Bloodbath Kingdom 2

by SpringBorn

A month has passed since the horrors on the island, as Lanna and the gang are recovering and training, unaware of the new nightmare. Mickey soon finds Sora and Riku with the help of the family and gets the keybearers, Sora and Riku prepare for the Mark of Mastery. Thing seems calm when the new Organization XIII attacks, making the gang leave their home and travel to new worlds.

1. Chapter 1

Bloodbath Kingdom 2

Author: Springborn

Co Author: Warrior of Six Blades

Chapter One

-One month Later-

(Kennedy Household)

Lanna was in the backyard, doing sit ups from a tree branch that was more than strong enough to hold her weight. She could see her parents from the window as they were getting breakfast ready. She smiled softly as Matthew was sound asleep in his playpen. The month had been an interesting one she knew. Her life as well as her families had changed dramatically, more so than the usual B.O.W attacks in the past. They had met their new found friends, Sora, Riku, Kairi and Donald and Goofy, who were Disney characters! That was only part of the most shocking development. '98' she thought, grunting as she did another sit up.

Heartless, Maleficent, the resurrection of past enemies that had been brought back to life as well as Leon's old friend, Luis. Her dad and Luis had been busy catching up, strengthening their friendship. '99' she counted and her smile grew more as she thought of the Brunette with blue eyes that somehow slipped into her heart in such a short time. Sora. That boy, teen, with the goofy smiles and happy attitude had won not only her over but her family and friends. Her smile dimmed a bit, remembering the nights where she would hear him cry out in his sleep from nightmares and would hold him till he calmed down. He would do the same to her when her dreams were plagued by horrors from that island, an emotional scar for them both. She was just happy that Elly didn't have those same dreams. '100'. She sat up and settled onto the branch, panting lightly from the light work out.

Sora watched her as he came out of the house, smiling gently as he brought her a bottle of water to refresh herself. She always tends to push herself pretty hard and truthfully he couldn't blame her. He would do the same whenever the time came for Sora, Riku, and Kairi to meet up for private training in places that wouldn't raises too many questions for possible explosions and light shows. Meaning they needed to train in abandoned underground labs that wasn't supposed to exist.

Having Ada take them to these places to train was a life saver for them as it kept them in shape and their powers at full. Though growth happens much slower without decent challenges to push themselves, they made decent progress.

Even Donald and Goofy were getting better in combat, with Kairi becoming very confident in protecting herself now!

Sora's training with the BSAA in hopes of joining a team has been...interesting to say the least. When he found out he was in Burns class. He was dreading the guy might have out for him and when he found out Chris wanted him in, Burns definitely tried to prove Sora unworthy. Even getting older students to spar with Sora to make him look bad or try to break his morale. Only to seemingly grow angrier as Sora constantly keep beating students with knife and hand to hand combat.

Sora was still learning on technique, but his strength and speed was already way stronger than normal humans could hope to keep up with. So while he was trying to restrain himself to make it seem he wasn't completely overpowering them. It was proven quite impossible to restrain Sora completely.

So far no one had spotted any sign or rumors of King Mickey or Organization XIII. So Sora took this time to learn more on hand to hand techniques from Jake and Lanna. While in secret training Leon, Claire, Chris, and Jill about using light to enhance their attacks and weapons. Claire and Jill taking it like fish to water. While Chris and Leon had to take time getting use to it.

Lanna turned and smiled at him, seeing Sora step out of the house. Her family, friends were all getting stronger from the training they were all doing. It was making them all stronger as teams and individuals. To say the training was boring would be idiotic. It was beyond boring. It was fun for the most part. She wouldn't trade it for the world either. She jumped down easily and laded on her feet. Since the training, her body became a bit more tone and muscular but still holding her curves nicely. Even her mom, Clare was loosing the pregnancy fat a bit faster than normal.

"Hey," Lanna said smiling at him, picking up her towel and wiped her face clean of the sweat that beaded on her forehead.

"Hey, Lanna, you seem to be holding yourself pretty good on training so far. As has your family and I want to run something by you all later today about advancing your training. Interested?" Sora asks handing her the bottle of water as he made his offer. He felt it was about time to try his hand at teaching them how to cast magic like Donald and himself do.

It was already obvious Riku was teaching Ada and little surprise she had a decent grasp on both light and darkness now.

Lanna took the bottle and opened it up, taking a long drink as she could feel the cool water run down her throat. She sighed happily and looked at him. "Sure," she said, smiling. "I'm always interested in continuing training." She enjoyed learning about her new light powers. She had gotten better with prolonging it for longer periods of time without getting as tired as she did in the beginning and training under Sora had brought them closer as well.

"Great, now we just need to let Chris and Jill know too. I'll talk to Leon and Claire about inviting them over so I can tell everyone at once." Sora says making plans on which magic he should try teaching them first. He soon sees Jake coming out of the house in his black muscle shirt and black combat pants and boots.

"Sup, Spikes, little red, hope I'm not interrupting any flirting." Jake comments with a teasing tone as he smirks at them. Sora blushing in embarrassment as while he wasn't flirting...He wouldn't have minded it if they were and they've been interrupted while flirting before.

Lanna flushed a bit. "No, Jake," she said, throwing her towel at the man she considered as a brother. She took another swig of the water that Sora brought her. "We were talking about training." She smirked at the older man. "You're more than welcome to join in."

"Sure, but before that I feel I should let you know I'll be heading off to work tomorrow. Claire decided to hire me as a bodyguard for when Terrasave goes looking for survivors during BSAA's clean up tomorrow." Jake says rolling his shoulders ready for a light spar with his little sister as he gets into his stance.

Lanna got into a stance as well. "Really? Mom never mentioned it," she said, a bit surprised at the info but knew her mother was struggling to clear Terrasave's name, since it had been dampened by Neil's betrayal years ago. It left her mom heartbroken and betrayed by the man that she had grown very fond of, maybe even loved at one point. Her father was pissed when he heard about it and helped Claire get over him. Unknowingly making her fall for him overtime, as he did for her too, and in time got in a relationship together. She sent out a punch toward Jake.

Jake seeing this catches her arm, spinning around as he threw her over his shoulder. Smirking in pride seeing Lanna catch herself and try to retaliate with a kick aimed at his chest. Only for Jake to jump back to avoid contact.

"Nice try, little red, but you'll have to do better than that." Jake says lightly with a serious look in his eyes. Knowing he couldn't get too careless with her or she'd make him pay for it.

Lanna smirked as her eyes sparkled and ran at him again, her fist gripped like she was ready to hit him when she dodged to the side and hit him the back with the palm of her hand. She had gotten better with the constant training from him, Chris and Leon.

Jake stumbles forward from the hit, wincing a bit as he used the force to spin on one leg and lash out a side kick to Lanna's chest. An attack Lanna barley blocks as it forces her back with her feet dragging into the ground a bit.

Lanna grunted and grabbed his foot, quickly moving close, hitting him twice, one in the chest and lower stomach, before pushing him back. She jumped back, putting her fists up as she knew Jake wasn't done yet.

She was right as Jake smirked at her and moved toward her in speeds that surprised her. Launching a fist toward her face, but stopping just before it hit her raised left arm in defense. Making her eyes widen realizing it was a faint, only to hiss in pain as Jake's left leg kicked her shin. Lanna stumbles back only to get hit in the gut twice making her stumble into Jake's hold. Grabbing her around the waist as he slips behind her threw her overhead.

Lanna spins to correct herself and immediately crosses her arms as she blocks a flying side kick from Jake aiming for her chest. Making her skid and fall rolling across the yard as she uses the momentum to roll to her feet again. Wincing as she shakes the pain out of her arms for a second, but keeping her eyes on the mercenary smirking at her.

She smirked in returned as she ran forward, throwing a punch at his chin and ducked under him, ramming her shoulder into his stomach with enough force to make him skid backwards. She blocked his fist that was heading to her face and twisted to the side, launching her leg at his hip.

Only for Jake to deflect her leg and grab it before Lanna could pull it back. Pulling her too him making her loose balance as Jake pushed her to the ground. Both legs acting as weights on her back as he struggled to keep her arms pinned behind her back.

"Do you yield, sis? Or do I have to show Sora your ticklish spots?" Jake warns playfully making Sora raise an eyebrow at Jake's warning.

Lanna laughed. "Uncle!" she said, trying not blush at the idea of Sora learning that trick. It was bad enough that Jake knew them! She panted lightly. "I yield!"

"Good move, sis," Jake says pleased. Standing on his feet again and helps his sister figure up, brushing dirt off her as he does so. "I have to say, I'm impressed how much you've grown over the years since we first started."

Lanna smiled at the praise. "Thank you," she said. "I have good teachers." She remembered how she was in the beginning. She was 12 when she first started training, much to her parents dismay, but she had persisted. Saying she wanted to learn, letting them know that it was her dream and still is. "Mom and dad were hesitant in the beginning. I remember you were as well."

"Hey, I honestly wasn't expecting you to even know half the things you knew back then. I mean I warned them you might follow in their footsteps, but I thought it'd be a few more years before that happened." Jake explains remembering how surprised he was that day Claire gave him a call asking for his help in training Lanna.

"I've watched everyone else train..." Lanna said remembering. "I guess it kind stuck enough." She remembered, watching and hoping she could do the training when the time came. The years of training under her family and than her teachers afterwards. She rubbed her left arm, remembering she had broken it one year at training under Mr. Burns. It took longer than normal to heal up because she had slipped out after dark to train more. She remembered how her old teammates snickered behind her back or other comments, the teachers as well. When she failed, her teachers always said she had to try harder and she did.

Sora seeing this frowned in worry wondering why Lanna was rubbing her arm. As if lost in a memory, while Jake looked on in understanding. "We all have times when we fall or trip, Lanna, but you always picked yourself up. Getting stronger than before, so don't sweat the details of your past." Jake advises his little sister figure.

Lanna blinked and smiled lightly. "Yeah. I guess I worry to much," said, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Heh, mom and dad weren't too happy to learn I had been training with a broken arm."

Jake only snorted at that obvious statement, "You think?" Jake asks sarcastically. He still remembers the way Claire went mother hen on Lanna and forbid her from any training without supervision until the arm was healed.

"When is breakfast gonna be ready?" Sora moaned a little in hunger, his stomach rumbling in agreement.

Lanna grinned and chuckled softly at Sora's question. "Should be ready soon," she said smiling and heard Claire call out from the window. "Breakfast!" she said, smiling as she waved and headed inside.

"There ya go, Sora," Lanna said smiling.

"Last one in has to wear a hula skirt!" Jake says getting a head start on them. Making Sora look at him in shock. "Wait, what?!" Sora shouts trying to catch up to Jake. Lanna following in step with Sora.

Lanna smiled as she followed after them inside. The smell of french toast, bacon, real maple syrup wafted through the air. Claire grinned as she saw them. "Hope everyone is hungry," she said. "Leon, it's ready!"

"Coming, dear!" Leon calls as he got down stairs clean and shaven. Smiling as he took a seat at the table and takes a sip from his morning coffee. Jake gives Lanna a mischievous smirk.

"I'm sure Sora will love to see you in a hula skirt, Lanna." Jake comments making Leon nearly spit out the coffee he was drinking. But manages to keep it in as he looks warily at them both. What the heck were they talking about or planning while out training?

Lanna sweatdropped at that. "Yeah...I'm sure Sherry would love to see you in one," she said. Claire giggled as she heard the conversation. "Calm down, babe," she said to Leon.

"Maybe, but you'd look better in it and I think Sora would agree with me," Jake says teasingly with a smug grin before Leon taps his head with a spoon.

"Down boy or I'll advise Sherry you've been teasing Lanna again." Leon warns Jake not wanting to hear them talk about her love life with Sora. Yes, he accepts Sora as her boyfriend and maybe one day her husband, but he still had a bit of process getting comfortable with everything their relationship would entail.

Lanna chuckled softly as she still wore the bracelet from their first date. "Thanks dad," she said as she sat down. She picked up her coffee mug that said 'Coffee lover' on the front with different colored hearts. She was still getting used to being in a relationship.

"I guess now's a good time to bring this up, but I was wondering if you could invite Chris and Jill over for training tonight after work? I think it's time I taught you all something new on your training regarding magic." Sora says getting Leon to raise an eyebrow and Jake to smirk at the possibilities running in his head.

