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Author of 5 Stories |
Disclaimer: (sighs) This is a long one. Okay, here we go: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Inuyasha, Disney, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Final Fantasy...or anything else I missed on my long list.
Note: Wow! Thank you for the reviews! 13, and I did not have to leave a cliffy! Yay! Oh, and do not worry there is not one this chapter either...I fear the wrath of certain readers...(shudders). Thank you again and again!
Enjoy!
Perusing up and down the aisles littered with books from floor to ceiling Kagome took her time. This was the first moment she had been able to spend any time doing anything of simple pleasure. She was not feeling terrible picky, and so she looked through every subject and every genre before making a decision. Picking up her book she brought it to the counter where a friendly old woman was the cashier. Making her purchase Kagome slowly left the small store.
When she made it to the residential district she ran into Kairi. “Good morning Kagome!” She greeted her friend.
“Morning Kairi. How are you today?” Kagome asked politely.
Kairi gave a somewhat goofy smile, a trait Kagome noticed she had picked up from Sora. “I’m fine, actually I was going to take a walk down tot he crystal fissure, do you want to come?”
Nodding with a small smile Kagome agreed. “Yes, thank you. That would be nice.”
The two walked side by side for a time as they made their way to the bailey. Their idle chatter soon took another turn, however. “What is going on between you and Riku?” Kairi asked curiously.
Kagome blushed and looked at her auburn friend with great surprise. “What do you mean? There isn’t anything going on. Why would you think there was?” She answered back with her won question.
Kairi suppressed a smile. “I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just Riku seems to be paying such great attention and care to you. You two seem close that is all.” She gave a small shrug.
Looking back ahead when they reached the pass out of town towards the fissure Kagome quirked her head slightly. “We’re friends, probably close friends as we have been traveling together for so long. He is acting differently then normal though?” She wondered.
“Well, yes. It is not a huge difference and not very noticeable. When we were back on the island though Riku was never so...considerate, I guess with other girls.” Kairi shrugged again. “But I don’t know, I mean it’s been a while since we have been able to spend much time together, after they defeated Xemnas. Maybe he has changed.”
Kagome nodded as she considered this. “Is suppose that makes since. Well, as far as I know we are only friends.”
Peaking at the blue-black haired girl through her lashes Kairi said, “But you know, you two really would make a cute couple.” She said in a friendly tone.
“Kairi!” Kagome said in surprise and embarrassment. She hid her face as she blushed furiously. She was never used to such attention. Then again with Hojo it had been different, somehow, and exhausting. Kagome’s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to change the subject. Finally she looked back at her friend and said, “I’ll race you the rest of the way!” She said as she dashed away.
“Hey! No fair! Kagome!” Kairi called out as she chased her friend, laughing all the way.
The three made haste in returning to Merlin’s house where the three had been resting. When they arrived they found everyone had already gathered together around a table Merlin must have conjured up. Near the end sat Donald, Goofy and King Mickey. Each had a steaming bowl of soup before them which they eat slowly. Aerith was fusing over them while they assured her they were fine.
With some magic Merlin lengthened the table so everyone could sit down. Once they were all settled Aerith busied herself with making tea. Leon turned to the King and said, “Now that everyone is here, can you tell us what happened to you your Majesty?”
Sipping the last of his soup the King nodded. “Well, I went out in search of the Chasers, because they have answers we need. They are rather hard to track down, as they are the only four...or rather three inhabitants on their planet. Also you cannot reach their world by any normal means and you have to petition for an audience. Well I had finished my petition when Donald and Goofy caught up with me. They explained about what had happened to Sora.” He said sadly.
With a small cough to clear his throat Mickey continued. “I could not very well leave without seeing the Chasers, so I told them we would return after that. During our wait however a man with silver hair appeared. I learned that this man was Kuja, and prepared to fight him, he put up some sort of barrier separating me from Donald and Goofy. What surprised me though was that when I summoned my Keyblade he seemed gleeful.” He paused and shook his head. “Then he held out his hand and called the Keyblade, and to my astonishment the blade disappeared from my grasp and into his own. Without the Keyblade I only had magic at my disposal but this Kuja seems rather tolerant of magic and proficient as well. He performed reflect on himself and one of my spells was thrown back at me. When I was dazed he knocked me out, and the next I knew I was here.”
