Okay, this time it makes sense. I've completely restarted this (Kingdom Hearts) fanfiction, ignore the last version, it has unspeakable flaws. This new fic is centred around Nevena, an original character of mine, and is set approximately eight years before Sora's time in the beginning. The story is deep, but that isn't evident just yet. I'm going to go ahead and post the first three episodes now. I kept them short, designed for reading while surfing the net.
I've posted the last three episodes on DeviantART originally;
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Spirits of the Key
Episode 1;
An Introduction
A lone female, perched high atop a mountain, observed the domain below. Two thin strips of silk lashed in the wind but stayed securely attached to the back of her shirt, and short brown hair sat tightly against her neck.
In the valley below was a forest, with a walled city nestled between the greenery. Roads wound around vast, ancient trees and beside sparkling, clear-watered rivers. In the distance an ocean and another town could be seen.
The enigma turned her head to gaze at a low cloud forming on the horizon. Black mist was billowing outward from a dark object hanging there. Two great, yellow eyes appeared, their vertical pupils staring and evaluating.
The woman stretched out her right arm, hand open. The very air seemed to crackle as a shimmering bar of light appeared, quickly reforming into a weapon of some sort.
The dark creature roared and with a beat of its great wings brushed aside the mist and sailed towards the warrior it dwarfed.
The unnamed heroine leapt from her perch and fearlessly plummeted through the air.
Her eyes changed to flaring green the instant before another beast materialized below her. This wispy animal, however, was not an enemy. Floating on four wide wings, it redirected itself below its master and prepared to catch her.
The enigma held her weapon ready, its steel surface glinting in the sunlight. It appeared to be a sword at first glance, but this resemblance was superficial. Tipping the blade was a wide sheet of steel, rimmed with ferocious spikes.
“They never give up. They’re still after me, I guess. Even after all this time.”
~^~
-OO-
~~~
A group of youths wandered down a cobbled street, talking among themselves. There were three boys, two with blonde hair and another with black, and two girls, one a brunette and the last with red hair.
“Come on, Nevena! You’re sixteen, not four.” One of the blondes said; “It’s no secret how good you are. We’ve all seen you practice.” He urged, waving a flier around.
“Alright, I’ll enter the competition. Don’t expect to get big cuts of the prize, though.” The brown-haired girl said, turning slightly as she walked.
One of the other teens nodded agreement, running his fingers through his black, silver-streaked hair.
“Yeah. You even beat me, and I’m a good athlete.” He joked before crossing his arms.
The group stopped at a two-storey building with signage explaining that it was a place to register for a contest labelled ‘The Tethys Annual Games’.
“Okay…” At that, Nevena walked inside.
According to various items scattered about and the interior’s layout, the building was usually a book store and was taking registration for the Games.
“So, you are entering this year?” The clerk questioned with a smirk; “I was expecting you to.” He dumped a logbook on the table and pulled a pen from his pocket.
“All events, Zeram.” The teen said as she fished around in a backpack-like bag strapped to her belt and right leg. She pulled out ten golden marbles.
“I already know it’s ten munny. I’ve been preparing for this for weeks.”
“I can see that. You look stronger.”
Another youth had appeared at the top of the stairs. He looked to be about eighteen, and held an ambitious tone;
“I doubt you can beat me, though.” He pulled back the left sleeve of his jacket, revealing a gem-studded bangle around his wrist. This was one of the winner’s prizes.
“We’ll see, Colby. I’m more dangerous than I look, you know.” Nevena warned, her mood dampened slightly.
-*-
Half an hour later the group was lounging under the shade of a wooden shelter on a white-sanded beach. The clear water reflected a turquoise reef beneath its surface, and fish blissfully swum about.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without the coast.” Nevena pondered, trailing off.
“Kai would have
even more time on his hands!” The other girl joked, poking the black-haired boy. He gave a quick laugh.
“Just because I like to fish doesn’t mean I have spare time!” He said, lying down.
“You’re here with us. That could be considered spare time.” One of the blonde-haired twins grinned; “We’ve all got better stuff to do than sit around on the beach, like go to work or train.” He deliberately stared at Kai upon saying the last comment.