"Does that mean we get to rain god like thunder on our enemies or create giant firebombs?" Jake asks making Sora shake his head amused. Clearly Jake was very eager to learn some of Sora's more powerful magics, but he was forgetting it took him many life or death situations to make him this strong. Not to mention time and effort to master being able to use those magics.

"That will take time, Jake, lots of time. You need to master the basic level magic elements first, before even considering the higher ranked magics." Sora advises his friend and student, who rolls his eyes at that answer.

Claire smiled a bit. "I can call them after breakfast," she said. "It'll be interesting to see what else we'll be able to learn." She was interested in learning more, as it was fun to learn this new way of fighting. Lanna nodded in agreement. "I'm excited," she said.

"Glad to hear it, I'm personally looking forward to seeing how you all will handle magic casting myself. Though as a warning, bring something you can use a conductor for magical energy. Like I do with the keyblade, it helps you focus the magic I'm going to teach you." Sora suggests as Jake smirks playfully.

"So we need a couple wands and broomsticks?" Jake says with humor as Sora shakes his head.

"No Jake," Sora says with a sigh.

"Something to help focus, huh?" Claire said thoughtfully. "How would that work though and does it have to be a weapon?" Lanna wondered the same thing.

"I don't know if it has to be a weapon, but I focus my magic through my keyblade. Starting from the shaft all the way to the tip where it all builds up and then release the built up energy, once you've got a good handle on the type of magic you intend to use." Sora explains much to Jake's suppressed chuckles at first, but at the end he could help laughing at Sora's choice of words.

"What's so funny, Jake?" Sora asks curious why his friend and student found his explanation funny. He was trying to help him understand how it works, not tell a joke.

"Think over what you said carefully, spikes. very similar to how men have their 'release, don't you think?" Jake hints to Sora smugly with a grin as Sora blushed at the implication." Jake says smugly with a grin as Sora blushed at the implications. The fact he had some...pictures to help him during his sex ed lesson from Leon and Claire didn't help his imagination.

Lanna nearly choked on her coffee at this. It didn't help with Jake's joke and the combination of Sora's choice of words. She coughed a bit, tears in her eyes. She was thankful her parents gave Sora his sex education and remembered Sora's bright red face when he was done.

"Ugh...Jake, do I really need to call Sherry and convince her you two need that honeymoon sooner rather than later?" Leon asks dreading the idea, but his jokes were sometimes a little much for Leon to handle.

"As much as I would like that, I rather you not trouble her because of me. Sherry really wants to help out and make sure everything is set here before we go on our honeymoon." Jake explains getting a smile from Sora glad Jake was a good husband, even if he teased and annoyed them at times...

"Where did you choose to go this time?" Lanna asked grinning, knowing they had been planning the second honeymoon since they came back from the island and they hoped to have a little one of their own. She hoped they did as she knew Jake and Sherry would make great parents.

"We're thinking of checking Hawaii, as her way of getting me away from Mercenary work and the city life." Jake said smirking in content and amusement at Sherry trying to make him relax.

Claire smirked. "It might do you some good, sweetie," she said in a motherly tone. "But seriously, Jake. You do need to relax." She looked at the man. "We all do, but you and Sherry both need it." She knew the two both had viruses in them and a lot of the members knew that, even some that didn't need to.

"Yeah I suppose so, might be nice to get away from Chris's and the BSAA's offers to bring me into their fold for a while." Jake says still unsure if he was willing to get mixed up with them. He didn't have anything against Chris for making the offer, but it got frustrating after a while and he honestly wasn't sure how he felt about being a BSAA member.

Lanna saw the look on his face and nudged him gently. "Hey," she said. "You'll figure it out." She knew he was under pressure from her uncle and the BSAA. She knew someone would have to take over the organization when her aunt and uncle retired one day. She sipped her coffee.

Jake couldn't help the smirk that formed on his face as he ruffled her hair in good nature. "Thanks, little red, but maybe we should focus on Spikes big day today? If I remember correctly. He has to do a test that'll make him officially a BSAA member." Jake said making the family smile except for Sora who looked annoyed.

"Mr. Burns has been trying to block me every step of the way too," Sora muttered before a relieved look crossed his face. "It'll be nice to finally be part of the team and not put up with him anymore. That guy just refuses to be friends and stop his grudge..."

"Can't win them all, Sora, some people just won't be your friend even when you try to be theirs." Leon advises wisely getting nods from everyone on the table. Even a reluctant one from Sora.

Lanna chuckled at Jake, grinning and nodded. She looked at Sora and sighed. "He's just a sour old man, Sora," she said, remembering when she had to put up with him. "Just remember that you're better than him and we got your back."

Sora gave a small thankful smile to Lanna at this, "Thanks, Lanna."

'Oh god just get a room already!' Roxas shouts from Sora's heart through their mental link, making the boy blush at Roxas's comment. That was something that took a while to get use to for Sora and everyone else in the family. Jake had at first joked that it was a sign of insanity because he could hear Roxas's voice in his head. But eventually everyone somewhat got use to Sora having the ability to chat and hear Roxas who lives in his heart now.

What really took a while to get use to was that Anti seems to be there too and Roxas could see him. Weirdly Anti never made moves to attack Roxas or try to take control from Sora. More like just wander around or stare at Roxas for a while. It rarely talked to either of them, but oddly Anti Form seemed content with Sora now...

Claire gave a knowing look at Sora, seeing the blush on the teens face. She knew that one day Lanna and Sora would be ready to take that next step in their relationship. She wasn't sure when that would happen. She already got Lanna on the pill as a precaution. Lanna looked at Sora, head tilted. She remembered Anti all to well. When Sora told them about Roxas and being able to talk to him, she didn't think he was insane. She believed it but wondered how it would affect Sora.

"Uh...Sorry about that, Roxas is just being his usual self." Sora said not wanting to admit he's telling him to get them a room. Soon enough Jake finished his meal with Sora close behind him.

"Thanks for the meal...mom." Jake said feeling more use to calling Claire mom since they got back from the island. As Claire and Leon had a private sit down with Jake to let him know how they felt about him. Touched at his words they saw him tell the clone of Claire as he killed it buying Ada time to get Lanna to safety.

He still felt a little awkward, but he felt the awkwardness fading more and more as time passed.

Claire smiled."You're welcome sweetie," she said as she stood up and gathered the dirty plates. It was true. Jake is like their child and it was clear that Lanna and Jake had a brother and sister bond. One that formed instantly when Lanna had been born. Jake protecting her from the bullies at school and through her training under Mr. Burns. They could hear Matthew crying from his crib from upstairs.

Lanna smiled and stood up. "I got him," she said, climbing the stairs to her brother's room.

"So how close is Matthew to saying his first word? Any luck yet?" Jake asks knowing Matthew learned to walk recently, but still can only go short distances before the little guy falls. He'll never forget the look on Lanna's face when his first steps were right toward her and fell short. Reacting on instinct as she caught the little guy and the baby giggled innocently at her in joy.

Claire smiled. "He's trying to form words but nothing yet," she said. "Some days it sounds like hes trying to say 'mama' or 'dada'." She shook her head. "He's going to speak one day and I'm sure it'll surprise us by his first word. Remember Lanna's first word? It was a surprise."

"Yeah, I remember. Honestly caught me off guard when I heard it, thought I was hearing things at first." Jake admits recalling how confused he was. Looking around to make sure the tiny voice was really from Lanna or someone else in the house.

Claire laughed a bit. "Her first word was Jake," she said. "And she was staring right at you. She'd cry your name when she was upset or didn't want to go to bed."

"Awww, that's sweet." Sora said smiling at Lanna and Jake. Jake looking away not wanting Sora to see him having a light blush at how protective he used to be after that.

Lanna flushed a bit as she was holding Matthew. "Heh," she said. "I don't know who's more protective. My parents or Jake." She grinning as she rocked the baby. Matthew gurgled and laughed, waving his chubby arms around happily. He looked around at the faces surrounding him and looked at Sora, gurgling and reached for him.

Sora smiled at let the baby hold one of his fingers. "Nice to see you too, Matthew," Sora said smiling at as the baby held his finger.

Matthew giggled happily and stuck Sora's finger into his mouth, sucking on it and gumming it. Claire laughed, watching. "Want to hold him, Sora?" she asked.

Sora looks surprised by the offer. "I...I don't know, I mean it'd be nice, but I think Lanna does better holding him." Sora admits not sure if he was ready to hold a baby. He knew he could hold it with care and comfort, but he felt better when Lanna or one of his parents held Matthew.

Claire smiled. "It's alright," she said and ruffled his hair. "I had to help Lanna with it. As long as you help stable the head, you'll be fine next time."

Lanna smiled as she had Matthew's head on her arm as she held him, head tilted.

Sora couldn't help smiling at the sight of Lanna holding Matthew. He knew she'd make a great older sister for him and maybe one day a good mother.

Lanna looked up and smiled, blushing lightly as she saw Sora look at her. She rocked Matthew gently in her arms, feeling protective of her little brother and knew she would do anything to keep him safe. She knew deep in her heart that Sora would make a great father one day.

"Just make sure you wear nose plugs when changing the diaper, Sora. I still remember how Leon reacted the first time he was changing Lanna's diaper." Jake said grinning much to Leon's ire at the reminder.

"One time, Jake, one time and last I checked you wasn't much better." Leon said making Jake look away, not wanting to admit how they both acted silly. Leon gagging as he got rid of the dirty diaper and Jake holding his breath and carrying the diaper to the trash can like it was a bomb about to go off. Much to Claire and Sherry's amusement at the time.

Claire and Lanna laughed. "Aw come on, changing a diaper isn't bad," Lanna said grinning. "I've changed Matthew's a couple of times already." Claire nodded. "It is a little stinky but it can't be any worse when we were babies," she said.

"Yeah, we know that...just the first diaper change is...not always easy for everyone." Leon said trying to salvage his pride, while Jake didn't even bother to comment. He knew sometimes it was best to say nothing. Sora just looked at them like they were being ridiculous, but said nothing as he shook his head.

'Idiots... I mean a diaper can't be THAT bad.' Roxas commented not seeing why some people freaked out about a stinky diaper. Yes, it sucks, but it wasn't that bad changing the diaper. At least from what he seen when Sora was watching Lanna change it. Though Sora wasn't amused when the baby peed on him as he held him...

Roxas and Anti however, enjoyed the time they had teasing him about it.

Claire grinned. "When Jake and Sherry have kids, there will be even more diapers to change," she said laughing. Lanna giggled. "That would be fun" she said grinning.

"Hey, at least Sherry and I both will be ready this time. After all the time we spent babysitting Lanna for you and Leon on your busier days. I'm sure we can handle anything the little angel will throw at us." Jake says feeling confident in his parenting abilities, though more sure of Sherry than himself. The woman had very good maternal instincts that really helped them both in babysitting.

"True, but helping taking care someone else's kid is a little bit different than raising your own," Claire said, smiling. "And you can't always be their friend, even if you want to be."

Lanna nodded as she wasn't a real difficult child...much. She did disobey a couple of times and have been grounded too.

"Yeah...I know what you mean, living with mom as a kid taught me a few harsh lessons unforgivably fast. At least in the end it made me stronger though," Jake says remembering some of the life lessons he learned, before he went down that dark and cold path of a ruthless mercenary who only trusts cold hard cash.

"It's called being human, Jake. We make mistakes, it's up to us to learn from them," Claire said. She looked up at the clock, hearing it ding and soon looked at Sora. "As much as we'd all enjoy a lazy morning, but someone has a match to get to." She smiled, knowing what the day would be like.

Lanna smiled. "That's right," she said. "Sora is going to face someone of Mr. Burns choosing in order to graduate."

"I wonder who he'll pick? Please god don't be another arrogant prick again..." Sora asked himself before making his silent plea to any higher being listening to him. He knew for a fact Zues exists because of meeting Hercules and the adventures he had on Olympus and the Underworld.

Heck, he met and fought Hades, the lord of the dead and lived!

Lanna sighed a bit. "It's Mr. Burns, babe. I wouldn't put it passed him," she said, frowning and handed Matthew over to her dad. "He'll do anything to disgrace you and lower your chances of graduating." She went to help her mother with the dishes.

