Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days

Written By: Amari

Original Game By: Tetsuya Nomura

Owned by: Square Enix



(*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Raxima. All rights go to Square Enix and Tetsuya Nomura.*)

~ Prologue ~

I couldn’t understand why everything was blank. It was almost like I had no memories. Where was I? Who was I? I glanced at everything around me as I stood. A large city with empty screens displaying nothing but colors. Everything was dark, but I could see as if it were daytime. I brushed my hair behind my ears and winced as I caught sight of my reflection in the window. Long blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail with two large strands of hair, one slightly covering my left eye; one bright, emerald-green eye and one crimson eye to contrast that sparkled even in this darkness; naturally toned muscles with tan skin pulling over them as they flexed. Was this…me?
I was startled as a hand landed on my shoulder. I whirled around to face a man. Long silver hair fell to the small of his back, putting emphasis on his golden eyes as it framed his face. A black robe, black gloves, and black boots made me assume that he was a part of some group- a club maybe? Fear triggered tears to spill over my cheeks. “You don’t need to be afraid of me, young one. I won’t hurt you.” His deep voice- soothing, almost- seemed to lure me in.
“Wh-who are you?” a bell-like voice responded- my voice. “What do you want with me?”
“I am Xemnas, leader of Organization XIII. What is your name?” he asked, gold eyes full of curiosity. I hesitated, trying to quickly conjure up a fake identity. “You don’t know, do you?” Xemnas asked, holding out his hand. Letters appeared and hovered over it, forming the word “Raxima”. I blinked, looking up at him. “Is…is that my name?” I asked.
“It is now.” He replied. He handed me a black coat and boots similar to his own, nodding. “Would you like purpose? I can give it to you.” He smiled, sweet but sinister. I nodded, curious. I pulled both on and smiled back. He outstretched his hand and, somehow, manifested a portal of some sort. I stared, amazed and frightened. Xemnas simply said, “That is the Corridor of Darkness. It’s how we travel.”
I looked up at him. “You mean… there are more of you?” I was anxious to meet these other members. He nodded, guiding me through the Corridor, and replied, “Welcome to the Organization, Raxima.”
********
When we reappeared, we were standing before a large white castle with oddly-shaped towers. I was just about to ask where we were when another man came running at us, grinning. He, too, wore Xemnas’ garb, but had strangely spiked, dirty-blonde hair and dull green eyes. He continued to grin and said, “Hey! Looks like you found another one. That’s the third time this year!” His voice reminded me of- although I didn’t know what it was- a geek of some kind. I couldn’t help but giggle at his enthusiasm.
“I got her to laugh! Score!” He laughed as well. He held out his hand, saying, “I’m Demyx, by the way. Welcome to the Organization, umm…”
“Raxima.” I said, shaking his hand. He nodded, turning to the doorway behind us. “Hey, Roxy! Axel! We’ve got another one!” Soon, two more arrived. The taller of the two had an over-confident look on his face. His fiery-red hair and green eyes made up for that, though. The other one- oh, just looking at him- made my heart flop and chagrin pump into my cheeks. Yet again, his spiky blonde hair and blue eyes seemed captivating to me as they jogged over to us.
“Raxima, this is Axel-“ he pointed to the fire-haired one. “- and Roxas.” He playfully punched Roxas in the stomach, who laughed and struck back. Whereas Xemnas looked about 32 and Demyx looked about 27, Axel looked to be around 20 while Roxas looked about 16. “But, yeah, this is Raxima. Say hi!” Demyx laughed.
“Hey, there!” Axel said, smiling triumphantly.
“Nice to meet you!” Roxas followed, his sweet smile making my heart flutter again. When I blushed, they all laughed. Axel patted my back and said, “Let’s get you inside. Everyone else will want to meet you!” He ruffled my hair a little and I laughed.
Once we got inside, I was no longer afraid, but eager to meet them all. I was happy to be so easily accepted into a large group. I was a little confused at first, but I got learn everybody’s names. Xigbar was Xemnas’ second-in-command, followed by Xaldin. Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion were in charge of the lower levels of the castle. Saix, Axel, Demyx, Marluxia, and Larxene all had some sort of elemental power (ice, fire, water, earth, and lightning respectively). Roxas and Xion were the only two wielders of the legendary Keyblade and Luxord was considered the gambler.
The Organization mainly consisted of male members, apart from Larxene, Xion, and me. I was curious to find out why, but I was even more captivated by something else. Later, at dinner, Larxene cooked a special meal that consisted of sukiyaki, monja-yaki, tempura, yakitori, and udon noodles. I was lucky enough to get a plate of each before Xigbar challenged Demyx to an eating contest. Larxene scolded them and told them not to spoil everyone else’s dinner, whacking them in the back of the head with a wooden spoon.
