Vesper's Heroes

Author here again. Still no Beta for this story so you are getting raw versions of each chapter. I try to catch as much as I can but nobodies perfect.

I just cannot stop writing this story. I think it will be rather short in the end compared to what I read, or other things I have written. But then when I think, ‘I’ll be lucky to get four pages for what I need to have happen’ I end up with 6!

Also, the Heartless/Vespers that I mention, most appear in Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden in KH2. If you can’t remember what they look like, a quick google should work. Same for the Final Fantasy 6 esper Tritoch.

Final note, magic names have been tweaked to match KH 2. In FF6, or FF3 for us old school gamers, magic was simply fire, fire 2 and fire 3. Now it will match the new games.

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“What the hell was that?” Sora asked again. Still no one would answer him as it sounded out again, making the windows rattle in their frames. Was it closer this time? It certainly sounded like it! His azure eyes flitted around the room, looking for any hint of backup. Still no one moved save for diving to the floor in terror. “Pathetic,” he spat angrily. Well if no one else will do anything, guess it’s up to me. I’m glad I have a hero complex.

The brunette bolted for the door, ignoring shouts of “Sora, wait!” and “Come back!” as he ran. He knew that shout was from a Vesper. He knew it. Maybe it’s even the boss one. Over the years of saving the universe from the certain doom created by unbalanced incomplete individuals, Sora had come to view everything like a kind of funky video game. This game didn’t have a reset button, save points, level ups, numerical health scores, or continues. It did however have dungeons, enemies, treasure (which Sora loved), someone that needed saving since they could not understand the concept of running away from danger, and at the end, a boss.

Although my life would make a pretty interesting video game, as long as we leave out the singing at Atlantica. That was just torture. He shoved that disturbing memory out of his mind as he ran through cobbled streets. No guards stopped him for some reason as the mystery beast cried out again in the halting rain. Its volume had increased by more that what should have been allotted by just being outside. He couldn’t see it though, meaning it was deeper into the mining town. Lightning flashed overhead to make the shadows dance in more ways that one.

“Vespers.” Oblivion and Sleeping Lion answered his voiceless call to arms, appearing and giving the enemy pause. That was more than enough for Sora to monopolize as he charged forward with rage in his eyes and a war cry on his lips. He started with a spin, taking out a handful of small shadows before leaping after a solider. It too met its fate as he sliced it into pieces that faded into vapor. He adjusted his stance, facing down a pair of armored knights when crossbow bolts thudded into their heads, killing them instantly.

Sora looked over his shoulder to see Edgar lowering his automatic crossbow from his shoulder as it reloaded. The king offered him a smirk as others rallied behind him. It was clear they were willing to follow Sora into battle though they had just arrived, were exhausted, hungry, and wet. The Keyblade Master nodded, stabbing blindly behind him to take out a bookmaster that was trying to be sneaky. He retreated to them, holding back Vespers until all units had assembled behind him,

“This isn’t quite according to plan,” Edgar joked, skewering a neo shadow with his sword. “We were thinking of something more arranged that would happen, oh I don’t know, next week?” Another fell to his sword.

“Well I always try to be unconventional,” the teenage replied, throwing one keyblade at a Vesper of the flying variety. He achieved a direct hit, making it vanish as his keyblade returned to aid in the vanquishing of a largebody. That was how the next hour was spent: sarcastic remarks exchanged between Sora, Edgar, and sometimes even Sabin while Terra provided magically backup to the four of them.

They made significant progress into the mining town as they moved forward into the thinning ranks of Vespers. Sora felt they were actually winning when, as is expected, all hell broke loose.

Something rent the ground around them sending bricks and earth flying everywhere. A house exploded right afterward with burning debris scattering everywhere. Vespers and people alike were caught up in the melee as another strike caused a stilted home to crash into the street. Then that unknown scream came back again as a monstrous shadow flew overhead. Everyone, human and Vesper alike stopped to gaze up into the lightning filled sky.

It was immense as whatever it was glided over the city, crying out again as it circled like some huge vulture. Maybe that is what it was in part. It certainly had a beaked face and colossal feathered wings. But the rest of it, the four legs, long spindly tail, scales; all made the teenage think of a dragon.

“It’s Tritoch!” Terra shouted over the clamor. The pale cerulean, violet, and gold that made up its colors contrasted sharply with the Heartless symbol emblazoned on its chest as it screamed again. This time though that scream was actually heralding another attack as a blue bolt of lightning erupted from its mouth and stuck the streets again.

“What the hell is a Tritoch?” Sora demanded as they answered a retreat call from the gates. Terra only shook her head and took off with Sora in close pursuit. Feet pounded the stones as they fell back. The Vespers did not pursue them as the retreat call was echoed again.