"Just be careful, Sora," Claire advised.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep my strength down to human levels." Sora said knowing that was the one area everyone was truly worried about. If he hit anyone at full strength, they'd get a free one way trip to a grave, if not the moon. It was really difficult for Sora at first to know how much he needed to hold back in spars. Even sometimes knocking out certain students Mr. Burns sent against Sora in one punch or kick by mistake.

Thus making him a prodigy in many people's eyes with how his skill kept him from getting hit by many. Only the "skilled" ones were able to land a hit because Sora finally learned how much he needed to hold back. Sadly, the damage had been done though. Mr. Burns had made it his mission to find someone to beat Sora and possibly humiliate him for easily beating many of his favored students.

Most of whom were jackasses or perverts that he took down quickly once they tried to flirt with Lanna.

What was worse in Sora's mind was how some of the older students and actual members of the BSAA were all curious of Sora now hearing or seeing his wins. Even in live testing against B.O.W.s Sora shows remarkable instincts to make up for his average level in book smarts. Something that earned him a fan club Sora needed Lanna and Jake's help in hiding from.

He had nothing against fans, but he wished certain girls would get the hint he's taken and happy with Lanna. Plus some of them made him get the feeling of dread shoot up and down his spine. Give him heartless or nobody to fight any day over a horde of fanboys or fangirls.

Lanna remembered the fangirls all too well. She had to keep her temper in check around them, as she didn't want to act like Burns when she got older but it was infuriating to see the girls flirt with Sora to no end. Even after he had told them he was taken. Sora had assured her that he was happy with her and have no intention in leaving, but there was that damn self doubt wiggling around in the back of her head. A frown on her face formed, pushing down that tiny voice in her head.

Jake however couldn't help chuckling at the amusing memories of Sora punching a few students during Mr. Burns classes. That boy unknowingly earned him a lot of money off of poor suckers who bet against Sora.

Claire smiled. "Okay everyone, get ready. We have less than an hour to get to BSSA HQ. We don't want to be late for Sora's match," she said.

"Okay," Lanna said nodding and headed up the stairs to brush her teeth.

"Thanks for the meal, Claire!" Sora thanks as he rushes up stairs to brush his teeth in the other bathroom.

Claire chuckled, shaking her head. "I feel like I have more than three kids at times," she said, grinning. She did see Sora as another son and wondered if Ada felt the same with Kairi and Riku around, though she didn't know what the woman felt at times though. She was a mystery.

"That makes two of us, dear." Leon said smiling at Claire as he got his coat on and was checking his pockets. Making sure he had everything he needs as Jake was getting his coat on too.

"Heh" Claire said smiling a bit. "Yeah." She grabbed the baby bag and checked to make sure she had diapers, bottles, extra wipes. "Did we forget anything?" Lanna came down stairs, yawning a bit as she stretched a bit, her bones creaking.

Leon smiled at seeing Lanna ready to go. "No, I think we got everything," Leon assures his wife as Sora comes down stairs. Wearing his BSAA training clothes that he was to wear until he graduates to look like a fellow student.

Sora was wearing a simple gray T-shirt with BSAA on the front and green army pants with black combat boots. Smiling eagerly as he was ready to be done with those classes and be on a team to help the others.

Claire smiled and nodded, seeing Lanna and Sora come down. "Good," she said. "No missions, Lanna?"

"Nope," Lanna said, remembering her first mission with her team. She had come home from a long mission, a week. Though they had succeeded in gathering intel, they had run into a few B.O.W.'s, leaving some of her new found friends seriously wounded. She had come home with a deep gash in her side and only needed a pint of blood and some stitches but she was lucky. Her mother had turned into a mother hen during her cooperation. "I'm free till the next mission."

"Sounds good little red, you deserve it after your last mission." Jake says as everyone goes out the door, Claire carrying Matthew as everyone got in the car. Leon starting it as he began driving to the base for Sora's class and graduation test.

-A few minutes later at the BSAA Building-

Lanna was helping Sora get ready, wrapping his hands in protective bandages and made sure they weren't too tight. "How do they feel?" She asked as she finished. She looked at Sora, noticing that he had gotten a little taller, just about the same height as her now.

"They feel good, Lanna, thanks for helping me." Sora says gratefully to his girlfriend clenching and opening his hands to test the bandages feeling on his hands. Smiling as he found no problems in how tight they were wrapped. Tight and strong, but not too tight to affect his hands or be uncomfortable.

"You're welcome," Lanna said smiling lightly at her boyfriend. "I know you'll win but just be careful." She hugged him gently, not wanting him to get to badly hurt even though he was careful.

"I think the other guy will have to be more worried about that than me." Sora said hoping he was keeping his strength at a decent level when the spar starts. He really didn't want to make everyone even more suspicious of him than he already had, with those one punch knock out wins and the ease he showed the first time on B.O.W. combat training.

He accidentally made himself look like a prodigy with how easily he killed the B.O.W.s, which to be fair was because they were far easier than what he faced on the island.

"Hopefully" Lanna said nodding. "Soon you'll be able to have a little more less restraint when you join either my team or Chris's." She would be supportive of him no matter what team he ended up on. She looked up at the clock and saw they only had ten minutes left before his match started. "Are you nervous?"

"Not completely, but I will admit I'm a little nervous." Sora says knowing this was a big day and that for now, he'd be on the Governments radar more than before. Sora had talked with Riku and Kairi and they all agreed sooner or later the government was BOUND to learn of them and their power sooner or later. Especially if the heartless happen to attack before the keyhole to the world is found, but they still wanted to hide the full truth of their origins and powers as long as possible. Riku and Kairi wanting to stay off their radar completely while Sora was a little known as a BSAA hopeful and soon to be member.

"I'm sure," Lanna said knowing the feeling. Knowing Sora would have to be careful till he got on a team and even than he would have to be careful. She looked a bit concerned as she looked at her boyfriend. He was strong, stronger than a lot of the veterans here and they had been doing this job for years! She smiled lightly.

"Well, guess it's time to show them my stuff and what I learned from Jake about hand to hand combat." Sora said clenching his free hand as one hand held Lanna's gently. Giving a soft squeeze in support to assure her he was ready to face his test head on.

Lanna nodded, smiling. "Yeah. I know you can do it, Sora," she said as she held his hand gently. She kissed his cheek gently as she looked at him. "You've gotten stronger since being here and you're not as shy as you were in the beginning." She smiled, seeing the slight changes in him since being in her world.

"Well, your world helped me understand things and mature, Lanna. I've even come to an understanding with Anti because of you and honestly it's nice not having to worry about fighting Anti for control when using form drives anymore. Granted, it still pops up at times, but it's nowhere near as often as I used to worry about." Sora said glad for the change in his and Anti's bond when it comes to using form drives. While a part of him wishes Anti talked more, he was willing to accept Anti would talk when he wants to.

"I'm glad and change is good, but remember to not let your guard down, though. Sometimes change isn't always a good thing," Lanna said, remembering how the darkness had consumed the others. "But even with all the nightmare we have been through...you somehow still kept that easy going, optimistic and somewhat childish attitude but for that I am glad."

"Don't worry, I may be on speaking terms with Anti. But I still maintain my stance that he won't take me over and I'll walk the path of light, not darkness." Sora assures his girlfriend understanding her worry, it wasn't an easy to decision to open up to Anti like he had, but Anti seems content with their status for now.

Opening the doors, Sora walks into the gym used to train candidates for the BSAA and sees lots of people gathered. No surprise given Sora's match was a pretty big deal and could see several BSAA heads watching as both audience and judges for Sora's performance. Chris, Barry, and Jill all watching with smiles. But Sora knew they'd be professional as they judged him both in the sparring match and in his B.O.W. attack course. If he could ace his two tests, he'd be golden, but he knew Mr. Burns and his student to challenge Sora wouldn't make it easy for him...

Lanna kissed his cheek before leaving his side to join the audience. She knew Sora could do it, knowing his strength but Mr. Burns always left her nervous, even now when she was no longer his student.

Mr. Burns smirked as he stood next to his prize student, a tall African American teen. His head was shaved, buffed but wasn't as big as Chris is. He wore a tank top and baggy pants with boots.

"We are all gathered here to witness Trainee, Sora Kennedy take his trials of becoming one of the proud members of the BSAA. Rather if he passes or fails will depend on his performance on both the Sparring match and the B.O.W. attack course. The judges will be the senior founding members of BSAA. For that reason I wish to give a welcome to O'Brain for taking time to be part of the judging for Sora's test." Chris states on the microphone as an applause is heard for the elderly white male with graying hair. A small smile on his face as he gave a friendly wave to his former comrades.

The agents in the room and students waved back when O'Brian entered the room. Claire held a fussy Matthew as she stood next to her husband and daughter, watching. Lanna smiled as she saw the old man, having met him a couple of times and even read his books.

Jill smiled. "It's good to see you again, O'Brian," she said to the man, remembering when she had worked under him.

"Thank you, Jill, Chris, I see you two are doing quite good for yourselves as well." O'Brian said before he spotted Elly with Sherry and Jake in the stands nearby the parents. Jake giving a two fingered salute to the old man and O'Brian gave a nod in return. Before turning his attention to the stands. "It's great to see you all again, my brothers and sisters in arms. It does my heart great joy to see the BSAA in capable hands after I stepped down to pass the torch. As we wait to see another bunch hopefuls take their trials for this year's exam." O'Brian said as everyone got clapped in approval.

The crowd cheered as they listened to O'Brian talk, happy to see their old man. Lanna smiled as she watched with her parents. "We've been good," Jill said smiling. "The whole family is." She nor Chris had told O'Brian about the mission a month ago but they would give him a brief version of it.

"As I can see, your little one sure is growing fast Chris. You better enjoy every moment you have with her. One day she'll be a grown woman most likely charming boys that you'll have to chase off." O'Brian jokes with Chris, but still giving wise advice about parenting. As every moment was a treasure in and of itself.

Jill chuckled softly at that, knowing that O'Brian was right about that. She remembered when Lanna was born. She had been so tiny than but the years had gone by fast. She was now full grown and an agent with her own team, as well as a boyfriend. Shaking her head. "We will," she said. "Lanna grew up too fast as it is." She remembered Lanna and Elly forcing Chris, Jake and Leon to be their ponies!

They even still had pictures that Sora was unable to stop himself from laughing at once he saw them. Much to Jake's ire and Leon's embarrassment.

"Good, cause without further delay. Let's get the BSAA trials underway and hope for a bright future among those who pass the trials!" O'Brian said earning a cheer as the students all took their tests one by one. Sora watching carefully as he patiently, but anxiously waited his turn for his sparring portion of the test.

Some students doing a pretty good job in their sparring matches and others made mistakes that cost them the match.

The matches continued on, reaching into the third hour mark till than it was time for Sora's match. "Sora Kennedy, please step into the ring," the agent said. He waited patiently as Sora's opponent, the slight buff African American from earlier stepped forward. "Morgan Freeman, to the ring!"

Lanna and the rest of the Kennedy cheered for Sora from the sidelines as did Chris and Jill, but more on a silent level. They couldn't play favorites but knew Sora could handle himself.

Sora stepped forward into the ring, smiling bashfully at the applause and cheers he was getting. Hearing Lanna's cheers and seeing her made him smile brighter for a second before turning his attention to his opponent. "Hey there, Morgan, let's both do our best okay?" Sora said trying to be sporting and friendly to the guy. Despite who it was he was representing, he always try to befriend new people by being his usual self.

Morgan stared at Sora, taking him in but soon grinned. "A pleasure to meet ya, Sora," he said, offering a hand to shake. "To be honest, you don't look like much, but looks aren't everything, eh?" He didn't seem like the normal goons that Mr. Burns enlisted under his teach so Morgan was a bit of a surprise to Lanna and the others. "I'm looking forward to this fight."

The referee spoke. "Fighters ready?" he asked, breaking the conversation.

"Ready," Sora said before giving the friendly man his trademark grin. "As Jake would say, be ready for anything." Sora told him, hinting on Jake's warning to Sora in hand to hand training. Never underestimate your opponents, because even the most harmless look person could prove to be an expert.

Morgan nodded as he got into a stance. "Ready," he said grinning as he was itching for a good fight and was interested in how Sora fought. He had seen some moves from the camera feed but not enough to get a good idea of his fighting style. The referee nodded and raised his hand begin!"

