Last time found Donald, Goofy, Bella, Jacob and the wolves team up with Ranma, Sara and her fellow Stand Users prepare to defend Dream Valley and The Little Ponies from the two psycho villains, Xorat and Kiraxi. It was a valiant battle, but in the end, the psychos captured Sara and dragged her to New Hollow Bastion. Sara was thrown in with Nessie, Lyra and Violet. Elsewhere, Sora, Riku and Tess began their therapy under the guidance of Edward. Under hypnosis, it was revealed that a repressed memory was linked to Tess's inability to summon her Keyblade, a memory of her father revealing that he wasn't her father. But she accepted it and was willing to find out the truth, especially with the help of her friends. With that she was able to summon her Keyblade again. Meanwhile, Aiden and his time traveling friends learned that they had arrived deep in the past in the heart of The Hakonian Empire, the last place

Chapter 4: The Hannah Incident

"Uh, Doctor?" said a concerned Amy, "where's The TARDIS?"

Aiden, The Doctor and Rory then looked and saw that indeed gone, "That's a very good question, Pond," said The Doctor.

Just then Hakonian cops converged on the four travelers from both sides of the alley, "freeze, bastards!" one of the police shouted as they all aimed their blasters.

"Would this be a bad time to report a case of stolen property?" The Doctor asked as he, Aiden, Amy and Rory held their hands up. Several Hakonian cops activated red laser sights on their blasters and aimed them at the head of The Doctor, "I guess so," he said casually.

Aiden by then had his Keyblade up and was ready to fight, but he had enemies to the front and back, as well as having his new, time traveling friends to worry about, "what now, Doctor?" he asked, "I'm trying to think of a way out of this, but I've got nothing."

"Unfortunately neither do I," said The Doctor, "but that doesn't mean that we're finished, not yet anyway."

"You will let us know when we are finished, will you, Doctor?" Rory asked, "I'd like to plan my weekend accordingly."

"One crisis at a time, if you don't mind," said Amy.

"Right," said Aiden, "live today, fight tomorrow," he vanished his Keyblade and held his hands up. He then spoke to the Hakonian police officers who had their blasters aimed at the travelers, "take us to your leaders!"

"As if we'll bother the High Command with you lowlife scum," said one of the Hakonian cops as several more officers grabbed Aiden, The Doctor, Amy and Rory and secured them with elaborate handcuffs.

"Take them to the Enforcement Bureau," said another officer, "they're clearly aliens, so let the ghouls in the yellow coats deal with them."

At that several of the officers shouted in agreement, while a few looked down with nervousness.

"I take it that this Enforcement Bureau is someplace we don't want to be," said The Doctor.

"Stranger," said one of the officers, "The Enforcement Bureau is the last place in this world or any other place you ever want to be."

"I can hardly wait," said The Doctor.

A short time later found the travelers escorted to a large pyramid building. Only a few people were outside it, all of them wearing yellow coats. The black uniformed cops handed them over to the men in yellow coats, whom then roughly shoved them inside and through dimly lit corridors. More men in yellow coats were inside, whom took the travelers off the hands of the first group.

After being manhandled through what seemed to be miles of corridors, Aiden, The Doctor, Amy and Rory found themselves in a interrogation room lit by a single overhead lamp, a table with four chairs on one side and one on the other side.

"Can you say Gestapo much?" Amy asked as they looked around their surroundings.

"This is something out of the worst nightmare of where I came from," said Aiden, "The State has dealt with more than its fair share of ugly rumors, mostly about how State Alchemists abused their powers and authority. But some say that the government has its own secret police whom arrest anyone who gets too out of line. But again, those are only rumors."

"I'd hate to hear the truth," said Rory.

Just then several men in yellow coats walked in, including one with a bald head. This one sat at the single set on the other side of the table. The overhead lamp revealed that he had a scar across his left eye that extended halfway across his forehead. His coat had several medals and badges of rank, signifying that he high up in the organization

"I am Dunkan Shadowhunter," said the bald officer, "High Inquisitor of the Enforcement Bureau, and I'll be your interrogator this day. Do have a seat, we have much to discuss."

"Pleased to meet you, Dunkan Shadowhunter," said The Doctor as he, Aiden, Amy and Rory sat down, "I'm…"

"We know who you are," said Dunkan Shadowhunter.

"You do?" The Doctor asked, "Well of course you do. I am after all…"

"You're spies," said Dunkan Shadowhunter in an accusing tone, "spies sent here to undermine the empire right at its moment of ultimate triumph!"

"What? Are you daft?" Amy asked, "we're not spies."

"Oh yes you are," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "but spies for whom? Could you be Cyberman agents? No, you're far too emotional. Perhaps you're Zygons in disguise, or maybe you are Sontaran infiltraters, attempting a stratagem to undermine the empire at its core. Or maybe you work for The Ice Warriors. Wait, I know," he slammed his hand on the table, "you're working for The Daleks! Confess! You were sent here to commit acts of sabotage, right when we're celebrating the end of the war. You're going to stir up trouble right here in the heart of the empire, create enough chaos at home so that while our forces are returning home to restore order, The Daleks launch a counterattack when we least expect it! Confess! Confess your crimes against the Hakonian Empire!"

"Are you out of your ever loving mind?" Rory asked, "Do we look like spies? Honestly, would spies go around dressed like we do?"

"There's two answers to that," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "first, you have poor taste in fashion. Second, you're not very bright spies."

At that Aiden shot up out of his seat, "Let's get a few things straight, chrome dome. First, I'm not a spy, and neither are my friends. Second, I've got more knowledge in just one corner of my head than you do in your entire slimy brain!"

"I'll have you know, you miserable, teat-sucking pup," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "I had my brain washed just last weak."

"I'm sure you did," said Amy, "you're the type who's so twisted by the authority of this world, I'm amazed you know which way is up."

Without warning, Dunkan Shadowhunter slapped Amy hard across the face, knocking her off her chair.

"Oy!" snapped Rory angrily as he tried to help her up, but then Dunakn Shadowhunter punched him in the head, knocking him down.

"That was uncalled for!" shouted The Doctor.

"I'm merely establishing my dominance over you scumdogs," said Dunkan Shadowhunter.

"Dominate this!" snapped Aiden as he summoned his Keyblade. He then jumped over the table and got behind Dunkan Shadowhunter. But then one of the men in yellow coats pulled out a blaster and shot Aiden with a stun bolt that seriously hurt him. Aiden collapsed to the floor writhing in pain, his Keyblade vanishing with his loss of concentration.

"Let that be a lesson to you all," said Dunkan Shadowhunter as two of the yellow coated men picked Aiden up and threw him across the table, "any malarkey will be dealt with extreme prejudice."

"You certainly know how to make a point," said The Doctor.

"It's my job," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "now let me make myself clear. You're going to tell me exactly what I want to know, or else you're going to die slow, agonizing deaths, and you'll still talk if only to end the suffering."

"You want the truth?" The Doctor asked in a daring tone, "you can't handle the truth!"

"Try me," said Dunkan Shadowhunter as he stubbornly crossed his arms.

"Alright," said The Doctor, "I'm a 900 year old Time Lord on a wild journey through time and space. My friends here are from Earth, at least Amy and Rory are. I abducted them from their quiet lives in order to show them the beauty of the universe."

"It's true," said Amy, "I met The Doctor when I was a little girl. He just fell out of the sky in this blue box of his."

"And he turned our lives upside down three ways to Sunday," said Rory.

Aiden then recovered from being blasted and got up, "I'm an alchemist from The State, on a world outside this universe. I'm on a mission to save all of existence from the darkness."

At that Dunkan Shadowhunter laughed viciously, "of all the lies I've heard, these have got to be the most poorly imagined."

"You don't believe us?" The Doctor asked, "then help me find my TARDIS, and I'll prove that we're telling the truth."

"TARDIS," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "I assume that's your ship that you used to invade the world."

"It travels in space," said The Doctor, "and time."

"Our scientists have proven that time travel is impossible," said Dunkan Shadowhunter, "our conquests over other races have produced fairy tales of a race of time travelers, but that's just it, fairy tales."

"Well then," said The Doctor as he leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table, "how about this. Your empire just ended a war with The Daleks. I'll bet that some of your military blokes managed to capture some Daleks alive."

"That's not my department," said Dunkan, "but yes, it has been reported that Dalek prisoners have been taken."

"And I assume that those prisoners were taken to your scientists," said The Doctor, "and that they managed to crack the metal shells and examined the mutated creatures inside."

"Again," said Dunkan, "that's not my department."

But The Doctor continued, "and the creatures were tortured for information, not that they didn't deserve to suffer after all that they did, or maybe they didn't. But regardless of right or wrong, I'll bet that some of the prisoners told stories of one man who defied them at every turn, a man who was not a man but a Time Lord. And this Time Lord faced The Daleks again and again and foiled one diabolical plan after another."

"What does this have to do with you being spies?" Dunkan asked.

"I'm getting to that," said The Doctor, "and these tales told by the Dalek prisoners, they said that The Daleks as a whole grew to fear this one Time Lord so much that they gave him a name; The Oncoming Storm. You think your empire has faced and defeated the worst that the universe has to throw at you, you're wrong."

"And what does this have to do with you being spies?" Dunkan asked.

"Absolutely nothing," said The Doctor, "I was just stalling for time to allow myself and my young friend here to think of a brilliant escape plan."

"Sorry, Doctor," said Aiden, "I've still got nothing."

"And you won't get anything either," said Dunkan, "except more pain. This whole building has some of the most advanced anti-escape technology in the empire. The walls are full of maser guns and static traps, as well as all sorts of traps designed to maim without killing. Even if you can avoid the maser blasts of my comrades, you'll never leave this building alive. You are trapped, Doctor, you and your friends."

"Ah, that's where you made a mistake," said The Doctor, "a mistake that will cost you dearly."

"And what would that be?" Dunkan asked.

"It's a big, big, huge mistake," said The Doctor as he leaned forward and glared at Dunkan, "didn't anybody tell you that there's one thing that you never put in a trap? If you're smart, if you value your continued existence, if you have any plans about seeing tomorrow, there's one thing that you never, ever put in a trap."

"And what would that be?" Dunkan irately asked, clearly losing his patience.

At that The Doctor smiled confidently, "me."

At that Dunkan laughed viciously again, "you ought to be called The Comedian, though what good it'll do you, I don't know."

"What was the point of that tirade, Doctor?" Aiden asked.

"It worked against The Weeping Angels," said The Doctor.

"The what?" Aiden asked.

"These people aren't like living statues that will kill you if you blink," said Amy.

"Well, there's that," said The Doctor, "and I could use this," he then pulled out his Sonic Screwdriver, "a word of advice, mates, always check the pockets of your prisoners." He then activated a feature that neutralized the blasters of the yellow coats in the room. The goons tried to blast The Doctor, but the guns merely sputtered.

"You know, for enforcers of authority," said Rory as he, The Doctor, Amy and Aiden stood up, "you're not very smart."

"Definitely dumber than the Hakonians I've fought," said Aiden.

"You impudent bastards!" snapped Dunkan, "I am of the Hakonian elite! Every member of The Enforcement Bureau is a member of the elite, and can trace his ancestry back through 100 generations of elite families."

"If you're the elite," said Aiden, "then I hate to meet the rest of your people."

"If you have nothing else to ask us," said The Doctor, "my friends and I would like to take our leaves of this place."

"Fools!" snapped Dunkan, "did you honestly think that masers were all the arsenal we of the elite have at our disposal?" He stood up and summoned an axe that crackled with green lightning. One of the other yellow-coated men summoned a sword that crackled red energy, while another summoned a sword that crackled with purple energy.

"You want a fight?" Aiden asked as he summoned his Keyblade, "you're going to get it!"

Just then there came the sound of a muffled explosion from somewhere else in the building. This distracted the Hakonians long enough for Aiden to attack. He jumped at Dunkan and bashed him on the head with his Keyblade, knocking him out. He then transmuted the around the hands of the Hakonian with the red sword into cement, trapping his hands in makeshift cinderblocks. He fell to the floor with the sudden weight on his hands.

Aiden then bashed the head of the Hakonian with the purple sword, then went to work on the other Hakonians, rendering the remaining two unconscious. "You're right, Rory," he said, "they are dumb."

"Great," said Amy as the travelers looked around at the disabled Hakonians, "can we get out of here now?"

"Yes, leaving would definitely be an excellent idea," said The Doctor.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Rory asked as he picked up one of the Hakonian blasters.

"They've been turned off, you idiot," said Amy.

"Oh," said Rory, "right."

"Not to worry," said The Doctor. He aimed his Sonic Screwdriver at the blaster that Rory picked up and reactivated it. "good to go."

"Then let's go," said Aiden.

They made their way out of the interrogation room, just as Dunkan was regaining consciousness. The bald, scarred Hakonian pulled out a communications device from his coat pocket, "the prisoners have escaped, but they won't be free for long. Activate all security systems, and someone find out what that explosion was all about!"

"Acknowledged," said the Hakonian security officer on the other end of the line.

Dunkan pocketed the communication, "no one escapes from me," he said to himself, "no one!"

"I assume that one of us knows where we're going," said Rory as the travelers hurried through the corridors.

"I was following you guys," said Aiden as he looked backwards and forwards to make sure that there wasn't anyone about to attack them.

"So are we lost or not?" Amy asked.

"We're only lost if we give up, Pond," said The Doctor, "relax, I know which way they took us in," they then came upon an intersection in the hallway, "now, did we turn left here, or right?"

"So we are lost," said Aiden, "just perfect.

Just then came the sound of a loud klaxon in the hallway. "I think they know we're eon the lose," said Rory.

Just then several laser blasters emerged from the walls and aimed themselves at the four travelers.

"Not this year!" shouted Aiden as he sent of a pulse of Alchemic energy that changed the blasters into solid blocks of plastic before they could fire.

But then more devices emerged from the walls that produced laser beams that could cut through steel. The beams then converged on four travelers, trapping them in a tightening space.

Aiden tried to block one of the beams, but the power behind it was strong enough to force him back, "any bright ideas, Doctor?" He asked.

"Plenty," said The Doctor as he used his Sonic Screwdriver to deactivate the laser emitters.

"I so want one of those," said Aiden as they started running again, "what else does it do?"

"Pretty much everything," said The Doctor, "except it doesn't work on wood."

"It doesn't work on wood?" Aiden asked, "but it's a screwdriver."

"A Sonic Screwdriver," corrected The Doctor.

"Well if it's so sonic," said Aiden, "why can't it work on wood?"

"It also doesn't work on things that have been Dead Locked," said Amy.

"What the hell does that mean?" Aiden asked.

Just then air vents opened up in the ceiling, and from the vents came sleeping gas. "Oh for crying out loud!" said Aiden irately as he aimed his Keyblade up at the falling gas and transmuted it into oxygen, "I'm not in the mood!"

Just then two yellow-coated Hakonians tried to rush them, both carrying truncheons that crackled with electricity. Rory merely blasted them before they got close to attack.

"Still not the smartest of blokes," Rory said.

"Now I remember," said The Doctor, "it's straight, then turn left at the intersection."

"Now he remembers," said Aiden.

They hurried through the corridors without further trouble, eventually making it to the doors to the outside, but when they got outside, they found themselves surrounded by dozens of yellow coated Hakonians armed with laser rifles and cannons. Also there were several hovering Jeeps that also had laser cannons, and a pair of hovering tanks. All in all the four travelers were in quite the pinch.

Right in the middle of the crowd of yellow coats was Dunkan, glaring at Aiden, The Doctor, Amy and Rory with murder in his eyes, "one chance, you despicable spies! Surrender or die!"

"Can that Sonic Screwdriver that doesn't work on wood get us out of this, Doctor?" Aiden asked as he raised his Keyblade defensively.

