-Kleis POV-
After my dream adventure, going to class felt dull. I learned a few things from lucid dreaming. First, I couldn't choose where I went. I figured that might change with practice, but not yet. Second, I needed allies, and fast. I was lucky to end up in the realm of death, but that could change. Who knows what I'd encounter next, given how unpredictable lucid dreaming is; I could end up near Nikador. I didn't want to know what I could meet near Nikador, but I could expect would be Nightmares.
Having grasped the limits of my lucid dreaming, I realized I needed help. Polyxia was unavailable, unfortunately, but I had other possibilities. Dream Eaters. I knew they were real, thanks to my CYOA choices and the nightmares I'd encountered in my Station of Awakening. Where nightmares existed, Dream Eaters were bound to be. The problem was, I didn't know *how* to summon them, though I had a hunch.
In Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance, you crafted Dream Eaters using the essence of Nightmares. That meant I had to lucid dream and beat them. So, the next time I lucid dream, I will need to focus on battling Nightmares.
As sat half heartly listening to the lecture, I planned my move. The most likely place for Nightmares would be Castrum Kremnos. I would have to check the current events that surrounded Castrum Kremnos, but Nightmares should linger there. Either Mydei's father still ruled as an insane king, or the Black Tide caused Castrum Kremnos to be abandoned.
I hoped the people hadn't deserted Castrum Kremnos yet. If I were going to save Amphoreus, I needed to rescue the cities here first. Just because the people were just data didn't mean they weren't still alive. Everyone here mattered, and the moment I forgot that, I'd become like Lygus.
I wanted at least two Dream Eaters. The issue was I did not know how many Nightmares I needed to defeat. That wasn't even counting that Amphoreus hosted Nightmares shaped as the Black Tide. My experience while in my Station of Awakening showed me that. I froze at that thought... I fought Nightmares in my Heart. Did that mean I already had some Nightmare essence that I had gathered? Perhaps I did; after all, didn't Roxas collect Munny in Sora's Heart when he was there? That may have been a gameplay mechanic, but how would I know if I didn't try? I needed to be prepared to make some Dream Eaters. The thought of fighting the Black Tide again sent a shiver down my spine, but the possibility of creating powerful allies spurred me forward.
As soon as the lecture ended, I went back to my dorm early. Castorice was busy preparing for the Senate and Lygus's arrival, and I needed to gather as many allies as possible. As I walked to my dorm, I heard whispers all around me. I paid close attention, and what I heard froze my blood. All around me, my peers were talking about Castorice and me. Fear and speculation laced the whispers. They spoke of a forbidden touch, violating the unspoken rules of our society. Some murmured about curses, others about divine favor, but the common thread was their shock and apprehension. They spoke of Castorice's power, her death touch, and how I, somehow, could bypass it.
I knew my plans had to speed up. Lygus knew others couldn't touch Castorice. The implications of this new revelation were staggering. If Lygus learned, I could touch her and live, I would have his interest, for I was a complete anomaly. The whispers continued to swirl around me as I walked to my dorm.
I rushed into my dorm and slammed the door shut. Given the rumors I'd heard, I needed Dream Eaters to protect me. They were a secret weapon I could use. Now, to test in the safety of my dorm. Closing my eyes, I searched my body and mind for Nightmare essence. I felt an unfamiliar power I hadn't possessed before. I focused on that feeling, and a ball of light materialized in front of me.
The orb pulsed with a malevolent energy, a tangible manifestation of Nightmare essence. A chilling presence seemed to coil around my very being. The question then was, what was I supposed to *do* with it? Panic threatened to grip me, but I forced myself to breathe. Since I had no coherent plan, I trusted my instincts, which had always served me well in the past. Clutching the orb against my chest, I closed my eyes and focused. My thoughts churned, seeking a solution. 'What I need,' I mused, 'is a partner. Someone I can depend on, someone who would have my back when the shadows rise. Someone who would stand by my side, even when I felt alone.' The weight of the situation, the weight of the orb, and the weight of my loneliness pressed down on me.
I thought about it for what felt like an eternity, searching for an answer within myself. As if responding to my inner turmoil, the orb in my hand glowed, the light intensifying until it was almost unbearable to look at. My Keyblade appeared with no warning and a beam of pure light shot forth from the Keyblade's tip, piercing through the swirling essence and striking the orb.
The orb floated in mid-air, growing brighter and brighter, and I watched in awe. I had to look away, afraid of being blinded by the intensifying light. When it faded, I looked back, half-expecting a Dream Eater. Instead, I was stunned to find a Chirithy sitting on my desk. My Heart sang with joy, as though I were seeing a long-lost friend.
