NOTES FROM BAYO:

Wow… I seriously thought I'd get no reviews. xD And even if it's still only two, I love you guys. :'D Thank you so much for reviewing. nn I got the chapter done as I quickly as I could, and hopefully it'll satisfy you (and all those who I know are reading but aren't reviewing :D). But before I get started, I'll make a little sidenote: if you like Naruto and canon x OC pairings, check out my story, Cruel Fate! I can't guarantee it'll keep your interest, but I'd love to hear what you think of it. x3

But anyways! To the story. x3 This chapter's longer than the previous 'cause I had to fit all the info I wanted on it. I had more stuff I wanted to put it, but I didn't want it longer than five pages in my Word. xD I hope you like, everyone!

And don't forget… REVIEW!

Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is property of Square Enix; Bayo only claims her characters and plot! nn

Y N I T S E D ›› D E S T I N Y

. CHAPTER ONE .
A Grand Old Adventure

The last thoughts I had before I jumped in the portal were these: "If this is a dream, I hope I wake up soon."

Do you have any idea how many times I've wished that Kingdom Hearts was real? I remember that three years ago—back when I got the first game, and when I was my immature little twelve-year-old self—I'd always sit on the rooftop of my house and lie there until the stars started popping out. Do you know what I'd do? Don't tell anyone this, but… I used to watch and see if any of the stars would start blinking out. Or I'd wait for a shooting star and wish that "I was a part of Kingdom Hearts!"

And now here I am, hoping that the one dream that I've always had still existed as mere fantasy, and nothing more.

I guess that one saying was right: "Be careful what you wish for, 'cause you just might get it."

As I drifted through space and time, destined for wherever the heck the weird portal of light was taking me, I was beginning to wonder if I should have done what I did. Sora looked like he knew what he was talking about when he tried to explain everything to me, but was he really talking to the right person? There were tons of 'Destiny''s in the world; my parents gave me a common name, after all.

But he talked to me, Destiny Truhart, out of all of them. Was I happy he did?

I sighed, clutching his necklace that sat coolly against my skin. Being alone got me into my thinking mode. "Alone…" Sora also said I wouldn't be alone. Alone? Why would I be alone anyway? It's not like I'm about to embark on this grand old adventure that dealt with the destruction or tranquility of the future of all that existed… right?

If this was a dream, it was a realistic one; my head was already starting to hurt.

I gazed around, trying to let my thoughts float in silence right now. I had so many questions, but no one was there to answer them; so I might as well keep them to myself and ask when I got the chance. I had been floating here for a while—I had always thought you kept walking through portals, but this one just pulled you along for the ride. I expected to see the exited appear sometime soon.

Sequently, I could see a small opening in the distance. It was a small, colorful hole, and it was growing larger as I got nearer. My thoughts began racing again. Which world would I appear in? Who would greet me? Or would I be alone?

'If you choose to go, find Roxas or the King.'

Sora's voice replayed in my mind, and the grip I had on his necklace grew tighter. I guess that gave me an idea of what I should do once I get there.

In a matter of seconds the hole became a narrow doorway, and without a first warning, whatever celestial force guiding me through the portal shoved me through. I gave a shrill cry of surprise before my face met with solid ground.

"Ooh…" I moaned, my voice muffled and my body sprawled across the ground. I pulled my face up and shook my head. "I guess that's putting the 'road' in 'road trip'…" I said jokingly, and I glanced around skeptically. Not really registering my location, I looked down and my eyes widened.

"It dumped me in a… garden?" I was sitting among a small, round patch of pretty flowers of all sorts. I looked behind me to see if the portal was still there, but instead I saw a strictly trimmed bush. This looked very familiar. "Disney Castle," I confirmed, wobbly standing up. Not using them for so long made me stumble on my first step.

Okay, I knew where I was… what next?

I wandered around for a bit to regain full function of my legs, and spotted a small pond off in a corner. I wondered if I was still human? I trudged there cautiously, debating on whether I should let the curiosity be or scream at a horrible reflection. Falling on my knees, I leaned over to look at myself.

Let's see: my boring, black hair was still there, along with its long length. Nothing about it changed; even my curtain bangs (definition: bangs that were cut evenly across your forehead) remained the same, along with the way it was styled… which meant there was no style at all. I sighed in disappointment; I was hoping my dream would at least give me dazzling blonde strands or rich chocolate brown locks. I guess there was a limit to wishes.