"Not on all of them at once," said The Doctor, "But we're not finished yet."

"And just how are we going to get out of this one, Doctor?" Rory asked as he aimed his appropriated blaster at first one yellow-coat then another, then another.

"Final warning, spies!" snapped Dunkan, "surrender or die!"

"For the last time, we're not spies, you thrice-damned prick!" snapped Aiden.

"That does it!" shouted Dunkan. He then yelled at his fellow yellow-coats, "ventilate them!"

But just as the Hakonians pulled the triggers on their blasters, the four travelers vanished in a flash of light, causing the yellow-coats to shoot out the front doors of their own headquarters.

"Cease fire!" shouted a startled Dunkan. When the shooting stopped, he examined where Aiden, The Doctor, Amy and Rory once stood. He then whirled on his men with fury in his eyes, "find them! I don't care how long it takes, how much it costs, no matter what, I want those spies found and destroyed!"


The flash disoriented Aiden, The Doctor, Amy and Rory for a few seconds, but then they realized that they were no longer where they were. They now found themselves in a large building of some sort. It seemed to be a typical abandoned warehouse, with broken windows and discarded bits of junk here and there.

But also in the room were several Hakonians wearing a wide variety of dark colors, such as blood red, sea green, deep purple and so on. Some of the Hakonians were cleaning weapons; energy blades and blasters, while others were working at computer terminals. One female Hakonian, with long raven black hair tied up in a braid, bright green eyes and wearing a dark blue jacket and a red skirt and green boots, stood at an elaborate computer consol about three yards away from the four travelers.

"Site to site transport complete," said the female Hakonian.

"Thank you, Jessika," said one of the male Hakonians in the room, a tall man with short brown hair, one blue eye, the other brown, and wearing a black and white jacket with tan pants and boots.

He walked up to Aiden and the others, "we almost thought we would have to go inside the Enforcement Bureau itself in order to get you out, the building is shielded against the transporter."

"I guessed as much when you teleported us when we got outside," said The Doctor, "but what my friends and I are wondering is why rescue us in the first place."

"That's a very good question," said the Hakonian, "permit me to answer it with a question of my own; what's a Time Lord doing on Hakonian Prime?"

At that The Doctor was slightly taken aback, while Aiden gulped with nervousness.

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire," said Rory.

"I knew we should have turned left at The Medusa Cascade," said Amy.


…Malibu, California, Earth…a short time ago…

The portal opened up, spilling Hayner, Pence, Olette, Rosalie and Emmet onto the moonlit beach.

"At least it's after dark," said Rosalie as they got up and brushed sand off of their clothes, "and there's no one around to see us."

"Uh, Rose," said Emmet, "look behind you."

Rosalie turned around and saw a boy and a girl laying on a beach blanket, clearly in the middle of making out. The boy was about 20 or so with short orange hair and hazel eyes, wearing a green shirt and blue jeans. The girl was about 18 with brown eyes and long brown hair tied back in a white ribbon. She wore a long blue dress. This was Ian Donovan and Ukyo Kuonji, two exceptionally gifted martial artists and part of the group of bodyguards for Miley, The Neon Knights.

"Hey, would you mind not 'porting in front of us?" Ian asked in his heavy Texan drawl, "this is a private party."

"Aren't you at the least bit concerned that a portal just opened up in front of us?" Ukyo asked.

"Light of my heart," said Ian, "after all the insanity of The Tournament of Light, hardly anything surprises me anymore."

"Yeah," said Ukyo as she and Ian stood up, "and after all that I've seen in my life, I'm not surprised that I'm not surprised either."

"I don't suppose that you're acquainted with one Miley Stewart, are you?" Rosalie asked, "otherwise known as Hannah Montana."

At that both Ukyo and Ian looked like someone had walked over their graves, "how did you know that?" Ukyo asked.

"Are you paparazzi?" Ian demanded, "alien paparazzi from another dimension?"

"Do we look like aliens?" Olette asked.

"We're friends of Sora," said Pence.

"Sora?" Ukyo asked, "he sent you?"

"We're here because Miley is in serious danger," said Emmet, "Sora couldn't come, so we came instead."

"But what about Riku, Kairi and Aiden?" Ian asked, "Why didn't they come?"

"It's a long story," said Hayner as he pulled out the video player, "and I think it'd be better if we showed it to Miley."

"Well, she's not here," said Ukyo, "she's out with…a friend, and the other Neon Knights, but they should be back…soon."

"I have the feeling that you don't fully trust us," said Rosalie.

"When it comes to Miley's safety," said Ian, "trusting strangers isn't a luxury we can afford."

Just then Ukyo's cell phone rang, her ringtone being 'Supergirl.'

"It's Adam," said Ukyo as she looked at the caller ID. She took the call, "Hi, Adam….no, nothing's wrong…well, unless you count the five strangers who fell out of a portal onto the beach…yeah, they say they're friends of Sora and have a message from him…I don't know what it is, they say it's for Miley…they say that she's in danger…no, I don't think it can wait until you all are done…calling it a night would be a good idea…okay, we'll see you all soon…no I'm not alone, Ian's here…"

She then blushed heavily from what she heard on the other end, "you tell that lunatic Felicia that what Ian and I do on our night off is our business alone, and you can say the same thing to Kuno…and his crazy sister too…yes and Kyle, and the others too, now get your sorry buts over here and we'll get this straightened out." With that she hung up the phone.

"What was that all about?" Pence asked.

"A mild disagreement between friends, that's all," said Ukyo as she put her phone away. "Now, the others would probably crucify me for this, but I'm willing to go out on a limb and trust you strangers."

"You are?" Ian asked, "with all due respect, my dearest, but these guys are total strangers who fell out of the blue claiming to be friends of Sora," he looked at Hayner, Pence, Olette, Rosalie and Emmet, "how do we know that you even know Sora and the others?"

"Oh, right," said Olette, "Sora should have given us something to say so that they'll know we're from him and the others."

"Just show them the video," said Emmet, "they'll know we're telling the truth."

"Fine by me," said Pence.

"Alright," said Olette as she pulled out the video player and handed it to Ian, "if that's not proof we're from Sora, Riku and the others, I don't know what is."

Ian and Ukyo then watched the video of Riku. Afterwards they handed it back, "you're right, you are from Sora and the others," said Ukyo.

"But why didn't he, Riku and the others come?" Ian asked.

"It's a long story," said Pence.

"And exactly what kind of villains are we talking about?" Ukyo asked as she pulled out from her pocket a metal spatula that had a razor edge, "if they were strong enough to beat Sora and the others, what can you guys do to help keep Miley safe?"

"Well, I've got my sword," said Hayner, "Olette has her magic and Pence has his shields."

"And Emmet and Rosalie are…" said Pence, but he hesitated, realizing that he was about to expose the vampires.

"I'll explain," said Rosalie as she looked at Ian and Ukyo, "this big hunk of mine here and I, we're not what we seem."

"I have my own ideas," said Ukyo.

"Well how about this?" said Emmet, "you know all those stories of vampires? Of coffins, crosses, holy water and turning into bats? Total myths."

"And you know the truth about vampires?" Ian asked cautiously.

"I could tell you," said Emmet, "or I can show you," he sniffed the air, "and it's been a while since we hunted." Without warning, he ran down the beach and dove into the waves.

"What the hell was that all about?" Ukyo asked, "is that guy crazy or something?"

"Just give him a minute," said Rosalie, "you'll see for yourself."

A few seconds later something huge shot out of the water, something that turned out to be a shark. It landed on the sand a few yards from Hayner, Pence and Olette. Everyone on the beach, except for Rosalie, were completely shocked by this sudden turn of events.

Emmet then ran out from the waves and stopped in front of the thrashing shark, "dinner is served!" he said.

"I'm in the mood for fish," said a smiling Rosalie with that she and Emmet sunk their teeth into the shark. It futilely struggled for a second or two, but then it stopped moving from a combination of vampire venom, blood loss and asphyxiation.

Even though they were prepared for it, Hayner, Pence and Olette were completely shocked by the sight of the two vampires draining the blood out of the shark, and Ian and Ukyo weren't taking it lightly either.

After a while the shark was completely drained of blood. Emmet and Rosalie stood up and licked the few drops of blood from their lips, "nothing like fresh predator for dinner," said Rosalie.

"Okay," said a disturbed Ukyo, "you've convinced me that you're vampires."

"All the more reason to keep them away from Miley!" said Ian.

"Oh for crying out loud," said an exasperated Emmet, "didn't we just prove that we're vegetarian vampires?"

"We only kill animals for blood," said Rosalie, "we would never hurt a human if we could help it."

"I sincerely doubt that," said Ian.

"I still believe them," said Ukyo, "despite the fact that two of them are blood sucking freaks."

"Then what should we do?" Ian asked.

"Adam and the others should have Miley safely home in half an hour," said Ukyo, "so we'll use that time to go explain things to Robbie Ray."

"Who's that?" Pence asked.

"Miley's dad," said Ian, "they don't have any secrets between them, well, none serious that is, and if this is as serious as you say it is, then it's as serious as it's gonna get."

Ian and Ukyo then lead Hayner, Pence, Olette, Emmet and Rosalie up the beach towards the house where Miley lived. There they met with Miley's father, former Country superstar Robbie Ray Stewart. The five travelers introduced themselves to Robbie Ray, explained why they were here and showed him the video of Riku.

"Now wait just a dang gone minute here!" said Robbie Ray Stewart after the video ended, "I thought this whole mess with Heartless and all that otherworldly stuff was all said and done!"

"Sora once said that as long as there is darkness in the hearts of man," said Hayner, "the threat of The Heartless will remain. I guess same goes for demons and villains alike."

"Figures," said Robbie Ray, "and remind me just who in the Sam Hill are you kids?"

"Kids?" Emmet asked, "I'm over 70 years old for crying out loud."

"I know you're upset, Mr. Stewart," said Rosalie, "and are concerned for your daughter's safety."

"You darn tooting I'm upset," said Robbie Ray, "last time this psycho god with fire for hair tried to burn Miley and everyone else at the tournament alive, and there was that psycho witch with purple skin."

"Don't forget the psycho stalker, Robbie Ray," said Ukyo.

"Yeah, that guy too," said Robbie Ray, "I thought things were topsy-turvy before, but now with these new bad guys you've told me about that you and the other guys couldn't stop, they're coming here next?"

"We're really not sure when they're coming," said Olette, "they could be here tomorrow, they could be here in thirty seconds. But we can't help Miley by sitting here in your living room arguing with you."

"That's what she's got those Neutron Night guys protecting her," said Robbie Ray.

"Neon Knights, Mr. Stewart," said Ian, "Adam was adamant about our team name."

"It was either that or 'Sucmdogs of the Universe,'" said Ukyo in an exasperated tone, "why that man, a believer in the way of Shaolin no less, is a fan of Gwar, I'll never know."

"And he also likes Black Sabbath," said Ian.

"Well my daughter has all those fighters watching her back," said Robbie Ray, "and those guys from the FBI, the Heartstone Foundation and those Watchtower guys."

"Most of the people involved from the FBI and the Heartstone Foundation are members of the Watchtower Initiative," said Ian.

"Who?" Pence asked.

"A top secret organization dedicated to keeping the world safe from supernatural threats," said Ukyo.

"I doubt that The Watchtower Initiative has anything that can stop Xorat and that fake Kairi," said Olette.

"I get that this Xorat guy is like this really evil version of a not so nice guy," said Robbie Ray.

"That's a rather simple way of describing a Nobody," said Rosalie, "but it's way more complicated than that."

"And I also get that your friend Kairi now has an evil, supercharged twin," said Robbie Ray, "but what I don't get is how in the Sam Hill are you going to protect my daughter when you couldn't even protect your friends? In fact, exactly why didn't Sora and those other kids with them Key swords come in the first place?"

"Keyblades," said Pence, "and, well…the truth is…"

"It'd be better if we wait for Miley to arrive," said Hayner, "having to explain things over and over can be really annoying."

"Well I still need a few facts straightened out," said Robbie Ray, "I get that you three are good friends with Sora," he looked at Hayner, Pence and Olette, then looked at Emmet and Rosalie, "but just what is your part in all of this?"

"Our niece was kidnapped by the same rotten sack of pig vomit of a villain who wants your daughter," said Rosalie.

"As for us," said Emmet, "we're not what we seem on the outside."

"They're not human, Mr. Stewart," said Ukyo, "but they're not evil either."

"We're willin' to trust them," said Ian, "assuming they can keep their fangs off us live ones."

"We do not have fangs," said Rosalie, "just very sharp teeth."

"You make it sound like you two are some kind of vampire," said Robbie Ray.

"More or less," said Emmet.

Just then the front door opened and four people walked in…

Adam Carpenter; master of Shaolin Kung Fu and lover of heavy metal music. Andrew wore a blue and gray jacket over a green shirt with blue jeans and boots. He had short brown hair and wore glasses over his brown eyes.

Shampoo of the Chinese Amazons; master of her tribe's signature Kung Fu style and soul mate of Adam. She wore a red flower print shirt and pants with her long purple hair done up in twin buns.

Felicia Valentine; Eskrima user from Boston, otherwise known at The Butcher of Boston. Felicia had dark brown, almost black eyes and waist length brown hair. She wore a black leather jacket over a red shirt and jeans with boots.

Moose of the Chinese Amazons; a male member of the famous tribe, and a master of Slight of Hand Martial Arts. He had long black hair and wore really thick coke bottle glasses. He wore a long white shirt with very wide sleeves that concealed a wide variety of chain-based weapons, with blue pants and black shoes.

"Adam," said Ian, "these are the unexpected guests we told you about," he indicated Hayner, Pence, Olette, Emmet and Rosalie.

"They certainly unexpected," said Shampoo as she looked at the five travelers, "especially two vampires here," she looked more closely at Emmet and Rosalie.

"Vampires?" Felicia asked, "are you freaking kidding me?"

"How do you know we're vampires?" Rosalie asked.

"Great-grandmother teach Shampoo more than just martial arts," said the purple-haired Amazon.

"They don't look like vampires to me," said Mousse.

"They're over here," said an annoyed Felicia.

Mousse then realized that not only were his glasses on top of his head, but he was talking to the piano in the room. He put his glasses over his eyes and then looked around, seeing Emmet and Rosalie, "oh yeah, there they are. Yes, they are vampires," he walked up to Emmet and Rosalie, "and judging by their eyes, non-human drinkers."

"We prefer to be called vegetarian vampires," said Rosalie.

Just then six more martial artists walked in…

Ryoga Hibiki, practitioner of freestyle Kempo and former arch nemisis of Ranma Saotome. Ryoga had a history of chronic manic depression fueled by his hated of Ranma and his equally chronic lack of a sense of direction. This, combined with his devastating physical strength and defense, made him a reckless fighter whom didn't care who or what got in his way, so long as he could destroy whatever he was fighting. He had black hair, dark eyes, yellow shirt, black pants, yellow bandana with black spots. He carried a bamboo umbrella that was much heavier than it looked, serving as his primary weapon.

Jean-Louise D'arch, Savate user from France and one true love of Ryoga. She helped Ryoga pull his head out of his ass and accept the bright side of life. She had shoulder length brown and gray eyes. She wore a white jacket over a blue shirt and a green skirt and black sandals.

Julia Eckheart, Muay Thai user from Australia. A laidback girl from down under, Julia had a scar beneath her left eye that was the result of a propane tank explosion. Her eyes were brown and her hair was short and dark blond. She wore a black shirt with blue jeans and boots.

Tatewaki-Kuno, otherwise known as The Blue Thunder and The Rising Star. An over the top Kendo expert with a passion for Shakespeare and an all around moron who's heart was lifted from the depths of stupidity by Julia's love. Kuno had brown hair stylized in a pompadour and wore a blue kendo gi with wooden sandals, with his trusty kendo sword in his belt.

