Chapter 4: Skewering Through the Rabbit Hole

Slowly but surely, I eased into the clockwork that is the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee and a routine fell into place.

Every day, I would have really intensive sessions with three out of four 'instructors'.

Magic with Aerith and technically Merlin in spirit, considering his disposable magical furniture.

Physical combat with Leon.

Endurance training with Yuffie, which is the boot camp of nightmares.

Running errands for Cid, which involves dealing with a number of other quasi-official committee members.

"Picture snowflakes and harsh winds. The ice-cold particles prickling into your skin," Aerith encouraged, her eyes closed and getting into it as well. A prime example of demonstrating her personal method of focusing for magic.

"Mhm, tropical-born citizens can't relate. Talk about easier said than done. . ." I sighed, feeling nothing at all like being smacked by inspiration. There are some things you just can't visualize unless you've experienced it yourself, you know?

"Beatrix, you promised to try. And you've been doing so well, too," came the gentle chide. Her lips thinly pursed and eyes a little narrowed, she seemed to be pouting, but in a sort of strict manner. Honestly, it was amusing to see how a mature-looking woman can still look so girlishly cute. Praise the Law of Aesthetics!

"Alright, alright, you got me!" I had my hands raised up in surrender, then I clasped them together in front of me. Closing my eyes, I tried to dip into the elemental sensation of Blizzard. Relate to the element, think of things you've felt of it, she had previously instructed for Fire.

Freezing showers, chilling rivers, frosty air. Imagine the cold creeping up to you, injecting numbness which spreads and grows into frostbite. Within my palms, the feeling of concentrated energy tickled my skin. I opened my eyes and brought my hands apart, revealing light blue crystals which glowed.

"Blizzard!" Pulling my hand back, I threw the little spell across the room. It expanded before crashing into a flying sofa, disintegrating into tiny shards of ice.

"See, I knew you could do it!" Aerith cheered on, ever enthusiastic. I grinned and flashed twin thumbs up.

"Hey, thanks! You don't have to go overboard with the sugar-coating, though." I mean, the spell was really tiny and not at all like the one Aerith or the others had used before.

"Even a little bit of progress counts, remember?" Aerith put a hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing. "And I really do mean it. I know it's not easy to understand something you've never experienced."

Man, how does anyone not love this lady? I could cry myself into a puddle from all her softness.

"I think we've done enough for today, don't you think?" She patted me before taking her hand.

"Huh, already? Time sure does fly."

"Hmm, so you do admit enjoying magic. Even though you make it look like you're suffering."

"Oh, please. Sure, it's tiring, but magic is so much better than being worked to the bone by Yuffie or Leon." I should get used to it by now, but the intensity gets me every time.

"Well, you should get going then, right?" Aerith waved a hand and the floating furniture halted, floating to its initial positions and its copies poofing out of existence. Trust Merlin to have everything in his magical house, including unconventional target practice.

With a last thank you and wave of goodbye, I turned my heel out the door.

Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my grip on my new wooden staff. I still want nothing more than to run away and skip these sessions, but alas, that just wouldn't happen. Alright, time to get this over with. Grabbing the first initiative, I sprinted towards Leon and prepared to strike.

And so began our routine spar, trading blows, deflecting, parrying, defending. Of course, sometimes he would strike first – unannounced, of course, for turn-based systems do not apply in real battles – but the result would almost always be the same. So far, anyway. It was either exhaustion dragging me to the ground, or. . .

You know, it actually boiled down to just that.

Catching an opening, I raised my staff above my head and jabbed multiple times. However, wood would always clash against metal, the last hit withstanding. Even as I held my staff with both hands against his gunblade, my legs started wobbling.

I didn't notice how much time passed since we started – I never do – but the wobbling legs, tense muscles, and haggard breathing all told a foregone conclusion; where I was reaching my limits.

Clearly, he was the stronger one, and succeeded in parrying and pushing me back. My feet tumbled backwards, tipped out of balance, and I finally fell to the ground.

"Aww, how is wood against metal even fair?" I whined, managing a stretch while sitting up before drooping out of exhaustion.

"Nothing's fair in a battle. Or would a Heartless be so kind as to change into wood before fighting you?"

I rolled my eyes. Nothing's fair in a battle. I discreetly mouthed the words, purposely turning my head so he wouldn't see me.

"You're trying too hard to push all your strength into your attacks. That'll only wear you out faster and leave you vulnerable."

