Starset

by kitsune jewel

When one destiny is closed another starts to unlock this is true for Kagome who has finally completed her task but her journey isn't over. She must collect treasures that have been lost for centuries and are scattered in many diffrent worlds. Kagome along with a group of travelers must complete their task before the world is turned into chaos. Can they do it? Come in and find out!

6. Chapter 6

"Wow!" was all Kagome could manage upon leaving the Gummi ship. She stood beside Kairi as the two gaped, absolutely star struck, at the castle before them. The majestic quality of such a palace could not be described, although it looked as though it had seen better years. Nothing was kept up, a new roof was desperately needed, the garden had been left alone for too long, and moss and grass grew between the cobblestones. Yet despite how decrepit it had become there was still no denying it was a magnificent building.

Sora stood next to Riku neither found the run down home all too impressive. "Uh, so should we go in?" He asked unsure of the girls' reaction.

Riku had crossed his arms over his chest as he watched the two drool over the castle. Shaking his head at their expense he added his two cense on, "Unless you two plan on gawking all day that is. We can leave you here if you like?" He suggested with a serious expression.

Somehow that managed to wake them from their stupor. "What? No! We're coming! We're coming!" Kagome cried out in distress as both raced forward. Riku gave small smirk as Sora led the group to the heavy looking doors.

Sora knocked and they could hear the quiet thuds echo within. After a time when no one came they tested the door to find it unlocked. Tiptoeing in Sora led them into the entrance hall. The girls eagerly looked around while the boys frowned.

Glancing at Sora, knowing he had been here before Riku commented, "Sure is quiet."

Nodding Sora's frown deepened. "Yeah, too quiet." He wondered where everyone was. Surely someone had heard them knock? "Let's check it out. There should be someone around here." He suggested.

Kagome came out of her trance to participate in the conversation. "Where should we look?"

Rubbing his chin Sora considered her question. "Hmm. Let's try the west wing. That's where Beast stays. It should be a good place to start." He decided.

Riku gave a small nod of acceptance but Kairi gave him an incredulous look. "Beast?!" She was not all too sure she wanted to meet anyone by such a name.

The rest rolled their eyes and continued on without her. She glanced around at the cold hallway in shambles and hugged herself. "Hold on! Wait for me! I'm coming with you!" She called out as she ran to catch up.

Heartless and nobodies swarmed the hallways of Beast's Castle. Kairi had kept the Keyblade Riku had given her back in the World That Never Was, yet Sora spent a good amount of time and effort defending her. Kagome managed to hold her own, though she began to tire quickly and had to stop to use a cure spell.

"Phew! I think that's the last one!" Kagome announced in relief. The others glanced around the foyer before dismissing their weapons.

Riku studied the hall with an intense eye. "They seem to be congregating this way. What could they be after?" He wondered.

"Oh man, this could be bad!" Sora spoke in dismay. He quickly ascended some short steps nearby before turning left down a long hallway. It appeared to be more private and was in worse shape than the rest of the palace so far. "I hope Beast is okay!"

At the end of the long corridor they soon discovered a candelabrum and a clock peaking inside the room at the end of the hall. Hearing the approaching footsteps the clock turned around and gasped, "Sora!" It cried. "Lumiere! Sora is here!" He announced happily.

Kagome gazed at the animate objects in amazement. 'That's taking personification to a bit of an extreme!' She thought. She could not believe that a clock could speak!

"Cogsworth! Lumiere! Where is everyone?" Sora asked worried for his friends. He knelt down to communicate easier. He glanced at the door behind them as Lumiere shut it with a soft click. "Is Beast okay?"

Cogsworth looked down at the floor with a sad face. While Lumiere spoke quietly, "He needs to be alone right now. Come to the kitchen and we will explain what has happened."

Sora nodded and stood. Taking one last glance at the door he looked back down at Lumiere. "Alright, lead the way."

Compared to the rest of the castle the kitchen was warm and inviting. Kagome immediately decided she liked this room best so far. Inside a tea pot gasped in surprise upon their entrance. "Oh Sora my dear! It's so good to see you again! Come in, come in all of you! Would anyone care for a spot of tea?" The teapot asked in a kind manner.

Kagome was astounded; so far the only inhabitants were animated household items. What was exactly was going on here? She nodded to the teapot unable to find her voice at the moment.