Kodatchi-Kuno, otherwise known as The Black Rose mistress of Rhythmic Gymnastic martial arts, with a preference for poisons and a genuine psychopath to boot. She had long black hair tied to one side with a ribbon and wore a blue and white dress with blue high heals.

Kyle O'Hara, Pankration user from Ireland. Kyle actually had the luck, or some would say bad luck, of falling in love with Kodatchi, and getting her to fall in love with him, and the two of them balanced each other out. Kyle had short red hair and green eyes, wearing a green jacket over a blue shirt and blue jeans.

"All clear, mates," said Julia as she stuck her head out the door.

And then finally came in Miley Stewart, an exceptionally beautiful teenager with long chestnut brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a red and yellow top with a blue skirt and white sandals.

With her was her two best friends; Lilly Trustcot, long blond hair, blue eyes and wearing a black and white stripped top with a green skirt and sandals, and her beau Oliver Oken, shoulder-length black hair, blue eyes and wearing a green shirt.

And last but not least was Miley's boyfriend, Jake Ryan, star of TV and film.

"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Miley asked, "one minute we're on our way to dinner, net thing you know, I'm being herded back home faster than a ruptured duck."

"This had better be serious, mes amis estranges," said Jean-Louise as she looked at Hayner, Pence, Olette, Emmet and Rosalie.

"Just who are you people?" Kyle asked.

"Here we go again," sighed Olette.

"Are you guys really friends of Sora and Kairi?" Lilly asked, "and why aren't they with you?"

"Again, here we go again," sighed Olette.

"We are friends of Sora," said Hayner, "and before you ask anything else," he handed the video player to Miley, "you really need to see this. It doesn't explain everything, but we'll fill in the blanks afterwards."


…New Hollow Bastion…

"Time to pick the next victim!" said Gideon, "now who should it be?" he looked at the three remaining princesses of heart, setting his gaze on Victorie Weasley, "should it be this one?" he looked at Kairi, "no, not this one, the total stranger," he then shifted his eyes between Miley and Usagi, "I'd rather have you tortured by seeing your friends taken, before we get to the little witch."

"You're only making things worse for yourself," said Kairi, "when Sora and the others get here…"

"Have you forgotten so easily?" Gideon shouted, "Your boyfriend and those other two losers aren't coming! They don't have Keyblades anymore! They're about as useful as square wheels on a car."

"Miley has better quips than you," muttered Kairi.

"Thank you for suggesting the next target," said Maleficent as she highlighted the image of Miley, "this one, the princess with two lives, the one with the voice that can bring hope and light to other hearts. She won't be singing for much longer."

"NO!" exclaimed Kairi, "you leave Miley alone!"

"Or what?" Gideon asked as he sat down and crossed his legs, "what are you gonna do? Arrest me?" he then crossed the other leg.

"That only works if you're a girl, you son of a pig!" spat Kairi.

"I've been called worse," said Gideon in a nonchalant tone as he stood up. He then looked at The Negotiator, "kindly page Xorat and Kiraxi to come up here as soon as they're done recharging."

"Yes, Mr. Graves," said The Negotiator.

"You think you know Sora and the others," said Kairi, "even without Keyblades, my friends will find a way to fight back, and then you'll wish you never even thought about this insane plan of yours!"

"Genius and insanity are often confused," said Maleficent, "as for your precious friends," she then summoned an image of the events in Dream Valley, replaying the fight between Kiraxi vs. Bella, Jacob, his pack, Sara and her friends, "your doppelganger is more than qualified to dispatch anyone or anything who stands in her way."

"But she could do better," said Gideon as he looked at the part of the fight where Bella bit Kiraxi, "yes, there is room for improvement."

"So your cloning project isn't perfect," said Kairi.

"Ah, but she will be perfect," said Gideon, "after a few modifications." He then saw that Maleficent had switched views to the fight between Xorat and Ranma, "this guy could be improved as well."

"Yes," said Maleficent in a thoughtful manner as she saw how much damage Xorat had took during the fight. She then pulled up images of every fight that Xorat and Kiraxi were in so far, "yes, both of them could be improved."

She then vanished all the images, walked to her dark throne and pressed a series of hidden switches that were coded to her particular dark magic signature. In the middle of the room, directly underneath where the images hung in the air, a circular panel open. A small pedestal rose up, and on it was a book. It was very old, with a plain black leather cover that was cracked and slightly worn, and the pages were yellow and dog-eared.

"Your personal grimoire?" Gideon asked in an intrigued tone as he eyed the book, already several ideas involving using the book in order to get an edge over Maleficent was coursing though his insidious mind.

"My greatest treasure," said Maleficent as she stood in front of the pedestal and placed her hands beside the book, "and the key to my success to becoming the mistress of all evil."

"So that's the copy of Hecate's book that you made," said Kairi.

At that Maleficent did a double take and glared at Kairi with murder in her yellow eyes, "how did you know that?" She walked right up to Kairi, "who told you that I copied from Hecate's book?" she reached down and latched onto Kairi's throat with her hand and began strangling her, "tell me! Tell me or you die now!"

Kairi was completely helpless, restrained by the life-draining chair. Already weakened, she could only sit there as Maleficent throttled the remaining life out of her. With her oxygen-deprived brain on the verge of unconsciousness, Kairi knew that this was the end. And she realized that what she was thinking right now, 'Sora, I love you so much,' was probably the last thing she would think about alive.

"Stop it!" snapped Gideon as he forced Maleficent's hand away from Kairi. Kairi gasped and coughed for much needed air as life returned to her.

"How dare you touch me!" raged Maleficent, "I should destroy you here and now!"

"We still need the brat alive," said Gideon, "Kiraxi still needs her life force in order to function at peak performance."

"That is no excuse," said Maleficent, "the brat knows my secret, and now she must be silenced, and so must you and your demon majordomo."

"What? Wait!" exclaimed Gideon, "that's not necessary."

"Oh but it is," said Maleficent, "my secrets are mine and mine alone. All who know them must be destroyed, least they use them against me."

"Good luck with that," said Kairi in a hoarse voice, "not only do I know, but so does Sora, Riku, Aiden, Tess, Donald, Goofy, Nessie, Lyra, Will, Hayner, Pence, Olette, Jacob, and a lot of others. You'll have to kill us all in order to keep your secret."

"An act that I'll be more than pleased to do," said Maleficent, "but who told you the secret?"

"Who do you think?" Kairi asked, "who in all of time and space would know everything there is to know about you, including your deepest, darkest secret?"

At that Maleficent faltered, her eyes betraying a hint of fear, "L Lawlett," she said in a hushed tone.

"That crazy detective?" Gideon asked, "I thought Lord Kira killed him."

"Oh, he's alive alright," said Kairi, "and he told us everything we need to know to stop you both."

"Then we'll just have to kill him again," said Gideon, "but first thing's first, upgrading our pets."

Just then Xorat and Kiraxi walked into the room, "ready to go after the next brat, oh mistress of all evil," said Xorat.

"In a moment, my loyal Xorat," said Maleficent as she walked over to the book, opened it and leafed through the pages, "There is a spell I wish to cast first."

"We think that you two deserve to be upgraded," said Gideon.

"I do not need an 'upgrade!'" said an offended Kiraxi, "I am the perfect warrior of darkness!"

"But you can be improved," said Gideon, "each time you and the Nobody here went out to fight, you came back damaged. Not seriously, but enough to merit a trip to the rejuvenation chamber."

"So what?" Xorat asked.

"When you fought that Ranma guy," said Gideon, "you weren't doing so good out there."

"I would have defeated that freak, Ranma!" snapped Xorat, "I would have destroyed him once and for all had the fight lasted longer."

"You should have been able to destroy him within seconds," said Maleficent as she continued to leaf through her spell book.

"And you, my dear, coy biot," said Gideon to Kiraxi, "you were also having some trouble, especially after you were bitten by a vampire."

"I'm immune to vampires!" snapped Kiraxi.

"But their venom still hurt you," said Gideon, "so there is room for improvement."

"And how are you going to improve us?" Xorat asked.

"The same way I created you," said Maleficent, "my dark magic brought you into existence, therefore you shall be improved in the same way."

"And I'll improve my creation with science," said Gideon. He looked at The Negotiator, "bring up a vile of Formula X-35."

"X-35?" The Negotiator asked, "but, Mr. Graves, it hasn't been properly tested yet on humans."

"I'm not going to use it on a human," said Gideon, "my dear Kiraxi is anything but human. Now bring up some Formula X-35."

"Yes, Mr. Graces," said The Negotiator in a hesitant tone as he sent the desired message out on his PDA.

"What is this Formula X-35?" Maleficent asked.

"A high-end performance enhancing drug," said Gideon, "one that will not only make Kiraxi immune to vampire venom, but will increase her strength, speed and all her other stats by at least 20%."

"The tests on lab animals showed an average increase of 21.3592%," said The Negotiator.

"Immunity plus more power," said Kiraxi in a thoughtful manner, "sounds like a winner to me."

"So you're going to give her steroids," said Kairi in a disgusted tone.

"This serum makes steroids look like caffeine," said Gideon, "just wait and see."

"In the meantime," said Maleficent as she found the page in her book she wanted, "I have the desired spell."

"What do I have to do, oh mistress of all evil?" Xorat asked.

"Merely stand where you are," said Maleficent, "and brace yourself for the next level of darkness!" She then began chanting in a language that Kairi couldn't understand, all the while waving her staff in complex movements, the green orb atop glowing with vile energies.

Xorat then realized that the same vile energies was forming around him. Normally this would terrify a person, but Xorat was anything but normal.

"Yes!" said Xorat as the energies swirled around his body, "give me the power! I want it all!"

Maleficent's chanting got louder and the flow of energies grew in intensity.

From where she was sitting, Kairi could tell, even without her powers enhancing her senses, that this spell being cast was of a sort most foul, and he had no desire to see its effects.

"Don't even think about trying to look away, princess," sneered Gideon, "you're going to watch and enjoy the show!"

Finally, Maleficent's spell reached its climax. She slammed the end of her staff against the floor with a loud 'Clang!' and the energies around Xorat converged and were absorbed into his body with a dark flash.

"It is done," said Maleficent, "your power has been increased three fold."

Xorat held out his hands and looked at them, "I…I honestly don't feel any different."

"That's because you have not used the activation word," said Maleficent, "when you say a word of your choosing, your body will explode with power!"

"I hope you do explode!" said Kairi.

"Not this year," said Xorat, "now, what activation word should I use," he paused in thought, "raging storm!" With that his whole body was engulfed in a crimson battle aura. His muscle mass suddenly increased, giving him nearly three times the muscles.

"Yes!" exclaimed Xorat, "I feel the power! I am the power!" He then calmed down; his muscles returning to normal and his battle aura fading out.

"And now a warning," said Maleficent.

"Now a warning?" Xorat exclaimed.

"The spell has it's limitations," said Maleficent, "you can only maintained that heightened level of power for only fifteen minutes at a time, before the magic exhausts itself and needs half an hour to restore itself."

"Only fifteen minutes at a time," said Xorat, "so be it. Fifteen minutes is all I need to destroy my enemies."

Just then a lesser demon carried in a tray with a fist sized jet injector and several small bottles of a yellow liquid .

"Formula X-35," said Gideon, "with this, Kiraxi will be made not only immune to vampire venom, but also be made unstoppable!"

"Killer," said Kiraxi, "what do I do?"

"Just press the jet injector your neck," said The Negotiator, "making sure that it lines up with your jugular vein and pres the button."

"You'll be feeling like a god in no time," said Gideon.

"Just line up and press the button," said Kiraxi as The Negotiator showed her out to load a vile of Formula X-35 into the jet injector, then showed her the button to press. Kiraxi then took the jet injector, pressed it to her neck and pushed the button. There was the sound of the liquid being forced into her vein.

Within seconds she gasped as the serum passed through her vile heart and was absorbed into her body. She closed her eyes as the blood vessels around her face became distended. Suddenly she opened her eyes, which were now nearly all red.

"Yes," said the vile biot, "the power! Absolute power!" she then unleashed an enormous aura of black fire that nearly burned the room down. Only Maleficent's magic saved her, her pet raven, Gideon, The Negotiator, and Kairi because they still needed her, from being incinerated.

After a few seconds Kiraxi calmed down, releasing her burning aura. Her eyes and the blood vessels around her eyes returned to normal.

"What happened?" she asked, "I…I feel…normal, again."

"That's because the majority of the first dose has been completely absorbed into your cellular structure," said The Negotiator, "you are now completely immune to vampire venom."

"The next dose is when the fun begins," said Gideon as he handed the rest of the formula vials to Kiraxi, "each dose should last fifteen minutes, and I wouldn't recommend using another for at least thirty minutes."

"Tests on chimpanzees have shown certain side effects to multiple dosages," said The Negotiator, "including, but not limiting to…headaches, loss of balance, poor muscle control, heightened aggressiveness, decreased sense of reason and lucidity, and in one case really horrific acne."

"Well, I wouldn't want to spoil this beautiful face then, would I?" Kiraxi asked as she pocketed the vials, keeping one out to load into the jet injector, then pocketing that in turn.

"Now which princess are we going after next?" Xorat asked.

"This one," said Maleficent as she summoned the image of Miley.

"Ah, the brat who thinks she can sing," said Xorat, "you know, back when I was human, I was invited to attend The Tournament of Light. I would have, just so I could have the chance to destroy Ranma and those other freaks with the Jusenkyo curse, and the rest of his loser friends, but the thought of flaunting myself in front of half a billion viewers on television and on the internet, it just seemed like a complete waste of time."

"Well now you have the chance to destroy them all," said Gideon.

"Our sources say that the princess is guarded by twelve martial artists," said The Negotiator, "all of whom were in the tournament, and half of them are acquaintances of Ranma Saotome, including the ones afflicted with the Jusenkyo curse."

"Outstanding," said Xorat, "with my new powers, I'll murder them all."

"Save a few for me," said Kiraxi, "with my new powers, I'll be unstoppable!"

"Then go and bring the waif here!" said Maleficent as she summoned a Dark Corridor.

"We live to serve," said Xorat as he and Kiraxi bowed to Gideon and Maleficent, then they both walked through the Dark Corridor.


…Malibu…

Having watched the video from Riku, and listened to Hayner, Pence, Olette, Rosalie and Emmet filling in all the blanks, especially explaining why Sora, Riku and Tess couldn't come, the living room of the Stewart house exploded into argument as the twelve members of The Neon Knights over how to proceed next.

Jean-Louise, Royga, Mousse, Felicia, Tatewaki and Julia were for taking a stand and fight Xorat and Kiraxi as soon as the two maniacs showed up. Andrew, Shampoo, Ian, Ukyo, Kodatchi and Kyle were in favor of retreating to a more secure location and fighting a defensive battle there.

"Can't anyone do something?" Oliver asked, "I can barely hear myself think with them shouting at each other.

"They're going at it worse than the time my uncle Earl and aunt Pearl got into a fight over the last box of doughnuts at the supermarket," said Miley, "on a Monday no less."

"What's the difference?" Olette asked.

"Monday is when they have Bavarian Cream doughnuts," Miley.

"Oh, I love those!" said Emmet.

"I thought vampires don't eat," said Lilly.

"We don't need to eat," said Rosalie, "but we can indulge our senses whenever we feel like it."

Just then Adam shouted above the other martial artists, "stop it! All of you! This is getting us nowhere!"

"Finally," said Robbie Ray, "the voice of reason. It's getting louder in here than Woodstock."

"Reason aside, Mr. Stewart," said Julia, "running away to find some place to burry your head in the sand won't solve this problem."

