Chapter 11 (RIKU): New Orleans

        Previously in Kingdom Hearts III: Riku began his own journey to once and for all quell the dark forces of Master Xehanort and Maleficent in the hopes of preventing an apocalypse of epic proportions known only as the Keyblade War.  Riku was personally tasked by Master Yen Sid and King Mickey to keep a close eye on his best friend Sora, as they fear Master Xehanort will use him to access unlimited power.  Though he has faith in Sora, he knows from experience how influential both Xehanort and the darkness can be.

       Travelling to his first world, Riku came across a group of galactic peace keepers known as the Space Ranger corp, who struggle to battle the forces led by the Evil Emperor Zurg.  Teaming up with legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, the duo learned that Maleficent and Zurg had joined forces to corrupt all of the free minds in the Galaxy through the use of an almighty artifact known only as the Unimind.  Buzz learned to trust his new friends and teammates, and together, he and Riku put an end to the evil empire led by his sword enemy...

      Joining forces with his close friend Kairi, Riku next ventured to the nonsensical world of Wonderland to rescue Alice, who had been captured by unknown force and is vital to the protection of the worlds as a Princess of Heart.  Upon locating her, they discovered that the forces of Xehanort had emerged and sought to vanquish the Princesses and unleash insurmountable darkness on the world.  Though he and Kairi disposed of the legendary Jabberwocky, Riku was too late to save the bulk of Wonderland from falling into a void of darkness created by the Heartless.  

      Despite this falure, Riku pressed on to his next world.  Deep in the heart of a jungle, Riku encountered a boy named Mowgli and his protective panther friend named Bagheera.  While Bagheera hoped to get Mowgli to go to a man village for his own safety, the boy proclaimed that he could live in the jungle, even if it meant surviving the wiles of the sinister snake Kaa or the vengeful tiger Shere Khan.  Riku and Mowgli came across a laid back bear named Baloo and after seeing a strong friendship grow between them, he and Bagheera decided it was best he remain with the bear.  

     But Riku's fears began to realize themselves when he encountered a dark being known only as Vanitas, who claimed he was the embodiment of the darkness growing in Sora's heart.  A ruthless battle resulted in Riku's victory, but the mere existence of Vanitas leaves Riku's heart in doubt, even with the assurances of Sora.  Determined to figure this out, Riku seeks the council of Mickey back in Disneyland...

