Text Talent Contest Entry: "KH13 Karnival"

[_The Door To Light_ 1,507]

Hello, all. Some of you might remember that I posted a particular KH13 related dream I had a while ago, mainly having to do with the website holding a large outdoor event with all the members invited. I decided to create a story that builds on from that dream for the Talent Contest, with more members included, and a plot that doesn't seem as strange.

Here's the link if you'd like to see it: http://kh13.com/forum/topic/67988-a-strange-kh13-related-dream/?do=findComment&comment=1325015

 

 

Chapter 1

 

~**~

 

The early morning settled itself in with an already scorching sun, it was reasonable for anyone to describe the environment as oven-like.

It was typical Australian weather. Both the residents and tourists of Melbourne alike strolled the streets gleaming with sweat and wrapped in thin clothing. Despite the extreme heat, Door had noted the sky was a hypnotizing shade of blue with white fluffy clouds that made her stretch out her hand in a childish way, wanting to take all of the beauty in. Door had been filled with a range of emotions for months while waiting for the event. She was excited, wanting to meet all of her friends from KH13. She was also nervous, wondering what the members would think of her. More importantly, Door had been anxious, thinking about what kind of surprises all the members were in for during the KH13 Karvnival.

 

The idea of KH13 Karnival wasn't something particularly new. The members of KH13 had always dreamed of meeting each other in the real world. But nobody had ever thought the opportunity for this would actually arise, especially not in such a grand manner. 

In late December, DChiuch had been posting serval statuses joking about throwing a party and inviting everyone on KH13. But it wasn't long after that serval members turned the statuses into a running joke; 

 

"DC, should I wear my pajamas to the party?"

"DC, I'm going to bring Twister!"

​"Will Utada Hikaru make a guest appearance?"

 

Unfortunately, the statuses had somehow turned into arguments and members had caused chaos on the forum. Settling the whole mess, DChuich created a thread, explaining that his party statuses had initially began as a joke, but then confessed that he and Aaron had started to plan a real event. Of course, all the members were invited.

But DChiuch hadn't revealed much about this event. There were the obvious points, where and when the event would take place. He also mentioned that each member should set up a stand or cart for them to sell items, with their respective profile pictures stamped on. They could sell anything from drawings, to stories to homemade treats. It could be thought of as something similar to a school festival in a slice-of-life anime. When other members asked what else would exactly occur at the event, DChiuch simply said; 'It's a surprise'.

 

After many months of conspiracy threads, anticipation and devising, the large celebration known as the KH13 Karnival was about to begin. With Altona Beach only a few blocks away, Door broke into sprint and began to giggle. 

 

~***~

 

 

 

 

[Captain Arrowguns 466]

"DC, I'm going to bring Twister!" -I don't know why, but I found that hilarious.

 

By the way, nice job on the story so far. Interesting premise.

[_The Door To Light_ 1,507]

Chapter 2

 

~***~

 

After just a few feet of sprinting, Door had grown tired. She began to pant heavily, but adrenaline had kept her on her feet. After the ocean was in view, Door began to yell in a cheery way. In about five seconds, she crash landed into the powdery sand, in front of a large cart.

Door heard all kinds of different voices around her. 

"Is she okay?" said a boy, curiously.

"Poke her with a stick." another boy said.

​Door rose immediately and smiled widely. She looked up to a sign that hung from the cart, it read: "KH13 Karnival" in the websites classic logo font. The bottom was decorated with the well-known profile pictures of most of the KH13 staff members, side by side. Since Door had often visited the 'Post a Picture of Yourself', most of the group had been recognizable. Not to mention that they also wore generic name tags with 'Hi, My Name is:' with their respective usernames. Door had cleared her throat and began grandiloquently.

 

"Hello, I am The Door to Light."

 

For a moment the staff looked at each other and chuckled. Door continued to introduce herself, with dramatic hand gestures.

 

"The best kind of door, ultimate power, you know."

 

DChiuch and Aaron stepped forward, the two wore tuxedoes with noticeable perspiration stains and black shades. They immediately handed Door a name tag. As they would eventually do with the rest of the members entering the celebration.

 

"Welcome to the Karnival, Door." said DChiuch.

"Thank you. What's with the tuxedoes?" she asked.

"It was Shana's idea." he laughs.