Morgan looked at Sora as he got ready, waiting for the first punch.

Never let it be said Sora was one to back down from a challenge. As the young man took the invitation to see what Morgan can do, moving two quick steps as he opens with a quick jab that stops before meeting his raised arm meant to block. Morgan quickly picking up Sora's first fist was a fake out as Sora's left fist was heading for his stomach in an uppercut manner.

Morgan blocked the fist, catching it and gripped it in a hold as he moved downwards like he was aiming for a hit at Sora's stomach before moving upwards as his right fist headed strait towards Sora's face quickly.

The ref and the others watched the fight as it started, keeping quiet though the crowd of the onlookers cheered and roared, urging the fight.

Sora seeing the fist leans back to avoid it and lashes out a kick on Morgan's shin, making him grunt in pain. Enduring the pain Morgan lashed out with his hand toward Sora's face again, only for Sora to catch his wrist and restrain his hand. Both giving each other a determined glare, trying to break their hands free from the others hold.

Morgan glared and pushed him back, lunging at Sora with a vicious kick to the side, bringing his leg back and sent it flying at Sora. He didn't plan on giving Sora a chance to get a punch in. Morgan is quick with his movements, his body may have been big, but he was surprisingly agile.

Sora seeing this was forced to jump over the kick and launched a kick to Morgan's chest. Knocking Morgan to the ground as Sora fell to his back. Both shooting to their feet as Morgan rubbed his chest with a small wince. Sora only looked at him slightly worried as they both sized each other up.

"Sorry, did I kick you too hard, your bones aren't broken are they?" Sora asks in genuine concern, hoping he didn't cause permanent damage to the man. He had accidentally broken bones by getting too into a spar before. Maintaining constant control of his own power against normal humans was always a tricky task for him, but one he put all of his effort to mastering. For Lanna and his friends sake more than himself. Especially after all the help they gave him in training and giving him a chance to live among them peacefully. Safe from the government and from anyone who'd try to exploit or kill them.

Morgan blinked at the question, not used to hearing something like that from an opponent but smiled, nodding. "Nah, it's fine. But nice attack," he said as he knew there would be a bruise. He hadn't realized how strong Sora is, but had a feeling that he was holding back but for what purpose? He was confused by that.

He lunged again, sending out punches towards the younger boy.

Sora bobbed and weaved around his strikes. Raising his hands in a classic boxer guard, deflecting a punch with his right hand and stepping forward to barely avoid the follow up punch. Sora let's loose two jabs at Morgan's face, the first is barely avoided with a quick lean to the left. But was unable to avoid the second that caught him in the left cheek.

Both Sora and Morgan began trading blows. Sora trying to avoid getting tagged by too many punches, despite knowing with his endurance he could tank the punches all day. Morgan honestly surprised Sora with how quick and agile he was proving to be. Dodging a majority of Sora's attacks, but still taking a few hits too.

Morgan was impressed by Sora's abilities as he took the punches but returned them, trying to find a blind spot in his blocks. The fight seemed to drag on when it had only been about five minutes into the fight. The only sounds that was heard was their movements and grunts, filling the air.

The judges watched silently, having grown somewhat used to Sora's endurance from what they saw of it and was even more surprised that Morgan was able to keep up.

Sora narrowed his eyes in focus impressed Morgan was keeping up with him even in his limited levels he's keeping his strength at. Still, as much as he'd like to truly test his endurance and give him a real challenge. He had to end this in a believable way before people start thinking his endurance is superhuman again. He had a few close calls in the past and really wanted to avoid that kind of suspicion in front of so many people. Especially with Mr. Burns trying to find background intel on Sora as it is because of how no one could beat him so far. Luckily Leon, Claire, Jake, and Lanna's story gave him enough leeway to excuse the lack of background information. Assuming he was kidnapped as a young child possibly or maybe a foreigner that wasn't on the records before his kidnapping. The list went on and on with wild theories of Sora's true origins and he never bothered to correct them.

He knew one day he might have to, considering the keyhole to this world STILL wasn't found yet, but for now he planned to stall as long as possible.

'It's been fun, Morgan, please forgive me for ending our fight like this.' Sora thought apologetically as he used a believable burst of speed to close in Morgan's guard and land a harsh upper cut slightly stronger than normal. Trying to play out that he was putting all his strength in this without really doing it. It wasn't easy learning to make people believe you was fighting all out when in truth you're holding back, but it was a VERY useful skill that kept his hidden strength from being found out so far.

Morgan dropped instantly when the attack landed and coughed heavily. He was defeated. The ref spoke. "The winner is Sora Kennedy!" The crowds started clapping, watching the fight to the very end. Jill wrote down the results and her take on the fight as did the rest. She was proud of Sora for holding back his strength like he did. Lanna smiled as she saw Sora win this round and was surprised by Morgan's attitude as well, having expected him to be a bit more cruder like the rest. Mr. Burns scowled angrily, seeing his student have failed. He cursed silently.

Sora seeing this gave a small wave as he went to check on Morgan, holding a hand out for him. "You alright, Morgan?" Sora asks sincerely concerned, but still giving him a friendly smile as he offers his hand to pull him up.

Morgan looked up and smiled lightly. "Yeah...that was a good one," he said as he looked at Sora's hand and took it, standing slowly with his help. "I've taken some hard hits but I think that was one of the top three." He grinned a bit. "The top was getting hit by a truck."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay, Morgan. You really did good in our spar and I hope you pass the test with the rest of us. I'm sure you'll do great on the B.O.W. attack course with those moves." Sora said honestly, hoping that Morgan does pass this test. Out of all of Mr. Burns students, this one was earning a favorite spot quite easily compared to the other jerks.

Morgan grinned a bit. "Thanks," he said. "I hope to fight against you again. It was fun." He wouldn't mind fighting him again. "I hope you pull through as well, Sora. Maybe we'll end up on the same team, that is if you don't end up on your girlfriend's," He chuckled, knowing how close the two were.

Sora only chuckle shyly at that with a small blush on his cheeks. Knowing he was kinda busted on hoping to end up on Lanna's team. Even if he isn't, it changes nothing, but being on the same team WOULD make it easier on his mind if he can watch over her.

"Well folks, now that the spar is done. It's time to evaluate our candidates to see what the judges thought of their performance in the spar. As well as give any advice they deem needed to these hopefuls. I'll start with Morgan. You've proven to be a true hard hitter and a very experienced warrior. But you may want to work on getting a bit faster to avoid blows like the ones Sora dealt as his final blow. Other than that, I think all you need his experience and we can grant you plenty of it. So I hope you pass your attack course run, Morgan." O'Brian said to the crowd before addressing Morgan about what he thought of his performance.

Morgan bowed his head to O'Brian, feeling honored by his words and knew he would take it to heart. "Thank you sir," he said. "I will do my best."

"I'm glad to hear it, just keep up the good work." O'Brian said before turning to Sora. "Sora, you've come to us as a child with little known background and have made great strides according to the reports I heard. These reports clearly understate your skill level, but I feel you still need experience and a sense of caution when approaching new people. Trust is good, but from what I've read you tend to be too trusting at times. I hope your future teammates will help you learn who to trust and who not to in your future. As for your fight with Morgan, you show a lack of grapples like Morgan. Yet, your techniques were fluid, loose, but precise in your strikes. I feel you'll go far, Sora, but I want you and Morgan to remember that sometimes a submission hold is better for ending fights quickly." O'Brian says getting Sora to nod in understanding.

Lanna, Leon, Claire, and Jake all had said something similar about him being too kind for his own good.

"I understand, sir, thank you for your advice and I promise to do you proud in the BSAA once we graduate!" Sora said with a pat on the back for Morgan to show his faith that Morgan would pass too. Making O'Brian smile at Sora's friendly and optimistic aura he seems to subconsciously give off. People like this made O'Brian believe there is still hope for humanity.

"You really are a one of a kind, Sora, I'll give you that...Whoever your parents are or were, I bet they'd be proud of you." O'Brian said making Sora give an embarrassed smile, hiding the small pang in his heart at the mention of his parents. They didn't even know what happened to him since coming looking for Riku and Kairi...

He hoped they were okay and forgave him for not getting in contact sooner.

Jill spoke up. "Morgan, you are a good fighter no doubt with good experience but you need to work on your blocking," she said. "Don't go in so hard headed." Morgan nodded, taking it in. Jill smiled lightly before turning to Sora, seeing the look on his face. "You have gone through a lot, Sora, more than some teens your age should. But you are good on your feet and aiming your punches, but you also need to work on blocking as well."

Sora nods in understanding, giving Jill a thankful smile. "I got it, I'll be more careful, Jill." Sora said earning a smile from O'Brian and Chris.

"He's not one for protocol is he?" O'Brian asks Chris with a knowing grin that showed his amusement.

"No, sir, he's definitely not." Chris said making the old man chuckle. "Good, we need more honest souls like him."

Chris seeing this decided to focus on giving his review. "Morgan, Sora, you've both done an impressive job in this spar, but I feel you both share this same flaw that you must beware of." Chris stated getting their attention as the stood a little straighter.

"I noticed that you both did a decent job analyzing each other in the beginning, but in the end you seemed to be more focused on slugging it out than analyzing. While it's only a spar, I want you both to never let yourself stop analyzing your opponent just because they're strong." Chris warns them sternly.

Morgan nodded as he listened to them. "Yes sir," he said, his back straight. He knew he had his weaknesses to work on and often forget them at times.

"I understand, Chris, don't worry. I'll do my best to cover my weaknesses better." Sora said making many people chuckle in the stands at Sora's casual attitude. Another thing that earned the ire of people like Mr. Burns who is about protocol, but O'Brian clearly found it more amusing and a welcome change of pace.

Jill looked at Chris and looked at the boys. "Good. Now, rest up before the last part of your fight begins later on," she said. Morgan bowed his head. "Yes ma'am," he said.

"Alright, Jill. I'll hang with Lanna if that's okay." Sora said waiting for her permission as he didn't want to be rude to someone he considered a good friend. In someways a part of his own family, though he hasn't admitted it yet.

Jill smiled and nodded. "Go ahead. I'm sure she'll enjoy your company," she said. "Your next match is in two hours. Use them well." She picked up her glass and took a sip of her water. Morgan chuckled softly and waved as he headed out. The ref called out the next fighters for the next round. Lanna was waiting for Sora out back.

"Great, see you later, Jill!" Sora called heading out to meet with Lanna out back as O'Brian smiled a knowing look at his two comrades. "Young love?"

"Young love and a very possible marriage once older." Chris confirmed making the old man smile at the good news.

"Well, when it happens. Please send me an invitation, I'd love to see a nice wedding between them someday." O'Brian requested making Chris nod with a small smile.

"Sure thing, O'Brian, but first we have to judge the rest of the candidates." Chris said as everyone focused on their task.

:Scene Change: Outside the BSAA training facility 3rd P.O.V.:

Sora soon made his way out the back looking for Lanna, but not seeing her hiding behind him. Smiling mischievously as he looked around for her. "Lanna? Where are you?"

Lanna held back a giggle as she watched Sora look around for her. She felt giddy like a school girl with a crush but at the same time a warmth flooded her. It was hard to describe but nearing Sora, Lanna felt complete. She sneaked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning into him gently. "Right behind you," she murmured in his ear gently. She felt safe, happy. She has a loving family, friends and a boy she could say safely say 'I love you' and knew he felt the same.

Sora looked over his shoulder smiling at her before kissing her lips. Both enjoying it for a few seconds before Sora pulled back to tell her the words that meant so much to them both.

"I love you, Lanna," Sora said sincerely, happy to have time with his girlfriend as he enjoyed the feeling of his girlfriend leaning against his back with her arms wrapped around him. It made him feel right at home in her arms and honestly, he'd happily spend the rest of his life with her on her world.

Lanna smiled against his lips, enjoying the feeling of sharing this moment with him. She gave his waist an affectionate squeeze as she looked up at him. "I love you too, Sora," she said softly. "I'm so proud of you. You did great out there." She touched his cheek gently.

Sora blushed as her hand rested on his cheek. His heart speeding up at the simple touch and Sora leaned his cheek against her hand further. Enjoying the physical contact between them. "It wasn't easy holding back, but I'm glad I did a good job and got past that part of the test. Only the attack course is left." Sora said enjoying her arms around his waist and leaning against her slightly.