"It's better than just standing around and wait for those two maniacs to come and kill us," said Ian, "I'd rather take my chances in an open fight."

"And I'd rather live to fight another day," said Kodatchi, "we need to get Miley to somewhere safe and come up with a plan."

"Didn't you listen to these guys story?" Felicia asked, indicating Hayner, Pence, Olette, Emmet and Rosalie, "that evil copy of Kairi beat up half a dozen freaking vampires and five freaking werewolves!"

"They're not actually werewolves," said Hayner.

"Whatever," said Felicia, "the point is we're pretty much screwed no matter what we do. Run or fight, it makes no difference."

"We're only screwed if we give up," said Adam, "every problem has a solution. We can solve this dilemma if we all work together."

"What, is that some sort of Shaolin motto or something?" Kyle asked.

"No," said Adam, "just ordinary common sense."

"Adam be right," said Shampoo, "gods give us brains, so we use them to save Princess Miley from evil ones."

"Well, we're all ears if you have a plan," said Ukyo.

"Aren't we forgetting something?" Jake Ryan asked, "isn't there someone's opinion we should be consulting?"

"Oh by all means, mister big shot Hollywood actor," said Felicia in a sarcastic tone, "tell us your brilliant plan to save Miley and all of us from the psychopathic fighters coming to kill us."

"I was talking about what Miley thinks," said Jake, "we're all talking about keeping her safe, about protecting her life and freedom, when we should be thinking about what course of action she should want to do."

"Now that's what I call a voice of reason," said Robbie Ray.

"And I thought you still hated my guts from that whole 'Gotcha' thing," said Jake.

"You're still on probation as far as I'm concerned," said Robbie Ray.

"Well I forgave him long ago, daddy," said Miley. She looked at Jake with adoring eyes, "and thanks, Jake."

"Any time," said Jake, "so, what should we do to keep you safe, Miley?"

"Éventaire et lutte!" said Jean-Louise, "Stand and fight!"

"Tactical withdraw!" insisted Tatewaki Kuno, "for a more favorable defensive position."

"It's your call, Miles," said Robbie Ray, "thought I personally think we should make a run for Guam."

"If we're going to run away," said Oliver, "Easter Island sounds like a safe place to me."

"Antarctica sounds safer," said Lilly, "all Easter Island has is those big stone heads. Antarctica has all the cute little penguins."

"I think you've seen Happy Feat one too many times, Lilly-pop," said Oliver.

"But they're so adorable, Olie-pop," said Lilly.

"Can we focus for a second?" Miley asked, "I need to think."

"Stay and fight," said Ryoga.

"Run and hide," said Kodatchi.

"Can't we just call in the army or something?" Olette asked, "or some kind of professional?"

"Wait, that's it," said Miley as she pulled out her cell phone, "call in the professionals." She then hit a speed dial number on her phone, "it's me, I need your guys help, big time…you already know?…oh, that's right, you guys have your own psychics."

"Who's she calling?" Pence asked.

"The Watchtower Initiative," said Rosalie, "their psychics with the gift of foresight have been warned of the coming crisis, albeit only we arrived on this world."

"And you can hear what the guy is saying on the other end of the phone?" an amazed Mousse asked.

"Vampire senses," said a grinning Emmet, "got to love them."

"Okay," said Miley into the phone, "we'll be waiting…wait, what about Jackson?…You already picked him up?…are you sure he'll be alright if you leave him?…No?…okay, we'll be ready when you guys get here." the call ended and she pocketed the phone, "they're sending several cars over to take us all to a safe house in the mountains."

"Boy, those Watchtower guys sure work fast," said Lilly.

"When will they be here?" Jake asked.

"In less than ten minutes," said Miley, "So we'd better get packing."

"What for?" Hayner asked.

"We're going to be stuck in a safe house for who knows how long," said Miley as she and Lilly got up, "they already picked up my brother."

"Are you sure they couldn't leave him where he was?" Lilly asked, "I'd rather not be stuck with your brother for any amount of time."

"Me neither," said Oliver.

"Not to sound like a bad father," said Robbie Ray, "but Jackson is…well, difficult, sometimes."

"That's putting it mildly, daddy," said Miley. She looked at Hayner and the other offworlders, "my brother is from another world, for real."

"How anyone stand to live in such ickyness, I'll never know," said Oliver.

"What are you talking about?" Olette asked.

"Imagine a city dump," said Miley, "mixed with enough road kill to fill the Kentucky Derby. Put it together and you're halfway to Jackson's room."

"So that's what that stench is," said Rosalie as she sniffed the air and made a disgusted face, "and here I thought the house was built atop a toxic waste dump."

"I sometimes wonder if my son actually stored some toxic waste in his room," said Robbie Ray, "he actually kept it clean for a while, but I guess old habits die hard."

"Less talking, more packing," said Emmet, "I don't need Alice's visions to know that sooner or later, trouble will come."


…same world…a few minutes later…

The Dark Corridor opened up several miles down the beach from the Stewart residence. From it Xorat and Kiraxi walked out onto the surf as the tide began to come in.

"Disgusting world," said Xorat as he looked up at the moon, "to think that I came from such a place as this," he laughed cruelly, "and to think that back then all I cared about was changing my name, and I still need to kill my idiot godfather for running away from Maleficent."

"The little pervert?" Kiraxi asked, "yes, I…my progenitor remembered the Happosai. Sora saved Kairi from being molested by the little bastard," she smiled wickedly, "I ought to capture him alive, just to take back to Kairi and let them get 'reacquainted.' But that's for later."

"Yes, we have a wait to capture," said Xorat, "now, where is she?" he closed his eyes in concentration, "she is…moving…with several others. They're trying to go someplace safe."

"As if any place is safe from us," said Kiraxi, "come then, the hunt is on!"


…a back road outside L.A…

"I can't believe you packed your disguises," said Robbie Ray, "of all the things you'll need while in a safe house, your Hannah stuff would be about as useful as soap to a pig."

"Don't look at me, daddy," said Miley, "it was all Lilly's idea."

"If figured they couldn't hurt to have along," said Lilly.

Exactly when they said they would come, several cars, black Hummers to be exact, had arrived at the Stewart house, eight in total. Each Hummer had four men wearing black uniforms that had built in body armor and were armed with sub machineguns.

It was then decided in what cars Miley, her friends, father and protectors would go in…

The first car had Adam, Shampoo, Jean-Louise, Ryoga, Felicia and Mousse.

The second car had Julia, Tatewaki, Kyle, Kodatchi, Ian and Ukyo.

The third car had Miley, Robbie Ray, Jake, Lilly, Oliver and Emmet.

The fourth car had Rosalie, Hayner, Pence and Olette.

Those cars had a black uniformed driver and one more goon riding shotgun. Two more Hummers drove ahead of the four, with two more bringing up the rear.

"Exactly how much longer until we get to the safe house?" Oliver asked.

"We're three minutes and seventeen seconds closer than we were the last time you asked," said Emmet.

"How'd you know that? Lilly asked, "you don't have a watch."

"And I didn't see you look at your cell phone," said Miley.

"That's one cool thing about vampires," said Emmet as he tapped his head, "we always keep perfect time in here."

Just then a side panel in the car beeped. Miley remembered that each Hummer had speaker phones that allowed them to keep in touch with each other.

"Miley," said Ollete, "you and the others okay?"

"We're fine so far," said Miley, "just fretful as a cow getting milked in the middle of February."

"I don't mean any disrespect," said Pence, "but why do you keep making those…well…why do you talk like that?"

"Like what?" Miley asked.

"Do you find something strange about the way my daughter talks?" Robbie Ray asked.

"No," said Pence, "it's just that, wait, what's the word I'm looking for? When you say something but use different words for it but it means the same thing."

"Metaphors?" Olette asked.

"Yeah, that's it!" said Pence.

"It's just something me and my family do," said Miley, "like, oh, 'you can buy a thirsty man a cow and he'll have all the milk he'll want, but he still won't have enough to wash down his cookies.'"

"One of my favorites," said Robbie Ray.

"Huh?" Hayner, Pence, Olette, Rosalie, and Emmet all asked.

"Ya'll wouldn't last two minutes in Tennessee," said Miley.

"We pretty much adapted," said Ryoga.

"Well, I guess that makes you special," said Rosalie.

Just then there came the sound of a large explosion. Miley and the others in the car were rocked about as the driver slammed on the breaks of the Hummer.

"What in the Sam Hill was that?" Robbie Ray asked.

"The front car blew up!" said Mousse, "even I saw that, and I was cleaning my glasses at the time."

"I've got a bad feeling about this," said Hayner.

Just then came another explosion, this one from behind.

"That was the rear Hummer," said Adam.

"What is this?" Kodatchi asked in a frantic tone, "what's going on? I don't like not knowing what's happening!"

Then came a third explosion, from the front again.

"Those were black flames!" said Kyle, "Saints preserve us! Those black flames came out of nowhere and blew up the car!"

"It's Xorat and Kiraxi!" said Emmet, "they've found us!"


"Excellent shooting," said Xorat as he and Kiraxi stood on a small hill overlooking the road. From this position, the two villains had the perfect vantage point to attack the Hummer caravan.

"Flattery will get you nowhere," said Kiraxi as she tossed a black fireball up and down in her hand.

"I was only congratulating you on three successful kills," said Xorat, "just so long as you are sure you didn't kill the princess."

"I'm certain that the waif is in one of the middle cars," said Kiraxi, "as well as the more challenging of her protectors. Now, just one more car full of disposable goons," she looked on the last car in the caravan, winded up and threw the fireball. The black flames hit the Hummer and blew it up in a flash of ignited gasoline and shattering metal and glass.

"Now to go down and get rough," said Kiraxi. She then pulled out the jet injector, "I only hope they're worth my time."

"Same with me," said Xorat.

They jumped down from the hill and stalked towards the remaining Hummers, the scene brightly lit by the four burning cars.

But then the Neon Knights got out of their cars, while their drivers also got out and took out their machineguns and aimed them at the two villains.

"No!" said Adam to the W.I. goons, "don't waste your lives. These two will kill you as soon as look at you."

"How right you are!" said Xorat. He then shot two beams of crimson energy at two of the W.I. goons, killing them instantly, then killed the other suits.

"That was uncalled for, you uncouth cad!" snapped Tatewaki.

"Of course it was," said Xorat, "my colleague here got to destroy four cars, so I got to kill four humans, balancing the score."

"Actually," said Kiraxi, "the cars had about four humans in them, so I'm up by twelve."

"In that case," said Xorat as he eyed the twelve martial artists, "I'll raise my score here and now, if you don't mind sitting this bit out."

"By all means, play till you've had your fill," said Kiraxi, "but the princess is mine."

"You! Evil girl!" snapped Shampoo, "you look like Kairi, but you not Kairi!"

"The resemblance is uncanny," said Kodatchi, "and chilling at that too."

And Pantyhose Taro," said Ryoga as he glared at Xorat, "I'll admit, I liked you better when you could turn into a monster."

"He's a real monster now," said Mousse as he straightened his glasses.

At that Xorat looked like he was ready to punch a hole in a wall out of sheer frustration, "Pantyhose Taro no longer exists. I am Xorat."

"And I am Kiraxi," said the vile biot, "nice to meet you all."

"We already know who you are," said Rosalie, "everyone get ready to hold on."

"For what?" Miley asked.

"To your seatbelts when we make a run for it," said Emmet, "as soon as things get rough outside."

"I thought things were rough already," said Lilly.

"It could get worse," said Emmet.

"You play nice now," said Kiraxi to Xorat and the Neon Knights, "I have my own errand to run." She took a step forward to the two rear hummers still standing.

"Not gonna happen," said Ian. Just then the two Hummers took off like ruptured ducks. Tires squealed as the cars accelerated off into the night, reaching speeds exceeding 300 MPH within seconds.


"How can a car like this be able to go so fast?" Lilly asked nervously as she, Miley, Robbie Ray, Jake and Oliver held on for their lives, while in the other car Hayner, Pence and Olette did the same. Emmet and Rosalie just sat there calmly, not caring that the cars were driving at well over 300 miles per hour.

"I could be wrong," said Jake, "but I think these Hummers have Turbo Boosters, complete with computer coordinated cruise control."

"It'd be cool if I weren't so scared," said Olette.

"I feel like I'm going to throw up!" said Pence.

"Just don't do it on me!" said Rosalie.

"Are we still going to the safe house?" Robbie Ray asked.

"That's the general idea," said Emmet.


"Oh no you don't!" shouted Kiraxi. She then ran after the two fleeing Hummers like a bat out of hell.

"Hey!" shouted Xorat, "i'm supposed to go after the princess, not you!" but by then Kiraxi was out of earshot.

"Damn, that crazy witch can run," said Kyle.

"We can't let her catch up with Miley and the others!" said Ukyo.

"I think not!" said Xorat, "I am your opponent now."

"Actually," said Felicia as she pulled out a pair of foot-long oak sticks and assumed a fighting stance, "I'm your opponent now!"

"We all are!" said Adam as he and the other Neon Knights assumed fighting stances.

"It's time we finished you off, Pantyhose Taro," said Ukyo as she pulled out her oversized spatula, "you harassed us back in Nermia time and time again, but no more!"

"You focused your rage of your humiliating name on us who bare this horrible curse," said Mousse, "especially Ranma."

"Let's not forget that Happosai was the source of the humiliation," said Kodatchi.

"But even though you have a new name," said Felicia, "you still are an enemy."

"He's worse than that," said Julia, "he's a perversion of everything that makes a martial artist; courage, honor, integrity, discipline just to name a few."

"He was an unscrupulous bastard before he lost his heart," said Ryoga.

"In that case, it won't make any difference," said Adam, "right now, all that matters is that we protect our princess."

"That's where you're wrong!" said Xorat, "Kiraxi will shread anyone stupid enough to stand between her and the little bitch."

"Don't talk that way about Miley!" said Ian.

"I'll say anything I want," smirked Xorat, "and there's nothing you or anyone else can do to stop me. Even if by some miracle you defeat me, highly unlikely that is, you'll never stop Kiraxi."

"You'd be surprised what the scientists in the W.I.'s research department can come up with," said Jean-Louse, "so let's stop talking and fight already! Allons-y!"

"Gladly!" said Xorat. He then rushed at Jean-Louse and aimed a punch at her indented to rip her head off. She barely dodged it and struck back with a high kick to Xorat's head. The Nobody blocked it, then kicked back at Jean-Louise.

Ryoga then jumped in, swinging his umbrella like a sword, while Tatewaki attacked with his kendo sword. Xorat blocked both weapons, then struck back with beams of crimson energy.

Tatewaki jumped out of the way, but Ryoga blocked the beam with his umbrella. The umbrella caught fire, so he threw it at the vile Nobody, who swatted it out of the air.

Ryoga jumped up, grabbed several bandanas from his head and threw them at Xorat like they were shuriken. Xorat caught them all and ripped them apart. He then dodged Felicia as she rushed in with her sticks, then ducked several hook-ended chains from Moose.

Xorat then ducked out of the way of an elbow strike from Julia, then jumped away from Shampoo and her war clubs. He then winced from the sound of Kodatchi's mad laughter as the gymnast sent her razor-edged ribbon at him. He dodged it, then jumped out of the way as Kyle rushed in to grab him in a submission move.

He dodged Ian's attempt to grab him in a judo throw, then jumped out of the way of a kick from Adam.

"He's wicked fast, I'll admit," said Kyle.

"I'm just getting warmed up!" snapped Xorat. He then punched Kyle in the face, then kicked Ian in the chest, followed by punching both Felicia and Julia in the head, then kicked Mousse, Ryoga, Tatewaki, Kodatchi and Shampoo in the head. He then picked up Jean-Louise and threw her at Ukyo, then finished by tossing Adam into the air, jumping up and delivering a kick that slammed Adam into the ground.