 

~***~

It was no sooner after Door's unique debut had more members of KH13 came flowing in. Most had traveled together in different vehicles, but not to Door's surprise there were many who had come running like wild. Of course, for such an extraordinary event even the most lazy would become excited enough to use physical strength.

Yes, it was hard for her to believe too. Door later noted that RoxSox appeared as if he rode into battle, holding some of the items he planned to sell, high with pride.

 

The exchanges and meetings between the other members were bittersweet, and down right hilarious at moments. ~DawnStar2004~ had ran, full charge to each and every member and hugged them tightly. Confusing most, but her Riku plush had given her identity away. Snow and Jim had given each other high fives, followed by doing back flips across the beach. And later into the day, Xaon and FlamingLea had arrived, the two had carried a crate that was easily the largest out of any present,  surely full of their own wares. A couple of members had grouped around them in awe, then proceeded to jump on top. Xaon sprayed them with water (Who knows if it was actually water?)

Door hugged the two tightly, FlamingLea patted her head.

"It's cool to see everyone at last." says FlamingLea.

 

Door nodded in agreement. It was only a few hours since the Karnival started, and she was filled with more joy than ever.

 

~***~

 

There is more to come~

Edited January 18, 2014 by _The Door To Light_

[_The Door To Light_ 1,507]

Chapter 3

 

~***~

 

It was noon when the vast majority of members had settled themselves in. Door had been surprised by the crowds, but was happy nonetheless. It was also at that moment when DChiuch announced for everyone to set up their stands and get their own items ready for sale. Though, Door had decided to watch others before setting her own. She approached Jim, RoxSox, and Snow in their own corner of the beach. RoxSox and his stand finished. Jim's looked irregular, possibly making a mistake at first. He starred at it in confusion. Snow's own cart was a couple of pieces of wood in the sand. 

 

"What are you going to be selling?" asked RoxSox to Snow.

 

Snow pulled a giant black bag next to him, with much effort. He pulled out a small, thin box. A video game case. Snow handed the case to RoxSox.

RoxSox observed it for a second, then gave Snow a strange look.

 

"What is this?" RoxSox says, as if the item was a joke. Snow giggles wildly.

 

Door peered at the case in RoxSox's hands. She immediately noticed what RoxSox was puzzled with. The video game case had the art work for Final Fantasy XII, but the title was from Final Fantasy XIII-2. Snow's bag had tipped over, revealing dozens of these cases. Soon, more members gathered around. Curious about the items.

 

"You're selling bootleg copies of Final Fantasy XIII-2? Or is it XII?" Javelin434 asks, appearing from behind Jim.

 

Snow crosses his arms, glowing with pride.

 

"I wanted to sell something more…Kinky." he explains. "But of course, Daniel didn't allow it."

 

Javelin434 shakes his head, but smiles. Meanwhile, Jim's stand had collapsed in itself. He quickly kicks the pieces of wood aside.

 

"Well, it could be worse. It could be Final Fantasy VIII." RoxSox said.

 

With this, the group laughs out loud. Suddenly, everyone had been interested in what others were selling.

 

Jim asks RoxSox; "What will you be selling? Autographed copies of 'Sora 96's Lust for Power' ?"

 

RoxSox beams. Then, he gives his stand a hard kick. 

 

"I think you figured me out!" he said.

 

Javelin434 steps into the middle of the crowd, clears his throat and begins dramatically;

 

"As for me, I will be harboring a fine collection of hand made Kairi figures! Stay tuned everyone, this collection will be the greatest at the Karnival!"

 

The crowd moans collectively. Javelin434 frowns. But he continues anyhow.

 

"I thought I'd get that reaction…But I'd like to inform you that, Kairi wears a bikini!"

 

The crowd cheers loudly. RoxSox then looks down at Jim with his pile of broken wood.

 

"What about you, Jim? Do you have something that would catch the Karnival's fancy?"

 

"…Well, Weedanort and I agreed to sell mini powdered doughnuts."

 

Door claps her hands together.

 

"Delicious! I think Jim has the greatest idea for sale!"

 

"Gee, thanks Door." Jim rubs his head.

 

Weedanort walks towards the group. (Well, more like gallops towards the group) he crouches down and starts to assist Jim with his damaged stand.

 

"That's correct. Mini powdered doughnuts are the best snack in the world."

 

Javelin434, objecting to the thought, boldly says:

 

"What about Oreos?"

