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Fanfiction ► Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 68 posted)



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AdrianXXII

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 44 posted)

Yep yep, it was quite the piece of work, but all this praise makes up for it. ^__^
As for the concept of the beam, I thought it might have a bigger impact than physical torture and fits more the "heart-plane" of existence all this happens in.
That only these memories are chosen does have a reason though, and its tied to the identity of the menace.

It's really something, lol, I realize that once the menace is revealed people may slap their foreheads and say "of course, why didn't I realize it earlier". *ggg*

Indeed, although they are two of the tormented anyways, increasing their suffering is partly intentional, it won't be long until it's understandable why.

I actually put quite some thought into why Ventus acts like this.
Of course he has always the pain from his maimed heart, but as he confessed to Roxas, he can endure it on normal levels fine, the main reason Ven is flipping out like that right now is because of the issues he also had during BBS, that's why Roxas' statement about "keeping him out of harms way" triggered the memory about his conversation with Aqua at Radiant Garden.
It annoys Ven when he's always the one who has to be protected as well when he's nearly helpless. While Roxas may react to the feelings of helplessness with anger and emotional outbursts, Ven reacts with stubbornness and impulsive actions like the one he's trying right now.
In part it's also because he wants to prove to Roxas that he isn't just a helpless kid (despite his status indicating otherwise). Then there's the desire to pay back the help Roxas has already given him by helping him to recuperate a bit and keeping his heart out of the beam.
Another reason, although more subtle, is fear to fail a friend, since Ven doesn't know if his sacrifice at the end of BBS actually saved Aqua and Terra or not, he does not want to take a risk with Roxas.

Last but not least there is definitely the blatant fact that the current situation cannot remain like this. The pain bursts Roxas experiences prevent him from moving, but remaining there may eventually crush Roxas' mind or let him at least faint from the pressure as he certainly can't endure this for too long. So Roxas needs some reprieve from the torture at least for a short time in order to try and move out of the beam.

Well you really did a nice job, so you really deserve all this praise.
Yeah it' definitely does have a bigger impact in the "heart-plane", seeing that in that realm ones form strongly depends on ones memories and heart.
I guessed as much.

Yeah, that's what I'm expecting especially after all the hints in this chapter.

Oh, well than I guess I'll wait to see what you're planing for them.

Well you really hit the spot, as you've pointed out there are a lot of things that would motivate him to take action the way he did. I also think the fact that Ven seems to be quite clinchy when it comes to friends would also serve as a good reason for him to act that way.

Yes, it's pretty obviously that something will have to change or both will end up in a really bad condition.
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 44 posted)

Well you really did a nice job, so you really deserve all this praise.
Yeah it' definitely does have a bigger impact in the "heart-plane", seeing that in that realm ones form strongly depends on ones memories and heart.
I guessed as much.

Yeah, that's what I'm expecting especially after all the hints in this chapter.

Oh, well than I guess I'll wait to see what you're planing for them.

Well you really hit the spot, as you've pointed out there are a lot of things that would motivate him to take action the way he did. I also think the fact that Ven seems to be quite clinchy when it comes to friends would also serve as a good reason for him to act that way.

Yes, it's pretty obviously that something will have to change or both will end up in a really bad condition.

If you say so, ;D. I'm also really happy that I manage to keep a consistent level of quality to the tale.
Exactly.
Pretty obvious, huh?

The situation goes on next chapter, maybe then things will become clearer. ;)

It's not so much what I'm planning but what the menace is planning, *ggg*.

Oh yeah, Ven's clingyness, actually forgot that one among the reasons. :p

Indeed, and Ven actually realized that and therefore is also struggling so hard to do something.

So, Seph, are you suggesting that maybe Marluxia had access to Ventus' memories some time at the past?

Uhm, no, that was redirected as an incentive to think more about it actually, lol.

The "That's right" I gave before was towards the part where you say that Marluxia and Larxene aren't connected to Ventus, and besides it's not only Ventus' memories, but Aqua's, Terra's, Roxas', Naminé's and Xion's as well that are rushing in at Roxas through the beam.
If you think about the menace being Marluxia, is there any logical explanation how he could have access to all that? Or Larxene? How would they be able to reach Sora's heart?
 

AdrianXXII

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 44 posted)

If you say so, ;D. I'm also really happy that I manage to keep a consistent level of quality to the tale.
Exactly.
Pretty obvious, huh?

The situation goes on next chapter, maybe then things will become clearer. ;)

It's not so much what I'm planning but what the menace is planning, *ggg*.

Oh yeah, Ven's clingyness, actually forgot that one among the reasons. :p

Indeed, and Ven actually realized that and therefore is also struggling so hard to do something.