“Then what happened to you two?” Tifa asked Goofy and Donald.
“It was that awful Pete!” Donald exclaimed.
Goofy nodded. “Yup, I don’t think he meant to hurt us none. But he seems to be working for that Kuja fellow. He kept us busy while Kuja fought with the King. By the time it was over we were plumb tuckered out. Then those Chaser people came and we sort’ a collapsed.”
Leon then explained what had happened here when the Chasers brought them back. The King seemed very interested in the prophecy. He asked Kairi to repeat it but could not make much of it. “What is clear,” He said. “Is this is a warning. Perhaps this is what Kuja plans to do and the only way to stop him is by finding these ‘chosen’ and uniting them with their charges.”
Cloud nodded grimly from his seat. “That is certainly something to keep in mind. It may be our only clue.” He added.
“So what are we supposed to do in the mean time then?” Yuffie asked with a slight huff, folding her arms dramatically across her chest. “We can’t just sit around twiddling our thumbs while we wait and let him do whatever it is he wants!”
“Well, we still need to find Sora. Kagome still needs to finish collecting those Aeon crystals; the Chasers said they could be useful. Until we can make more sense of this prophecy we cannot do much of anything to prevent Kuja from accomplishing his goal.” Merlin weighed in.
Trying to think of some path of action Leon turned to Kairi. “What else have you found out with the primer Firion left you?” He asked her.
Blinking for a moment as she collected her thoughts Kairi said, “Not much. So far the only interesting thing I found was another prophecy of the Ancients. I’m not sure what it means either but it does not seem connected to the other one.”
“Would you read it to us anyway? You never know.” Leon said. Kairi nodded eagerly as she stood to retrieve a folder she was keeping some of her work in from her things across the room.
Once she had the folder she sat down once more and opened it up. Clearing her throat she read:
“Threatened by the tone of calamity
A stone may be born.
Forged by the Chasers of virtue
Created by the eternal conflict
And blessed by the four souls
Must the stone be cast.
In the center where it lies
A cornerstone to uphold the balance
And to diminish the conflict.”
“I think you are right Kairi, this one has nothing to do with our problem. Thank you though.” Leon said with a hint of defeat in his voce.
Riku then leaned forward and directed the attention of everyone at the table. “Well while you think about your next move Kagome and I are loosing time. We should keep moving and get Sora and the Aeon crystals as soon as possible. We need to be ready when Kuja does show his hand, and we don’t know just how soon that could be.” He advised.
Aerith sighed as she brought the now finished tea to the table. “I think Riku is right. We will just have to think on our own, while he and Kagome continue.”
“But,” Kagome started and bit her lip in hesitation as she took her tea cup in her small hands. “Is there anyway for us to keep in contact better? Instead of just a signal?” She wondered. After all it was not like they had cell phones here, not to mention that even if they did she doubt they had stellar reception between worlds.
Cid grinned proudly after she spoke, “Actually I just finished installing a new program which we allow messages to be sent between the Gummi ship, the hanger, and Ansem’s Computer. We shouldn’t have any problem getting a hold of one another.” He answered smugly.
“Oh, that’s great!” Both Kagome and Aerith said together, before laughing.
“Really? What is it?” She asked as she blinked her big azure eyes at Leon.
With a sigh Leon held out an old and worn book, made from tattered brown leather. It was clear the book had seen better days. Kagome took the gift but gave Leon a curious look. “What is this?” She asked him when he did not give any explanation.
With another quick glance at Riku Leon said, “It’s your Father’s.” He shifted one hand through his messy brown hair before continuing. “It was his journal while he was here as Ansem’s apprenticed. It’s short but I thought you should have it. Maybe there will be some answers in there for you.” He said uneasily. He knew from experience now after her tirade yesterday that her father was a sore subject for Kagome, so he was afraid to bring it up. Also he was unsure how much Riku knew or how much Kagome wanted him to know. He was taking a chance, and Leon did not like chances.
