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

[Roxie1563]

Yes, the King is back!!

Boy, this chapter is sure getting intense! But now we know why Mickey couldn't see both Sora and Riku's hearts; Kairi was unintentionally blocking his power to do so until she left and now sees the hearts again.

Don't worry about getting him right, but so far I like this one! if you want, you can rewatch some videos and try to get the 'serious' look for the King right. I probably suggest the Hollow Bastion Invasion since I think that's where he gets pretty serious.

Now there's the question of who or what an essence of this mysterious figure..

 

[BlackOsprey]

A new chapter?! It must be Christm- oh wait.

Oho yeah, Mickey's bringing on his A-game now. Like Roxie said, if you feel kinda unsure about capturing his serious side, it never hurts to go take a look at some of his finer moments in KHII.

This is just kinda going off of my slightly hazy childhood memories, but Mickey tends to talk a sort of simplistic manner. Not a whole lotta big words, fairly simple sentence structure, that sort of thing. Some of the dialogue you wrote for him may seem a bit off because the verbiage is a bit elaborate for someone like Mickey. Here's one line that caught my attention in particular:

“I’m not really interested in playing anymore guessing games or partake in some weird experiments. In fact the way you act, the way you propose theses and assumptions strongly remind me of Xehanort.”

I'd tweak it to something a bit like this...

"I'm not really interested in guessing games or weird experiments. In fact, the way you act, talking about assumptions and experiments, is really reminding me of Xehanort."

Buuut hey, what do I know? I'm certainly no expert in Mickey Mouse-talk.

Also, I sense a new plot device! What in the worlds is an "essence?!" More things that I must know... Well, I can wait. For a very long time.

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

YAAAAAYYYYYY! Thank you for yet another great chapter and for making my Xmas wish come true

 

[Sephiroth0812]

Yes, the King is back!!

Boy, this chapter is sure getting intense! But now we know why Mickey couldn't see both Sora and Riku's hearts; Kairi was unintentionally blocking his power to do so until she left and now sees the hearts again.

Don't worry about getting him right, but so far I like this one! if you want, you can rewatch some videos and try to get the 'serious' look for the King right. I probably suggest the Hollow Bastion Invasion since I think that's where he gets pretty serious.

Not only the King, but Donald and Goofy too as this part of the story also serves to give some glory to the Disney characters without having the originals or FF cameos around.
Donald even reveals a new ability he learned.

The intensity is building up indirectly for Kairi actually with the Mysterious Figure and its mysteries only second priority right now (although it will get center importance later on in the second and third part of the trilogy).

Where did it say that the King can see Sora's and Riku's hearts again? Kairi is still blocking not only the King, but everyone else to see their hearts. The hearts the Mysterious Figure talks about that Mickey still can see are Donald's and Goofy's, which he uses to confirm that it is not that the King lost one of his Keyblade Master abilities, but that Kairi is specifically shielding Sora's and Riku's hearts from all outside influence without consciously knowing it.
That the Mysterious Figure can still see Sora's and Riku's hearts does not mean that he's immune to Kairi's powers though, it has to do with his state of being as to why he can do so.

Like I said, I rewrote many of those parts often and I do use the actual game-scripts of the KH games who hold all dialogue as references, lol.

Now there's the question of who or what an essence of this mysterious figure..

As the King in his last sentence implies, he knows what exactly an "essence" is supposed to be, so the next chapter may provide some insight on that.

A new chapter?! It must be Christm- oh wait.

Oho yeah, Mickey's bringing on his A-game now. Like Roxie said, if you feel kinda unsure about capturing his serious side, it never hurts to go take a look at some of his finer moments in KHII.

Yep, it wasn't 100% intentional to release it on this date though.

Mickey's finally sick of the trolling and wants to get back to helping Sora and Riku, so he's whipping out some more intense techniques.
With Donald and Goofy now also present (and Scrooge's weaponry being enchanted by Donald), the Disney crew has right now a small advantage over the Mysterious Figure.

