My god you guys. So many of you people are reading this thing. It's almost overwhelming. Gezz. But besides that, I'm glad that this has caught your interest. As for my older watchers, I know this is a bit slower paced but I hope that there has been some improvement since first time I wrote this.

Btw, let me respond to a review or two. If ya' don't want to read them then move along and start readin' the thing already! Go on! Shoo!

ARSLOTHES: That thought had crossed my mind many times when designing Sora's innocence. In all honesty, I just wanted him to be parasite type for my own amusement. But innocence being innocence, anything could happen really, so I hope you do like the what I came up with in the end.

Nightfrightpony: Gosh person, I had only just posted it! And if you didn't see the message I left at the end of the last chapter, I am continuing this and I do want to finish this fic. It's been hovering over since middle school and I hope to get it before the end of time or something. So be patient young one! ( -n-)

Edited 6-7-15: Kinda noticed a lot of mistake and possibly confusing sentence structure so I went back and fixed it. Hopefully it reads a little better now.


Roxas sat in his chair, a smirk stretched from ear to ear while Sora's face laid planted on the table. "You up for another arm wrestling match?"

"No!"

They had been doing this for the past half an hour. Excessive in hindsight, but they did it anyway, with Sora losing each consecutive match. Along with every other labor intensive task they'd been doing for the past few weeks. The whole routine therapy had been Roxas' idea. With Sora's arm paralyzed, what better way to get it working again by using it.


"You know, you can't do everything with your left arm." Roxas muttered.

Sora half smiled. "Sure I can. It's not that hard."

The two had split the groceries purchased at the market. Carrying the bags wasn't difficult when shared between both arms. However, Sora was having issues. Each time Roxas looked at him, he'd be carrying in a different position. Over the shoulder, on his shoulder, his forearm, even dangling the bags from his fingers. Every one of those places now sporting red bands from carrying so much weight.

"Sora."

"Yeah?"

"You're right handed." Roxas deadpanned

Sora's shoe skidded against the ground. "No I'm not! I can do things perfectly fine with my left hand."

"I'm not ambidextrous. I'm right handed."

"What does that have to do with anything?!"

"I'm your Nobody. We're technically the same person. Meaning if you were left handed I'd be too."

His smile faltered, shoulders slumping over as he let out a sigh. "All right, all right. I get it."

Roxas sighed. "Can you really not use your arm?"

"No, I can't even move my fingers."

"Hmm." They walked in silence, Sora's hand stinging from holding the bags. He was about flip them over his shoulder again when Roxas lifted up his his hand.

"Give them here. When we get back I wanna try something."


And that's how Roxas coaxed him into doing all of these exercises. While using only his right arm. A great idea when he first brought it up. He had Sora start with the simplest thing; picking up a cloth. It sounded easy! No problem! People do it every day!

It ended with a towel thrown at Roxas' face.

Despite his frustration, he was back at it again, along with everything else he suggested doing.

Sora threw his arm up in frustration. "I give!" He let out an exasperated breath.

Roxas put his chin to the palm of his hand with smug expression. "What was that you said before, about not letting one arm stop you."

"Well it is stopped. Look," Sora lifted his arm, waving it in the others face, "does it even seem functional to you!"

"I get it. But don't you think we're making progress?"

"I donno." He shrugged, placing the appendage into an arm sling. Having his it just hanging around made things more difficult as if everything wasn't hard enough with one arm.

Despite the work Roxas had been putting him through, looking back at the past three weeks he barely saw a difference.

Sora poked at it a few times, scratching at some of the skin. It had become tougher since it first changed. The 'scales' became much larger and more pronounced. Its coloring had become lighter. Now matching the stones covering the walkway.

He let out a heavy breath, pulling the sleeve all the way down, leaving the cuff undone so it somewhat covered his hand.

The clicking of shoes against hardwood caught both teen's attention. The door swung open, an elderly woman entering onto the patio. Her snowy hair bounced close to her face with each step. She smiled gently when she spotted the two teens, creases forming around her almond eyes. "Good morning to you both."

"Hi Klaudia," Sora replied, the other waving his hand.

Roxas turned in his seat, arms resting on the chair's back. "Is there something you need?"

"Yes, actually." She pulled a slip of paper from her pocket. "When you have time, could you run to the market and pick up a package for me."