Kagome reverently stroked the worn leather of the brown journal before looking up at Leon with a watery gaze. “Thank you.” She said softly and simply before flinging her arms around him once more though this time she did not hit him.
Riku watched the scene feeling slightly awkward. He also felt a little disgruntled at the fact that Kagome had confided in Leon and not himself. Yet he knew he was being selfish, after all Kagome was close to Leon and there was nothing to be jealous of. Still he made a mental note to try and do something special for Kagome, she had been having a rough time lately, and he wanted to help her in whatever way he could.
Letting go of her brotherly friend Kagome repeated her gratitude before both she and Riku bid him goodbye. As they climbed aboard the Gummi ship Kagome felt hope return to her heart.
Kagome whose eyes had been trained down to her lap where the leather bound journal lay looked up at him quickly. She slowly nodded. “Yes, it is.” She was quiet for a time and Riku gave it to her freely. He could tell the subject was difficult on her and that she needed time to adjust and process still. Finally when he thought they would drop the topic all together she said softly, “You know, I thought he was dead.”
Looking back once more Riku found Kagome looking down at her lap again. He said nothing while waiting for her to get whatever it was she needed off her chest. He would give her an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.
“I was only five when it happened. I remember he never came home that night. Mama was so worried and when she tried to tuck me in I threw a fit, because my father had always done so. A few days went by, without a word, and Mama reported him missing. A few weeks later we held a memorial service and all these people kept telling my mother and me how sorry they were. When they left I asked Mama why they said that, and what had happened to Daddy. She just softly said that he was gone and that he would probably never come back home. I just assumed all these years that he was dead. Now though, now he is here, somewhere.”
“We’ll find him Kagome. I promise.” Riku said at last.
Kagome finally looked up to meet the gaze of his aqua eyes and gave a small smile. “Thank you Riku.” She said.
March 23
I have never been given to journal keeping but Ansem has persuaded me of its importance. I should also like to have a record to keep for my family, so that whenever I get back to them I will have more than just my memory.
Oh, my family! How I miss my dear sweet wife and our darling daughter! I hope they are doing well in my absence. How they must hate me! It was not my intention to leave, but now that I have it is too late to tell them anything. Ansem has told me that getting back may be impossible. I do not care what it takes; I will get back to my family!
May 3
It has been a little while since I last wrote here. Ansem asks me daily if I am keeping my logs up to date, yet I never seem to. He has been so kind to me. We have spoken for hours at length on nearly every subject. He truly is a wise man; I have great respect for him. When he learned I was a man of science Ansem made me one of his apprentices! What a great honor!
I have met the others and all seem rather good men, though often quiet. Still no matter how intriguing our research is our agreeable the company I have here, nothing can fill the void in my heart in the absence of my family. I must find a way back.
June 10
Amazing! I think I have an idea! A lead on how to get back to Tokyo! Ansem has been doing some fascinating research at length about the heart. Not only the human heart but the heart of the worlds. Yes, indeed there are many! I hardly believed such a truth when I first arrived.
It has come to my mind that there may be a way of traveling between eh worlds at will, however it is only a theory and research is slow. If it were to pan out there would be a vast need to be filled for materials and time, it would be years before such technology could be put in place. It may not even be in my lifetime. The thought is disheartening but that only makes this record more valuable! Then if I do not live to see my dream someone might give this journal to my family, and then they might know the truth.
Oh my beautiful bride, I am coming! I will return to you, only wait for me!
June 28
There seems to be some reason in my theory after all! Ansem finds the idea interesting as well and has given me the go ahead in the research. However this has presented some problems as well.
It seems the other apprentices are for the lack of a better word jealous of the time I spend with Master Ansem. Xehanort has confronted me on the subject as well as our Master. He believes Ansem has been spending too much time encouraging my fantasies when they are on the verge of a breakthrough. Yet Ansem has told me that Xehanort is reckless, and has driven the research into dark territory which could jeopardize the entire project and even this world!
It has also come to my attention that to build my necessary machine a metal or some sort of alloy would be necessary which we simply have yet to discover.
Wait for me my dear wife, be patient. My heart grows fonder of you every day.