 

And like that, the crowd grows tense. Though, it seems that many others agreed with Javelin.

 

"This man speaks the truth! Who needs mini powdered doughnuts, when you have the chocolately deliciousness of Oreos!" Door was never able to identify who spoke those words, considering it came from the back of the crowd.

 

The members begin to chant together, and march away in a perfect group. Leaving Door, Snow, Jim, RoxSox, and Weedanort.

 

"Boy, that escalated quickly." Door mumbles to herself.

 

Of course, only KH13 could create such a riot over snacks.

Door waves farewell to the group, deciding to finally set her own stand. She had though to herself with much joy. She planned to sell drawings of Kingdom Hearts characters. It wasn't an original idea, but she had worked for long hours to complete them and was quite content with her creativity.

Door found a clearing by FlamingLea and Xaon's cart; where the couple sold gingerbread cookies in the shape of Organization XIII members. She laid down her luggage bag and started to look for her drawing and wood parts.

 

To her shock, Door wasn't able to find any of the items. She rummaged through the bag and spilled it's contents, only finding clothing. Door's heart quickened.

Had her items been left in America? 

 

~***~

[_The Door To Light_ 1,507]

Chapter 4

 

~***~

 

In pure panic, Door rifles faster through her luggage, hoping for a sign of her drawings. Or anything!

 

"Kingdom Hearts shirt, Kingdom Hearts shirt, more Kingdom Hearts stuff…Not Kingdom Hearts crap." She says while sorting through her items. 

 

​With a sound of frustration, Door tosses the bag behind her. She hears a crash and a yelp of pain.

 

"Sorry, Timid!" Door shouted, hoarsely.

 

With a wave of disappointment, Door walks to FlamingLea's and Xaon's cart, and questions the couple.

 

"Have either of you seen some Kingdom Hearts drawings?" Though, a few seconds after Door realized how stupid that sounded at a KH13 festival.

 

"…Which ones?" asked Xaon.

 

Door sighs. "I've lost all of my things. I was going to sell drawings."

 

FlamingLea puts her arm around Door in comfort. 

 

"Sorry to hear about that, Door. Maybe, Daniel could help you." she said.

 

Xaon waves a gingerbread cookie, in the shape of Demyx, in front of Door's face.

 

"Will a cookie make you feel better?" he asked, in a sing-song voice.

 

"Will that cookie Squirt at me?"

 

"Yes; Squirting Demyx Squirts Strawberry Jelly." Xaon said. He held his hand up for a high-five from FlamingLea. She didn't return it. 

 

~***~

 

Ten and half minutes later, Door received the bad news from DChiuch.

 

"I haven't seen your drawings, Door. At least, they didn't have your username signed on them."

 

Door shook her head in a sign of defeat.

 

"What should I do now?" she asked.

 

"You should just go around helping others sell their things." he suggested.

 

Door accepted it. It wasn't a bad idea. 

 

~***~

 

Unfortunately for Door, the first person she thought of to help had their own problems.

 

She spotted Snow running away like a mad man.

 

"Er, Snow…Do you need some help?" Door asked as he ran passed her. Then she heard the police sirens approaching...

 

"Weedanort must have called the police!" he explained, panting.

 

Door looked around, and heard Weedanort shouting from the other side of the beach.

 

"That's what you get for those pirated games, FOOL!" he then proceeded to stuff a handful of mini powdered doughnuts into his mouth.

 

Javelin434 emerged from his stand, and fell to the ground, laughing.

 

"You'll never catch me!" Snow called out, when he noticed the Melbourne police at his tail.

 

Somehow, Snow evaded the police. But he did hide in Queen Tery's cart for the rest of the Karnival. Door still hadn't figured out what had just happened.

 

~***~

 

Well, Snow was definitely ruled out.  Door decided to ask ~DawnStar2004~ next. 

Her stand was fairly close to Xaon's and FlamingLea's, and it was gorgeously decorated too. Her iconic Riku avatar was stamped on the side, of course. The wood was painted a bright pink, with rose and daisy accents. It certainly was an attention-grabber.

~DawnStar2004~ sat on top of a shelf, and smiled at the sight of Door walking towards her.

 

"Greetings, Door-Chan. Would you like to buy a Riku portrait? Or maybe some fancy soaps?" she says brightly.

