#//anyway. yeah. come and get your vanitas angst

[rxcusant]

i hastily wrote out a weird vent drabble thing with vanitas the other night and i debated on letting it collect dust or posting it but since im here i think the answer is obvious gfdjhk  enjoy this weird post kh3 thing, or dont, i wont tlel you what to do

also emetophobia tw

_________________________

     It’s disgusting.      Like some hideous creature from a nightmare.      Utterly revolting and rotting.      It’s disgusting.

     Vanitas never considered himself human. He knew he was an abomination. This form was perfect for him. Ghost-like with wisps of darkness constantly wafting off his body like smoke. Two sharp glowing red eyes that looked less like eyes and more like beady orbs. He didn’t have a mouth, not a normal one, but rather the inky mass of darkness split in a gooey mess that gave way to a mouth. Pulsing bright red veins encompassed his body all stemming from the familiar heart pattern on his torso. In place of normal fingers were elongated sharp claws tipped the same shade of red.

     There wasn’t anything human about him. This is what a monster should look like.

     But it’s no good if he doesn’t continue to play the part of a monster. Monsters are fit for scaring little children sleeping in their beds. Awaiting good dreams that will never come. What better target than the boy he’s forced to share a heart with? What better use for those claws than to sink into his dreams and stain them black with nightmares? What better use for a monster who breaks everything they touch?

     It’s not just his dreams either. A real monster will continue to pick and pull apart leaving scars in their wake. Sora’s scars were emotional and mental as Vanitas day in and out terrorizes him. It’s thanks to him that Vanitas is stuck under Xehanort’s thumb again. If Sora hadn’t been so stupid and played right into enemys hands none of this would be happening! As Vanitas reminds him every day. You’re stupid. You’re a fool. You’re going to fade into nothing as every trace of you is erased by Xehanort. There won’t be anything left to save. 

     If Sora never became their vessel Vanitas wouldn’t have to look like such a hideous creature. If Sora never became their vessel Vanitas would’ve continued sleeping in the depths of his heart. He wouldn’t have to wake up and live with the constant negativity. He wouldn’t have to listen to Master Xehanort. He wouldn’t have to exist.

     It’s all his fault.

     It’s disgusting.

_________________________

      He woke with a sharp gasp and hands around his throat. Wide eyes trained on the ceiling that he wasn’t sure he recognized at first. Amid heavy breathing Vanitas waited for his eyes to adjust and for his heart to stop pounding to realize it’s Ven’s room. 

      Swallowing hard he turned his head to the side to see none other than Ven sleeping beside him. the blonde had the same peaceful expression he must’ve had for the past decade- not that Vanitas would know, being trapped within Sora’s heart the whole time- and it vexed Vanitas to know even when in his sleep Ven had it easier. But he didn’t have it in him to continue that train of thought.

     Slowly the memories pieced themselves back together. He jumped into Ven’s bed mainly to piss him off (and snicker whats yours is mine with a cheeky grin) but it backfired when Ven groaned and crawled in to sleep anyway. It wouldn’t be the first time they shared a bed and it wouldn’t be the last. And Vanitas would never admit it aloud but the only place he could sleep properly was next to his other half. Chalk it up to a natural harmony between the halves of their shared heart. He’d rather that than hurting himself to the point of exhaustion or simply not sleeping at all. Vanitas personally preferred the latter but neither Ven or the new replica body wouldn’t let him pull any more all nighters.

     Sitting up in bed Vanitas pulled his knees close and just breathed. In, one two three. He was in Ven’s room with Ven beside him. Out, one two three. He’s not trapped in Sora’s heart who’s trapped in the Organization with Xehanort watching over them. In, one two three. He’s safe.

     ...Safe. What did that even mean for someone like him?

     Out, one two three.

     What right did he have to a comfortable life like this? Vanitas tried to take down Ven and his friends multiple times-- with no guilt or remorse either. On top of that he actively contributed to making Sora’s life a living hell in the Organization. He knew deep down inside nobody wanted him around. They would rather him dead than sleeping safe and sound in their home.

     Maybe Vanitas would rather that too.

     Gritting his teeth Vanitas buried his face into his hands. In, one two. Out, one two. In, one. Out, one. This isn’t working, it’s useless. What was the point in pretending he could ever be like the rest of them? He’s disgusting, a vile creature. A monster had no right to sleep soundly like the children they’re meant to scare.

     Said children should stay asleep. Ven stirred and cracked open his eyes. “...Vanitas?” He said groggily. He blinked slow and only seemed partially aware of Vanitas hyperventilating. 

     He didn’t want to look at Ven, not right now. But if he didn’t do or say something Ven would only start interrogating him. So Vanitas picked his head up and stared down into his palms. For a moment it’s alright. The black hands giving way to long claws was normal. He got used to staring at them from within Sora’s heart.

     It’s remembering he’s not inside Sora’s heart anymore that startled him to the point of falling off the bed. 

      With a thud Vanitas hit the ground and let out a grunt. It wasn’t particularly painful, as if pain could phase him anymore, and he sat back up after the impact. Which was a bad idea as his stomach immediately protested with a gross churning that sent an unpleasant vibe up his throat. Almost suffocating. Ven made some kind of confused yet concerned noise but that was far from Vanitas’s mind. He knew his feeling and he would rather die than let Ven see what was coming.

      A cough pushed past his lips and Vanitas forced himself to keep it down another moment, slapping a hand over his mouth. He got to his feet and ran out the door with Ven calling out behind him. Normally so precise and calculated Vanitas was running without care for whereever he ended up so long as he was out of sight. Or that’s the idea, as he was only allowed enough time to run by the mercy of the darkness bubbling at his core. And the running only further agitated said core. 

     Vanitas succeeded in making it down the hallway and to a set of stairs but that’s when the awful sensation decided it couldn’t wait any more. He barely reached the stairs, much less going down them, before falling to his hands and knees. He let out a strangled choke as black ooze poured from his mouth and onto the flooring. A few stray drops splattered onto his hands and clothing but that’s hardly a thought or concern in his mind. Vanitas gave a few more coughs  to bring up any leftover black gunk until he deemed the moments passed. Now there was a void in his stomach and an unpleasant light headed feeling.

     And a pair of red eyes blinking back at him in the messy darkness. 

     Much like hallucinating the return of his claws, that’s normal at first too.

     The darkness slowly begun to rise and shape into an Unversed. The void in his stomach was replaced by a sick repulsion and Vanitas acted upon instinct. Balling his fists he smashed the shape back down into the ground. Stringy and drippy darkness latched onto his hand but Vanitas paid it no mind. He kept punched and bashing the darkness in until the red eyes were completely obliterated. But he didn’t stop then. Not for the ringing traveling up his arm each time his fist impacted, not for the sob wrenched free of his throat, not for the heavy tears spilling.

      Break, destroy, tarnish, it’s all he can do. He’s disgusting. A filthy creature. No normal person vomited up monsters. An abomination at his very core and that would never ever change--!

      “--itas! Just- stop, stop it!”

      There came another hand wrapping around his own. It didn’t do much to stop him from punching the ooze at first but after the first four times they managed to wrangle Vanitas out of his hunched position and keep him from pummeling any more craters. Vanitas let out a snarl and instinctively reared his head back to bash whatever was disturbing him in the middle of his breakdown. Can’t they let him wallow in peace?

      His head connected with the person but that wasn’t enough to stop them. In fact they only tightened their hold on him and pulled him closer, mumbling different words that didn’t yet reach Vanitas’s ears. However Vanitas did see a white checkered wristband and that alone brought forth a confusing surge of emotions. Knowing Ven was there made everything simultaneously better and worse. Better because if anyone in the castle had to witness his breakdown he would rather it be Ven over Terra and Aqua. Worse because Ven witnessed him in the middle of a breakdown.