The teapot smiled at the group and told them to sit down while she prepared the tea. In a daze the friends sat quietly watching the room around them. Somehow Lumiere and Cogsworth managed to make it up to the table and came to stand before Sora.

"It is indeed good to see you again, but where are Donald and Goofy?" Cogsworth asked Sora.

"They're on a separate mission to find the King. These are my friends Riku and Kairi." The young man nodded while Kairi smiled brightly and gave a small wave. "He's the one I was looking for before." He added.

Lumiere joined in quickly after giving Kairi a wink, "I am glad to here you have found your friend, but who is this lady? I am Lumiere, at your service. May I have your name mademoiselle?" he asked with an extravagant bow.

Kagome giggled at the candelabrum's antics. "My name is Kagome." Kagome was amused greatly by him, 'An amorous candelabrum, who would have guessed? Hm, well maybe Miroku. He has a kindred spirit here!'

Lumiere reached for her hand and bent to kiss it when Cogsworth swatted him on the back. "There's no time for that! Oh, Sora we need your help. Would you and your friends aid us?"

"Of course what's going on?" Sora inquired, his worry growing.

"Tea dears!" The teapot called cheerfully as she poured a cup for each of them. "I'm Mrs. Pots. Let me know if you need anything!" She introduced herself.

"Thank you Mrs. Pots." Kagome nodded gratefully.

"Yes, yes. There is no time for any of that!" Cogsworth spoke irritably. "Sora Belle has left the castle, surely for good! And now the rose is starting to wilt!" He cried. Kagome was sure he was about to have some sort of break down.

"What? Belle left? Why?" Sora questioned blinking at the others before him.

"Oh, everything was going splendidly! The Master showed the lady his mirror to the outside world. She saw that her father was sick and the Master gave her leave! Oh, what's to be done?" The clock was near hysterical at this point.

"Whoa, whoa calm down!" Sora pleaded as he waved his hands in a pacifying manner.

"What's so important about this rose?" Kairi asked with a nose wrinkled in confusion.

Lumiere stepped forward with a sigh. "We were human once mademoiselle, however our Master was never one kind of heart. One night an enchantress cursed him and all those under his roof. We became as we are and the Master became a horrible beast. The only way for the spell to break is for the Master to fall in love before the last petal of the rose falls." He told them sadly.

"Then what is the problem with this Belle leaving?" Kagome continued for the rest.

Mrs. Pots shook her head. "His love must be returned you see, and with Belle gone, well...you understand."

"Oh" Kairi sang in understanding.

Lumiere gave the two girls an appraising look before he gave a smile Kagome knew all too well. It was one Miroku gave when he had an idea, something Kagome knew never to trust. "What about these two ladies?" He suggested.

Sora looked horrified and Riku blinked in disbelief. For their part Kairi and Kagome gaped at the cursed man with wide eyes. "Sorry." Kairi blushed. The animate objects nodded in understanding before all shifting their hopeful gazes to Kagome.

"Oh no, no. no, no, no!" She cried waving her hands back and forth. "Not me sorry! You already have a girl who loves him right?" She defended herself.

"But Belle's gone away." Mrs. Pots said sadly.

"Why don't we go find her and bring her back?" Riku suggested with an indifferent tone. Kagome sent him a bright thankful look.

"Would you?" Lumiere brightened considerably, literally in fact.

"Of course! Where did she go?" Sora asked them.

"She's visiting her father in the town beyond the forest." Mrs. Pots informed the group.

"Alright! Let's find Belle!" Sora cheered ever the optimistic one.

"Ugh! If I see one more heartless I swear!" Kagome cried in frustration. The forest was wild and swamped with heartless as well as nobodies. They had been cutting their way through with little to show for the effort.

"You swear what?" Sora teased her. Kairi, who agreed with Kagome, shot Sora a dirty look.

Kagome in a moment of childishness simply stuck her tongue out at him. She spun on her heel and walked further down the path with out him. Riku caught up to her quickly. The four friends decided that no one should go off alone earlier upon discovering the infested forest.

He glanced at the young woman who resembled a bomb about to explode. "Are you alright?" He asked quietly.

Letting out a long deep sigh she tried to calm herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking. I just wish we could find this town already!" She vented to him.

Riku nodded in understanding. "Well you better get used to it. We'll be seeing plenty more heartless." While his intentions were good his tone was gruff with her.