I still had brown eyes. There was nothing special about them; they were just… brown. My mom said they reminded her of bronze, but they looked more like cardboard brown to me. My dual blood heritages (English and Japanese) gave me slightly curved eyes, but nothing to distinguish me as Asian. My skin was still as light peach as always, much to my sorrow, and I couldn't determine my height right now, considering I couldn't compare to anything; and besides, I didn't need to be reminded about how short I was.

And I better not have gained any weight.

"At least I'm still me," I said to myself comfortingly, standing to my feet. "Now then, to find—"

—a sharp object prodding me uncomfortably in the back?

"Halt! You're surrounded—don't try to do anything funny, intruder!"

Uh-oh. That didn't sound good. "What intruder?" I asked, turning around. I yelped as a small brigade of soldiers glared at me with their spears pointing accusingly at me.

… Me?

I waved my arms frantically as I tried to explain. "N-No, you've got it all wrong—"

"Silence!" the leader barked, jabbing at me. He was a short, stocky little thing wearing medieval silver armor. He didn't look any different from all the others, but I chose to think that he was the leader.

"What should we do with her, sir?" one of them asked.

Another piped up. "Should we take her to the king?"

"No, she's not worth it—Captain Goofy?" asked another.

A tiny one hopped up and down. "We should just throw her in jail!"

"Something better," a deep, sadistic voice spoke, "execute her."

All of them began listing gruesome options, leaving me to hyperventilate as I watched them. If there was one thing the game didn't show, it was the guards. What should I do? I had to talk to Roxas or the King; and if this really was Disney Castle, then King Mickey was just around the corner.

"Can I go see the king?" I asked, causing them to abruptly stop their conversations to look at me.

"… I suppose, since Captain Goofy's out," the leader spoke. I nearly face-faulted. That was almost too incredibly easy. "But," he poked at me with the spear again, "if any monkey business comes from you, we'll sever you!"

"O-Okay," I replied.

After giving the signal, which was the snap of his fingers, the other soldiers sprung into action. One came behind me and shoved my legs forward, nearly causing me to trip. I felt like kicking the little sucker into the pond, but my kind heart forbad me to take the chance. I didn't want to be severed.

I followed the leader, and the others made a circle around me. They didn't look very intimidating, and they didn't even sound like they'd come out of a pillow fight okay—but I couldn't judge, I guess.

They led me through the little door in the wall that led to the staircase, which led to the long red-carpet hallway. I gazed around, mesmerized. Mickey's castle was even more beautiful in person: the walls shined like the pure marble that it was under the warm heat of the sun, and the bright green courtyard glittered in front of the Audience Chambers. The designs were gorgeous.

"I love this place," I thought aloud.

"It is quite stunning, isn't it?" the leader spoke back.

Soon we reached the Chambers, and I stood before the gazillion-foot tall door that led to the throne. I gulped. On the other side of this door were the answers to my questions, and the next step of my grand adventure… the one I was hoping to avoid.

"Be sure to bow before the king," one soldier instructed as he opened the normal, human-sized door that stretched inside.

I slowly stepped inside; and when I beheld the sight, my breath caught heavily in my throat. The throne room was even more heavenly when you're looking at it like this. The ivory walls shined like a billion stars, and the vast white of it all reminded me of the portal I had just passed through. Everything was spotless from the farthest corner of the room to the little cracks between the tiles on the floor.

I uttered one word. "Wow…"

"What's the matter, boys?"

The squeaky voice echoed all around the room. I gasped and followed the royal carpet on the floor to the throne—where, sure enough, Mickey sat. He stared at our little band quizzically with beady black eyes. Apparently he was having a little meeting; a strangely familiar boy was speaking with him. I titled my head to one side curiously. There was just something about that spiky blond head and that lightly tanned skin that… wait. Cute blond-boy?

"Roxas…?" I whispered, and sure enough the bright cerulean eyes of the Nobody, dressed in the same clothes as KHII, turned to look at me strangely. I wanted to swoon—next to Axel and Riku, Roxas had such pretty eyes! I stared dreamily at him before I felt nudging on my sides. The soldiers glared at me, and suddenly I gasped and straightened up. I had to watch myself while this dream was still in play; I couldn't let my fan girl ways get to me! The victorious grin I had couldn't be erased, though—talk about hitting two birds with one stone!

Roxas and Mickey were in the same place, and right when I needed them. Score!

"Your majesty, we found this intruder plotting something vile in your garden," one of them spoke up—the evil, deep voice from before.

I narrowed my eyes at the soldier. I had a feeling he wasn't the fondest of me. "Plotting something vile my foot!" I retorted.

"What?" Mickey blinked. He turned to the lovable blondie as he hopped off his tall throne. "'Scuse me for a moment, Roxas!"