Chapter 11: New Orleans

        Riku's boat arrived back in Adventure Land a few minutes later.  While he was more than certain that Sora was capable of not only fending off the darkness, but also repelling Vanitas or Xehanort, he was still concerned about Vanitas.  He needed to learn more about this sinister new threat that stood in his and his friend's way.
        As he returned towards the entrance to New Orleans Square, he was immediately approached by Mickey, who wore a worried look on his face.  Donald and Goofy, the King's court magician and Captain of the Guard and some of Sora's closest friends, stood by their King's side.  "Gosh, I sure am glad to see you, Riku.  I may need you to hold down the fort, for a while."
        "Mickey, I need to talk to--"
        "Please, Riku.  I need to go check on Kairi and go meet with Master Yen Sid.  Would ya mind looking over everything here?"
        Riku shook his head.  "Wait a second, Mickey.  I need to ask you a few questions."
        Mickey sighed.  "Would ya cut to the chase, please?  I need to get going."
        Riku nodded.  "Does the name Vanitas mean anything to you?"
        Mickey's jaw nearly fell to the neatly paved road he stood over.  "Vanitas?  Where did ya hear that name from?"
        "I didn't hear it anywhere" Riku answered bitterly.  "I fought with him in the Jungle world."
        Mickey shook his head.  "That's impossible.  Aqua and I took care of him when he tried to..."  Mickey cleared his throat.  "Riku, after we get as many of the Princesses here as possible, I need you to find both Sora and Kairi before anything else like this happens.  If something were to--"
        Donald patted Mickey on the shoulder.  "Don't worry, Your Majesty!  We'll take care of Disneyland while you're gone."
        Goofy saluted the King.  "And besides, don't Sora, Riku and Kairi need to go to as many worlds as possible?"
        Mickey sighed.  "I guess you're right, guys.  But I need to go see Master Yen Sid, immediately.  How am I gonna--"
        "What am I, chopped liver?" called a voice from a distance.  Still clad in his former Organization XIII robe, Lea walked onto the scene and addressed Mickey.  "I can handle things around here.  I could use a break anyway.  You go and see ol' Yen Sid, while Riku and the dynamic duo here can go and check on the other worlds."
        "Gosh, I don't know, Lea" Mickey thought aloud.  "Are ya sure you can handle things here?"
        "You worry too much, Mickey" Lea scoffed.
        "And you won't run off if Xehanort attacks?" Riku asked slyly at Lea.  Though he was grateful to Lea for his timely rescue of Sora from The World That Never Was, he still didn't trust Lea, or his Nobody counterpart, Axel.  And Lea hadn't done much other than that to gain trust or friendship from Riku's end.  Yet it seemed, he didn't seem to care one way or another if Riku cared about him.
        "I'm still here, aren't I?" Lea mockingly asked Riku.  "Don't worry about this place.  I'll look after the Princesses and the worlds.  Don't you guys have missions to go on or something?"
        "Don't forget that you aren't a Keyblade Master, yet" Riku reminded the brash rogue.
        "And you haven't been one long enough to doubt me, Riku" Lea snidely replied.
         "Touche."
        "Well, I'm sure you two will figure this out" Mickey chimed in.  "But I gotta go check in with Yen Sid and go see how Kairi's doing.  I'll be back as soon as I can."  With that, Mickey darted back towards Fantasy Land.
         Lea rolled his eyes.  "Sheesh.  What does a guy have to do to get some respect around here?"  Not waiting for Riku or the others to answer, Lea walked away after Mickey.
         Riku sighed.  "Well, I guess I'd better get going, too.  There are still more worlds out there that need out help.  And with Kairi and Sora already busy, I'm going to need to work a little harder for this."
         Goofy nodded.  "Yup and we're coming with ya" he spoke happily.
         Riku shook his head.  "That's not what I meant, guys."
         Donald laughed.  "If Sora is busy, then we need to help you out, Riku."
        "It's what Sora would want us to do" Goofy explained.
        "But I--I mean it's--oh well" Riku sighed.  "I guess there's no arguing with you guys, especially if you run on Sora logic."
         Donald nodded.  "It's not too hard to figure out."
         "Even the King's given up on that" Goofy added.
         Riku looked towards a large poster that hung over one of the doors, advertising for a Mardi Gras parade happening soon.  "That's an oddity if I ever saw one.  Guess that must be the next world.  All I ask is if you guys are going to tag along, try not to slow me down."  Riku hurried off towards the Mardi Gras poster with Donald and Goofy galloping after him.

New Party Member: Donald

HP: 45

MP: 120

Friendship: 70
Weapon: Mage's Staff (STR +2, MAG +2)
Armor: N/A
Accessories:
Mystic Earring (MAG +3, AP +4)
Items:
x1 Potion
x 1 Ether

Abilities:

Firagun: Unleash a lethally powerful Fire type attack (Costs 10 MP)

Blizzagun: Unleash a powerful Blizzard type attack (Costs 10 MP)

Thundagun: Unleash a powerful Thunder type attack (Costs 10 MP)

Aerogun: Unleash a powerful Aero type attack (Costs 10 MP)

Zero Gravigun: Suspend all enemies in air (Costs 10 MP)

Stopza: Seize all Time activities in battle for an extended period (Costs 12 MP)

Curagun: Restore all health of opponents and cure them of all ailments (Costs 99 MP)

Magic Boost: Boost the power of all Magic Attacks and Defense Spells

Leaf Bracer: Allows Cure to be cast even while under attack

Shell: Halve the Damage taken by Magical attacks when HP is low

Item Boost: Boost the healing effects of all items on the field

Draw: Draw in nearby orbs

Lucky Lucky: Increase the drop rate or rare items by enemies

New Party Member: Goofy

HP: 50

MP: 100

Friendship: 70

Weapon: Knight's Shield (+2 STR)

Armor: Knight's Armor (+4 DEF, +1 STR)

