloud often—just whenever I managed to find time to swing by for the newest tournaments. I loved competing in all the cups, and in the Hades Cup, I had run up against Leon and Cloud, which had admittedly surprised me. I guess I should have known that they would have known each other.

Although, it did look as if Cloud still hadn’t found his light. At first, I thought it might have been Leon, what with the way that they fought so easily together, but Cloud didn’t go back to Traverse Town. So it couldn’t have been Leon—Cloud wouldn’t leave someone he was searching so desperately for.

Dragging a hand through my hair, I sighed as I neared the inn. Would I get to see him while I was here? That would be nice. I enjoyed Cloud’s company—he was quiet and calm and he listened to me ramble on like an idiot. His blue eyes were really peaceful, too—they were just… really soothing. Cloud could just look at you, and everything would be all right with the world.

I think that’s why I valued our fragile friendship so much.

I say fragile because we don’t see each other much, remember? Not enough time together doesn’t really build up on a great foundation of the stuff, you know?

But—yes, hopefully I’d get to see him. If not—well, then I’d go looking for him. I wouldn’t ever forgive myself if I came to this bustling world but didn’t say a word to him. Cloud was an enigmatic person for sure, but I could tell that he valued the friends that he had.

Which is why I was sticking with him whenever I could.

When I was finally situated in my room in the inn, I collapsed on the pile of blankets and pillows, exhaling deeply. It wasn’t not as good as a regular bed, but it was sure damn comfy. I couldn’t stop a yawn that escaped my throat, and I curled around one of the longer pillows, nuzzling into it.

I could have slept forever like this.

In fact, I could almost hear Donald protesting now. “What! Forever! Are you out of your mind!”

Letting his chastisement follow me into the realm of dreams, I dozed off against the warm blankets.

-o-o-

I woke up shivering.

In a sleep-induced daze, I wrestled around on my pallet, trying to get some of the thicker furs wrapped around me. It was dark in the room, and a vague part of my mind registered that I had slept the afternoon away, and night had fallen while I had done so.

I stifled a yawn and threw an arm over my eyes, breathing in softly. I felt restless—like I wouldn’t be getting back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I guess that’s what I got for sleeping the day away. Great…

Sitting up and licking my lips, I lowered my arm and sighed. I wondered where Donald and Goofy were—and then my groggy mind remembered that we weren’t sharing a room together this time. The inn had been packed when we had registered for rooms, and only singles were left. But at least we were on the same hallway in case something happened.

My stomach grumbled hungrily, alerting my attention. I poked the pudge, pursing my lips a little, then figured that I could paw around in my bag and find something to eat. Wasn’t there one of those delicious fruits from the previous world in there? My brows furrowed as I tried to remember what it was called, and then it dawned on me. Oh, yeah! An apple.

Grinning, I got to my feet and moved over in the dark to where I had set my bag when we had arrived. It wasn’t too bad rummaging around in the dark, but I couldn’t really see what I was doing. However, when my fingers curled around a cool, round surface, I knew that I had found the right thing.

A few moments later, and I was happily chomping into the sweet meat of the apple. As I chewed, I looked over at the moonlight trailing through my window and smiled.

Plenty of excitement awaited me in the morning.

-o-o-

I threw on clothes in a mad dash, crown necklace jingling as I shoved my fingers through my hair in an attempt to comb it. I know, I know. A brush would have worked better, but it had been a while since this nest I called my hair had even seen one, and I feared what would happen if—

“C’mon, Sora!” Donald quacked outside my door, rapping his fist against it. “Let’s go already!”

“Aw, shucks, Donald, I just bet he’s nervous,” Goofy laughed.

I smiled despite myself, looking away from the grungy mirror and towards the direction my friend’s voices were drifting from. After strapping on some elixirs and potions for the upcoming battle, I hurried over to the door, opening it and grinning at Donald.

As usual, he was looking rather irate.

“Do you feel better, Sora?” Goofy cautioned, blinking innocently.

Donald harrumphed, folding his wings. “He’s always feeling good. That’s why he’s so damn energetic!”