He trotted over to us, but I was too busy trying to dream that daggers were puncturing the accusing soldier's midget body. Suddenly all the soldiers fell, their faces on the ground. I stared. "Uh…"

I was abruptly yanked to the ground by the leader. "Bow before the king!"

I looked up to see Mickey's little mouse form. He glanced down at me with surprise and curiosity. I offered him a small, sheepish smile. "Good… uh, morning, your Highness!"

The King held my gaze for a moment before he chuckled cutely. "Good afternoon to you, too!" His attention diverted to the sloppy soldiers. "I think I can take it from here, fella's."

On cue, they all stood, and all bowed at their waists to the king. "Yes, sir! Good afternoon, sir!" Obediently they about-faced, and forward marched out of here. The last soldier—the one who accused me of committing vile acts—glared briefly at me before trotting behind the rest.

What's his problem?

I followed the soldiers' trail out of the door, before I was pulled back to reality by the clearing of Mickey's throat. "Plotting something vile in my garden, aye?" he repeated, staring at me doubtfully.

"U-Um, no, I was—"

"Who's she, Your Highness? Someone you know?" Roxas came to join us after the confusing little skirmish. I could feel heat rising to my face as I stared at Roxas—he was even cuter up close! I hope I don't do anything embarrassing… and that he doesn't notice the awkward pink on my face.

"Nope," Mickey replied, shrugging.

"I'm Destiny," I introduced myself. "Um… it's kind of a long story, but… Sora told me to come talk to you guys." For confirmation, I motioned to the familiar necklace that glittered with the sparkling walls.

'Sora' was a trigger word for them. Cerulean eyes met onyx as they stared at each other in unbelief. I stood quietly in front of them, twiddling my thumbs behind my back. This was it—this was the next phase of my long dream. I wonder how long it'll last.

"Let's talk somewhere more private," Mickey finally said, walking past me and out the door. "We're goin' to the library."

I turned to hop after him, but I felt a strong grip curl around my wrist, holding me in place. I turned to face Roxas, whose cerulean eyes glowed even brighter with his surprise. "Y-Yes…?" I squeaked, both out of anxiety and timidity. This was Roxas we're talking about—one of my favorite characters of all time! Being alone with him made me even more flustered.

"How do you know Sora?" he asked. I could feel his grip tighten on my wrist, but I didn't think he meant to hurt me—I think it was more out of pleading. He was pleading for answers.

That made me even more puzzled; what in the world happened here that caused Sora to disappear?

"It's confusing… but I'll explain all I can in the library," I honestly replied.

Roxas held my eyes for a moment, taking a few seconds to see if he could figure me out. Finally he sighed and released my wrist. "All right."

My eyes followed him as he left. Clutching Sora's necklace once more, I sighed and followed him. "I hope I give the right answers…"

I closed the door after me and bounded further down the hallway. The library rested just behind the door on the other side. I pushed it open and saw Mickey and Roxas waiting for me. The little black mouse was pacing back and forth while Roxas just stood there with his arms crossed, watching him.

"When did'ja meet Sora?" was the first question out of the little king's mouth.

I swallowed, and tried to think of a way to begin my story.

For the next ten or fifteen minutes, I stood there explaining—as best as I could—what had happened since Sora appeared. I told them about my world and home, and, of course, I had to tell them that they were merely virtual characters in a game called 'Kingdom Hearts.' They didn't take it too well at first, but they urged me to continue. Eventually I came to the part where Sora began disappearing, and how he tried to explain to me what was going on—or what was going to happen. I was still clueless about it.

"And then he told me to tell he was sorry." I ran my fingertips over the crown pendant on the necklace. "He transferred the remaining parts of him in the necklace and gave it to me; after that, I jumped into the portal and ended up here."

Mickey and Roxas's eyes were as large as tennis balls. I could tell that they did not believe a single syllable I said. "So… you're tellin' us that we're virtual characters?" the mouse asked.

"… And that we're part of some roleplaygame?" Roxas added. His eyes fluttered over the necklace for so long I'm surprised it didn't bear holes.

I nodded slowly. "Yes and yes."

The king had stopped pacing and faced me. "Destiny, was it? What an ironic name," he smiled.

Yeah, tell me about it.

"Your story's pretty hard to believe," he commented, "but Sora's necklace assures me that you're tellin' the truth. I'll tell you all I know, but it won't be much."

"All right," I replied. I took off the necklace and handed it to Roxas. He stared at it, then at me. "You wanted to see it, right? You kept staring at it."

He grinned sheepishly, "Yeah."

