Act II: In Search of Answers

Either you hate Kairi in this chapter or you pity her. Hopefully, you enjoy this all the same.


She could not move. She could not speak. She was floating in the darkness, unable to do anything except feel the cold and loneliness of the abyss.

She did not know how long she stayed like that, suspended in an ethereal form with only her consciousness intact. Memories played before her, but they were fragmented and hazy, as if she was simply viewing a distant dream. She had friends, a loving father, and a home waiting for her. But she could not remember if they were even real or not.

Except for a boy whose eyes were like the sea, pulling her own soul deep into those mesmerizing irises until she wanted nothing but to drown herself with his playful gaze and cheeky grin. She remembered running alongside him on a pristine white beach, laughing together while they chased each other, and a dark cave where they both drew their images on the wall as a symbol of their connection.

Last, she remembered that sunset on the bent paopu tree, just before they go to battle. His gentle smile, and the way he looked at her when they fed the paopu fruits to each other like lovers. She had etched his words to her heart; his eternal promise.

"I'll keep you safe."

Except he could not, and now she was here, forever trapped with no way out. If only she could see him for one last time, her...

A light shone in the far distance, bright and strong and warm, driving away the all-encompassing darkness. It reached out to her like a hand, waiting for her to grab it and pull her away from this sea of nothingness. And beyond it a voice spoke, gentle and confident, reminding her of endless blue skies.

"Let's go home, Kairi."

Thus, her heart responded, and she took the hand with great joy while the light grew bright until it swallowed everything and—

Kairi snapped her eyes open and beheld the white ceiling of her room, watching with idle interest the slow rotation of the ceiling fan. For a moment, the only sound was the ticking clock and her own measured breathing. Dazzling sunlight shone outside her windows, but her sky blue curtains were drawn in favor of the welcoming darkness within the room.

Always that dream, and always she wished she could stay asleep to relive what came after over and over again. It was the best moment of her life, torn away in a single day just like her heart and most of her sanity. If only she could remain trapped forever in that brief moment and repeat the day in a time loop.

Her lips trembled slightly, but no tears came out. She had long stopped crying, and what sadness she had held in her heart once was gone, replaced by an emptiness that could never be filled by anyone. She had learned to live with that gaping hole, along with her desperation to see him return to her.

A knock on the door and her mother's soft voice came drifting; breakfast was ready and she had to come down. She would have wanted to ignore it—perhaps for eternity—but her body moved on her own and Kairi stood up. Like a machine, she moved about doing her daily routine, brushing her teeth, taking a shower, and dressing to her day clothes; it was supposed to be school day, but she had already dropped out nearly a year ago.

Her parents were waiting downstairs around the dining table. She did not pay them any attention despite their greetings, and sat near the window where she could view the overcast sky. At the edge of her vision, Kairi saw her mother shared a forlorn look with her father, who shook his head and sighed.

Her mother's lips trembled as she forced a smile. "Had a good sleep, dear?"

"No." Kairi's voice was dull and lifeless while she stared at her vegetables. It should have smelled wonderful like all her mother's dishes, but she had forgotten how to enjoy everything in life. The food no longer tasted the same without him.

Despite her answer, Kairi's mother continued. "Selphie just dropped by a few minutes ago. She's asked if you want to join her and—"

"I'm not interested."

"Then maybe we could go out for lunch today? Your father don't have anything to do in the off—"

"I'm not in the mood."

A spoon clattered to the floor, but Kairi ignored it until her mother rushed forward to embrace her, sobbing. "Kairi, please! Stop doing this to yourself! Come back to us!"

The woman's desperate ears were absorbed by Kairi's deaf ears. Though a part of her heart ache at the sight, another part felt nothing. She stopped feeling any form of emotion long ago, any empathy destroyed along with her reason for existence. She only lived now because she was, not because she wanted to. And because she was waiting for his return.

Kairi's mother continued to sob on her shoulders. She tried to shrug her arms off gently, but the woman refused to released her until Kairi's father pried her away. Kairi bowed her head when her mother wept harder than before, and she kept her gaze lowered as she pushed off from her chair, appetite lost.

"I'm going out."