     It was obvious Ven wasn’t going to let go so long as he would fight back so Vanitas gave up trying to struggle and just let himself go limp with a defeated sigh. Ven hesitated, likely waiting if this was a fakeout, but when Vanitas didn’t move Ven released him and shifted to the side. He tried making eye contact with his other half but Vanitas didn’t take his gaze off the smashed pile of dark ooze.

      He wanted to ask what happened. That was the obvious question here. But Vanitas refused to look at him much less try to talk. Ven’s eyes traveled to the dark patch on the floor, Vanitas’s hand, and a small trickle of darkness in the corner of his mouth. Didn’t take long for Ven to piece it all together. He let out a faint oh and his hand settled over his mouth, looking at Vanitas with such sad eyes that any other time he would’ve growled at him for. Don’t look at me with such pity.

     “...I-- Vanitas…” Ven trailed off, grasping for the right words. Did the right words for this even exist? What could someone possibly say? Nothing. Monsters didn’t deserve sweet honeyed words of it’s okay, I still care about you. They would only be lies. Words didn’t exist for such a disgusting creature as him.

      But words never came. Ven’s eyebrows furrowed together as he seemed to realize what the other was thinking. He took a moment to weigh what he was about to do, and the consequences whether or not they be more thrashing or insults, before he embraced Vanitas. He held him tight and buried his face into his shoulder. Vanitas could just make out Ven’s uneven breath on his skin.

     Immediately Vanitas wanted to protest. He already didn’t like being touched and an invasion of personal space right after vomiting an Unversed on top of a nightmare was way too much for him. He wanted to make his displeasure known, say or do something, but the words got confused on his tongue and his limbs were frozen. Get away, it’s for your own good, I’ll only hurt you! I break, I destroy, I don’t want to hurt you!

     Neither word or action came. Nothing but heavy tears. The last thing he ever wanted to do was cry in front of Ven but…

     But it’s okay this once since Ven can’t see. He already saw more than Vanitas ever wanted him too. This moment was for the two halves only, momentarily coming together in reassurance. Saying the right words without needing to vocalize them.

     I’ve got you.

[atomic-taco-muffin]

The Lost Princess Chapter 66

Warnings: Angst/fluff, I guess. Again, still don’t know

Rating: SFW

(this gif is so adorable)

Ansem and Xemnas brought your unconscious body over to Master Yen Sid’s where he was able to remove the Negaverse from your body. After some time, you were back to normal and went to go join the others in the Kingdom of Corona. You and the others walked through a picturesque forest. Goofy put his hand up to block the sun.

“It sure is a pretty day,” he said. You and Sora stretched your arms. 

“Yeah, the weather is great. It'd be perfect for a picnic,” Sora said.

“Agreed,” you said.

“You doing okay, sis?” Vanitas asked. 

“For the last time, Vani. I’m fine. Xemnas was able to catch it before it spreaded.” 

“Why do you think we came HERE?” Donald asked.

“Got me, Donald,” Sora said. 

“We'll figure it out as we go,” Rumi said.

“Okay,” Donald sighed. 

“I'm sure we were brought to this world for SOME good reason, but can't we sweat it later?” Roxy said. 

“Fine with me, as long as there's no Heartless and you not going ballistic on shit,” Yui said.

“Hey!” You and the others heard a scream and stopped in your tracks, looking around for the source of it. Then with grunting and a final slide, a man fell down the hill behind them. He groaned, massaging his back, then looked back where he came from, where a troop of Heartless flew down after him. The man got up and scampered away, the satchel on his hip flapping with every step. He ran  towards you and the others with the Heartless on his tail, flailing his arms wildly.

“Make way! Make way! Make way!” he said. Sora, Vanitas, Donald and Goofy parted so he can pass them, then summon their weapons, you and the girls following close behind.

“Heartless!” you said. The man found a rock to hide behind, catching his breath and peering out at the group.

“You see? Soon as you mention 'em, they show up!” Yui said. 

“There goes our picnic,” Goofy said. 

“I didn't do it!” Roxy said. 

“Sure you didn’t,” Vanitas said. 

“S'okay. Let's send these guys packing,” Sora said. 

“Say, since you three seem to know what you're doing, mind if I leave this one to you?” the guy said. 

“Yup. We'll take care of them. Go on, skedaddle!” you said. 

“You have my thanks.” The dashing man gave off a sigh. “The horse was enough. Don't need any monsters on my trail.” 

“The WHAT was enough?” Roxy cackled.

“Roxy!” Yui scolded. 

“Oh, nothing, nothing. Name's Flynn. Flynn Rider,” the man said. He then pointed at a Heartless. “Ohh! Watch out, they look mad!” 

Roxy and Yui turned back to the task at hand and Flynn started creeping away.

“Slowly... Slowly... Outta here!” he said. He dashed away as fast as he can while you and the others took out the multitude of Heartless. After the fight, you all saw no sign of Flynn Rider.

“Huh? Where the hell did Flynn go?” Vanitas asked. 

“He skedaddled,” Donald said. 

“I think I saw him go thataway,” Goofy said. He pointed toward a spot between the trees that veered into a small clearing with rocky hills on each side.

“Huh? But ‘thataway’ is...just a dead end,” Sora said. 

“Yeah. That's puzzling,” Rumi said.

“Well, did he?” Roxy asked. Goofy crossed his arms, thinking.

“I say we investigate,” you said. You and the others searched the area for Flynn and approached the rocky hillside ahead.

“He couldn't have come this way,” Yui said. Sora saw no exit nearby and turned to face you and the others, his back to a patch of leafy vines.

“Well, at least he got away safe. Right?” he said. He tried to lean against the vines, but stumbled right through them. Goofy turned at the rustling sound, but Sora had disappeared.

“Hey! Now Sora's gone, too!” he said. He walked over to the vines and heard Sora's voice through them.

“This way, guys! It's a secret passage!” Sora said. Sora stood up as you and the others pulled the vines apart to find a small hollow in the mountain. You all ran through the cave until emerging into a small valley with a lone tower standing in its center. Made mostly of brick, the tower had vines running along its side indicating it must have been there for years. Behind the tower, a waterfall ran over the mountainside into a small pond that glistened in the sunlight. 

“Look at that. A tower! Let's check it out!” you said. As you all neared the base of the tower, you all saw Flynn climbing down the stones on the outside with a pair of arrows. He paused, resting for a moment, when Rapunzel flung her hair down out the window, rappelling herself down the tower. She stopped before she hit the ground and slowly extended a barefoot to the warm grass beneath. She took in the feeling of her first taste of earth and knelt down, feeling the ground under her hands.

“It's so soft!” she said. Several dandelion seeds flew into the wind before her and she stood. “I'm free... I'm really free!” 

She started running, not even noticing you and the others as she passed you all. You and the others ran over to Flynn as he reached the bottom of the tower.

“Flynn, good to see you in one piece!” Sora said.

“Guys! You're here, and just in time,” Flynn said. Rapunzel stepped into the pond, laughing as she stepped over the small stones lining the bottom.

“Uh... Who's she?” Vanitas asked.

“Uh, that would be Rapunzel,” Flynn said. Rapunzel took a handful of water and splashed it upwards with a shout of glee and loud laughter.

“Something tells me this could be her first time outdoors. Give her a few minutes to get used to it,” Flynn said.

“First time EVER?” you asked, wide eyed. The sun beat down on her golden hair as she took in her decision. She grabbed her face.

“I can't believe I did this!” She said happily. She grabbed her face.

“I can't believe I did this,” she said shocked. She then spun around. 