Toward the end of the meal, when everything had calmed down, I decided to ask the question I really wanted answered the most. “So… what exactly are we?” my voice cracked a little when everyone turned to look at me. Axel took a big swig of his sake and answered, “We are a group of special Nobodies who rule over the rest of the Nobodies. A Nobody is the lifeless shell of a person when darkness corrupts their heart. The Nobody is created at the same time as a Heartless is created.
“But, for those few who are strong at heart, when they’re turned into a Heartless, special Nobodies like us are created. Xemnas, Xigbar, Xaldin, Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion were the original six Organization Elders. The rest of us who joined in were assigned a number in order of which time they joined. For example, my number is eight and Roxas is thirteen. You would be considered number fifteen, after Xion.” He paused, then took another drink.
I let all of that information sink in. Was I only a lifeless shell of a person? “Wait a minute! If we’re each only a shell of a person, who were we originally?” I asked, curiosity burning inside of me.
“We don’t know. That’s what Organization XIII is all about. We’re searching for a place called Kingdom Hearts, which is where all of the hearts released by the Keyblade go. Once a person is turned into a Heartless and a Nobody, they can never be whole again unless their heart is found by their Nobody.
“Actually, a few of us here know who we originally were. Xemnas used to be a guy named Xehanort, Roxas used to be a kid named Sora, and Namine used to be Sora’s friend, Kairi, who is still alive today. Namine had to take apart Sora’s memories for some reason-“ he snickered deviously as if he remembered something funny. “- But, she’s starting to put them back together again. Sora’s current status is stasis, which means he’s sleeping in a cyrotank.
“We’re a bit worried about Roxas, though, seeing as he is Sora’s Nobody. We don’t know what happens to those people who return to light, so we’re keeping a close eye on him.” I felt a harsh pang of fear in my stomach. Roxas… what would happen to him? I wondered who my original self was, what I looked like, what I sounded like. “Don’t worry, Raxima!” a sweet voice chimed in. Xion’s violet eyes looked solemn but fierce. “Roxas will be A-okay! Right, Roxas?” she turned to him, smiling, but he didn’t seem to notice. He kept his gaze focused on me, causing me to blush again. He grinned and nodded.
An artificial yawn from the doorway made me turn. Larxene winked at me and teased, “Well, I think little Roxy here should have some ‘one-on-one time’ with Miss Raxima, dontcha think?” she giggled. I blushed an even deeper red when everyone nodded and got up to leave. Axel shot me a quick thumbs-up as he pulled the door closed behind him, leaving me alone with Roxas.
My heart pounded loudly, my temperature raised a little, and I was nervous. Chagrin wouldn’t give up and revealed me. Roxas, also, blushed a light pink. I was sure that he could hear my pulse, which made me blush- if possible- even redder. By this point, I was probably as red as Axel’s hair.
“So, uh-ummm…Raxima?” he stuttered, looking at me. My eyes widened as he scooted closer to me. His hand was so close to mine, I could very nearly feel the heat emitting from it. “Yeah?”
“You’re blushing really red. Should I call Zexion? He’s our medic.” I shook my head. “Oh, that’s good. Well, as you may have noticed, only you, me, and Xion are able to feel human emotions.” I nodded. I was afraid that, if I spoke, I would say the wrong things.
“That’s because we’re different. We weren’t ‘born’ the way everyone else was, but not in a bad way. It’s makes us special.” He raised his hand and lightly touched his fingertips over the place where my heart should have been. Electricity shot through me like a bullet, raising goose bumps over every inch of my body. “It’s shows that we have a stronger chance of having our hearts return to us. A-and, if mine does…” he paused, drawing his hand away. He placed it back next to his side, conveniently landing on top of my own.
“It’d be cool to have you there when it happens. You’re a really cool person. Even though I can’t be sure because I don’t know you completely… I can sense that.” He grinned and I felt like I was about to faint. I nodded instead, replying, “Thanks, Roxas.” After a short moment of just staring at each other, Xion came in to alert us about the time. Roxas nodded and stood, helping me up. I felt another shockwave and swooned, nearly crashing into the table. Roxas waved as he followed Axel and Demyx to their room, the two ruffling his hair. I followed Xion in the other direction, smiling.
“So, tell me. What did you two say in there? You were awfully quiet.” Xion asked teasingly.
“What? Were you listening or something?” I sneered, smirking.
“Larxene had everybody wait. We were disappointed when we couldn’t hear anything, but Axel saw that you two were blushing…and holding hands!” she accused, tickling me.
“No, we weren’t!” I laughed, racing her to our room. I had a strong feeling that I was going to like it here in the Organization.