I'll certainly make sure to look over such examples even more in the future, lol. As if I really want the readers to be able to see the events in the story as an imaginary cutscene in their heads Mickey should sound as much as Mickey as possible.

This is just kinda going off of my slightly hazy childhood memories, but Mickey tends to talk a sort of simplistic manner. Not a whole lotta big words, fairly simple sentence structure, that sort of thing. Some of the dialogue you wrote for him may seem a bit off because the verbiage is a bit elaborate for someone like Mickey. Here's one line that caught my attention in particular:

I'd tweak it to something a bit like this...

"I'm not really interested in guessing games or weird experiments. In fact, the way you act, talking about assumptions and experiments, is really reminding me of Xehanort."

Buuut hey, what do I know? I'm certainly no expert in Mickey Mouse-talk.

Ah yeeh, that old "Yen Sid/Ansem the Wise"-like speech for everyone habit of mine. I really need to pay more attention to that as having flawless, elaborate English at hand may show that I am versed in this language, but totally not fit some characters, lol.

Is noted in my revision notes under this chapter. I really need to relocate some time to actually work all those improvement notes in...

Also, I sense a new plot device! What in the worlds is an "essence?!" More things that I must know... Well, I can wait. For a very long time.

In terms of the story it is a "new" plot device indeed, although there are already some hints of what an "essence" could be hidden in earlier chapters, particulary in some of the Roxas/Ventus-chapters, the fight between Terra and Vanitas, when Xemnas & Ienzo clash with Lightning and Hope aas well as some of Ienzo's monologue after that.
The King knows what an "essence" is supposed to be, so there is an explanation in store for the next chapter, although I certainly cannot promise that it will clear up already everything in regards to it.

There's also a certain...development from KH 1 that might be at least partly explained by what an "essence" is.

YAAAAAYYYYYY! Thank you for yet another great chapter and for making my Xmas wish come true

Glad to deliver a happy Christmas, lol.

 

[KingdomKey]

I'm proud to see Mickey fight with the help of Donald, Goofy, and Scrooge McDuck. I thought all of them were in character. All I know is upon reading this chapter is this: What the heck is an essence? Otherwise, this was a great chapter with tons of action in it. I do find this figure quite mysterious, but I have a guess or two what an essence might be. (Maybe.) Anyways, I can't wait to see another chapter in the future, Sephy.

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

*holds breath nervously for the next chapter*

 

[BlackOsprey]

*holds breath nervously for the next chapter*

Be careful to not asphyxiate.

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

*starts turning blue* *passes out*

 

[Sephiroth0812]

I'm proud to see Mickey fight with the help of Donald, Goofy, and Scrooge McDuck. I thought all of them were in character. All I know is upon reading this chapter is this: What the heck is an essence? Otherwise, this was a great chapter with tons of action in it. I do find this figure quite mysterious, but I have a guess or two what an essence might be. (Maybe.) Anyways, I can't wait to see another chapter in the future, Sephy.

Glad you liked that one as I aimed to give some time to shine to the main Disney characters just like the FF cameos already got beforehand with the fights against Xemnas and Ansem SoD.

Well, essentially we have already seen an essence in the KH series proper, but it is also not that complicated without knowing this.
The current chapter will give a more clear answer to the "what" in any case.

---

Yea, yea, it has been quite a while already since the last chapter again, but now the next one is finally at hand:

#####

LXVI. Burning Light
​

“Theories can be proven true though, little King.” The figure spoke in a weird tone, almost sounding like a disappointed teacher.

The castle shaked again, yet this time certainly not from an attack.

“Waaak!? What’s happening?” Donald shouted, looking around in confusion.

“It looks like it is getting out of control. Soon everyone in this castle will be wide awake.” The figure spoke up again, holding his hip with one hand indicating a severe wound. The two blue energy blades were dismissed as well, signalling an end to any fighting intent on his side.

