Post by Hayate on Oct 18, 2006 20:11:08 GMT -5
Chapter 2: Reprimand
At last, the Gummi Ship exits the warp hole and begins to decelerate near Port Royal. Shiro looks down upon the world he was about to land in.
Shiro “I hope I’m not too late…”
Pushing a button placed above him, Shiro is dematerialized and teleported onto the ramparts, which were completely devastated. There was rubble and dirt everywhere.
Shiro “Man! I didn’t know Poltergeist Darklings were capable of this much destruction!”
Nearby, maybe a kilometer or two, the mammoth-sized Poltergeist was wading through the town buildings as if they were water, creating a small-scale quake with each step.
Shiro “Hang in there, Will! I’m coming!”
Quickly putting one foot in front of the other, Shiro takes off and sprints over to Will’s location, leaving a trail of dust. As soon as the Poltergeist comes into view, Shiro unleashes his Wings of Exile Keyblade. Right away, the Poltergeist detects Shiro’s presence and turns to him. The mammoth Darkling had rusted blue armor, crimson eyes that shone through its helmet, and carried a gigantic bloodstained blade. As it swings his mighty sword, Shiro dodges with ease, for the Poltergeist was known for its heavy movement.
Shiro "You’re gonna have to do better than that!”
Jack Sparrow "Chiro! You made it! Some assistance, if you please!”
Shiro "For the last time, Jack, it’s SHIRO!!”
Jack Sparrow "Are ya gonna yap all day, or fight?”
Shiro (to himself) “Why did I come here again…?”
Glancing around, Shiro noticed that about four Keyblade masters had arrived already. They all dash around the great beast with style, striking it with assorted magic spells, but the more they struck, the more the Darkling got angry, and it eventually knocked them each temporarily unconscious.
Jack Sparrow "You bunch of lily-livered catfish! Surely you can put up a better fight than that!”
Keyblade Master 1 “We’re…doing the best…we can!”
Jack Sparrow "Eh… Amateurs…”
Shiro "Hmm… I’ve got a plan!”
Jack Sparrow "Well, spit it out, mate!”
Shiro "In a minute! Ayane, can you hear me?”
Ayane "Loud and clear!”
Shiro "I have an idea to destroy the Poltergeist, but I’m gonna have to fuse together with Jack. To do that…”
Ayane "Are you sure? You don’t have the captain’s approval.”
Shiro "I have to! All of Port Royal will be destroyed if I don’t!”
Ayane "Oh, boy… I just know I’m gonna regret this…”
Typing in a few keys at super speed, Ayane starts up a laser cannon set up at Origin City’s base.
Ayane "Get ready, Shiro! Firing Galva Beam Cannon…NOW!!!”
The laser cannon fires a thin beam of light that travels through interspace and on to Port Royal in about half a second. The beam strikes Shiro, sending a massive rush of energy through his body. Shiro then removes his left hand glove, revealing a bright red birthmark in his palm.
Shiro "Jack! Take my hand, now!!”
Jack Sparrow "Aw, mate! Don’t be goin’ emotional on me now!”
Shiro "Just shut up and do it!!!”
Jack Sparrow (sigh) “Aye-aye…”
The instant that Jack grabs onto Shiro, their two bodies converge little by little. A big flash comes and goes, and Shiro stands boldly in midair. His clothes look exactly the same, except lavishly streaked with black. He also wears Jack Sparrow’s signature bandana with his hair jutting out slightly from underneath.
Shiro (Shiro’s and Jack’s voices mixed) “You ready for this, Darkling?”
The Poltergeist doesn’t even say anything and swings its blade, which Shiro catches in his hand.
Shiro "Grrrr… Heh.”
Just before the blade touches Shiro’s face, he snaps it in two. The Poltergeist stares at its broken sword as the other half of it crashes on the ground.
Shiro "You call that a blade? HA!!”
Raising his hands high above his head, Shiro unleashes both the Wings of Exile and the Follow the Wind Keyblades. Knowing its demise was imminent, Poltergeist slowly steps back, attempting to escape.
Shiro "Oh, no, you don’t! There’s no escape!! Gate of Genesis!”
Shiro jumps high into the air and, twirling the Keyblades in his hands, he opens a spiritual gateway, through which a blinding light passes. The Poltergeist attempts to shield himself from the light, but its skin under its armor already starts to singe. It lets out a great groan in pain. The light fades away, and the Darkling standing before Shiro appears dizzy.