Yes you've definitely managed to maintain the quality of story telling though out the whole thing so far, which is quite an achievement.
To a certain extent yes, considering how well though out everything is in this story, it would have been odd if this had no relevance to the menace or to the story.

Oh, I wonder if I'll finally be able to guess who it is with certainty then.

hehe, well he had many reasons to act upon.

Well either way it's a gamble, if it doesn't go in their favor the situation will be just as dire, if not worse than if he had done nothing. Well at least now they have an opening and a chance to try and change the situation to their favor or at least to something more favorable to them.
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

Yes you've definitely managed to maintain the quality of story telling though out the whole thing so far, which is quite an achievement.
To a certain extent yes, considering how well though out everything is in this story, it would have been odd if this had no relevance to the menace or to the story.

Oh, I wonder if I'll finally be able to guess who it is with certainty then.

hehe, well he had many reasons to act upon.

Well either way it's a gamble, if it doesn't go in their favor the situation will be just as dire, if not worse than if he had done nothing. Well at least now they have an opening and a chance to try and change the situation to their favor or at least to something more favorable to them.

I'm quite happy it turns out this way. The idea to write only on one story at the time was the right decision since it allows to fully concentrate on it.
Gee, I really have a knack for putting up the puzzle pieces it seems...^__^

Who knows, the new chapter is around the corner. ;)

Yep, I have to admit though it is quite a bunch of work to juggle with so many characters sometimes. So far I did manage to get them all mostly in-character which makes me proud somewhat.

Indeed, it is a gamble, yet there is no alternative right now since the last thing they can have now is that Roxas ends up in the same crippled situation as Ven, which too long exposure to the beam might cause.

Now on with chapter 45. The torture continues, but we also get some more insight to the menace.

I dare say that this chapter even tops the last one in terms of "wham"-effect:

#####
XLV. The shielding Wind


["Yes, that's it...more!"]

Stop hurting him, you, you fiend!
Ventus had managed to bring himself into a standing position inside his own heart, largely ignoring the massive pain and his own tear-filled eyes, supporting himself by leaning on his Keyblade stuck into the ground.
He panted heavily, cold sweat running down his skinny limbs as he finally removed his right hand from his chest clenching it to a fist.
"Even if it will rip open some of my wounds again, I have to gather some energy to help Roxas move out of that torture-beam."

The next pain burst was accompanied by Ven's voice again, causing Roxas to squirm more as he nearly fell to his knees.
["I'm asking you, as a friend... Just...put an end to me."]

["What purpose I mean? Hahaha, think about what you're doing right now and you have your answer!"]
I...I don't understand... Roxas squeaked helpless.
["Stupid boy. Your first question answers the second. Your purpose is to simply SUFFER! That's also why I subtly led you on to find crippled Venny's heart...I only didn't expect you two to resort to make love, peace and harmony that quick. I would rather have welcomed it if you made each other suffer more and increased both your pain."]

WHAT?
Both Roxas and Ventus yelled out in utter surprise and disgust.

Why? Why do you do this? Roxas faltered and barely avoided falling into the chasm, still defiantly holding up Ven's heart.
The answer of the voice was only a mean chuckle, followed by another set of tormented quotes, his own voice, that finally had the young Nobody fully breaking down in tears.
["Sora, Sora, Sora! Enough about Sora!"]
["What are you talking about? I am me! Nobody else!"]
["What...? How could you even say such a thing...even if it were true?"]
["I'll...disappear...?"]
["No! My heart belongs to me!"]

I don't want to remember this...stop it right now! Stop it and show yourself, you coward!

That's enough! I won't allow this any further. I don't know who you are, but it's clear you're a sadistic sicko, not unlike another I know!
Ventus' anger had by now reached its boiling point and his expression was an angry look that would be very memorable to whoever could see it.
["Huh? Ahahaha, now isn't that cute? Puny little crippled Venny thinks he can play the tough guy. Last time I checked you can't even hold yourself up and your heart is a maimed piece of junk. Only one touch with the very tip of my powers would let you break down crying and begging for mercy."]
Leave Ven alone! Roxas interjected, his voice furious despite all the mental torture and flowing tears.

Your mockery doesn't reach me. Roxas helped me recuperate quite a bit and that I am going to show you now! Ven answered in a hissy tone.
["And undo the little progress you got by his help? Hah, what a moron. But whatever, the more you suffer, the better for me. Your attack won't do anything anyways. You can't even reach me, puny Venny."]
Ventus struggled to manage a small smirk. Who talks about attacking?
He took a deep breath, straightening his posture as he raised his right hand above his head.