Once they passed the main gates people slowed down, catching their breath and calling out for healers. Sora took a moment to lean back against the wall itself, his chest heaving. Terra joined him there but she gave up all dignity to take a seat in the mud. The Keyblade Master was sorely tempted to join her if not for fear he wouldn’t be able to get back up.

“Tritoch,” she gasped. “Is an esper. Espers are . . . kind of a . . . living embodiment . . . of magic. He-” She stopped, hanging her head. Sora didn’t press her, getting a feeling that she would continue on her own but he wasn’t go to like what she had to say. “When an esper dies, they become what is called magicite, remember?” Sora nodded, wondering what the recap was for.

“It’s like a living crystal of magic that an esper will exist inside. Tritoch would teach us Firaga, Blizzaga, and Thundaga as magicite. The thing is, they are still alive even when they become magicite. Only their physical body has been killed.” Sora began to shake his head, not liking where this was going in the least. She countered him with a swift nod. “I believe that Tritoch has become a Vesper.”

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The distant growl of thunder wasn’t enough to shake his pensive mood as he lay in bed. Sora let his eyes drift over the ceiling, not really seeing it as he thought over what had happened. He had been granted a room of his own somehow, with a real bed. His shoes and light armor had been removed once he crossed the doorway. Now he was flopped on top of all the blankets fully clothed. Dinner had been waiting for him but for once he wasn’t hungry. Even so he made a point to eat just to keep his own strength up for whatever might happen next.

Thunder rumbled again as he lay there in the dark. He had already given his report to Edgar and the other generals. It was actually the king of Figaro that insisted he get his own room after what he did today. No one doubted his skill now that he had been seen in action.

But even after all that, Sora kept thinking of home.

He missed it! He missed the sandy beaches. He missed home cooked meals. He missed chores even. But most of all it was Kairi and Riku that were tugging at his heartstrings. Sora was an only child with his dad dying when he was little. His mom had never remarried so it had always been just the two of them. But when he met Riku, and a year later Kairi, it was like he had siblings of his own.

Is that how I think of them? Not as something more? Granted Riku and Sora had always fought over who would get Kairi. But had his heart ever really been in those sparring matches? Or was it just a different kind of game to let Kairi know she was loved?

The red head had appeared out of nowhere one day on the Play Island. Sora and Riku had carried her unconscious, waterlogged form into a boat and paddled back to shore to find an adult. She had been taken to a hospital while they were shuffled back home. They had learned a few years later that a ferryboat from the mainland had been en route to the Destiny Island archipelago when a storm had blown up out of nowhere. Add in some rather unstable cargo and it was a tragedy in the making.

Kairi and her parents were on that boat, moving to live on the islands near Kairi’s aunt and uncle. Her parents were never found. Riku and Sora didn’t know that then but they had been the ones to find her so they made sure to take care of her. Sora knew what it was like to lose a parent and feel alone. Riku did so since he only lived with his father.

Was that why they were so close? Without meaning to, they kind of used each other to fill the gaps in their hearts. It wasn’t a bad thing. Not in the least! But it was an interesting revelation. I wonder if I’ll get the chance to ask them? Well, if I ever get out of here.

He wasn’t contemplating turning tail and run, even if he had a place to run to. But for once he didn’t have Donald or Goofy to watch his back in a fight. Sora was having a bit of trouble adjusting to having others on his team. But for over two years they had been an inseparable trio fighting Heartless and Nobodies alike. Now instead of King Mickey’s Court Magician he had Terra. Instead of the Captain of the Guards, he had Edgar and Sabin. It wasn’t bad. It was just . . . different.

He groaned, rolling over onto his side to be distracted by the light under his doorframe. Deep thoughts were not Sora’s forte. He just wanted to finish up here and go home so he could look for Riku! Was that too much to ask? Letting himself be an angsty teenager for once, he stripped and went to bed for the night, figuring a good sleep might help him think.

But my thoughts just keep running in circles anyway so what would it matter? I’m starting to think I’m never going to get any answers. Like why did a dark portal open up and take him while a light one took Riku? And how would he get home? Was home still there? Would he have to quest after Riku again or would he be waiting for him? The dark room indeed held no answers as sleep finally claimed him, letting him drift in dreams.

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The Keyblade Master gave a head splitting yawn as he fought to wake up. Terra had been the one to rouse him, telling him that the war council was having a meeting and he was asked to attend. He had stumbled to the bathroom and then back to his quarters to dress. Now he was half-awake and sitting at the council table with breakfast in front of him. There was no hope for coffee, but tea was provided to go with the simple bacon, eggs and toast before him.