Shiro "Now for the finishing blow!”
?? “I don’t think so!”
Shiro "Huh? Who said that?”
The Poltergeist lets out another groan as a sharp blade splits it in half straight down the middle. The two halves disintegrate into dust, and a figure behind it stands there with arms crossed.
Shiro "Uh-oh…”
?? “You can defuse now, Shiro…”
Shiro sighs in disappointment as he and Jack magically separate.
Jack Sparrow "An ally of yours, Chiro?”
Shiro "Captain Ryuma… Leader of the first-class Keyblade masters…”
Jack Sparrow “Ooh… Lady luck sure ain’t lookin’ your way today…”
Shiro "Tell me about it.”
Ryuma gazes at Shiro furiously, as if beckoning him. Shiro simply gulps and approaches him hesitantly with his head down.
Ryuma "Key bearer Shiro?”
Shiro (under his voice) “Yes, sir?”
Ryuma "Look at me, Shiro!”
Ryuma’s booming voice frightens Shiro and his head shoots up.
Shiro "YES, CAPTAIN RYUMA?”
Jack Sparrow "Yikes… Forceful, ain’t he?”
Ryuma "Do you recall anyone giving you the order of fusing with an other-world resident?”
Shiro "Well, you see, the thing is--”
Ryuma "ANSWER ME!!!”
Shiro (gulp) “No, sir!”
Ryuma "Then for what incentive did it seem acceptable to carry out an exploit such as this without a higher classman’s authorization?”
Shiro "…”
Jack Sparrow "Now, see here, sir! Chiro here was just looking out for his crew!”
Ryuma "I don’t believe anyone gave you permission to speak, Mr. Sparrow.”
Jack Sparrow "Hmph! Since when does a pirate need permission for anything?”
Ryuma "I’m waiting for an answer, Key bearer Shiro.”
Shiro "…I did it…for the good of this world…”
Ryuma "…I see. Come along, Shiro. We will discuss your punishment when we return to Origin City.”
Shiro "Punishment!? For protecting a world from destruction?”
Ryuma "I gave you an order! Are you refusing? Or does doing so come naturally to you?”
Shiro "No, sir… But, what about the others?”
Shiro was of course referring to the other Key bearers the Poltergeist had knocked unconscious. Ryuma moans in embarrassment and pushes a button on a remote control in his pocket, activating a tractor beam from his Gummi Ship.
Ryuma "Get your vessel. We’re leaving.”
Shiro "Understood… Later, Jack…”
Jack Sparrow "Right… Keep a stiff upper lip, mate.”
Shiro "I’ll be fine. Whatever Ryuma has planned for me shouldn’t be too bad.”
Ryuma "…”
But, not even Shiro was completely sure. Naturally, he had never been more nervous. What was Ryuma gonna do to him? Both Shiro and Ryuma return to Origin City in their respective vessels. At Origin City’s Chief Office…
Ryuma "…And though the Poltergeist was weakened before my arrival, Key bearer Shiro nevertheless carried out the action of fusing with an other-world resident on his own accord. According to the Origin City Handbook – section 5, subsection Omicron – and I quote, ‘All fusions carried out by Origin City residents may only be between Origin City residents.’”
Shiro "…”
Ryuma "We must see to it that this never happens again! What say you, President Drake?”
Drake was the first Keyblade master other than Sora, therefore making him the president of Origin City.
Drake “Hmm… Very well… Nigel!”
Drake addresses one of his subordinates, Nigel, and simply nods his head. Nigel gets the message and hands a card to Shiro.
Shiro "What’s this?”
Drake “This must never happen again. I believe those were your words, Captain Ryuma.”
Ryuma "Mr. President?”
Drake “I concur with your decision. Therefore, I grant Shiro the full right of other-world resident fusion.”
Shiro "You serious!?”
Ryuma "Mr. President!! Surely you understand the magnitude of this dilemma!!”
Drake “That I do. Thus, I must also rule that Shiro be on leave of his duties for 120 hours.”
Shiro "Ohhh…”
Ryuma "…I understand, sir.”
Yes, Shiro was upset because of this, but on the plus side, he could fuse with anyone outside of Origin City whenever he pleased. Taking a stroll in the streets of Origin City, he is shortly joined by Ayane. She had short auburn hair, and was wearing her favorite blue blouse and miniskirt.