"Let that be a lesson to you," said Xorat as he casually brushed his hands, "never mess with the darkness."

"You mean never mess with the light," said Adam as he and the other Neon Knights got up, "we are far from done here!"

"That hardly hurt at all," said Mousse.

"I've been through worse," said Ryoga.

"Same here, boyo," said Kyle.

"As if a love tap like that would keep me down," said Kodatchi.

"If the maniac wanted to play rough," said Tatewaki, "then by all means, let us indulge him in rough play!"

"You want it to get rough?" Xorat asked, "alright, let's get rough!" He then rushed at Tatewaki and aimed a fury of punches at the egotistic kendoist. Tatewaki managed to block and parry each punch thrown at him.

"Is that all that thou hast to offer?" he asked, "then permit me to repay two fold! Have at thee!" he then went on the offensive, striking back with a fury of sword strokes so fast that they were little more than blurs and now it was Xorat's turn to block.

"Mind if I share this dance?" Koratchi asked as she jumped in with a pair of gymnastic clubs in her hands, "Rythimic Gymnastic Martial Arts Technique: Strike of a Thousand Clubs!" she then attacked, striking at Xorat with her clubs so fast that it gave the illusion that there were 1000 clubs instead of just two.

The fury of attacks from the Kuno siblings was so tremendous that Xorat was hit more than a few times, delivering several cuts.

Mousse then swung a large spiked metal ball attacked to a long chain at the vile Nobody, bashing him in the head, followed by a knee strike to the solar plexus from Julia, a kick to the head from Jean-Louise, a punch to the head from Ryoga, a karate punch to the chest from Ian and a straight heel kick to the torso from Kyle. Felicia then jumped in and slammed her sticks onto both of Xorat's shoulders with enough force to break the bones. Ukyo then jumped in with her huge spatula and swung it at Xorat's head, connecting with a massive 'Clang!' that sent the vile Nobody nearly off balance.

"And here's the finisher!" shouted Adam as he ran up to Xorat, "No Shadow Kick!" he jumped into the air and delivered several flying kicks to the vile nobody that were so fast their shadow couldn't be seen.

This last attack finally knocked Xorat on the ground.

"Does thou see now, Pantyhose Taro?" Tatewaki asked, "thine darkness is no match for our light!"

"So crawl back to the freaking pit you came from already!" said Felicia.

"Tempting," said Xorat as he got up, apparently unharmed, "but I'm not in the mood."

"No way," said a shocked Julia, "this bloke is unreal."

"Have a taste of reality!" shouted Xorat. He then rose up into the air and began charging up a massive amount of crimson energy.

"Falling back would be a good idea right about now," said Ryoga.

"Yes, a very good idea," said Kyle.

"Not this year!" snapped Xorat. He then sent out his blast of crimson energy, the dark force hitting all twelve of the Neon Knights and knocking them flat on their backs, delivering massive amounts of damage to the martial artists.

"Now stay down already!" snapped Xorat as he landed.

"No!" said Adam as he got back up, singed, cut and bruised all over, but still ready to keep fighting.

"If he can keep going," said an equally rough-up Ryoga, "then so can I!" One by one the other Neon Knights stood up and got ready for another round of fighting.

"You people just don't know when you're beat, do you," said Xorat, "face it! I'm the superior martial artist here!"

"Liar!" spat Adam, "you're not martial artist! Not a real one anyway."

"Oh yes I am," said Xorat.

"You think you're a true martial artist, Pantyhose Taro," said Adam, his eyes blazing with righteous fury, "but the truth is that you are a disgrace to martial artists everywhere! You have squandered the gifts given to you! Your physical prowess, your manhood, your sanity, your very life! You've thrown all of these away for evil, and that was when you were still human. Now, you're just a mess of a man. No, you're less than that; you're a Nobody, and I mean that in the sense that you are nothing!"

"I'm more than a man," said Xorat, "more than a Nobody! I am a true servant of the mistress of all evil! I am darkness incarnate! I am a god!"

"And they say I am mad," said Kodatchi.

"We can argue this over and over until the cows come home," said Adam, "so we might as well finish it here and now!" he then assumed a fighting stance with his left hand held straight out in a fist, while his right hand was held up behind his hand with his fingers in a claw formation.

At that Shampoo, Ukyo, Ian, Felicia and the other Neon Knights gasped in shock.

"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Jean-Louise, "c'est impissible!"

"That stance," said Royga, "how can he know that?"

"Did you know he knew that?" Mousse asked Shampoo.

"No," said the purple-haired Amazon, "Shampoo had no idea true love Adam knew that."

"I don't understand," said Kyle, "what's with that stance?"

"That because you no familiar with ancient Chinese legends," said Shampoo

"There's an old story of Kung Fu techniques to powerful," said Ryoga, "so deadly, that their use have been marked forbidden. It is the highest level of techniques, nearly impossible to master, but whoever does master it has the power to kill his opponent with one hit."

"Dim Mak," said Tatewaki, "Sir Adam is going to attempt a Death Touch."

At that Xorat laughed cruelly, "is that it then? The great spokesman of the Shaolin Path, indenting to destroy me with a single blow."

"Even we of Shaolin know that there are times when evil cannot be swayed," said Adam, "that it must be destroyed, to save the good. I'll do whatever I have to do to keep Miley away from the darkness!"

"Then kill me!" said Xorat as he boldly stood there with his arms held out, inviting Adam to attack, "use your Death Touch on me, if you have what it takes," he smiled wickedly, "but I sincerely doubt you have the guts to take a life, even one so wicked as mine."

"You'd be surprised what I can do when motivated!" said Andrew, "you want to see my Death Touch? Here's my Death Touch! Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Attack!" He then seemed to vanish, only to reappear within arms reach of Xorat. He then jabbed the vile Nobody four times with his fingertips in Xorat's chest in different areas, then finished with a jab that turned into a twisting move.

Xorat was forced back several paces and coughed up some blood.

"I've signed your death sentence," said Andrew, "as soon as you take five forward paces, your heart will explode."

"A brilliant move," said Xorat, "one that would have finished me off," he then walked forward five paces and smiled viciously, "fortunately I don't have a heart!"

"Well, that's not right," said a dumbfounded Adam.

"Perhaps you should use a Death Touch move that aims for the head, boyo," said Kyle.

"Good idea," said Ryoga, "I'm willing to see if my Bakusai Tenketsu works on a Nobody."

"It couldn't hurt to try," said Felicia, "since according to what Sora and the others told us, Nobodies aren't really people."

"Forgive me for not giving you the chance," said Xorat. He then smiled wickedly, "raging storm." His whole body exploded with energy as Maleficent's spell activated.

"I think we're up a certain creek without a paddle," said a nervous Kyle.

"You're not kidding!" said a viciously grinning Xorat as his crimson battle aura, amplified by Maleficent's dark magic, light up the light. He then seemed to vanish, only to stop at each of the Neon Knights and delivered a vicious combination of punches and kicks to each of them, then returned to his original position, all in the blink of an eye.

All at once, Adam and the other martial artists fell to the ground, groaning in agony. Some of them had fractured bones across various parts of their bodies, while all of them were severely bruised and cut, bleeding freely in some places.

"Oh, this is bad," said groaned Ukyo as she held her left hand to her right arm at a pressure point to stop her forearm from bleeding.

"It's gone way beyond bad," said Mousse as he checked to see if his right leg was still there, which it was, but boy did it hurt.

"Now you know what you are dealing with," said Xorat, "now stay down so I can finish you."

"Never!" said Adam as he struggled to get back up, followed by Shampoo, Felicia, Mousse and the others. "We'll never give up!"

"We'll fight to the death to keep Princess Miley safe!" said Julia, "as long as we've got breath in our bodies and blood flowing in our veins, we'll fight you, you steaming pile of dingo dung!"

"What she said!" said Ryoga as he and the others finished pulling themselves together and assumed their fighting stances. They didn't care that they were half dead from their various wounds, or at least a third of the way dead, just so long as there was a chance they would defeat Xorat. If there was a chance, they would take it all the way.

"I was hoping you'd say that," said Xorat, "to finish you off quickly would be boring, especially when some of you have so much history with me," he looked at Royga, Shampoo and Mousse, "I feel like I owe you three something, in terms of a final humiliation!"

Without warning, he summoned three black water balloons and threw them at Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse. The balloons burst as they hit their targets, drenching the three with cold water. In the blink of an eye they were in their cursed forms; Mousse becoming a white duck wearing glasses, Shampoo becoming a lilac-colored cat with some of her fur done up in forward facing ponytails, and Ryoga became a black piglet with his yellow and black bandana around his neck.

At that the nine Neon Knights still human all blinked in shock at the sudden turn of events. The Kunos and Ukyo were used to the cursed forms of their fellow fighters from Nermia, while Adam and the others had time to adjust, but it was still shocking to see their friends and loved ones turned into animals all of a sudden.

But then Xorat's cruel laughter brought all of the Neon Knights back to reality, "oh this is perfect," said the vile Nobody, "I spent so much of my human life relishing in the power of my cursed form, when true power was just beyond my reach; all I had to do was lose my heart.

"You bastard!" snapped Jean-Louise, "Vous le fils d'une chèvre sans mère et d'un enfer avez engendré le démon!"

"That's right," said Kodatchi, "he is the son of a hell-spawned demon and a goat."

"A motherless goat," said Jean-Louise.

"That too," said Kodatchi.

"Who's got the hot water?" Adam asked, "I know we had a thermos filled with hot water when we left the Stewart house."

"I think we left it in the car," said Felicia.

"Just try and get past me," said Xorat. Before anyone could react he ran up and grabbed Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse and held them up like the helpless animals they were, "Take one step, any of you, and I'll crush the life out of these miserable pests!"

But then the three cursed martial artists proved that they were far from helpless. Mousse sent a scythe attacked to a chain out of his left wing down to Xorat's foot. The blade pierced the boot of the vile Nobody and exited the sole of the boot, slicing through flesh and bone along the way.

Xorat shouted in agony as Mousse pulled the chain back into his wing feathers, ripping more damage into Xorat's foot along the way. Shampoo then scratched and bit Xorat's hand, forcing the vile Nobody to release all three cursed martial artists. Ryoga then ran up Xorat's arm and bit and scratched him on the face.

"You little bastards!" snapped Xorat, "I'll crush you all into slime!"

Just then from out of nowhere came three globs of steaming water that hit Ryoga, Shampoo and Mousse in turn, returning them to their human forms.

"Where'd that hot water come from?" Ian asked as Adam helped Shampoo get up, while Felicia helped Mousse and Jean-Louise tacked and hugged Ryoga.

"I threw them!" said an irate female voice. There atop the hill stood none other than Akane Tendo, former fiancée of Ranma. In her hands were three empty kettles that held the hot water.

"Akane!" said Ryoga, "what…what are you doing here?"

"I had a sudden feeling that I was needed," said Akane. She jumped down the hill and landed next to the other Neon Knights, "I was at the family dojo, teaching my class, when I felt that you guys were going to be in trouble, so I got on the first flight to L.A. that I could, and here I am."

"But how did you afford to pay for a trans-ocean flight at such short notice?" Mousse asked.

"I've got 3 regular classes six days a week," said Akane, "with an average of 50 students each. I'm earning more money running the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts myself since taking over the dojo, than my father did in all his life."

"And all because of Sora and his friends," said Adam, "fate, it's fate."

"Oh, before I forgot," said Akane as she reached into her pockets and pulled out several High Potions, "I had these specially made for my classes, but they'll help here."

"I can hardly believe mine eyes and ears," said Tatewaki as Adam dolled out the healing items to the Neon Knights and they drank their fill, healing their wounds within seconds, "I was drawn to the fair Akane Tendo out of ignorance and self deceit, but now I see the truth; she doth be a kind and caring lady whom cares dearly for her friends."

"Now that she's had the worst of her darkness purged from her," said Julia, "all thanks to Sora."

"I am so sick of Sora!" snapped Xorat, "Sora this and Sora that! It makes me want to heave!"

"Then heave too and be gone with ye, you flaming bastard!" said Kyle.

"You'll all die for this!" snapped Xorat, "starting with you, Akane Tendo! I'll rip your soul out and eat it! Raging Storm!" His enhanced battle aura flared up and he rushed headlong towards Akane, whom merely stood her ground with her hands behind her back.

But then Akane pulled out a large wooden mallet that had '20 tones' printed on it. She then swung the oversized war hammer at Xorat, who had gotten too close to change course. The mallet slammed into his head and forced him to the ground.

Not one to give up a golden opportunity, Ukyo slammed her spatula into Xorat's prone body, while Ryoga retrieved his umbrella and slammed that into Xorat as well. The other Neon Knights then took turns stomping the vile Nobody, until they were sure that he had stopped moving.

"Well, that was…exciting," said Ukyo as they all stood back from the now still Xorat.

"I call it insane," said Ian, "but that's just my lill' opinion."

"What the hell are we standing around here for?" Felicia asked, "we've got to find Miley!"

"One second," said Adam as he got his cell phone out, "I'm actually amazed this survived the fight," he then activated an app on it, "lucky that the W.I. installed a tracking device on Miley's phone," the GPS feature then started beeping, "she's this way! If we hurry, we can catch up!"

"How?" Felicia asked, "the drivers for the Hummers are gone, and I can't drive."

"Where are they?" Mousse asked as he straightened his glasses.

"I think they ran to the hills," said Ryoga, "that's understandable under the circumstances."

"Well that doesn't help those of us who don't know how to drive," said Felicia.

"I know how to drive alright," said Kyle.

"So do I," said Adam.

"Is there nothing true love Adam can't do?" Shampoo asked.

"Not that I don't know," said Adam, "I haven't learned how to fly a space shuttle."

"Never mind that," said Akane, "we've got a princess to save!"

"Right!" said all twelve of the Neon Knights. They all piled into the two remaining Hummers, with Akane riding shotgun in the one Adam drove and they speed after Miley and the others.

But then Xorat got up and glared after the fleeing Hummers with murder in his eyes.


"We're here!" said the driver as the two Hummers pulled to a stop beside what appeared to be the entrance to an abandoned mineshaft.

"This is your idea of a safe house?" Miley asked, "'cause it looks to me that someone is a few eggs short of a dozen."

"Apparently it's not crazy, Miles," said Robbie Ray as they all got out of the Hummers, "at least I hope not."

"What is this?" Hayner asked as he, Pence and Olette looked at the mineshaft "why are we here?"

"This isn't my idea of a safe house," said Pence.

"I think it's more than it seems," said Olette.

"It's a lot more than that," said Rosalie, "I heard the conversation over the phone. It only looks like an abandoned mine from the outside."

"It'd better be more than that," said Jake, "if only for Miley's sake."

As it turned out, the safe house was much more than a safe house, it was a fortress. The Watchtower Initiative had installed in the mineshaft several large metal doors that had enough strength to endure a 20 megatone nuclear blast. There were eight doors in all, leading down to a large chamber at the bottom of the shaft. The chamber was built like a large bomb shelter, but with every conceivable modern convenience; well lit with 'green' bulbs, a big screen TV, several comfortable chairs and couches, a fully stocked kitchen with enough food and water to last years, a small library of books, DVD's and CD's and several bedrooms, each with it's own bathroom.

Already sitting in front of the TV was Miley's slacker brother, Jackson, and several quart-sized ice-cream containers and a large bottle of chocolate sauce. "About time you guys showed up," said Jackson, "I was just about to check to see if we have bananas and whipped cream."

"I'll cream you!" said and irate Miley, "I've been scared half to death by all of this, and you're sitting here gorging yourself on ice cream?"