“Getting out of control?” What are you talking about? Your Majesty?” Goofy looked around with worry as well, yet the King seemed to be still stuck in a form of shock, his glance switching between his own Keyblade and the mysterious black-coated figure.

“The Cornerstone of Light of course is what’s getting out of control. You better hurry and look into it.” The figure continued with a slight chuckle.
“Oh, and little King, don’t you feel the need to get any regrets because of what you just did with your Keyblade. It hurts like hell but it won’t hinder me permanently or for long at all. I’ve been what you call an “Essence” for more than 25 years now and I’m still firmly stable to a T.”

“More than 25 years?” Mickey jumped even higher in surprise, dismissing his Keyblade in the process and startling Donald, Goofy and Scrooge.

“Yes, but that’s irrelevant now. Didn’t you say you have friends that need your help urgently? My little “test” for you is over, so you’re free to go now, but let me tell you this as a last piece of advice. The problems of those in pain you want to help and the Cornerstone of Light going haywire are linked and the focal point of all this is the young Princess, Kairi.”

“Enough with the riddles, waak, waak!!! How about you make some sense for a change?” Donald quacked in annoyance, hopping up and down and shaking his fist at the figure.

There was another low chuckle as the figure floated up into the air.
“Go to the chamber of the Cornerstone and maybe your King can make sense of all this if he manages to shake off the lingering feeling of guilt to have directly hurt a heart.”

“What!?” Donald and Goofy shouted in unison, but the figure had already vanished through a portal to the Lanes Between.

“He’s right.” Mickey gnarled with some frustration, clenching his fist.
“Don’t ye think about getting worked up over that! It was obvious that this coat-crony was goading you into doing just that by insisting on going into melee.” Scrooge interjected.

“Gee, I do wonder why though. Does that coat-crony like to get hurt or somethin’?” Goofy had a pondering expression as he scratched one side of his head.

“That’s not it. He just likes to prove things in this way as he himself stated. Overcoming obstacles and performing experiments, those were his words. What I am annoyed about is how easily I fell into this trap.”

The King gritted his teeth.
“I wanted him to back down and leave so we can finally focus on helping our friends, but by doing so I stooped down to his level and played his game. This guy may ultimatively not have malevolent intentions, but he’s certainly manipulative and likes to go with extremes to prove things.”

“Waak!? Just like Xehanort…!?” Donald didn’t finish the sentence.
“Right, and while he’s not exactly Xehanort I can’t shake off the feeling that he’s somehow connected to him. Let’s go and see what’s really up with the Cornerstone! I hope, no, I know that Riku and Sora can hold out for a while longer.”

With these words the King and his three loyal subjects rushed forward to join Kairi, Minnie and the others in the chamber of the Cornerstone of Light.

---

Meanwhile Kairi had reached this very chamber after running into Donald and Goofy and directing them towards the King.
The hall was filled with a blinding bright light that blurred the surroundings, she could even only barely ascertain Queen Minnie standing there, protecting her eyes by narrowing them as well as an additional hand over them for further help.

Kairi herself had to narrow her eyes as well and look completely to the side at all times so bright was it.
How uncomfortable…it’s almost hostile.

The chipmunks had hidden themselves from the bright light by sitting in the shadow of the Queen’s dress.

“Your Majesty? What is going on? Is this really the doing of this stone that is supposed to protect this castle?” Kairi addressed Minnie as she finally reached her.

“Oh Kairi, yes, it does come from the Cornerstone, but it never behaved like this before.”
“I would also not call this behaviour “protection” at all, the Cornerstone is overdoing it!”
Another voice sounded from the entrance.

“Duchess Daisy, I guess you’re right but how and why does this happen?” Chip squeaked in irritation.