"Yes and that may prove to be a bit harder," Lanna said stroking his cheek gently. "But I know you can do it and it looks like you made a new friend as well." She smiled softly, feeling his cheek lean into her hand and his body leaning into hers. This was enough for them both. Though there had been times when they were alone, make out sessions had become a bit heated but nothing to heavy to lead them into dangerous grounds that neither were ready for. "Morgan seems different than the rest."

"I'm thankful for that, it's a welcome change from the arrogant jerks and perverted idiots he used to bring." Sora said frowning in annoyance as he remembered a few perverts he trounced in training. Mainly because they hit on Lanna in front of him or tried to flirt/hit on her when she was alone expecting to catch her off guard.

"Agreed," Lanna said sighing and frowned. "It's annoying and it can't be any worse than those fangirls that flocked around you." She loved Sora dearly, but sometimes his innocence blindsided him at times, making him clueless when it comes to flirting. It made Lanna irritated and frustrated.

"I do admit the ladies are a little too friendly, but I doubt they mean any harm." Sora said, again his innocence keeping him from seeing what she meant. But the look on his face showed those girls made him uncomfortable in the past.

Lanna sighed softly. "Sora, I love you to pieces, but they are far from friendly," she said as she looked at him softly. She looked at him. She did love him but wondered if his clueless and innocence would bring them to their first fight. "They give the saying 'Hell has no fury like a woman scorned' a new meaning."

"Well, at least they aren't trying to kill us, though I wish they could be nicer to you..." Sora said honestly confused why those girls and Lanna kept glaring at each other...or the accidents keep happening around him when they catch him alone. They were either very clumsy or maybe they needed more sleep to keep their balance.

Jake's been a godsend when it came to keeping away girls that tried to feel his butt or chest up. He could do without the teasing though or being called 'every girls favorite jail bait'.

"Babe, I'll be alright. With your training and everyone else's, I can handle them," Lanna said, kissing his cheek. Though she wondered if she could handle them emotionally. She wasn't a super hero and words still hurt, no matter what people said. There had been a couple of times she hold up in the girls bathroom, crying.

She was thankful for Jake's help.

"Are you sure, you know I can tell them to stop glaring if it helps." Sora said wanting to help her. He remembers one time one of those girls got pranked with her locker exploding whip cream on her face, top, and all over her school supplies. No one found who did it, but Sora suspected Jake might have a hand in it. Despite the fact he wasn't talking and no one can find any evidence he did...

What tipped Sora off was that Sherry seems annoyed and somewhat happy at Jake's smug smirk when the subject comes up.

Lanna smiled as she remembered it. "I'm sure," she said, pulling back a bit to look at him and played with his hair lightly. "Just gotta deal with it." She tilted her head. "We have an hour and thirty minutes. What would you like to do?"

"Whatever you want, I was hoping to make this time about you, Lanna." Sora said hoping she had an idea what she wanted to do. He really wanted to make up for the stress he's seen in her eyes at times lately. While he didn't know the reason why, he knew something was bothering her when those girls got around him. He wanted to make Lanna happy.

Lanna smiled softly. "Well we can go to the park for a bit," she said. "I have a spot I want to show you." She had a special spot in the park that she hadn't shown anyone before, not even her family.

"As you wish, milady.~" Sora said with a gentleman bow as he winks at her. Happy to have something he can do to make Lanna's spirits higher than before.

Lanna giggled and smiled at him. She held out her hand for him. "Charmer," she said softly, kissing his cheek gently. She was happy with him and knew he wouldn't cheat on her as he wasn't the type. She trusted him but didn't trust the girls that much as they were sneaky.

Leading down the road, Lanna was excited to show Sora the place. The park is known for it's beautiful flowers and hedges and marble fountain in the center of the park. "When we get there, I want you to close your eyes and no peaking" she said, winking at Sora.

"Alright, alright. No peeking, I promise," Sora promises sincerely with a small smile on his face, happy to see Lanna so excited to show him this spot of her's.

"Alright, close your eyes" Lanna said smiling as they neared. Once he did, Lanna took his hand and led him through a metal doorway and led him down a small walkway before stopping. "Alright, open them." When Sora would open his eyes, he would be greeted by a sight that looked like it was painted. They were in a large garden with a gazebo nestled among a wall of roses and inside the gazebo there is a small table and chairs, made for two. A small babbling brook that snaked it's away under a bridge and led into the main park The soft scent of flowers greeted his nose.

"Lanna..it's beautiful here. How did you find this place?" Sora asks amazed that Lanna found such a tranquil location, it made him feel so peaceful here. He couldn't even feel Anti stirring in his heart or it's darkness, just peaceful and abundant light.

"I found this place a few months ago, before mom and dad were kidnapped," Lanna said smiling. "It was pure chance but I fell in love with it." Bird's chirped from overhead of them, somewhere deep in the trees. "It's my safe haven, away from stress and drama, somewhere I can think." She looked at him and smiled softly. "This place is called 'Lover's garden'. I looked it up and found the place in a history book. Couples would come here to get away and spend time together."

"It certainly fits, I can't even hear Anti or feel the darkness from him right now...I just...feel at peace here." Sora informs Lanna, wanting her to know how great he feels. All the while looking at his surroundings in awe and content with the peaceful aura it gives off.

"You can't?" Lanna asked surprised to hear that, knowing that Anti was always a constant thing for him. "That's interesting." She tilted her head and looked out at the surroundings. "This place is peaceful. I've debated on grabbing my sleeping bag and taking it out here to look up at the stars, but I don't think the head gardener would like it too much."

"Probably not...but that doesn't mean we can't try~" Sora said suggestively with a small grin on his face.

Lanna giggled. "Are you proposing something?" she asked, winking at him teasingly and gave his hand a soft squeeze. "We'd have to sneak out."

"You say that like it's hard," Sora shot back with a mischievous smirk. This little act reminding him of the times he used to sneak out with his childhood friends to go prove they were brave kids by venturing the islands at night. Their parents weren't amused, but it was too much fun at the time. "Come on, it'll be great~" Sora presses holding her close in his arms and laying his head on her shoulder. Looking at her with a hopeful pleading look. Hoping to copy the puppy dog look that make most people comply.

"Mmm alright," Lanna said purring softly and kissed his nose gently. "It sounds like fun and romantic." She winked at him as she leaned into him. It sounded like fun as well. She hadn't snuck out of the house for awhile and it could be a treasured memory as well.

Sora blushed and smiled as she kissed his nose, feeling very motivated to make tonight the best of her life. "Believe me, Lanna, I'll make it the best night you've had yet." Sora whispered to her lovingly holding her close and pressing his forehead to hers. Their noses touching before kissing her gently, but passionately on the lips.

Lanna smiled at him softly, her heart beating against her ribs. "I believe you, Sora," she whispered softly as she leaned into him. And she did and with all her heart. She kissed him back gently but it was just as passionate as his, her eyes closed as she leaned into him, feeling his arms around her. She was excited about tonight, the idea of sneaking out was only part of it but it was mostly due to spending more time with him.

"You keep this up, Lanna, we're going to end up making out on this very nice spot." Sora warned Lanna playfully as he leaned them both down with him on top of her. Looking at her intensely with love and a hint of lust that he wasn't aware of building in him.

"Heh, would that be such a bad thing?" Lanna asked, smiling as she looked up at him. Her cheeks stained a soft pink which quickly deepened as she saw the hint of lust in his eyes and knew her own mirrored the same feeling. She looked at her watch, seeing they still had an hour left and could make it back in time for Sora's match. She cupped his cheek gently and leaned up, letting her tongue lightly lick at his lower lip teasingly. The gesture spoke volumes, her want for him.

Sora showed her his own desire for her, opening his mouth to let her tongue in as he kissed passionately. His tongue tangling with her own as he lowered himself on top of Lanna. Letting her feel his body press against her own. Loving the feel of Lanna's warm and soft body against his semi hard one. He wasn't a body builder tough, but he was pretty solid.

Lanna didn't care if he was a body builder or not, as she enjoyed his semi hard body against her soft one. Her hands rested on his back as their tongues fought and danced together. She pressed her lips against his, enjoying the feeling. She enjoyed his kisses as they always made her shiver.

Sora moaned softly into the kiss, enjoying the feeling he had as their tongues danced inside their mouths. His hands caressing her sides as he learned she seems to like that in the past times they made out. He never went too far with her, but he knew this was one of ways she likes him to touch her.

Moaning softly, Lanna lightly gripped the back of his shirt, shivering from his caresses as she kissed him deeply, running her tongue along his in a teasing manner. Her heart seem to speed up each time he touched her and smiled against his lips as he remembered she enjoyed his hands on her.

Sora moans into the kiss, feel his urges kicking higher in gear and his pants starting to get tight. Pressing himself a bit against Lanna on instinct and kissing her deeply in turn. His passionate kisses lovingly against her own, while his tongue dances with her own. Gently, but lovingly caressing Lanna's thigh and rear.

Lanna moaned a bit louder against his lips as she lightly dug her nails into his back, shifting a bit so she could pull him closer still. She was starting to get a bit warm around the edges now. She shivered as she felt his hand on her rear and thigh, her face turning bright red from the feeling but enjoyed it.

Sora groaned in pleasure of her nails clawing his back. A pleasant feeling urging him more forward pressed against her on the ground. Flush as his body was mesh with her own. Her breasts against his chest and her legs wrapping around his. Sora's excitement growing as his member was getting harder in his tightening pants. Pressing against Lanna's legs and pants covered vagina.

Lanna groaned softly as she slipped her hands under his shirt, grazing his skin with her nails as she felt his want pressing against her own, shivering. She murmured lovingly against his lips as the kiss grew even more heated and passionate. She broke the kiss to breath, looking up at him as a thin trail of saliva connected to them. Leaning forward, she planted small kisses and nips along the curve of his neck and shoulder.

Sora moans at the kisses as he does the same as she has, kissing and nipping at her neck and shoulder. Caressing her sides sensually all the while, enjoying the feel of Lanna's body against his own. His love and desire growing stronger the more they got into it.

Lanna nipped at his neck, her hips pressing into his more and unknowingly rubbed against him. She couldn't remember if their make out's ever got this hot and heavy before. She sucked on his skin gently, panting softly as she felt his chest against her breasts, panting softly.

Sora felt his body getting hot and knew they were going farther then last time. So he stops himself to make sure he make their first is something special, instead of a pent up desire outburst in a secluded spot. Granted, it would be amazing and kinda hot considering it's out in the open with a danger element of getting caught. But he really rather they do it somewhere private and alone with no danger.

"Lanna, we keep going, I'm not gonna be able to stop myself from making love to you in this spot." Sora warns his girlfriend and love of his heart panting softly. Trying to reign himself in, but having a difficult time ignoring his urges to claim her here and now. His eyes showing their desire struggling to be restrained.

Lanna panted softly as she looked up at him, feeling her own desire raging through her as she wanted him to take her now in this spot but she knew he was right. "I...I know," she said softly. She took in a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. "Plus...we don't have any condoms...even if I am on the pill." Her parents had given her a refresher on the birds and the bees and made sure they knew when the time was right. She pressed her forehead against his. "I do want you, Sora, and I can't wait for that step."

"That makes two of us, Lanna." Sora said honestly with a small smile. Getting up and offering a hand to her. While trying to ignore his boner poking at his pants and making him uncomfortable.

Lanna smiled as she stood up with his hand and tried not to stare at the bulge in his pants. She looked up at Sora and smiled softly at him. "Thank you for coming with me, Sora," she murmured softly.

"Thanks for bringing me, Lanna, it's nice to get a break from feeling Anti's darkness." Sora said with obvious relief and cheer in his voice. He had nothing against Anti, but darkness was still something he was not too keen on. They did enjoy the little understanding they have though between each other as two parts of a whole.

"I'm sure it was," Lanna said smiling. She knew he was still at odds with Anti most of the time but was relieved he could get along with him when needed.

"Well, how much time do we have left? Enough to get cinnamon buns and milkshakes together?" Sora asks hoping for a quick snack before the B.O.W. attack course part of his test. If he passes that, he's in the BSAA for sure!

