✰ Kingdom Hearts Roleplay: Dream's Rebirth ✰

Sora exhaled in relief. "Okay, thanks Riku!" He rushed out and down the hall towards Cid's garage, taking Kairi with him. In the garage, Sora flicked the light on and pulled the switch to lower the cover of the ship.
Kairi walked over to him, her steps clanking on the metal floor. "Hey, Sora, are you okay? I... I know Leon said it's important, but should we really just rush off? Who are you expecting to find?"
Sora didn't look at her. He started checking the inside of the ship as he talked. "Who knows, really. But whoever it is, we must really need to see each other, right? I know, everything that's happened today has been confusing, but I've got this feeling..."
"I understand," Kairi replied.

Leon regarded Riku bemusedly. "Yeah, I'm sure there's got to be a vendor in the marketplace there who has what you're looking for. Let's hope someone also sells some clothes that might be more 'you'," he added with a chuckle. He cleared away the laughter in his throat, back to seriousness. "But that's not a priority. Off you go, have a safe trip. I know you'll look after them."

"Yeah," Riku nodded, giving Leon a small wave of goodbye. I hope Twilight Town sells something, 'not this' Riku thought to himself, secretly embarrassed from the moogle shirt he was still wearing.

Riku walked into the garage with a mildly hurried pace. Sora wasn't the only one who surmised that someone must be waiting for them at their destination.
"You two ready to go?" Riku asked. He didn't fully know how to work the gummi ship, but he guessed Sora could handle the main, 'flying' part.

Kairi looked from Sora to Riku. "Y-Yeah, we are. Let's go, guys." Her nerves were all but calm, but she forced a smile. She climbed into the back of the ship and took a seat, beside an open one that was for Riku.
Sora climbed in as well and sat in the cockpit. He powered on all the mechanisms on the dashboard and started the engine. "Everything looks set," he stated. A robotic voice suddenly came from the speakers connected to the ship's monitor. "Ready for takeoff?" it said. But Riku didn't get aboard yet! Sora thought, panicked. "Riku, no!" he shouted. The monitor beeped and repeated back: "Riku, no! New gummi ship name confirmed." Sora quickly flicked off the autopilot switch. "Thaaaat's enough auto for now. Someone must've left it set to that," he said with an awkward laugh. "I've got it under control now, you can get in, Riku," he assured his friend.

Riku got in and sat in the seat next to Kairi, trying to contain his laughter at what had just happened.

He took a moment to look out the nearby window just before takeoff, then turned to Kairi. "So, you excited to go back to Twilight Town? Seems to be that we've both only been there once."

The garage roof opened automatically to make way for the ship as Sora raised it into the sky. Once they were clear, it closed behind them. He activated the hyperdrive and steered as their ship zoomed toward Twilight Town.
"Come to think of it, you're right," Kairi answered Riku. "I haven't spent very much time there... but I bet it's a nice world."
"It is," Sora quietly said, overhearing. The silence dragged on for a couple minutes, and Sora's thoughts whirled. I shouldn't even be that attached to that world myself... but I must feel this way because of Roxas, right?
Twilight Town was then in view. "Ah, there it is," Kairi pointed out. "We're here."
Sora clicked a few switches. "Right! Prepare for landing," he said, trying to sound cheerful. He slowed down and lowered the ship closer to the world's surface, touching down and cutting the engine when he had arrived at the open area in Sunset Station where he's landed before. He opened the doors and let his friends out, then turned off everything in the ship before getting out himself.
Kairi approached Sora and put her hand on his shoulder. "Where should we head to look first, Sora?"
He didn't know what to respond with, but before he could even try, they were interrupted by the sudden arrival of nobodies; a Samurai backed up by four Dusks.