Roxas was still fruitlessly trying to focus his thoughts, breathing choppily mixed with some moaning and sobbing, slowly realizing that his breaking point was nearly reached. One or two pain attacks more and he would probably collapse. This weird voice somehow knew him and also relished in his agony, calling it "his purpose", which made him afraid and angry at the same time.
Again someone who is using me...nrrrr.

A weird feeling now nearly overlayed all the pain, causing him to readjust his sight. Roxas' eyesight was clouded partly through the tears, but he could clearly see several white-green swirls of air coming out of Ven's golden glowing heart, slowly enclosing his arms.
Uh? This feels so comfortable, so comforting and warm. Like a slight summer breeze.
This wind, is it your doing, Ven?

An image of Ventus' shirtless form smiling fondly at him came up in his mind, hands sheepishly held behind his back.
Yep, I'm using some energy I gathered to envelop you in a wind shield.

Roxas felt incredible relieved as his entire body was engulfed in green shining wind gusts like another, very lightweight layer of clothes. The tormenting quotes and hurting energy of the beam itself were thus blocked out, the young boy sighing with relief for a split second.
That truly feels very nice, as if you're embracing me, thank you...
He stopped enjoying the feelings immediately as he realized what the wounded boy was doing. But no, you shouldn't...you'll demand too much of your injured heart.

I know, came Ven's answer in a bit more stressed voice, his fond smile nonetheless deepening shortly as he saw Roxas relaxing before he abruptly changed into a determined, focused expression.
but I can't just watch you suffer. We're very similar even in this. Now listen closely, I can't keep up this wind shield for long, so!

Say no more, I got it completely!
Starting to take big sideway steps Roxas hurried towards the platform, if he could step out of the beam this nightmare would be over and his twin-in-looks wouldn't need to strain his heart anymore.
["Hmmm? Why don't I hear you scream or cry anymore, Roxy? Already fainted? And what's with you showing me how much you're recuperated, Venny?"]
SHUT UP!
Both Roxas and Ventus yelled mentally back at the cold voice.

The voice let out a surprised grunt, which made its victims jump happily inside.
Roxas especially couldn't resist to smile despite his whole body still aching from the horrid attacks and his face otherwise tear-stained.
Ventus wind shield let him relish in happy feelings, constantly blocking out the still continuous going beam and its dire effects.
Even better was that the pressure was gone, the before steadily increasing pain was slowly waning and the weird voice was apparently silenced in surprise at Ven's and his teamwork.
The boy increased his pace even more, running sideways as fast as he could since he heard his precious new friend huffing and gasping heavily in his thoughts, indicating how much effort it must cost Ven to uphold the wind shield.

Hold out just a little while longer, we're almost there!
He gently assured his 'twin' while sending out also the mental equivalent of a pat on the head.
["Aha, so that's the case why you two could be so smug. Venny opted for a defensive use of his limited energy resources. Clever little sneak you are. While Roxy keeps your crippled heart out of reach for my beam, you donate some of your heart energy to shield him from its effects. Tag-teamwork at its finest, you might say?"]
The voice had its mocking tone back.

["Let's see how long you can keep up any defensive technique you used when I increase the intensity of that beam, little Venny?"]

At this Roxas gasped in shock while Ven let out a frightened squeak.
Ghhh, uuuh, I-I can't hold out much longer even at this intensity. Please Roxas, hurry!
Ventus convulsed in an even more intense fit of pain as some of the wounds he had diverted energy from for his shield, including the hip-wound Roxas had accidentally inflicted, bursted open again.
He barely managed to uphold his standing stance, now effectively leaning completely on his Keyblade stuck into the ground, his left hand shooting up to the hip-wound.

"Aah, aah. I need to, hold out, just a little while longer." Speaking aloud was additionally painful, but the boy needed it somehow to encourage himself, even if he could only manage it in a halting manner with coughing pauses.

His twin-in-looks of course experienced all this in his head, on top of the raging pain he already had from the prolonged exposure to the torture-beam.
Two more steps, then they would finally be clear.

The cold voice however wasn't content with letting them get away, the intensity of the beam increasing for real as Roxas felt the additional force impacting against Ven's wind shield, his 'twin' yelping under the increased effort.
Faintly, Roxas could hear more quotes, this time from three voices he hadn't heard yet.

["What will happen to Roxas?"]
["He holds half of Sora's power within him. In the end, he'll have to give it back."]
["Poor thing."]

["I wanted to see Roxas. He...was the only one I liked... He made me feel...like I had a heart."]