Accessories: N/A

Items: x3 Potions

Abilities:

Goofy Turbo: Rush at enemies and send them directly at Sora (Costs 10 MP)

Goofy Tornado: Spin around, damaging opponents (Costs 10 MP)

Goofy Charge: Charge forward and stun attacked enemies (Costs 10 MP)

HP Gift: Give Up All MP to give all friends 30 HP

Berserk: Boost Attack when HP is Low

Item Boost: Boost the healing effects of all Items on the field

Second Chance: Ensures 1 HP remains after taking intense damage

Once More: Ensures 1 HP remains after taking damage from a combo

Jackpot: Increases the amount of money dropped by enemies in battle

        To say that the new world Riku and his friends ventured to was a jazzy lighthearted place would be an understatement.  The town seemed to act as if it were one giant party.  Parades of musicians, acrobats, dancers, and even simple villagers marched along and the people in the village took it as business as usual.  Riku could not help but question why the whole village partied as though it was a festival.  

        "This place sure is colorful" he spoke plainly.

        Goofy covered his ears with his hands.  "Yeah, a-hyuck.  And loud too."

        "This place doesn't seem to be worried about the Heartless" Riku remarked, acknowledging how all of the people simply danced away their troubles.  Save for one woman, who hopped off of a trolley and hurried past Riku, bumping into him.  

        "Oh, I'm so sorry" she said in passing as she dashed down the street towards a cafe of some kind. 

        "I guess not everyone has that party life" Donald said as he watched the woman vanish into the cafe.  "But there doesn't seem to be any Heartless here.  Do you think this world really needs us?"

        Riku crossed his arms.  "I've got a question, and feel free to mock me for this.  But what would Sora do here?"

        "Gawrsh, Riku" Goofy scratched his head.  "Where did that come from?"

        "Sometimes" Riku laughed, looking around at the party atmosphere, "I wonder how Sora could just go around to all these worlds and be so cheery all the time.  Does he just enjoy himself like this?"

        "Pretty much" Donald answered.  "He'll take problems seriously, but he would love a place like this."

        "He does know how to let it loose and have fun" Riku grinned.  All this time, I called Sora a slacker and a lazy bum.  Kairi too.  But is this just them enjoying seeing the worlds?  I know I was just like them for a long time.  But now, I can't seem to have too much fun.  

        Riku looked down the street and finally saw what he'd been expecting to see.  A young blonde haired woman and a big well dressed man were surrounded by creatures that lurked on the ground like the Heartless.  "What are they, Daddy?"

        "I can't say, Sugar" the man answered his daughter.  "I just know I didn't approve of no monsters for this year's Mardi Gras!"

         Riku looked to Donald and Goofy.  "Ready?"  When Donald and Goofy gave him a thumbs up, Riku dashed foward and cut through two of the dark demonic creatures, who were cutting off the two local's only escape route.  "Go for cover!  We can handle this!"  

         The man and young woman slipped away and allowed Riku and his friends to take charge.

Defeat All of the Heartless!

        Riku sighed as the Heartless all dissipated.  But before he could enjoy his moment of peace, he was hoisted into the air by the big man and hugged.  "What the--?"

       "Thank you so much, my boy!" the man spoke in a Deep Southern accent.  "Those creatures have started coming out in droves around here.  At least someone can deal with them in time for Mardi Gras."

        "Mardi Gras?" Riku asked, hoping the man would drop him in time for him to breathe again.

        The man looked at Riku as though he were insane and dropped him to the ground.  But then he took another close look at Riku and nodded.  "You must not be from around here, son.  Almost everyone here in New Orleans knows about Mardi Gras.  It's the biggest celebration we have in these parts, my boy.  And each year, yours truly, hosts the party as the Mardi Gras King."

        "Sounds like a lot of fun" Riku remarked.

        "If only" the man sighed.  "We've got our fair share of problems here in New Orleans.  We may be a nice community, but there's still a lot for us to do before the celebrating begins.  And I've got my hands full with my daughter running around and--"

        "DADDY" the young woman screamed, shoving a newspaper into her father's hands. 

        "What is it?  Can't you see I'm--?"