Mickey cleared his throat, initiating his explanation. "Well, Sora's right—the worlds are in trouble. I'm guessin' you already know what happened, if your story's true," he started. "Well, for a year, everything was fine and dandy. The worlds were at peace and the Heartless and Nobodies were scarce.

"After the year was up, though, more trouble started brewin'. I've received lots of reports from other worlds that mysterious beings in black cloaks were invading them, along with swarms of Nobodies; and some have even reported about sightings of Maleficent or Pete wreaking havoc side-by-side with them. It was concluded that few, if not many, members from Organization XIII were revived when one member openly introduced himself to us: Xehanort. We don't know how it was, and we're looking into it now."

"Nobodies are segregated now from most worlds," Roxas added as he tinkered with the necklace. "And The World That Never Was is overcrowded with them. If one 'normal' world discovers a Nobody that lives among them, they're immediately exiled."

"But then again, some worlds have Nobodies infesting 'em regardless of segregation," Mickey continued. "People who live in currently peaceful worlds do all they can to keep their environments Nobody-free, but the worlds that are already lost are close to becoming barren wastelands, if they already aren't. The inhabitants either run away or join forces with 'em."

Now it was my turn to have my eyes grow as huge as tennis balls. "So… now the Organization's back, Nobodies are racial victims, and some worlds are totally lost to them?" They both nodded solemnly. "… Oh my gosh."

Oh yeah, real choice words, Destiny.

"Right now we're tryin' to figure out what Xehanort is planning. We have a guess that Maleficent works alongside with him," Mickey said.

"And Sora…?"

Roxas's eyes were cast down. I frowned, and the king's ears drooped as he glanced at him. "I think Roxas would explain it much better than I could."

"Sora was…" Roxas began, but paused as he looked at me. His eyes widened. "You're… fading!"

I blinked. "Huh?" I lifted my hand up. Sure enough, the weird symptom Sora had was beginning to work on me. I could see all the books on the shelves through my palm! I yelped, panicking. "Gah! I'm going ghost!" What would happen if I disappeared here? Would I go home? Would I wake up? Would I turn into a Nobody? More importantly, why was I disappearing in the first place?

"Destiny, try to calm down," the mouse spoke up, although his expression was puzzled, as well. He stepped back to watch me as I writhed uncomfortably in my place, trying to think of some solution. Suddenly heis gaze hardened and he said, "Roxas, give the necklace back to her."

Immediately he handed it back to me and I yanked it back on. The metal clanked against my chest, and I witnessed my hand lose its transparency until I couldn't see through it anymore. I sighed in relief. "That was freaky," I quivered, wiping the nervous sweat from my brow.

"Hmm… I guess it's 'cause you're from a really different world, and ours won't accept you," the king theorized. "But because Sora transferred himself into his necklace and gave it to you, you're able to stay here without disappearing. Kind of like a passport, I'm thinkin'."

My hand clutched the crown for dear life. "So basically, if I take this off and it stays off for a long time, I'll fade away?"

"Looks like it."

"How complicated," I whined, crossing my arms. "How I'll survive here, I don't know…"

Mickey patted me comfortingly. "Trust me, it could'a been worse."

I didn't want to ask him to elaborate.

"Roxas, I think it's about time you get movin'," the king said, turning to the blond with serious eyes. "The Organization's moving fast, and you've got to find Sora as fast as you can."

"Right," Roxas replied. It looked like he's been waiting for that this whole he was here.

I smiled. This was some wicked dream; I wouldn't be surprised if this was gonna be Kingdom Hearts III. As I watched Roxas chat about minor things with the king, my focus came back as Mickey addressed me. "Say, Destiny, why don't you keep Roxas company? If Sora says your special, I think you could help him out a lot if you're with him," he suggested.

I blinked. "Me? Go along with Roxas?" Don't get me wrong—this is the opportunity I've been fantasizing about since the first day I got the game. But like most lazy girls like myself, I have no idea how to fight or defend myself. If anything, I'd be just a burden to Roxas, and I didn't want that. But then again, maybe this is what Sora wanted me to do.

What should I do?

"Fine by me," Roxas shrugged nonchalantly. I could tell that he just wanted to start the search.

"But…" I replied, my head drooping, "I can't fight. I don't wanna be a burden to you, Roxas."

"Hey," I heard him say. My head lifted to look at him, and he poked the pendant of the necklace with a finger. "You were recommended by Sora, right?" he asked, grinning. "Then don't worry about it; I've got you covered." Blinking, I realized that I wasn't that much shorter than he was. I think I was about as tall as his chin… or maybe a little shorter.

