Chapter 2

Questions

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" cried the young man.

"I told you it was a bad idea," sighed the other voice as the owner of it joined them.

Erin gazed wide-eyed at the two, his heart pounding inside his chest as he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had punched Sora in the face and Riku was with them too! While Riku assisted Sora to his feet, Erin started to think it was all just a weird dream and pinched himself in an attempt to try and confirm that it was indeed, a dream. He winced in pain. It was no dream. It was all real.

"I take it that you're not from here, are you?" Riku smirked, glancing at him observantly.

"I-I'm not." Erin stammered as he tried not to look hysterical and failed miserably.

"Oh, cool! Where are you from? How'd you get here?" asked Sora curiously, forgetting that he had just gotten punched in the face.

Erin was speechless. What was he to say? He hadn't the slightest idea where he was anymore and he couldn't say "from the real world" in fear he might offend them. He bit his lip and decided to tell the truth about what happened in hopes that maybe the two had some explanations as to what was going on. He doubted it but if he lied to them, he would certainly appear to be an untrustworthy person and he definitely didn't want that. After all, if they were real, so were the monsters, right? Erin could fight, but not against their type of enemies. Not as he was now anyway.

"Well Uhh… I'm not sure how to put this but here goes," he began. "In my world, you guys, this place, what you've all done. It's a video game."

Erin held his breath, nervous of how they would react.

"Oh. So you're from THAT universe." Riku said as he sighed, shaking his head.

"I don't think you're one of those game creators... So why are you here?" asked Sora.

"Wait- What?" Erin said, stunned.

"Allow me to explain," Riku started. "In your universe, our lives and worlds are merely games and shows."

"Yeah. So basically, what you think is just entertainment is actually real in our universe." Sora said, putting it in simple terms.

"Yes, anyway. Sometimes creators from your universe accidentally stumble upon various worlds in ours and end up creating books, shows, and games on people's lives," finished Riku.

"Got a name?" Sora smiled.

"Erin…" Erin said robotically without thinking.

He was still in shock of what he was just told.

Erin sat expressionless, slowly processing this new information that he had just been given. This was all so much for him to take in. So many questions that he wanted to have answered and was still coming up with new ones to ask. Was their past different from the games? If so, by how much? What was real? What was created to fit the story? Sora and Riku looked at each other then back at Erin; wondering if they had said too much than they should have. Erin opened his mouth and the words flew right out without him thinking.

"Oh, wait!" He pulled out a crumpled up picture from his pocket, trying not to seem surprised it was still with him and shoved it in their faces. "Have you seen her around? She's been missing in my world and I think she might be here."

The young men leaned closer to the bent up photo of Rina in Erin's hand and studied it carefully. Sora shook his head, but Riku gazed at it intensely. Something about the girl seemed so familiar to him. He couldn't place where he saw her and thought about it hard, trying to remember something long buried within his memories. His head began to throb; chains echoed in his mind and he took a step back, grunting a bit. Riku fought to go beyond the shackled memories[5], desperate to remember what he'd forgotten. What was keeping him from going as far back? Why was that part of his mind locked away?

"Her name is Rina. She's only eighteen."

"Well, we can help you look for her. Right, Riku?"

Their voices slowly faded into Riku's consciousness. Rina. He knew someone with that name. But why couldn't he remember? It ate away at him but he shook his head.

"It feels like I know her, but I don't. It's strange." Riku said quietly as he placed a hand over his heart. "But we can help you either way."

Erin deflated but he had hope. At least they were willing to help him find her. If she was here anyway but his instinct told him she was. Question of the matter being where.

"Anyway, we should talk more along the way," continued Riku.

"What? Where are we going?" asked Erin.

"Back to Radiant Garden," he said, more to Sora than to answer the question.

"Back?"

"Well, we just came from there. You are going," said Sora. "We just came here because Leon detected a strange energy signature coming from here so we came to investigate."

"Oh... I guess that makes sense then." Erin said with a hint of excitement in his voice.

Riku held his hand out before waving it in front of him. As he did so, darkness itself seeped from the ground and gently flowed up; creating a portal. He was the first to step in followed by Erin and Sora came last. Once all three entered, the darkness dissolved and disappeared. On the other side, the trio stood in the lab that once belonged to Ansem the Wise. At the computer in a wheeled office chair sat Leon. Aerith and Yuffie stood next to him on both sides.

"So did you two find out what the disturbance was?" Leon asked without turning, his voice was gruff.

"We did," Riku answered.

"Well?"

"That was probably cause of me," Erin said as he stepped forward.

Leon stopped whatever he was doing on the massive computer in front of him and spun the chair around. Aerith and Yuffie also turned and looked over with blank stares.

"Who's this?" Leon asked.

"The source of the disturbance," Riku said.

"He's from THAT universe," Sora added.