 

Door noted the delicately painted Riku pictures. However, she went straight to the point and inquired ~DawnStar2004~.

 

"Hi, Dawny. I just wanted to ask--" Door cut herself off when she saw Dawn's other merchandise.

 

There were bottles of pure black colored soaps. The label had a photo of Xehanort with a seductive pose and read: 'Darkness Scented'.

 

"What's that?" Door said flatly.

 

"A specialty item." she explained.

 

Door paid her attention back to more important matters. "Dawny, I've lost my things. Do you mind if I help you sell your merchandise?"

 

"Of course!" Dawn looked at her with tenderness.

 

~***~

 

For a while, Door and ~DawnStar2004~ sold many portraits. And surprisingly enough, many bottles of the soaps. It seemed the other members were quite interested in them.

 

Then, Xaon and FlamingLea had a malfunction with their cookies. The small oven they used to bake suddenly caught fire.

 

"Lea, our cookies are Flaming!" Xaon started saying in terror, but then chuckled at his own pun.

 

The inferno had spread quickly, and sadly, to DawnStar's stand. Door and her were able to leave the stand without injury. Xaon and FlamingLea were able to save most of their own and DawnStar's merchandise, but a great deal was lost.

 

"I'm very sorry, Dawny." Door was ridden with guilt and hugged the girl tightly. 

 

"Oh, Door…" ~DawnStar2004~ paused, in grief. "At least Riku is okay." she said, and kissed her plush's head.

 

 

Door had choose to give DawnStar time with her plush, and to assist other members with their sales.

 

But it wasn't as if her other jobs had gone any better…

~***~

Edited January 24, 2014 by _The Door To Light_

[HarLea Quinn 26,501]

 What a cute story so far! I love it .I'll be back to like this when i get likes back again

[_The Door To Light_ 1,507]

Chapter 5

 

~***~

 

Door didn't think it was possible for so many casualties to occur in such short time. Though, she was proven wrong each time she attempted to assist a member with their sales.

​The key word was attempted.

After the stand of ~DawnStar2004~ went up in flames, Door thought to help Shana09 and Caity Raindrop with their raspberry snow cone business. Because of Australia's absurd heat, the snow cones sold rather quickly. That also meant they melted rather quickly...

Shana09 had asked Door to retrieve extra raspberry syrup from her suitcase. Meanwhile, the two girls made small talk. Caity Raindrop leaned against the snow cone machine.

 

"Did you decide to sell snow cones because of the film 'Frozen'? Or because it would make a considerable profit?" Caity asked Shana09.

 

"...It might have been." Shana09 looked into the distance.

 

"I wonder if the police ever caught Snow. That would make an interesting headline." Caity wondered.

 

"I'm sure he hid in Queen Tery's stand." Shana09 was in fact, correct. 

 

"That poor man."

 

The girls soon noticed Door heading back with the raspberry syrup.

 

"I brought the--" Door cut herself off and dropped the syrup when she noticed smoke emanating from the snow cone machine.

 

Caity Raindrop immediately felt water dripping to her clothing, and to the bottom of the machine.

 

"Shana, the machine!" Caity jumped back when sparks began to fly out.

 

Shredded ice over flowed and syrup splashed when the machine shook violently. Other members saw the commotion and gathered around in curiosity and horror.

With a final bang! from the motor, the machine collapsed within itself. Shana09 approached the disaster slowly, then took note of the pile of pieces. 

Though in disappointment, the girl still tried to lighten the mood.

 

"It looks like all of us will start to over heat without the snow cones. I demand extra money." she said.

 

Lu Xun and Think Pink helped clean up the mess, and Door apologized several times. The two girls assured her that it was merely an accident.

Door buried her face in her hands.

 

~***~

 

"Perhaps..." Door thought, "I should try to help someone without a machine, or machines around them" Door began to think negatively and wondered why the each of the machines began to fail randomly.

 

It wasn't as if this idea made much of a difference.

 

She helped Xiro with the sale of stories. They were just stories, and there wasn't a contraption in sight. Just the mesmerizing turquoise sea directly next to them. Surely, nothing could go wrong.

There wasn't as much activity compared to the other stands, but Xiro and Door still received customers browsing through various leather-bond books. 

Xiro seemed to be content with the lack of hustle and bustle.