Grin spreading, I reached down and closed my fingers over his beak. He immediately let out a muffled squawk, flailing his wings and trying to pull away. I laughed, releasing him, and crossed my arms behind my head, tilting it a little.

“You shouldn’t insult your friends, Donald!”

“Yeah, well, you shouldn’t hurt them!” the duck retorted, pawing at his beak and shooting me an evil glare.

“Now, now, you two,” Goofy soothed, waving his hands about.

“Heehee.” I reached over, removing Donald’s hat and ruffling his feathers, and when the mage squawked again, reaching for it, I started to run.

“Hey! Sora! Give that back, you brat!”

“Catch me if you can!” I sang over my shoulder, my laughter ringing out through the hallway, and rounded the corner at a dead speed.

A few people shouted at me in that foreign language to slow down, but I ignored them, enjoying how my heart was racing and how the air rushed against my face. In minutes, I was downstairs on the bottom floor and rushing out into the sandy streets, ducking through throngs of early workers setting up their stalls for the day.

I thought I heard Donald’s familiar quacking from behind me, but I wasn’t too sure. It was lost to jabbering, and finally I slowed down, winded, giving a last giggle. I loved a good teasing in the morning.

Dragging my fingers through my windswept hair and wincing as they snagged on a few tangles, I stuffed the hat into my pocket, keeping my eyes peeled for any sign of blonde hair. I knew that I wouldn’t be seeing Cloud yet, probably not until the afternoon, but it wouldn’t hurt to look, right?

After a moment of deliberation, I withdrew the hat again and stuck it atop my head, grinning to myself. I received a few queer looks, but I didn’t mind. Though the hat didn’t fit, it was fun to wear it, because I could envision Donald throwing a fit. He loved this old thing.

But… it was a little hot…

Ten minutes later, and I was already sweating, wincing at the bright sunlight beating down on my back and shining into my eyes. I wiped perspiration from my brow, panting a little, wishing for what must have been the millionth time that I was back home. Because even though the heat there was just as bad as here, there was at least water nearby!

Maybe running out on Donald hadn’t been such a good idea…

I managed to purchase a canteen of water after bargaining with a salesman. The problem was my munny and his talent, as I believe he called it. In the end, twenty of my munny equaled one of his talents, and the water was five talents. But I was thirsty, and willing to pay. Besides—the man looked a bit worn, anyway, and probably needed the money.

So I let the warm water gush down my throat, swallowing eagerly and not minding at all when some of it escaped to dribble down my chin and into my shirt. It was a bit refreshing compared to the dry heat.

I waved a little as a way to thank the man, who merely nodded at me with a grin that showed yellowed teeth. My own grin faltered at the sight of them for a moment before I reinforced it, hurrying off, losing myself among the people once more.

Despite how hot it was, though, I really did love it here.

I was just beginning to turn around when I heard my own language drifting to my ears from nearby.

“…A wing…”

“Yes, black as day…”

“It was amazing! I was so in awe that I lost—just like that!”

I blinked, remembering Cloud’s wing, and turned in the direction of the voices. Sure enough, two shady looking characters were talking amongst themselves, eyes alight with greed.

“How much do you think he would be worth?”

“Fool, that’s if we could get our hands on him!”

Something akin to anger flickered in my heart, and I frowned, my brows drawing down sharply over my nose. I was just beginning to walk over to them when someone grabbed my shoulder, however, and jerked me about.

“Huh—” I garbled, and when the world stopped spinning, I found myself staring up into glowing blue eyes.

I grinned despite myself. “Cloud!” I breathed excitedly. “I was looking for you!”

“Really?” Blonde eyebrows lifted, but I couldn’t see much more of his expression, as half of it was hidden by his mantle.

I bobbed my head up and down in a happy nod. “Yeah! I was going to talk to you before I took on the Platinum challenge.”

And then, rather abruptly, I remembered the shady characters and whirled around to see them leering at us. When they saw me, they quickly pretended that they hadn’t been looking, speaking amongst themselves with frantic whispers. Their eyes darted back and forth to us every few seconds.

Hm…

“Cloud, those guys were talking about how much you’d be worth,” I said, turning back to the blonde.