As much as he tried to, he couldn't stop his crying, his anger rising more at him right again totally and utterly helpless to do anything.
"Aaagh! This is, this is A-Axel!?" Screaming out this as loud as he could Roxas had finally reached the stained glass platform and jumped aside, out of the running beam.

"Ven! Drop the shield! We're safe, you can rest now!" He added immediately in a frantic hurry.
The wind shield around Roxas subsided as he realized in horror Ven slumping to the ground with a low sob just before his own pain kicked in fully, forcing him now finally down to his knees.

["Hmph. Lucky for you two that I can't adjust the beam's trajectory once I started it."]

The still mocking tone was by now way too much to tolerate. All this additional torment was the fault of this goddamn voice which apparently had fun torturing them without mercy.

Holding Ven's glowing heart gently against his chest with one hand Roxas slammed the right one as hard as he could on the stained glass floor in burning fury.

"PISS OFF, DAMNED VOICE!!!"

["You're really exceptionally lucky that I can't yet leave the abyss. Otherwise I would immediately take you in my icy grip Roxy, and make you regret every single word that comes out of your defiant little mouth!"]

The Abyss??? Oh no, the dark parts of Sora's heart!
The young Nobody's eyes widened in realization.

Mean chuckling was heard again.
["Not bad, not bad at all Roxy. Despite all the crap my Pillar of Torment put you through and looking like a picture of misery you can still think clearly. That's an impressive demonstration of the strong willed existence that was born from this heart and developed to such a high degree in only a mere year!"]

Leave us alone already, you sick creeper voice, and quit calling me 'Roxy' all the time.
I'm not in any way closely associated with you.
Roxas tried to sound aloof and confident, but his kneeling, shivering form and the still not subsided tears made it sound more like somewhat grumpy whining.

["Ehehehe, you don't even know yet how wrong you are, Roxy. You belong entirely to me, and once I have you, I will never let you escape again!"]

At this Roxas head shot up in terror, he hastily looking over his shoulder to make sure no one had crept up to him.
No, leave me alone, I belong to no one, I'm no one's slave!

["Oopsy, sorry Roxy, can't continue our very entertaining exchange right now, as there's apparently a new guest I have to attend to!"]
With these words the voice finally vanished and with it the icy feeling that had gripped the young Nobody the whole time.

Finally, he's gone!

Roxas sighed loudly two times, each one follwed by a small sob on his own, sounding very similar to Ven's.

#####

This was some very intense ride for sure, next time, we'll finally get to see just who this menace actually is and maybe get a clue what Vanitas actually did. ;)
 
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Roxie1563

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

That was an intense chapter!

I think I figured it out. It has to be Sora's Heartless or even Anti-Sora.

You know, I'm getting tired of that annoying voice of the storm.. I'm agreeing with Roxas and that's to get the heck out!

I'm looking forward to the next chapter as usual, Sephy! :) Nice work! :D
 
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Zero Dozer

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

Okay, so Roxas FINALLY got out of harm's way, at the cost of whatever health Ventus had regained.

Also, I can finally have a clue on what is attacking them, as it comes from the very depths of Sora's heart...

...Is it a sign over Sora's Heartless, Sora's REAL Heartless?
 

KingdomKey

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

I enjoyed this new chapter entirely. That last part with Roxas hearing Axel last parting words made me tear up a little. I like the teamwork demonstrated between Roxas and Ventus. I'm curious what Vanitas actually did and if, the menace had to leave because of it? Sephy, again, I can't wait to see another glorious chapter of yours.
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

That was an intense chapter!

I think I figured it out. It has to be Sora's Heartless or even Anti-Sora.

You know, I'm getting tired of that annoying voice of the storm.. I'm agreeing with Roxas and that's to get the heck out!

I'm looking forward to the next chapter as usual, Sephy! :) Nice work! :D

I sure hope it was, lol, especially since the menace finally also stated what Roxas' (and Ven's) purpose is in his view.

The next two chapters will finally clear it up, but I'll say you're heading in the correct direction. ^__^

The voice may be annoying, but it's certainly not to be trifled with as it's not the first main antagonist for nothing!

I'll try to hold the next release date, :D.

Okay, so Roxas FINALLY got out of harm's way, at the cost of whatever health Ventus had regained.

Also, I can finally have a clue on what is attacking them, as it comes from the very depths of Sora's heart...

...Is it a sign over Sora's Heartless, Sora's REAL Heartless?

Yep, it was a chain of somewhat unfortunate events, but it's all serving the further development of the story, as will be shown later. That Ventus could regain health before is still an important point, even if the progress made is currently undone again.

Lol, I knew the hints in this chapter would be more upfront, and although I won't necessarily call the menace a "Heartless", it does indeed come from the dark parts of Sora's heart.