Roxas took hold of the paper and stowed it away. "Sure. I'll head down in a few minutes."

"Thank you dear." She ruffled his hair before going back inside.

Roxas put his hair back into place before looking back at Sora, who had a huge grin spread across his lips. "What?"

Sora chuckled before responding. "You act like you're her grandson."

"And you don't." He got up from his chair, with a drink in hand.

"At least I admit it." Sora followed Roxas' down the wooden steps , swinging an arm over his shoulder. "Besides I'd probably do the same thing if I were you."

"How come?"

"Because I'm you!"

"You need to stop comparing us like that."

"Fine, fine. Hypocrite," Sora coughed.

Roxas didn't bat an eye at his comment. Instead he threw the remaining water in his cup in Sora's face.


Lancken had a small community. Everyone in the village had at least some inkling about their neighbor's whereabouts. They knew everyone by name, a child would never run into a stranger, people entered one another's home with little alarm. The people only left the place when they had crops to trade with nearby villages. Which made it effortless to spot anything out of the ordinary, like a stranger. It was rare that such a person would visit such an isolated part of RĂ¼gen, rarer when multiple showed up or had requested an extended stay.

It was fair assumption these people were wary of outsiders. To have such a tight-knit community meant they had little to no trust issues. Still, they could have gone without showing their anxieties.

"Lavi!" The high-pitched voice broke through his concentration. He took a second to collect himself before putting on his signature smile.

Lenalee slowed her pace, her attention darting around the tiny market. "Did you find out anything?"

"Nothing of particular interest. You?"

"Me neither." She sighed. The founders had done enough to point them in the right direction. She hoped they were in the right place. They hadn't found anything noteworthy though it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The less fighting, the better.

"By the way," she spoke up, "I got us some rooms at the inn nearby."

Lavi pushed off the tree, stretching out his arms. "That's good. All of this traveling is really tiring."

The young lady smiled. "I was actually hoping if we could stop by the market. The place we're staying is more of a self-service type."

Lavi gave a half nod. Of course it'd be self service. Tourism isn't this area's business. "Okay, what do we need to get?"

Lenalee's expression lit up. She went through the list of items she needed. Quite a lot in fact. Whatever it was for, he put little thought to it. He'd find out soon enough.

They agreed to meet back at the inn. Once Lenalee gave him the directions to the building, they split up in search of the ingredients she needed.

Lavi ambled towards the marketplace, his attention wandering through the crowds. The kids playing their games just beyond the stands. A couple would gawk, pointing out his clothes or the eye patch he wore. The adults would do the same, but wouldn't stare as long. They'd turn their backs and gossiped once they were a safe distance away. The conversations were mostly about him. It was understandable. The prospect of multiple strangers arriving in this little settlement was newsworthy, but something else had to be going on. Something that held cause for concern. Anything out of the ordinary.

Lavi stopped at the next stand, picking out a couple tomatoes. "It's one thing after another." From behind the nearest stand, two women were talking amongst themselves in hushed tones. The one with golden hair pushed the locks from her face. "All of these people keep popping up over the hills. Is there some untold riches nearby we didn't hear about?"

"If that was true Preiss," the one with silvery hair spoke, "you and I both would have been decorated in gold, emeralds and fancy dresses."

"And I would never worry about putting food on the table again." They laughed avidly, the youngest one's grin vanishing. "Don't you find it all of this concerning?"

Her expression became grim. "I wouldn't be having this conversation if I wasn't. Everyone's been going through a rough time."

"I know, it's awful." The youngest's face was somber as she stared into the distance. "What's scaring me is the all the collapsing dolems. I'm not one to be superstitious, but it's ominous how so many have lost their lives with each one being destroyed." She glanced at her elder. "Have you ever considered if those boys are involved?"

"I've had half a mind to think they were. No matter how nice they appear, I can't trust outsiders." She crossed her arms over her chest. "However, Aachen has given them a chance, so for the time being I'll turn a blind eye and just continue praying."

The youngest nodded. "I can see your point. May the Lord help us through." Her eyes caught the sight of Lavi, who was waiting patiently with some vegetables in hand. "You have a visitor."