Ayane "So how’d Prez Drake take it?”
Shiro "Oh, hey, Ayane. Well, I got 5 days off duty, but take a look.”
Upon showing the card, Ayane quickly swipes it from Shiro.
Shiro "Huh? Hey!”
Ayane "WOW! A Fusion Authorization Pass! Do you know how hard it is to get your hands on one of these? If you ask me, you got off pretty easy!”
Shiro "I guess.”
?? “HEY!! SHIRO!! AYANE!!”
Shiro "Huh?”
Ayane "Oh, boy…”
Another Key bearer, Xavi, joins Shiro and Ayane. He was one of the Keyblade masters who had been knocked unconscious at Port Royal. When he finally catches up with them, he was out of breath with his hands resting on his kneecaps.
Shiro "Hey, Xavi. You have a good nap!?”
Xavi "Very funny… Guess…what? Captain…Ryuma just… Oh, geez…”
Shiro "Settle down, Xavi. What did Captain Ryuma do?”
Xavi "Okay… I’m okay… Like I was saying, Captain Ryuma just gave me an assignment.”
Shiro and Ayane look at each other, then back at Xavi.
Both “So?”
Shiro "You get assignments from him all the time! Everyone does!”
Xavi "Oh, really? Do they ever get assignments to…DISNEY CASTLE?!?”
The two look at him, wide-eyed, in disbelief. Getting an assignment to Disney Castle is a great honor, even to a first-class Key bearer.
Shiro "Disney Castle!? No kidding!?”
Ayane "Only exceptional Key bearers receive assignments to go THERE!!”
Xavi "Hey! You telling me I’m not exceptional?”
Ayane "No, no, it’s not that! It’s just… Well, yeah, it is that!”
Xavi "Hmph! So, Shiro, wanna come with?”
Shiro "Ohhh… I can’t… I’m on leave…”
Xavi "Oh… That’s too bad… Well, see ya!!!”
Almost as immediately as Xavi feels sorry for Shiro, he leaves. Shiro lets out another sigh of discontent and walks in the direction of Origin City Square. Ayane contemplates for a moment, and smiles, having received an idea.
Ayane "Hey. I know what’ll cheer you up.”
Shiro "What’s that?”
Ayane "How’s about a battle?”
Shiro "Huh?”
Ayane takes a step back and unleashes her Lady Luck Keyblade to Shiro’s surprise. He had forgotten: Though she was his supervisor, Ayane was also a Keyblade master. Shiro flashes a boastful grin.
Shiro "I don’t wanna hurt you, Ayane.”
Ayane "Don’t worry… You won’t!”
Shiro "All right… If you say so.”
Grasping his Wings of Exile, Shiro assumes a battle position as Ayane assumes hers. There’s utter silence as the wind blows… Shiro simply waits for Ayane to make her move. Suddenly, Ayane’s other hand twitches. Detecting this, Shiro vanishes and reappears above Ayane a millisecond later. He thrusts his Keyblade downward and strikes the ground where Ayane was standing a moment ago. She fires a Fira spell behind Shiro. He retaliates with a Blizzara. Just as the spells cancel each other out, the two Key bearers charge at each other and unleash Ars Arcanum simultaneously. The final strike ends in Shiro’s blade struggling adjacent to Ayane’s.
Shiro "Heh… You’ve gotten better…”
Ayane "So have you…”
Shiro "How about making this interesting? If I win, you have to get President Drake or Captain Ryuma to shorten my sentence!”
Ayane "Hmm… Sure. But if I win, you have to take me out on a date!”
Shiro (blush) “A-Are you serious?”
Ayane only giggles at his reaction.
Ayane "What do you say?”
Shiro "Hmm… Deal!”
Ayane "Cool! Prepare to lose!”