“That weird black coat guy the King and I ran into said it may have to do with my powers…but I don’t understand what powers he could mean.” Kairi answered into the round before Daisy could say anything more.
“Huh? The Cornerstone is going nuts because of your presence here? I don’t understand.” Dale looked really lost and shrugged his shoulders.
“These words came from a highly suspicous intruder didn’t they? I’d say it’ll be better to not trust anything such a guy says.” Chip added with suspicion.

The Queen slowly shook her head and gave her voice a very soft tone.
“And yet the stone never behaved like this before. So maybe there is something to it after all. Kairi, do you feel anything in regards to this immense light?”

Do I feel anything? Heh, I didn’t even pay attention as my only aim is to finally help Riku and Sora who are lying in that bed in horrible pain.
Ugh.

Kairi pressed one hand directly on her face, sighing.
What IS this? It is almost as if…no, can it be?

“Uh, your Majesty, I don’t know how to explain it, but I can feel something. It is almost as if the Cornerstone is reacting to my heart and to what I feel. It’s weird and somewhat frightening.”

“Oh dear, well that is truly strange.” Minnie had a look that was a mixture of concern and worry.

Maybe it has really to do with my heart.
Namine, can you hear me?
Agh.
Kairi’s concentration wavered as Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Scrooge came running into the chamber, yelping and gasping at the intense light.

“Oi Oi, it’s way too bright.” Goofy hollered as he shielded his eyes while Scrooge used his hat to do the same.
“Blazing bagpipes, what is wrong with that stupid oversized marble?”

“This light, is it uncomfortable?”

The gathered people jumped in surprise.

“Waak! Not you again, coat-crony!” Donald yelled.
“Uncomfortable? It effectively hurts.” Mickey blurted out.
“Yes, it’s a burning sensation on the skin. Almost as if it’s going to scorch us.” Daisy added.

What?
Kairi was shocked. While her eyes were nearly blinded too and it was a tad uncomfortable, she didn’t felt it being actually painful.

“Oh my, how unfortunate. The precious light is hurting? Well then, let me introduce some reprieve.”

In a sudden flash the mysterious figure floated inside the chamber, directly above the Cornerstone, and with one flick of his hand a half transparent wall of dark energy separated the hall into two halves, dimming out the overly bright light of the Cornerstone.

“Better now? Oh and Princess, I bet that for you there wasn’t any true pain, only a small inconvenience, was it?”

Kairi snapped. “How do you know?”
Another low chuckle was heard.
“Now this should really be enough hints as well as a splendid example. The relief you’re now experiencing is due to Darkness dimming the overly bright, burning light. It is only a temporary measure though and thus if it ultimatively becomes the friendly, precious light to enjoy again hinges with you, Princess. Search for the truth within yourself, as there the solution lies. Farewell!”

The figure disappeared in another flash, leaving the dark wall behind.

“What was that now?” Dale squeaked irritated.
“No idea.” His brother chimed in.

“Did coat-crony just…help us?” Goofy scratched his head again, but Donald shook his head.
“More like he gave us another riddle to solve, that damn weirdo.”

“Fact is though that while the light is still very bright, it doesn’t hurt anymore thanks to being filtered through that magic barrier that is separating the hall.”
With these words Scrooge waddled up to the wall and examined it close up with his pince-nez glasses.
“Pluck my tailfeathers and call me Baldy, it’s almost like a giant pair of sunglasses.”

Mickey let out a heavy sigh while Kairi was by now in a state of total turmoil and insecurity.
I cause all this somehow and I hurt Minnie and the others with it. But why? And how? All I want is to finally not being useless anymore and help Sora and Riku for a change.
What exactly am I doing and why does this weird black coat know so much about it?

Her entire stature shivering, she had to fight hard to hold back tears, which Daisy noticed in an instant, waddling beside her.
“Kairi, don’t blame yourself too much for things beyond your control. Not everything this coat guy says has to be true.”
“I know, and yet still I feel that this light is somehow connected to me. I didn’t feel any pain or burning sensation from it and the way this creep talked, it was like he could see directly into my heart and see things I’m not even aware of myself.”