"Don't you even care that our lives are in mortal danger?" Oliver asked.

"Or are you so selfish that you don't care that your sister is on the verge of being abducted again?" Robbie Ray asked.

"What they said," remarked Lilly.

"Oh, we're fine," said Jackson, "those W.I. guys said that those doors have all these automatic defenses, and there'll be loads of guards at each door. There's no way any psycho chick with a black sword is going to get in."

"You mean a dark Keyblade," said Pence, "we've seen it, it's not a pretty site."

"Well excuse me for seeing the bright side of life," said Jackson, "and who are you guys?"

"Friends of Sora," said Pence, "and Riku, Kairi and Aiden."

"How is that guy?" Jackson asked, "I still owe him for taking Rico to the cleaners during the tournament."

"In trouble," said Rosalie. She and Emmet then introduced themselves to Jackson, "just so you'll know, we're vampires."

"That's right, Jackson," said Miley in a sly tone, "we're stuck in here with vampires. Doesn't that bother you at all?"

"Nope," said Jackson as he helped himself to more ice cream, "I'm too cool to be bitten by vampires. And the W.I. guys said that they only drink animal blood," he then saw that the current ice cream container was empty, "oh, did any of you want some?"

"I hope you get the mother of all brain freezes!" said Miley.

"I hope you get the mother of all brain freezes!" said Jackson in a mocking tone.

"I hope you get the mother of all brain freezes!" said Miley in a mocking tone.

"My children," said Robbie Ray in a regretful tone, "oh lord, where did I go wrong?"

"They're just victims of their time," said Rosalie.

"And how would you know?" Jackson asked.

"I've been immortal since the 1930's," said Rosalie, "and have been through high school far too many times than I'd like to count. Just going through once is enough to wear anyone down."

Just then there came the sound of the eight doors slamming shut one after another.

"And that means we're, hopefully, safe," said Jake.

"At least they've got air conditioner here," said Lilly as she felt a nearby air vent, "with a lemon scent."

"Lemons and limes," said Rosalie as she sniffed the air, "with just a hint of peppermint."

But then came the faint sound of gunfire that quickly fell silent. Then came the sound of metal being ripped apart. Then came slightly louder gunfire, which quickly fell silent, then another sound of metal being ripped apart.

"Those aren't good sounds," said a nervous Pence.

"Ya' think?" Miley asked.

One by one the defensive lines had been breached, with short bursts of gunfire cut off and another door being ripped open. Finally came the eighth series of gunfire was silence, then the door was ripped open.

There stood Kiraxi, her clothes spotted with the blood of the guards, and a vicious smile on her face, "Hello, Miley," she said, "it's been a while."

"You're not Kairi!" said Miley, "you may look like her, but you're not my friend!"

"Well, that's disappointing," pouted Kiraxi, "I'd hope that I would be able to trick you into thinking that I was Kairi, just to mess with you. Thanks for ruining my fun, bitch."

"You can't talk to my daughter like that!" shouted Robbie Ray, "I don't give a hootin' spark who you are, I won't let you use such language."

"Shut your pie hole, you used up has-been," said Kiraxi, "I'm taking the bitch, and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

"We can!" said Emmet as he and Rosalie got in front of Miley in a defensive manner, while Hayner, Pence and Olette got their weapons out.

At that Kiraxi laughed cruelly, "as if you other losers can stop me! In fact, I'll give you a chance to do so."

"What?" Emmet asked.

"That's right," said Kiraxi, "I'll give you one chance to defeat me," she held out her arms, "so come and get me, tough guy. Go on, bite me, if you dare."

"Don't do it, man!" said Hayner, "it's a trap, it's got to be!"

"My gut says that it's a trap too," said Pence.

"Well I'm not one to let a golden opportunity slip through my fingers," said Emmet. He glared at Kiraxi, "you want to die so badly? It's okay with me!" He ran up to Kiraxi and bit her on the wrist, sinking his teeth deep into her biot flesh.

But Kiraxi laughed it off like it was a love tap, "stop it, that tickles," she then punched Emmet in the face, forcing him off of her.

Rosalie caught Emmet, who was spitting out Kiraxi's blood, "you taste awful!"

"And you're a horrible kisser," said Kiraxi as she looked at her wrist wound, which was healing rapidly.

"She's immune to vampire venom," said an astonished Rosalie, "but…she wasn't like that before."

"I'm new and improved," said Kiraxi, "and here's the best part," she pulled out the jet injector and placed it to her neck.

"What's that?" Olette asked.

"What some might call overkill," said Kiraxi, "but I call it fun!" she then injected the dose of Formula X-35 into her system.

"Oh great," said Hayner, "now she's a junkie as well."

"I'm no junkie," said Kiraxi, "I'm your executioner," the veins around her eyes became distended and her black fire battle aura began to flare up, "oh yeah," she said in a slightly raspy tone, "keep those eyes open!" But then she just stood there, relishing in the high that the drug was giving her.

"I think we should get out of here," said Jake.

"how?" Oliver asked, "she's in front of the only way out?"

"There's an escape pod in the back," said Jackson, "the W.I. guys explained it to me."

"Jackson, you might just have made up for every irresponsible thing you've ever done in your life," said Robbie Ray.

"I aim to please," said Jackson.

"You mortals get out of here then," said Emmet, "we'll hold the junkie off."

"No way!" said Olette, "we can't let you face this maniac alone!"

"Don't argue!" said Rosalie, "go before she decides to attack!"

Not wanting to argue, Miley, Jake, Lilly, Oliver, Jackson, Robbie Ray, Hayner, Pence and Olette nodded their thanks to Rosalie and Emmet and headed for the back of the shelter.

"Well," said Rosalie to Emmet, "it's been wonderful."

"Living forever with you has been incredible," said Emmet, "but immortality can be a bit boring sometimes."

"That's more like Edward's way of thinking," said Rosalie, "before Bella came into our lives."

"Oh yes," said Kiraxi, "I just remembered, I totally destroyed Bella not too long ago."

"What?" Both Rosalie and Emmet exclaimed.

"Made you look!" shouted Kiraxi as she summoned her Black Keyblade, which was also engulfed in her black fire. She rushed at the two vampires and before they could react, she had them both on the ground severely scorched and missing a few pieces.

"I'll finish you both later," said Kiraxi, "now where are the others?" She then herd the sound of a very fast object moving upwards. She went to the back of the shelter and saw an empty escape hatch that was actually one big pneumatic tube that forced an escape pod back to the surface.

"Run all you want," said Kiraxi, "there's no escape from me!" her black fire aura flared up again and she jumped into the escape tube, using the compressed air flow to fly up to the surface, leaving Emmet and Rosalie to slowly pull themselves together.


The escape pod blasted out of a concealed hatch, flew over twenty feet into the air before landing hard on the ground and bouncing several times. Fortunately the inside of the pod was cushioned so the occupants were just rattled a bit by the hard landing.

"That would have been fun if things weren't so serious," said Hayner as the fugitives exited the escape pod.

"What now?" Lilly asked, "the underground safe house didn't work. What's next? A safe house on another planet?"

"That's not a bad idea," said Pence, "I think we should head back to Twilight Town."

"That might just work," said Olette.

"What just a dang second here," said Robbie Ray, "it's one thing that my daughter had to run for it, and us innocent bystanders had to run as well, now you want to go to some other planet in another universe? I draw the line at that."

"But it's the only way left," said Jake, "the only way to keep Miley safe. If the Watchtower Initiative couldn't help us, then nothing in this world can."

"But what makes you think that we'll be safe on the other world?" Oliver asked, "didn't Sora and the others lose on that world as well?"

"Oh, right," said Hayner, "I forgot about that."

"Can I just get a word in here for a second?" Miley asked, "it's my life after all."

"You can say whatever you want, miles," said Robbie Ray.

"Just so long as it involves more running," said Jackson, "hopefully to Guam."

"Why don't you go to Guam if you want to so badly?" Miley asked, "as for me, I'm tired of running."

Just then Kiraxi shot out of the escape hatch and flew up into the air, blazing like a dark comet. She landed a few yards from Miley and the others, "ah, there you are. Thanks for saving me the trouble of having to run after you. Now," she took a step forward, "who's going to die first?"

"Why don't you pick on someone else?" Oliver asked.

"Why do you have to talk?" Kiraxi asked irately. She then ran up to Oliver and before he had a chance to run, she grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him into the air, "why is it that there are annoying loser sidekicks to piss me off?"

"Oww!" exclaimed Oliver, "watch the chest hair!"

"I'll chest hair you!" snapped Kiraxi. She then tossed Oliver over his shoulder and he landed hard in the bush several yards away.

"Olie-pop!" shouted Lilly.

"You're next, blondie!" snapped Kiraxi as she ran up to Lilly, grabbed her and tossed her away, then focused her rage on Jackson and Robbie Ray, "and you losers too!" she then grabbed both Robbie Ray and Jackson and threw them away.

Kiraxi then focused on Jake, "and you too, pretty boy!"

But then Xorat ran into the area, "wait!" he shouted, "the princess! Focus on the brat!"

"What are you talking about?" Kiraxi asked, "and where the hell have you been?"

"I was busy fighting my former enemies and their pathetic friends," said Xorat, "things got a little rough, for all of us, especially after that uncute tomboy Akane Tendo showed up," he rubbed his neck, "that uncute bitch can really swing a hammer. Anyway, the fools tracked the princess, so I ran ahead of them once I knew what direction they were going. But then I had pretty much exhausted the spell and it needs time to recharge. I'd say I have about a five minute head start on the losers, so let's just grab the waif and go, this world bores me."

"I think not," said Kiraxi, "I'm still eager to do a savage burn on this world," she glared at Jake, Hayner, pence and Olette, "I'm going to char these idiots to a crisp!"

"No!" shouted Miley, "you leave my friends alone!"

"Too late, bitch!" snapped Kiraxi, "they're mine!" she then shot a stream of black fire at Jake, Hayner, pence and Olette.

Pence got in front of the group and held his shields up to block the black flames. Almost instantly the metal of the shields began to overheat. The grips on the shields were insulated but only for so much. Within seconds Pence's hands began to burn.

Olette countered with a shield spell that absorbed the worst of the black fire, then cast a heal spell on Pence's hands, "thanks!" said Pence.

"Anytime," said a grinning Olette.

"It won't do you any good!" snapped Kiraxi as she summoned her black Keyblade, "time to die!"

"You'll have to go through me first!" said Hayner as he held up his sword.

"Gladly!" said Kiraxi as her black fire aura flared up. She then zoomed past Hayner, delivering enough damage in one pass that knocked him down. Kiraxi then zoomed around Pence and Olette, hitting them so hard in one pass that they were also knocked down.

"And now for you, pretty boy," said Kiraxi as she glared at Jake, "your acting won't save you now."

"I'll die before I let you touch Miley," said Jake as he stood boldly between Kiraxi and Miley.

"That's the idea!" said a grinning Kiraxi.

"No!" said Miley, "I give up!"

"What?" Jake, Kiraxi and Xorat asked at the same time.

"I said I surrender," said Miley, "I don't want any more fighting, so I give up," she walked past Jake and looked Kiraxi square in the eye, "take me to your leader," she then held up her hands as if they were to be handcuffed.

At that Kiraxi's fire aura faded out and she had a look about her like a marijuana addict whom was coming down from a high. "Oh, now that's not right," she said in a slightly slurred tone, "now there you go and ruin my buzz."

"You took the drug, didn't you," said Xorat as he walked up and roughly grabbed Miley by the arm, "and now it's worn off."

"But that's not right," said Kiraxi, "I only took it a few minutes ago, man."

"You must have burned through it too quickly," said Xorat, "wait, I don't want to argue with you about this. We've got the girl, so let's go already." he summoned a Dark Corridor.

"Miley!" shouted Jake.

"It's going to be okay, Jake," said Miley. Even though she was scared half out of her wits, she still bravely smiled at her love, "it's going to be okay, I promise," she then winked at him, and somehow Jake got the idea. Without another word, Xorat forced Miley with him into the Dark Corridor.

"I ought to finish you flatliners off right here and now," said Kiraxi, "but I just don't feel like it," she walked to the Dark Corridor, "I've got a sudden craving for waffles and oysters," she stepped through and it closed up after her.

Jake just stood there for several minutes. Eventually Hayner, Pence and Olette pulled themselves together and got up, just as Robbie Ray, Jackson, Lilly and Oliver came back into the area, looking battered and bruised from being tossed about, but otherwise fine.

At the same time the Neon Knights and Akane ran into the area, as well as scores of reinforcements from the Watchtower Initiative.

"What happened?" Adam asked.

"They took her," said Jake, "they took Miley."

"Well that sucks," said a dumbstruck Ukyo.

"This sucks more than anything that has ever sucked in the world, mind you," said Kyle.

"But we're going to get her back," said Jake in a determined tone, "I mean it! I'll do whatever I have to do to save Miley."

"We're with you all the way, my friend!" said Ryoga, while the other Neon Knights nodded in agreement.

"Count me in," said Akane, "I still owe that jerk Xorat a favor, in the worst way."


…New Hollow Bastion…

"And that makes five, ladies and gentle demons!" said Gideon as the image of Miley was marked with a red X. He looked at Kairi, "not feeling so sure that your precious Sora is going to come and save you now?"

"He'll come," said Kairi, "I'm not giving up! I don't care what you throw at him; demons, Heartless, Nobodies, even junkie biots. When Sora comes, he'll stop at nothing to get to me!"

"Then he will die!" said Maleficent, "my swarm of Heartless grows by the minute! By the time all seven Princesses of Heart are gathered, I will have enough to swallow all of the realms in darkness, forever!"

"Can't wait to see how many you'll have when Lord Kira gets here," said Gideon, "not that we'll need Heartless after that."

"We shall see," said Maleficent as she observed Kiraxi and Xorat throw Miley into the cell with the other captured Princesses, "we shall see."


"I'm sorry to say it," said Lyra as she helped Miley up off of the floor, "but welcome to the club."

"Gee, thanks," said Miley, "are there any benefits in this club? Such as gas points on a credit card?"

"If only it were that pleasant," said Sara.

"Look on the bright side," said Violet, "now we've got five pairs of eyes looking for a way out of here that doesn't exist."

"There has to be a way out," said Nessie, "there's got to be," she looked at Miley, "oh, sorry, we should have introduced ourselves," she and the others gave their names to Miley, and she introduced herself as well.

"Now that we're all friends," said Nessie, "let's focus on finding a way out of here."

"I think we should take a break," said Violet, "you're not looking so good."

"I agree," said Pan, "I think you need to sit down for a while, Nessie."

"Talking fury animal say what?" a surprised Miley asked.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," said Lyra as she picked up Pan, "this is my daemon, my soul."

"Pantalimon at your service," said the pine martin daemon.

"Yeah, nice to meet you," said Miley, "now what's this about a way out?"

"The force field will probably kill you if you touch it," said Sara, "and there's an energy field in the cell that's draining our powers."

"Are you feeling any different, Miley?" Lyra asked, "any drain in energy or something like that?"

"I don't think so," said Miley in a thoughtful manner, "I'm a little tired from all the horrific excitement, and a little depressed, but other than that I'm as fit as a the fiddling cat playing for the cow about to jump over the moon."

"What?" Nessie, Lyra, Violet and Sara asked.

Miley looked at them in an understanding and apologetic manner, "ya'll wouldn't last two minutes in Tennessee."

"I've never been to Tennessee," said Nessie, "so I wouldn't know…" she eyes suddenly rolled up and she collapsed to the floor.

"Nessie!" exclaimed Lyra and Sara. The two of them grabbed the collapsed half vampire and helped her to one of the cots.

"Is she alright?" Violet asked.

"Did she just faint or something?" Miley asked.