“I can't believe I DID this!” she said, excitedly. She gasped. 

“Mother would be so furious if she knew I disobeyed her and left the tower...” she said worriedly. She sat on a rock holding a flower.

“But that's okay--I mean, what she doesn't know won't kill her... Right?” she said, being carefree. She cried in the hollow cave

“Oh my gosh. This would kill her,” she said, sadly. She ran through the grass, kicking up leaves. Donald laughed while Flynn rolled his eyes.

“This is so fuuuuuun!” she shouted. She leaned her head against a tree.

“I am a horrible daughter. I'm going back,” she said, devastated. She did cartwheels through the flowers, wrapping herself in her hair.

“I am never going back!” she said, exuberantly. She laid face down on the ground.

“I am a despicable human being,” she said in grief. She swung around a large tree by her hair where you, Flynn, Vanitas, and Sora waited for her to even out.

“Best. Day. Ever!” she said, exhilarated. She sobbed into her hands at the base of the tree. Flynn walked over to her, with you and the others following.

“I notice you seem a little at war with yourself here,” Flynn said.

“A little MORE than a little,” Vanitas said. 

“More like a lot,” Roxy said. 

“Yeah...” Rumi said. Rapunzel stopped crying and turns to see you and the others. She gasped and held out the frying pan towards you all.

“Stop right there! Who are you?” she said. Flynn steps in-between.

“I told you before: my sidekicks,” he said. 

“Sidekicks?! Oh, hell no! If anything you’re the sidekick here!” Roxy said. 

“Roxy! Sorry about my sister here. She doesn’t know when to shut up,” Yui said. 

“Anyways. May I introduce, ehh...” Flynn said. 

“Oh, uh... My name's Sora.” 

“Donald!”

“I’m (Y/N).”

“Hi, my name’s Rumi.”

“Vanitas.”

I’m Yui and you’ve met my twin sister Roxy.”

“And I'm Goofy. Pleasure, ma'am.” A chameleon appeared from under Rapunzel’s hair, skeptical of them.

“Sora, Donald, (Y/N), Rumi, Vanitas, Yui, Roxy, and...Goofy,” she said. She lowered the frying pan. “It's...nice to meet you, too. I'm Rapunzel.” 

“Yep. My sidekicks,” Flynn said. Sora grabbed Flynn's arm and spun him around.

“Since when is THAT?” Sora whispered. 

“Look, she really wants to see the lantern show tomorrow night. Now, I'm a nice guy, so I've decided to help her. Only problem is those monsters might show up again. I can get her to the Kingdom--but you guys are clearly more cut out for combat,” Flynn whispered back.

“That's cause we're heroes!” Donald said. 

“Uh-huh!”

“And we're Heartless experts,” Goofy said.

“Yeah, yeah!”

“And Negaverse destroyers!” you said.

“Totally!” You all posed together and Sora gave a small laugh.

“Just leave it to us!” he said. 

“Done,” Flynn said. He motioned to Rapunzel and lead her forward.

“Rapunzel is interesting...” Rumi said. You and the others walked behind them as Rapunzel admired her surroundings.

“Yeah, her heart's pulling her all kinda ways,” Goofy said. 

“The outside world must seem so big and scary. I know how she feels. Lucky for me you guys came along at just the right time--and the rest has been unforgettable,” you said. 

“I know how she feels too,” Sora said. 

“Awww...” Donald said. You realized that you were getting sentimental.

“Yep, unforgettable...just like your face!” you said as you pointed to Vanitas’s face. 

“Oh yeah?!” Vanitas asked. You laughs as Vanitas bursted out in anger. You ran to catch up to Rapunzel and Flynn, putting your hands behind your head. Goofy and the others chuckled as Vanitas seethed.

“C'mon, now,” Sora said. He and the others ran up to you and Vanitas followed. 

“All for one, and one for all,” you said. Soon, you all reached a patch of wildflowers and something caught Rapunzel's attention.

“Oh, look. What is that? It's so fluffy!” she said. She ran up to the ball of fluff and inspected it, her fingers grazing the surface. Into the air sprouted multiple tufts of fluff that, when they reached the ground, burst into Puffball Heartless. The Chief Puff itself pulled out of the ground and stared at her with its glowing yellow eyes, scaring her.

“Heartless!” Sora said. You and the others run ahead of her and summon your weapons and guardians.

“Rapunzel, take cover!” Vanitas said. She ran back to Flynn, throwing her arms around him and using him as a shield. At first he was surprised, but smirked soon after, seeing an out.

“All right, I hate to say it, but I'm lettin' you outta this deal,” he said. She loosened her grip on him.

“What?” she asked. 

“It's way too scary out here. Let's just turn around and take you home.” He tried to get her to walk back, but she whirled around and punched him in the chest

“No. I am seeing those lanterns,” she said. Rapunzel bravely gathered her hair in her arms and ran back to you, Sora and company.

“Oh, come on!” Flynn said.

“Rapunzel?” Yui asked. 

“It's okay. I'm not afraid to face them,” Rapunzel said. You all engaged the plant-like Heartless and took them down. Meanwhile, back at the tower, Mother Gothel had returned to find Rapunzel missing. She scrambled through the house in desperation.

“Rapunzel?” she asked. She ran into her room.

“Rapunzel!” She frantically teared down the curtain covering the window, but found no one there. She clutched her face in terror before a glint of light caught her eye from beneath the stairs. She opened the bottom step and pulled out a satchel. Reaching into the satchel, she removed a sparkling tiara and at the sight of it, dropped it in fear. Terrified, she looked further in the bag, taking out a Wanted poster for one Flynn Rider.

“Missing someone?” Mother Gothel whirled around.

“Who’s there?” she asked. Stepping out from a portal was a man in a black coat with long rose-colored hair. The abrupt entrance caused the frightened woman to drop the poster as Marluxia stepped closer. (or mar-ploof-a as i like to call him)

“She's such a precious gift. Allow me to assist you in getting her back,” he said. Mother Gothel's eyes slowly turned pink. As You, Vanitas Sora, Donald, Rumi, the twins, Goofy, Rapunzel and Flynn continued their trek to the Kingdom, they find a large field of...

“Dandelions!” Rapunzel said. She ran ahead into the patch of flowers. “Look! Watch.”

She knelt down and blew on a few of them, sending their seeds into the air.

“Oh yeah, I thought that might work. But I wish there was a way to make more fly at once,” she said. 

“Rumi,” Roxy smiled. Rumi smiled back and summoned Nyx. Nyx let out a roar and wafted the large patch of them into the air. The floated past Rapunzel's wide-eyed stare.

“They're just like the floating lights,” she said. 

~Le Time Skip~

You and the others left the lake and continued through the forest, Rapunzel's long hair trailing behind her as you all came upon a strange plant stuck in the ground in a clearing alone.

“Okay. That's suspicious,” Flynn said. 

“Rapunzel...” Sora said. 

“Don't worry. I know to be careful around flowers now,” Rapunzel winked.

“Whatever it is, it's not normal. I'll take a look,” you said. 

“Um, no you’re not,” Vanitas said. 

“Vani, I told you I’m fine!” After a few minutes of debating, you walked closer to the plant. 

“Watch it,” Donald said. You approached the odd vegetation and examined it while everyone waited with bated breath. After seeing no imminent threat from the flower, you turned to the group.

“All clear!” you said. They sighed with relief, but too late, as the flower's petals opened, folding downward as its form changed to that of a creature holding a scythe with a familiar symbol on its face.

“(Y/N)!” Vanitas said, alarmed. He pointed behind you, who turned just in time as the pink and white creature swung its immense scythe at you along with a few Negaverses. You dodged away and summoned Odile with gritted teeth, joined by Sora and the others.