Lanna giggled and smiled. "We have forty minutes. Enough time to get a quick snack in," she said. She knew he would pass the test and join BSAA. He was strong enough and had learned a lot since being on her world. She still remembered how innocent he was than, even more so than what he is now. She grinned. "I really got you hooked on cinnamon buns huh?"

"You know it!" Sora said with smiling wide, before picking Lanna up bridal style and carrying her to the Cinnamon bun store. Enjoying the blush he saw on her face as it made her more adorable to him.

Lanna squeaked as she held onto him, blushing heavily from the feeling of being carried like this but smiled at him. She blushed even harder as the clerk smiled at the pair, giggling. "Aw so cute!" she said to them. "When's the wedding?"

"Not for a little while, sadly, I'm still underage for now." Sora admits wanting to make Lanna blush some more, making sure not to let go of her for added chances to keep her blushing.

Lanna blushed even harder at that. Though she couldn't help picture Sora in a tux. Her whole face turned bright right at the thought. She swallowed. The clerk giggled. "The same order?" she asked. Since Lanna first introduced him to the place they had been regulars there.

"You got it!" Sora cheered carrying her to their seats and gently let Lanna into her chair. Flashing her a loving and apologetic smile. "Hope you enjoyed the ride, Lanna."

Lanna chuckled softly. "I did, goof," she said smiling at him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. "You're too good to me." She smiled softly and often wondered how she was so lucky to have him in her life.

"I just want you to feel as special to me as you truly are, Lanna." Sora said honestly sitting across from her on the table. Waiting for their order.

Lanna smiled and held his hand gently. "Thank you, Sora," she said softly. "That means a lot to me." And it did. He did make her feel special and wanted.

"Anytime, Lanna, anytime." Sora assures his girlfriend giving her hand a gentle squeeze, finding content in holding her hand in his own.

Lanna smiled and squeezed back gently as the clerk came out with their orders. She smiled at the couple and left. "It smells good," Lanna said softly, her stomach growling lightly.

"It sure does...and it looks good too." Sora said adding the extra icing on his cinnamon bun, before starting to cut it into bite sized pieces.

"It does," Lanna said adding her own extra icing on her bun and cut into it. "Aunt Jill has a recipe from grandma and it tells you how to make you own cinnamon buns and icing. Maybe we could try it?" She put the bite into her mouth and chewed.

"Sounds good, Lanna-uhm~" Sora said before eating one of the bite sized icing covered pieces of cinnamon bun. Moaning in delight at the taste with a happy expression on his face and his eyes closed.

"Heh," Lanna said as she ate her piece, sighing happily as she relaxed. Wiping her mouth, she took a sip of her milkshake, chocolate, her favorite. "Mmm, it's always so good here!"

"I know, right?!" Sora asks happily as he moaned in delight as he took more bites of his cinnamon bun and washed it down with some of his milkshake. Truly this was an ideal break in his mind from the tests.

Lanna smiled as she relaxed, finishing the rest of her cinnamon bun. "I wish this never end," she said softly, looking out at the horizon. There was a lot of things on her mind; her first mission, the nightmares, the training, spending time with her family and friends, but under it all she felt a bit unease.

"I know what you mean, but don't worry. I'll always be there for you, Lanna." Sora assures his girlfriend, knowing she felt at unease lately. Truthfully, Sora felt the same, like something was off or something was coming. He couldn't promise that everything would stay peaceful, a keybearers job was to protect and that meant getting into conflicts to save or protect others.

"I know and I will do the same for you," Lanna said, knowing his job as the keybearer never ended, just like her own job. It was one of the many things that bonded them besides the horrors in Spain. She knew not everything will be sunshine and sprinkles, knowing what was out there but she was hopeful.

Finishing his meal and drink, Sora looks at the clouds. Admiring the sight of the clear blue sky they float high above their heads in. "How much time do we have left, Lanna?" Sora asks wanting to be sure he makes it back in time. Once he's in, he can be a step closer to protecting this world better and being by Lanna's side as her teammate in the BSAA.

Riku and Kairi had both taken to being Ada's partner and trainee respectively. Due to Riku's experience and Ada's knowledge and skill. They made good teachers for her, while Riku covers Ada's back on missions and information seeking on Organization XIII's movements. So far things were quiet, but Sora knew they'd make a move sooner or later.

"Twenty minutes," Lanna said looking up at the sky and looked at him. "We better start heading back." She finished her drink and wiped her face. She had already paid for their snack's. She stood up slowly and stretched, yawning a bit. She remembered Ada taking on Riku and Kairi as her partners in training and had to admit, it was good for the woman.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Sora agrees pushing his chair back in place before giving a nod of thanks with a thumbs up to the chef. Receiving a friendly wave and smile in return as Sora gently takes Lanna's hand in his own. "Let's head out, Lanna!"

Lanna smiled as she held his hand. "Alright" she said as she waved to the chef and started walking with him. "How do you think the fight will go?" She was curious about it, knowing it was different every year as they wanted to keep things less predictable for the trainees. She remembered her last two challenges she had.

"Not sure, but I can't wait to see!" Sora said going into a light jog with Lanna to the BSAA training facility.

"When I went through it, I had to fight a holographic B.O.W and a crazy human," Lanna said as she jogged with him, smiling a bit. "At least it's not real monsters!"

"Well if you think about it, it makes sense. They can't risk rookies getting killed fighting real B.O.W.s in a BSAA training facility, when their purpose is to kill B.O.W.s and protect people from them. Sure it would give experience, but if what I seen from the media is anything to believe. They'd make a huge mess of the BSAA if they tried training that way. Claiming it too dangerous or inhumane." Sora said remembering one of the few things in this world he hates.

The media, they claim to be unbiased truth seekers, but yet he's seen how they easily pick sides and demonize somethings that shouldn't be. Especially how everyone gets caught up in racism and sexism wars with each other. Usually over little reasons or reasons unrelated to race or sex at all. One thing he found sad was how they tried to say video games made people into violent killers.

If they had seen what he saw, they'd know video games isn't how bad people break laws. They had MANY other reasons to and very few of them were at least understandable. Wrong, but understandable at least. Some people stole for food, sometimes, people kill to avenge their loved ones or protect someone they care for. In the end, their legal system was heavily flawed and if what Leon said is true... Most likely corrupt from the inside out in multiple ways.

"I know and I'm glad they don't," Lanna said as she walked and sighed. "They should see what the real monsters are like." She shivered a bit. "Video games are purely innocent compared to what is going on. I wouldn't put it past them to try to make people think that the B.O.W'S are the innocent ones!" It made her sick to see the media stoop so low.

"Agreed." Sora said nodding in agreement as they arrived at the training facility. Both passing the doors as Lanna made her way to her family and Sora lining up with the other hopefuls, giving Morgan a smile as he spots him. "You ready for this, Morgan?"

Morgan grinned at him. "Totally!" he said as as some of the teachers were handing out armor and laser guns for the next test. Jill looked at them. "Alright everyone" she said looking at them. "Your last test is to save the civilian in the city. If you get hit, your armor will turn red and you are out but that doesn't mean you won't be considered to graduate with the others. Hit the civilian and you are disqualified."

"However, you'll be facing holograms of B.O.W.s in the test, so work together and cover each others backs. Based on your performance and rescue of the civilian, we'll grade you all. Now suit up, check your guns, and get ready for the light to turn green. Once it does, the test has begun and you may move into the course." Chris orders with a commanding tone that makes everyone, even Sora, stand at attention.

"Is that understood?" Jill asked and the group answered, "Yes sir!" Jill nodded and headed to the desk with Chris. Morgan looked at Sora, grinning. "This will be fun!"

"You know it! Bet I can shoot more B.O.W.s than you." Sora said with a challenging grin, this event reminding him of the fun times he spent being rivals with Riku. Back to a more innocent time on Destiny Island where they tried to out do each other and pushed each other to their limits. The thought made Sora smile in nostalgia as he equipped his vest and helmet. Checking his laser gun and nodding in satisfaction seeing it works.

"We'll see about that" Morgan said grinning as he accepted the challenge and pulled on his vest and helmet. He checked his laser gun and grinned widely to see it was working correctly. "I can't wait to start." The lights started to dim a little as a traffic light lowered from the ceiling. The bright red light glowed in the dim lights. The other trainees shifted in their spots, seeing the light changed to yellow. "Almost time." The light turned green, signaling the start of the test.

"Agents, start!"

Sora and the agents moved into the city with a brisk pace. Making sure to pace themselves as everyone kept a careful eye on their surrounds. The city seemingly quiet and looks a lot like Raccoon City did during the Raccoon City Incident years ago. One of few Bio Warfare incidents worthy of the history books.

"How are we gonna find the civilian in all of this?" One of the hopefuls asked his comrades around him. Nervously looking around, making Sora roll his eyes at the guy being nervous NOW. If this made him nervous, he'll have a heart attack against the real thing.

"Keep cool man. We'll find the civilian," Another hopeful said as they kept together, looking through the city streets. The incident at Raccoon City was more than well known and Leon and Claire had mention it more than once as did Lanna. Lanna wasn't alive than but she had heard the screams and cries from her parents bedroom when they had their nightmares.

A growl was heard to the left side of them and soon two more growls added to the first one. Morgan turned to the left, frowning as he gripped his laser. "We're not alone," he said.

Sora heard growls coming from their right soon after as he saw movement between a couple of cars. " Careful guys, they're flanking us..." Sora warns the group with a firm grip on his laser gun.

The growls grew louder as a Hunter landed on a car in front of them and two more behind the group. One of the girls whimpered softly. The Hunters looked very real as drool mixed with blood dripped from their jaws and claws, their eyes glowing in the dim lights.

"Morgan, get the one in front. I'll keep the two behind us busy!" Sora called shooting at the Hunters behind them. Forcing them to jump away as they tried to flank the group while avoiding Sora's shots.

"Right!" Morgan said as he took aim and fired at the Hunter, watching it jump back and slash at one of the Hopefuls. Who was able to jump back, shooting at the B.O.W. Morgan turned to see a fourth Hunter inch towards Sora. "Sora!" Morgan said, turning and shot at the Hunter.

Sora hearing his name being called glanced back to see it get shot. "Thanks!" Sora called finally nailing one of the two hunters and ducking a swipe from the other. Making it miss and stumble forward past him. Sora seeing the chance spun and fired on it's back making it vanish.

"Clear!" Sora calls as his enemies were eliminated and he couldn't see anymore hunters.

Morgan nodded and was ready to speak when he heard one of the Hopefuls whimpered, having wet himself and his armor had changed color. "Oh man..." the Hopeful said, sighing heavily and was called off the scene, leaving nine more. That years class was divided into three groups of ten. The others would do their testing after Sora's group. Morgan wondered how the kid would react to a real B.O.W.

"Poor guy..." Sora muttered feeling kinda bad for him, even though this was clearly a bit too much for that rookie. "So who's leading?" Sora asks wondering who would lead their search for the 'civilian' they had to rescue.

One female spoke up, gaining their attention. "Come on," she said. She looked like Kairi almost but with blond hair and green eyes and a birth mark under her left eye. 'We have a mission and standing here won't accomplish it."

Another rash and somewhat rude Rookie spoke up. "Who the hell put you in charge?" he asked angrily. "Just because your a girl?" Morgan sighed heavily.

Sora decided to end this the only way he knew was safest. Plus this girl wasn't acting like his admirers so far, so that was a plus in his book. "You guys do what you want, but at least she seems to know what she's doing. Coming, Morgan?" Sora says before asking Morgan if he was going to join them. He really wanted to get this test done as soon as possible and the best way to stop in fighting, was for someone they deemed strong to join one side. Sora, knowing that he was for some reason popular as the strongest trainee in their group, would make people less likely to pick fights when he's involved.

That was one thing many of the senior members were thankful to him for. With his no loss record in all of his spars, it made people think twice about fighting him or fighting when he's around. Knowing he's the type to break fights by being the wall or by subduing someone hot headed enough to challenge him too.

"I'm with you," Morgan said nodding to Sora and looked at the girl. "We're willing to listen." The girl nodded. "Good. Now, the civilian will most likely be guarded by the Hunters" she said. Morgan raised a brow. "Hunter's don't usually hunt in packs though" he said, remembering what he had read. "Unless they're programmed that way."