I reached out a hand towards Chirithy. Chirithy looked at my hand for a moment, then rubbed its head against it. "It's nice to meet you, Chirithy. I hope we can be friends," I said with a smile.
"It's good to see you again, friend," Chirithy said, and I froze at his words. What do you mean by that!?
"What do you mean, Chirithy? How could we have met before?" I asked, shocked. I've never been in this world before or even had the Keyblade before now. Chirithy, seeing my turmoil, grabbed my hand with its paw.
"Of course," Chirithy said. "How did you summon your Keyblade so easily? Once you're a wielder, you'll always remember how. Even if you become a new person, your Heart will never forget." I listened, then sat down, shocked by Chirithy's words.
"Chirithy... who was I before?" I asked, my voice wavering. Part of me dreaded the answer, yet another part craved it. This past life, a complete mystery, was something I couldn't ignore. Wouldn't everyone be curious about their former self? I gasped, shooting to my feet. "Chirithy, what do you mean I was a Keyblade wielder before? This world shouldn't even *be* connected to Kingdom Hearts!" I exclaimed, bewildered.
If the world of Honkai: Star Rail also included Kingdom Hearts, everything would be different. It would offer more ways to save Amphoreus, but it would also mean the Heartless exist. The thought of eldritch horrors like the Heartless lurking in the darkness terrified me, especially alongside the Aeons and other terrors already present in Honkai: Star Rail.
Chirithy tilted his head, his large, blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Everything's connected to Kingdom Hearts, though." He stated matter-of-, his voice a melodic chime. The words hung in the air, and my own eyes widened in realization. Chirithy was right. The complex tapestry of worlds, timelines, and characters — an endless web of interconnectedness — all connected to Kingdom Hearts itself. The implications were staggering, the weight of the revelation settling upon me. But did anything change? Amphoreus was still in danger. All that changed was that I had more ways to save this world.
"Thank you, Chirithy," I said, relieved to have more choices for protecting my new home. I was relieved to learn that this world was more extensive than I thought. "But you still haven't answered me... who was I?" I asked, curious, though I doubted I was anyone special.
I watched Chirithy dig through his pouch, and I couldn't believe what he pulled out. "Here you go, Brain. You said to give you your hat back if we ever met," Chirithy said, handing me Brain's hat—wait, that's not right, it's *my* hat. My hands were shaking as I put it on, and it felt perfect.
Putting my hat back on, I felt a renewed sense of confidence, like something essential had come back. "Chirithy, I might have been Brain before, but I'm Kleis now," I stated. " Can you tell me what's happened since Data Daybreak Town was destroyed and everyone fell asleep?" I asked.
"I can't tell you much except that everything's been the same since your death," Chirithy said. "With no one to use the power of awakening, everyone's still asleep." I nodded, understanding. I might not have Brain's memories, but I knew the ending of Union Cross. Without someone to wake in the data world, all those kids should still be asleep.
Narrowing my eyes after rescuing Amphoreus, I knew my next aim: to awaken Daybreak Town's data. Though I wasn't Brain, I felt a duty to honor his legacy as a Union Leader. My heart ached, though, because Skuld's whereabouts were still unknown. The only lead I have is her connection to Xehanort's mother. I shook my head, realizing that before I could worry about Skuld, I needed to focus on saving Amphoreus.
"Chirithy, could you help me get to Castrum Kremnos in my lucid dream? I need to practice fighting nightmares and get my power back," I asked. Chirithy bounced up, excited.
"Of course," Chirithy said, hopping onto my bed, "Kleis lay down, and I'll handle it. With your memories, I can guide you to where you need to go." Following Chirithy's lead, I lay down and closed my eyes. He placed his paws on my head, and I felt tired, my eyes fluttering shut.
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I felt myself falling, diving into the darkness. Chirithy appeared beside me. "Kleis, the dreams surrounding this world are chaotic, filled with conflicting memories," he said as we passed countless stations of the Heart. As we dove, I could see all the stations, each representing a different era. But the deeper we went, the more I could see how the civilization of Amphoreus changed over time, each era distinct from the last.
"Chirithy, from my memories, you should know we are in a data world like Daybreak Town. We are in the fifth phase of the Amphoreus Experiment. All these Stations must have been from the previous four experiments." I explained to Chirithy as we dived faster and faster each second.