There they go again. Why do they keep saying it like that? Erin wondered. They sound so bitter towards it. Towards me.

"What's your name, kid?" Leon asked in a flat voice.

"Erin," he said quietly.

"Well, Erin, I assume there's no need to introduce ourselves since you already know who we are. I do have one question though. How did you get here?"

Erin paused, stunned. He wasn't prepared to answer that since he wasn't entirely sure himself.

"I... I don't know exactly," he finally answered.

"What do you remember then?" Sora asked in an optimistic tone.

"Well... I was in my bedroom when I heard a deep, raspy voice out of nowhere. It asked if I wanted to find my friend, Rina. When I answered 'yes,' a portal opened up and I walked through it. Then I was in this white void with this giant mirror. My reflection was what I look like now and the mirror broke. There was a flash of light and when I opened my eyes, I was on Destiny Islands." Erin said, recalling the recent events.

"Hmm. That's weird." Yuffie said, trying to imagine it play out in her head.

"Maybe you were supposed to come here," Aerith said.

"Huh? Why would you think that?" Erin asked.

"No one was intentionally brought into this universe before. Some have accidentally found their way here, but you were brought. Perhaps your friend was brought here as well," Aerith explained.

"That does make sense," Riku said as he rubbed his chin.

"Did anything else happen? Anything odd?" Leon asked, his voice stern.

"Hmm... There was this weird marble." Erin's voice trailed off.

"What marble?"

"Well, it's gone now."

"What do you mean it's gone?" Yuffie asked.

"I don't know. It's like my body absorbed it. It left a mark in my hand." Erin said.

"Show us." Riku said in an almost demanding voice.

Erin twitched a little; nervous if he said something he shouldn't have. Without a word he slipped off his glove and held out his marked hand for them all to see. Everyone gathered around closely to get a look at the mark. There were some sounds of thoughtful humming and awes as they examined it.

"What does it mean, Leon?" Yuffie asked.

"I'm not sure."

"Hey, the flames kind of look like the ones in my wisdom form." said Sora.

"Yeah, you're right." Erin said; he hadn't noticed it before.

"Wisdom form is magic based so maybe you have magic abilities," Sora exclaimed.

"Yeah, right. I'm just a normal guy." Erin mumbled.

"I wouldn't be too sure. Anything is possible here. Even for you." chuckled Riku.

"Maybe Master Yen Sid would know something," said Leon. "In the meantime, we will try to find any trace of your friend."


The trio stood outside of the tall Tower of Mastery; home of Master Yen Sid. Erin gazed up at it in amazement. Part of him was excited to be there. To be a part of the whole thing. But he knew that there would be dangers. Even if this was a game where he came from, it wasn't here. This was all real and he could die if he wasn't careful. They climbed to the top of the tower and knocked on the large doors to the study. The doors seemed to open by themselves but Riku and Sora knew it was the work of the good wizard. Inside the room Master Yen Sid sat in his chair behind the desk and the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather were off to the side.

"I knew you would eventually make your way here," spoke the Master.

Riku and Sora bowed before him; Erin quickly doing so after taking notice.

"Master, we have something to ask you-" Riku started but Master Yen Sid raised his hand.

"I know why you are here," he began. "It's because of Erin here."

"How did you know?" Erin gasped.

"Because dearie, we're the ones who brought you here," smiled Flora.

"Oh! It must have been your voice I heard, Master Yen Sid!" He exclaimed.

Master Yen Sid nodded.

"Indeed I brought you here. I sensed a rise in the darkness. They are planning something. I'm sure you sensed it too, Master Riku. Correct?" Master Yen Sid said, looking toward him.

"I have. Not a large activity. Just a brief rise," Riku said, making a disgusted face.

"Does that mean you brought Rina here, too?" Erin asked.

"Rina... I see."

"Master?" Sora asked.

"I did not bring her here." Master Yen Sid said as he shook his head.

Erin tried not to look crushed but it was still noticeable; disappointment clearly on his face.

"But she is the reason I brought you here."

"What do you mean?" asked Riku.

"I believe the spike in the darkness was the doing of Master Xehanort. I believe he brought her here, but for what reason, I am not entirely certain of yet." said Master Yen Sid.

"What do you mean you brought me here because of her?" Erin asked.

He didn't understand at all. Any of it. Why did Master Xehanort take Rina? What did he want from her? Was she okay? Where was she? Why hasn't anyone seen her? He grew more and more worried and it was making him feel nauseated and his head ache.

"You two are close friends; just as much as Sora and Riku. I sensed a great power from you so I sent you a test to see if you could be of help. You had passed and proven yourself but you must be the one to fully unlock that power and its abilities," explained Master Yen Sid.

Erin paused.

"Wait... The marble?" he asked.

Master Yen Sid nodded.

"The mark on your hand is proof of your power and that you are a warrior of the light."

"What about my clothes? Why did that change?"