(Time Lapse-276 Days: Week 39 in the Organization)




~ Chapter One ~

Trying not to make any noise whatsoever, I slowly advanced on my target. Holding my twin scimitars tightly, I flinched and cursed at myself silently as I snapped a twig underfoot. Roxas turned sharply in my direction, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Smirking sinisterly, he called out, "Raxima, you can't hide forever! I will find you and when I do-" He was cut off by me as I leapt out of the trees, swords raised overhead. He rolled away just in time, but snagged his coat. I sighed and rolled my eyes at him. "Dude, that's the fifth time this week! I can't keep sewing your same shirt forever!" I shook my head and advanced on him. I released my blades, which disappeared before they hit the ground, and pulled out a small handgun from my pocket.
"Oh, by the way..." I pulled the trigger and grinned as the water splattered across his face. "You're out! I win the water war!" He groaned, but laughed and I helped him up.
Roxas and I had been hanging out in a little place called Twilight Town, a nearby world with a great view from the top of the clock tower. It was sometime during the summer and we were fighting with water guns, water balloons, you name it. Whenever we did this, I simply wore my bathing suit and some jean shorts with my favorite pair of flip-flops. Roxas was wearing a small white jacket over a black shirt and baggy khaki jeans, preferring to go barefoot. I loved hanging out with Roxas in Twilight Town. It was almost like being with a brother, only we were closer. Ever since my first day in the Organization, Roxas and I have been by each other's side. It was no longer a secret that we were both in love with each other because Xion 'coincidentally' saw Roxas kiss me on the Organization's anniversery and told everyone in a fit of excitement.
I had fell into place with the way of things quickly. I, now, helped Larxene with the cooking, studied with Zexion, played and won poker with Luxord, and grew a small garden of special black roses with Marluxia. I, also, did many other things, but only minor things.
We put away the water guns and headed back to the portal to Betwix and Between, a.k.a the Corridor of Darkness, leaving the woods. We stopped short and observed a small group of kids our age getting into a fight with each other. "C'mon, Seifer! You can take him, y'know!" The darker one cheered.
"Cakewalk." The white-haired one said.
"Yeah, go Hayner! Go get 'em!" The other boy and girl cheered. The two boys in the middle nodded and starting throwing punches at each other. However, quicker than expected, the taller one named Seifer was on the ground. Hayner stood over him, smiling triumphantly. I sighed, relieved that both Hayner and Seifer were okay. I turned to Roxas and said, "Hey, let's go talk to them! It'd be great to have some new friends!" He smiled and nodded. We both ran to Hayner and his friends while Seifer and his friends ran away.
"Wow, that was awesome!" I said as we approached them. They turned, a look on each face that said "Who are you?"
"My name is Raxima. This is Roxas. We saw you take down that Seifer guy!"
"Yeah, it was impressive!" Roxas finished. Hayner grinned. "Glad you think so. I'm Hayner. This is Pence-" he pointed to the fatter one, who waved sheepishly "-and Olette. Are you two new to town? If so, we could give you a tour." He suggested, winking at me as if he wanted to ask me out. I backed away and allowed Roxas to put an arm around me, showing Hayner that I was taken. Hayner looked disappointed slightly, but waved it away.
"That's very kind of you, but we need to get home." He turned to me and winked. "Your Mom'll be worried if you aren't home for dinner. She might think the we eloped or something." I smiled lovingly and tucked my self into his arms, purposely angering Hayner. "I would love it if we did." That was what broke the ice. With hands in a fist, Hayner blurted out, "Are you two, like, together, or something!?" Roxas hugged me tighter and nodded.
I knew that Roxas and I had the same idea by the way that we were deliberately making Hayner jealous by our true relationship. He huffed a breath and muttered, "I'm heading off to the station. Meet me up on top so I can show you Twilight Town, okay?" Not waiting for a reply, he stormed off.
"Wow, man. I've never seen Hayner so jealous before! This is awesome!" Pence laughed. Olette giggled and said, "I'm curious. Are you two really together, or are you just tricking Hayner." We both shook our heads. "No, we're really together." Roxas answered. I simply stared up at him, unable to look away. She smiled and nodded. "So, do want a tour of the place?" We shook our heads again. "I really do have to get home to Mom. It's pretty late. Man, that water took forever to win!" I giggled as Roxas groaned and muttered, "I can't believe I lost to my girlfriend!" Pence and Olette nodded.
"Well, it was great meeting you two! You're both really cool!" Pence said, shaking my hand.
"I hope we can see you tomorrow! Maybe we can have a huge water war!" Olette giggled, hugging me. I nodded and turned to Roxas. "Maybe we can bring our brothers, Axel and Demyx." I suggested. We both laughed, waved goodbye, and headed home.
**************************
Once we were back at 'The Home That Never Was' (our world's name was The World That Never Was, but we called it home), Roxas gave me a quick kiss on my head and wished me a good night. I hugged him and did the same, then headed back to my room. I wanted to talk to Xion about today, but I found the room empty. I searched all over the Castle until I finally found her at The Alter of Naught, staring up at the heart-shaped moon. "Raxima, why do we Nobodies exist? Don't give the regular explanation, really try to tell me. What are we? Why are we?" she half-cried, half-giggled. I stared at her curiously, wondering why she was asking this now. She turned around and I gasped. She was smiling eerily, as if she had lost her mind or something. I was reassured about that by the insane cackle that she emitted. Drawing her Keyblade, she charged toward me, still cackling wildly. I blocked her attack quickly and threw her over me. She collided with the wall and laid there for a minute, before laughing again and standing up. I heard someone behind me, so I called, "Uh, Axel! Roxas, can you help me here!?" The two ran past me at Xion, seizing her arms and disarming her. She simply continued laughing and shrieking, "We're nothing! We're nothing!!!" Soon, the whole Organization was up there with us. "What on earth is going on, you four!? What is wrong with Xion!?!?" Xemnas asked.
"I'm no so sure! I just came looking for her and she attacked me! She's gone mad!!!" I explained, tears spilling over my cheeks from fear. Zexion, who had helped me control my emotion fits, hugged me tightly and let me sob hopelessly into his chest while Axel and Roxas struggled against Xion, who was still acting insane. Xemnas stepped toward her and said, "Xion, calm yourself! Why do you behave so?"
"We're nothing! You're nothing, I'm nothing!!! We'll all fade to darkness!!!!" she cackled. Xemnas sighed and, in one swift movement unable to catch with the human eye, he shoved his own blade through her. She stopped, eyes bugging out of her head. She smiled normally at me and whispered, "I'm sorry. I should have been more careful." She closed her eyes and disappeared his a pillar of light. Xemnas began shooing everyone back into their rooms. Still shaken by Xion's attack and death, Roxas guided me back to my room while I sobbed into his shoulder with Zexion coaching me, "It's okay, Raxima. You'll be okay." When they offered me a drink, I shook my head and, without saying anything at all, I closed myself in my room and cried myself to sleep. Before I lapsed into sleep, I remembered when Xion died how she disappeared into a pillar of light. Suspiciously, I noticed that the light left Xion and entered Roxas, like he had absorbed her spirit. But, before I could get a good explanation, my eyes fluttered closed. That night, I didn't sleep well, due to the nightmares of Xion's last moments.

*** New Fan Fiction--- Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days***

Okay, so, I recently found out that there will be a new Kingdom Hearts game coming out called 358/2 Days. So, as I was reading the article about it in Nintendo Power Magazine, I thought, "Huh! This seems like an interesting game. I should make a fan fiction about it! After all, I've been wanting to do so for a while now!"
So, I did some research. 358/2 Days takes place in between Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts 2 and it explains Roxas' time with Organization XIII. Strangely, there is a fourteenth member of the Organization named Xion. Roxas, Axel, and Xion soon become friends.
In 358/2 Days, you can play as any Organization XIII character and fight alongside another member, if you so choose. And, since it's coming out on Nintendo DS, there is a multiplayer option where you and three of you friends can play together and fight Heartless together.
Although I don't know very much about the plot of the actual game, I am creating my own plot of the story that would seem to fit in with the game. My character, Amari, is found in the dark streets of The World That Never Was by Xemnas and is given the name "Raxima." She joins the Organization as the fifteenth member and... well, you'll see!
Oh, if you aren't quite able to understand everything, you can just Google the information that you want explained. That's how I learned everything.