“Then how about we investigate this problem together and search for a solution? That’s what friends are for after all, right?”
As she heard this Kairi felt Goofy’s hand placed reassuringly on her shoulder.

“Yea, and how this guy can see so much, that may have to do with him being an “Essence”, whatever that is.” Donald added eagerly.
“Mickey, you do know about it, don’t you?” Minnie addressed the King, who was still looking aside, obviously being in a sort of own inner turmoil.
Scrooge cleared his throat.
“Well, “Essence” is a word that literally means the core or the crux of something, the most important part of anything so to say.”

At this Mickey finally raised his head and looked at the others gathered in the hall.
“Indeed, and that’s why an “Essence” essentially describes an existence of only the Heart that has not fallen into Darkness and turned into a Heartless. Practically the true opposite to a Nobody which should not be possible since Hearts cannot go on alone without any support or a vessel in the physical world, eventually they should inevitably transform into a Heartless.”

#####

 

[KingdomKey]

Wow, a whole lot happened in this chapter. I feel like you're dropping more hints with 'Essence' and 'Heart'. I'm not entirely sure I understand what all of this means quite yet, therefore, I'll have to think it over for a bit, but I do feel for Kairi and Mickey. Having someone playing mind games and speaking half truths, can really shake any one up. I hope we find out why Kairi is tied to the Cornerstone of Light like that. Or why it didn't harm her like it did the others. Or why Namine hasn't responded to her. Definitely worth the wait and I hope we see more chapters to come.

 

[BlackOsprey]

Oh hey, our pestering actually worked!

So... from what I read, an Essence is literally a being reduced to just a heart- no soul, no body, and extremely rare. You said there's already been an example of one in the actual series, so I'm guessing that you're referring to Mr. Robe Guy. And this one has existed for... 25 years? That goes back further than Birth By Sleep. Just what did Xehanort do this time?
And I'm guessing that something about Kairi's status as a PoH makes large sources of strong light resonate with her heart. That's why the Cornerstone is going crazy, right?

 

[Sephiroth0812]

Wow, a whole lot happened in this chapter. I feel like you're dropping more hints with 'Essence' and 'Heart'. I'm not entirely sure I understand what all of this means quite yet, therefore, I'll have to think it over for a bit, but I do feel for Kairi and Mickey. Having someone playing mind games and speaking half truths, can really shake any one up. I hope we find out why Kairi is tied to the Cornerstone of Light like that. Or why it didn't harm her like it did the others. Or why Namine hasn't responded to her. Definitely worth the wait and I hope we see more chapters to come.

Indeed, as we're now at a point shortly before the first awakening of Kairi's powers and that will eventually have quite some influence on the further development of Xion's situation.
It is exactly as Mickey says. At the base an "Essence" is an existence of only a heart that didn't turn into a Heartless.
The Mysterious Figure is certainly an unpleasant fellow, although unlike Xehanort, Maleficent, Vanitas or Anti-Sora he is not a villain.
All these questions will be addressed in the next three chapters.

Oh hey, our pestering actually worked!

So... from what I read, an Essence is literally a being reduced to just a heart- no soul, no body, and extremely rare. You said there's already been an example of one in the actual series, so I'm guessing that you're referring to Mr. Robe Guy. And this one has existed for... 25 years? That goes back further than Birth By Sleep. Just what did Xehanort do this time?
And I'm guessing that something about Kairi's status as a PoH makes large sources of strong light resonate with her heart. That's why the Cornerstone is going crazy, right?

Let's say it gives an additional incentive, lol.
I originally planned to release this chapter already in Februrary but then yet another big RL-related issue came up which prevented that. <__<

That's exactly the basic gist of it.
Mr. Robe Guy may indeed be one example, although that isn't yet fully clear. A definite example will be presented in the coming chapters though.
Heh, sharp senses as it has indeed to do with Xehanort. XD
You really have good observation skills as the Cornerstones problematic behaviour has indeed something to do with Kairi's status and her heart.