" I see the station," Chirithy announced, his voice echoing in the Realm of Sleep. "I'll guide us." I followed Chirithy's gaze and saw the Station for Castrum Kremnos materialize before us. The station itself depicted the city, its architecture a dizzying array of gleaming metal, sharp angles, and intricate, glowing sigils that pulsed with unseen energy. It was a breathtaking panorama of soaring spires and shimmering structures, appearing to be at its zenith, radiating an aura of unparalleled power. It was a sight that could steal your breath away, even in a dream. Chirithy's cape fluttered as we began our descent. We landed on the station's smooth, metallic surface with a soft *thud*. I looked around, my gaze sweeping across the Station. But there was no obvious entry point—no Keyhole shimmering with the familiar golden light, no crafted door to show the way in.
The air buzzed with the energy of a thousand voices. I could hear the roar of the stadium, a cacophony of cheers and excited shouts, indicating a thrilling match was underway. Laughter, bright and cheerful, drifted from the various shops and stalls that lined the cobblestone streets, families enjoying a day of leisure. But even amidst the general merriment, a different excitement crackled in the distance. Further down the road, near the market square, a raucous brawl had broken out. Dust billowed into the air, obscuring the details, but the shouts and the occasional thud of bodies hitting the ground clarified that a fight was in progress. Chirithy, perched on my shoulder, tilted his head, his ears twitching as he took in the scene. "Looks like things are already heating up," he commented, his eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and slight apprehension.
"Halt!" I called out, stopping myself as I felt Chirithy freeze. I turned around to see a Kremnoan soldier approaching us. "Where did you two come from?" the soldier demanded.
"Chirithy," I whispered, panic rising in my chest, "I thought we were supposed to be in the realm of Dreams?"
"I don't know, Kleis, we should have..." Chirithy whispered back, his voice just as panicked as mine. I could see a crowd gathering around us. Off in the distance, more soldiers were gathering.
"If you can't answer my question, you will be taken in," the soldier said to us. I could see his muscles tensing, ready for battle. I looked behind me and I could see my way blocked with the Gates of Castrum Kremnos already closing.
" I have a plan," Chirithy whispered, and I smiled. He truly was a part of my Heart. I could see the soldiers, their spears aimed at us. Chirithy and I raised our hands in defense.
"Alright, you got me. I just have one thing to say... Solar Flare!" I shouted, channeling my light to blind everyone. I heard the Kremnoans cry out in pain as I ran past the soldiers. Chirithy clung to me as I ran, almost falling off me. "Chirithy, can you get us out of here?" I asked Chirithy.
"I've tried using but something's stopping us from leaving," Chirithy said as I dashed into Castrum Kremnos. I could already hear the Kremnoans shouting for reinforcements. Footsteps echoed through the halls. "I sense a powerful Nightmare preventing our escape. We can't leave until we defeat it," Chirithy explained.
I nodded my head at Chirithy's words that made some sense. If there was a Nightmare here, that meant I was truly within the Realm of Sleep. The implications hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty. "Chirithy," I began, my voice filled with confusion. "If a Nightmare is here, does that confirm we are in the Realm of Sleep? And if so... then why are there so many people here?" The question tumbled out, a confused jumble of disbelief and apprehension. I racked my brain trying to recall any memory, any instance, of sprawling cities teeming with life within the Realm of Sleep. It was a place usually populated by the Nightmares, the dream eaters, and perhaps maybe one or two people but never a complete city. This was new, and unsettling.
The sharp *whizz* of an arrow abruptly interrupted my thoughts, narrowly missing my head. I instinctively ducked; the wind of its passage rustled my hat. The immediate threat forced me to refocus, my senses snapping back to the present danger. I needed to understand what was happening, and quickly.
"Halt!" A soldier yelled. I skidded to a stop, facing a crowd of Kremnoans. More were closing in from behind. Kremnoans surrounded me, and it wasn't just soldiers. Even civilians had armed themselves to stop me... wait, what's that?
"Is that a child holding a sword to fight us?" Chirithy asked, just as confused as me. Geez, these Kremnoans are hardcore. I looked around me, trying to find a way out, but they had surrounded me.
"Any ideas ?" I asked. Chirithy glanced around, then his gaze fixed on the wall beside us. Patting my head, he pointed at the wall with a knowing look. Chirithy and I made eye contact, and I instantly understood what he wanted me to do.
"How would I do Flowmotion?" I asked urgently as the Kremnoans drew closer with each step.