I tucked a fist under my chin, adopting a pensive look, and grunted in response. Yeah, what he said was true enough.

"But you're a hard-hitter," I gestured in exasperation. "Or at least more than I am. It's a tad bit intimidating, and it just so happens that my instinct was to adjust my own hits up a notch to match you."

"Hmm. How'd that work out for you?"

". . . okay, maybe not so well." I covered my face with my hands, then swept back my hair. "Instincts aren't easy to turn off like a switch, you know."

"That's the whole point of practice, Beatrix." As curt as ever.

"Yeah, yeah. Doesn't mean I have to like it." I muttered the last part to myself. "Anyway, I should probably get going. See ya later."

I only heard a grunt in response.

Two down, one to go. Thank all the deities in this universe that I wouldn't have to face Aerith, Leon, and Yuffie all in one day. The routine with Cid was more of a breather than anything, which I endlessly appreciated.

Whew, I am absolutely beat. I think that every day, but it probably wasn't so bad. Think of it like a fantasy-version of school, where you learn these things to survive. Yeah. Really helpful.

Entering Merlin's house, the middle-aged engineer was nowhere in sight. Seems like I came early. I flopped on a nearby chair and brought up the paper bag I had been holding. Snack time it is.

While munching on a chocolate pastry, I used my free hand to hold out the pocket watch. Ever the mysterious object. It had been a while since I bumped into the enigmatic boy from the marketplace.

Truth be told, I was quite certain I caught glimpses of him around the city, though he'd always manage to elude me. There one second, gone the next.

There's more to this. There has to be. Every alarm in my gamer mind is ringing, and I know I'll get the bottom of this. . . one way or another.

Turning on the watch, I examined the menu and all its options. There had to be something in here, right? Though it didn't seem like I would discover its secrets today. Even the Teleport menu had nowhere for me to go.

Maybe now's not the time.

I swallowed the last of my snack and closed the watch. No use mulling about this after all, huh?

"Well, someone's early today." The sound of doors opening and closing rang, followed by the familiar gruff voice.

"Nah, you're just late. I even had time to indulge in a delectable pastry from the bakery." I crumpled the paper bag, eyes searching for the waste basket.

"Hey Cid, if I score this, do I get to take the scooter out today?" I wagged the ammo in hand, eyeing the target while wearing a grin.

"Hmph. How're you supposed to build your endurance if you're always reliant on something else?" he asked nonchalantly, flipping through The Great Big Book of Everything Errands. I frowned.

"Says the one who builds dabbles in gummi ships and deeply gets invested in the town's defence system."

"Look 'ere kid, that technology is for noble purposes,"

I snorted. "No offense, Cid, but I find it hard to believe you don't rely on technology as much as I do."

"Would ye just throw the paper bag already?"

I shook the ball a few times in my hands, then gently blew air on it, as if to bring luck. Ready, set, and. . . go! Through the air it went, circling the rim of the basket before plopping in.

Glee spread throughout my body, stirring excitement and making my feet lighter as Cid reached for the scooter keys and tossed them over. Catching them, I did a little dance of victory.

"Today's list," he said, this time passing a Post-It square.

"Gotcha," I responded, grabbing a helmet along the way and skipping out the door.

As it turned out, it was not a very ground-breaking experience. The mundane fetch quests did not take long at all to finish, thanks to my handy dandy scooter privileges. Oh, but I had been looking forward to meeting more Final Fantasy characters, too!

Today's just not my day, it seems. I let out a little sigh, adjusting my hair into a ponytail before putting on the helmet. That last errand led me to an area quite far from the main area of town and Yuffie's house. A brief peek into the pocket watch showed that nightfall was still a few ways away. Plus, no other tasks or 'instructors' demanded my immediate presence. Usually, I finished up later, then would head straight home.

A grin crept up my face as I brought the engine revving with life.

Then again, since I had both time and the means. . .

"Scenic route, here we go!"

An overcast sky loomed above, seemingly absorbing the life itself from its lack of colour. Even the sun shied away, deterred by the ominous gathering of murky clouds.

The wind tickled my face and ruffled up my coat. The only reason it didn't fly off had been the zip-up, anchoring it to my body.

Buildings upon buildings passed slowly in the distance from my peripheral vision. Another thing I quickly discovered – the roads for vehicles were clearly separated from the pedestrians'. These roads weren't consciously built, per se; rather, the paths in the main parts of the city were simply more suited by foot due to the uneven terrain.