“These guys?” Sora asked. More of them appeared.

“They're Nobodies!” Goofy said. 

“Now, I feel what Uncle Ansem feels!” Roxy said. 

“Mother said the outside world would be full of ruffians and thugs,” Rapunzel said.

“Those aren't ruffians. Those are...uhh, I dunno...” Donald said.

“They’re more like puppets,” Yui said.

“Rapunzel, Flynn, stay back!” Sora said. 

“No. I want to help you fight,” Rapunzel said. 

“I know. But I'm afraid you can't hurt these guys with a frying pan. Trust me on this. Flynn, could you explain?” you said. 

“No problem. Knowing when to flee is one of my specialties,” Flynn said. He rushed to Rapunzel. “C'mon, Rapunzel. Gotta go.”

“But--”

“Look, I wanna stay and slug it out too, but my sidekicks have it covered.”

“STOP CALLING US SIDEKICKS!” Roxy yelled.

“All right. Please be careful,” Rapunzel said. They nodded and left you and the others to it. You and the others took out all the Reaper Nobodies and Negaverses and regrouped.

“You know who uses Nobodies...” Rumi said. 

“The Organization!” Donald said. 

“Yeah. I'm surprised we haven't seen 'em,” Vanitas said. 

“I know you're there! Come out, you has-beens!” you called out, causing the twins to giggle. You and the others looked around and a corridor of darkness appeared behind you all.

“‘Has-beens’? Now why would you say that?” a familiar voice asked. A tall man with long pink hair emerged from the portal, peering at them through yellow eyes.

“Because, bossing around Nobodies? That's the old Organization,” you chuckled, the girls giggling behind you. “Why? Are you in the ‘real’ one too? Good for you.”

“My name is Marluxia, and yes, that is correct. How interesting it is to see you again, Sora and (Y/N).” 

“‘Again’?” Sora asked. You and Sora looked at Donald and Goofy confused. 

“Oh right, we remember,” Yui said. 

“A shame you've no memory of me, because I remember you exceedingly well. Although...it's THOSE memories I'd soon erase,” Marluxia said. 

“We have no idea what the hell you’re saying,” you said. 

“Nor should you. Nor will you ever, for that matter.” You, Rumi, Vanitas, and the trio glanced at him with confused faces while the twins glared at him. “Now, if you'll permit me, I've come to ask a favor.”

“Favor? You have got to be kidding me,” Vanitas said. You and the others nodded in agreement.

“Please hear what I have to say. I'm sure you've noticed...” Marluxia said. He mused on this for a moment and Sora raised his eyebrows for him to continue. “Well, perhaps not. But you should know that maiden with you, Rapunzel, is the very light of this world. I would see you guard her from its dark horrors.” 

“Huh?” you all asked, surprised. You all took defensive stances.

“Starting with you, right?” Roxy asked.

“All the Organization seeks is balance. You must understand, our ultimate objective is not to clash with the light. We seek to complement it. Use that Keyblade...to keep Rapunzel safe,” Marluxia said. He vanished in a corridor of darkness.

“Rapunzel’s light...” you said. Goofy scratched his face and Sora looked around.

“Hey. Where did they go?” he said.

“I guess they musta run on ahead,” Goofy said. 

“Then we'd better go find them,” Rumi said. You and the others continued through the forest in search of Flynn and Rapunzel. Soon the forest turned into marshland and the fog obscured your view ahead. Still no sign of them, Sora sighed.

“I wonder where they went,” he said. 

“Don't worry. They couldn't have gotten too far,” you said. A hooded figure quickly hid behind a tree.

“You just had to stop and talk to our Uncle Marluxia,” Roxy said. Mother Gothel peered at them from beneath her cloak.

“Hey! Blame the has-been, not us,” Sora said. Mother Gothel averted her gaze and began to leave.

“Hellooo? Rapunzel? Flynn?” Vanitas called. She stopped at Rapunzel's name and turned back, lowering her hood.

“Excuse me, good travelers. Do you know Rapunzel?” she said. You and the others turned to her as she walked toward you all and exchanged glances.

“Uh, yeah... Sort of,” Yui said. 

“Why?” Donald asked. 

“My apologies. I'm Rapunzel's mother. The poor child left home without a word, and I've just been worried sick. Please tell me: where is my dear, sweet girl?”

“We'd tell ya, but we lost her,” Goofy said.

“By accident,” Rumi said. 

“We could look together,” Sora said. 

“Lost her?” she scoffed. “You're of no use to me.” 

She waved you all off and continued walking.

“Bitch,” Roxy muttered.

“She ran away from home?” Donald asked. 

“What if Uncle Marluxia was onto something back there?” Yui asked. 

“You trust Organization XIII?” Vanitas asked. 

“What? No! Of course not. Not after what happened! But...what if?” 

“I agree. Why is Rapunzel in danger, and what darkness is after her?” Roxy said. 

“Well, guys, the first step is to find her,” Sora said. You and the others searched for Rapunzel and Flynn, eventually exiting the marshland into more bright forest. Soon, you all heard a voice.

“Wh-wh-whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy, boy, easy! Settle down. Whoa, whoa!” Rapunzel said. 

“That voice!” you said. 

“It's Rapunzel!” Rumi said. 

~Le Time Skip~

After meeting Maximus and regrouping, you and the others had arrived at the kingdom. You and the others crossed the bridge and entered the castle town, Rapunzel giggling to herself all the way. (i wished they added the scene where flynn and maximus fought each other over a poster)

“Rapunzel sure looks happy,” Vanitas said.

“She does,” you said. 

“Well, her dream's gonna come true. They're sendin' the lanterns up after dark,” Goofy said. 

“Cool! We don't wanna miss that!” Sora said. You and the others entered the Thoroughfare, where Rapunzel had her hair braided and adorned with wildflowers. She spotted a large tiled mural of the king and queen holding their baby daughter. She peered down where a girl was placing a flower at its base. Rapunzel looked up at the baby on the mural, who had green eyes and flowing blonde hair just like her. Music started suddenly, distracting her, and she gleefully began dancing in the street. A crowd of people gathered around and join in and Flynn stood watching her. Sora got an idea and pulled you onto the dance floor. 

“Sora, what the hell are you doing?” you asked. 

“I’m dancing with you. Come on!” he said. You giggled and danced with Sora. after dancing, you and the others headed towards the docks. As you were watching the lanterns, you remembered how you would watch lanterns with Vanitas on your birthday. You chuckled at the memory. 

“What?” Sora asked. 

“Before I met you and Riku, Vanitas and I would watch lanterns that came on my birthday, like Rapunzel,” you said. 

“Oh, yeah. I remember that,” Vanitas said. You all sensed a disturbance from behind as Reaper Nobodies and Negaverses appeared on the wharf. You all got up and turned around, irked.

“Seriously? You just had to ruin the moment?” you asked, sarcastically. 

“I don't think they appreciate the moment, (Y/N),” Yui said. 

“Not one bit!” Roxy said. 

“It's time for these wet blankets to go!” Sora said. You and the girls summoned your guardians while Sora and the others summoned their weapons. You all took care of the Nobodies and Negaverses plaguing the wharf as Rapunzel waited by the shore with Pascal. Out of the fog over the water emerged a small sailboat.

“Eugene?” she asked. From shore, she saw what looked like Flynn steering the sailboat with the stolen tiara in his hand.

“Eugene!” she said. Unknown to Rapunzel, he was out cold and tied to the mast and helm.

“Oh dear... He's run off with the crown and forgotten you,” Marluxia said as he appeared behind her. 

“No. He wouldn't. Who are you?” she said. He didn’t answer and she looked back at the boat, still drifting away.