Kagome grit her teeth as she walked. Suddenly killing off a few heartless sounded quite therapeutic. Looking around franticly for a new group she spotted one up ahead and charged on in to the fight. Sighing Riku jogged after her.

After Kagome had some hack and slash therapy the group discovered a new problem. Before them was a fork in the path, and they did not know in which direction the town lay. "So, which way?" Kairi inquired.

All four stood blankly staring at the crossroads. One was over grown and the trees above stole any daylight that tried to filter through. Further down the same path it seemed a little misty as a fog swirled about. The other path was full of light and the path was well defined. Glancing between them both Riku pointed to the more pleasant path. "We should take this one." He said gesturing to the path on the right.

Sora looked at his friend aghast at such an idea. "No way! We should go left! Don't you remember? In all those stories the darker path is always the shortest and most direct route! The other is always more dangerous!" He argued.

"This one looks more traveled than the other and probably leads to town." Riku replied patiently.

Kagome picked up a stick from the side of the road they were currently on and stepped between the two arguing boys. 'Time for Miroku's trick.' Bending down she propped the stick upright with one finger and swiftly lifted the supporting finger upward. The stick wobbled a little before landing to the right. Turning around Kagome smiled at the group who watched her with mixed expressions. "This way!" She exclaimed.

Riku through a smirk at Sora before stepping past him and walking with Kagome down the sunny path. Behind the pair Sora pouted.

Kagome ruthlessly attacked a Morning Star heartless with her summon blade. It retaliated by knocking into her roughly, and Kagome fell back to the ground a few feet away. She was caught up in a green light as she suddenly felt refreshed. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Riku turn from her direction to attack another heartless. "Thanks Riku!" She called before narrowing her eyes on her target. "Now you're in for it buddy."

She continued to thwart the enemy and with one last "Hi yah!" She completed a direct combo finishing off her foe. Glancing around she watched Sora finish off one last Dancer nobody with a strong blow.

Kairi came up beside her with a small groan. "Who knew there would be heartless in the town too?!" She exclaimed in defeat.

They had managed to find the town without a problem after turning down the path at the crossroads. Upon entering they found no one in sight. It was bizarre but after discovering the heartless and nobodies about it soon made sense. "So where do you think Belle lives?" Kagome asked Sora. He was the only one who really knew her.

He shrugged. "I don't know." He said nonchalant.

Kagome shook her head at the useless boy before taking a better look around. Further down the street she could see a crowd had gathered. Ever curious she pointed it out to the others. "Hey what's going on?" She wondered.

Just as intrigued as Kagome was Sora suggested, "Let's check it out." Nodding they followed him to the crowd that had gathered outside someone's home.

By the time they made it to the scene of the riot the mob had grabbed their pitchforks and torches as well as some makeshift weapons and were marching ahead towards the forest Beast's Castle resided in. The chorus sang in agreeance about killing the beast. As the legion set off into the distance a grim expression set in on the heroes.

"Lets' find Belle, fast!" Sora instructed. The others nodded before setting out.

They searched the area and called for the young woman but yeilded nothing. Combing through the yard they circled around the modest home.

Near the back of the house the voice of a young boy called out to the key bearer. "Sora!" It cried, in relief.

They discovered it to be a small teacup with a chip around the mouth of the cup. "Hey Chip! What are you doing here? Do you know where Belle is?" Sora asked him as he approached.

"Belle is locked down there! Can you help get her out Sora?" Chip asked with a hint of idolism in his voice.

"How do we do that?" Sora wondered.

The little teacup suddenly got a devious expression on his face. "Look what I found!" He stated proudly.

The contraption stood a little ways off, a conglomerate of eclectic items. It was some invention for chopping wood in a relaxed manner, Kagome decided, yet she wondered how safe such a creation was. "I don't know..." She thought aloud.

Beside her Kairi also eyed the device with a weary eye. The boys paid little head to their hesitation and with a look of a cat that had caught the canary they rushed towards the odd invention. Kagome sighed as she watched them start it up. "Boys." Was all she said as she shook her head. Kairi nodded in a sad understanding.

Both girls winced as the ax hit away at the storm doors. Sora and Riku had to grab Chip and dash away from the mad creation before it turned on them. After the dust cleared a soft feminine voice called from within the cloud. "Sora? Chip!" She coughed out through the filthy air.

"Hey Belle!" Sora greeted her. He came closer to help her out of the basement.