I enjoyed this new chapter entirely. That last part with Roxas hearing Axel last parting words made me tear up a little. I like the teamwork demonstrated between Roxas and Ventus. I'm curious what Vanitas actually did and if, the menace had to leave because of it? Sephy, again, I can't wait to see another glorious chapter of yours.

Happy you like it. ^__^

That last part of the attack was actually the menace specifically searching and then using bad memories directly tied to Roxas, as while they all are painful, the ones pertaining to oneself are a level above in terms of intensity.

Them doing this tag-team working I included mostly to a) underline their growing partnership, which the menace so disappointedly calls "making harmony", as its plan was originally to have them both opposing each other, and b) show Ven's stubborn side by having him taking action despite him not really being in a situation to do so.

On the topic of what Vanitas did, that will be covered later (although it can be deduced from the following chapters) and act as a catalyst for really infuriating Sora himself.
As for why the menace had to leave, that will already be adressed in the next two chapters. ;)

The coming weekend I'll try to give out the next continuation. ;D
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

Oops, last post was still me, so that's another double post here for the next chapter.
Let's now meet Xion...and the first main antagonist in person:

#####
XLVI. Profiteer of the torment

Darkness, all around in a shapeless abyss in the deepest parts of Sora's heart.

There were no stained glass pillars, no walkways, only a plain, featureless blackness that was not meant to be seen by conscious beings.
Roxas didn't know that all his suffering was also felt by a person that he and everyone else had completely forgotten.

Her sleep disturbed by this already, the cold voice thundering near her location barking out its intentions to hurt him more finally snapped her awake from the sleep she was never supposed to wake up from.

["You're really exceptionally lucky that I can't yet leave the abyss. Otherwise I would immediately take you in my icy grip Roxy, and make you regret every single word that comes out of your defiant little mouth!"]

Blue eyes snapped open as the girl slung her arms around her own form, shivering.
Oh no, where am I? What's happening? I can feel it, something is hurting Roxas...and that horrid voice? Somewhere near here?

Running one hand through her messy raven hair she tried to get up, only to perform a slow somersault in the featureless space surrounding her.
Uh, I probably should first figure out where "here" is at all. There's no floor or ceiling, no right or left...where AM I?

She stubbornly fought down the fear that was growing inside her as it wouldn't help at all to panic now.
Ghh, my mind is swirling around like someone dunked me into a mixer at full speed, but...my own memories are intact. I remember everything. Axel, Roxas, my friends...Sora, the person where I should be now, the one with the hidden power to save us. Xemnas...the enemy! Saix, the jerkass...and I am...Xion, yes, that's right. Xion was the name given to the existence that I originally was...no, that's STILL my name even if I don't truly exist anymore and no one remembers me!

Clutching her right hand to a fist she punched the air sideways once, shortly pulling at her hair with the other to make sure that her consciousness was really awake and not dreaming.

["Not bad, not bad at all Roxy. Despite all the crap my Pillar of torment put you through and looking like a picture of misery you can still think clearly. That's an impressive demonstration of the strong willed existence that was born from this heart and developed to such a high degree in only a mere year!"]
The voice roared again, surprising and frightening the girl as she threw her head around several times to deduce where it came from.
Who or what is that? And why is it attacking and mocking Roxas like this? I have to help him somehow, even if he will never know it.
From where comes that voice?

As she continued to look around, she could finally spot an eerie glowing purple sphere that could serve as an orientation point.
With an odd mix of air-walking and swimming motions she made her way towards the purple sphere, intend on examining it.

There was no real sense of time in this weird dark abyss, so if someone had asked her how long it took her to actually reach the sphere she could have only shrugged her shoulders.

The face directly before the sphere, she could now very lowly hear how Sora's Nobody yelled back at the voice in a defiant, but clearly pain-stricken voice.
Leave "us" alone? Why does he speak in plural? Is there someone with him? Maybe Sora?
Ghh, he sounds so incredibly hurt...

With all her courage gathered Xion finally dived to the sphere, landing in a weird and twisted version of the world known as Destiny Islands.
I have been here, it was here where I collected the seashells for Roxas when he was asleep, but...this version looks so... She gulped disgusted. ...gross.

The ocean was in a deep blood red colour, the sand of the beach looking more like ash and the palm trees had completely white trunks while their leaves were ink-black.
The wooden structures built across the island looked as if they were scorched and weird, black spikes adorned with what looked like purple veins were sprouting in several places.

Xion looked around more and every impression she took in made her feel worse. The "sky" was actually pitch black as well with creepy purple 'clouds' while on the small island connected to the main one by the broad wooden bridge an unsettling, frightening creature stood.