Raxima, like all of the names of the Organization XIII, is a rearranged version of Amari with an X in it. If you take Amari and put the R, A, add an X there, I, M, and A. Amari -> Raxima!!! There you have it!!! If you have a character that you made up, give them a really cool or confusing Japanese name and rearrange it and add an X somewhere to make a member of Organization XIII!!!!!!
If you want to, you can leave a comment somewhere on my page, telling me about your member. Oh, by the way, Raxima is pronounced "Ruh-shi-mah". Just so you know.

A Place to Belong

A “Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” Fan Fiction

Written By: Amari

(*Note: Every character other than Amari and Calesca has been created by and are owned by Nintendo. I only own Amari and the name Calesca. Nothing else. This story is entirely fan made.*)

~ Prologue ~

Her heart was pounding in her ears as she sprinted away from the balcony. Tears rolled heavily down her cheeks as horrific thoughts of her husband’s fate relentlessly taunted her. She shook them off and focused only on the pull of her muscles and tendons in her legs.

She held her child close, as all mothers would. Yet, regardless of the severity of the current event, the baby girl slept soundly in her mother’s arms. The young woman rounded the corner, crashing into another along the way. Fearing the Gerudo raiders had already found her, she let out a hoarse screech.

The other being clamped a hand to the woman’s mouth and sharply whispered, “Careful, Lady Calesca! They’ll hear you!” Calesca sighed through her hand and said, “Mistress Impa! Oh, thank the Gods! I was afraid that they had found me!”

“M’lady, you must be wary! Hidden as you are, they can hear the smallest of sounds!” Impa stopped and looked around the Queen. “But… where is Princess Zelda!? Is she safe!?”

“Yes, Impa. My other daughter is well. She is hidden in a small hollow near the sakura tree, the one in my garden. No one will find her there.” A loud crash of doors breaking off of their hinges rang through the empty hall, weighing on Calesca’s already heavy heart like impending doom. “There is not much time left, I fear!” she gasped, pressing her baby daughter close to her chest. “Quickly! You must get me and the child out of the castle!”

Impa’s eyes widened in surprise and fear. “But, Lady Calesca! The Gerudo are breaking down on every exit we could escape from! How do you---“
“There is no time to explain or plan, Impa! Just do it! Our lives--- nay, the world! ---depends upon our safekeeping! The child must live!” Calesca cried hysterically, shaking.

Impa paused and assessed the situation at hand. After a short moment, she sighed and nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty. I, Impa, the Shadow Sage, will see to it that this wonderful child of yours lives. I swear to it.” She bowed her head in a low but quick sweep.

Down at the other end of the hall, fast-paced footsteps raced toward them. Soon, several Gerudo soldiers found the two. “Here! They are here! Do not let them escape!” One woman cried, pointing her menacing claymore toward them.

Faster than what should have been possible, Impa grabbed her Queen’s wrist and dashed off in the direction of the stables. But, also impossibly fast, the Gerudo woman that had revealed them swung, landing a hard blow across the Queen of Hyrule’s back. Queen Calesca wailed in agony, but did not hesitate. Instead, the blow seemed to help her accelerate in speed, catching up with Impa.

By the time that they reached the stables, they had outrun the Gerudo soldiers and Calesca’s wound was bleeding profusely through her royal gown. Impa grabbed a piece of loose fabric and, in one silent pull, ripped the heavier layers off of the dress and used them to put pressure on the bleeding.

“Thank you, Mistress Impa. I trust that you will take good care of my daughter in my stead.” She gasped through the pain.

“You are very welcome, my Queen. Head to Gerudo Desert. I know of one soldier who has not been taken under Ganondorf’s control. The Spirit Sage, Nabooru, will be sure to raise her if you tell her that I sent you. Also,” Impa laid a delicate hand on Calesca’s knee. “I will watch over the child. I will watch her grow and make sure that no harm befalls her. I promise.

“You should take the Southern Bend, the one that passes over the Zora’s River. It will get you there faster and in one piece.” The two shuddered in unison, and Impa continued, “These bandages will only last that long, but you have some internal bleeding. I am afraid that your time here is done.”

Calesca closed her eyes and nodded. Always so understanding, yet always so naïve… even in the face of death. “Thank you, Mistress Impa.” She repeated. “But, where will I find Nabooru?”

“Her home is the first one that you will see on the right. I believe that---“a crash, followed by several shouts, cut her short. Calesca quickly mounted the stark white horse and coaxed it to go as fast as it could, blowing through the barricade of Gerudo women up ahead.

“The Queen! Don’t let her escape!”

“Quickly! After her, after her!”

“Someone go alert Lord Ganondorf! Quickly!”

The fierce shouts faded behind her as she sped toward the Southern Bend, clutching the baby under her cloak to shield it from Gerudo onlookers. She focused on the sounds around her to distract her from her fears that lay behind her. The mournful howl of the wind that whispered to her and gently ran its fingers through her hair, the soft thuds of the horse’s hooves beating against the earth beneath her, the menacing crackle of the fires that consumed Hyrule CastleTown… all were too clear to her in her last moments.

She dared not allow the more obvious sounds invade her mind. The dark laughter of every Gerudo as they cut down everyone in their sight, the piercing screams that would turn even the bravest of men’s faces white as a ghost, and, farther behind her, the confused wails of the young child hiding in the hollow of a sakura tree, calling desperately for her mother to hold her once again.

She would not think of that. It hurt her too much to bear.

She blinked and pulled on the reins to slow her horse as she realized that she had arrived at the Gerudo Fortress. She laughed to herself, at herself, for thinking that it would all play out slowly. Impa was right. Her time had come and Fate was desperate to get her cold, dead grasp on a soul from someone so valuable, desperate enough even to speed up her time just to get her to her final destination.