Riku stepped forward with a stern gaze. "We can talk later right now we need to head back to the castle as quickly as possible." He spoke clearly.

Belle looked worried. "What's wrong?" Her big brown eyes turned to Sora for an answer as they stood outside in the newly falling rain.

Sora gave her a sympathetic look, "We'll explain on the way."

The swarming mass made it to the castle before the small band could. It was chaos when they arrived. Many were fleeing the estate in terror, while others pushed on. If it was possible the grounds and palace itself seemed worse off then before, though that was too be expected when a mob of angry villagers attacked. As they had run through the forest chasing after Belle who rode Phillipe, a terrible tempest had broken through. The rain fell hard and fast while gusts of wind pushed against the hurried would be rescuers as if deterring them from their intent.

Scanning the masses their attention was quickly drawn to the top of a balcony in the west wing of the castle. Atop the roof Gaston brutally attacked a benign Beast, who looked like a broken man that had lost the will to fight. Belle noticed the fight first and cried out in protest as Gaston broke off a chunk of stone railing and raised it over his head.

"No!" screamed Belle. Her voice rose to the rooftop where Beast lay in agony from an arrow in his shoulder. Upon hearing her voice his eyes brightened, a spark returning to their depths. Standing he grabbed hold of Gaston with a large paw and pinned him none too gently against the outer wall.

Meanwhile Belle quickly dismounted and rushed inside the castle. The others followed her hoping they were not to late as they raced up the stairs.

Gaston feared for himself just as many would and pleaded on his own behalf. "Let me go! Don't hurt me!" He cried in fear as the Beast's face hardened.

The Beast glared at the man before him. He watched quietly as the man whimpered in his grasp while he contemplated his fate. Coming to a decision he spoke in a low threatening tone, "Leave." Beast slowly unwound his fingers from Gaston's neck and stepped away. With one last hard look at the pathetic man he turned his back; such a sniveling coward was not worth his time.

Belle reached the balcony in time to see Gaston's face contort into a vile look of bitter hate, pleased with himself as he drew a dagger. Eyes widening in fear Belle gasped and cried out, "Beast!" Fearing for his life.

The four friends appeared behind her suddenly and reached forward to help, weapons raised towards Gaston. They were not quick enough however, and Gaston plunged the short blade into the Beast's back, who cried out in agony. The Beast swung around and knocked Gaston back enough that he landed below. Belle took the initiative and quickly helped pull the heavy beast up over the railing and onto he balcony.

Noticing Gaston rise all four jumped down to face off with him. Kagome looked at him with a hard eye, for none but the lowest of scum would ever dare attack a man from behind back in Japan. Gaston chuckled in a maniacal way as the four youth surrounded him, "You think to stop me?" He taunted them.

Sora stepped forward first, "I know we will." He said deeply. With little more acknowledgement Gaston met with Sora's Keyblade in a loud clang. While he had only a dagger with which to defend himself Gaston proved to be strong and rather quick despite his bulky shape.

He was able to easily push the four back despite being outnumbered. Feeling in over her head Kairi stood back and threw out a potion or chanted a cure spell when needed. Kagome continued to battle though Riku and Sora did most of the foot work, she found it hard to get a hit in when working with the two rivals. She would not be discouraged though and landed a few hits in across his legs hoping to slow him down.

The tempest continued to rise in aggression as their sopping wet clothes began to weight them down. Not to be deterred the battle raged on.

Sora unleashed combo after combo while Riku fought fiercely pushing the larger man back near the edge. Finally Sora landed in an extra hit after one combo and Riku managed to disarm the man. Gasping for air Gaston fell to the ground in defeat. He continued to chuckle darkly and the two boys seemed to contemplate finishing him off.

Kagome felt something and asked them to stop. "Wait." She said in a compassionate voice. Sora blinked at her then at the Keyblade in his hand and stepped back. Riku also stepped away from the defeated man but did not meet her gaze, instead keeping it fixed on the dark hearted being before them. Kagome brushed past them with a small frown of confusion.

She sensed something coming from him; it was an energy similar to that of the tainted jewel shards. Lifting her hand towards him she hesitated, after all the last time she had purified the jewel it had been so corrupt it left her in agony. Biting her lip she placed her hand gently on his chest above his heart. Her fingers gave off a slight glimmer of pale red-violet light. Gaston gasped aloud and threw his head back, his mouth fell open but no sound echoed from within. There was a pulse and Kagome lifted her hand, watching the man for any change.