More questions arose as Riku watched the Dusks appear. He hadn't seen nobodies for over a year. Why and how could they have appeared? Riku didn't have time to think, as the Samurai lunged two swords at him. Quickly dodging, he summoned his keyblade and tried to get a hit in, but one of the Dusks whirled around him unexpectedly, and swiftly clawed him.
Gritting his teeth in pain, he jumped back to where Sora and Kairi were standing. "Dark Barrier!" Riku yelled as he generated a spherical barrier made entirely of darkness.This isn't going to work. He decided internally. He needed time to think of a proper battle plan.
"We're going to have to work together if we want to defeat those things," Riku looked to both Sora and Kairi, "Kairi, you handle the Dusks while Sora and I take care of the Samurai, got it?" He didn't want to seem bossy, but as he spoke, the Dusks were working on destroying the barrier.

"Got it!" Sora and Kairi shouted in unison, each summoning their own keyblade. "I'll be careful," Kairi promised the other two as she stepped outside of Riku's barrier to stop the Dusks. She dashed into battle. The first Dusk that she had targeted managed to twist away before she could strike it. She'd have to be really quick with these guys, she realized. Another was spinning defensively on the ground beside her, and she rushed at it, striking hard and defeating it before it could attack. She continued fighting, slashing at the Dusks with great speed between dodges from them.
Sora was grateful to have Riku working with him take out this tougher nobody. Thanks to Riku's Dark Barrier that was still holding up, he was able to take some time to focus his mp to charge enough to perform Ars Arcanum, which he mercilessly unleashed on the Samurai, significantly weakening it.

A short distance away, yet still out of sight of the keyblade-wielders, a dark corridor materialized. A hooded figure stepped through, and watched for a moment as the group of nobodies were being defeated. Saïx crossed his arms. Hmm. Slightly concerning. He thought to himself at the fact that Kairi was battling and taking down the Dusks quite efficiently. As well as the fact that Riku and Sora were beginning to make quick work of the Samurai. Saïx had hoped that an ambush like this would have been a bigger challenge for them. No matter. Things are still going according to plan so far, and I have other things to check up on. He thought to himself as he turned around to create another dark corridor and stepped through. There might be room for small errors right now, but I suppose I should assign someone to keep an eye on them for awhile just to be safe, even if they are just children.

Riku was impressed by how well Sora had weakened the Samurai. He had grown much stronger over the years. He was nothing like the weak boy he used to sword fight. Kairi too, she had handled the Dusks very quickly.
Seeing that Sora had the enemy exhausted, Riku prepared his attack. My turn. Riku smirked.
Once he charged up Zantetsuken, he unleashed his one powerful thrust attack, finishing the Samurai off instantly.

Riku went up and high-fived Kairi, "You fought like a natural Kairi! You're training has been going really well. I'm impressed." Riku gave her a smile and went over to Sora. "You weren't too bad yourself, Sora." Riku gave him a friendly nudge, then let out a sigh. "I just don't get why there were nobodies around. Doesn't the Organization summon those?" Riku looked at his friends lightly concerned, he wished someone could ease their confusion.

"Yeah!" Kairi cheered enthusiastically as they high-fived. "Thanks, Riku! You were great too!" she said, grinning brightly.
Sora looked at his friends fondly and with pride. "We really are a great team, aren't we?" He sighed now as well, before addressing Riku's worrying thought. "It really doesn't make any sense for the Organization to be giving us any more trouble at all. I don't like to see disturbances like these happening anywhere. Any answers at all would be great!" he finished helplessly, almost wanting to scream in frustration. "Y'know what I want to do? I feel like going to see Hayner, Pence, and Olette. Good of a plan as any for now, right? There's a chance they could give us some leads on what or who we're supposed to see here, and even if they can't, I'm sure talking with them would make me feel much better."
Kairi gave Sora a sympathetic look. "That's a good idea. I remember where I met them back then, let's go." She took the lead, starting them on the way to The Usual Spot.