She spun around and hurried out of sight without waiting for their response, gritting her teeth. They could not understand her pain, and they would never. When she got outside the door, she slammed it shut, muffling her mother's wails. After pulling up her hood and burying her hands deep in her pockets, Kairi crossed the threshold of her house and stepped into the quiet road where someone was already waiting for her.

Naminé smiled. "I thought you might want company on the way to the boat, so…"

Without even glancing in her direction, Kairi swept past the girl and proceeded down the street. Naminé followed without a word. The sun was still low on the horizon, and the air carried a familiar chill. If Kairi did not hurry, the rain would come down in a torrent and she would not be able to go visit the islands with that kind of weather.

Although dying again might be the only way, she mused darkly. The only thing keeping her tethered to life was the tiny ray of hope that Sora would come back, but it was slowly diminishing as the days became weeks and months. Two days from now was the anniversary of Sora's disappearance. If nothing changed, then perhaps it was time to say goodbye to everyone forever…

"Kairi!"

She suddenly found Naminé in front of her, smiling sadly, and watched blankly as the girl grabbed one of her hands and placed it on the soft fabric of her brown sweater, above her heart. Kairi felt her Nobody's heart beat in a slow, regular rhythm that mirrored hers.

"Feel that?" said Naminé. "That's me, but it's also you. Whatever you feel, I feel too; if you are sad or whenever you are happy. It flows through our connection." She placed a hand gently on Kairi's shoulder. "And that's why I know how you truly feel, more than anyone else. But you can't let that ruin you, Kairi. You have to let go."

Kairi's lower lip trembled, and she whispered, "If you know how I feel, you should know why I can't let go."

"I do. But that's why you have to. Not for me, or for Riku, or your arents. Not even for you. Do it for Sora. He would want you to suffer like this."

"If he doesn't want me to suffer then he should return to me now!" Kair finally shouted. Her dam of emotions had crumbled, and they were gushing forth as strong as her tears. "All these years he always saved me, but what about him? I could not even repay him for everything! And now he's gone, and I'm here all alone!" She buried her face in her hands and wept. Tremors racked her body while overhead, the first raindrops plummeted to the ground.

A pair of warm hands soon pulled her into a hug. Her anguish reverberated across her link with Naminé, and she sensed the girl's own sadness swirling with her own. A whisper came to Kairi's ears, soft and soothing.

"It's alright. It will be alright. You are not alone, Kairi. Everyone's here for you. I am here for you."

And so she stayed like that with Kairi sobbing on her shoulders until the rain came down in a torrent.

His palm slid over to hers, enveloping her hands in that familiar warmth she always loved. In front of them, the ocean was a burning orange as the sun sank lower into the horizon. Countless times they had viewed this scene together, each one cherished as if it was the last.

Their friends laughed and played behind them, but their eyes only held the darkening horizon. This… would be the last time they would see each other, and she wished she could be forever trapped in this moment. For after this, life would already lost its meaning.

"Hey, Kairi." He looked at her with the most tender smile she had ever seen him gave her, and she knew. It was time.

Her tears fell, pouring down her cheeks like a rain. His smiled had turned sad, and his voice grew soft as he spoke.

"Remember, I'll always be with you. Forever."

And then—

she was running along a dark corridor, heart pounding, and Keyblade gripped tightly in her right hand. Darkness nipped at her heels, but she kept going. She was close!

Large shadows leapt at her from above; she slashed at one and evaded the rest. Her pulse quickened as she rounded a corner. More blocked the way, and behind her. She was trapped.

She continued forward and used her heart's light to ward them off like insects. They quailed before her powers, and she rushed past their cowering forms. She knew it was only temporarily; once she was far enough for her light to reach them, they would resume their pursuit.

But she could not stop now. She could feel his heart already, weak but existing. A massive door stood at the end, faint light shining through despite the thick darkness covering it. And she knew he was there, waiting for her. She had to go.

She put up a burst of speed, driving away any who stood on her way. They seemed more eager to bar her from her goal, crawling in never-ending waves of shadows. They hunger for her heart's light, strongest of the Seven. And she could feel that oozing from all directions. Their fangs and claws reached for her only to be pushed away by her Keyblade.

Thus, she fought her way through until she finally stood before the door. Her light shone brighter and kept the endless horde of darkness at bay. With trembling hands, she pushed the door and it swung without a sound, revealing a pitch black chamber. At the far end was a flickering light, like a wavering candle. There was a throne of pure white marble, and in it sat a slumbering figure.