Shaking Shiro’s blade off, Ayane rushes again, thrusting her blade forward. Shiro spins off to the side and swings his blade towards Ayane’s back. Ayane reacts by flipping backwards until she was right above Shiro, at which point she invokes a Thunder spell from the sky to strike him. Thinking quickly, Shiro shields himself with Reflect, redirecting the thunderbolt back up. As soon as Ayane’s feet plant on the ground, she charges yet again and strikes, shattering the Reflect. Now Shiro finds himself dodging attack after attack as Ayane swings the Lady Luck relentlessly. Eventually, she fires another Fira at close range. Shiro fires one of his own, causing an explosion to blow the two Key bearers away from each other when the Firas collide. At this point, Shiro and Ayane stare each other down, completely winded. In a desperation attempt, Ayane charges at Shiro again blade-first. Shiro was too exhausted to avoid this next attack, so he did the only thing he could think of: Thunder. He knew that if he invoked a Thunder spell just seconds before Ayane’s attack, it would hit her, winning him the battle. But although it was accurate, Thunder was an extremely close-range spell, so there was a small chance of Shiro hitting himself with it, and though Thundaga was more powerful, he’d have even less of a chance of hitting her.
Shiro (to himself) “Gotta time this just right!!”
Ayane was merely 20 feet away from Shiro… 15 feet… 10 feet…
Shiro "THUNDER!!”
The thunderbolt strikes down where Shiro and Ayane were standing, creating a small cloud of smoke. The smoke subsides, with Shiro and Ayane standing next to each other, as if frozen in time. The wind gently blows…and Ayane’s body was first to hit the ground.
Ayane "I guess…you win…”
…Shiro wasn’t far behind, as he collapses onto the ground as well.
Shiro "That…was the best fight…I’ve had in a long time…”
Shiro and Ayane simply lie there, side by side, staring up into the cerulean-blue sky.
Shiro "Well, a deal’s a deal. You have to get Captain Ryuma or Drake to shorten my time off duty.”
Ayane "Yeah, I know, I know.”
Ayane knew that she had to keep her promise, but she was really looking forward to going out with Shiro.
Shiro "But… We can still go on that date if you want to.”
Ayane "Huh? You mean it?”
Shiro "Why not? It’s not like I have anything else to do.”
Ayane "You’re just saying that because you really like me!”
Shiro (blush) “U-Um… D-Don’t be ridiculous!”
Ayane "Hahahaha!!”
Shiro "Hehehe… So what do you want to do?”
Ayane "Hmm… We could go get some ice cream!”
Shiro "Okay, that seems all right!”
Origin City Square was home to many exciting activities, such as snack booths. Walking past the many civilians of Origin City, Shiro walks beside Ayane, looking for an ice cream stand. Ayane suddenly takes his left arm and interlocks it with her right arm. Shiro was okay with it though; he liked spending time with Ayane, even if was just her supervising him during an assignment. At last, he sees a nearby stand. The woman behind the counter was selling different flavors of ice cream. Shiro buys a strawberry shortcake cone for himself, and a double chocolate cone for Ayane. Taking a seat on a park bench next to Ayane, he looks around and notices other couples spending time together in the same park. It gave him a good feeling because this was how he and Ayane first met a few years before in Twilight Town…
Shiro, 11, had bought a two-scoop orange sherbet cone and sat on a bench in the sandlot. He had noticed a depressed Ayane, 10, sitting next to him. She had an ice cream smeared cone in her hand, and an orange sherbet ice cream scoop was slowly melting in the sand under her feet. Feeling sorry for her, he lightly tapped her shoulder and gave her one of his scoops. Ayane was no longer depressed and immediately gave Shiro a wide smile. They had spent the entire following afternoon together…
Shiro simply sits there, wondering if Xavi was having a good time at Disney Castle. He glimpses over to his right side. Ayane was licking her ice cream happily, as if she were 3 years younger. Shiro smiles contentedly at this scene, catching Ayane’s attention.
Ayane "What?”
Shiro "Nothing.”
Ayane "Hmm…”
Shiro keeps this smile however, despite Ayane’s uneasiness. His attention is suddenly interrupted when his communicator watch beeps.
Shiro "Huh!? Oh.”
Ryuma "Shiro! We’ve got trouble!”
Shiro "What?”
Ryuma "The party sent to Disney Castle is under severe attack!”
Shiro "What?!?”
Ayane "Shiro?”
Ryuma "Everyone else is on investigation missions in other worlds! You’re gonna have to go there!”
Shiro "But, sir, my punishment!”
Ryuma "There’s no other choice! I’m heading over there right now myself! Now get moving!!”
Shiro "Ohhh… (gulp) Understood, sir…”
Turning off his com-watch, Shiro turns to Ayane hesitantly.
Shiro "Ayane, I…”
Ayane "I know… It is your duty after all. Good luck.”