Adding in a quick form
Character Name: Pence
Home World: Twilight Town
Age: 15-16
Weapon: None. His logic, I suppose
Other: He's a relatively laid-back and knowledgeable friend close with Hayner and Olette

Riku agreed with Sora. After everything they had been through today, they deserved a chance to relax for a while. It would also be great if at least someone could tell them why the Organization was suddenly appearing again.
He followed Kairi as the group walked the streets of Twilight Town. The passing tram was the only noise that disturbed the tranquility of the city. The peace reminded Riku of the group's life on their home world, Destiny Islands. He knew how much they all yearned for their life on the island again, but they each had a responsibility as keyblade wielders. Besides, visiting old worlds and friends wasn't so bad.
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Adding Hayner and a few others! ^o^
Form -
Character Name: Hayner
Home World: Twilight Town
Age: 15-16
Weapon: Struggle Bat
Other: Hayner is a resident of Twilight Town with a bit of an attitude problem. He's also friends with Pence and Olette.

Form -
Character Name: Peter Pan
Home World: Neverland
Age: Google says he's a boy. My guess is 17
Weapon: I guess he keeps a dagger with him okay
Other: Peter can be stubborn, but deep down he's brave and just.

Form -
Character Name: Luxord
Home World: Castle Oblivion
Age: 28-30
Weapon: Cards (Fair Game)
Other: He is number X in Organization XIII. He often taunted Sora when they encountered, but he got along quite well with former Organization XIII member Roxas.

I wonder how the guys will react when they see us here, Sora thought as they walked. I can bet that they won't be all cryptic and 'I've been expecting youuu' like Leon was. He nearly chuckled out loud. In the scenery of the peaceful town, things were pleasant now at this moment, despite everything, Sora realized. He also told himself to remember that even when life got confusing, he'd still always have friends beside him to make everything seem easier and more bearable.
Soon the group reached the back alley where Hayner's gang hangs out. "I hope they're here," Kairi said.
Sora continued to the area's entrance. "They've got to be. Hayner! Hey guys, it's Sora!" he announced.

Hearing the shout, Pence got up from the couch where he'd sat chatting with Hayner and Olette. "Oh Sora, it is you! And Kairi too! And your... other friend!" Smiling, he exchanged glances with Hayner and Olette. "Nice to see ya! So, what brings you all here?"
Sora was really glad to see the friendly faces. "Well..." He crossed his arms behind his head and grinned, thinking of how to begin. "To put it simply, a lot of unexplainable things have been happening to us, which might have something to to with those black-cloaked guys you've had a little experience with a while ago, which is crazy since they're supposed to be, um, gone... Our friend Leon didn't know much but he gave us reason to believe something important was waiting for us here. It would just be great to get a chance to catch up with you guys and have you to help us investigate, because we really don't know where to begin," Sora sighed, out of breath.
Kairi stepped in with a smile. "As you can see, it's kinda been a lot for us, hehe."

Hayner walked up to Sora and gave him a punch in the shoulder, "We missed you like crazy!" he chuckled, "Well, if you guys came here to take your mind off things, you came to the right place! We got all kinds of things to do here!" Hayner tried to make it less obvious that he was excited, but failed. "So, you three hungry? Or do you wanna go shop for stuff? Oh, there's also a struggle match coming up if you're interested."

Riku didn't know them, but he recognized them. He saw them in the fake Twilight Town DiZ had created, back when Roxas had lost his memory. "Getting something to eat sounds like a good idea." Riku said, "It's nice to see that you are so willing to help us relax." He hoped that he could get the chance to slip away to buy phones for Sora and Kairi.

"It's no problem, guys. The more the merrier!" Olette replied cheerfully as she stood up from her seat. "We know an awesome ice cream shop in town. I highly recommend the sea-salt ice cream."
Olette hoped the others couldn't tell that she wasn't just smiling because she was happy to see Sora and Kairi again, but because she could hardly keep from giggling at the sight of their other friend, or rather his shirt. It just looked kind of silly on him but also maybe a little cute. Maybe after ice cream we can go buy him a better one. She thought to herself. Or just something that will suit him a little better.
Olette extended her hand to him. "Nice to meet you!" She said with a smile, always happy to make a new friend. "My name's Olette, what's yours?"