Her Keyblade fell with a loud clang as she rushed forward, sobbing. At last, she found him. And no matter what happens, she would never let go. She reach out with her hand, crying out with both her heart and voice. Closer, closer! She was almost there!

And then claws sank into her back, and she screamed as she was dragged the way she had came from. She struggled, her fingers leaving bloody trails on the broken floor. He was getting further and further away, and she was powerless against the darkness.

Until at last it swallowed her feet, then her body, and she uttered one last desperate scream before her head was plunged into a sea of eternal despair…

Kairi bolted awake, eyes wide and Keyblade at the ready. She looked around wildly expecting an attack, but all she saw were the dark corners of her room. Thunder rumbled outside, and the sea churned. She shivered; it reminded her too much of the day her world was destroyed.

Swallowing the apprehension rising from his chest, she dismissed Destiny's Embrace and hugged herself. What was that last dream about? It looked so vivid and real, and she could almost still feel the claws and fangs digging into her skin. And then him. He was there, she knew. It was him on that white throne.

She forced her thundering heart to slow down and wiped the sweat collecting on her frehead despite the chill. Something was happening. She had not dreamt of Sora in that way before, not even during his journeys three years ago. And she had to find out why.

An urgent knock on the door made her look up in astonishment. Her parents were usually asleep at this time already, but it was not uncommon for one of them to check on her nowadays, given her emotional state. However, the thing she found suspicious was the knocking; they never did that.

Kairi summoned her Keyblade again and silent stood from her bed, making her way to the door on quiet footsteps. She may be paranoid, but she had experience her fair share of sudden abductions and cloaked kidnappers. She would not be caught off guard now.

The knock came again, and she raised her weapon while her lips opened in preparation of a Blizzara spell. Whoever this idiot was would find an ice shard stabbing at his a—

"Kairi? Wake up! This is important!" The voice belonged to Riku.

The girl blinked in surprise, then narrowed her eyes suspiciously. One, Riku was too polite to just enter a house without permission. Two, it was in the middle of the night and her parents should have woken up at the intrusion.

"Who's there?" she called in a challenging tone. "I'm warning you. I'm armed and I can definitely send you over to the ocean with a flick of my hand." An exaggeration, but sometimes that was all a burglar needed to scurry away running in fright.

"What the heck are you saying?" said an exasperated Riku. "It's me, Riku!"

"No! You're not my—"

"Kairi, please open the door," came Naminé's soft voice.

Now that made Kairi finally lowered her weapon and stepped back. "Naminé? What are you guys doing here?" She checked the clock. "It's almost 3am!"

"I know, but this is important."

"What's so important that you have to—"

"Sora. It's about him."

Kairi unlocked the door and nearly broke its hinges as she threw it wide open, eyes ablaze with a new light. Sure enough, Riku and Naminé stood at the threshold, retreating a few steps when Kairi waved her Keyblade in front of their noses with a low growl.

"Tell me. Now."

Riku shook his head. "Unfortunately, we still don't know much ourselves. Ienzo just called me to tell that they may have found a way to revive him."

"That's why we rushed here," explained Naminé further. "We need you to come with us. So please lower down your Keyblade, okay?" She smiled nervously and pushed the weapon's tip away from her and Riku's faces.

Kairi dismissed her weapon and leaned on her knees, eyes closed. She suddenly felt really weak, and a shuddering breath escaped her lips. Sora. For the first time in a year, a tiny ray of hope blossomed in her heart. And with it, a touch of fear. She remembered her nightmare earlier, and she wondered if the two were somehow connected.

Naminé's hand touched her shoulder gently. Kairi opened her eyes and saw her Nobody staring with concern. "Kairi, are you okay?"

Kairi wiped the tears that were staring to collect in her eyes, and chuckled wearily. "Yes. Let me just get packed." She knew it would be a long journey, and she had to be ready.

To her utter surprise, Riku smirked. "No need. We already bought clothes for you. Everything is ready on the Gummi ship."

She gaped at her friend, then realized it all made sense. Of course, Riku came from a wealthy family. "And my parents? I don't to leave again without telling them."

Naminé gave her an apologetic look. "We placed a sleeping spell on them, then left a note explaining why you had to leave." She shrugged. "We both have the same handwriting, so I doubt if they will suspect."