It was humanoid in stature, yet pitch black, seemed to have several big, moving shadows attached to it and was surrounded by a creepy, dark red aura.
Outstretching its right hand, the creature was apparently shooting out a continous broad dark red energy beam surrounded with black lightning from its palm. The beam was travelling several metres over the ocean before it disappeared into something that looked like a dark portal.

["Ehehehe, you don't even know yet how wrong you are, Roxy. You belong entirely to me, and once I have you, I will never let you escape again!"]
The creature was shaking with mean laughter as these words came straight from it.
They were so loud Xion had to cover her ears as she cautiously tried to get nearer to the small island in order to get a better view at the black thing, ignoring her own growing fear.
This...this horrible thing is after Roxas...I have to somehow try to stop it!

Sincerely hoping the door wouldn't creak the girl tiptoed over to the seaside shack. To her luck, the wooden door wasn't even there as the "shack" looked more like a scorched ruin in this weird place.
As she finally crossed the stairs and stood at the beginning of the wooden bridge, a sharp change of the sorrounding atmosphere occrurred as an icy aura was suddenly feelable.

Xion suppressed a frightened scream as the voice of the creature came again thundering to her ears.
["Oopsy, sorry Roxy, can't continue our very entertaining exchange right now, as there's apparently a new guest I have to attend to!"]

Ah..he noticed me?

["Hmm? I think the attack has way enough power now. Lucky that Roxy was so nice to step into the beam, he surely loaded it up with more tasty energy, so I have now all hands free for you, newcomer!"]
The creature ceased to fire the beam and lowered its hand, the last part of the attack fying through the dark portal before it immediately vanished.
["So, tell me, other dweller of the dark abyss, who are you?"]

Thoughts rushed through her head in rapid succession. Should she try to talk with the creature? Try to argue? Just skip any formalities and attack? After all, this thing was out to hurt one of her best friends on purpose.
Yet, Xion also felt the unsettling aura of this thing which added to her fear. She did neither know which powers this creature has nor who or what it was, so outright attacking it might be a bad idea.

["Ehehehe, too scared to answer, little lost existence?"]
"Huh? How do you...???" Xion was surprised at her own words suddenly blurting out of her mouth.

["It's so damn funny how many additional existences this heart spawned, existences that have their own wills, own consciousnesses, own memories and own thoughts...and yet, they can't really exist it seems. What a wonderful pool of intense suffering and torment to leech on. And then there's...that delicious wounded heart in here providing even more tasty stuff..."]
There was an unsettling noise heard as if the creature was licking its lips with relish.

"Wh...What the hell are you talking about? Monster, what a...are you?" The trembling of the girl's figure increased.

["Yeah, that's right, how could I forget that you, the additional leftover garbage is also still "there" in some form. That's of course the main reason you are here in the dark abyss and can't at least wander the depths of this heart. Memories are immortal, yes, but those that are forgotten fall into darkness, are covered by it. As I am the core of this darkness however, I can see who and what you are, Xion. Wasn't that the name you were given?"]

The girl winced shortly at the "leftover garbage" before her eyes widened even more when the creature spoke about its role and called her name without her ever saying it.

"Core of the darkness? This is Sora's heart, what have you done to him? Who are you?"
["Ehehehe, good, good, your torment also tastes quite enjoyable. But damn, are you really still so oblivious? When you know whose heart this is you also know me, stupid girl."]
The creature now turned around facing Xion as she screamed in terror and nearly fell down the stairs behind her.

It was Sora, or rather, a totally demonized version of him. The body itself looked exactly like Sora, only with pitch-black skin while clothes and shoes were also in shades of black and dark midnight blue.
The straps and laces on the outfit, as well as zippers and the crown-necklace were the only elements colored in something that looked like dull silver.
On the left sleeve the outfit had something that looked like a winged black demon silhouette with white edges while the creature's eyes were glowing yellow balls without pupils, like the one's of a Heartless.

As their gazes met each other, the demonic Sora gave Xion an eerie, wide smile which freaked her out even more.
Instead of normal human teeth, his mouth was lined with sharp, nearly triangular ones and four fearsome fang-like canines.
Additionally, the shadows that seemed "attached" to it were spread out widely and Xion finally realized that they actually were wings.
They were large, black demonic bat-wings with a dark red inner membrane reminiscent of the aura the whole creature was surrounded with, their tops sporting one dangerous looking red talon each.

Struggling to regain her balance and force down the lingering urge to panic, Xion inhaled deeply and shortly closed her eyes before she forced herself to look the winged demon right into the eyes.
"No! Liar! You cannot be Sora! Sora would never willingly and deliberately hurt the people so closely connected to him like you showed to do, even feeding on and relishing in our suffering!"