“Forget Flynn Rider. You know where you belong, and it's not with him. Now...” Marluxia said. He motioned with his hand and two Reaper Nobodies appeared in front of Rapunzel along with two Negaverses. She ran away in fear and Marluxia smiled. She ran toward an opening between two large rocks, trying not to stumble when her braided hair caught on a fallen log. She pulled on it, trying to free it from the branch, when she heard a voice.

“Rapunzel!” Mother Gothel said. 

“Mother?” Rapunzel walked back to the shoreline, where the Nobodies and Negaverses had disintegrated and Mother Gothel stood with a tree branch in her arms, out of breath. She perked up at the sight of Rapunzel.

“Oh, my precious girl!” she said. 

“Mother...” Rapunzel ran into her mother’s arms. 

“Are you all right? Are you hurt?” Mother Gothel asked as she touched Rapunzel’s face. 

“M-Mother, how did you--”

“I was so worried about you, dear. So I followed you. And I saw them attack you, and--” Mother Gothel hugged Rapunzel tightly. “Oh my. Let's go. Let's go, before they come to.”

Rapunzel stopped and looked back at the boat on the lake. She slowly turned back to Mother Gothel, holding a green lantern in her hand. Rapunzel paused as Mother Gothel set the lantern down and opened her arms, beckoning her. Rapunzel's lip quivered and she started to cry, running into her mother's embrace. Mother Gothel stroked her hair as she sobbed. You and the others entered and saw the two leaving.

“Hey, isn't that Rapunzel?” Sora asked. He cupped his hands to his face. 

“Wait! Rapunz--” he shouted. Marluxia appeared in front of you all.

“Show some decorum,” he said.

“You again!” Donald said. 

“Uncle Marluxia!” the twins and Rumi said. 

“The girl has found her dear mother. You should let them be,” Marluxia said. 

“And why is that?” you asked. 

“Because Rapunzel is far too important. Atop her tower, she must remain out of sight, and live out her days with Mother Gothel.” 

“And never see anyone again?” Goofy asked. 

“But that's like...locking her in some prison!” Sora said. 

“That is EXACTLY what it's like. Rapunzel's hair holds the powerful magic of healing. And yes, Mother Gothel wants it for herself. As do others. And, if Mother Gothel's actions will protect Rapunzel, preserve her...then she is doing the Organization a favor.” 

“What favor?” Vanitas asked. 

“Let's say she's keeping Rapunzel on the shelf for us. An extra pawn in case you fail to find the remaining guardians of light, and we have occasion to call on other hearts of light instead. A New Seven Hearts to fill out the ranks.” 

“‘New seven hearts’?” Yui asked. 

“Yes. Seven who inherited the princesses' light after their role was fulfilled.”

“So, you don't care about her. You guys just want Rapunzel for your own purposes! Well, you're done here! ODILE!” you said as you summoned Odile while Sora summoned his Keyblade.

“Hmph. I just knew you would go and make a scene. Very well, then it's lights out for you,” Marluxia said. He extended a hand, blowing a pink wind toward you and Sora. He dropped the Keyblade while Odile disappeared, your eyes drooping.

“Sora! (Y/N)!” Vanitas and the others said. They ran towards you and him as your vision got hazy, your ears muffled.

“You two were always such sound sleepers,” Marluxia said as you and Sora fell to the ground. 

“What did you do?!” Roxy asked. 

“Nothing that would harm Sora.” 

“But what about (Y/N)?” Yui growled. Just then, Negaverses surrounded you and the group. 

“You son of a bitch...” Vanitas said. The twins growled and stood up. They linked their hands together and raised their other hands in the air. 

“SAPPHITE, WE SUMMON YOU!” they yelled. Fire surrounded the twins and their wolves were summoned. Rumi stood up as well and gathered enough wind to summon her guardian. 

“COME TO ME, NYX!” she yelled. The wind formed the shape of her bear guardian and Nyx was formed. 

“Have fun, girls,” Marluxia said as he disappeared. The twins growled and attacked a Negaverse. 

“Vanitas, watch over (Y/N) and Sora. We’ll handle things,” Yui said. Vanitas nodded and ran over to you and Sora. The girls, Donald, and Goofy started attacking the Negaverses and defeated all of them. Meanwhile, a recently escaped Flynn dashed on Maximus over the bridge away from the city. The morning sun brightened the sky as he rode toward the forest, encountering Donald, Rumi, the twins, Vanitas, and Goofy hovering over a still-sleeping you and Sora.

“Whoa, Max! Whoa, boy,” he said. Maximus stopped in front of you and the others.

“Flynn!” Vanitas said. 

“Are Sora and (Y/N) okay?” Flynn asked. 

“We don't know,” Rumi said. 

“We keep callin' their names and shakin' them, but they won't open their eyes,” Goofy said.

“Sora!” Donald said. 

“(Y/N)!” Vanitas said.

“Wake up!” Yui said. 

“Hmm... Unresponsive sidekick... Wait a minute. I know how to fix this! Max, give them a wash!” Flynn said. Maximus licked you and Sora's face with his long tongue, rousing the two of you from your sleep. You and Sora opened your eyes seeing Flynn and Maximus looking down at the two of you. Donald and the others peeked into view.

“Sora! (Y/N)!” they said as you and Sora sat up.

“Well, that did the trick. Nice work, Max!” Flynn said. Maximus smiled haughtily. Sora stood and held his head while you leaned on Roxy for support. 

“Huh? How did we end up...” Sora asked. Suddenly, the events came back to you and Sora. 

“Oh no! Flynn, Rapunzel's being held prisoner!” you said. Donald and the others nodded in agreement. 

“That's right. In her mother's tower. This calls for a rescue,” Flynn said. He smiled down at Sora and extended a hand. “Are you with me?” 

“Yeah!” Sora said. Flynn pulled Sora up onto the horse with a proud cackle. The twins summoned Sapphite and you, Vanitas, and Rumi climbed on while Donald and Goofy climbed on Maximus. Maximus's legs buckled, struggling to hold them up, but his face changed to one of determination. He let out a whinny and stood straight up.

“Let's go, Max,” Flynn said. Maximus reared back and charged forward, Saphhite following close behind. You all raced through the forest in the direction of the tower, when you all were intercepted by a group of Nobodies and Negaverses. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, Max!” Flynn said. Sora, Donald and Goofy nodded to each other and jumped off Maximus and Vanitas jumped off Sapphite, summoning their weapons while you and the girls summoned your weapons while still on Sapphite. 

“We'll take it from here, Flynn. Go help Rapunzel,” Yui said.

“Thanks!” Flynn said. He took off with Maximus, leaving the Nobodies to you and the others. As you all followed along through the forest, the path was filled with Heartless. You and the others defeated each wave in turn. By the time you all arrived, Flynn had climbed up and entered the tower.

“Rapunzel! I thought I'd never see you again,” he said. He looked up, seeing Rapunzel chained and gagged. Her eyes widen as Mother Gothel sneaked behind him, striking a hidden dagger into his side. Rapunzel struggled to get free, crying out as Flynn fell over onto the floor. Mother Gothel looked down at him, squirming in pain on the stone floor. She tugged on Rapunzel's chains trying to lead her deeper into the tower, the girl desperate to get free.

“Rapunzel, really! Enough already! Stop fighting me!” Mother Gothel said. Rapunzel, pulling back, lost her balance and fell over, the gag slipping from her mouth.

“No! I won't stop! For every minute of the rest of my life, I will fight! I will never stop trying to get away from you! But...if you let me save him, I will go with you,” she said. Mother Gothel raised an eyebrow.

“No! No, Rapunzel...” Flynn grunted as he attempted to crawl on the floor but the pain was too great. Pascal looked on helplessly.