Another Hopeful spoke. 'They could be" he said as he didn't want in fighting.

"So find the place with the most hunters and we're bound to be close. Sounds good, but we need to be careful of ambushes too..." Sora said with a hand under his chin in thought wondering how to proceed without making reckless charges. While he COULD take them all out himself quickly, he needed to learn to blend in and keep his powers secret AND work with a team without his keyblade. So he felt pretty pressured to finish this in record time, but he was glad this was virtual for that reason.

If it was real, he would be MORE tempted to bring out his keyblade if someone was in trouble or something in the plan went wrong.

"Yeah, so MAYBE a distraction than" Morgan said frowning a bit. "But like Sora said we need to be careful." They had to work as a group if they wanted to pass and join their own teams. "But there is only nine of us left so this has to work." He looked at their faces and the blond girl frowned. 'I don't think splitting up is a good idea."

"I wasn't saying split up, not fully," Morgan said. "We find the heard and three of us could lead them to the group and take them out that way."

"I volunteer for bait," Sora said immediately, as one speed was his thing and everyone who knew him knows how fast he is. Two, he had what people would call a hero complex, helping out nearly anyone he thought was good or innocent, so he tends to put himself on the distraction or decoy jobs that he knew no one else would want to go on.

Most people see this as him being suicidal or maybe too optimistic about things, the Kennedy and Redfield family on the other knew there was more too it than that. Sora had a big heart and always acted on it first, secondly, he was leagues stronger than everyone else and he knew it. So he uses that power to ensure their safety by doing things too risky for normal people.

Morgan looked at his new friend and grew worried. "Sora? Are you sure?" he asked, not knowing how fast he was and barely knew what his real strength is. Even if this is a test they had to treat it as real and his worry for the younger male is evident on his face. The others looked at Sora like he was nuts.

"I can handle it, trust me. I'm fast on my feet and at thinking on the fly, I'll trust you guys to give me covering fire once I lead them to you." Sora says trying to assure his teammates who ALL were looking hesitant on this. It's not like they doubted Sora, but they thought this was beyond a doubt, a suicidal tactic no sane man would come up with. The odds of any normal human outrunning a pack of hunters were slim and something none of them wanted to experience.

Sora seeing their hesitation decided to drop the bomb he knew would make at least most of them leave it to him. "During my time with Lanna and Jake, I learned something when they rescued me. The only way evil wins is when good men do nothing and sometimes that means taking a risk. I know I can make it back to you guys safe and I'm not about to make any of you do it. Not when I can see how many of you are hesitant for the role."

Morgan nodded. "Alright then," he said, not really enjoying the idea but knew Sora was right. "We'll follow your idea and we'll be ready for you when you give the signal." He was starting to trust Sora and knowing how he had more field experience than the rest of them. Hell, Lanna, who had been in that group not too long ago, had more experience than any of them. A lot of them looked up to her as well but had earned a lot of heat from it as well.

"Right, get into positions. I'll get their attention and signal you once I have them following me." Sora said rushing off in a light jog to pace himself as everyone got to an ambush point. Sora looked at the building he was heading toward. It looked like an old church, but one that was built sturdy with two floors made of stone. The only compromising thing was the windows all looked shattered, making Sora tense as he looked for signs of movement. No use making a target of himself until he knows it's Hunters he's dealing with and not just zombies.

Zombies he could easily kill on his own and spare them using their ambush plan for. They'll need the rounds on the hunters.

There was a groan to his left and from inside of the building he could hear the sound of someone screaming, crying for help. A small group of zombies came out from behind the building, groaning hungrily as they shambled towards Sora, reaching out to him. They were in various stages of decay.

Sora hearing the voice, knew he had to radio it in to keep his teammates from springing their trap too soon. "Guys, I hear a voice crying for help inside the building, no hunters are seen yet. But I have a few zombies coming out, proceeding to take them out, over." Sora called on his comm link on his helmet, firing a short burst of rifle fire at the zombies, dropping them quickly one by one.

"Copy that, tread carefully," Morgan said through the radio. The zombies moaned loudly as they were taken down easily, signaling Hunters as they growled, eyes flashing gold in the dim lightning. Eight Hunters snarled at Sora, saliva dripping from their fangs and jumped to the ground in front of Sora.

"I found the hunters and am now leading them to you guys, over!" Sora said taking a small spray at the hunters to annoy them into chasing him. It worked like a charm as they roared and chased after him, Sora having to dodge roll under one the leaped swiping for his head. Only to miss and hit a car next to him instead. Shooting quickly to his feet, Sora leaped on a car hood and handsprings off it to avoid another hunter who caved the roof of the car he sprung off of.

Sora continuing the chase in a mad dash as he made his way to where he knew the ambush was waiting.

Morgan and the others could hear Sora making his way towards them with the Hunters, hearing them snarling and growling angrily. The team gripped their laser guns, waiting for Sora to get passed them before shooting. The one who had yelled at the Kairi look-a-like is shaking like a leaf, muttering under his breath. The woman nudged him, frowning. "Sh!" she hissed. "They'll hear you." The rookie glared at her.

Sora soon passed the spot spotting Morgan as he flashed him a thumbs up, before narrowing his eyes as the Hunters got into the kill zone. "NOW!" Sora called to his allies dodging another swipe for his head as he performed a combat roll to evade and make his way to cover. Hiding behind a car as he took shots at any Hunters he could safely shoot without risking his allies.

Morgan and the others started to shoot at the Hunters and ducked under swipes at their heads and scattered around the area. The rookie that had been arguing with the them was hit and taken out from the game as the rest started to take down the Hunters. "Watch your backs!" the woman said twisting around to see a Hunter sneaking up behind Morgan and took it down.

It took a few seconds, but the ambush worked like a charm with only one casualty. Making Sora feel bad for the rookie who got hit and hoped he'd still get in. He just needed someone to help him maintain his cool was all... "Everyone okay?" Sora asks everyone looking around and checking his gun to make sure it was still loaded.

The other rookies nodded as they looked a bit winded from the attack, even Morgan looked a little tired. They would need some more training for their endurance's. "Yeah, we're fine," One rookie said, panting a bit. "So...do we just march into the building to get the civilian?"

Morgan shook his head. "No, there may be more inside so we'll need to tread carefully," he said, frowning. "That seemed a little too easy."

"Well, we best get moving in formation then, the civilian won't come to us." Sora said knowing staying there would only waste time and sadly they were on the clock. Plus he was also treating it like a real mission with a real civilian. Which meant he had no time to sit around and think for too long.

They nodded and started walking to the church. "Fog?" One asked, seeing wisps of fog rolling in. "Here?" Another rookie snorted. "Calm down. Couldn't have thought it would be too easy." The fog started to thicken a bit more as they reached the building. The large doors were closed but not locked.

"Keep your guard up everyone," Sora cautions his allies as he opens the door with Morgan. Both quickly checking the interior with their guns aimed around as they search.

"Clear." Sora called quietly to Morgan as he saw no signs of enemies yet.

Morgan checked the corner and nodded. "Clear," he said as he stepped forward slowly, seeing rows of pews and at the front of the building is the civilian. "Civilian in clear view." A rookie grinned and walked forwards. "Piece of cake!" he said and just as he said that the light from overhead started to swing and broke, falling towards the rookie. Morgan swore and pushed him out of the way.

Everyone, except for Morgan and rookie, pointed their guns up and around the room. Making sure there was no one else in the room to have caused that. Sora walked up to Morgan and helped him up.

"You two alright?" Sora asks them as he helps the rookie up after Morgan.

"Yeah," Morgan said nodding as he looked at the cord and frowned heavily. "It was cut." The rookie nodded at Sora and frowned. "Cut?" He parroted, looking a bit pale. Morgan nodded. "Yeah..." he said, gripping his gun and looked up towards the rafter, not seeing anything.

Sora cursed as his eyes scanned the rafters. One thing he hated about holograms was that there was no hearts to sense, so he was fighting blind like the rest of them. Sora raised his gun looking around carefully, before seeing a shadow move and trying to follow it. Only to mentally curse realizing he lost it.

"Guys, we got a hostile in here, it's fast." Sora warns everyone through his comm link silently.

"Great..." A hopeful said, sighing. "And it's playing Hide and Seek with us." Morgan looked around, frowning as the rafters creaked and groaned. "No. It's camouflage. It's a new type of Hunter," he said, his eyes narrowing. "Look for something that doesn't fully blend in with the area. You won't have time to look for foot prints...AH!"

Morgan went flying to the ground as the Hunter had tackled him, blocking it's fangs from reaching him.

"Morgan!" Sora shouted in worry shooting it's back with his rifle. Watching it vanished as he approached Morgan with caution, looking around for anything not blending in. "Morgan, you okay?"

Morgan nodded, grunting as he sat up slowly. "Yeah," he said, rubbing his back. "Ugh...I hate those things." He stood up onto his feet and looked around. "Thanks for the save." He looked at the surrounding area till his eyes landed on the civilian. "Did you kill it?"

"I think so, but without a body I can't be sure. Holograms disappear when they die, but these things also turn invisible..." Sora said hating the circumstances of their new enemy. Assuming it's even only one, which Sora doubts. Looking around carefully for any signs of something not right in the room.

"Yeah..." Morgan said sighing heavily as he looked around the room, not seeing anything in the room. Nothing shifted or moved. "Let's start moving to the civilian."

"Once we get there, do we have to get it out?" One asked, confused and looked at the others. "Or is that the end of it?" He started moving towards the dummy.

"One way to find out, see if we can grab the dummy and move it. If not confirmation comes from Chris or one of the other founders testing us. I guess it means we have to take them back to where we started?" Sora said unsure what to do when they get to the civilian, but trying to think ahead for possible actions they could take.

"Let's try moving it," The girl said as she walked towards the dummy and reached out. "Don't worry, we're here to help." She wasn't sure if she had to behave if the dummy was real or not. Once her hand touched the dummy a loud growl was heard behind the group. Two large Hunters appeared behind them and they quickly blended into the building.

"Everyone guns up and look for the slightest sign of something unnatural in the building!" Sora called as everyone had their guns up. Sora saw from the corner of his eye a distorted view of his surroundings and fired at the distorted looking space. A loud growl was heard as it became slightly more visible as one of the two giant hunters.

"You got to be kidding me!" One rookie said, shooting at the giant hunter as it twitched and roared, running at Sora and the others. Morgan gritted his teeth as he shot at the hunter, making it twitch again. "Die already!"

The second hunter moved up behind the girl and another rookie.

"Look out!" Sora called spinning around to face the monster he saw from the corner of his eye. Making it hesitate it's approach to growl in annoyance at the shots. Before Sora was forced into a combat roll to avoid the first giant hunter trying to clash him from behind. Coming to his feet he shot it again making it 'die'. Giving a roar of agony as it fell backwards and phased out like a glitching computer.

"That's one!" The girl said as she, Morgan and another rookie killed the last hunter as the body glitched and sparked before disappearing like the others. The monsters were gone. "That's the end of it," Morgan said sighing heavily and looked towards the rest of the others. "Let's get the civilian."

Sora rushes and grabs the civilian and their comm links come to life.

"Attention hopefuls, you must bring the subject back to the check point to complete your trial. Look for a square of blue flares to the west of your location. It should be two miles away from the building." Chris's voice states through the link and everyone looks outside the church to see the flare zone.

"Man, they're really making us work to pass this test aren't they?" Sora asks seeing how situations like this can come up, but still sucks knowing more B.O.W.s were most likely waiting to jump them.

"They do," Morgan said and looked at Sora and the others. "Let get the civilian to the extraction point." He just hoped there wasn't anymore B.O.W.'s waiting for them at the safe zone. His feet were starting to ache but pushed that thought away as he couldn't complain. This was a test, just a taste of what could happen on a mission. He gripped his gun and started to walk with the others. They all kept their weapons out. Two hopefuls stayed back with Sora to help keep the civilian protected.

Sora followed the group without a word, hoping by staying silent he could increase the chances of getting their without trouble. Especially because he was carrying a 'civilian' and couldn't use his gun properly while holding their 'civilian'. So Sora was thankful to have two hopefuls next to him as an added defense.