She took one last fateful glance at her youngest daughter, cradled against her chest for warmth. The child was now awake, her bright emerald eyes darting which way and that. She raised her tiny hand and touched her mother’s cheek, sensing that they would soon be parted. The way she seemed to look at her only mother, it was almost like she knew what had to be done. For the greater good.

In a way that seemed very much like defeat, the child looked away from her mother and nestled closer into the warm nest. “Yes. I know, little one. I shall miss you as well.”

“Who goes there!? Begone with you!” a very distinctive female voice called out from the blackness of the first house on the right, Nabooru’s house. A tall woman with long auburn hair tied up in a ponytail emerged from the shadows, strangely unarmed.

Calesca dismounted from her horse and, sweating and panting, limped cautiously toward her. The woman’s captivating golden eyes widened as Calesca drew closer. “Are you the one that they call Nabooru? The Spirit Sage? I need your help.” Her voice, hoarse and raspy, came out like a whisper.

The woman scowled, confusion in her liquid gold eyes. “I am she. You are Calesca, Queen of Hyrule, no?”

“Yes, I am. And I am dying because of your sorority’s raid on my home. But, I do not resent you, for Impa, my handmaid, said that I had every reason to trust you, over all Gerudo here.” She made a grimace and hunched a little.

Nabooru understood quickly and helped the dying queen into her home, setting her carefully down on the couch. But, Calesca refused and, instead, handed her the child. Nabooru glanced between the half-dead royal and her daughter, confusion distorting her features. “What---“
“She’s yours now, Sage. You will raise her as a Gerudo and will not let her think otherwise. She must remain unaware of her true self until the time is right. Never tell her that she is royalty. Never tell her who she really was and could have been. She is built and looks close enough to you that anyone could believe that she was truly yours. I have no more life to give her, so you must do it for me.”

Nabooru only stared, jaw hanging nearly ajar. She swallowed hard, but nodded and looked fondly down at the child now sleeping in her arms. When she looked back, the light left Calesca’s eyes as she chose her last words well. “I love you, little one. Live a full life, my child, my… Amari.”

Eighteen Years Later…

~ Chapter I ~

“Amari, you lazy girl! Get up before you miss your admittance ceremony!” I slowly opened my eyes, only to close them again to shield them from the bright sun over the Gerudo Fortress. I moaned and pulled the sheets over my head stubbornly, shunning the light away.

“I don’t want to get up yet! Can’t I have ten more minutes? Please?” I complained, sounding like a whiny two-year-old. Nabooru stalked around to my beside, pulled me up and smacked the back of my head. I was suddenly more alert of the summer heat. “Ouch! I’m up, I’m up! Gods, Nabooru!” I mumbled incoherently under my breath, glaring through the shocking light.

Another smack sent me into a back flip over my bed, a low crouch, and a sharp snarl ripping through my throat. Nabooru clapped her hands together and smiled, offering to help me to me feet. “Now, if only you would do that for Lord Ganondorf at the ceremony today! He would be very impressed.” I rubbed my eyes, drowsiness drifting in once more. “Ceremony? What ceremony?”

“You foolish child! How could you forget!? Your admittance ceremony? Today you are officially eighteen-years-old! And, as tradition calls for, you are to be put to an ‘all-or-nothing, life-or-death’ trial! If you pass, which you will because of my training, you will take your Oath and become an official Gerudo guard!”

I gasped. Of course! How could I forget something as important as that? I scrambled to my feet and raced to my bureau, digging out my personal set of the Gerudo Tribe’s traditional garb.

As forgetful as I was, I was a full-fledged Gerudo warrior. But, I also had some traits of the Hyrulean race in me, I guessed. My emerald eyes, my long blonde hair, and, of course, my long pointed ears. I was mostly Gerudo, though. Our strength, speed, agility, stealth, body build, style, and sun-browned skin were all common traits that me and my sisters shared.

I had always wondered how I had gotten those traits. Nabooru, sometimes known to me as “Sensei Nabooru” or just “Sensei”, told me that sometimes Gerudo women get together with Hylian men to expand our tribe until the next Gerudo king is born. Several other girls, she had told me, had Hylian fathers and Gerudo mothers.

But, her lie had one major flaw. I had met every one of those girls and one could never tell that they had Hyrulean blood in them. I was the only one who was the most obvious. Luckily, no one ever pointed it out.

Once I found my traditional clothes, I paused briefly. Then, I turned sharply toward Nabooru and said, “I would like a little privacy, please! Thank you.” She rolled her eyes and stepped out of my room, closing the curtain behind her. I quickly replaced my spaghetti-strap blouse and shorts with a short tubetop that wrapped snuggly around my bosom and baggy pants.

I carefully but quickly pulled on my pants and slippers. I slipped over to my jewelry case and fastened my onyx gem to my hair. Pushing my wrists through some bracelets as I fastened my necklace around my neck, I snatched my comb and brushed my hair until it was smooth and silky. With a few quick twists through a sage-green hair band, I dashed out of the house to catch up with my sorority as they headed toward the arena. I counted about thirteen girls until I found my friend, Haru. I gave her a quick hug and feel into an even pace beside her.

Even though we were taught to not be emotional, Haru and I couldn’t help ourselves. So, sure enough, we giggled nervously as we followed our group to our final test. I goodbye to Nabooru and began building up some easy conversation with Haru.

“Oh, man, am I nervous! I have butterflies in my stomach!” Haru’s sweet voice chimed like a bell when she talked to someone she trusted. But, whenever she need to, her voice could grow deep and frightening around enemies. She had the trademark Gerudo hair and eyes (bright auburn hair, golden eyes), but her style was very unique. It made me feel less strange.

Her hair was curly, which was unusual compared to the normal Gerudo hair that was always straight, and her eyes were very large, which was also unusual. Her kind and gentle nature towards animals and the other races of Hyrule made her an interesting person to talk to, which many of us did.

