Riku always seemed like he had a level head and a serene attitude to him when in truth he was a nervous wreck when it came to a life or death situation. This situation isn't just Sora and Kairi this time; every world in the universe will be put on the edge once the Keyblade War starts, or when Xehanort and the new Organization XIII come out of hiding.

"Riku, though we have almost completed our Seven of Light, we shall need more assistance. If anyone was wounded, someone will take their place until they can regain themselves." Master Yen Sid said. He called Riku and Kairi a week after Sora's departure to train them. It wasn't long before the King of Disney Castle and his captain of the royal guard and magician arrived to prepare alongside with their friends. It was time to pray tell of the past. "We only have three present."

"Wait, are you saying we should replace Sora until he comes back? He belongs in the light, I just know it. He must have been hit by Xehanort or someone before all of this started. It could be possible, right?" Riku inquired.

"No, but you will need help to battle thirteen enemies who walk among the Shadow. You are robust, but even the strongest ant of an army will need help for the tasks ahead." Master Yen Sid advised.

"So who are we going to recruit?"

"The Hallow Bastion Restoration Committee and Corena."

"Oh. Wait, who's name did you say?" Riku hoped it was that name he heard.

"Corena, and why would you interrogate this?" Yen Sid asked as he raised an eyebrow at Riku's smile.

"N-no reason! It's been a long time since I've seen her because one month is a r-really long time." The silver-haired teen stammered.

"Or is it because you can't bear to think of the consequences of leaving her side for a whole month?" Kairi smirked.

"You're supposed to be asleep and why are you dressed?" Riku shouted.

"I had a nightmare and I thought to practice with some Heartless dummies might calm my nerves. Why are you up?"she asked.

"I wanted to send Riku on a little errand, and I think I should send you on one too." Master Yen Sid interfered. "I believe it's time to find Sora and the other missing wielders".

"If Riku's going to find Sora in the Dream Realm, then I'm going too. I'm strong enough and I perfected my Salvation today. I know just as much as Riku, so may I go?" Kairi threw in a lip quiver and puppy dog eyes to persuade the old sorcerer.

"You are going to find Sora. Riku will be searching for Corena." The sorcerer explained. Kairi's heart was leaping out of her heart. She will finally see, talk, hear and have Sora back again. "Both of you may leave the Tower when you are prepared for your journeys. Good luck to both of you."


Broad dawn light seeped through the blinds, alerting a slumbering girl. Suddenly, a melody started buzzing in the air. The teen slapped the off button while checking the date to make sure this wasn't a dream. Summer is finally here. Jumping out of bed, she sprinted to her closet trying to find a non-school outfit. After laying out every article of clothes on her bed, she quickly showered and dried her hair the best she could with two small towels.

Dressing up as brisk as she could, she checked herself in the mirror. Dark chestnut hair with natural raven highlights was styled with the bangs just above her eyebrows swept to the right separated by the rest of the locks by a purple headband. The rest of her hair was straight ending a bit past her shoulders with two end strands of hair pulled into a small ponytail. Her heart-shaped face displayed an acute, straight nose, full pink lips, barely visible cheekbones and sky blue eyes. A yellow-green short-sleeved hoodie embroidered with thin magenta and purple lines one-fourth of the way zipped covered a zipped-up black vest covering her stomach. Under the vest was a purple tank top with a heart with wings on the left of her chest. She wore dark blue denim patch-pocket caprice pants with three-inch zippers at the hems on each leg held by a magenta utility belt. Her street sneakers were the same green as her hoodie had a silver heart with wings on the outer side of the heel surrounded by stars. Her left arm was covered with a silver, teal and violet armor in the shape of a small heart with wings. The bottom half of the armor cascaded down in three layers. Her left wrist had a communicator watch that had black and white checker pattern for the band. The girl herself had a slim built, she had a height of 5'4" and looked mature for an age of sixteen. But all the while, her beauty was ageless to many, except her.