“I may be the heir to Tethys’ throne, but I’m not going to act like a spoilt rich kid. Never have, never will.” He affirmed; “I’m not going to abandon you guys when we’re older, either.
The youths fell into relaxed silence soon after, deciding that the sunset would be best watched quietly. In two days’ time, the biggest juvenile sporting event in the world would begin, and they needed as much rest as possible.
-*-
“Alright, we have one cracker of a competition this year! Just take a look at our entrants!”
Nevena was standing on a platform, along with fifteen other teenagers. An announced was pacing back and forth, and he was now saying the name of each as he passed them.
Colby was standing three places down the line, looking like he was ready for anything. One of the blonde twins was standing next to him, seeming annoyed.
At the foot of each entrant was a mock sword, a short piece of rope and a knapsack. Nevena looked over at the announcer again.
“This year’s competition will start off with a cross-town marathon, then entrants will be grouped depending on who arrives first!” He shouted into the microphone; “Then, they’ll have to cooperate in a hike through the wilderness, using nothing but the supplies they’ve been given.”
“And finally, our remaining entrants will battle it out like gladiators in the ring!” He said, gesturing towards a nearby arena. Its floor was padded and the rubber rope barriers would keep anyone from falling out. Nevena smirked to herself.
This is going to be fun.
----------
Spirits of the Key
Episode 2;
A New Destiny
After a whole day at the games, Nevena had made it to the final round. She and Colby were staring each other down in the arena, mock swords in hand. Her friends watched eagerly from the crowd, waving banners around with the help of others.
You lot are always going to support me... She thought to herself before snapping back into complete concentration as the siren went off. Colby lept forward, intending on having the first strike. Instead, Nevena slid right under his feet and landed a hit against his back, earning herself three points.
Right, seventeen more to win!
Colby spun around, also managing to score points with a strike. The competition between the pair was fierce and stretched back to years ago, when Nevena had moved to town.
"Well, you proved me wrong! You ARE good!" Colby shouted, smirking. Nevena shrugged off the backhanded compliment and continued with her assault. The fight was only lighthearted, but these two were old enemies that had held grudges against each other for years.
Suddenly, the sky snapped open with a deafening crash, drawing everyone's attention upward. There was a globe of black floating in the air, higher than the tall trees of the surrounding forest. Its shape seemed to warp, then a black creature that seemed to be made of shadows tumbled out, followed by more, larger types that seemed similar to it.
Most people stared for a moment before fleeing in terror. None of them had ever seen anything like the creatures before, and they were dangerous. Nevena and Colby were still in the arena, holding their mock swords limply while staring dumbfounded at the surrounding events. Kai ran over and climbed into the fight area, looking startled.
"Remember how a few years ago I said that the purpose of the Tethys monarchy was to defend against dark creatures?" He asked; "These are those creatures! There's only one way they could've opened that portal, and thats if they killed my parents." He said, suddenly solemn. Nevena's mood sunk a little.
"What can we do, then?" She asked; "They don't even look like physical beings!"
Kai sighed and rubbed his forehead, deep in thought for a minute or so. He walked back and forth a few paces, then returned to his ally. At the same moment, Coby wandered over.
"What are you two schemin' about? You got anything to do with this?" He probed, looking annoyed and slightly scared. Nevena and Kai looked at each other with exasperated expressions.
"Look, I can't explain it." Kai said, turning to glance at another portal opening behind him; "You and the others should get as far away from here as possible. I'll catch up later." He instructed, looking at Nevena. She nodded, looking serious. The heir to the throne knew far more about these things than she ever would.
-*-
Five minutes later she had gathered the rest of her friends and the group was heading for the only road out of town. It wound off into the mountains and eventually led to another city on the other side of the world. Kai had run off toward the castle, presumably to see the situation there.
"C'mon,we've got to hurry up. Those things, they--"
An explosion rocked the ground and drew the youths' eyes back towards their town. It was in ruins. Everything had been reduced to rubble, including the castle.
"This may seem out of nowhere, but can I travel with you guys?"
Colby had approached the group and was spattered with blood, his right arm hanging limp; "I've got munny we can use." He suggested, holding up a clinking leather bag. One of the twins grew a scowl.