July 12
My darling I fear I will not be able to keep in touch with you much longer. Tensions have been raising here between my Master and his other apprentices. They have begun to overstep their authority and I fear it will not be long until they make their move. Surely there is some foul plot afoot.
There has not been any breakthrough in my research to return to you. I will persevere; no matter what it takes I will return.
Good night my sweet. I will write again soon.
July 30
There is little time left now. Xehanort approached me today and ask that I join him and the others. I refused him and I fear I have no made myself an enemy as we have never been fond of each other. The only other apprentice I get on at all with is Ienzo, but now he has sided with Xehanort.
I have begun to fear that I may never find my way home to you, darling. Xehanort’s plans would have such an effect on this world, and now that I have stood against him, there is no telling what will become of me or this world I currently live in.
Already the barriers are thinning and I have seen the very creatures which had first interested my Master. These heartless as they are called are truly worrisome. I believe the world may be decaying, but then what is to become of the rest of us?
Wait a little longer, love. I will come to you even if it is only in my death.
August 3
It has happened. Xehanort has made his move. He hurt our Master before he could escape, and what has become of him know not. He has been forced into hiding, just as I have.
Even now they are hunting for me. I do not know how long I have and so I fear I must part with you my sweet. I will hide this journal away, ion hopes that even the shadow skeleton of this world still stands when Xehanort takes his leave. When it is safe I will return for you.
When everything has died down I will continue my research. Perhaps I will set up a shop in which to study. There is much to do and so little time. Wherever I go I will do everything in my power to keep another world from collapsing, and then I will return to you my love and our beautiful family. I love you with all my heart, you are my everything. Please be safe, and wait for me.
Finally Kagome closed the tattered old journal and leaned back in her seat. So he had not meant to leave them, and he was or at least had been working to find a way back. Still, there were so many questions remaining. What had happened after the coup? Where had he gone? Was he still trying to get home? How had he come across Kuja? Thankfully Kagome was saved from the headache that was beginning to form when Riku announced that they had arrived at the next world.
Looking down she realized she had been given a costume change, which included ridiculously high platform heels. It took some effort for Kagome to adjust to waling in them without making a fool of herself but when she had she looked at the rest of her outfit. Her hair had been curled and pulled back and as she blinked she could feel the weight of false eyelashes, which glittered in the moonlight. Her dress was short, though longer then the skirt on her school uniform. It proofed out from the tulle crinoline beneath, and there were seems running down the center of each leg which gave a gathering effect to the blue-violet colored material. The skirt was also trimmed with gold and her legs were covered by thigh high fishnet stockings. The bodice was made to look much like a corset and was made of the same blue-violet material and trimmed in gold as well. The sleeves were huge, but were short until a sheer black material continued down to her wrists in a bell shape. The same sheer black material was draped behind her skirt all the way to the ground like a train.
Glancing over at Riku Kagome saw he too had been given a costume change. Riku wore a black shirt which reminded Kagome of leather though she did not think that was what it was made from. The shirt was sleeveless, and had a mandarin collar with a buckle strap over his Adam’s apple. There were four more straps with silver buckles across his chest and abdomen as well. He wore rather tight charcoal gray pants and before she knew it Kagome found her eyes following the curve of his backside and strong thighs. When she realized she was checking her friend out she blushed and moved on to his feet, deciding them to be safe. He wore tall knee high boots made of black leather which laced up. They too had five straps and silver buckles on the outside of his leg. It was completed by a tattered and singed red caplet which fell only over his left shoulder which must have seen better days. He also wore a black half mask which contrasted well against his silver hair and aqua eyes.
(For pictures of their costumes visit buycostumes . com, though there are a few changes. Kagome’s is called “Lady in Waiting,” and Riku’s is called “Unhappily Everafter Prince Alarming Adult.” Again I did make a few changes but that is the costumes in a nutshell if you like. Oh, and Riku’s boots can be found on rivithead . com, Gravel-20(men’s) I think, they’re hot! ;)
“So where are we now?” Kagome asked softly as she tried to pretend she had not just been checking him out.