With that purchase, he had everything he needed. Still, there was more of the area he hadn't see yet. Then there was the conversation he listened to before. Several people have been stopping by Lancken. Two have taken up residence here. Or at least, for the time being. Getting more information would help in the long run.

The rumors were more or less the same throughout the marketplace. Maybe asking upfront would make this easier. Lavi walked to the nearest building. Peering it's glass window, he spotted the rows of shelves filled with numerous letters and parcels. There were a few of the townsfolk inside. The young man pushed the front door open, alerting the workers. He grinned, striding up to the reception desk.

There was someone else waiting there beside him. The kid had blonde hair that stuck up interestingly. His overcoat was worn. So was the rest of his clothing. They were possibly a few decades old at the least, but we're kept in decent condition.

He must have caught Lavi staring and scooted away from him. His leg bounced waiting in anticipation for something, drumming his fingers on the wooden surface. "Hey-"

"Here's your package." The worker placed a box on the desk along with a pen and paper, passing them to the blond kid. "Just sign here."

He took hold of the package, signing off in the space. "Thanks, Lidia."

"No problem," she smiled. "And do say hello to Klaudia and Lukas for me."

"Right," the kid nodded. He turned, getting a full view of Lavi, allowing him to do the same. Then the kid went out the door.

Lavi did a double take glancing at the blonde kid before he disappeared from the window. The way he looked and was dressed was deceiving, but that didn't hide his nationality.

"What's a Japanese kid doing in Lancken?"

"That's what some of us have been wondering." The worker spoke up. Her back was turned while she sorted through the letters that were strewn about the back counter. "Though they're kind kids."

"There's two?"

"Yep." She nodded. "Him and his brother. Odd those two. If it wasn't for their hair, I imagine many of us would have a difficult time telling them apart. At any rate, one night those two showed up at the outskirts. Right in the middle of a storm, so they came around here in search of shelter. No one gave them a place till they meet Aachen. The couple took them in and the boys have been here since."

"Really?" This was too easy. Asking such simple questions and she gave away all the information she had. "Do you have any idea why they're here?"

She stopped, humming in contemplation. "Not in particular." She placed a few letter in separate piles, storing a few the letters into their individual boxes. "I do recall hearing they were searching for something."

"Do you know what?"

"Not a clue, but I'm sure it's important."

"Ah." That would have been helpful. Though, she had already given enough information to narrow down what the issue is.

"Oh shoot," she said, a letter clutched in her hand. "I forgot to give this to him."

It caught Lavi's attention. "Is that for Aachen?"

"Yeah, it's a letter from one Klaudia's cousins."

"Is that so?" Lavi hummed. "Well, if you don't mind, I can take it to them. They're expecting me to stop by anyway."

"Really? Can you?" Lavi nodded. "Thank you sweetie, you're too kind."

He took up the letter, hiding it away in the recesses of his coat. "By the way, could you point out which direction they live?"

He walked at a leisurely pace to the building Lenalee said they were staying at. It was decently sized, the light-wooden structure mostly like older than than a few decades. It wasn't well taken care of. Though the people here don't seek to impress any outsiders, so it appeared well enough just for someone to live in.

Lavi opened the door, the strong aroma of a meal greeting him as he entered. He closed the door behind him, following the smell into the dining room. In there he spotted Lenalee on the other side of the counter. She already had some of the food prepare and set aside for later .

"Hey Lena!"

She nearly let the ladle fall from her hand. She didn't realize he even walked in. Probably to focused on cooking. Regardless, she was glad to see him and the food he got from the market. "Thank you Lavi. You can set it down right there."

With a nod, he put the bag down and pulled a stool beside him. "So what's the occasion? Your cooking nearly as much food as Jerry."

"You don't know?" Lavi shook his head. "It's been two years since you've joined the Order. We missed it last year, so I thought we'd celebrate now."

"Oh. I had honestly forgotten about it."

"So, don't you mind?"

"Not at all. It's been awhile since I've had any of your food." Komui would probably kill him if he ever heard him say that. "By the way, Lena."

"Hmm?"

"While I was on the shopping trip I dug up some information."


"Who the heck was that guy?" The moment Roxas made it far enough from the post office, he ran past the market area. The amount of people diminished until he arrived at a glave leading back to the Aachen's home. This area didn't have any particular road or dirt paths. How the people kept from leaving such imprints along the land was a mystery. One Roxas which didn't exist so it would be easier to navigate.