"Or something," said Sara, "Nessie, can you hear me?"

Nessie then opened her eyes slowly. She looked around in confusion, "I…what happened?"

"You swooned on us," said Violet, "it was rather dramatic."

"I didn't mean to swoon," said Nessie as she sat up, "it's this damn energy field. It's messing with my mojo, you know what I mean?"

"I think so," said Sara. She then blinked and looked more closely at Nessie, "what the…?

"What?" Nessie asked, "what's wrong?"

Lyra looked more closely at Nessie, "either it's my imagination, or your eyes have changed color."

"They do seem more black than brown," said Violet.

"What are you talking about?" Nessie asked, "my eyes don't change color. My parent's eyes can change color, but only when they haven't had any blood for a while."

"Well they've changed alright," said Miley, "they were brown when I got here, now they're a lot darker."

Nessie got up and hurried to a mirror in the partitioned bathroom. Sure enough, her eyes had darkened halfway between her normal chocolate brown to coal black. "oh, this is bad," she said in a frantic tone, "this is very bad." Her hand went up to her throat as if it had suddenly became inflamed.

"But what does it mean?" Sara asked, "what's happening to you?"

"The energy field that's draining our powers," said Nessie in a slightly raspy tone, "it's weakening my human side and forcing my vampire half into overdrive. I haven't had fresh blood in a while, and my weakened state is accelerating my thrust."

"But what does it mean?" Miley asked.

"It means," said Nessie as she closed her eyes, trying to ignore the fact that her friends were now smelling rather desirable, in the wrong way that is, "that unless we find a way out of here soon, and I mean real soon, then our troubles will really begin."


…The White Room…The Old Mansion…Twilight Town…

"So now it's my turn, right?" Riku asked as he sat in front of Edward, with Sora, Tess and Young Watari sitting to the side.

"I'm afraid so," said Edward, "I want to try a different hypnosis technique, for you may now be immune to the first one I used since you saw it."

"Alright," said Riku, "what do I do?"

"Just sit and relax," said Edward as he pulled from his pocket a silver dollar, "and keep your eye on this coin," he held the coin atop the flat of his left hand. He then made the coin walk across his fingers. Back and forth again and again the coin walked, while Riku's eyes stayed focused on it.

After a minute or so Riku's eyes went out of focus and he closed his eyes and began breathing deeply and regulary.

"Is he under?" Tess whispered cautiously.

"Riku," said Edward, "Can you hear me?"

"Yes," said Riku in a flat, neutral tone.

"He's under," said Tess.

"Very well," said Edward, "Riku, when I count to three and clap my hands, you will wake up and remember everything we talked about here. Do you understand?"

"Yes," said Riku.

"Wait," whispered Sora as he tried not to laugh but wasn't succeeding very well, "I've got an idea."

"Don't even think about it," hissed Edward, "I'm about to go deep into his subconscious mind. The last thing Riku needs is for you to plant a suggestion for him to do something completely moronic on command."

"It's just a joke," said Sora, "and it'll only be a one time thing."

"What are you talking about?" Tess asked.

"Just watch and see," said a grinning Sora. He then spoke more loudly, "Riku, it's Sora, can you hear me?"

"Yes," said Riku.

Sora could barely contain his giggles, but he managed to speak clearly, "alright, Riku? This is something you won't remember talking about, but the next time someone asks you what time it is, you will shout out as loud as you can what you wanted for your 8th birthday but your parents said no for all the wrong reasons. Do you understand?"

"Yes," said Riku.

"This is a complete waste of time," said an annoyed Edward, "and his parents were right to deny him such a dangerous toy."

"It was only dangerous if used wrong," said Sora.

"For crying out loud," said an irate Tess, "what are you talking about?"

"It's just a toy gun that Riku wanted after seeing a movie that we liked," said Sora. "One more thing, Riku."

"I can't believe you're being this childish," said Edward.

"Well what's the point of growing up if you can't be childish every now and then?" Sora asked. He then spoke to Riku, "now, Riku, the next time you hear someone say a pasta dish, I want you to cluck like a chicken. You understand?"

"Yes," said Riku.

At that Sora looked at Edward, "okay, he's all yours."

"Thank you," said Edward stiffly. He then looked at Riku and spoke more casually, "now, Riku, I want you to remember the fight with Kiraxi, can you do that for me?"

"Yes," said Riku.

"I want you to focus only on the moment you fought her and she shattered your Keyblade," said Edward, "I want to know what was going through your mind."

At that Riku looked like he was remembering something really painful.

"What is it?" Tess asked, "what's his hurtful memory?"

"It's still unclear," said Edward, "Riku, I need you to think harder. What is it that you're afraid to face? What did you do? Was it something you said or heard?"

"No," said Riku, but it wasn't his normal voice, rather, it was as if he was speaking as a child, "don't do it! Don't go into the darkness!"

"Why not?" Edward asked, "what's in the darkness?"

"Evil!" said Riku, "evil! I know it's evil, but I want to know what's in it. I want to see what's beyond the world, and the darkness is the only way to go beyond the world. But it's evil! There's terrible things in the darkness! Don't go onto the pier! Don't go out to the island! Stay with Sora! Stay with Kairi!"

"Oh no," said Sora in a shocked tone, "I know what this is; he's remembering that day on the Island, the day the darkness came and swallowed our world, the day Kairi's heart got stuck inside of me and I got my Keyblade."

"It's also the day that Riku abandoned you for his own selfish desire to explore," said Edward as he heard Riku's thoughts, "deep in his mind and heart he knew what he was doing was wrong, that only pain and misery were what really lay in the darkness, yet he willingly stepped into it, leaving behind his friends, his family, his world and all that he knew was good and true."

Riku's face then twisted in pain, but then relaxed, "Sora's okay, he's okay, and if he's alright, then Kairi's okay too."

"He's remembering when you met up in Traverse Town after several days," said Edward.

"We sort of compared Keyblades then," said Sora, "but then I was talking with Donald and Goofy, Aerith, Yuffie, Cid and Leon about something, the next thing I knew, Riku was gone again."

"Don't go with her!" said Riku in his child voice, "don't go with that horrible woman! Can't you see she's evil? She'll only hurt you and make you hurt your friends!"

"Maleficent!" said Edward, "this is when Riku first truly joined forces with her."

"Stop it!" said child Riku, "leave that wooden boy alone!"

"When we were in Monstro and Riku kidnapped Pinocchio," said Sora.

"So what if he isn't really alive?" young Riku asked, "he never did anything to you! No! don't go! Don't leave Sora!" His face then twisted in pain again, "don't! Leave Kairi alone! She's hurt! She needs help! And stop messing with those dark creatures!"

"He's remembering Neverland," said Edward.

"When I saw that Kairi was alive but without her Heart," said Sora, "but I didn't realize how serious things were at that time. All I cared was that she was alive."

"No!" said Riku, "get away! Run away! Don't let Maleficent hurt me anymore! No! Get out of the darkness before it's too late! Don't let that horrible man into me!"

"Xehanort's Heartless," said Edward, "we're now up to the point where Riku was possessed by that terrible darkness."

"Stop it!' shouted Riku, "stop fighting! Sora's my friend! We shouldn't be fighting! Sora! Help me! Help me! I don't want to be in the darkness anymore! Help me! Help me!"

"Wake him up!" Tess demanded, "for the love of all things sacred! Wake him up!"

"One, two, three!" said Edward and he clapped his hands.

Instantly, Riku opened his eyes and looked around in sudden confusion. Then he saw Sora and began crying.

"Riku!" said Sora as he got up and ran over to his friend, but Riku leapt out of his chair and backed away from Sora.

"Leave me alone, Sora," said a miserable-sounding Riku, "you shouldn't be around a horrible person like me. We shouldn't be friends anymore."

"Why?" Sora asked, "we're friends. We've been best friends as far back as I can remember, so why shouldn't we still be friends?"

"Because I betrayed you!" snapped Riku, "you and Kairi, that's why! Don't you remember what I did to you and Kairi? That I abandoned you all and leapt headlong into the darkness? That I joined with Maleficent and took command of Heartless? That I found Kairi and didn't do anything that could have helped her? That I flaunted her heartless body in front of you, then tried to use her to open the door to Kingdom Hearts? That I let Xehanort's Heartless take control of me and allowed myself to hurt you? Well? If that's not reason for us to stop being friends, I don't know what is."

"But I know all of those things already," said Sora, "I lived through it, we both did. As far as I'm concerned, you made up for all those bad things by helping me and The King close the door to Kingdom Hearts. Sure, you still had your darkness to deal with, but we got though all of that and we all came home safe and sound."

"But I knew it was wrong!" said Riku, "I knew that the darkness was evil, but I still went in. I knew that I might never see my home, my family and my friends again, but I still took that step into the darkness. I chose to team up with Maleficent and abandon you again, Sora. I chose to use The Heartless. I chose to use Kairi to open the door to Kingdom Hearts, and even though I knew it was evil pure and simple, I allowed myself to be possessed by Xehanort's Heartless. I only came to my senses after you beat me that second time.

"But that doesn't matter! I knew what I was doing yet I still kept going! I did all those horrible things willingly!"

"I don't care!" said Sora forcefully. He grabbed Riku's shoulders, "I know you went through such a horrible time and you did a lot of horrible things. So what if you did them willingly? So what if you knew that what you were doing was wrong but still did it? That's in the past."

"I wouldn't do that, Sora," said Edward.

"You're not me," said Sora. He then punched Riku in the face, knocking him on his back.

"What the hell!" exclaimed Tess as she ran over to Riku and helped him up, "why'd you do that?"

"It doesn't matter," said Sora, "it's in the past."

"Well it hurts like hell," said Riku as he felt his face, discovering an angry bruise already welling up.

"I know it hurts," said Sora, "but it'll get better soon. Now you listen to me, Riku. I've already forgiven you for everything you've done, now pull yourself together so we can go save Kairi and Aiden!"

"How can I pull myself together?" Riku asked, "I've…"

"I don't know!" said Sora, "I've been making things up as I go along pretty much my whole life. Now it's your turn to figure things out for yourself. Please?"

At that Riku sat there for a few seconds and thought about it. But then he stood up, closed his eyes, held out his hand and with a bring flash, summoned his Keyblade.

"You got your mojo back!" said a overjoyed Tess as she flung her arms around Riku's neck. She then kissed him on the lips and he kissed her back. After a few seconds they broke apart.

"I did," said Riku. He then looked at Sora, "thank you, Sora, for everything."

"Hey, we're best friends," said a grinning Sora, "what else do you expect?"

"Friendship," said Riku, "naturally.

"And now it's Sora's turn," said Edward.

"Do you mind if we take a break?" Sora asked, "it's not that I'm afraid of going inside my head, but," his stomach growled loudly, "I could use a snack."

"So could I," said Tess, "and what time is it anyway?"

All off a sudden Riku stood up straight, "I want an official Red Rider Carbine Action 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle!" he shouted, "with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time!"

"It worked!" said a laughing Sora.

Riku then realized what he did, "some friend you are, Sora!" he said irately.

"I warned him not to do it," said Edward, "but no one listens to me, not, not the century old vampire."

"Well forgive me for listening to my stomach right now," said Sora. With that he, Riku and Tess walked out of the room.


"You've succeeded in restoring two Keyblade Wielders," said Young Watari to Edward as they stepped out of the room, "only Sora remains."

"He will be the most difficult," said Edward, "out of the three of them, in fact, out of all of his friends, Sora's mind is the hardest for me to understand. It's simple yet complex at the same time. I feel that I'm going to have to go even further into his subconscious mind than I did with Riku and Tess."

"How much further?" Young Watari asked.

"I won't know until I try," said Edward.

They found Sora, Riku and Tess downstairs in the Foyer, talking with King Mickey.

"So now Riku and Tess have their Keyblades back," said The King, "I knew that nothing the enemy could throw at you could keep you down for long!"

"It feels good to be back in business," said Riku, "but it'll feel better when Sora's got his mojo back too."

"But first lunch," said Sora, "any chance we can order pizza?"

"Half of what Ansem and I ate while we were working on Roxas was pizza," said Riku, "there's a great pizzeria in the Tram Common."

"Now there's a hot dog idea if I've ever heard one," said The King, "just give me the number and I'll order."

"You're the best, your majesty," said Sora.

"Any word from the ones who went out?" Tess asked, "from Bella, Jacob, Donald, Goofy, Will, Hayner, Pence, Olette and everyone else?"

"Not yet," said The King, "but then, no news is good news.

"We can only hope," said Edward.

Just then a portal opened up in the middle of the foyer, and from it emerged Scrooge Mcduck and Professor Ludwig von Drake, both of them in the middle of a heated argument.

"I don't care how much time you've invested in it, man," said Scrooge, "the whole idea is stark ravin' mad. Mad, I tell ye, and I won't have any part in it any more!"

"But you were so interested in my project when I first proposed it to you," said the professor, "and after all the time and money I spent of it, you want to just pull the plug? What am I saying? It was your money that I spent."

"Don't remind me how much of mah fortune I wasted on this pipe dream of yours," said an irate Scrooge.

"Would you mind telling me what you're talking about, fellas?" The King asked.

"With all due respect, your majesty," said Scrooge, "you're better off not knowing of it; it's a complete waste of your valuable time."

"It is not a waste of time!" said Professor von Drake, "it may just be the salvation of the realms of light, and quite a brilliant piece of thinking on my half if I may say so."

"In a sow's ear it is," said Scrooge.

"Any chance you could clue us in on what the hell you're talking about?" Tess asked, "and just who the hell are you people anyway?"

"They're friends," said Riku, "this is Scrooge Mcduck, the richest person in all the realms of light."

"He's so rich he's got a giant swimming pool full of coins," said Sora, "and he swims in it."

"It's more than a swimming pool, Sora me lad," said Scrooge, "it's mah entire money bin, and it's got cash and other treasure in it."

"But how do you swim through coins and treasure?" Tess asked, "doesn't it hurt?"

"Not in the slightest, lass" said Scrooge.

"Yes, we all know how much you love your money," said the professor. He then walked up to Tess, "young lady, you have the honor and privilege of being in the presence of the greatest scientist in all the realms. Professor Ludwig von Drake, at your service," he looked at Edward, "ah, here we have one of the famous Cullen family. I'm honored to make your acquaintance with one of the immortal."

"I'm pleased to meet you as well, professor," said Edward as he and von Drake shook hands, "and Mr. Mcduck is right, your plan is a waste of time."

"Oh! So the rumors of your telepathy are true, Edward Cullen," said an amazed von Drake, "how I would love to have you examined head to toe. But that's beside the point! My plan will work, all I need is…"

"…a human volunteer to test the system on," said Edward, "I doubt that anyone would approve of that."

"You want to test a weapon on a human?" Riku asked, "are you insane?"

"He want's to test a weapon on a human?" a shocked Tess asked.

"I never said I wanted to kill someone," said von Drake, "good heavens," he laughed, "I truly would be mad to want to do that. No, what I am implying is that the human would become the weapon, a weapon against the darkness."

"Okay, you want to turn someone into a weapon," said Sora, "that's different."

"But still no better," said Scrooge, "the lad or lass in question would never be the same afterwards!"

"How do you know for sure?" von Drake asked, "all the incidences involved the original users, whom were rather nasty creatures to begin with, and I have modified the system to prevent the worst from happening," he looked at King Mickey, "your majesty, I implore you to at least hear this humble scientist out. I am merely trying to save the realms of light from a fate worse than death."

"It couldn't hurt to hear your plan, professor," said King Mickey.

"It can," said Edward, "but I'll let him explain in his own words."

"I appreciate it, young vampire," said von Drake, "and I would also appreciate a little digression on your part."

"Forgive me," said Edward, "it's just that your thoughts were so loud, it was impossible for me to ignore them."