Kairi nodded. She hated to leave her parents again like this, but she had no choice. She had to find Sora and bring him back. Releasing a breath she never realized she had been holding, Kairi nodded at last and said, "let me just get change."

The journey to Radiant Garden was nerve-wracking for Kairi. She tried to rest on the way, but sleep eluded her and she had trouble relaxing. All she could think of was Sora, and how they would find him.

When they finally arrived and Kairi saw the sprawling city below, her anxiety only grew worse. She gripped her forearms tightly, watching the landing part drew close as Riku maneuvered the ship onto the docking bay. People swarmed below, and she thought she saw a blond man smoking a cigarette among them. Up ahead, the towering spires of Ansem the Wise's castle loomed, gleaming in the morning sun.

As soon as they touched down, Kairi let all the tension in her body exploded and rushed down the ramp as fast as she could, ignoring Naminé's shouts. Exiting the ship, she was immediately greeted by Cid who blocked her way, frowning.

"Well, that sure didn't take you guys long. I was expec—"

"What happened? Where's Sora?" demanded Kairi breathlessly.

The man raised an eyebrow. "Well, the kid is deader than dead, if you have forgotten. But," he added when Kairi's expression fell, "I think we've found a way to revive him. You better talk to Ansem and the others. They are already waiting at the great hall."

Once Riku and Naminé had joined them, Cid led the trio through the castle's twisting halls. Kairi wrung her hands all the way, unable to ease the apprehension in her body. Naminé placed a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but even that did not help; for Kairi, even this short trip to the great hall seemed like hours.

Cid guided them to a massive engraved door guarded by several men including, to Kairi's surprise, Aeleus and Dilan. Most of the time, guards were only posted the gates outside. But why were they guarding the great hall? Weaponless they may be, their eyes were vigilant and alert, though they softened somewhat when they saw Kairi and the others approaching.

"Is everyone already in there?" asked Cid.

Dilan nodded. Together with Aeleus, they pushed the door. It swung on silent hinges, and Kairi was suddenly assaulted with a blinding light from the nearby windows. When her vision adjusted, she hurriedly stepped inside.

Everyone was there. A few heads quickly turned when she entered followed by Riku and Naminé: Leon, Yuffie, Aerith. Standing next to Terra and the Dream Spirit, Chirithy, Aqua gave her a nod before transferring her worried gaze back to a pale-looking Ventus being inspected by Vexen in the middle of an explanation. There were two others sitting next to Ventus, but the scientist blocked the view.

To the left by the windows, Ansem the Wise sat on an intricately designed chair, his expression troubled. Isa stood near him, grim faced and worried.

Even King Mickey was there. He jumped from his seat next to the leader of Radiant Garden and rushed to Kairi on his two small legs, relief crossing his face. "Kairi, Riku, Naminé! I'm so glad you could all come here!"

The three bowed. "It's good to see you, Mickey," said Riku.

"And I you. But please take a seat. We have much to discuss." Mickey glanced back over his shoulders.

For the first time since entering, Kairi noticed Axel pacing in circles behind Vexen, annoyed and anxious at the same time. When Vexen moved aside a little, Kairi let out a small gasp. Roxas and Xion sat together next to Ventus in a row, and they did not looked good. Though awake, they were both shivering despite the heat suffusing the chamber, faces as white as snow.

"Well?" demanded Axel once Vexen straightened up. "How are they?"

"Not good, as far as I can tell," answered the scientist. "They—"

Axel shouted, "Not good? Is that all you can say after examining them for almost thirty minutes?"

Irritation flashed across the former Nobody's face. "And who's the one who rudely interrupted me?" snapped Vexen. "Now as I was saying, these two are in a worse condition than we initially feared." His expression turned grim as he gestured to Xion.. "If you will remember, Number XIV here is created to—"

Suddenly, Axel grabbed Vexen by the collar of his lab coat with a snarl, spun him around so they both faced the trio, and growled while pointing to each of them. "Xion. Roxas. And this one that looked like Roxas is Ventus."

Vexen shrugged his arms off, scowling. "Fine. Xion. We in the first Organization XIII created her to absorb Sora's memories in case Roxas failed in his mission. In doing so, we indirectly made them connected. And when she returned to Sora then grew a heart of her own, that connection became absolute. It's now much like what Roxas have."