"I'm Riku," he answered as he took Olette's hand. "It's good to meet you too, you seem very optimistic." Hayner, Pence, and Olette were all good people. Just three good friends who had normal, happy lives. Realising that he was a little lost in thought, Riku placed both of his hands in his pockets. "Anyway, we should get to eating that ice cream. Sounds delectable."
"Right!" Hayner said as he walked up to the entrance of the group's hangout, "Race ya!" He suddenly yelled as he ran out of The Usual Spot.

Kairi loved this positive atmosphere that those three brought forth; she was really glad to be here with them. "That sounds great, ahh!" She laughed and ran after Hayner.
This is just what we needed, Sora thought contentedly. In a sudden burst of cheerful determination, he sprinted off with the others. "Oh I can't lose!" he declared, trying to pull ahead.
Pence was struggling to keep up. "Leaving me behind again?!" he asked, sounding weary but not actually upset.
Sora probably could've reached the shop first, but he wasn't entirely sure where to find it, so he had to force himself to slow down a little and let Hayner lead them. Once they had made it to the sales booth and stopped, Sora slightly out of breath said, "That was pretty good."
"No, this looks pretty good," Kairi corrected with a smirk, pointing to the sea-salt ice cream. "Did anyone bring munny?"
The ice cream vendor had overheard. "Oh, no need for that this time, you kids are visitors here, right? We want to be welcoming here in Twilight Town. Have some on the house," he offered kindly, setting a box out on the counter for them.
"Thank you so much!" Kairi beamed. She took out a bar for each of them and passed them around to everyone.

Riku ran close behind Kairi, trying to get ahead. When did Kairi get so fast? He wondered. At the end of their race, Hayner had won. "Yeah, I won!" He cheered.

The others may not have noticed, but Hayner was having the time of his life. He always had fun with Pence and Olette, but then he got the chance to get reacquainted with Sora and Kairi. He even had the opportunity to meet Sora's other friend, Riku. It was hard to tell, but maybe they were all on the verge to becoming great friends.

Riku was anticipated to try sea-salt ice cream for the first time. He heard good things about the treat, making him curious as to how it tastes.
Riku thanked Kairi when she handed him the ice cream. Then prepared to take a bite. As soon as he bit into the ice cream, the palatable flavors of both salt and sugar flowed through his mouth. For Riku didn't like this ice cream... He loved it! Riku quickly scarfed down the rest of his ice cream. It was really good.

Pence was pleased with Riku's response to the ice cream. "Really tasty, isn't it?" He smiled, taking large bites of his own bar. "It's always been our favorite!"
"So glad we did this," Sora mumbled with sea-salt ice cream in his mouth.
Kairi nodded, thoroughly enjoying it as well. She took a look around while she ate, and noticed an item shop across the street. "Hey, can we check that place out?" she asked, pointing in the shop's direction. Adjacent to that one was an accessory shop, and on its other side, an armor and clothing shop.
"Ah, Market Street." Pence rolled his eyes. He had often been dragged along here by Olette to go shopping.

"Don't worry, Pence," Olette said in between bites of her ice cream. "Someday you'll love shopping!" She was glad that they were all having fun together, but what Sora said earlier did bother her a little. She couldn't help but feel like what was happening to them could be pretty serious. Still, she didn't want to ruin anyone's fun. After we hang out like this for awhile we'll help investigate, just like Sora said. "And of course, Kairi." She said in reply to her question of visiting the shops. "They always got good stuff." It'll be fun to finally shop with another girl. She thought to herself with a smile as she finished the rest of her ice cream. She looked around at the others and everyone was almost finished as well. "Oh! Did anybody get a Winner?"

Riku looked at the stick that held his ice cream once he was finished. "Nope." He answered Olette, faintly disappointed that he didn't win, but it was no big deal.