“Hmph.” Cloud’s blue eyes shown with something like amusement. “Is that so…?” he questioned softly, but then he shook his head, gaze serious. “Sora, I need to speak with you in private.”

I blinked, confused, and then nodded. “Okay. Where?”

He turned, pointing in the distance. “Do you see that old monument?” I nodded. “You go ahead. I don’t want to be seen with you. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”

I don’t want to be seen with you…

I frowned, a little hurt by the statement. “Cloud?”

He must have seen something in my gaze, for he shook his head again. “You’ll understand when I explain. Go ahead and go.” And, eyes flicking over my face, he turned and began to head back into the throng of people from which I had come, his mantle swirling about his legs.

I stared after him for a long moment, thinking about his words and wondering what was up. What was so important that he had to talk to me about it in private? That he couldn’t be seen with me? Something fishy was up, I knew, and the knowledge of it swarmed around my mind, buzzing with confusion.

Well, whatever. I’d head over to the monument and see what was up.

-o-o-

As it turned out, a lot of things were up.

I stared up into Cloud’s eyes, my own wide with surprise, my jaw dropping a little. “W-What?”

He sighed, shaking his head, and raked fingers through his spikes. “But… I don’t intend on going through with it, Sora. I just… don’t know how I’m going to evade it, that’s all.” He spoke quietly, as usual, that bit of a rumble in his chest comforting to my ears. “I just wanted to mention it to you so that you would know.”

“Well…” I rubbed a hand over the back of my neck, the initial surprise melting away to be replaced by more confusion. “You agree to all these contracts because… you’re searching for your light. Right?”

He nodded his head, blue eyes slipping closed.

I grinned. “Then it’s no problem.” I crossed my arms, knowing that my voice carried a trace of arrogance from the day before, but this time I meant it. “You can just come with me! I’m searching for my light, too. We can look together.”

Cloud actually looked as if he was considering this, and he eyed me for a long moment before sighing. “…I don’t know.”

“Aw, c’mon!” I cried, curling my fingers into the air before him. “What’ll it hurt! Besides, if you come with me, you can get away from Hades and this place!”

“I’ll have to think about it, Sora,” he insisted with a firm tone, and my shoulders drooped a little as I nodded and bowed my head. “…It’s just… I don’t like breaking—”

I glared at him at that, crossing my arms again. “You don’t like breaking contracts? Even if it means you have to try to kill me?”

He actually chuckled, shaking his head back and forth, blonde spikes swaying with the movement before settling back down to frame his face. “…No. I meant—I don’t want to promise that I’ll go with you, and wind up staying. That’s all, Sora.”

I eyed him suspiciously, but his now serious expression gave nothing away. Finally, I released a small sigh and nodded. “Okay…”

“Let me think on it a few days,” he said softly. “I just want to act like I’m holding up my end of the bargain. I don’t want Hades to suspect anything.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” I said, feeling better about it, and then wet my lips. “Hey… what happens if you don’t… you know… kill me? What happens to the contract?”

His gaze flitted away. “…I don’t really know. But… I know that Hades will find me eventually.”

“Even if you leave this world?”

“Well… I don’t know about that…” he conceded. “But—I just want to wait before I rush things. Thank you for your offer, though.”

I nodded sadly.

So in other words, you can’t come…

“I wish I knew what to do…” I chewed at my bottom lip, brows furrowing. “…I mean… Hades is pretty evil… He’s tried to kill me more than once… But I’m mad that he wanted you to this time!” I sighed once more. “…Well… I guess that I’ll just enter the tournament, and you can wait and see if Hades gives you any further instructions.”

Cloud nodded his head. “Yeah. That’s the best that we can do right now.” He paused for a moment, and then reached out, laying a gentle hand on my shoulder. “…I’m sorry about this, but I better get going before Hades knows something is up. I will talk to you after the tournament tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

His hand slipped away, and he turned, beginning to head off. He paused again, however, his gaze sliding over his shoulder so that his strange eyes pierced through mine. “Sora?”

“Yeah?” I blinked, raising an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“…Good luck tomorrow. You’ll need it,” he murmured.

And then he was around the corner and out of my sight, but I could still hear his cape snapping in the wind, the frayed edges dancing before my vision before they, too, disappeared.