"Channel magic into your feet, and picture yourself weightless. Flowmotion is all about freedom. Remember this chant, Kleis 'In your hand, take this key. So long as you have the makings, then through this simple act of taking, its wielder you shall one day be. And you will find me, friend—no ocean will contain you then. No more borders around, or below, or above, so long as you champion the ones you love.' You're a Keyblade wielder. As long as your light burns brightly, no door or wall will ever stand in your way," Chirithy explained, and I felt my heart resonate with the Keyblade inheritance ceremony's chant.
I focused on Chirithy's words and ran to the wall next to me. Channeling magic to my feet, I imagine myself free and jump onto the wall and imagine laughing myself off. My body glowed purple, and I suddenly flew over the Kremnoans, who were gawking at me. I couldn't stop myself from laughing as I launched myself onto a nearby roof.
"Wow that was incredible!" I exclaimed, thrilled. Flowmotion was exhilarating, and I was eager to try it again. I glanced around, relieved to see I'd lost the Kremnoan soldiers who'd been pursuing me. "Any idea where the Nightmare is hiding, Chirithy?" I asked completely clueless about its location. Castrum Kremnos was massive, and I could see the game only showed a small part of the city.
"I can't say for sure we'll have to explore," Chirithy said thoughtfully. "When we get close, I should be able to sense the Nightmare." I nodded, listening to Chirithy's words. I tried to recall what I knew about Nightmares; they usually appeared in the most important locations in a world. With that in mind, I turned my head towards the Colosseum in the distance.
I recall that the Colosseum in Castrum Kremnos was always the site of significant events in the game. It was where the battle against the Flame Reaver took place, and where Khaslana and Mydeimos always fought. Gauging the distance to the Colosseum, I leaped off the roof and used Flowmotion to make my way there. As I soared over the rooftops, I saw Kremnoan soldiers hurrying around, searching for Chirithy and me.
As I arrived at the colosseum, it was completely empty. I assume everyone was searching for Chirithy and me. As I made my way to the center; I took a glance at Chirithy. He seemed in thought as he hopped off my shoulder and looked around. "Anything you sense, Chirithy?" I asked.
Chirithy shook his head. "No, nothing we need to keep moving," Chirithy said, but we both jumped in shock at the footsteps behind us. As I got ready to summon my Keyblade, I froze at the voice I heard.
"It seems the two cowards have stopped hiding. It seems my heading back here was a good idea. Come, outsider, and prepare yourself, for you shall face me. Behold the demigod of Strife!" The voice said, I turned to the voice, and I met with Gnaeus. The previous demigod of Strife, I narrowed my eyes at the sight of him.
Gnaeus's arrival caused me to think of something. Am I possibly within Nikador's dream? I thought to myself as I got ready for the battle. Based on my limited knowledge of Gnaeus, he would rather fight than listen. A fiery yellow glow enveloped Gnaeus, and the air grew hotter. I looked at Chirithy with concern, as it seemed like anyone less strong would have broken down.
"Don't worry about me, Kleis. Focus on your fight. I will be okay." Chirithy reassured me, and I let out a breath of relief. I turned back to Gnaeus with my eyes narrowed. I wasn't sure if Gnaeus had his immortality yet, but I would find out. This wouldn't be like Polyxia. Gnaeus wouldn't give me an inch. In Gnaeus hands appeared a spear and shield that made him look like a proper Spartan.
Shielding himself, Gnaeus advanced, spear pointed down. Gnaeus ran forward, his speed surpassing Polyxia's. Gnaeus was like a train built of nothing but violence. With the Keyblade, I deflected Gnaeus's spear from my chest. My bones felt like they were cracking as our weapons collided.
I jumped back to make distance as I raised my Keyblade at Gnaeus. "Blizzard!" I called out on a trail of ice impacted Gnaeus. Gnaeus raised his shield as a yellow aura surrounded the shield. As the ice impacted, shattering against his shield like glass, I immediately used Flowmotion to slide on the ice. I charged up my Keyblade as I slammed it against Gnaeus's shield.
The impact of my Keyblade against Gnaeus's shield made him falter and slide away from me, moving closer to the colosseum's perimeter. Gnaeus grunted and stopped, driving his spear into the ground. Though I couldn't see Gnaeus's face because of his helmet, I knew he was grinning when he met my gaze.
Gnaeus stomped his foot on the ground as the arena cracked from his stomp. I narrowed my eyes at his actions before spears of earth shot up from the ground aiming to impale me. I bobbed and weave each stone spear that tried to stab me.