Still unsure of himself, Shiro rushes over to his Gummi Ship, leaving behind a dejected Ayane…
TO BE CONTINUED…
At last, the Gummi Ship exits the warp hole and begins to decelerate near Port Royal. Shiro looks down upon the world he was about to land in.
Shiro “I hope I’m not too late…”
Pushing a button placed above him, Shiro is dematerialized and teleported onto the ramparts, which were completely devastated. There was rubble and dirt everywhere.
Shiro “Man! I didn’t know Poltergeist Darklings were capable of this much destruction!”
Nearby, maybe a kilometer or two, the mammoth-sized Poltergeist was wading through the town buildings as if they were water, creating a small-scale quake with each step.
Shiro “Hang in there, Will! I’m coming!”
Quickly putting one foot in front of the other, Shiro takes off and sprints over to Will’s location, leaving a trail of dust. As soon as the Poltergeist comes into view, Shiro unleashes his Wings of Exile Keyblade. Right away, the Poltergeist detects Shiro’s presence and turns to him. The mammoth Darkling had rusted blue armor, crimson eyes that shone through its helmet, and carried a gigantic bloodstained blade. As it swings his mighty sword, Shiro dodges with ease, for the Poltergeist was known for its heavy movement.
Shiro "You’re gonna have to do better than that!”
Jack Sparrow "Chiro! You made it! Some assistance, if you please!”
Shiro "For the last time, Jack, it’s SHIRO!!”
Jack Sparrow "Are ya gonna yap all day, or fight?”
Shiro (to himself) “Why did I come here again…?”
Glancing around, Shiro noticed that about four Keyblade masters had arrived already. They all dash around the great beast with style, striking it with assorted magic spells, but the more they struck, the more the Darkling got angry, and it eventually knocked them each temporarily unconscious.
Jack Sparrow "You bunch of lily-livered catfish! Surely you can put up a better fight than that!”
Keyblade Master 1 “We’re…doing the best…we can!”
Jack Sparrow "Eh… Amateurs…”
Shiro "Hmm… I’ve got a plan!”
Jack Sparrow "Well, spit it out, mate!”
Shiro "In a minute! Ayane, can you hear me?”
Ayane "Loud and clear!”
Shiro "I have an idea to destroy the Poltergeist, but I’m gonna have to fuse together with Jack. To do that…”
Ayane "Are you sure? You don’t have the captain’s approval.”
Shiro "I have to! All of Port Royal will be destroyed if I don’t!”
Ayane "Oh, boy… I just know I’m gonna regret this…”
Typing in a few keys at super speed, Ayane starts up a laser cannon set up at Origin City’s base.
Ayane "Get ready, Shiro! Firing Galva Beam Cannon…NOW!!!”
The laser cannon fires a thin beam of light that travels through interspace and on to Port Royal in about half a second. The beam strikes Shiro, sending a massive rush of energy through his body. Shiro then removes his left hand glove, revealing a bright red birthmark in his palm.
Shiro "Jack! Take my hand, now!!”
Jack Sparrow "Aw, mate! Don’t be goin’ emotional on me now!”
Shiro "Just shut up and do it!!!”
Jack Sparrow (sigh) “Aye-aye…”
The instant that Jack grabs onto Shiro, their two bodies converge little by little. A big flash comes and goes, and Shiro stands boldly in midair. His clothes look exactly the same, except lavishly streaked with black. He also wears Jack Sparrow’s signature bandana with his hair jutting out slightly from underneath.
Shiro (Shiro’s and Jack’s voices mixed) “You ready for this, Darkling?”
The Poltergeist doesn’t even say anything and swings its blade, which Shiro catches in his hand.
Shiro "Grrrr… Heh.”
Just before the blade touches Shiro’s face, he snaps it in two. The Poltergeist stares at its broken sword as the other half of it crashes on the ground.
Shiro "You call that a blade? HA!!”
Raising his hands high above his head, Shiro unleashes both the Wings of Exile and the Follow the Wind Keyblades. Knowing its demise was imminent, Poltergeist slowly steps back, attempting to escape.
Shiro "Oh, no, you don’t! There’s no escape!! Gate of Genesis!”
Shiro jumps high into the air and, twirling the Keyblades in his hands, he opens a spiritual gateway, through which a blinding light passes. The Poltergeist attempts to shield himself from the light, but its skin under its armor already starts to singe. It lets out a great groan in pain. The light fades away, and the Darkling standing before Shiro appears dizzy.