"Yes, we all know how egotistical von Drake is," said Scrooge.

"And we all know that avarice is your favorite sin," said von Drake, "now, if you would all listen, I will explain. Some time ago a came across a bizarre yet intriguing piece of alien technology; the Tek-system."

"Tek-system?" Sora asked.

"It allows a human to transform into a living suit of armor," said von Drake, "one of incredible power; a Tekkaman. Once transformed, the Tekkaman would be nearly indestructible against all forms of attack; bullets, laser beams, even nuclear bombs would have no effect on the armor."

"What about Heartless?" Riku asked, "and Nobodies and demons."

"And what about magic?" Tess asked, "our enemies have some serious mojo up their sleeves."

"My dear," said the professor, "the only thing that could kill a Tekkaman is another Tekkaman. But I only wish to create just one Tekkaman, a champion of light that will have powers equal to and exceeding a Keyblade Wielder."

"Someone stronger than us?" Sora asked.

"It would be a godsend if we had someone like that on our side," said Riku, "but how could it be so?"

"It's quite simple really," said von Drake, "thanks to the generous funding provided by my friend Mcduck here…"

"Bah!" spat Scrooge, "I'm beginning to doubt the validity of our friendship."

"Yes, you do that," said von Drake, "anyway, I've conducted research and experimentation into the Tek-system, allowing me to alter it from the original design used by the aliens, The Radam, whom as I said before weren't all that nice to begin with," he laughed, "believe me, people, you don't want to get on the bad side of these critters, no sir.

"Anyway, The Radam would take humans and immerse them in machine-like plants that would alter their DNA, and their minds as well, but that can wait. Once the human subject had the new DNA fully intergraded, he would then have the power to transform into a Tekkaman.

"There were risks, mind you. Not all humans have DNA that would accept the changes. Only a few survived to become Tekkaman, and most of those were driven horribly insane by the mental reprogramming of The Radam."

"That's why I don't want it done!" said Scrooge, "for the love of money, man, The Radam were hell bent on universal domination!"

"That's why I'm leaving out most of the washing of the brain in my system," said von Drake, "the only thing that'll go into the brain is the knowledge of how to be a Tekkaman."

"There are still risks," said Edward.

Just then Young Watari and Ansem walked in, "I couldn't help but overhear your plan, Professor von Drake," said Ansem.

"Ah, Ansem the Wise," said von Drake, "it's been way too long. You could have at least dropped me a line letting me know that you were still alive."

"I do apologize, my old comrade," said Ansem, "but I have been rather busy as of late."

"If I could interject for a moment," said Young Watari, "I personally think using this Tek-system to fight the darkness would be a terrific idea. With all due respect to Sora and his fellow Keyblade Wielders, we do need all the help we can get."

"Finally, someone who agrees with me," said von Drake, "I can begin setting up the necessary equipment at once."

"There's still that problem to work out," said Scrooge, "the other factor that I'm against," he looked at King Mickey and Sora, "I doubt that the professor had any intention to mention the fact that any human who becomes a Tekkaman risks going completely mad."

"I was getting to that!" said von Drake in an annoyed tone, "it was on my list," he checked his pockets, "now where is that list? I know I had it here somewhere," he pulled out a piece of paper, "is this it? No, it's last week's grocery list, and I forgot to get BBQ seasoning," he checked another pocket and pulled out another piece of paper, "is this it? No, it's last week's to-do list, and I forgot to call the phone company and upgrade my service package," he pulled out a third piece of paper, "oh! Here's the little trouble maker!"

"Never mind that," said Riku, "what do you mean about madness?"

"He means that any human who remains in the form of a Tekkaman for more than half an hour loses his sanity and regresses to a primal mentality," said Edward, "they become unstoppable killing machines, unable to distinguish friend from foe, destroying anything in their path."

"Oh, that would be a serious handicap," said Tess.

"It's still a good idea," said Young Watari, "regardless of the risks."

"But who are you gonna convince to take the risk?" Scrooge asked, "even with every possible variable considered and planned for, the dangers out weigh benefits. It's simple economics."

"Money has nothing else to do with it," said von Drake, "all my research and preliminary experiments and tests are complete. The only thing needed is to put all the necessary equipment together, turn the machines on and find a volunteer."

"There's no chance that anyone would willingly risk their sanity on this," said Scrooge.

"I would," said Sora, "I mean, if it looks like that I'm not a Keyblade Wielder anymore, then I'll be a Tekkaman."

"We don't know that you're not a Keyblade Wielder anymore," said Tess, "I broke through my block and so did Riku, so all we need to do is figure out what your block is."

"But I don't know what my block is," said Sora.

"That's why we've been hypnotized," said Riku, "and as soon as we're ready, Edward will hypnotize you."

"And we still haven't decided to use the professor's plan," said Edward. He then looked at The King, "you can't be serious."

"But I am serious," said King Mickey, "I think that the professor has a good idea."

"You do?" Sora, Riku, Tess, Young Watari, Ansem, Scrooge and von Drake asked.

"I certainly do," said King Mickey, "but I don't think it's a good idea to have Sora be part of it."

"Why not?" Sora asked, "I can see myself in a living suit of armor." Indeed, Sora was imagining himself as a giant suit of armor, not all that different from Alphonse Elric, only taller and more robust, and swinging an enormous sword, slicing through hordes of Heartless, Nobodies and demons.

"So can I," said King Mickey, "I also would like to have that kind of power, but I'm happy with what I have. And I refuse to believe that that fake Kairi could break your powers, Sora. You shouldn't give up on yourself so easily, Sora, I sure haven't."

At that Sora thought for a moment. He did give up a little too easily. Sure, he can't for the life of him think of what painful memory could be blocking his Keyblade, but that's no reason to just burry his head in the sand and wait for things to blow over.

"You're right, your majesty," said Sora, "I shouldn't have given up," he looked at Edward, "before you say it, I'm ready to try again."

"There's still the issue of the project that's not going to happen," said Scrooge, "I absolutely refuse to be any part in what could possibly destroy us all."

"Well I think that the project can work, if we try," said The King.

"There's still the fact of getting a human to become a Tekkaman," said Riku.

"True," said King Mickey, "and whoever it should be someone who isn't a Keyblade Wielder, or anyone else with a special power."

"I agree," said Young Watari, "it'd be wrong to ask someone to give up one power in exchange for another, even if the new power is possibly superior."

"So we're looking for someone without a special power," said Sora, "I can't think of anyone off of the top of my head."

"Then let's put your head to better use," said Edward.

"Back to the White Room then," said Riku.

"The sooner we hypnotize you, Sora," said Edward, "the sooner we will know what is blocking your powers."

"Oh, alright," said Sora. He then smiled, "manicotti."

At that Riku started clucking like a chicken for a few seconds, then blinked, "let's get going, Sora."

"Okay," said Sora as he stifled a sudden bout of giggles, while Tess also struggled to keep her laugher in.

"What?" Riku asked.

"Nothing," said Sora, "just remembering something funny."

"Right," said Riku in a suspicious tone.

"That Sora might just be the one to save us all," said Ansem as he, Young Watari, Scrooge, von Drake and The King watched Sora, Riku, Tess and Edward head up the stairs, "assuming he matures in mind and heart in time."

"Do you really think he has what it takes?" Young Watari asked, "all the computer projections say that this battle is going to be the worst one yet, a battle that will decide the fate of so many realms, and if Sora is indeed the pivotal figure upon which the future rests, then he has more than a little maturing to do."

"I still believe in him," said King Mickey, "I always have," he looked at von Drake, "but that doesn't mean we can't try out new ideas. You have my blessing to proceed with your Tek-system project."

"You won't regret this, your majesty," said an ecstatic von Drake as he furiously shook the King's hand.

"Oh, alright," said Scrooge in a conceding tone, "do it, create a potential walking disaster. Be it on your heads if we all end up murdered by your own monster, but I won't hinder you."

"Uncle Scrooge," said King Mickey, "coming from you, that's just as good as saying good luck."

"Wonderful!" said von Drake as he brushed his hands together in preparation for work, "now, where can I set up shop?"

"There's a few empty rooms that can serve as a laboratory," said Young Watari, "If you wish, I'll assist you in this endeavor. Where is your equipment?"

"I just need to bring it in from my own lab in the castle," said von Drake, "I can port it all in less than fifteen minutes, just show me the room to set it all up in!"

"In the meantime," said The King, "I have some serious thinking to do."

"Indeed," said Ansem, "whom shall we ask to become a Tekkaman?"


…The World that Never Was…

Reddik and Rakel emerged from the Dark Corridor onto the streets of the dark city of The World that Never Was. They immediately had to jump onto a pile of crates to avoid being stampeded by a swarm of Shadows.

"It seems that Maleficent has been very busy while we were gone," said Reddik.

"Fifty…sixty…ninety…" said Rakel as she quickly counted the Shadow swarm, "and they're still coming."

Just then Pete, Hektor and Kichot emerged from the Dark Corridor and also jumped onto the crate pile, "what the…? Where'd all these Heartless come from?" Pete asked.

"Your guess is as good as mine," said Hektor.

Just then Falkon teleported onto the crate pile, "Congratulations on your success, Pete and Hektor," said the Hakonian rebel, "you may have just saved us all."

"I know you," said Rakel to Falkon, "you're Falkon Everdark, you worked for my father."

"I'm honored that you remembered me, Lady Mindblighter," said Falkon as he bowed in respect.

"Please, just Rakel. Reddik and I gave up all rights to the nobility when we ran away."

"And we're leaving at the earliest chance," said Reddik, "yes, we came back, but only to settle accounts with Maleficent and to get the rest of our people out off of this brightened world," he looked at Falkon, "so remember this, my friend, as soon as the crisis is over, Rakel and I are leaving, for good this time, and anyone who comes after us had better prepare their last will and testament, they'll need it."

"All I care about is the wellbeing of our people, Lord Nightshade," said Falkon, "I mean, Reddik. But for now, will you meet with the others whom also wish only for the wellbeing of our people?"

"There's no time like the present," said Reddik, "lead on."

"This way then," said Falkon as he summoned another Dark Corridor, "we had to change our base of operation since Maleficent began choking this world with Heartless."

"What about my wife and kids?" Pete asked, "are they still alright?"

"They're safe," said Falkon, "they're in another safe house that we had to set up. While you were gone, Reddik, nearly every commoner still alive has joined our movement, and a handful of the nobles, whom mostly joined because they heard that you and Rakel would come back to lead them."

"They're in for a world of disappointment," said Rakel as they all stepped through the Dark Corridor, emerging inside a large meeting room of an old office building. The room was large enough to comfortably house the thirty common Hakonians. Here and there were tables stacked with street and building plans, as well as blasters and edged weapons. Stacked along the walls and in the corners were crates full of more weapons, as well as boxes full of healing items.

As soon as Reddik and Rakel stepped from the Dark Corridor they were spotted by the rebel Hakonians. All talk and activity stopped as the rebels looked at the two fugatives.

"I'm feeling really uncomfortable right about now," whispered Reddik to Rakel.

"So am I," said Rakel, "we should just get it over with."

"Good idea," said Reddik. He, Rakel, Falkon, Hektor, Pete and Kichot made their way to the center of the room.

"Comrades," said Falkon, "our wayward brother and sister have returned at long last!"

At that Tylek Braidwrath pushed his way past the other rebels, "it's about damn time! Have you seen what's going on outside?"

"Maleficent has gone completely berserk!" said one of the rebel Hakonians, "and that Gideon creep is no better."

"The others are scattered across the world," said another rebel, "some of the groups have had to change safe houses a few times. There's more than Heartless and Nobodies out on the streets these days."

"Are we in contact with the groups?" Hektor asked.

"Everyone has their own secure comlink," said Tylek, "all messages are sent in code, with no actual words spoken, and we change the codes several times a day."

"What weapons do we have?" Reddik asked.

"Aside from our usual powers," said Falkon, "we have a wide variety of swords, axes, pole arms, not enough blasters for everyone, but they all work and have enough spare power packs to keep them going through an extended fight."

"Okay then," said Reddik he took a deep breath, "the first thing we need to do is gather more intelligence on what Maleficent and this Gideon is up to; what their overall plan is, the numbers of demons involved and just how far Maleficent is going in terms of summoning Heartless.

"Then we need to coordinate with all the rebel groups and each group leader. We need to discuss a strategy on defeating Maleficent, and Gideon if we get the chance, but our primary goal should be our eventual escape, not only from Maleficent and Gideon, but from the remaining nobles, those whom haven't been won over yet."

"Just how many nobles have been won over?" Rakel asked.

"Only eight out of 135," said Tylek, "and before you ask, there's only 2,131 commoners on the dark world. That's right, out of a race that was once in the trillions, there's less than 2,300 of us left, and before this horrible mess is over, there'll be much, much less than that."

"Not if we do this right," said Reddik, "now, just to get it out of the way, are there any of the old starships left?"

"The ones that carried our ancestors away from the ruined empire and eventually delivered us here?" Falkon asked, "most of them were recycled into the Uridium mining fleet, and they were all destroyed, by the Keyblade Wielders, some humans with a really powerful starship, and supposedly The Daleks."

"Here's an idea," said one of the rebels, "bring The Daleks here and have them fight Maleficent and The Heartless."

"And have them exterminate the nobles!" shouted another rebel. At that the other rebels laughed.

"But then we'd be forced to fight The Daleks," said Tylek, "and, gods forbid, Davros would be there leading The Daleks."

"That's absurd," said Falkon, "everyone knows that Davros was killed during the war with The Time Lords."

"Davros has escaped death time and time again," said Tylek, "if The Doctor couldn't kill him for good, then the rest of The Time Lords couldn't do it."

"But he did die," said Falkon, "it's historical fact that Davros's ship fell into The Jaws of the Nightmare Child, at The Gates of Elysium."

"What's a Nightmare Child?" Pete asked.

"No one really knows," said Falkon, "there's tones of rumors, the most believable one being that it was a living creature that could destroy entire worlds."

"Brining in The Daleks would be a bad idea period," said Reddik, "as would The Doctor. He ruined our empire, setting in motion the events that brought us all here today. So there won't be any Time Lords involved either.

"Regardless, I think we're off to a good start, but we need more. There's far more to be done, mostly of all planning a strategy. I'd like to meet with the other group leaders."

"That can be arranged," said Falkon, "I'll send out word to the others to meet here."

"You do that," said Rakel.

"You guys really think you can do this?" Pete asked, "free all you Hakonians from Maleficent and them other baddies?"

"We have to try," said Reddik, "if only to keep our word. We said we'd do what we have to do, nothing more, nothing less."

"The same could be said of you, Pete," said Falkon, "you've fulfilled your obligation to us; you've returned to us our leaders, and now we can guarantee the safety of your family. You are free to go with your wife, son, daughter, and even your pet dog. You're all free to go wherever you wish."

"You've been an honorable companion, my fury friend," said Hektor, "I shall miss you."

"We'll miss you too, Pete," said Rakel.

"You've helped us so many times," said Reddik, "how can we ever repay you?"

"Umm…I really don't know," said Pete, "my wife and kids are safe, and I can go whenever I want, but…I think I'll stay around for a while."

"What for?" Reddik asked, "you've done all that you've been asked to do, so why stay?"

"I don't know," said Pete in an unsure tone, "I guess it's cause I wanna see how things turn out."

"If that's what you wish," said Falkon, "then so be it. Perhaps you have a far greater roll to play in this drama than our psychics have foreseen."

The end of chapter 4.

Next chapter finds the two psycho villains going to Hogwarts. Will they capture Victoire Weasley and destroy the famed school for witches and wizards? Meanwhile Aiden and his time traveling companions learn the truth behind The Hakonian Empire. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!