She made a good shoulder-to-cry-on, too. Whenever one of the Gerudo novices couldn’t control her emotions anymore, they would come and talk about it with Haru and me (Haru usually had her arms full of crying children, so I had to be there to get her stuff). I’d had a few breakdowns of my own before, so I was included in that.

I nodded and hid my hands, which were shaking from excitement and nervousness. “I wonder what the test will be like… will we all have the same ones? Do we have to fight or perform? Will it be against each other or---“

I held up a hand to silence her. “Whoa, Haru! Slow down! I only know as much as you do! Plus, it you keep talking that fast, your face will turn purple.” But, chagrin decided otherwise and turned her cheeks red, as opposed to the concerning purple it had been a moment ago.

I noticed instantly when the front row of our sector slowed to stop, so I halted myself as well as Haru. As usual, it took her only a second to catch on. “We’re here.” She whispered, shaking. I gave her a quick, one-armed hug and whispered, “It will be okay. Remember, our sector trained under Nabooru, and she’s Lord Ganon’s second-in-command! Part of the best of the best! We’ll blow them all away.” I spoke those words with childish pride, for something inside of me brought up the memory of the day that Nabooru herself pulled me aside to tell me about the test.

“This test will not be like any other that you have experienced. It will be the toughest, longest, and most life-threatening of them all. Many Gerudo have died trying to pass this test. You’ve seen my scar! That scar of mine is a reminder of how I could have lost my life that day. No amount of training can prepare you. The test is an illusion of the mind.” She whispered, keeping the volume low so no others could hear.

“So, does that mean that it’s not real?” I asked, sincerely curious.

“Oh, yes! It is very much as real as you and me, but… I can’t say anything more. I have already said too much. But, know this, Amari. The test is different for every sector, every person. About three out of every twenty-eight Gerudo who go in there come back out alive! You must be very careful. Trust no one but yourself.”

I blinked, confused. “Not even Haru? But, she’s my best friend!”
“Not even Haru. My best friend Galion and I went in there together, hoping that we would be the last and win together. But, about halfway through the fight, she---“

“And now, Sector G4 will attempt to pass the test. Sector G4, you may now enter the arena.” Nabooru’s excitement shone in her voice as she called us forward. I gulped and hoped that we would all pass with flying colors.

~ Chapter II ~

The moment that our sector entered the arena, the crowd (our whole tribe, rather) erupted into applause. Events such as these caused an excited uproar and literately everyone showed up just to watch. This particular event, however, occurred annually every eighteen years. At that age, we were considered to be “of age” and were able to attempt this test. Those who failed were usually disposed of during the test, falling victim to her sisters’ blades.

My concern must have shown on my face, because Haru gently squeezed my hand as we approached the Leader’s Box. Sitting closest to the edge and in the dead center in an elegant chair that would only belong to royalty, Lord Ganondorf impatiently tapped his fingers together.

He, then, rose and held up his hands, quickly silencing the crowd. Our sector crouched low and bowed, crossing one arm over our chests. From what I could see, I was the one that bowed the lowest. “Rise, Sector G4. I congratulate you. You have done well and worked hard to get here.” His booming voice made Haru flinch as we stood. But, regardless, she never took her eyes off of him.

“My second-in-command, Nabooru, has told me much about each of you.” He gestured to his left, where Nabooru now sat. She nodded and sent a quick wink my way. Lord Ganondorf caught it and traced it back to me. His sinister gold eyes appraised me for only a moment and he soon continued. “You all have a certain department of skill in which you are the most skillful, as well certain heightened senses that help you in that area. I know of those skills and I will be putting them to the test… this test.

“Today, we will be setting up a replica of the Spirit Temple. Your task is simple. You must find this pendant-“he held up a small necklace which was embedded with tiny emeralds. “-and make it out alive. You are all each other’s enemies and no one can be trusted. But, there is one little catch. Whoever has the pendant must kill off all of her teammates before the door closes.

“Once you exit the temple replica with the pendant and all of your teammates are disposed of, you win. The prize will be decided at the end of the test. You have thirty minutes to say your goodbyes while we set up because once you enter that replica, there is no turning back. Your lives depend upon your decisions. Choose carefully. I will call for you when we are ready.”

On the exterior, I was relatively calm and agreeable. On the interior, I was screaming against this. I didn’t want to have my sisters cut down by my own blade! Especially Haru, my long-time childhood friend. But, I was curious to find out what that prize was and my competitive side took over. I wanted it. I wanted it so much that I dismissed any resentment I felt toward my test. I would win at all costs.

We bowed once more and entered a small conference room. As soon as the doors closed behind us, several of us either broke down in tears or hugged the closest sister to them. I sat down on a bench and let my head fall into my hands. Haru sat beside me and patted my back. “It’s gonna be okay, Amari.” She cooed, hugging me as my tears spilled over my cheeks. I never sobbed, though.

“I don’t want any of you to die! I love you all too much! I won’t do it! I’ll forfeit, if it will keep some of you alive!” I wailed. Several heads turned to me all at once, eyes wide with shock. “Amari, don’t say that! We all need you! You are our best fighter here!” one girl said.

“Yeah! We wouldn’t have been able to learn the Kaitengiri Sandstorm move if it weren’t for you! We are worthless without you!” said another, laying a hand on my shoulder.

“Plus, who was there to tell us to keep going when we gave up?” Haru questioned. I lifted my head to wipe away my tears. “I guess that was me.” I whispered.

“Who was there to tell us what to do when we were confused about something!?”

“Me.”

“And just who was there to help the nurses heal our wounds from practice!? Tell me who!”

“Me!” I cried, feeling more confident. Haru nodded and clapped a hand to my shoulder. “See? You are the strongest, the fastest, and the smartest out of all of us! You’ll totally win!” With her last words, my confidence faltered.