"Thus, what Sora feels, they both feel too. Naminé knows what I mean, being Kairi's Nobody." He gestured to the blonde, who nodded. "But! We know Sora is dead. Not lost, but truly dead. Therefore, that connection should have been severed."

"Which means Sora is alive?" Axel concluded.

"Not quite," answered Vexen. He glanced over to Kairi, eyes narrowing. "Because if he is alive, then there's no danger of Roxas and Xion vanishing."

Kairi's heart clenched at the sight of Axel staring at Vexen in disbelief, eyes shimmering as tears began to form while Roxas and Xion huddled together in fear. Their hands held each other tightly, as if the very act would prevent the fate awaiting them.

"No. I don't want to disappear. Not again!" Xion began to sob and leaned on Roxas' shoulders. His arms wrapped her, keeping her safe in his embrace. It sent a pang of deep longing within Kairi's heart, and she averted her gaze.

"But why would they vanish if Sora is not alive?" asked Axel. He went to his two friends and gritted his teeth while looking at them, then whirled around to face Vexen again. "Can't we do something?"

Vexen raised a finger. "I'll answer your first question first since that is the easiest. Yes, we can consider his body dead, but we can't the heart. Ienzo and I have a theory about this." His gaze slid over to his assistant standing beside Ansem the Wise's seat, who nodded and stepped forward.

"Sora's heart is dormant, that much we can confirm," he explained. "But we think it is weak and do not have a vessel at the moment. Roxas' and Xion's conditions is the result. Sora's heart needs sustenance, and the only way for his heart to survive is to absorb them again. Once he did," Ienzo lowered his gaze sadly, "then they will be gone forever. Sora's heart will remain, but only for a little while longer. Without a vessel, it would completely vanish."

"What about Ven?" asked Aqua, while holding the boy's trembling hand. "Why is he being affected?"

"His heart heart has lived too long inside Sora," said Vexen. "Naturally, he would feel the effects through their connection. But you have nothing to worry about. He won't vanish unlike these two. He might die from shock, though." He shrugged indifferently, then flinched when Aqua sent him a murderous glare.

"I'm just stating the facts," he said before clearing his throat and striding next to Ansem the Wise, his job finished.

The entire chamber was plunged into utter silence. Kairi's legs wobbled from exhaustion and fear, but she forced herself to remain steady on her feet. She looked around. Everyone was either too stunned to speak or too afraid of the fates awaiting Sora, Roxas, and Xion.

None seemed to have an answer to what they could do.

She clenched her hands. Not me. Kairi knew what to do, even though it might be hopeless and could lead to her demise again. If she did not do it, then everything they had fought for would be meaningless. She could not let Sora's sacrifices go to waste, especially if it could also bring him back.

"Then let's find him." She was surprised her voice did not waver, filled with confidence and determination. Their eyes snapped into her direction, and she held each of them firmly with her own. She saw the fear and doubt, but she could not just accept it. "Let's find Sora and bring him back," she repeated, louder and stronger.

"We don't even know where to begin, Kairi," said Riku, his arms crossed. "If we attempt another search, it might make matters worse."

"So you'll just going to let Roxas and Xion disappear?" Kairi said with a challenging tone. She could never forget how Riku gave up so easily, much less forgive him for allowing Sora to sacrifice himself to revive her. It put a rent in their friendship, one that she was not keen on mending anytime soon.

Despite her hostile expression, Riku remained composed and stared directly into her eyes. "I'm not saying that. You know I won't let anything happen to any of us if it's within my power, even if I have to surrender myself to the darkness again." Kairi's face softened a little. "If I could, I will search for Sora. But we don't have any leads, Kairi. It's like finding a rice in a beach. It would take us forever. And by then, Roxas and Xion…"

He did not finished his sentence. He did not need to. Kairi understood his point, and even she had her doubts. But that dream, it suddenly became clear to her; the dream held the answer to where Sora's heart lay.

"What if I told you that I may know where he is?"

Riku's gaze immediately sharpened into focus. "What do you mean?"

So Kairi told them everything about her dream: the darkness, the guarded doorway, the white marble throne, and Sora's slumbering form. They were quiet throughout her tale, though she saw King Mickey stiffened while recognition flashed across his face. When Kairi finished, everyone but him shifted uneasily on their feet.