Hayner, who was standing fairly close to Riku, attempted to eat all of his ice cream out of excitement. The group had never gotten a Winner before and hoped to someday collect many so they could get a nice prize to share with each other.
Once he was halfway done with his treat, Hayner caught sight of a crown symbol and the letter, 'W'.
"Guys, I think I got one!" He called as he quickly ate the remainder of his ice cream.
"Finally!" He shouted once he was done. "Man, we've been waiting FOREVER to get one of these!" Hayner hoped that the others were as enthusiastic as he was.

Sora examined the Winner stick that Hayner was holding. Oh, right, that's what they look like... I think I've still got that other one from long ago somewhere.

"Ah, at last! Way to go, Hayner!" Pence cheered. "Hold onto that little guy. Hey, maybe you guys being here is what brought him luck."
Kairi giggled. "Could be," she said with a wink. She turned to Olette, smiling warmly. "Let's look at the shops, then! C'mon everyone, you come too!" She disposed of her blank ice cream stick in a nearby bin and led the way, soon drawn to the display of rings at the accessory shop. Browsing for fun without the intention of buying it, she couldn't resist trying on a ruby ring. "Hehe, how does this look?" she asked Olette. "Ooh, that gold one would look great on you!"

"You really think so?" Olette asked. "That ruby one looks like it's made for you." Olette said as she tried on the golden ring. She held her hand up to see it shine in the sunlight."Wow. I wish I had enough munny for this." She slipped the shiny ring off and gently placed it back on the display. "I'll have to remember to come back for this once I have enough. Are you gonna buy that ruby one?" She asked Kairi.

Sora had tagged along with the group, looking at various other items for sale and wandereding a few feet away. Then, some clothes hanging out on display in the armor and apparel shop caught his eye.
"Aw, thanks!" Kairi said, slightly bashful. "And yes, you should totally come back for it! I would get this ring, but Riku, Sora, and I should save our munny for more important things."
Sora rushed over to the girls. "Let's pick out a new shirt for Riku wehavetowehaveto," he whispered excitedly, trying not to laugh too loudly or get Riku's attention.
Kairi playfully nudged Sora. "Important things like that!" she told Olette, amusement in her eyes.

Riku was only a short distance away, but didn't hear what Sora and the others were whispering about. Noticing that the group was pretty much going off to do their own thing anyway, he thought this would be the best opportunity to slip away. "Hey guys, I think I'm going to go check out some of the other shops. See ya." Riku called as he walked in the opposite direction.
What shop would even sell phones? Riku asked himself. Looking for a shop name that seemed to sell that sort of thing.
He passed all kinds of shops, but "Item Shop" caught his eye. Even if they didn't sell phones it didn't hurt to look.

Riku walked up the front counter, behind stood a friendly looking vendor. "Greetings! How may I help you?" The kind vendor asked.
"Oh, I was just hoping that you sold phones here."
"Ah, well you're in luck! We have some in stock. The price is 1,000 munny each, but you get half off for a second purchase of the same product."
Whew! Riku sighed in relief. He had just enough to buy Sora, Kairi, and himself one. "I'll be purchasing three." He gave the shopkeeper the required amount of munny and soon left the shop with three new phones in a small bag. He even chose the colors for each of them. Red for Sora, black for himself, and turquoise for Kairi. There was a reason Riku chose turquoise for her, it was the color of his eyes. He secretly hoped the color would remind her of him.

Olette chuckled at Sora's excitement. "I was actually thinking the same thing earlier!" She replied excitedly in a hushed tone. Just then, Riku said something about checking out the other shops. Olette watched as Riku walked away. "Let's do it now while he's distracted." Olette said. Kairi and Sora nodded in agreement, and they headed to the armor and apparel shop a small distance away.
The shop didn't have a very large variety of choices. This should just make choosing something easier. Olette thought to herself. They each searched through the racks of shirts, trying to think of what would be best for Riku. "Hey, what about this one?" Olette asked as she held up a gray v-neck for the others to see. "I think it would look really nice with a jacket. What do you guys think?"