“I'll never run... I'll never try to escape. Just let me heal him...and you and I will be together--forever, just like you want. Every- thing will be the way it was. I promise. Just like you want. Just...let me heal him,” Rapunzel said. Mother Gothel released Rapunzel and shackled Flynn.

“In case you get any ideas about following us,” she said to Flynn. Rapunzel rushed to Flynn's side.

“Eu...Eugene!” she said. She brushed the hair out of his eyes and he clutched his side, struggling to sit up against the wall. She checked at his wound, obviously bleeding.

“Oh, I'm so sorry. Everything is gonna be okay, though,” she said as she gathered her hair into her arms.

“No...Rapunzel...” Flynn groaned. 

“I promise. You have to trust me.” She placed the hair over his wound.

“No! I can't let you do this.” They stared into each other's eyes.

“And I can't let you die.” 

“But if you do this...” Rapunzel touched his face. “...but if you do this, then you will die.” 

“Hey. It's gonna be all right,” she whispered. He gave the very smallest of smiles.

“Rapunzel... Wait,” he said. He began to stroke her hair, his face moving closer to hers, and with a swift motion cut off her hair with a shard of the broken mirror. His hand fell to the floor, dropping the glass, as her hair turned brown, its healing ability lost. She looked down at him in shock.

“Eugene, what--” she asked. Absolute terror erupted from Mother Gothel's face.

“No!” she screamed. From the strand in Rapunzel's hands, the once golden locks of hair turned a deep brown. Mother Gothel tried to gather them up in her arms before the magic was lost.

“Oh no. No...” she said. Unable to stop the transformation, she grabbed her hand, watching it become wrinkled and withered.

“What have you done? What have you DONE?!” she asked. The aging spread across her body like a weed, her skin turning pale and her hair a pallid gray. She screamed out in sudden shrieks, her body moving feebly, as she covered her decrepit face with her hood. She writhed about the room, crossing closer to the window, where Pascal pulled on the long bunch of hair, causing her to spill out of the tower. She screamed as she fell, aging out of existence, the shroud flying downward through the air as you and the others reached the base of the tower. Marluxia watched from the hill.

“Fallen to darkness... We can't allow her near our pure light now. Her presence would only cast a pall over it,” he said. He motioned with his arm, suspending the cloak in midair surrounded by petals of pink. An orb of darkness burst forth and branch-like limbs erupted from within, followed by a tail. Another set of limbs, and the creature crashed to the ground, the darkness pulling back, revealing a large tree-like Heartless, the Grim Guardianess. It growled down at you and the others, who summon your weapons along with the guardians. 

“What happened up there?” Sora asked. 

“I don't know, but we have to stop that Heartless,” Donald said. The Grim Guardianess flew toward you and the others, its tail moving like a serpent, as its large mane of leaves crashed to the ground, sending pollen everywhere. Donald and Goofy were sent into a sneezing fit as thorns surrounded you, Vanitas, the twins, Rumi, and Sora. You all struggled to get free of the thorns' grip before the Heartless slithered around the tower, spiraling to the top. You all broke free from the thorny tether as cherries fell from the sky. You and the others raced across the hill avoiding the cages of vines that blocked your way, as the cherry bombs exploded on impact with the ground. Dodging the torrent of bombs, you and Sora reached the tower and ran up its stone exterior. The Heartless was soon no match for you and Sora, his Keyblade and Odile and was knocked from the tower (this took me months to get past). Inside, Rapunzel clutched Flynn.

“Don't go. Stay with me, Eugene,” she said. You and the others ascended the tower, seeing Rapunzel over Flynn's body. She grabbed his arm and placed it against her hair.

“Flower, gleam and glow. Let your power shine. Make the clock reverse,” she sang through her tears.

“Rapunzel,” Flynn said as he opened his eyes. 

“Bring back what once was mine,” she sang. Flynn touched her face. 

“Hey. Rapunzel,” he said. 

“What?” she asked as she held his hand.

“Rapunzel... You were my new dream.” 

“And you were mine.” Flynn blinked once more and his eyes closed, his body falling limp. You and the others looked on sadly as she moved her hand toward his face.

“Heal what has been hurt. Change the Fates' design. Save what has been lost. Bring back what once was mine,” she sang. She moved her hand over his heart and leaned in closer, her face nearly touching his, her song nearly a whisper. “What once was mine.”

She sobbed, a tear falling onto the rogue's skin. It settled there, glowing into the shape of a flower. A light burst forth from Flynn's wound, wrestling Rapunzel from her sorrow. You and the others stared open-mouthed at this sight. The healing magic swirled into the air like strands of hair, wisping around Rapunzel, her eyes wide. A six-pointed flower magically bloomed from the wound, before the light disappeared inside of him. She moved closer to his face, brushing the hair out of her eyes as Flynn slowly took a breath and opened his eyes.

“Rapunzel...” he said. She gasped. 

“Eugene,” she said. 

“Did I ever tell you...I've got a thing for brunettes?” He smiled and Rapunzel was overcome by joy.

“Eugene!” she said. She threw her arms around him and he leaned on his side to embrace her. You and the others smiled with glee and Sora threw his arms around you and Vanitas, grinning from ear to ear and Flynn tightened his hold on Rapunzel. Later, you all stood at the base of the tower, the warm sunlight bathing over you.

“Wow, Rapunzel! You're finally gonna get to see your real home,” you said. 

“I know! I mean...I can't believe it. I can finally be with my real family! I couldn't have done it without your help,” Rapunzel said. 

“You’re welcome,” Rumi said. Rapunzel giggled.

“Well, from where I'm standing, the Kingdom couldn't ask for a better princess. And I couldn't have asked for better sidekicks!” Flynn said. 

“For the last time, we’re not sidekicks!” Roxy said. 

“Anyways, thanks for everything.” 

“Yes, thank you so much,” Rapunzel said. 

“Happily ever after,” Donald said. Sora crossed his arms.

“Mm-hmm,” he said. 

“Now, Flynn, you and Maximus play nice,” Goofy said. Maximus and Flynn exchanged glances.

“Huh?” Flynn asked. Maximus whinnied with laughter. “Fine.”

Rapunzel took Flynn's hand and they stared into each other's eyes.

“You're gonna be great,” Yui said. 

“Huh?” Flynn and Rapunzel asked. 

“We haven't seen the guy controlling the monsters in a while, so that's one less worry,” Vanitas said. 

“But there's still a chance that he might be around here somewhere,” you said. 

“Well, if he comes back and tries to bother Rapunzel again, then Flynn will keep her safe. And we three won’t be far behind,” Sora said. 

“Come on. Rapunzel's the tough one, if you ask me,” Roxy said. 

“True. But nevertheless, I won't let her out of my sight,” Flynn said. 

“Oh... Eugene,” Rapunzel smiled. 

“‘Eugene?’” you and Sora asked. 

“Oh! That's my real name. Eugene Fitzherbert. That's right. I never told you guys,” Flynn chuckled. 

“That’s different,” Rumi said. 

“I think it's a great name!” Goofy said. 

“Me too. Nice to re-meet you, Eugene,” you said.

“Hey! I thought I was the only one you were going to tell,” Rapunzel said to Eugene. 

“Don't worry. I've saved plenty of Fitzherbert-y secrets just for you.” 

“Really?” 

“Hey! What are you two lovebirds talking about?” Sora said (he’s so innocent).

“Nothing!” Flynn said. 

“Hey, you can tell us!” Donald said. 

“Yeah, it's not nice to keep secrets,” Goofy said.

“You know what they mean, right?” Roxy asked Yui. 

“Oh yeah,” Yui replied. 