"Oh, NOW you want to be friendly? Right when there's a crisis going on?" He sarcastically questioned, crossing his arms while the others sighed or shook their heads. Nevena put one hand on her hips.
"Look, you can come with us. But start with the insults again, and don't expect us to put up with it." She warned, turning and beginning to walk again.
More of the dark portals were appearing everywhere, and Nevena was beginning to wonder about what Kai was doing. He had said he could stop the siege, but whatever his plan was, it wasn't working by the looks of things.
-*-
After several hours the teens had become very tired and picked a spot to rest for the night. It wasn't much of a campsite, but it was better than sleeping in the forest. They were restless in their temprary beds but that was all they could do to get rest before morning.
Nevena was awake into the deep hours of the night, thinking. For some reason, it felt that something large-scale was going to happen, but she couldn't pinpoint it. It was her intuition, not her senses, that was telling her of a momentus event.
I know something's going to happen, why aren't I more worried?
-*-
When Nevena woke she was lying flat on paved ground. The smell of those dark creatures no longer floated in the air, and judging by how dark ithe sky was, it was night. She groaned and sat up, blearily gazing around. She immediately became alarmed.
There's no town like this in Tethys! Where am I?! Where are the others..?
"Hey! You alright?"
A youthful face appeared, blocking out her view of the moon and stars. Dark brown hair flopped over the blue eyes and pale skin of another youth, about seventeen years old. Nevena groaned.
"Uh, I think I am... Where am I?" She asked moving into a kneel. The youth crouched and sighed, mumbling the words "Another one." beneath his breath.
"I'm Squall Leonheart, and you're in Traverse Town." He said, introducing himself; "You've ended up here because your world has just been destroyed." He said in a serious voice. Nevena stood up in surprise.
"What? Destroyed? Did those shadowy creatures have something to do with it?" She began slurring questions, she was so shocked. Squall stood also.
"Oh, my name's Nevena, by the way." She said, glancing around.
-*-
Nevena was taken to a house in a quiet area of the city. Inside was a yound black-haired girl, another about Squall's age, and a man around thirty years old.
"We got another one, eh?" He asked, barely looking up from a blueprint he was working on. Squall nodded.
"She doesn't even know what the Heartless are."
-----------------------------------
Spirits of the Key
Episode 3;
Allies in Hand
"So, those dark creatures destroy planets, to get to their hearts..?" Nevena sceptically asked. The explanation Squall and the others had given about the beasts known as the Heartless was detailed but troubling. She looked at her feet.
"Chances are your friends and family ended up on another world somewhere, just like you." Squall said; "You should stay with us-- Some people in this town can't be trusted." The teen advised, sitting back in his chair.
Cid scratched his stubbly chin and stood;
“Well, I think I can handle another kid. Welcome to the family, Nev.” The pilot said, crossing his arms. Nevena nodded. It felt like she could trust these four.
Over the next week or so Nevena struck up quite a friendship with the other children, all the while still concerned about her friends. She trained with Squall in the mornings and explored the town with Aerith in the afternoons. Yuffie, always bright and happy, was eager to learn what she had to say.
Traverse Town was in an eternal night, so the only way to tell what was day was the large clock in the second district. Nevena’s thoughts often wandered back to Tethys, with its acres of forests, mountains and clear air. Now she was wandering about with Aerith and Yuffie.
“People turn up here almost every day, when the heartless invade their world.” Aerith said; “The town’s growing all the time. Sometimes I wonder if we’ll run out of room for the refugees.” She pondered in her soft voice. Nevena nodded agreement as she gazed about the buildings.
“So, did you four lose your worlds, too, or are you from here?” She asked, adjusting her gloves. Aerith shook her head.
“We were originally from a place called Radiant Garden, but it was destroyed when an experiment on the Heartless went wrong.”
While the two teens walked, Yuffie bounced around energetically, playing with a plastic throwing star.
An odd crashing sound rang out from nearby, drawing the group’s attention. Nevena had never heard a sound like it before, but judging by Aerith and Yuffie’s reactions, another person from a broken world had just arrived.
“They’re over there!” Aerith yelled, breaking into a run and heading for an area of parkland. Nevena followed at a like speed and Yuffie sprinted ahead.