"Corena! I thought you were going to help Sazh, Fang and Hope today!" Her older brother called.

"I'm coming! Keep your beanie on, alright?" Corena shouted back. The first day of summer and she was late for the most important day of this summer: her first job. Running down the steps towards the kitchen, Corena noticed the elegant set of china and the platters of food arranged on the table. Her brother wore black shorts with pockets of cooking utensils, a dark blue T-shirt, and a white apron with obvious stains. His pure blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail and his short beard was capped with a hairnet. He was very muscular and had a height of 6'7". "What's the occasion or what did you do, Snow?"

"I want to show how nice of an in-law I can be towards Lightning before she officially becomes my in-law." Snow explained. Corena now knew he messed up with Lightning yesterday at lunch, even though she was at school.

Corena and Snow weren't related, but they definitely act like it. Corena mysteriously appeared on the Villiers' doorstep one night when she was probably no older than six months. After their parents died of a Heartless attack when she was ten, Snow did school and single parenting at the same time to offer everything for both. He put her through multi-art self-defense classes taught by Claire "Lightning" Farron and Corena discovered her talents and love of art due to Serah Farron. It was love at first sight for both of the mad quickly became a couple. They could have married a year ago, but the darkness had caused the very idea of happiness in their world.

"How did you mess it up?" She interrogated nonchalantly.

"I tried to pass her the shrimp cocktails and spaghetti, but the food fell into her lap instead of her plate." The platinum blonde groaned.

"Doesn't Sazh's restaurant have those moving pedestals where you just move it by turning it?" He stayed silent for a long time. "You turned it like it was a playground merry-go-round, am I right?"

"Just eat." He growled. He threw off his apron and strolled off into his room. Corena ate her food quietly asSnow shuffled around in his room. When he came out, he had on a dark blue dress shirt with black slacks. Around his neck was an intricate necklace in the shape of his original home world, Cocoon. He wore black slacks to match his black loafers. His hair was straightened and layered, giving him a sophisticated look. "How do I look?"

She glanced at him and looked him in the eye. "I think we've got a problem." Snow looked nervous as she continued. "Lightning might really consider you as family by just looking at you. You cooked this omelet and bacon for nothing."

"You and I still need to eat. I spent all morning getting these recipes right!" He laughed loudly. "You want me to walk you to Chobocco Diner, school or Fang's shop? I've got time."

"I'll just use my skateboard to get Fang's. You need to stay clean." She answered.

"For your information, I try to stay clean. I even brush my teeth three times a day. Also, I modified your board since the winds are picking up again." Snow picked up a black skateboard and matching helmet and tossed at his sister. "Press the button."

Corena looked at the red button at the end of the board and pressed it. A compartment opened up and a rolled up sail and mast unfolded them. The mast stood at six feet with a built-in handlebar that was collapsible too.

"Press it again." The second time she pushed it, the mast and sail reverted back in the compartment. "I got Hope to do that for you. You're welcome."

"Thanks! This will get me around town faster. I love you so much! I'll be back before the sun sets!" Corena ran out the door with her modified skateboard and helmet in hand.

"Look out Daybreak Town because my sister is now faster than ever." Snow chuckled to himself. A knock rapped on the door. "What can she possibly forget? They're feeding her lunch."

When he opened the door, a familiar silver-haired teen was at the front of the door.

"Snow, is Corena here?"


"Alright, kiddo, the fun starts here." Fang claimed. She wasn't wearing her work attire since today is a stock-reload day. She had a strapless black shirt with a sash draping over it. Her skirt was an ocean blue as we're her bead earrings. "The weaponry goes into the back room, healing, and medical items on the top shelf, synthesis items in the middle and accessories on the bottom. The clothes go in the back too, battle attire or not. Any questions?"

Corena shook her head and started working on the boxes behind her, unaware of the blots of shadows started moving into the shop. Not even Fang noticed.