Remember Sora's short walk to the bailey and beyond? A bunch of stairs and fluctuating elevations of the ground. A logistical nightmare for non-flight vehicles.

Thankfully, the outer parts and certain roads were feasible enough to tread upon, though on higher grounds. Less people around, too, so I didn't have to worry about accidentally running over a passer-by and having my scooter privileges revoked.

. . . The first was totally the bigger issue than the second.

Even though it was a bit further, at least the view was easy on the eyes. The buildings which appeared daunting up close, now appeared distant, fading into the background. From here, it truly felt like I was an outsider looking into this foreign world.

Like peering into a snow globe.

Patter. Patter. Patter.

. . . but with rain instead of water, it seems.

At first, they were simply scarce drops of water, but it did not take long to evolve into a cloudburst. The constant barraging of torrents against the helmet's visor was not much of an upgrade from having my glasses pelted, as it hindered my vision all the same. The feeling in my hands seemed to be losing to the cold – I gripped the handles just fine right now, but there was no telling if or when I might slip. Not just my hands, but the scooter too, on the dark and slippery roads.

Again, really not my day. At this rate, I'd be home late no matter which way I go about this.

I headed over a path leading to lower ground, which lead to a tunnel of some sorts. On one side, it had plain walls like any other. Though where I would expect plain walls on the other, in its place seemed to be a series of crude pillars supporting the higher level. In between the pillars was empty space, allowing one to gaze into expanse.

So, no harm in waiting out the storm and returning even later, right?

Pulling to a stop near such a pillar, I pocketed the keys and began to settle down more comfortably. Despite being waterproof – thank the universe for looking out after Crossers with magic – it didn't exactly block the rain from sliding in my body, and it was just icky to wear something which dripped.

Of course, nothing a good old shake of the coat couldn't fix. After setting both helmet and coat against the scooter, I leaned against the pillar and looked out into the horizon.

Well, there wasn't much to see in this downpour. Though by heart, I knew it was a vast space. A Grand Canyon painted in amethyst, waiting to be explored.

A sharp sound thundered in the air, slicing through the rain as if right behind me. Whipping towards its direction – where I had originally entered – I held up a hand and summoned a fire, providing better illumination in this dark tunnel. I glanced around, but nothing which could be the source stood out.

Then, a silhouette rushed up and collided into my shoulder, almost knocking me off balance.

I whirled around to face them. I could barely make out their silhouette, but they were definitely real. Still close and taking slow steps. "Hey, watch where you're-"

The figure paused and turned. What my eyes landed upon instantly halted my train of thought, a chill running up my spine.

A glimmer in the darkest hair. Golden eyes shining even in the dark. Like looking at a reflection, only without a mirror encasing it – encasing her.

". . . going?" Somehow, I still managed to finish my sentence, albeit in barely a whisper.

Before my mind could reboot in time, she turned her heel and dashed away, beyond the curved path ahead and deeper into the tunnel.

There one second, gone the next.

I haven't gone mad, have I? Oh, this universe really threw a curveball on me. Maybe this is why fiction isn't meant to be real.

I took several steps back until my back was against the pillar again, letting several moments pass doing nothing but breathing.

"Hey there," a smooth voice, one I hadn't heard in a while, spoke. The next thing I saw, the enigmatic boy was just a few feet away, one hand up in greeting.

"Where did you come from?!" Startled, I whipped out my trusty wooden staff, stopping inches away from his face.

"The way in, probably the same way you came," he pointed behind him lazily. I narrowed my eyes, scrutinizing his face. His easy-going smile was still in place, seeming generally relaxed. Sensing my agitation, he saw it as a cue to break the ice.

"So, did missing me make you all antsy? I'm sure you were too distracted to pick up my footsteps over all this rain." He ignored the staff, walking around and leaning against the pillar opposite to me.

"In your dreams." Ugh. The nerve of this guy, to think so highly of his own existence. I retracted my weapon. ". . . There's something I wanted to know."

"Don't we all?" He drawled, propping his shoulder against the pillar and leaning into his hand. I went ahead anyway.

"You. Your name. You know mine, yet I never told you. Nor did you tell me yours. Who are you, exactly?" This time, I jabbed one end of the staff into the space beside his head. His smile tightened for a fraction of a second, then reverted to his easy-going self.