        "But it's a prince, Daddy!  An actual prince here in New Orleans!  Just like you said it would happen!"  Before her father could read the paper, she ripped it from his hands and hugged it tightly.  "Oh, if only I could marry myself a prince!"

        "Darling, I already got you the biggest chateau in Louisiana.  You want a Prince on top of that?"

        "It's Prince Naveen!" the girl argued.  "We've got to get him to come to our party tonight!"

        The man sighed.  "Of course, Charlotte.  I've already spoken with the King and Queen of Maldonia and they think you two meeting is a good idea.  But, it may have to wait, sugar.  With all of these uh--uh--what are these things called, son?"

         "Heartless" Riku responded.

         "With all them Heartless about, it won't be easy to have a party.  I think I might cancel it."

         "Cancel the party?" Donald asked in astonishment.  

         "It's not like those creatures will just go away in time" the man answered.

         "But what about these boys?" Charlotte asked desperately, wrapping her arms around Riku's left arm.  "Daddy, you just saw them taking care of those monsters!  They can come and watch over us!  Please, Daddy?  This may be my one chance to meet my dream prince?"

          The man sighed and looked to Riku and his friends.  "I know this may be a bit crazy, considering we just met, but would ya mind being security to my party?  I can pay you, of course."

          "We need to have an internal discussion" Riku replied, pulling his arm away from Charlotte.  He huddled Donald and Goofy briefly to talk this over.  "We're not considering this, are we?"

          Goofy and Donald looked at each other.  "Well" Donald chimed in, "we don't get to party too much with all that's going on.  Besides, they might need us in case a bigger Heartless shows up."

          Goofy looked to Riku.  "And I'm sure these people are nice."
          Riku sighed.  "I don't know" he whispered.

         Donald snickered.  "Sora would do it!"

          Riku shook his head, though a smile appeared on it.  He rose past Donald and Goofy and looked to Charlotte and her father.  "We'll do it.  We just have a couple of questions for you."
          Charlotte squealed and giddily raced down the street.  Her father nodded.  "And I'd be happy to answer them over some breakfast.  I know this little place down the street that has the best beignets this side of the Mississippi!  And I'll get some for all of us!  It's just down the street boys.  I'm Eli La Bouff."

          "My name's Riku" Riku added.  "This is Donald and Goofy."

          "The pleasure is all mine!  Now, to get us some breakfast!"  Big Daddy La Bouff walked along the street after his daughter with Riku and his friends following.   

           Out from the shadows, a man draped in dark clothing with a walking stick looked out in disgust at Riku and Big Daddy as they walked down towards the cafe.  He wore a top hat with a skull and crossbones emblem and a violet feather sticking out from atop.  "Oh, just great.  No sooner do I get some assistance from the shadows, then in comes some chumps who can defeat them!  The man's shadow came to life and shared the bitter emotions his owner had.  

           "I don't understand what the point of all this is if the Heartless can't even commit one simple act for me.  I thought you told me they'd help, Pete?"

            Out from the shadows where the mysterious man had entered, the big burly assistant to Maleficent emerged, smacking his belly and laughing cruelly.  "Come on there, Facilier!  Maleficent and I promised you'd get all the power you needed here.  If ya need help, why not ask?"

           "Because I can tell those boys are going to be a real problem!" Dr. Facilier sneered.  "They take out Heartless like it's a sport to them!"

          "They've been a pest that needs exterminating for a long time" Pete grumbled.  "Especially the two doofuses.  But the power of the Heartless grows stronger with every place we venture to.  Maleficent is not one who gives up too easily, you know."

         "And how do you expect me to get what I want if they are here at all?"

         "You just leave that loser brigade to me!" Pete sneered.  "You just focus on setting loose all the Heartless we've given you and turning that La Bouff into one, then all the power in this world is yours!"

          Dr. Facilier looked down the street as Riku vanished and grinned.  "I do have a couple of tricks up my sleeves that should give even those chumps a run for their money.  But I got my eyes on a much bigger prize."  Facilier took out a newspaper from his hat and opened it for Pete to see.  The picture atop it was that of Prince Naveen of Maldonia.