He panted and lowered his head a moment before looking around in confusion. "Where am I?" He asked. He blinked up the young adults that surrounded him.

Sora gaped at his innocent disposition, while Riku continued to eye him suspiciously, wondering if it was an act. Kairi giggled as she came up from behind them. "You're at Beast's Castle." She answered lightly.

Gaston looked from her blue eyes to the surrounding courtyard below. He raised an arm to wipe away at the rain streaming down his face. "Oh." He responded. He apparently was still just as confused.

Kagome rose from beside him and glanced at her comrades. "I don't think he's going to be much of a threat anymore. We should check on Beast he looked pretty hurt." She suggested.

Sora nodded as a worried expression took root from within him. He and Kairi led the way back up to the balcony. Riku showed no signs of moving. Kagome rolled her eyes at her stubborn friend and grabbed a hold of his arm. "Come on." She said as she led him along.

Reaching the balcony of Beast's quarters the group looked disheartened to see Belle weeping over his still form. In the doorway stood Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Pots. The personified objects looked back at a table at a weeping rose beneath glass as its last petal fell tot he dark wooden table below. Idly Kagome wondered how the rose managed to stay upright. Her attention was brought upward by a swishing sound. Her silver-blue eyes widened in surprise as she gasped at the sight, "Look," she whispered.

Sparks fell from the sky in ever increasing number. Kagome figured them to be magical sparks of one kind or another sense the did not die in the rain nor left ash behind them in their wake. Belle and the Beast were surrounded by the sparks of light and magic. A wind picked up then and lifted the cursed beast into the air. Belle sat back on the ground in amazement. Slowly a light came from within the beast and soon fingers and toes emerged. Slowly the process caught on and a slimmer figure was gently lowered to the ground. His back now faced Belle as well as the onlookers and she scooted forward in curiosity.

The man sat up and looked down at his hands in amazement, as if seeing them for the first time. Lifting his gaze he saw the young brunette before him. "Belle," he spoke gently as he rose to his feet. "Its me."

Belle also stood and peered at the strange man with a curious suspicion. She pushed a lock of hair back from his chiseled face. She peered into his deep blue eyes and smiled, she recognized those eyes. "It is you." She said.

Behind the couple the rose was rejuvenated into a rose at full bloom. Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Pots were also caught up in a swirl of wind and light. Joy dawned on them as the curse was broken.

They all cheered as the couple embraced in a last swirl of light and magic before locking lips in a long awaited kiss.

That night a grateful Belle and her prince stood before the four friends. After celebratory dinner they had decided it was time for them to embark to another world. The prince stepped forward with a smile. "Thank you, my friends. How can I ever repay you?" He spoke quietly.

Sora shrugged, "We didn't do anything don't worry." He reached back and locked his hands behind his head in a casual stance.

"Anything!" The prince continued. "Please there must be something." He tried to persuade them.

Biting her lip Kagome stepped forward. "Actually could you just answer a question for me?"

Catching on, Riku nodded. "Yeah that's all we want. Answer her and we'll call it even." He crossed his arms as he negotiated.

The Prince glanced back as Belle stepped beside him. "Of course." She spoke with a smile.

Kagome smiled back. "We were wondering if you knew of any shrines around here. One that may house a crystal of sorts." She said politely.

A look of understanding dawned in Sora's eyes and he scratched the back of his neck at how quickly he had forgotten. Catching his guilty look Kairi giggled.

The prince looked stunned at her odd request. "I do not know of anything like that which you speak of, I am sorry. Perhaps there is something else?" He suggested.

"No, that's alright." Kagome shook her head in disappointment. She stepped back beside the other three.

"Excuse me, master? I may know of what she asks." Cogsworth spoke up timidly.

Kagome looked on hopefully as the prince nodded at his servant, "Go ahead then, Cogsworth." He bid his old friend.

Stepping up in front of the four world travelers Cogsworth answered. "Though I would hardly call it a shrine, there is a small building in the back near one of the gardens. It is hard to find since the flora around it has become over grown. I am afraid it is locked however, I will take you to it if you like." He said with a small bow.

Kagome gave him a bright smile, "I would be most grateful if you would." She nodded in assent.

The portly gentleman nodded back. "This way then." He said as he led them out into the courtyard.