"My, my, it's flattering to have your undivided attention, but I'd rather get acquainted without weapons in between." He eyed the staff, nudging it away with a hand.

"Ugh, could you please take this seriously? This isn't a game."

"And I am. Though I believe seriousness doesn't warrant whatever this is." His hands moved in a dramatic wave, gesturing towards all of me. Or perhaps specifically the agitation which leaked through my demeanor. I clenched my fists and scowled.

"When someone calls your name before you even had the chance to introduce yourself, so blatantly assumes a role of importance and withholds reality-shaking information, wouldn't you be antsy about it?" Not able to hold it in any longer, there came my outburst, complete with fist-shaking.

He fell silent, the playful smile not in sight. His eyes shone with contemplation. Once he opened his mouth, it was like he wore a new attitude.

"When you put it that way… then, I owe you an apology." I raised my eyebrows. How sudden. "I'm sorry. Can we start over, then?"

Nah, no need to think too much into things. I'd seen stranger things, one of them still freshly ingrained in memory. So, I nodded.

"Alright then, I believe I owe you a proper introduction as well." He pushed his glasses up and flashed a bright grin.

"I'm Travis Emmett. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He dipped into a bow, as if to imitate a gentleman.

"Pleasure's mine, I suppose. I'm Beatrix," I replied for the sake of replying. "Though you already know that. And I know that you know because you never fail to drive that point in every time we meet," I grumbled, crossing my arms together.

"Aw, only cause it's so easy to rile you up," he laughed, holding up his arms against the back of his head and gently swaying.

"Anyway. . . What's in it for you? Why do you insist on sticking around and pestering me?"

"Well, it's fun." His green eyes lit up, then he turned slightly, averting his gaze towards the torrent and into the horizon. "But that aside, you could say. . . I'm searching for someone."

"That's all there is to it." He faced me again, but his eyes caught something beyond me. He stared for a few more moments, before snuffing out the ember with his own ice. It was the only the faintest traces, though there was no mistaken the light barely emerging from the way they came in.

"Hey, what's going on?" My eyes widened, caught off guard with yet another sudden change.

"Trouble. Come on, take cover," he gestured me to follow his lead, then headed towards the other side of the pillar. The side where, with one wrong footing, could lead you tumbling a long way down.

Spoiler: there were no trees to break your fall. Or anything, for that matter.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." I muttered, begrudgingly doing it anyway. Once again, the rain showered over me, but I had no coat this time.

"Hmm. I don't think this is going to cut it," he mused. "Use your Trinket. We need to jet, and I do mean a completely different place."

I furrowed my eyebrows, but still took out the pocket watch. "How are you so sure? What exactly is coming? Besides, the last time I checked it, I couldn't teleport."

"Q and A later. Just do it, it'll work."

Lo and behold, he was right. A few options were displayed on the holographic menu.

"Which one do I pick? Actually, why should I even do this? I could barely make sense of today." I grabbed my hair in frustration.

"Just pick one, it won't matter much." Travis looked at me with uncertainty. He glanced back, the soft amber light gradually getting brighter. The one holding it would be getting closer, too, but this was certainly not the time to be discovered. "I promise you, we'll be back the next second. Just anywhere but here."

"Look, we don't have much time right now, and I know I'm asking a lot, but. . ." he sighed.

"Do you trust me?"

I searched for a sign, any sign that I shouldn't go through with this, although my instinct had a very strong inclination to side with him. I didn't truly understand the nature of this urgency or the trouble gaining on us, but I knew this moment right now held great weight.

With a nod, I pressed Yes with force, and our surroundings faded.

There one second, gone the next.

A/N: Finishing this chapter just sent me over the moon. I have sooo many feelings about Kingdom Hearts, especially with the release of KH3 earlier this year. No worries though, it doesn't really affect the plot I've had in mind.

Regarding the names – the characters Beatrix and Travis Emmett existed long before. I chose my current username as a big fat reminder of their story. I promised myself I would only change it after their story is finished, regardless of how long it would take. I already have the next chapter in the works, so it won't take a year lol.

I went through a lot, yet this story is still in the early stages. Now, I have a more solid direction of where I'm going with this, so let's go together my dear readers! And do let me know what you think of the relationships so far!

Shoutout to all my previous reviewers: NatNicole, WhimsicalFiend, readingchameleon, thepenishellamightier257, KidzRule, and Enamis09!