Riku glanced around before giving a smile. “This is Halloween Town.” He answered. As he looked at her he gave her a once over before grinning. “Nice outfit.” He told her.
“Well thank you for noticing I spent all week choosing just the perfect one you know.” She said lightly. Then deciding to tease him a little as well she added, “Yours is not so bad either.” She punctuated her statement with a playful wink just to get to him.
Looking down at himself Riku took in his costume before shaking his head. “Whatever, let’s start looking.” He said.
“Hello Kagome, Riku. What can I do for you, and where is Sora?” Jack asked enthusiastically.
Riku stepped forward. “Actually he was captured by a man with silver hair named Kuja. Have you seen or heard anything? We are trying to get him back.”
Jack looked shocked at the news, then a little sad and upset. “I’m sorry Riku but I had no idea. If anything does come up I will let you know right away!” He assured him with conviction.
“Thank you Jack.” Kagome answered with a smile to the tall skeleton man. “Also, while we are here, do you know of any shrines around here?”
“Shrines?” Jack repeated as he straightened and stroked his bony chin. “Hmm, I don’t think so, what are you looking for?” He asked.
Kagome pulled out Shiva’s diamond crystal and showed it to Jack. “We are trying to collect all of these crystals and we were told they have been locked up in various shrines.” She answered.
“Now this seems familiar.” Jack murmured quietly as he rolled the stone in his hand.
“Let me see that!” Dr. Finkelstein demanded as he powered his chair to move beside Jack. “Hmm.”
“Oh! That’s it! I have seen something much like this, only it was black.” Jack spoke as his memory brightened.
“Yes,” Dr. Finkelstein agreed. “We don’t have any need for such hogwash as shrines around here. But follow Jack he will take you where you need to go.” He suggested.
“Thank you.” Kagome replied with a smile even though the Doctor only seemed to scowl at her. “Not to be rude, but we are in a bit of a hurry to find Sora. Do you think you could show us right away?” She asked timidly, afraid of being too rude and demanding.
Jack handed her back Shiva’s crystal before replying. “Of course. No problem at all. It’s not far from here at all.”
“Yeah! That stone seems important!” Barrel said eagerly all but jumping up and down.
Lock nodded. “I bet it’s worth a lot of munny too.” He added, his eyes shinning. “Maybe we ought to follow them?” He suggested innocently.
Shock grinned. “I think we just might. We would not want such a pretty jewel to got o waste.” She replied.
“Oh, no of course not!” Lock agreed. The three broke out into laughter as they slipped into the shadows.
“Actually it does make sense if you think about it.” Kagome spoke up from beside him.
Lifting an eyebrow as he looked at her Riku asked, “How so?”
“Well,” Kagome paused as she stepped gingerly in her heels over a large rock. “A cemetery is hallowed ground, so it makes sense to place it here if you do not use a shrine. It would serve the same purpose. Besides from what I have seen of this world I think it is fitting.” She declared with a bright smile.
Jack led them through a long maze of headstones and statues. The population of the dead exceeded the living in this world after all. He lead them over a small bridge near the far side which led to an separate area, where a large mausoleum stood. It was beautiful. The mausoleum was made of rough-cut granite and stood with tall vaulted ceilings. Jack led them past four imposing columns topped with gargoyles to the entrance of the crypt. The doors were made of bronze and were cut out in an intricate design into he center. On either side and above the doors were stained-glass panels with scenes of flowers blooming at night.
Jack moved his hand to the doorknob but Riku stopped him. “Are you sure we should be going inside?” He asked, knowing and respecting the privacy of the dead.
Jack assured them it was no trouble and most like the occasional visitor, though he had never found anyone inside this particular mausoleum. “I promise though that there is a crystal like the one Kagome showed me inside.”
Allowing Jack to open the doors the quietly stepped though into the crypt. The air was surprisingly clean, obviously well ventilated. Just inside the door there were three large and steep steps made from the same granite. The thee walked in slowly and Kagome winced as her shoes clacked against the polished floor. “One thing is certain,” She whispered to Riku. “This Aeon sure has it better off then most of the others.”