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

Eeeeeeeeeeep passing out from holding my breath paid off!!!! That was wonderful!

 

[BlackOsprey]

Alright, let's do it again! 8D
*pestering intensifies*

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

*face turns purple from lack of oxygen*
tee hee hee

 

[Sephiroth0812]

Tsk, you gals... <__<.

Well then, while I haven't the actual chapter yet I do have a teaser for something that makes its first appearance in the next chapter:

Spoiler Show

 

[MsKeybladeMaster]

Ooooooo shiny okay I can be patient

 

[Sephiroth0812]

Alrighty, so we're finally there with chapter 67.

Contrary to what I wrote above, the item shown there isn't yet introduced in this chapter (actually forgot that it is part of the two-part finale of Kairi's current arc) ;P.

#####

LXVII. Epiphany
​

The King rubbed his temple with one hand before proceeding.
"This is the reason why I was so agitated about the fight with that coat-crony. Keyblades are extremely effective on hearts and this is an existence of only a heart going on for more than 25 years in his own words.
It is totally mind-boggling since a heart simply should not be able to go on without a vessel for this long."

He clenched his fist.
"And to think that I actually caused it a wound and it still remains stable!"

As Mickey continued to voice his disbelief and displaying just how much this had shaken him. Goofy stood besides Kairi scratching his head, all the while deep in thought.

"What is it, Goofy?"
Kairi raised a brow.

"Well uh, gawrsh, you know, this 'Essence' thing got me thinking and if I got it right, it is the same as a Heartless just without the Darkness having control and thus it still functions and is essentially still a person, right?"

"Not a full person though as it lacks a body, doesn't it?" Donald answered.
"But that coat-crony could engage in physical activities, get hit and touch others, didn't he?
I think this isn't the first time we saw something like that, Donald."
Goofy continued with some doubt in his voice.

"What are you getting at?" Daisy had joined them by now, a little puzzled over the development.
"Huh? The magician didn't get it either.

"I'm not sure I can explain it well, but we did have a similar thing, only the other way around!" Goofy insisted, obviously looking for words.

Wait, did he just, no, can it be!?
Kairi slapped her forehead in a realization.

"Goofy, wait! Are you talking about Sora? That time back in Hollow Bastion more than a year ago when I managed to somehow turn Sora from a Heartless back into a human form?"

Mickey jumped.
"Huah? Gosh, are you implying that Sora was also an 'Essence' for a time and that Kairi caused that?"

Goofy nodded. "I'd think that would be it as I remember Riku telling us at the Castle That Never Was that Sora has a Nobody, that blond boy Roxas who was on that photo we got back then as a clue.
And as Kairi brought back Sora from being a Heartless while Roxas was also still running around independently, Sora obviously couldn't have got his original body back. Yet he still existed fully normal when we spoke with Leon in Traverse Town then went and fought Ansem. Wouldn't that fit this 'Essence' stuff as well?"

"Waak!? That's surprisingly perceptive, Goofy."
Genuinely impressed, Donald nonetheless narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"But what has this to do with our current problem of the overreacting Cornerstone?"

Queen Minnie gave away a small, understanding chuckle.
"Thank you Goofy, I think I know what cue I have to take from this."

Scrooge chimed in as well while nodding.
"Ah ye, I can see where this is going."

"Huh?" Donald and Goofy had a flabbergasted expression and switched between staring at the Queen and each other.

"I think I get it as well. Regardless if that coat-crony is trustworthy or not, his statements that I am somehow responsible for the Cornerstone overreacting may be the truth after all.
It is an undeniable fact that I have some powers and also that I have no idea how to activate or deactivate them nor can I control them in the slightest.
To this day I still do not know how I managed to turn Sora back into a human back then nor have I the slightest idea what being a Princess of Heart means beyond having a heart that is naturally without Darkness."