“This one is none of your business,” Eugene said. Vanitas chuckled.

“Maximus, get him!” he said. 

“Huh?” Maximus glared at Eugene, an inch from his face, and Eugene stopped, unsure of what to anticipate. Pascal crawled onto Rapunzel's shoulder with a determined look and jumped over to Eugene's, sending his long sticky tongue into his ear. Eugene reeled back and clutched his ear, Pascal jumping off with a squeal of glee.

“You have got to be kidding me!” Eugene said. You and the others burst out laughing. Maximus smiled at Eugene, waggling his eyebrows as Pascal chilled on Eugene's head. Soon after, you and the others left the Kingdom of Corona.

[phoenix-downer]

As far as written kh works go, how do you feel about the twinning up of kh characters? Ventus and Roxas being twins, Vanitas and Sora, etc. Do you prefer making them separate people, or is there a charm to having a sibling dynamic that the game occasionally touches on but doesn’t seem to fully explore? And what about making them related to other FF characters? (Riku to Sephiroth being a BIG one once upon a time) do you think it adds to or erases their characters?

I actually like the twinning! I think it leads to some interesting contrasts and this sibling yin-yang dynamic a lot of the time. Ventus and Vanitas being a good example of this - Ventus being the light, the yang, to Vanitas’s darkness, the yin.

One of the pieces of art for KH2 is even called Duality:

And we see that same twinning going on: Roxas (the yang) with Sora (the yin), and Kairi (the yang) with Naminé (the yin). Naminé even calls herself Kairi’s shadow, and Ansem the Wise told Roxas he needed Sora because he needed someone who could move freely throughout the realm of light.

There are other pairs as well: Sora and Vanitas, Roxas and Ventus, Kairi and Xion, plus Riku and the Riku Replica (probably more I can’t think of off the top of my head).

A part of growing up is figuring out who you are in the world, what makes you you, what makes you unique. As most of the main cast of KH are teenagers, the twinning really highlights this existential angst that teens go through as they get older. What makes me me is really accentuated when there’s another guy or girl running around with your face or a face similar to yours. How am I special if I look the same as that guy/girl? If his/her memories keep going through my head? And the answer is the heart.

A big theme in the series is that if you have your own heart, you’re your own person. So even though these “twins” of the other characters exist, it’s made clear as the series progresses that though they may share similar appearances, their hearts are unique. Their experiences are unique. As they continue to live and grow, they become more and more distinct from their “twin(s).”

I didn’t even think about Riku and Sephiroth, but that’s a good point! I think Nomura designed them similarly because he really seems to like giving antagonists white or silver hair and green eyes, and Riku had the role of antagonist in KH1. He wanted people to look at Riku and draw that parallel.

Only for Riku to get a great redemption arc and rejoin the side of good. So in a way he’s turning Riku’s appearance on its head, and I really like that. “Oh you thought this guy would be the villain? Guess what, he’s going to redeem himself and become one of the heroes.”

As many people have pointed out, though, Riku’s looking more like Noctis nowadays…

Now that we’ve closed up KH3, I hope we continue to see these characters grow and figure out what makes them distinct from each other. I think the whole twinning concept was good for the Dark Seeker Saga, but I hope that if Nomura introduces more new characters, that they are more visually distinct from each other.

Then again, this guy exists…

…and so does his love interest, who looks like a mix of Stella and Kairi…

…so maybe not.

The whole twinning thing definitely seems to be a visual motif Nomura enjoys using, so my guess is we’ll keep seeing it for years to come.

At least Skuld and Ephemer have unique designs…

Oh wait, nope, spoke too soon. Axel and Reno look similar too and are both voiced by Quinton Flynn. 

Yeah, I think this is something we’ll keep seeing in Nomura’s works. This may be related or not, but I think it’s telling we haven’t seen the Foreteller’s faces yet. Are we going to get more of those visual parallels? Who knows!

Anyway, thanks for the ask!

[atomic-taco-muffin]

The Lost Princess Chapter 28

Warnings: angst?

Rating: SFW

You and the trio had left the Fourth World Entrance and had entered the world, Monstro. 

“What a weird place! Everything's kinda springy and soft,” you said. 

“Nice and warm, too. I'm startin' to feel like a nap,” Goofy said. 

“I think you should be a little more worried,” someone said. 

“Who's there?” Donald asked. There, Pinocchio was hiding behind a wall.

“You're inside the belly of Monstro the Whale,” he said. Jiminy jumped onto the ground.

“Why, I know that voice... Pinocchio? Pinoke, it's you! Come on out!” Jiminy said. 

“Is that you, Jiminy? Gosh, I thought I'd never see you again!” Pinocchio said. 

“Gee, there's no way you wouldn't find me again. I'm your conscience. And your conscience will always be your guide. Remember?”

“Sure, Jiminy. And I've been a good boy, promise. I didn't tell a single lie.” All of a sudden, Pinocchio’s nose grew longer. 

“Uh-oh!” he said. 

“Well, for Pete's sake!” Jiminy said. 

“Oops! But...how did YOU end up inside Monstro, anyway?”

“We, uh, sort of used a special way...” Sora said. 

“It's so special, we don't know how we did it!” Goofy said. 

“That's too bad... I was hoping you could help me and Father get out of here.” 

“Well, I'll be! Geppetto's here, too?” 

“Sure he is. Follow me!” You and the others followed PInocchio to a ruined ship inside Monstro's mouth, where Geppetto was.

“Geppetto!” Jiminy said. Geppetto walked over to the ship's edge.

“Bless my soul, it's Jiminy Cricket. How in the world did you get here?” he said.

“You tell me! How does a clockmaker wind up in the belly of a whale?” Jiminy said.

“Well, it's a long story...” You and the gang climbed onto the ship, and Geppetto told his story.

“So you sailed out to look for Pinocchio...” Donald said. 

“...and Monstro swallowed you!” Goofy said. 

“Yes, but I found my son. I would do anything for my Pinocchio,” Geppetto said. 

“But now you can't get out, can you? Being stuck in the belly of a whale is awful,” you said. 

“Not if Pinocchio and I are together. That makes everything a little bit better. There's nothing better than being reunited with someone you care about.”

“Yeah... I know what you mean,” Sora said. 

“Me too,” you said.

“I don't care if I'm trapped here, so long as I have Pinocchio. He's such a good boy.” 

“Well, he still tells fibs. But with a little help from me...” Jiminy said.

“Oh, Jiminy, you worry too much.” 

“Speaking of Pinocchio... Where is he?” Sora asked.

“He was here a minute ago. Where's he gone this time?” Donald said.

“I expect he's off exploring. That boy has been poking around just about everywhere inside this monster. He won't tell me why it's so important. I tell him it's dangerous, but he won't listen.” 

“That boy's a handful! Sora, (Y/N), if you don't mind...”

“I know, I know. You want us to help you find him, right? C'mon, guys, let's get going!” Sora said. You, Donald, and Goofy nodded in agreement.

“Oh!” Pinocchio said. You, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy found Pinocchio in another area of Monstro.

“Pinocchio! What are you thinking?! You know Geppetto worries when you wander off by yourself,” Jiminy said.

“Jiminy was worried, too!” Donald said. 

“I'm sorry...” Pinocchio said. 

“What are you doing, anyway? Looking for something?” you asked. 

“Um...yeah, I'm looking for treasure!” Pinocchio’s nose grew longer.

“Here we go again!” Jiminy said.

“But, Jiminy...” 

“Now, don't be so hard on the little fella, Jiminy. We promise not to get mad, Pinocchio. Is that why you're afraid to tell? No need to fret. Tell us the truth---we'll understand. Put yer trust in Goofy!” Goofy said. 