The demon threw his head back laughing.
["Bwahaha, what are you talking, stupid forgotten puppet? How do you know anything about Sora? About me? You never truly met or saw him. "]

"Wrong! I may not have ever met Sora personally, but I did see memories, how his personality is like and how much he cares for people close to him, even if he doesn't consciously know them!!!"
Xion retorted in a defiant tone.
"I don't know what sort of abomination you are, but it is strikingly clear that you're our enemy who only increases all the pain!"

The demon made a snarling sound, the yellow eyes flashing for a moment.

"And the wounded additional heart in here is even more proof, why would Sora allow it in if not to help it? You are nothing but a monstrous "thing" that uses Sora's appearance!"

["Hah, spare me your delusions. I am the Key that connects everything, and I will use those connections to all of you, ehehe, to crush the enemy beneath my heels. To do that however, I need vast amounts of power, and the injured heart, who is Venny, as well as Roxy, you and all the others will deliver me the sort of power I need!"]
The demonic Sora spread his arms out in an inviting manner, flapping his wings once and licking his lips again which showed that his tongue was almost blood-red.

Xion backed away slightly more at the imposing gesture, now also realizing that he had not normal fingertips, but dangerous looking claws.
"Just what are you for an immoral bastard? You increase our pain in order to force us to empower you? For what? Which "enemy"?" She shrieked accusingly at the demon, still staunchly refusing to believe this could be really Sora.

#####

Just going to leave that here without any comments to let it sink in. ;P
 
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SRKTAVRXAYGDM

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 45 posted)

Yay! Finally, the next chapter!

So that was Sora's, uh, darkness, I guess? Because every heart has a shadow. But we got to see Xion! Even if she is in trouble.....
 

Roxie1563

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

So, it's Anti-Sora and it sounds like a mixture of Sora's Anti-form and Halloween costume (The wings).

So, Xion's up and is now in trouble.. Let's hope she can survive. O_O

More chapter, Sephy! :)
 

Zero Dozer

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

And Xion's finally on the scene.

Well, now I am completely sure that this is the REAL version of Sora's Heartless - considering that the one in Re: Coded was data based on it.

Well, the girl's gonna have some rough fight ahead of her.

Good one, Seph.
 

KingdomKey

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

It'd be an interesting fight to see; Xion vs Anti-Sora.

You really outdid yourself, Sephy. I love the mockery, defiance and power Anti-Sora demonstrated before Xion. I'd be freaked out, seeing Destiny Island like that, myself. Either way, I loved this new chapter. :D <3 Hmm, I think Anti-Sora wants power for himself, unless, maybe for somebody like Xehanort Heartless?
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

Yay! Finally, the next chapter!

So that was Sora's, uh, darkness, I guess? Because every heart has a shadow. But we got to see Xion! Even if she is in trouble.....

I admit I was a bit late this time, lol.

Yep, exactly, you nailed it. Next Chapter, Xion will come to that realization as well.

So, it's Anti-Sora and it sounds like a mixture of Sora's Anti-form and Halloween costume (The wings).

So, Xion's up and is now in trouble.. Let's hope she can survive. O_O

More chapter, Sephy! :)

Indeed, Anti-Sora is what you could call him since unlike Vanitas no one gave him a unique name. As for his form, lol, the Halloween costume is a neat parallel also when looking at the fangs Sora normally has in that form, although I do have to say that both Anti-Sora's fangs and the wings are significantly larger. In fact, Anti-Sora's wings are big enough that he can truly fly/hover with them if he wishes to.

Heh, there won't be any trouble in this department though as Anti-Sora would not even want to kill her as that would be a waste of opportunities, but that's also something for the next chapter. ^__^

And Xion's finally on the scene.

Well, now I am completely sure that this is the REAL version of Sora's Heartless - considering that the one in Re: Coded was data based on it.

Well, the girl's gonna have some rough fight ahead of her.

Good one, Seph.

Yep, but since she's forgotten by everyone and memories that are lost sink into darkness, Xion's spirit itself sank into darkness and there was no opportunity to include her in the story until the darkness of Sora's heart would play a role as well.

It's Sora's darkness incarnate actually, the dark side of his heart given awareness. So he's technically more similar to Vanitas than to a Heartless, but with the significant difference that he still is a part of Sora's heart and was not ripped out to be made his own independent entity like the former.

That's for sure, also considering that Xion doesn't really have a weapon except maybe her magic. <__<

It'd be an interesting fight to see; Xion vs Anti-Sora.

