Aloha!

First before I start this I would like to thank Infatuation-x for giving me my first review. I really appreciate it. And I know the story is kinda confusing right now but I promise it will all eventually make sense. Constructive criticism is also appreciated.

Another thing, I honestly didn't mean to have the "Up" reference in the last chapter. I wasn't even thinking of the movie when I typed the "I can smell you" line. :)

Chapter 3: Confrontation

As Xion piloted the ship, Riku bombarded her with questions.

"How do you know who I am?"

"You're really a princess?"

"Who was that guy?"

"How do you wield the keyblade?"

"How do I wield the keyblade?"

"Where are we going?"

"How do you know who I am?"

"You already asked that" Xion said annoyed. Although she couldn't blame him as to why he was frustrated. So much had happened in the past hour. "Riku I promise that when we get to Radiant Garden everything will be explained."

"Why can't you answer my questions now?" Riku crossed his arms.

"Because-"

"Well?"

"J-Just...because."

Riku groaned at her lack of an answer. Xion could only laugh.

"How is you not telling me anything funny?"

She shook her head. "Nothing, it's just...you haven't changed."

Riku groaned again. She was confusing the hell out of him. Before he could say anything else, a bright light began to envelope the ship and the Lanes-In-Between began to disappear.

Riku stood up, "Wha...what's going on?"

Xion only smiled, "We're here."

Once the bright light faded, Riku looked at the ship's surroundings. He was made speechless.

An ocean reflected off the cloudless lavender skies. Small green mountains were spread throughout the water, adding even more color to the world below the two teens. But what got Riku's attention wasn't the water or mountains, but the town. Surrounded by a large wall, the town had a million fountains, all which poured crisp glistening water. There were little stone houses with red roofs everywhere and an open town square with orange flowers surrounding it. And in the center of the world was a large purple castle.

"Welcome to Radiant Garden Riku."

XXX

Xion landed the ship in front of the town gate. When the door slid open, Riku was hesitant to get off. He couldn't believe it. He was actually in another world.

"Come on Riku!"

He was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't notice Xion was already outside. When Riku finally stepped off he was met with some of the freshest air he ever felt. "Wow...this place is...beautiful." Then he came up with another question "Why didn't we land in the town's square?"

"Because of the shield." Xion responded. "There's a magical shield protecting the town. The only way you can get in is through this gate."

As Xion was about to summon her keyblade to unlock it, the gate automatically opened, startling the both of them.

"How did it do that?" Riku asked.

Xion panicked, "I don't know! The only way it could have opened is if someone else-"

"Ahem."

About ten feet behind the gate a man with long spikey brown hair stood with a bronze keyblade in his hand. He was pretty muscular and looked to be a couple of years older than Riku. What scared Xion though, was the furious look the man had on his face.

"Um Xion, who's that?

"My brother, Terra."

XXX

Terra escorted both Riku and Xion to the castle. Not a word was said, which to Riku meant she was in serious trouble. When they finally got to the castle's throne room, Xion began having a panic attack. Riku did his best to calm her down by giving her a hug, which slightly worked. Finally the big moment came.

Riku and Xion walked to the men on the three thrones. As Riku expected, they were just as angry as Terra. The said man walked over two the side of the room where two girls with blond hair and blue eyes stood frightened. After about a minute of silence in the room, Eraqus finally stood up.

"Xion! What in the name of light were you thinking?"

"Daddy, I'm so sorry! But I had to find him!" she said eyeing Riku. "I wanted to see Riku so bad! I'm really sorry!"

"Riku?" Eraqus questioned. "That's what this was about? You left to find your missing friend?"

"Yes!" She began to cry. "I...I stole one of grampa's location spells to find him. I had to see him again! I'M SO SORRY!"

Ansem was about to speak, but Terra beat him to it.

"Xion we know about Marluxia's attack! Grampa sensed it! What the hell were you thinking, you could have been killed!"

"I know but Riku saved me!" She smiled at him.

"And what if he wasn't there to save you?" Ansem finally said. "Xion you do not understand the error of your ways!"

"I do uncle I really do! And I accept whatever punishment you have for me."

"Enough!"

Master Yensid stood from his throne and walked to his tearful granddaughter. He rested his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her. "Xion, I cannot be angry at you for following your heart. But at the same time what you did was foolish and dangerous. And as for you-" he turned to Riku "You are indeed Kora's son."

"Who's Kora?" Riku said, even more confused than he already was.

"He has amnesia grampa." Xion assured him. This surprised Yensid for a moment but he immediately regained his serious composure.

"Now Xion, your punishment. You are to clean the entire castle from bottom to top. The place is to be spotless."

"It's only fair that I help her" Riku interrupted. "It's kind of my fault she's in this mess." Yensid smiled at Riku's kindness "Very well. And Riku since it is far too dangerous to take you anywhere else you will be living in Radiant Garden from now on."

"Sure, I'll stay anywhere, as long as its not Destiny Islands. And while I'm here maybe I'll get some answers."

"Fair enough. Xion escort Riku to the guest room. Get your rest and tomorrow you will begin your chores."

"Okay", the teens both responded. The two of them proceded to walk to the guest room with Riku's things. The remaining six people in the room were both surprised and relieved.

"Riku looks exactly like he did when he was seven" Stella smiled. Her sister nodded in agreement.

"That was far too close" Ansem told his father and brother. "Xion should be relieved that Xehanort didn't send a stronger organization member."

"Daddy," Namine' finally spoke up, "Just be grateful that she's fine."

"Be grateful?" Terra interrupted, "She could have DIED Namine'!"

"I know but there's nothing that can be done now!" Terra flinched. Namine' never stood up to him unless the situation was serious. "We just have to move on. Xion's learned her lesson."

With that, everyone grudgingly ended the conversation, and left the room.