Welcome everyone! I'm so excited to continue Akari's journey. I you haven't already, you probably want to check out the prequel to this titled Beginning Light on my profile. It is referred back to a bit in this story. Radiant Shadows will follow the KH1 storyline. I'm gonna try and keep as much canon content as I can into the story. Thank you all for starting or continuing Akari's journey and without further ado, let's go!

"Keep up with me 'Kari" The dark haired ninja yelled as she leapt from building to building. The slightly younger girl ran behind her, trying to catch up.

She stopped at one building and bent over for a second, catching her breath. The ninja dropped down next to her and frowned.

"Oh come on, done already?" The younger girl gave her a stare and rolled her eyes.

"We;ve been running for more than twenty minutes and we've already looped the city five times. When do you get tired, Yuffie?" The older girl grinned.

"I'm a Wutai ninja, I never get tired."

"Well I'm a normal girl, so I do get tired." The younger girl retorted. She picked herself up and jumped to a nearby balcony before knocking on the door.

"Oh come on Akari. We can do at least one more!" Yuffie edged her on. Akari was about to huff a reply when the door opened and her tall brown-haired friend appeared before her.

"Aerith!" The older girl gave a warm smile.

"Welcome back Akari! How was your scouting with Yuffie?" Akari rolled her eyes.

"Long and boring. No heartless in sight!" Aerith laughed.

"Well that's good to hear. Come on in! Leon and Cid will be coming by later. We've just received a message." Yuffie hopped down and entered the room after Akari.

"What message?" She asked Aerith curiously. Akari watched as Aerith pulled out an envelope. It had the stamp of a mouse that sealed the letter, although it was clear that the envelope had already been opened.

The younger girl stepped back, nearly knocking an item behind her. Aerith paused from pulling out the letter and gave her a worried look.

"Are you okay, Akari?" Akari took a deep breath and nodded.

"Y-yeah. I was just surprised by the seal." Yuffie peered at the stamp and shrugged.

"It's just the King's mark?" Akari's eyes widened.

"King?" Yuffie gave her a strange look.

"Yeah, King Mickey!" Yuffie said, puzzled by Akari's reaction. Aerith watched Akari with careful eyes.

"is something wrong Akari?" She asked gently. Akari shook her head quickly and breathed in.

"No. I'm fine. What did the King say?" Yuffie's attention turned immediately to Aerith who pulled out the letter and unfolded it.

"I won't go over everything, but he's asking us to find something for him." Yuffie bounded over to Aerith and took the letter.

Akari stood off to the side, almost scared to hear what Mickey wanted, what the friend she hadn't seen in almost ten years sent a letter for. She could barely remember what he looked like, but seeing that seal reminded her of her adventures long ago.

"What is it?" She asked, finally working up the courage and walking over to where Aerith and Yuffie stood. Aerith handed her the letter and Akari grasped it firmly as she skimmed the writing.

One word popped out. One word that reminded her of her three friends.

She dropped the letter.

Yuffie ran over to her and shook her, trying to snap her out of her trance. She gripped her arm and turned the younger girl around to face her.

"Hey! What's wrong!" Aerith gently pushed Yuffie back and turned to stare at Akari, kneeling down and running her fingers through the girl's short black hair.

"Are you okay?" She asked gently. A tear ran across Akari's cheek and she rubbed it away, nodding her head.

"Yeah...I'll be fine." She kneeled down and picked up the letter, rubbing her thumb over the ever familiar word.

Keyblade