You really outdid yourself, Sephy. I love the mockery, defiance and power Anti-Sora demonstrated before Xion. I'd be freaked out, seeing Destiny Island like that, myself. Either way, I loved this new chapter. :D <3 Hmm, I think Anti-Sora wants power for himself, unless, maybe for somebody like Xehanort Heartless?

Right now, Xion is severely outmatched for sure. In fact, of the people inside the hearts of Sora and Riku, no one could stand a chance against Anti-Sora right now. The only three people who could be considered on par with him power-wise (not necessarily skill-wise) are Sora himself (but he is locked out from his own heart, pretty easy to guess now who locked him out), Riku and Kairi.
You may wonder why Kairi, but that's because of her special status as a Princess. She couldn't defeat Anti-Sora in combat because she has close to no training, but she could easily block him with her pure light heart so they would end up both at a standstill.

Thank you, thank you, I'm happy it turned out so intense. Since Anti-Sora is Sora's darkness, he of course has some similarities to Sora himself like valuing his connections with the other beings, but vastly twisted and way more cruel. Then of course there are the diametrical opposites they have as while Sora cherishes all the bonds he makes and wants to help them and be friends with them, his darkness will want to use the bonds for his own gain without any second thought for their well-being.

That Destiny Islands is practically a worse version of the destroyed Islands we see at the end of KH 1, and can be seen as a parallel to how it would look like if Darkness would rule it completely.

You're correct, Anti-Sora amasses power for his own ambitions and for a plan he hatched together with Vanitas. In fact, the enemy he speaks of when saying
I am the Key that connects everything, and I will use those connections to all of you, ehehe, to crush the enemy beneath my heels.
is Ansem SoD, or to be more precise, Xehanort himself. Of course not to save the worlds or something, but to take his place.
 

Zero Dozer

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

So, the Anti-Sora is the one giving a hand to Vanitas. But... Even with that heart-connection thingy, how is it possible that Anti-Sora can reach Riku's heart?
 

Sephiroth0812

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

So, the Anti-Sora is the one giving a hand to Vanitas. But... Even with that heart-connection thingy, how is it possible that Anti-Sora can reach Riku's heart?

Exactly, while it is certainly not the same as with Sora & Ven, especially since Riku and Xehanort are also somehow in the mix, the connection between Vanitas and Anti-Sora bears some similarities between the connection of the former two.

How this connection came to be and why Anti-Sora even has a consciousness of his own will be revealed in due time.

Vanitas' heart is inside Riku's right now, that's one thing, and then there is of course the notion of the very close bond/connection between Riku's and Sora's hearts. Anti-Sora can use that connection as well, that's what Naminé warned Kairi about "connections may be misused" in chapter 30.
While Vanitas and Anti-Sora are in essence the same "type" of being, as in a manifestation of someone's darkness, there are two huge differences between them that affects their powers as well as their state in the different planes of existence.

The first one is that Anti-Sora, unlike Vanitas from Ven's, wasn't cut out from Sora's heart and therefore is, despite having an own will and mind, not a true person with his own heart yet. He is confined to Sora's heart and while he can somehow influence others who are connected to Sora's heart (and take control, if Sora doesn't work against it) he cannot leave Sora's heart or manifest truly in the physical world except if he would possess Sora's body.
Vanitas on the other hand has his own heart despite being originally created from Ven's darkness, so he theorethically could move between different hearts, and the negativity from the original split of course gives him the ability to summon Unversed.
Anti-Sora cannot summon Unversed because he's literally still a part of Sora's heart and this is also what causes him to be able to reach Riku's heart, because Sora's heart is tightly linked with Riku's, and Anti-Sora is sitting there and right now using the connection willingly to wreak havoc.

While Sora can create and maintain all these connections by his nature, he has yet to learn to consciously control the flow of these connections and guard them.
Right now, Sora is more instinct-driven and "let himself get guided with the flow of his heart", but Anti-Sora, due to gaining awareness, is disrupting that flow and tries to guide/control the flow itself.
The black wall preventing Sora's consciousness from entering his own heart is a measure taken by Anti-Sora to prevent Sora's intervention until it's too late.
 

Zero Dozer

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

So, Anti-Sora is riding on Sora's own connection with Riku in order to reach Vanitas, for what I understood.

About that black wall, I figured as soon as I saw the Anti-Sora in action that it would be him that made it.
 

Roxie1563

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Re: Kingdom Hearts: Hearts in Unison (Chapter 46 posted)

Wow, that's a new tibit from you, Sephy, and it's interesting when I think of it. I do wonder if Sora is really aware of what's going on deep inside his heart, despite being blocked access of it?
 
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