As Minnie gave her a reassuring smile Mickey nodded as well.
"So just like back then in Hollow Bastion when your powers ticked in without explanation and active control from your side, you believe the very same thing is happening here again."

"And to make us realize that connection, coat-crony played this whole scenario out in front of us here and in the process made the King feel bad for hurting a free-roaming Heart-existence? Gee, speak about a long-winded approach and someone having a knack for needless theatralics." Donald snorted in annoyance, tapping his foot again.

Mickey shook his head before turning to Donald.
"No, I do not think that he was deliberately playing a game, as he originally came here on a completely unrelated task. He stated "Why you consider me an obstacle in your quest is beyond me as mine has nothing to do with yours, but since most people learn best under pressure, let me then become an obstacle in the hopes you'll realize the truth in time. After just analyzing the state both Kairi and me were in, thus he most likely decided to play this scenario on a whim because apparently most people learn best under pressure."

"Which is certainly not an everyday approach one would consider a teacher's ABC, but dare I propose to postphone any further speculation on weirdo-coat and instead focus on helping Kairi with these wayward powers and then look into Sora's and Riku's problems?" Daisy interrupted with a stern tone.
"Gawrsh, of course you're right. What I don't get is though why Kairi's powers acting up is causing the Cornerstone to go haywire in the first place. Back there at Hollow Bastion her powers just threw some Heartless around and restored Sora to human form, nothing actually belonging to the world itself started acting weird."

"Well, Hollow Bastion doesn't have anything similar to the Cornerstone, does it? Back then Kairi herself had also a firm defined goal in mind and that was to protect Sora and not lose him to Darkness depsite having no concious control of any powers. So there was still a willed direction for her intentions and will. Right now, since none of us knows what exactly is going on with Sora's and Riku's hearts, this willed direction is not there."
Mickey had his focus fully back on the topic at hand, pushing his own worries and lingering questions back in order to help Kairi to the best of his ability.

I want to help and don't know how, that's exactly how it is.
"So you're saying my powers are unfocused because I am confused and the Cornerstone is affected by that?"

"That's most likely it. Remember how the coat-crony spoke about you blocking my powers? Well, it is true that I cannot see Sora's and Riku's hearts even with my Keyblade Master abilities, but that is not because any evil power preventing me from doing it.

It took me a while to realize, but it is indeed you with your own powers having build huge walls of light around their hearts to prevent anyone from harming them further.

Neither knowing from where the threat comes nor having any control of your rapidly awakening abilities you subconsciously erected these walls by instinct I guess.
The Cornerstone as an amplifier for Light powers due to its nature acts funny because of that.
Without knowing it exactly, it might be because it is instinctively acting to help ya!"

"Galloping gold prices, so ya saying that glowing oversized marble is alive?" Scrooge's eyes widened in surprise.

"Err no, not the stone itself exactly, but it is rather tricky to explain."

While Mickey and Scrooge conversed, Kairi just stood there, eyes closed and taking in everything that had been explained and revealed so far.
Remember what Namine said: "I fear fighting ability won't even help that much in deciphering what's wrong with Sora and Riku." "Remember, haste invites making errors."
So let's see what we have on the table and try to calmly analyse that.
My powers are apparently already active but without any direction and thus creating nothing but more mayhem by running wildly.
I created a wall of light around both Sora's and Riku's hearts to protect them from further harm by instinct, but that apparently not only barred the King from seeing their hearts as well it also failed to prevent the seizures they're currently experiencing.
The King just explained that the Cornerstone may be either alive itself or connected to something that is alive and actively responding to my powers.
If that is the case, maybe I should try"
A noticeable pause in her thoughts occurred.
to make contact!?
No more hesitation, no more fear of the unknown. Tackle it and ascertain what happens!
If it is caused by me I can also stop it somehow. For the trust Mickey and the others put in me, for the encouragement Namine gave me and to finally help Riku and Sora! Let's go!!!