"Kleis behind you!" Chirithy yelled. Following Chirithy's order, a spear appeared an inch from me. I deflected the spear as it flew away and stabbed into the ground. I turned to see Gnaeus with his hand outstretched. Before I could be happy that Gnaeus didn't have a weapon anymore, another spear appeared in his hand. Gnaeus dashed forward as we clashed. Our weapons let out sparks with each clash.
I wish we were on equal footing, but I was gradually losing ground in every conflict. My knees wobbled, and my hands throbbed. Something hit me in the back, and I was shocked to see it was Gnaeus's spear. With another spear digging into my back, I defended myself from Gnaeus's attack. I clenched my jaw and instantly focused fire into my Keyblade. I yelled, "Fire!" Shooting out a point-blank fire at Gnaeus.
An inferno of fire washed over Gnaeus as I heard a scream come from him. I felt the pressure disappear from my arms as Gnaeus jumped away. An aura of energy came from Gnaeus that blew away the flames. I could see my attack had scorched Gnaeus, but he was still fine. Before our fight could continue, Chirithy ran between us.
"Please stop; Gnaeus we mean no harm. Kleis here is friends with Polyxia," Chirithy said, and I could see Gnaeus's muscles loosen from hearing Polyxia's name. Gnaeus's weapons disappeared, and he eyed me and Chirithy.
"Explain," Gnaeus commanded, and I let out a breath of relief. I let my Keyblade fade away back into my Heart. I thought about what I would say to Gnaeus. Unlike Polyxia, I couldn't show him my memories. Thankfully, Chirithy came to my aid.
"Kleis, lift me up to Gnaeus," Chirithy said, and I raised my eyebrow but complied with Chirithy's order. I picked Chirithy up and took him to Gnaeus. Gnaeus tensed as we approached but did nothing. But now that I was close enough, I could see Gnaeus had brown eyes under his helmet. Those eyes told me he would attack if we did anything suspicious.
Chirithy, when close enough, tapped Gnaeus's forehead. Gnaeus held his forehead and grunted. For a moment nothing happened before an aura of rage enveloped him.
"Lycurgus Dares!" Gnaeus yelled, his voice echoing throughout Castrum Kremnos. I could feel the full power of the Coreflame of Strife as Gnaeus power blasted off him. I waited for Gnaeus as he vented his rage. It must have been hours before Gnaeus cut off his aura.
"I apologize for my unsightly actions." Gnaeus said before he stretched his hand out to me. I reached out to Gnaeus as we grabbed each other's arms in a Spartan greeting. "Deliverer from a different age, what do you need from me?" Gnaeus asked, and I frowned.
"I am not the Deliverer, Gnaeus; that title belongs to someone else." I said, but Gnaeus shook his head.
"The title of Deliverer belongs to the savior of Amphoreus. That is who is in front of me, not Khaslana, not the Trailblazer but you. That makes you the Deliverer, Kleis," Gnaeus explained, and I was speechless. I never wanted to be the Deliverer, but here I was, given the title.
"I need help, Gnaeus, to find the Nightmare plaguing Castrum Kremnos." I said as Gnaeus nodded in thought.
"Your friend gave me the information I needed. The people of Castrum Kremnos have been suffering from sleepless nights lately. Everyone that sleep wakes up screaming. I have tasked myself with finding the problem. Now that I know what the caused I ask for your help, Deliverer." Gnaeus said, and I nodded my head.
"If no one can sleep, that means a Nightmare is the cause. Could you take me to where the problem is most concentrated?" I asked, and Gnaeus directed me, and I followed with Chirithy resting on my shoulder.
I didn't know what would happen next, but after everything I learned today, I was ready for the future. I felt Chirithy straighten my hat that was crooked and give me a smile. Ready to fight this Nightmare, I smiled back at Chirithy, following Gnaeus. After all, after fighting Gnaeus, how hard would this Nightmare be?
Chapter 4: A New Friend End
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Author's Note: Surprise! That's right, Kleis is the reincarnation of Brain from Union Cross. He doesn't have Brain's memories yet and will not get them for a long time. This is the reason Kleis could summon his Keyblade so easily and why his old Chirithy was summoned. His Heart remembers how to in the far future he will one day be able to summon the Master's Defender back as that was Brain's Keyblade. If you couldn't guess this what the previous poll was for. I had a wheel and spun it and it landed on Brain. Gnaeus fighting style is based on the Spartan Style Kratos uses in God of War Ragnarök. My Patreon is ahead with one Chapter of this story, two chapters of Greek Hero King, and a whole new story in general.
I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. The next chapter will be Greek Hero King