“...I was looking for a way out. Father says he's happy, but it's my fault we're stuck here. I shouldn't have run away from home. I want to help Father get home to the workshop. But he'll worry if I tell him what I'm doing.”

“So that's why you thought you had to tell a lie,” Jiminy said. 

“You did it 'cause you love your dad!”

“All you need now is courage!” Donald said.

“What?” 

“Tell Geppetto the truth. With a little courage, you can do it! If you tell him how you really feel, I bet he'll help you find a way out,” you said.

“And we'll give you a hand!” Sora said.

“Really? You'll help us? Okay, I'll give it a try! Wish me luck, Jiminy!”

“No more keeping secrets, then. Have we got a deal?” Jiminy said.

“Sure! I'll be brave and tell Father how I really feel. No lies this time!”

“Great! Then your nose won't---” Suddenly, the ground started to shake.

“What's happening?!” you asked.

“I have no idea!” Sora said.

“I got a bad feeling about this!” Donald said.

“Pinocchio, run for it!” Jiminy said. Pinocchio ran away. A Parasite Cage Heartless fell from the ceiling in front of him.

“Pinocchio!” you and Sora said. Pinocchio was trapped inside the Heartless.

“Help! I'm trapped!” he said.

“What?!” Sora asked. You and the trio fought the Parasite Cage. After the fight, the Heartless was knocked out, but Pinocchio was still trapped inside.

“Help me! I'm scared!” he said.Pinocchio was trapped inside the Heartless.

“Help! I'm trapped!” he said.

“What?!” Sora asked. You and the trio fought the Parasite Cage. After the fight, the Heartless was knocked out, but Pinocchio was still trapped inside.

“Help me! I'm scared!” he said.

“Pinocchio, be brave!” you said.

“How?”

“Don't give up! Try fighting your way out!”

“Be brave... Okay, I'll try!” Pinocchio jumped up and down, which opened the Heartless' cage and allowed Pinocchio to climb out, right before the Heartless was destroyed and its heart was released.

“Pinocchio, are you alright?” Jiminy asked.

“Don't worry, I'm okay. Just a little sticky...” Pinocchio said as he got up.

“But I have a great idea! That thing spit me out when I started fighting back. Why don't we try the same thing with Monstro?” he said.

“Of course! If we're lucky, Monstro might cough us up!” Sora said.

“Great idea! Let's go deeper inside and try it!” Donald said.

“I'm going, too!” Pinocchio said.

“No, it's too dangerous,” Jiminy said.

“Aww, c'mon...”

“You should be with Geppetto. No use escaping from Monstro if you two get separated again!”

“Leave this to us,” Sora said.

“I guess you're right. Be careful, everybody!” You and the trio left to explore Monstro. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy entered Monstro's throat.

“Looks like this is as far as we go,” Goofy said.

“Ready, then? Let's shake things up!” you said.

“It would be easier if we had someone to fight...” Donald said.

“Perfect timing. Looks like we've got company!” Sora said. Several Shadow Heartless surrounded you and the trio. One spooked Donald. The four of you defeated the Heartless.

“Whew...” Sora said. Suddenly, the ground started to shake, which shocked you and the trio.

“A-hyuck?” Goofy asked.

“It's working! Monstro's gonna sneeze!” Jiminy said. Monstro started to sneeze. The four of you group was risen out of the throat and landed in Monstro's mouth.

“Oww... Now I know what getting shot out of a cannon feels like,” Sora said.

“Where's Pinocchio and his dad?” Goofy asked.

“They're gone. They must've gotten out safely,” Jiminy said.

“Without you, Jiminy? I thought there was no escaping your conscience!” you said.

“I don't mind being left behind, as long as they're both safe. Maybe Pinocchio doesn't need me after all.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“That little puppet used to have trouble telling right from wrong. But he's come a long way. Maybe he doesn't need Jiminy Cricket anymore. Seems like he's got a conscience of his very own.” 

“Don't you remember what Geppetto said? ‘There's nothing better than being reunited with someone you care about.’ I bet Pinocchio's counting the days till he can see you again,” Sora said. Jiminy jumped back onto Sora's shoulder.

“Well, what do you know... You might be right,” he said. Goofy and Donald nodded while you smiled in reassurance. You and the group then left Monstro. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy entered the Fourth Floor Exit Hall.

“Who could that have been before in my memory?” Sora asked. 

‘It wasn't Kairi... But another...girl? Maybe... I think her name was...’ Sora thought.

“Sora!” Donald said. 

“Ah!” Sora said surprised.

“(Y/N)’s having another headache,” Goofy said. He saw you on the ground, clutching your head, and breathing heavily with your eyes tightly closed. 

“(Y/N)? Are you okay?” Sora asked as he knelt down to your height. You didn’t say anything but continued to breathe heavily. 

You were back where you saw Vanitas during your last headache and you ran up to him.

“Vani! What’s going on? Why am I getting these headaches? What are you not telling me?” you asked. 

“Follow me,” he said. You walked with Vanitas and you saw a silhouette of a boy on a chair.

“Is that you, Vani?” you asked.

“Not technically,” he said. You looked at him confused. 

“I was originally part of him when dad ripped me out with his keyblade. I’m back in him now but it’s only a matter of time before dad does it again.” 

“What should I do?” 

“I need you to use your powers to protect me and him.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“100%. It’s the only to protect me. I don’t want be part of his schemes.” 

“Okay.” You used your powers and placed a protection spell on Vanitas and the boy. 

“What’s his name?” you asked when you finished the spell.

“Ventus. Ven for short,” Vanitas said. 

“Will I ever get to meet him?” 

“Maybe. You never know.” He started to disappear and you gave him a hug before he went. 

“I love you, big brother,” you said. 

“I love you too, little sis,” he said. He disappeared and you returned back to the trio. 

“Are you okay?” Sora asked. You nodded and slowly stood up. 

“That was your second headache. Are you sure you’re okay?” Donald said. 

“I-I’m fine. I think this castle is messing with me,” you said. 

“If you say so,” Sora said. The four of you continued, you staying close to Sora so that you could keep your balance. Somewhere in the castle, the girl was still in the white room, drawing. She was drawing a picture in her sketchbook of you, Sora, Kairi, herself, and Riku holding hands. You, Sora, and the gang entered the Fifth Floor. Goofy and Donald nodded as the four of you walked toward the door.

“I remember!” Sora said. 

“Huh?” Donald and Goofy asked. 

“There was another girl!” 

“Really?! Me too!” you said. 

“What? A girl? Where?” Goofy asked.

“No, no, I mean on the islands where (Y/N) and I used to live. Besides (Y/N), Kairi and Riku, there was one other girl I was friends with. The five of us played together all the time,” Sora said. 

“I remember that too! She was really sweet!” you said. 

“Sora, (Y/N)...Seems to me that's the first time you've mentioned her,” Jiminy said. 

“Yeah...I guess we forgot all about her. I think...she just suddenly went away when we were still really little,” you said. 

“What do you think made you remember that now?” Donald asked. 

“I'm not sure. But it's been coming back in pieces as we go through the castle,” Sora said. 

“Gawrsh, do ya remember her name?” Goofy asked. 

“I don't remember. I feel kinda dumb. We said we weren't gonna forget our friends, and well now... I can't even remember her name,” Sora said. 

“Me neither,” you said. You and Sora put your head down, ashamed.

“Sora...(Y/N)...” Donald said. 

“Aww, you shouldn't be worryin', none! If it's been coming back to you in pieces... You're sure to remember her name just like everything else!” Goofy said. You and Sora nodded, still a bit worried. You and Sora held up the next card at the Fifth Floor world entrance, and entered to the next world.

To be continued...