Shiro "Now for the finishing blow!”
?? “I don’t think so!”
Shiro "Huh? Who said that?”
The Poltergeist lets out another groan as a sharp blade splits it in half straight down the middle. The two halves disintegrate into dust, and a figure behind it stands there with arms crossed.
Shiro "Uh-oh…”
?? “You can defuse now, Shiro…”
Shiro sighs in disappointment as he and Jack magically separate.
Jack Sparrow "An ally of yours, Chiro?”
Shiro "Captain Ryuma… Leader of the first-class Keyblade masters…”
Jack Sparrow “Ooh… Lady luck sure ain’t lookin’ your way today…”
Shiro "Tell me about it.”
Ryuma gazes at Shiro furiously, as if beckoning him. Shiro simply gulps and approaches him hesitantly with his head down.
Ryuma "Key bearer Shiro?”
Shiro (under his voice) “Yes, sir?”
Ryuma "Look at me, Shiro!”
Ryuma’s booming voice frightens Shiro and his head shoots up.
Shiro "YES, CAPTAIN RYUMA?”
Jack Sparrow "Yikes… Forceful, ain’t he?”
Ryuma "Do you recall anyone giving you the order of fusing with an other-world resident?”
Shiro "Well, you see, the thing is--”
Ryuma "ANSWER ME!!!”
Shiro (gulp) “No, sir!”
Ryuma "Then for what incentive did it seem acceptable to carry out an exploit such as this without a higher classman’s authorization?”
Shiro "…”
Jack Sparrow "Now, see here, sir! Chiro here was just looking out for his crew!”
Ryuma "I don’t believe anyone gave you permission to speak, Mr. Sparrow.”
Jack Sparrow "Hmph! Since when does a pirate need permission for anything?”
Ryuma "I’m waiting for an answer, Key bearer Shiro.”
Shiro "…I did it…for the good of this world…”
Ryuma "…I see. Come along, Shiro. We will discuss your punishment when we return to Origin City.”
Shiro "Punishment!? For protecting a world from destruction?”
Ryuma "I gave you an order! Are you refusing? Or does doing so come naturally to you?”
Shiro "No, sir… But, what about the others?”
Shiro was of course referring to the other Key bearers the Poltergeist had knocked unconscious. Ryuma moans in embarrassment and pushes a button on a remote control in his pocket, activating a tractor beam from his Gummi Ship.
Ryuma "Get your vessel. We’re leaving.”
Shiro "Understood… Later, Jack…”
Jack Sparrow "Right… Keep a stiff upper lip, mate.”
Shiro "I’ll be fine. Whatever Ryuma has planned for me shouldn’t be too bad.”
Ryuma "…”
But, not even Shiro was completely sure. Naturally, he had never been more nervous. What was Ryuma gonna do to him? Both Shiro and Ryuma return to Origin City in their respective vessels. At Origin City’s Chief Office…
Ryuma "…And though the Poltergeist was weakened before my arrival, Key bearer Shiro nevertheless carried out the action of fusing with an other-world resident on his own accord. According to the Origin City Handbook – section 5, subsection Omicron – and I quote, ‘All fusions carried out by Origin City residents may only be between Origin City residents.’”
Shiro "…”
Ryuma "We must see to it that this never happens again! What say you, President Drake?”
Drake was the first Keyblade master other than Sora, therefore making him the president of Origin City.
Drake “Hmm… Very well… Nigel!”
Drake addresses one of his subordinates, Nigel, and simply nods his head. Nigel gets the message and hands a card to Shiro.
Shiro "What’s this?”
Drake “This must never happen again. I believe those were your words, Captain Ryuma.”
Ryuma "Mr. President?”
Drake “I concur with your decision. Therefore, I grant Shiro the full right of other-world resident fusion.”
Shiro "You serious!?”
Ryuma "Mr. President!! Surely you understand the magnitude of this dilemma!!”
Drake “That I do. Thus, I must also rule that Shiro be on leave of his duties for 120 hours.”
Shiro "Ohhh…”
Ryuma "…I understand, sir.”
Yes, Shiro was upset because of this, but on the plus side, he could fuse with anyone outside of Origin City whenever he pleased. Taking a stroll in the streets of Origin City, he is shortly joined by Ayane. She had short auburn hair, and was wearing her favorite blue blouse and miniskirt.