Like any other teenage he wolfed it down like he hadn’t seen food in days while others talked around him. Some even talked over him like he was just a silly child that had no business here. For once Sora controlled his temper and followed the advice Edgar gave him: Ignore them because it isn’t worth it. He cradled the mug of hot tea once breakfast was finished. That he would not just chug. He would take his time and let it warm him up. It was cold that morning from the constant rain no doubt.

“I’m telling you that another frontal assault would be suicide!” Edgar shouted, slamming on fist on the table. Wow. Sora hadn’t seen him mad before. Apparently neither had most of the others in the room. I have only known him for a few days though but still. “Yes we did well yesterday but that was sheer luck. It won’t happen again.”

“Perhaps if we put the boy on point . . .” one of the older men sneered, leering at Sora.

“Absolutely not!” Now it was Terra jumping to his defense. Sora must have done something right in yesterday’s battle to have people defending him from the old rich bastards that were too scared to even set foot outside this building. Like a few wood planks would really keep out Vespers. The arguing began to climb along with people’s tempers as the one in question just stayed in his seat contemplating.

Edgar was the first to stop and notice how still the boy was, no longer voicing anything. Terra quickly followed suite and then Sabin did as well. Slowly it trickled to the rest of them and after at time silence prevailed over the table.

“If I may,” he began, sitting up properly for once. When he was sure he had everyone’s attention he continued. “I do not like the idea of another frontal assault either. However if we had a decoy assault with a team infiltrated in hopes of taking out Tritoch, that is a different story.” No one voiced any objections when he paused again. Taking that a good sign, Sora plowed onward.

“I’ll be honest. When I have my keyblades it attracts Vespers like flies to honey. They can’t resist. What we could do is I could lead a decoy team in what looks like a basic frontal attack through the main gates. While we have the main force distracted, someone else can lead in a much smaller team in hopes of finding Tritoch and destroying him. Once he has been killed it will be a hell of a lot easier to take out the rest.”

He slumped back and let them break out into fresh arguments over his proposition. Would wonders never cease? Sora had an actual plan that did not involve rushing headlong into danger. Guess Donald finally rubbed off on me. That notion brought a ghost of a smile to Sora’s face as pros and cons were thrown back and forth. Donald was always ragging on him to stop and think for a second. Well he had for once and it looked like it worked. Now I’m sorry I gave him such a hard time.

The debate began to wane again, drawing him out of his musing. It seemed they were ready to vote on the subject. All eyes were on Edgar as he was in charge of this mess but his eyes were on Sora. Without words they asked if he was really willing to do this. The boy nodded and that was that.

“All in favor?” The Figaro king asked. Hands were raised and tallied and then again for those opposed. “Then in two to one odds, favor has been granted. Let’s get set up.” The blonde haired man tried to catch Sora’s attention as the meeting was dismissed but the brunette was avoiding his gaze. He could already guess what would be said and it wouldn’t change anything.

He left the room for his own to ready for war.

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Traces of black vapors obscured his vision as another Vesper tasted his blades but Sora didn’t relent. He couldn’t. Mere hours after spilling his idea to the council found him on the battlefield again. This time though, he was alone. Edgar, Sabin and Terra were part of the insertion group going after Tritoch. Sora had been thrown to the wolves, a literal statement as Vespers that resembled them were currently hounding his movement. He dodged their snapping jaws carefully though, as they were intent on taking out his knees before taking his heart.

“Call to rally!” The teen shouted as he swiped at them. They were getting too spread out, making them easier targets. The man beside him nodded and raised his horn to give the command. It rang long and clear even over the cacophony of strife. Movement was immediate as people retreated around the horn blower.

Sora dashed forward into the brawl, taking out a few more as he passed. They had to hold on until they got the signal that the assassin team was in. How long that would be though . . .

Something bowled him over from behind, causing him to panic slightly when he crashed into the earth. He flailed wildly with Oblivion as he kept Sleeping Lion close to his torso. Whatever it was connected and was thrown off his back, allowing a chance to regain his footing.

Then he heard Tritoch screaming again.

That can’t be good. Something exploded in the distance with dying Vespers being thrown into the air like rag dolls. Before anything could settle, the rogue esper burst from the wreckage to hurtle in Sora’s direction. It screamed again, unleashing its lighting on the town once more. Distantly Sora could hear the retreat call being sounded. He ignored it and ignored reason as he rushed forward to meet Tritoch head on.

This was the part of the plan he had left out. He figured that Tritoch would also zero in on the keybearer, wanting him dead more than the others. So in a blaze of glory that he hoped would not become his funeral pyre, Sora moved to clash head on with the massive Vesper that was descending rapidly to greet him properly.

A fresh scream and lighting bolt tore a fissure in the ground under Sora’s feet, throwing him high into the air. Before he could gather his few wits back to him, something hit him in the side, dragging out an anguished cry as it threw him further into the air but also into oblivion.