When Nevena spotted the new arrival she stopped dead where she was. She blinked to make sure she wasn’t imagining it, then walked forward.
“… Kai? What happened at the castle? Did you stop the—” She started, approaching the youth sprawled on the grass. He looked at her with a confused look.
“My name’s not Kai. It’s Luther.” He stated, his golden eyes seeming to glow in the moonlight. Nevena’s confidence sunk. Maybe he’d lost his memory in the crisis of their world’s destruction? Maybe he was concussed, or playing dumb? She crouched next to him.
“It’s me, Nevena. I know you were the heir to Tethys’ throne.” The girl suggested.
“I’ve never met you before, and I don’t have a clue what a Tethys is.” The new arrival insisted, standing and awkwardly trying to find his balance. Nevena groaned. When she had looked at ‘Luther’s’ eyes, they seemed empty, compared to Kai’s back on Tethys. Maybe he isn’t Kai…
The situation made no sense at all. While Aerith and Yuffie talked to Luther, Nevena wandered off on her own to think.
Well, his family line is closely connected to Tethys, so the destruction of the world could cause some mental problems. She pondered. But that doesn’t explain why he doesn’t remember me.
“Come on! We should go tell Cid!” Aerith called, gesturing for Nevena to come.
-*-
An hour later the youths were back in the house they shared, and they had brought Luther with them. He kept glancing at Nevena. After a time of silence, he spoke;
“I think I do know you. You feel familiar to me.” He said, staring at Nevena. She shrugged.
"As far as I can tell, we know each other." She said, crossing her legs. Squall, leaning on the wall, grunted.
"I've seen this before. Some people forget their past when they lose their world, but only the ones that have strong ties to it." The teen explained, looking over at a clock on the wall.
A scream echoed in from the square outside, near the accesory shop. The youths grabbed their weapons, and Cid stopped Yuffie from grabbing hers. Aerith had a metal pole, Squall had a sword, and Nevena had been given a dagger. They ran outside, expecting a battle against Heartless.
Someone had been attacked by one of the creatures, and Nevena noticed a pink, glowing object rise from their body. Before she could question it, she was answered.
"They're taking people's hearts again!" Squall exclaimed; "They must still be looking for the keyhole." Aerith nodded agreement and prepared to fight, although she didn't look like she'd do much damage.
There were five or six of the dark creatures, and as a seventh appeared its peers noticed the three youths. Battle was about to begin.
Nevena went first, lunging at the closest with her dagger while Aerith ran to the next. A ball of heat flew past the two, fired by Squall's sword.
Strange. Some sort of enchanted weapon..? Nevena thought, glancing back over her shoulder as the Heartless disappeared in a cloud of black mist.
"Yaaaah!"
Yuffie came barreling out of Cid's house, plastic shuriken in hand. It seems the child thought she could be some help, with her 'ninja skills'. Aerith moved to collect her, turning and preparing to run again.
Luther burst out into the street, wielding a glistening weapon. It was like a sword, but held two blades on each end. The heartless seemed to shiver and hesitated for a moment before launching back into battle with even more fierce a hunger. Aerith ushered Yuffie back to safety and peered backward at her allies with a concerned gaze.
Nevena performed a handspring and kicked one of the larger Heartless into the air, sending it flying into a wall. As she landed on her hands, a small zap of electricity danced between her fingers, throwing her completely off balance. She crashed to the ground, landing heavily on her back.
As Squall about to attack another of the creatures, another massive one appeared. This was a large snake-like monster, but attacked the other Heartless instead of the teens. Now that it had joined in, the battle was over in seconds.
When all the others were dead, it stopped and faded into black mist.
"What was that thing? It looked like a Heartless, but it couldn't have been-- It didn't attack us." Nevena questioned, crossing her arms. She was slightly short of breath. Squall was rather quiet.
"I don't know, but at least the Heartless are gone, and we're alive." He said, walking towards her. They both looked at Luther. He was standing on his own, still brandishing the weapon. He hadn't used it, but the creatures had seemed afraid when they sighted it.
"Where did you say you were from..?" Squall probed, seeming suspicious. Luther sighed.
"I don't remember. I think we should go see if there are any more of those things."
Spirits of the Key (Revised and Redone)