 

Then there was the massive tidal wave, which came without warning. And washed most of the books, along Door and Xiro, back with it. The two members rose from the sea coughing and sputtering. Xiro made a soft sound of pure pain at the sight of the drenched books around them. Door on the other hand, threw herself back into the sea in embarrassment.

 

It was a conspiracy.

 

~***~

 

Late into the evening, Door had long given up on merchandise. She simply strolled along the beach and blissfully watched the vending take place from far away.

Within this same time, DChiuch, Aaron, and the entire KH13 staff marched nonchalantly to the center of the beach around all of the carts and stands, smiling widely. 

DChiuch began in a booming voice,

 

"I am thrilled to see that all of you are enjoying yourselves." he started,  "But, I hope you didn't forget that we still have surprises in store."

 

Each of the members cheered from their stands. It was true that DChiuch hadn't revealed much information about the Karnival other than the merchandise.

Everyone was in excitement at finally discovering what Daniel had in mind.

 

"Just as promised, the staff and I wanted to make this an experience to remember. Aaron, would you like to do the honors?"

 

Aaron smirked. "It may be hard for you all to believe, but we managed to bring a master troll to this Karnival."

 

The members began to laugh, initially thinking about the several trolls of KH13.

 

"Everyone, tonight we bring you Utada Hikaru!" Aaron cheered.

 

At first, the members grew silent. How could that be? 

But sure enough, a pretty Japanese woman--with the expression of content--emerged from behind the staff members. Along with an older American man (surely an interpreter), waved at the crowd of members. 

Soon, they all broke into applause. One member in particular shouted; 

 

"I knew I was right!" most likely regarding to the early running joke statuses that had taken place before the carnival.

 

Most of the members looked as if they had soiled themselves. Others simply flipped out. Door, even throughout all of the shame she faced that day, couldn't help herself from squealing and she sprinted directly to the center of the beach. The members began to flood around Hikaru and bombarded her with questions. Well, they had all asked her the same question;

 

"Will you do the soundtrack for Kingdom Hearts III?"

 

The woman only smiled. Though she did look slightly uncomfortable. Not long after, DChiuch had forced the members to at least refrain from crowding so close to her at once.

 

Hikaru, her interpreter, and all of the staff, soon began to show her around the Karnival. Mostly expressing all of the hard work they went through to form the event. She looked amused, and took a good look at all of the merchandise.

Then there were the machines again. Door had managed to straggle behind the group (along with a couple dozen members) and began to feel cautious. She had spread chaos, simple enough. 

 

Hikaru had stopped at FlamingLea's and Xaon's cart. Xaon attempted to quickly repair their charred oven, with no avail. Nonetheless, Hikaru had admired their Organization XIII gingerbread cookies. FlamingLea smiled with pride.

A strange thing happened next.  The oven that was thought to be completely destroyed began to act up again, more smoke had started to come out. The staff, Hikaru, FlamingLea and Xaon looked confused. Xaon started to fan the smoke away, but only more had formed. Door gasped. The oven produced a small flame a began to shake violently.

 

"I told you not to tinker with that thing." FlamingLea tried to keep calm and put out the fire.

 

Sparks had emerged, and the staff started to back away with Hikaru's interpreter.  FlamingLea and Xaon jumped back quickly in fear, almost looking like parkour. Door finally ran forward and pulled Hikaru back. The oven created a small explosion. Hikaru gave Door a mixed look of gratitude and terror. 

The staff members, and the rest of the members crowded around, stared at Door for a moment, and exploded into a roar of cheers.

Door looked around, puzzled.

 

"What?" she asked

 

DChiuch approached Door and shook her hand.

 

"Door, you've screwed shit up all day! But it was awesome...And this, was amazing. You've saved Utada Hikaru!" the webmaster shouted.

 

Dozens of members had grouped around Door and gave her pats on the back, rubs on the head, and handshakes. She managed to smile.

 

~***~

 

Maybe something about Door's presence had caused every merchant and machine at the Karnival problems, or maybe it was all a creepy coincidence. The tales of the KH13 Karnival and Door's brave act had circled around the forum, and the rest of the internet for months to come. The event was truly remarkable for just a few thousand Kingdom Hearts fan, two site creators, and a Door. All was well.

 

~***~

 

THE END.

Edited January 25, 2014 by _The Door To Light_

[Lu Xun 2,069]

Good job! Just replying to inform that I've read it!

Good luck