Ayane "So how’d Prez Drake take it?”
Shiro "Oh, hey, Ayane. Well, I got 5 days off duty, but take a look.”
Upon showing the card, Ayane quickly swipes it from Shiro.
Shiro "Huh? Hey!”
Ayane "WOW! A Fusion Authorization Pass! Do you know how hard it is to get your hands on one of these? If you ask me, you got off pretty easy!”
Shiro "I guess.”
?? “HEY!! SHIRO!! AYANE!!”
Shiro "Huh?”
Ayane "Oh, boy…”
Another Key bearer, Xavi, joins Shiro and Ayane. He was one of the Keyblade masters who had been knocked unconscious at Port Royal. When he finally catches up with them, he was out of breath with his hands resting on his kneecaps.
Shiro "Hey, Xavi. You have a good nap!?”
Xavi "Very funny… Guess…what? Captain…Ryuma just… Oh, geez…”
Shiro "Settle down, Xavi. What did Captain Ryuma do?”
Xavi "Okay… I’m okay… Like I was saying, Captain Ryuma just gave me an assignment.”
Shiro and Ayane look at each other, then back at Xavi.
Both “So?”
Shiro "You get assignments from him all the time! Everyone does!”
Xavi "Oh, really? Do they ever get assignments to…DISNEY CASTLE?!?”
The two look at him, wide-eyed, in disbelief. Getting an assignment to Disney Castle is a great honor, even to a first-class Key bearer.
Shiro "Disney Castle!? No kidding!?”
Ayane "Only exceptional Key bearers receive assignments to go THERE!!”
Xavi "Hey! You telling me I’m not exceptional?”
Ayane "No, no, it’s not that! It’s just… Well, yeah, it is that!”
Xavi "Hmph! So, Shiro, wanna come with?”
Shiro "Ohhh… I can’t… I’m on leave…”
Xavi "Oh… That’s too bad… Well, see ya!!!”
Almost as immediately as Xavi feels sorry for Shiro, he leaves. Shiro lets out another sigh of discontent and walks in the direction of Origin City Square. Ayane contemplates for a moment, and smiles, having received an idea.
Ayane "Hey. I know what’ll cheer you up.”
Shiro "What’s that?”
Ayane "How’s about a battle?”
Shiro "Huh?”
Ayane takes a step back and unleashes her Lady Luck Keyblade to Shiro’s surprise. He had forgotten: Though she was his supervisor, Ayane was also a Keyblade master. Shiro flashes a boastful grin.
Shiro "I don’t wanna hurt you, Ayane.”
Ayane "Don’t worry… You won’t!”
Shiro "All right… If you say so.”
Grasping his Wings of Exile, Shiro assumes a battle position as Ayane assumes hers. There’s utter silence as the wind blows… Shiro simply waits for Ayane to make her move. Suddenly, Ayane’s other hand twitches. Detecting this, Shiro vanishes and reappears above Ayane a millisecond later. He thrusts his Keyblade downward and strikes the ground where Ayane was standing a moment ago. She fires a Fira spell behind Shiro. He retaliates with a Blizzara. Just as the spells cancel each other out, the two Key bearers charge at each other and unleash Ars Arcanum simultaneously. The final strike ends in Shiro’s blade struggling adjacent to Ayane’s.
Shiro "Heh… You’ve gotten better…”
Ayane "So have you…”
Shiro "How about making this interesting? If I win, you have to get President Drake or Captain Ryuma to shorten my sentence!”
Ayane "Hmm… Sure. But if I win, you have to take me out on a date!”
Shiro (blush) “A-Are you serious?”
Ayane only giggles at his reaction.
Ayane "What do you say?”
Shiro "Hmm… Deal!”
Ayane "Cool! Prepare to lose!”
Shaking Shiro’s blade off, Ayane rushes again, thrusting her blade forward. Shiro spins off to the side and swings his blade towards Ayane’s back. Ayane reacts by flipping backwards until she was right above Shiro, at which point she invokes a Thunder spell from the sky to strike him. Thinking quickly, Shiro shields himself with Reflect, redirecting the thunderbolt back up. As soon as Ayane’s feet plant on the ground, she charges yet again and strikes, shattering the Reflect. Now Shiro finds himself dodging attack after attack as Ayane swings the Lady Luck relentlessly. Eventually, she fires another Fira at close range. Shiro fires one of his own, causing an explosion to blow the two Key bearers away from each other when the Firas collide. At this point, Shiro and Ayane stare each other down, completely winded. In a desperation attempt, Ayane charges at Shiro again blade-first. Shiro was too exhausted to avoid this next attack, so he did the only thing he could think of: Thunder. He knew that if he invoked a Thunder spell just seconds before Ayane’s attack, it would hit her, winning him the battle. But although it was accurate, Thunder was an extremely close-range spell, so there was a small chance of Shiro hitting himself with it, and though Thundaga was more powerful, he’d have even less of a chance of hitting her.