Riku nodded before peering into the darkened room. The only light came in though the stained glass near the entrance which let moonlight in, but not much. He could easily see however a statue made of some blackened stone. It appeared to be some sort of demon with long bat-like wings and horns, and even a spade tail. Though it was almost hard to see the three saw a shiny black crystal in the creature’s hand. It reminded Kagome of onyx.
The young miko reached out her hand to grasp the crystal, ignoring Riku’s protest, and swiftly pulled away when she felt a light zap. It was not painful, not more than static electricity anyway, and felt more like a light slap in the back of her hand. Kagome looked at Riku who gave her an I-told-you-so look.
“Well then what do you propose?” She asked slightly annoyed.
Riku only grinned and shook his head before summoning his Keyblade. Pointing the blade at a glyph near the base he said, “Forgetting something are we?”
Kagome shook her head, knowing better than to argue with him and stepped back. She urged Jack to do so also and together they watched as a beam of light appeared between the glyph and the blade. Suddenly the barrier surrounding the onyx crystal became visible to the naked eye. It was orange in color, and soon it broke down before disappearing all together. Riku then lowered his blade and looked over to Kagome. “Now it’s your turn.” He said.
“Thanks.” She replied half heartedly before picking up the black stone. She closed her eyes as she waited to feel that same strange connection she had felt with each Aeon crystal before now. Abruptly the information came to her and Kagome opened her eyes to look at Riku. “This is Diablos, the holder of darkness.” She told him.
Riku frowned as she said this and asked, “Darkness? How will that help against the heartless and nobodies?” After all was it to darkness they were fighting?
Kagome smiled. “Well, yes. Fight fire with fire right?” She gave a soft laugh before becoming more serious. “Although this is slightly different, the power does not feel as...corrupt, I suppose.” She shrugged, unable to explain what it was she felt through the connection.
She summoned her blade as well to equip the new crystal. When she went to exchange crystals however she was surprised to find that the satchel she wore at her waist which she kept the crystals in was missing. “What?” She murmured quietly to herself.
Having heard her nonetheless Riku took a step closer to her and asked, “What is it?”
She looked up at him with big worried blue eyes. “The Aeon crystals are gone!” She told him desperately. A sarcastic part of her in the back of her mind thought, ‘Well I could not handle one Shikon no Tama, why should I be able to handle a plethora of Aeons?’ She quickly dismissed the idea as determination set in. “We have to find them!” She told Riku.
He nodded in agreement. Before they could discuss the situation any further they were interrupted by a chorus of children’s laughter from outside the mausoleum.
Jack’s eyes narrowed when he heard it. “Those three.” He said sternly, clearly upset by the children’s involvement.
“Who are they?” Riku asked Jack.
“The three best trick or treaters in Halloween Town. They usually cause mischief and used to work for someone named Oogie Boogie.” He answered.
Riku’s eyes narrowed upon hearing he name of their old boss. He was familiar with the vermin from his time with Maleficent. Now it looks like they would have to take time out of their mission to hunt down the kids and the Aeon crystals. “Let’s go then. We have to get that satchel back.” He said before leading the party out of the mausoleum and out into the cemetery.
“Heh, fine. I want this one!” Lock replied as he caressed the glassy surface of a citrine crystal.
“No problem. I’ll just take what’s left.” Barrel said as he swept up the heavy bag. He tried to make a quick get away but ended up being tackled by the witch and the devil.
“Nuh-uh!” Shock protested.
Lock tried to loosen Barrel’s tight grip on the bag. “Give them back!”
“No!” Barrel wined as he fought to keep his prize. “They’re mine! I stole them fair and square!”
Shock hit him on the head. “Dummy! We stole them together!”
Grinning Barrel corrected her. “Yeah but I stole them from you guys!”
Ripping the bag away from Barrel Lock jumped up in glee. “Ha! They’re mine!” He declared to the world.
Shock placed her hands on her hips. “I should have them, you’re a boy. What do you want with pretty jewels?” She argued
“Yeah, but I’m the oldest!” Lock returned with a roll of his eyes as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Finally all three made a move for the bag at once causing he stressed fabric to rip. All four crystals spilled onto the ground.