I felt a blush coming on at his proximity. I guess that statement meant I had to go—what kind of useless wimp would refuse protection from her valiant hero? Certainly not your average wimp! The only thing I had to worry about now was keeping my tomato-face in check. Maybe I'll get a tan while I travel around to hide it! "O-Okay," I replied shyly, averting his bright eyes.

"Then it's settled!" Mickey declared. "You should head to Hollow Bastion and fill Leon and them in on what's goin' on. But remember, Roxas, you can't tell anyone that you're a Nobody or they'll exile you. That clear?"

"Yes sir!" he cheekily saluted, causing me to laugh. "But can I go somewhere else, first?"

Mickey stared at him for a moment, before grinning in realization. He waved, "Do whatever you want, kiddo. Just keep your profile low, and don't do anything dumb."

"Will do!" Roxas turned to me with a dazzling smile. "Let's get going then, Destiny."

"'Kay-dokie," I grinned back, trying to hide my blush. I had a feeling that being stuck with him was going to make me lose my mind. We both faced the king and bowed in unison.

"Ah, you kids," Mickey chuckled modestly. "I'll have Chip 'n Dale get your ship ready. Now get goin'!"

Roxas left first, and I turned to follow him.

"Oh, and Destiny," Mickey called to me. I paused and glanced back at him. "I'll look into that quote you told me about—the one you heard before Sora appeared. Also… if you're ever in a bind in the future, follow my advice: always follow your heart. It will light your way."

I grinned. "That's what Sora told me."

The king nodded. "He's right. Sometimes your heart isn't always the easiest thing to figure out; and although you're still young, I think you'll be able to crack its code by going on this adventure. Sora did."

"Thanks, Your Highness," I grinned, "I'll do my best." It goes without saying that my heart will have a big impact on the decisions I make a few days down the road…

Mickey stared at me for a while before chuckling, waving me off. I bowed to him one last time before running to catch up with Roxas. As I jogged down the red carpet in brief exclusiveness, I thought I could feel a pair of eyes on me. I slowed down for a moment and peered around—no one was nearby except for Roxas. "Huh," I shrugged as I closed in on the Nobody.

"Hey Roxas, where did you want to go first?" I asked as we strolled back to the garden, where the gummiport (as I call it) was waiting for us.

Roxas turned to me. "To pick up a friend," he replied, a smile on his face. "We're off to The World That Never Was. You should know who I'm talking about, right? Since, apparently, you know every little detail about me."

I grinned sheepishly, but my eyes sparkled with excitement. "You mean… Axel?"

"Maaaaybe."

"Wheeee!" I couldn't believe this—I got to wander around in Gummi Ships with Roxas and Axel, the two hottest guys ever to exist in Kingdom Hearts! My heart throbbed in my chest, and I suddenly found myself not wanting this to be a dream anymore. "Let's hurry, then!" I suddenly took off running, surprising Roxas.

"Hey! Wait up!" I could hear him call behind me. I peered over my shoulder and stuck my tongue out at him. "Destiny, you're gonna—!"

CRASH!

No sooner did I realize that I was sprawled on the ground, moaning in pain after I tripped over the stairs that led to the garden door. Roxas had caught up and pointed and laughed at my form. I glared up at him. "That was graceful," he snickered as I pulled myself to my feet.

"Quiet, you," I huffed embarrassingly as I dusted myself off.

"You really are special," Roxas noted sarcastically as he walked past me and into the garden.

I followed him blankly. Soon my eyes narrowed in anger at what he meant, and he burst up laughing as I chased him around the shrubs of green with flailing arms. "I'LL SHOW YOU SPECIAL, BLONDIE!"

This was, indeed, going to be the grand old adventure of a lifetime; but I think I like it already.

A/N: That's the chapter, everyone! Hope you like. X3 Next time Axel makes his entrance… and who knows what'll happen?!

To My Reviewers:

Wanderer of the Plothole Paths: nn Your review really made my day—thanks a bunch! ♥ I really needed the encouragement. x3 I'm glad to hear that you don't think she's a Mary-Sue—I'd kill myself if someone told me that. xD I totally agree with what you're saying, and I'll be sure to make Destiny a do-er and not a… causer? nn I'll keep going if you keep giving me reviews like that! I love 'em. X3 And not to worry—Destiny's not getting no pampered wand/key/lock/loveblade. xP Thanks so much again. X3

Liah Cauthon: x3 Kingdom Hearts is a really fun and great game—I love it to pieces. ;3 And sure thing—I'll take a look at it. ♥ Thanks so much for the review! nn

I hope to have the next chapter up in a few days or so! But the more you review, the shorter the next chapter takes, so… REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIIIEEEEW! xD

-- Bayo-Bayo, signing out