Shiro (to himself) “Gotta time this just right!!”
Ayane was merely 20 feet away from Shiro… 15 feet… 10 feet…
Shiro "THUNDER!!”
The thunderbolt strikes down where Shiro and Ayane were standing, creating a small cloud of smoke. The smoke subsides, with Shiro and Ayane standing next to each other, as if frozen in time. The wind gently blows…and Ayane’s body was first to hit the ground.
Ayane "I guess…you win…”
…Shiro wasn’t far behind, as he collapses onto the ground as well.
Shiro "That…was the best fight…I’ve had in a long time…”
Shiro and Ayane simply lie there, side by side, staring up into the cerulean-blue sky.
Shiro "Well, a deal’s a deal. You have to get Captain Ryuma or Drake to shorten my time off duty.”
Ayane "Yeah, I know, I know.”
Ayane knew that she had to keep her promise, but she was really looking forward to going out with Shiro.
Shiro "But… We can still go on that date if you want to.”
Ayane "Huh? You mean it?”
Shiro "Why not? It’s not like I have anything else to do.”
Ayane "You’re just saying that because you really like me!”
Shiro (blush) “U-Um… D-Don’t be ridiculous!”
Ayane "Hahahaha!!”
Shiro "Hehehe… So what do you want to do?”
Ayane "Hmm… We could go get some ice cream!”
Shiro "Okay, that seems all right!”
Origin City Square was home to many exciting activities, such as snack booths. Walking past the many civilians of Origin City, Shiro walks beside Ayane, looking for an ice cream stand. Ayane suddenly takes his left arm and interlocks it with her right arm. Shiro was okay with it though; he liked spending time with Ayane, even if was just her supervising him during an assignment. At last, he sees a nearby stand. The woman behind the counter was selling different flavors of ice cream. Shiro buys a strawberry shortcake cone for himself, and a double chocolate cone for Ayane. Taking a seat on a park bench next to Ayane, he looks around and notices other couples spending time together in the same park. It gave him a good feeling because this was how he and Ayane first met a few years before in Twilight Town…
Shiro, 11, had bought a two-scoop orange sherbet cone and sat on a bench in the sandlot. He had noticed a depressed Ayane, 10, sitting next to him. She had an ice cream smeared cone in her hand, and an orange sherbet ice cream scoop was slowly melting in the sand under her feet. Feeling sorry for her, he lightly tapped her shoulder and gave her one of his scoops. Ayane was no longer depressed and immediately gave Shiro a wide smile. They had spent the entire following afternoon together…
Shiro simply sits there, wondering if Xavi was having a good time at Disney Castle. He glimpses over to his right side. Ayane was licking her ice cream happily, as if she were 3 years younger. Shiro smiles contentedly at this scene, catching Ayane’s attention.
Ayane "What?”
Shiro "Nothing.”
Ayane "Hmm…”
Shiro keeps this smile however, despite Ayane’s uneasiness. His attention is suddenly interrupted when his communicator watch beeps.
Shiro "Huh!? Oh.”
Ryuma "Shiro! We’ve got trouble!”
Shiro "What?”
Ryuma "The party sent to Disney Castle is under severe attack!”
Shiro "What?!?”
Ayane "Shiro?”
Ryuma "Everyone else is on investigation missions in other worlds! You’re gonna have to go there!”
Shiro "But, sir, my punishment!”
Ryuma "There’s no other choice! I’m heading over there right now myself! Now get moving!!”
Shiro "Ohhh… (gulp) Understood, sir…”
Turning off his com-watch, Shiro turns to Ayane hesitantly.
Shiro "Ayane, I…”
Ayane "I know… It is your duty after all. Good luck.”
Still unsure of himself, Shiro rushes over to his Gummi Ship, leaving behind a dejected Ayane…
TO BE CONTINUED…