The group made their way to the zone, keeping their eyes open and guns ready. They didn't want to run into more Hunters and they were so close to the point of finishing the test too. Morgan took point with the girl in front, scanning the quiet area. The air in the city felt cold to them even with the suits on. Hints of frost sprinkled the ground. "Brr...they really want to make us work for this..." A hopeful said shivering.

"We're almost there," another said, shivering as well and sneezed even.

Sora was on edge, he knew this was it and if he learned anything from video games. It was when you're near the end the boss shows up and shit tends to hit the fan when it does. So he was understandably checking his surroundings warily as he kept a secure hold on the 'civilian'.

And they were right...

The ground under them started to shake as did the buildings. A large Hunter, bigger then the ones they had met in the church. The scales are white with an undertone of grey, like soot on the edges. It's claws were broken and jagged, covered in blood as it moved towards the group. It let out a loud roar, it's eyes black.

"Keep your wits guys, we just have to kill this thing and get to the flare zone!" Sora called to his comrades hoping to snap any of them out of their shock or possible fear. They couldn't afford to panic or hesitate now, not with them being so close to the finish or in front of an enemy.

"Everyone, fire!" Morgan ordered as he raised his gun and started to fire. The sound of lasers being released filled the air. The two next to Sora joined in as the Hunter roared in irritation and in pain as it stumbled back. It growled and jumped away from the fire power. It lunged forward, jumping over the group and landing behind them, blocking their view from the safe zone.

"Sora! Get behind us!" the girl said, glaring at the hunter.

"Roger that!" Sora said rushing behind them, though internally he was pissed he couldn't just fight the creature himself with keyblade in hand. He knew he had to restrain himself and trust them to handle themselves against the hologram. The fact it's a hologram helped settle his warrior instincts and keep himself in check.

The Hunter roared in anger as it's body flickered and glitched but didn't 'die' yet as it lunged at the group. Morgan and the others kept shooting. One hopeful broke from the rest and skidded behind the Hunter, shooting at it's back. The monster roared and twisted, swiping widely at the lasers.

"Keep moving, don't be a stationary target for the B.O.W.!" Sora called to his comrades, feeling worried about how close it was getting to them.

The group scattered except for two that stayed close to Sora. The Hunter snarled, watching them scatter and turned towards Sora and the others, moving towards them.

The two hopefuls opened fired at the monster as the rest shot at him from the sides. The Hunter twitched and stumbled backwards. "Keep at it! It's working!"

"You two, over behind this car!" Sora called to them moving with them behind a car as everyone kept shooting at it. Sora positioned them so if it tries to charge. They can scatter to avoid it safely from behind the car to take the hit. If it tries to jump behind, it'll crash into the building they are in front of. With a fence that his sharp points on the top of each post. So odds of it hurting itself were high. If it tried to jump and squish them flat, they had time to scatter and thus make it trapped between the building and car.

The Hunter roared angrily as it stumbled back and turned on it's hind legs, rushing at the car that hid Sora and the two hopefuls. It jumped up onto the car, growling as it went to swipe at them. One of the Hopefuls pushed Sora and the civilian down to the ground, barely avoiding the attack. Morgan and the others shot at the Hunter, making it stagger and fall forward, landing on the spikes. It twitched, struggling and thrashing around widely. It snarled and growled before going limp, disappearing from view.

"Thanks man!" Sora told his rookie ally in gratitude as he got up with the civilian safe in his arms. Though shifting to hold the civilian in one arm to offer a hand to the rookie who kept them both safe from the Giant Hunter.

The rookie smiled and took his hand, standing up. "You're welcome," he said. "And thank you." He saw the spikes on the fence and winced a bit. "Heck of a way to go." He shook his head as the rest joined up with them. "Everyone alright?" Morgan asked, looking at Sora and the others.

"Yeah, let's finish this test." Sora said eagerly as everyone made it to the flare zone where a buzzer sound was heard. "Time! Alpha Squad test run is complete! Please return to starting point to drop off your gear and see your score!" The announcer AI said on the loud speakers that made the voice appear to come from all directions.

"Woohoo!" One hopeful said grinning widely as the test was finished. "That was fun," Morgan and the others chuckled a bit as they went to get their gear off. "Oh yeah."

"Do you think we beat any records?" Sora asks as everyone walked to the starting point. Seeing the door they came through open for them and they walked inside. Putting the supplies back for the next squad to use for their test.

"Maybe, who knows," One said and looked at Sora as they put their supplies back. "You might have and maybe Morgan. So far you two are top aces, except for a few people. Lanna didn't even make it to a top score and a lot of people were betting she would."

The girl shook her head. "Lay off, will ya? That girl has enough on her plate without us adding to it," she said, sighing.

"Congrats hopefuls, you all made it back before time was up. While you hadn't beaten the record, you all have shown impressive teamwork that we hope you'll continue to improve in the future." O'Brian stated as Chris, Jill, and himself greets the hopefuls as they finished putting away their things for the next test takers.

"Now as for your scores, we'll be judging individually how you all did in both tests to judge if you're in. But that has to wait until everyone has taken both tests. So for now please stay with your families or guests here to watch you take the tests." Chris stated as everyone made their way to their family or friends watching in the bleachers. Sora making his way to Lanna and Kennedy family. Hi fiving Jake as he passed him.

"Looking good, Spikes. I was a little worried you might use your keyblade at times, but you showed good restraint." Jake complemented the young man as he hugged Lanna.

"Thanks, Jake," Sora thanks before looking at his girlfriend he's hugging.

"Missed me, dear?" Sora asks Lanna playfully with a content smile.

Lanna smiled as she hugged him back. "Always," she said grinning. "I'm so proud of you. You did great." She kissed his cheek gently as she hugged him. She had thought he would pull his blade out at times, seeing how he itched to summon it.

"I'm proud you managed this without your keyblade, Sora." Leon praised the boy for his self restraint despite the pressure he felt.

"You did great," Claire praised Sora. "You're getting stronger." And he was but he still had set backs. This world was becoming more familiar to him, the good and the bad.

Lanna looked up to see Mr. Burns and Morgan walking towards them. "Ah, hello Kennedy's," Mr. Burns said. "You did well, Sora." He smirked a bit.

"Thanks, I was trained by the best, plus having the experience with Lanna and Jake's mission to help me get where I am." Sora admits truthfully as Jake's and Leon's hand to hand lessons were vital for his classes. Lanna helping out to in order to teach Sora how to fight against girls with only his bare hands and get use to it.

It led to some embarrassing positions and some making out at times during their grappling matches, but he loved every minute of it.

Lanna looked at Sora, remembering those embarrassing positions and matches. Blushing heavily, but smiled at him before her smile dimmed at the sight of her old teacher. She didn't like the smirk on his face as she stayed close to Sora.

"Good, they are good teachers, though I think Lanna would have benefited in staying in my class longer," Mr. Burns said, sending out a barb. "I don't think she's quiet ready yet."

Lanna stiffened at that, her eyes narrowing at the man as she held her tongue.

"I'll have to respectfully disagree there," Sora said quick to defend his love, but learned to keep his calm...in a better manner than when he first arrived. "Lanna has proven herself since the mission and has gained plenty of experience needed to be recognized as worthy of being in the BSAA. Her captain had no complaints about her performance on the field."

Leon smiled seeing his lessons to help Sora keep his cool has been benefiting for the young man... Now if only he could get Jake to take those lessons too.

"We'll have to agree to disagree," Mr. Burns said frowning a bit. "How's the scar, Lanna? Healing up nicely?" Lanna touched her side gingerly, feeling the new scar there. "It's healing up nicely, thank you," Lanna said and smiled. "It's earned me a bit of a rep as bad ass."

Claire covered her mouth as did Sherry, trying not to laugh.

"I have to say though, not many could give Spikes a challenge like you did, Morgan. The way you fought him showed experience, were you a merc or trained by a soldier perhaps?" Jake asks the man politely, but deep down curious. The way the man moved in that fight reminded Jake of himself when he was younger. True his build was more power based compared to Jake's speed, but his technique was very accurate. It made him wonder how this friendly guy put up with Mr. Burns, but out of keeping things civil made no comments yet.

Morgan flushed a bit and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. He was in his early 20's but was mistaken to be near Lanna and Sora's age. "Ah...my parents were mercs," he said honestly. "They taught me from the age of 5 and that continued till I was 15. My parents were killed on the field by Glenn Arias." This caught the attention of the adults, mostly Leon and Chris. Lanna and Claire stared up at Chris and Leon.

"Oh...I heard about that case, sorry to hear about your folks though." Jake apologizes, he knew how losing his mother hurt him, but for someone to lose both parents would deeply hurt anyone. Leon and Chris both looking at Morgan in both sympathy and some traces of regret. Knowing they couldn't save everyone from Glen Arias's viral outbreaks, but thankfully managed to save most of the city.

Leon would never forget the tongue lashing he got from Claire when he got back from that mission. She found out from Chris he was out drinking to drown his sorrows alone before Chris found him. Instead of coming to her in order to not worry her or little Lanna about the weight of his lost comrades had on his mind. She understood how he felt on wanting to avoid being a burden, but she wanted him to know he's never a burden to her and wanted to help him through anything. Just as they had through Raccoon City and so many nightmares they had through the years.

Morgan smiled lightly. "Thank you," he murmured. "It was hard...my grandparents didn't handle it well. But they urged me to continue my training and join BSSA when I was ready." He breathed slowly. "I just hope they're proud of me." Claire looked at him gently and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure they are," she said softly. "You turn out to be a good person and fighter, Morgan."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kennedy," Morgan said smiling. Claire grinned. "It's Claire" she said. "I feel old when someone says it so formally." She winked at her husband.

Leon smiled at his beautiful wife, wrapping an arm around her and holding her close. Feeling warmth and comfort in her presence as he looked at Morgan. "Morgan...I don't know where your parents were during that case, but I want to formally apologize for not being able to save them. I'm sure they were good people and didn't deserve to die at Aria's schemes. If it's any comfort, Chris and I made sure he paid for all the suffering he caused." Leon says giving his condolences to the young man before them.

Claire smiled and leaned into her husband, feeling his arm around her. She always felt safe around him and in his arms. She loved him deeply. Morgan looked at Leon and smiled, nodding. "I know you all did what you could," he said. "And they were good people. My parents were one of the best."

"What were their names?" Lanna asked curiously, head tilted.

"Micheal and Duvon Stirling," Morgan said.

"I think I heard of them..." Jake murmured trying to recall where he heard those names before. "They were like a two person team known for getting the job done, but they mostly handled security or rescue jobs if I recall correctly." Jake said knowing some of their reputation as mercenaries like himself.

"Sounds pretty cool," Sora commented as Leon looked at Mr. Burns.

"Was there something you wished to speak to us about other than catching up, Mr. Burns? It's rare for you to come to us as you're usually busy." Leon said keeping a poker face, but maintaining a polite tone. Mostly to hide his own confusion and not wanting to start a fight over assumptions. Today's suppose to be a good day for everyone and while he was on guard around the man who had out for his daughter, he knew assumptions were too dangerous to gamble with in social situations.

On the field he could trust his assumptions and instincts, but when talking to others in civilized areas. Leon had to learn to talk smart through the years to avoid unneeded conflicts.

Mr. Burns snorted. "Yes. Come on, Morgan," he said looking at the boy. "We must get ready for when you are chosen by a more reliable team." Morgan frowned at Mr. Burns and looked at the others, his expression softening. "I'm sure we'll pull through, Sora. Maybe even end up on the same team if you don't end up on Lanna!"

"Hey," Lanna said smiling. "You and Sora are both more than welcome to join my team. I'm sure my captain would be thankful to have you both." Morgan smiled and nodded. "That would be an honor to work with you both." He bowed to them and headed off with Mr. Burns.

"Looks forward to working with you, Morgan!" Sora called as he stayed seated next to Lanna. An arm wrapped around her waist as he leaned against her and waited for when the testing would be done.

Lanna leaned into Sora, their heads touching gently. "Heh, he seems really cool," she murmured, already taking a liking to Morgan as she knew Sora and the others did as well.

Claire nodded and sighed. "He does, but I feel bad for him. I mean, he lost both of his parents to another whack job," she said, shaking her head.

Jake couldn't help the frown on his face as he thought about it and Chris's offer to be a member of the BSAA. Jake knew things were fine now, but also knew Chris and Jill were getting too old. Question was, should he accept Chris's offer?