“But, if I win… I’ll have to kill you all. I wouldn’t be able to deal with it…” my voice trailed off as more tears filled my eyes. My tears, as well as my respiratory system, was cut off as my entire squad gathered around me in a group hug. “We all love you, Amari, as much as we love each other. Sorority G4 forever, right?” Haru whispered.

Several murmurs of agreement spread like wildfire through our sector. “Can’t… breathe…!” I gasped, coughing theatrically. We all laughed and broke apart into a circular formation. I placed my hand in front of me, smirking. “C’mon, girls! Let’s go do this thing!”

Many girls nodded and some cheered. One by one, hands plied on top of mine from all directions. “On three! One… two… three!”

“Sorority G4 go!” we all shouted in unison. We laughed once again and a few high-fived each other. “I’m going to miss you all, if I live.” The youngest girl muttered, hugging her older sister (her biological one). We all replied with something similar to that for a few moments, until the doors swung open. We all turned to find Nabooru motioning us to go out. “We are ready for you. You are all prepared, no?” We all nodded. She smiled regretfully to each of us as we passed her.

I assumed that when Lord Ganon had said “replica”, he had meant a smaller one. Instead, it was more like they had moved the whole temple itself. I swallowed hard and glanced back at Nabooru, who gave me a quick thumbs-up. We were each separated so that we each had one entrance to go through. The Spirit Temple was really like a big maze, so we were going to be searching for a while.

I closed my eyes to slow my breathing, switching into my battle mode. I tensed into a battle pose, arming myself with my twin scimitars, glaring at the darkness before me. “On my mark!” Lord Ganon’s voice echoed from behind me and into the halls of the replica. After a short pause, he called, “Go!” I sprinted into the darkness, preparing to cut down the first person I saw for that pendant.

I soon came to the main entrance of the replica. Instantly, I climbed the wall to hide in the top corner that was shrouded by shadows. I waited and watched for any sign of movement. Soon, light footsteps came from the hall that came from my entrance. I narrowed my eyes, coiling my muscles as I prepared to pounce. When I saw that it was Haru who rounded the corner, it did not make me hesitate.

I launched myself from the corner silently, points of my blades aiming for her heart. But, I quickly changed my path. I landed on the edges of my blades and kicked my legs over my head, jabbing them right into her gut. Caught off-guard, she released her longsword as she flew across the room, crashing into some pots.

I didn’t waste a single second; I dashed forward and, in one sweeping blow, guided my swords to her throat. She didn’t even have enough time to open her mouth to scream before a fountain of her blood came spurting out of the place where her veins had split. I was already prepared, though. I had already numbed my emotions, so her gruesome demise had no impact on me.

I simply smiled triumphantly and licked a little of her blood off of my hand. But, a small glint from the reflected sunlight that peeked through the roof caught my eye. I reached down and pulled out of one of the broken pots… the pendant. My smile grew wider as I realized that the Goddess of Fortune was, indeed, smiling down upon me. I swiftly stuffed it into my pocket. Adrenaline pumped white-hot through my veins. Victory from finding the pendant and thrill from killing sped me up as I searched out my remaining targets.

I found about five huddled together, planning out areas to search for my prize. I sneered, noticing that these girls were the ones who were easily frightened. They would be easy kill. I laughed menacingly as I hid in the shadows. A few jumped, one actually shrieked. I sidled around them until I was behind them. I, once again, launched myself toward them. I lunged, stabbing the scimitars into the backs of the first girls’ heads. When they collapsed, I could see that their eyes had rolled back into their heads.

Dark crimson pools quickly spread themselves across the floor, bleeding from the wounds and the girls’ mouths and nostrils. The other three, who were not paying attention, had just turned to see me. I was covered in human blood, my sisters’ blood. My clothes were barely green anymore, my skin was painted crimson and brown in some places. My entire left side of my face was dripping with blood, making me seem more intimidating than I should have been.

I sneered again and stabbed forward, quickly clashing blades with the tallest girl, whose name I believe was Kilala. She grimaced as she slid backwards, clearly over come by my strength. Her eyes quickly flickered to her other two sisters behind her, which was a large vulnerability. “Run! Find the pendant!” she screamed, wincing as her knees buckled under pressure. I laughed maniacally, the lust to kill driving me hysterical.

Without even breaking stride, I reached into my pocket and dangled the prized necklace in front of them. They each gasped in disbelief. “No! How did you get it before us!?” Kilala cried as I shoved it back into my pocket. “Does it matter? You shall die, either way.” My voice, sinister from the dark desire for blood, made each of them shudder in unison.

I cackled once again and screamed wordlessly as Kilala met Death by her own creation, the Kaitengiri Sandstorm. I began to spin faster and faster, causing a sandy tornado to form around us. She covered her eyes, flinching away. I smirked and finished it all off with a simple Kaitengiri. As I span in synchronization with the storm, I drew closer to the poor girl, slicing deeper and deeper into her until she was only a dismembered corpse.

I stopped, the sand falling around us. Once the other two had clear sight of the scene, they gasped. One gagged and fell to her knees, too sick to stand. The other cursed at me and said, “You’re sick! This is all just a game to you! And to think that I felt sorry for you earlier!” she screeched, crying now.

“Humph. How petty. I thought that this would be exciting, for I expected a little challenge out of at least one of you. What a waste of my time.” I sighed, turned, and walked away. The girl growled at my back. “You think that you’ll win? You may have the pendant, but I can pry it from your cold, dead hands!” her voice raised in volume as I drew farther away from her. I stopped, peeking over my shoulder.

“Is that a challenge, little one? You dare take me on?” I turned to face her full on, assuming a battle stance. “Very well then. Show me that you have what it takes to impress Lord Ganon, child, or die trying.” She nodded, arming herself with some throwing knives. The other girl beside her grabbed her ankle, shaking her head in protest.

“No, Sissy! Don’t do it! She’ll kill you!” tears silently streaked down her cheeks as she spoke, her delicate hands shaking. The other just shook her head, never taking her eyes off of me. “I have to. You know that I never turn down a chance to prove myself to anyone. Never! I won’t back down!”