The king approached her and spread his hands helplessly. "Kairi, if what you say is true, then it is dangerous to go there. It is not a place where one can go easily."

"Why?" she demanded while ignoring Riku"s warning look. "What's more dangerous than Xehanort? And what is that place?" She waited, but none seemed to hold the answer or was too scared to even say it.

"Scala ad Caelum," Mickey finally said, shoulders sagging in defeat. "It's where Sora fought and defeated Xehanort. But you can't go there, Kairi. None of us can. That world is stuck in between time and space. To go there… you must open Kingdom Hearts."

His words struck her like a hammer blow, and only now did she understood the futility of their situation. Open Kingdom Hearts. Doing so would mean reforging the x-blade by making seven lights and thirteen darknesses clash once more; a war that would probably be worse than before if re-enacted.

No. She was stupid for even thinking of such a thing. Sora's sacrifice would be in vain if they allowed that to happen. But… then what? They were stuck in a loop. If they did not find a way soon, Roxas and Xion would disappear forever. And so would Sora.

"There has to be a way," Kairi said through clenched teeth. She refused to accept this hopelessness.

Mickey shook his head sadly. "There is none. I'm sorry, Kairi. But we just have to—"

"I won't accept that!" she shouted, tears prickling at her eyes. She looked at their eyes, letting her emotions convey themselves through the sheer intensity of her gaze. Many flinched and looked away, except for Riku. Fine! If you don't want to help me, I'll find a way on my own!" She wiped the tears and stormed off. However, Riku's voice made her halt in her tracks.

"Find a way on your own? Do you even heard yourself, Kairi?" He strode forward until he stood next to Mickey. The king murmured his name in a warning tone, but he ignored it and pressed on. "You want to save him? You cannot even save yourself! Every damn time we have to save you! Sora had to save you! And now you're telling us that you'll do it on your own? Stop acting tough. It doesn't suits you."

For the first time in her life, rage clouded Kairi's heart. She whirled around with a snarl. "I don't need to be lectured by someone who let his best friend die just because he had been afraid to stop him!"

"Do you think I wanted this?" Riku bellowed back so loud that darkness flickered at his hands. "I was the one who let him go! And every night the guilt torments me! If only I could, I would have exchanged my life to bring him back!"

"Then why didn't you?" Kairi screamed. Her lips trembled, hot tears streaking down her cheeks. She didn't want to say this, but her mind was already muddled by the fury rising in her heart that the words just flowed from her lips. "I wish you could have just died instead of him," she spat bitterly.

There was a stunned gasp from everyone in the chamber. Naminé rushed forward with tears in her eyes, sliding next to Riku with a pleading look. "Kairi, please!" she implored.

"Sorry, Naminé," Kairi said coolly. "But if no one wants to help me, I'll find a way myself. I'm not as scared as your boyfriend here who only thinks of himself." She did not bother wiping the tears this time as she bowed her head and spun on her heels. She did not their help, all of them. She would show them that she was no longer the Kairi she used to be; a girl who had to be rescued every single time. She could save Sora on her own.

"And what if you do need help?"

As if responding to her thoughts, the unmistakable male voice echoed in the vast chamber, startling her. But she knew she was not the only one who had heart it, for the others started looking around in confusion.

Kairi found it first in the form of a hooded figure standing by the massive and ornate oak doors. Hands clasped behind his back, he started approaching, and the sound of his footsteps drew everyone's attention. Ansem the Wise rose from his seat with a shocked expression and demanded, "Who are you and how did you get here? Dilan! Aeleus! Guar—"

The stranger's arms quickly shot in the air as Keyblades materialized in their wielders' hands and pointed at him. "No, no, no! Wait! I'm a friend!" he yelped.

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" asked Riku. Despite their previous heated argument, he still placed himself in front of Kairi.

"Because I can help you find the heart you've been looking for," he said softly, arms still raised in surrender.

Kairi gasped and rushed forward, the only one whose Keyblade was not ready. She ignred Riku's protest and stood in front of the stranger. Though he wore the same black coat as the Organization, she felt like she could trust him, sensing no hostility or malice. Besides, she would take any form of help at this point if it meant saving Sora.