"We were the ones who changed your clothes," Merryweather smiled.

"Fitting clothes for a brave warrior," Fauna said in awe.

Erin couldn't help but let out a sigh and Sora placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry. We'll find her."

"Oh. Master, where is this new apprentice I heard of?" Riku asked.

"The young apprentice likes to train a lot; separate from Kairi and Lea." Flora said.

"Apprentice?" Erin asked curiously.

"You'll meet him in due time, but for now, I suggest you explore your abilities." Master Yen Sid said in a grave tone.

"Master, just what are my new abilities?"

"As you may have noticed, the marking has some similarity to Sora's wisdom form."

They all nodded.

"Wisdom form is based on magic," said Sora.

"Correct. Erin, you have the power of the mage as well," said Master Yen Sid. "Train your magic with the Wizard Merlin and ask Leon to forge you weapons that suite them. The others can train you in various things that will help you."

"Yes, Master Yen Sid," Erin said hesitantly.

"Do not doubt yourself. Have confidence in your power," he said sternly. "Now, go. Begin your journey. All three of you."

Sora and Erin bowed before leaving the study while Riku stayed back.

"Is something wrong, Master Riku?"

"Master Yen Sid, why is the name Rina familiar to me?" he asked the old wizard.

"True, the name is familiar but I'm afraid I cannot tell you. You must unlock the secrets yourself. But there is an old friend of yours who can help you." said Master Yen Sid.

"An old friend?"

Riku look confused but the stare of the Master was all he needed to confirm what he thought.

"I see... Thank you, Master."

He bowed and left the study.


It had been three days since Erin came to this strange new universe and he still had not set out on his own journey nor had anyone seen any trace of Rina. Sora had to go out on his own to become a Master himself while Riku went out to investigate what was going on. Riku sometimes came to check in but it still bothered Erin. So far, Erin had learned all the basic spells. Merlin was surprised how much of a fast learner Erin was and how he could master them all. Erin's magic was always blue no matter what spell it was, which stunned Merlin even further. Merlin explained to Erin that he was a rare type of mage; a mage of the Arcane magic. Erin would have to learn the more complex spells on his own but was comforted slightly when he explained that his own powers and body as well as mind would teach it to him. Both Leon and Merlin had forged him a golden spear-like staff that had the sharp, spear point at the bottom and a blue crystal orb at the top that was compatible with his new found magical abilities. Cloud taught him how to fight while Yuffie taught him how to evade and use his agility to maneuver in battle. Tifa taught him hand-to-hand combat while Aerith taught him the arts of healing.

Erin sat down on one of the benches in the courtyard, lost in his thoughts. He tried hard to let his anxieties go but he just couldn't. He was scared. Scared of being weak and not being of any use. He didn't want to disappoint Master Yen Sid or the others because he was from THAT universe. And what's that about anyway? Did it mean they hated him? His world? His kind? He doubted it since they were helping him but still. He overthought too much.

"Hey. Hope you're not slacking off, are you?" Riku chuckled as he came up to him.

"Huh? Uh, oh. No. Just thinking," Erin said, startled.

"Don't worry. She'll turn up. I'm sure of it," Riku smiled.

"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?" Erin blurted out.

Riku looked surprised at this outburst.

"I'm sorry but do you guys hate our kind? You all seem rather bitter when you talk about where I come from." Erin decided to be brave and tried not to look intimidated.

"Heh," Riku smirked, surprised. "We don't hate you. But the fact our lives is entertainment for people of your universe bothers us. Wouldn't it bother you?"

Erin hadn't thought of that before and suddenly felt stupid for even asking.

"I'm sorry. I... I didn't think of it that way before," he said sheepishly.

"Actually, I'm sorry." Riku said. "I doubted you because of where you came from. I took you lightly and didn't think you would be serious about training as well as the journey. But I see how determined you are and the others tell me how hard you pushed yourself. I'm sorry for doubting you."

"I guess we're even then," Erin smiled.

As the two of them shook hands, Erin saw something out of the corner of his eye. He leaned his head to the side and saw a cloaked figure watching them. Riku turned saw the figure as well. Erin felt both their bodies stiffen. Riku started a slow jog to the figure with Erin trailing behind. A dark portal opened up behind the figure and it stepped through.

"Hey, wait!" Riku called out.

The two of them both ran into the portal after it and on the other side, they stood on the beach of Destiny Islands. The figure stood some feet away and didn't move a single inch. Erin questioned whether or not the figure was even breathing at this point.

"Rina," the figure said.

Erin was surprised to hear a female voice.

"How do you know her?" Erin asked suspiciously.

"Remember her, Riku." The figure said, completely ignoring Erin's question.

"Remember..? Huh?" Riku was confused.

The figure rushed to them and gripped Riku's wrist.

"Remember her," the voice said in a low tone. "Remember."