Coming to a conclusion, the Princess clenched the right hand to a fist and started walking sternly towards the Cornerstone and the half transparent wall of Darkness.

"King Mickey, Queen Minnie, Donald, Goofy and everyone else. Thank you, all this has really helped me realize what steps are to do next."
She stated with convinction and shot the assembled citizens of Disney Castle a warm smile before reaching the dark wall.
Kairi fearlessly touched it with the left hand and just as she somehow had anticipated, it magically became pervious and let her walk through like it was just a veil of slow running water.
The blazing Light of the Cornerstone didn't even cause her anymore uncomfortableness and she could walk towards it with her eyes directly fixated on its pulsating greenly-golden core.

"Huh? Waaak!? Kairi, whatcha doing?" Donald squeaked in surprise.
"Gawrsh, what exactly did we do anyways?" Goofy hollered.
Queen Minnie chuckled.
"She's following her heart unwaveringly now and the awakening of her powers may be imminent."

The duck and dog where still looking puzzled, now throwing the Queen a questioning side glance.
"What we did was just helping Kairi see the path she has to walk right now. No more and no less."
The Queen continued warmly.

Uncle Scrooge just gave off a small grumpy laughter before shouting.
"Go on and try it out Princess. If ye have no control all ye have to do is to learn how to take it!"

Mickey gave just an approving nod while Daisy gave an encouraging thumps up.
Chip and Dale where hopping up and down in wild excitement.
"You can do it, we're counting on ya!"

They've showed me the road, now the rest is up to me to do by myself.
Reaching the Cornerstone itself, Kairi touched it and immediately the whole chamber was filled with an even brighter wave of Light, the dark wall shattering into millions of pieces.

"The giant pair of sunglasses is gone and we're totally exposed to that Light again." Donald stated the obvious while shielding his eyes.

"Yes, but while the Light is still so bright we can't see anything, it does no longer burn nor feel otherwise unpleasant." Chip squeaked as he demonstratively remained right in the open, eyes closed and bathing in the massive Light.

"Yea, you can even walk around now!" Dale added and marched around with closed eyes, promptly bumping into his brother.
"Egh, watch it you fool, don't overdo it."

"They're right, as long as we don't try to look directly into it, it is harmless now." Goofy seconded with a grin.

"You need some sunscreen, Donald?"

"Aww, quit that, will ya?"

"That means things are getting together."
Mickey stated with a hint of satisfaction in his tone.

#####

With all doubts and insecurity cast aside, Kairi marches forward to finally claim a measure of control of her powers and just like Mickey, DiZ and Namine helped Riku see a path he can walk in CoM, Mickey, Scrooge, Donald, Goofy and the other Disney Castle residents did right now the same for Kairi.

The next two chapters will thus be a two-parter which finishes this first arc of Kairi, in the process weaving an interesting connection between her, Namine and Xion, a development a certain winged dark creature won't like the slightest. ;D.

 

[Roxie1563]

Well, what do you know! This is certainly interesting, indeed and now Kairi knows what she has to do next to order to save both hearts of Sora and Riku.

Like Goofy and Kairi, I also realized the same truth as them when Sora became his own Heartless in order to free Kairi's heart! That was a nice way of tying that event to what is actively going on here in the castle of the King and I'm hoping there will be more connections like that throughout this story of yours.

I think you're referring to Anti-Sora, right??

 

[KingdomKey]

I like how you reference [I]it. [/I]I still remember our talks about the winged creature and what it has in store for your series. xD So I can't wait to see how upset the winged one becomes. Anyways, I wonder if by chance anything from chi will ever influence the direction your story goes or not, although if I remember right, a lot of this was written and planned already. Haha, I'm coming off track. I really enjoyed this chapter because it felt like a right of passage for Kairi to gain support and learn more of what her powers do. You portrayed it so well too. <3 And Goofy coming to that conclusion first was surprising and adorable. Either way, I had a lot of fun reading this chapter and seeing Kairi become more confident with herself.