"What do you know?" she asked. And for some strange reason, light from the nearby window bathed the both of them in dazzling radiance. Shadows still his face, but Kairi thought she saw a faint glimmer of blue underneath that darkness, just where his right eye would have been.

"Everything," he answered and tilted his head downwards slightly, being taller than her. He looked back up. "But, I can't say it yet until your friends lowered their weapons. Especially Mister Angsty Emo over there." He pointed behind Kairi.

"Tell us your name first!" demanded Riku.

"Woah! Geez! Okay! You think people in this era would be less suspicious than back in my day!" he grumbled, though Kairi noticed a hint of amusement in his voice. "Fine. You can call me Mr. M."

"M?" Axel wondered. "What kind of name is that?"

"M as in Master, Maleficent, Mickey! Look, does it really matter?" Mr. M said in exasperation. "I thought you want to save someone? So, come on! Stop dawdling and let's go on this grand rescue mission!" He spread his arms wide.

"We can't let you take Kairi alone," said Riku firmly. The others nodded, and Kairi felt like summoning her Destiny's Embrace to smack her friend upside the head. How many times would he underestimate her fighting capabilities?

"Eh, who said I'm taking her alone?" His hidden eyes swept across the room, briefly landing on Ansem the Wise then settling on their three ill friends. "Yep. No chance on taking her alone. Everyone here has to come or else we won't reach him. Well, except for the geezer, but you get the point."

"Hey!" Tifa protested, but Ansem the Wise raised a hand, stopping her. The young brawler returned to her previous spot beside Aerith and Leon, scowling.

"What do you mean you need to take everyone in here?" asked Terra.

Mr. M shrugged. "It's quite simple, really. Unless you want to let this girl here be consumed by Heartless, you need to protect her as we climb the castle."

"I can protect myself!" snapped Kairi. She glared and summoned her Keyblade, swinging it with a flourish. She would not let this stranger belittle her too, no matter how much help he was offering them.

Unfortunately, Mr. M was seemingly not impressed. "Cute," he tilted his head slightly to the left, "but not enough. Leave it to the boys to protect you, okay?"

"Are you saying I'm weak because I'm a girl?" Kairi shouted and pointed her Keyblade at him with a trembling hand.

"No," Mr. M answered softly. "You are strong, Kairi. Why do you think you are a Princess of Heart? But where we are going, the darkness is stronger. You won't survive without all the help you can get."

Where we are going, the darkness is stronger. Kairi remembered her dream again. All those fangs and claws digging into her skin. That sense of hopelessness as she was dragged away before being swallowed by endless darkness. It made her shiver just thinking about it again. If that was what awaited her, then Mr. M was probably right; she would need help.

"Fine." Kairi finally lowered her weapon. The others reluctantly mirrored her, though their eyes still look on with suspicion.

"What about them?" Aqua gestured to Ventus and the couple next to him. "They can't fight at their current state!"

"They'll get better the closer we get," assured Mr. M. "Sora's heart draws strength from them, and the distance strains the connection. The farther they are, the weaker it becomes and thus, the heart places more strength in pulling them closer. It's why they are like that."

"How can we—"

"You can trust him." They spun around in surprise. Chirithy, who had remained silent throughout, had just spoken. Its gaze were fixed on Mr. M. "He will lead us to the right way."

Kairi wondered about that. The creature was still a mystery to her. She heard they were once companions for Keyblade wielders, similar to Dream Eaters in origin, and their purpose was to keep guiding their hearts on the side of light. If Chirithy could sense no darkness in Mr. M's heart, maybe it was right to accept his offer.

"So be it," Aqua looked unconvinced for a second, then finally relented. "Take us to him."

"Excellent!" Mr. M clapped enthusiastically. He spread his arms wide in invitation.

"Well, shall we begin our journey?"


I know I said that this will be a three-chapter story, but I decided to add another chapter and end this here because it just grew on its own. 😂

To be honest, this one was hard to write because of too many characters involved. Not to mention, I had to make sure that "Mr. M" did not act like Deadpool given how similar their personalities are. LMAO

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed ths one as much as the first chapter. The next one will only be half as long as this, but it will feature a big battle that I'm sure you guys will love. 😏 So please stay tune in the coming days!

Read & Review! Until next time!