He stopped part way, catching his breath. He checked behind to be sure that guy in black wasn't tagging along. The only good thing about not having any roads also meant people new to here wouldn't be able sneak around without help. And the residents here probably wouldn't help without reason.

He took a deep breath, outstretching his hand. Dark wisps coalesced into a familiar shape. But as quickly as it formed, it vanished from sight. His arm fell to his side, hand balled into a fist. After all this time, he could barely make a portal appear, much less stay.

The teen stood straighter before he waded through the tall grass. He retraced the steps he memorized, turning at a certain tree and stepping pass an oddly shaped boulder. Every stride along the so called path gave him ample time to recall that redhead before.

The sense of familiarity he gave came off in a strange way. The fact it felt familiar at all sent alarms ringing through his head. Roxas had discern enough that the guy wasn't from around here. He appeared different enough from the people in Lancken. Not just the way he looked, but also the clothes he wore. Those were too unusual compared to what he'd seen in this world. They appeared more official if the fancy emblem didn't give that away.

Not to mention the way he carried himself. It was odd to say, but something felt off when the guy stood next to him. Especially his eyes. It wasn't on the same level, but it reminded him of the ones he used to call comrades. They were distant and calculating. The only emotion Roxas spotted was when the guy spotted him.

Also the fact he wore an eyepatch in the first place gave him unsettling memories.

Roxas was thankful Lidia interrupted when she did. He would have been able to handle a confrontation with the guy, but he'd rather not have to give more information than he should. He only little knowledge of how this world worked and Roxas had no clue what the redhead wanted.

After a few more twists and turns he eventually wound up at the back side of the Aachen's home. Sora was around the front, along with an old man, Lukas.

He was far into his later years, but would do what he still managed. And right now, was taking the role as instructor for other teen.

Roxas strode up to the porch, leaning against the wood railing as he watched the two. Even without the use of his right arm, Sora still need to learn how to work with his left.

Lukas picked up a wood block, placing it upright on an old tree stump. Then he lifted up an axe, slamming the bladed edge on the wood wood was split halfway down the center. Lukas wriggled the axe out, then handed it over to Sora. Lukas said a list of things to him, Sora intently listening. Following the steps Lukas gave to him, Sora lifted the axe, and drove it into the wood block. It was uneven, but he managed to split the wood in half.

He yelled in triumph, swinging the axe around before Lukas calmed him. He was so excitable. Then again, who was he to judge. During his own moments Roxas was the same way. He pushed off the railing then entered through the front door.

Klaudia sat in the wooden chair, humming to herself while knitting something together. Roxas knocked on the doorway, gaining her attention. A smile crept onto face once she noticed the boy and the parcel he held. "Oh thank you dear. Just place it on the table for me."

"Sure." Afterwards he headed back to the doorway to leave. He made steady paces through the hallway. He wound up in the kitchen, resting his arms on the countertop.

His mind wandered back to the redhead. He couldn't shake the suspicion something's up. All the incidents he heard about when he walked on his commutes. Their cause for, one reason or another, is attracting unwarranted attention. Not just to the people, but to himself and Sora.

Roxas ran his hand through his hair. Thinking about this put more weight on his mind. He still needed to figure a way out of Lancken. They had no viable way of departing this world. He doubted this world even had technology advanced enough for that. Magic didn't have a commonplace. Summoning a corridor of darkness was out of the question.

"Whoa-" He flinched when he sensed something touch his shoulder. He was about to react until he noticed Klaudia stood beside him.

"Forgive me dear," she said. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, you fine. I was just surprised."

"Thinking to hard?"

"I guess," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Don't do it too much, or you won't be able to focus on the present."

He smiled. "Right."

"Oh, I hope you don't mind me taking a bit more of you time."

From behind her back, Klaudia held a cherry wood box. Silver plating adorned the edges. The top had been engraved and filled by the same color, leaving a noticeable imprint of a tree. Its front had key attached to it, a red and black cord hanging from it. A small handle stuck out from one of the smaller faces of the box.

"Is that for-" Roxas stood there stunned. "No, you can't be serious."

"I wanted to give you a present though I had to convince Lukas first. Take it dear."