“Well look what we have here.”
All three little misdemeanors gasped and turned around. Each stood side by side with the satchel and crystals behind their backs. There stood Jack, with a very large frown on his face. It was clear to see he was not happy, and Jack got scary when he was angry.
Barrel gulped. The taking a step away from his cohorts he pointed a finger at them. “They did it!” He accused.
“Hey!” Lock protested.
“Traitor! You were in on it too!” Shock told him.
Kagome stepped forward and while she was past the end of her rope already she still smiled patiently. “How about you give us the bad and all four of the crystals back and no one gets in trouble.” She tried to appease them in a pleasant voice.
Forgetting completely that there had been an argument only moments ago the three tricksters reassembled. Each paused before saying in unison, “Hmm...No!” They then broke into laughter before grapping their prizes and racing off threw the labyrinth of headstones.
Kagome sighed. “That’s it.” She said in defeat. Then lifting her hand and summoning her sword once again with Diablos now equipped she said, “Those kids are going down!” Riku noted absently that Kagome’s left eye was twitching as she said this. Neither he nor Jack tried to argue with her, and instead fallowed her lead when she gave chase.
Turning to face the adults the kids took off individually and tried to surround their opponents to attack from all sides and hopefully separate them. It did not work as Riku jumped past Lock who had come at him before swinging at Shock who had taken on Kagome. Together Kagome and Riku quickly managed to knock Shock unconscious and turned around to help Jack.
Lock and Barrel had teamed up to take on Jack together and had been cutting him down while, but the tall skeleton man was quick and agile and managed to get behind them. Over the kids’ shoulders he saw Kagome and Riku finish off Shock before he chose to distract them.
Engaging the two remaining children from behind Kagome and Riku joined up with their friend and managed to knock the last two boys unconscious as well. When they were each out like a light, with Barrel snoring in fact, Kagome and Riku picked up the four lost Aeon crystals and a tattered satchel.
“Well, I think this thing is done for.” Kagome remarked as she inspected the remains of the bag.
“We’ll get you a new one.” Riku told her. It was true no matter of thread would be able to resurrect that bag now, it was better to let it remain in rest and hope it could fine peace.
“As soon as we get Sora back we’ll let you know, and maybe when everything dies down we will stop by for a visit.” Riku added from his place beside Kagome.
Jack gave a big toothy grin, “Your welcome, and we’d like that very much. You’re welcome at any time. When you come you’ll have to visit Christmas Town as well.” He told them.
Riku gave a smile as did Kagome. “That would be great.” He told Jack. Looking over to Kagome he asked, “Shall we?” While holding his hand out to her.
She giggled and continued to smile. “Why yes, I think we shall.” She replied with mirth. Taking Riku’s offered hand the two stepped off towards where they had left the Gummi ship. Unfortunately Kagome had not perfected walking in platform heels yet. “Aah!” She gave a small cry as she felt her balance waver. As she began to fall Riku was quick to catch her.
Catching her petite form in his arms he asked slightly worried, “Are you alright?”
Kagome blushed before answering in a small voice, “Yes, thank you.” She found herself looking into his eyes and found she could not look away. Riku was also caught in the moment and found himself hypnotized by her own azure orbs.
“You should be more careful.” He advised her.
Kagome was surprised to find Riku’s voice was slightly lower than it normally was. Feeling as though her breath had left her Kagome was at a loss for words and so she only gave a small nod to his suggestion.
Finally something changed and Riku gently set Kagome down. Pulling away she managed to hold herself upright but the minute she took a step she gave a squeak as her ankle protested. Riku had to catch her once again before she met the cobblestone streets personally.
She laughed sheepishly with a brighter blush than before across her cheeks. “I think I twisted it.” She told him, suddenly feeling stupid and self-conscious.
Riku playfully sighed before sweeping her up into his arms completely. Kagome squeaked once more and gripped her hands tightly around his neck, startled as she was. Riku only chuckled at her reaction and said, “I suppose I will have to carry you back then.” Kagome found it simply was not in her to protest and so she turned her gaze away from his as he gently carried her back to the Gummi ship.
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