“And that, foolish girl, will be your own undoing!” I cried, lunging toward her. The sharp, metallic ring of our blades colliding echoed throughout the chamber. Almost like a signal, the remaining six from our sorority came bounding from all directions. The girl who was now locked in a chance with me never turned, but called out, “Amari has the pendant! Get her! Quickly!”

A few girls that I was close to (Chika, Kagome, and Miku) stared wide-eyed at the blood that swamped every square inch of my flesh. “Oh, my.” Miku whispered, getting nauseous.

“Amari, what have you done!? What happened to ‘I won’t do it’?” Chika wailed, appalled.

Kagome said nothing, for her eyes rolled back into her head as she fainted. “I am doing what has to be done in order to survive.” I replied, pressing down harder on the girl before me. She grunted, pulled away, and swung wildly at me. I ducked around her and sliced across her back, quickly stabbing my blade into that same wound. She screamed in agony, dropping her only means of defense. I twisted my blade around in a full, circular motion and pull, slicing her clean in half.

Her blood spurted out onto everyone in the room, causing the younger one to vomit. The others just groaned in disgust. I smiled, launching myself at the nearest opponent I saw. The child barely had time to look up before she fell backwards, blood pulsing profusely from the hole where her heart once was whole.

Kagome and Chika both came at me, Chika with her large boomerang and Kagome with her heavy glaive. Chika threw her weapon at Kagome, who launched herself off of it. She held her glaive close behind her, poised to kill. I simply smirked and dug my own blades into her side, sending her flying to the side.

“Well, it’s about time I got to have a real workout! I’ve been bored to tears since the beginning!” I cackled, piercing Kagome’s gut with enough force to take down a brick wall. She died swiftly, tears in her eyes. Chika, enraged by her death, screamed wordlessly at me and, leaving her boomerang behind, clawed at me with bared teeth.

“Now, that’s more like it! How fun!” I cried, easily slicing Chika’s throat open. Gasping, she fell to her death. Miku and the other three girls came at me from all sides, each armed with some sort of deadly weapon far more impressive than my own. I quickly disposed of the other three and disarmed Miku by maiming her.

She gasped for breath, clutching at the shoulder where her right arm once was. I pointed one of my scimitars at her throat, sneering heartlessly at her. “Give up, Miku. Let go of your naïve hope. You can see that this would happen sooner or later. Shall I kill you quickly or make you suffer?” I asked, chuckling darkly.

“I don’t understand, Amari. How could you be like this? This isn’t you, this is a beast from the darkest depths of the Underworld. Wake up! Find yourself once more! You were always so nice. You would never do anything to hurt us, physically or emotionally. Where did you come from? Return Amari to herself, you heartless wretch!” she wailed, eyes filled with fear.

“Heh. You fool. I am Amari. I have not changed. You are just afraid of a little competition.”

“No, you are not! I have never seen this side of you before! Repent, dark beast! Return to the black hole you came from! I---“ she paused, staring up at me with what could only be described as pity. Once feeling returned to my face, I could feel the hot tears that washed the blood from my cheeks. “Do you not think that I resent having to kill you all? I have no choice. It’s my life or yours, Miku. I bound by his laws, as are you. Just don’t hate me.”

Miku paused, sighed, and nodded. “I understand, Amari. Besides, I would be of no use to Lord Ganondorf. You are far more valuable than any of the rest of us could ever have been. I am ready. Do it.” She closed her eyes and laid her head back, being the first to welcome Death’s cold embrace. My competitive side returned, replacing my more compassionate and friendly side, enabling my to more easily dig my sword into her heart.

She did not scream or flinch. It was over quickly, her blood spilling endlessly onto the floor. I gently closed her eyes and returned my swords to their scabbard. My fierce side, the one that only appeared when I was in the midst of battle, faded away quickly. I returned to my true senses, cautiously taking in the lifeless bodies around me. Eleven gold eyes, staring blankly into the abyss of death, held no light of life in them.

How could I so mindlessly dispatch these souls, the souls of my family, the souls of people who had done everything but harm me in any way, I wondered. What kind of monster was I? I had no time to answer, for a deep rumble groaned as the replica’s doors began to seal themselves. I was almost out of time. I sprinted off to the closest door, grasping the pendant in one hand, and swiftly slid under the door in time to escape. I stood, brushing the sand off of me.

Then, I noticed that the entire audience was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if I found the pendant or if I had just made off without it. I grinned proudly and lifted it over my head, panting heavily. I swooned slightly, but did not falter. The crowd, more thrilled than ever before, stood and exploded into cheers and hoots and whistling. Off to my right, Nabooru was jumping for joy, screaming, “Yes! YES! I told you, I knew she would make it! I knew it!”

I laughed at her and wiped away some sweat and blood from my face. But, my grin faded as Lord Ganondorf stood, holding his hands above his head, his expression impassive. I feared for what my final judgement would be. Would he think that I had overdone the killings? I shook slightly, butterflies in my stomach as he opened his mouth to speak.

***NEW FAN FICTION--- A Place to Belong ***

Okay, so, now that it is officially summer time (yay!), I have decided to create another Zelda fanfiction called A Place to Belong. This new story is not related to any other of my stories and is based off of Ocarina of Time. The story is about a young Gerudo girl named Amari (yes, this is still the same Amari from all of my other fan stories) and her quest to find out who she really is, sort of like the movie Anastasia, if you will. She has been a Gerudo all of her life and has thought nothing of her ways until a stranger comes into town. The stranger, Link, comes across Amari and the two become great friends (and eventually fall in love with each other). One day, when the Spirit Festival comes to Gerudo Valley, Link and Amari run away and travel through Hyrule on a journey to defeat Ganondorf. Will they succeed? Will Amari find out who she really is?

Find out, in: A Place To Belong.