Roxas gingerly took the box, his eyes tracing every part of its surface. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "I wouldn't have gotten it if I wasn't. Open it and give the handle a good twist. Go on, can't keep an old woman waiting for long."

Roxas laughed. Her old age didn't stop her from being enthusiastic. He followed her words, twisting the key with a resounding click. The top lifted open, revealing the small compartment. He turned the handle a few times and let the piece go. Metallic sounds ticked, each note forming into a recognizable hymn.

"You tend to hum when you don't pay any mind." She gazed beyond the window, her attention focusing somewhere in the distance. "I imagine you both will leave soon. You can think of it more as a momento."

Roxas left the music box's lid open, allowing the song to continue playing. "Thanks."

"It was no trouble," she smiled. "don't tell him, but I have one for Sora as well. I only gave yours now since it appeared you needed it."

"I won't tell him. Just make sure you get it to him."

"I may be old, but I'm not forgetful Roxas." She turned, ruffling his hair before leaving the kitchen.


Sora laid in the ground, the cool grass poking against his back. The sun had set many hours ago, but he felt the need to come outside. Just to sit lay there at stare at the stars without thought or care.

The night sky was rather beautiful here. On some night, a few bunches would dot the darkened sky. However, tonight millions of them decorated the sky. They clustered into a single band of bright blue and violet. There wasn't a single space where the stars weren't shining.

"Enjoying the show?" Sora glanced back to see Roxas walking up the hillside.

He rested his head back on the ground. "Yeah, I've never seen anything like it."

Roxas stood there, gazing at the same sky. He bent down and laid beside Sora. The two stayed in silence, watching the night show in awe.

"Hey, Roxas."

"Hmm?"

"When do you think we'll be able to get out of here?" Sora was no stranger to being away from home. Unlike now, he at least had the means to travel there. Without the Gummi Ship or portals, he wasn't sure he could make to any of the other worlds. Or home.

If there was any chance, he wanted to make it back. At least to tell Riku, Kairi and everyone else he's okay.

Roxas was still silent. The breeze rustled the branches in the forest. The wind blowing through the field. Sora ran his hand through the grass, passing over a few stones and pebbles. He unconsciously began picking at the individual blades, throwing them once he had a couple bunches. Roxas palmed his forehead. "I don't know. I wish I knew."

"So you can't summon a Portal of Darkness?," he asked.

"Barely. It always disappears before forming completely."

"How come? you can still use magic."

"They work differently." Roxas sat up, resting his arms on his knees. "Wait, can't you use yours?"

"No! I think."

"You think?"

"Eh?" Sora shrugged. He sat up, leaning on his left arm. "I've been focusing so much about everything else I haven't tried doing that yet." He glanced at Roxas. "What?"

Roxas gave him a flat look. "Maybe I should add that to your list of exercises."

"You wouldn't."

"Just try and stop me." Roxas sprung to his feet and into a run down the hillside. "If you beat me, I won't make you do it!"

"Hey! That's cheating!" Sora scramble to his feet in a rush after the Nobody.


Long author's notes is long.

I probably should have mention this in the first chapter, but I was just in a rush to finish it and I forget stuff when I do that. Meh. Anyway, the timing of when this all starts a little before KH3D. For the dgm part, all of this is taking place a few months before Allen joins the order, so it's sometime in June or July? I donno. Dgm is so vague about the dates, except for Rewinding Town. But OH WELL!

I would also like to apologize for my lateness. It tends to take me a while to write out each chapter, especially since I'm trying to write more than 3,000 words a page. That and school has really been kicking my butt. I literally got 6 projects at once, which were all due a week apart, and then immediately got 2 more. Then there's my last school art show and final exams, graduation and applying for colleges(which I've been behind on all this time). Then I have my own novels and mangas that I'm working on, so it's just become very hectic. Fortunately, I have been getting some down time, but I'm going to let you know now that the updates for this series will be very slow and sporadic. I do assure you this will be finished, but it will take time so you all will have to bear with me.

And one more thing, if any of you are interested, I have put up reference of how Sora and Roxas are dressed. As well as their weapons and their innocence's appearance. Just go to my profile and click the link.

So, I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. Look forward to some plot, Plot, PLOT!

Until then, See ya the next chapter \( -w- )