The castle itself had also been transformed after the enchantress' spell was broken. Kagome and Kairi found themselves gawking once again; if they had thought it magnificent before than it was by far more glorious than ever. It had lost its dark gothic look in favor of a lighter restoration. Its beauty once again restored the palace shone brilliantly in the golden sunlight. The roof was patched, the holes and cracks filled, paint fresh and in place of the intimidating gargoyles now stood cherubs and woman reminiscent of those from Greece.

Cogsworth led the small band in the back through one garden and into yet another. While most of the gardens had been restored as well, this one seemed to lay forgotten. Perhaps it had been so as well before the curse was placed. For whatever reason at the wild look they were led to a back corner of the garden paths. Cogsworth lifted a low hanging willow tree branch allowing the others to continue down a separate hidden path.

The group continued on dodging, bending, and tripping their way through the overgrown brush. Soon enough they came upon a small courtyard tucked away from all else upon the Castle grounds. There was no doubt few had ever found this place making it very private indeed.

Cobblestones paved the ground surrounded by grass and moss. Before the trees the clearing was surrounded by stone pillars not unlike those of Greek or Roman origin. At the far end was an intricately carved archway covered in trailing vines in bloom. Clearing his Cogsworth ushered them through the gateway into a small building beyond. It lay in ruins only adding to its rustic charm. The stone walls were now uneven and crumbled in some places but even so Kagome found herself quite fond of the place.

Kagome stepped away from the awed crowed towards the back where a small doorway stood. The doors stood proud unlike the ill fated walls surrounding them. As ornate as they were their stature was nonetheless daunting. Kagome grasped the golden laid handles and gently pulled, when nothing happened she frowned. She continued to pull harder; there was nothing delicate about her aggression either. Behind her the others watched in various states of amusement. Admitting defeat she sighed as she turned around.

Sora laughed at the pouting female and raised his Keyblade. "Mind if I try?" He asked her.

Kagome nodded and stepped aside, placing her hope on her friend's shoulders. She watched anxiously as Sora raised the blade level with the lock. A beam of light appeared from the Keyblade and continued on to the gilded lock. With a resounding click, the doors unlocked an Sora grinned smugly. Kagome jumped up and down with joy at his accomplishment.

She quickly embraced her hero before leaving him behind blushing in favor of rushing the opened doors. Kairi giggled as she led them to follow. Riku threw Sora a look before moving on also.

Inside Kagome found what she had hoped to find. Her eyes held both joy and reverence as she took in the sight. A glistening stone rested upon a chiseled holder surrounded by a silken cloth. The crystal was a clear color, and resembled a diamond. Though the small hidden room was dim the crystal picked up any light it could shimmering as Kagome approached it.

Slowly Kagome reached for the crystal with a trembling hand. There was a sudden flash of white light as her hand touched the stone in her grip, unbidden her sword appeared also. Kagome studied this first Aeon crystal in amazement, lips parted in silent wonder.

Kairi discovered a latent fascination with finding treasure and quickly stood beside her friend with admiration for the beautiful token. "Is this it Kagome?" She asked the other girl.

Riku and Sora soon followed and stood next to the two friends. All four huddled together gazing at the crystal in Kagome's hand. "Well come on! Try it out!" Sora cheered her on.

Nodding Kagome lost the distant look in her eyes as she looked between her sword and the diamond crystal. "Okay." She murmured back in a quiet voice. Shifting her position she slowly inserted the crystal into the tight slot at the top of her sword. The blade pulsed to life in one beat as a wave of frost crystallized over the blade, covering it from hilt to tip.

Kairi ooed and awed at the transformation before lifting her blue gaze back to meet her female friends own azure eyes. "So which one do you think it is?" She wondered aloud.

Kagome tilted her head to the side and spoke with a quiet voice. "Shiva." She answered solemnly.

Kairi gave her a questioning look while Sora wrinkled his nose in confusion. "Who?" She asked Kagome.

"Shiva, a deity of ice." Kagome said distantly. She made a humming noise in the back of her throat as if considering something. "I think...the rest will just sort of come to me. I'm not really sure why." Her voice was soft as if speaking to no one in particular.

Sora glanced between the intranced girl and the bizarre sword. "How do you know all that?" He asked.

Kagome snapped her eyes to his seemingly coming back to reality. She shrugged, "Not one clue. It sort of just came to me. I'm not really sure but I feel a connection to the crystal somehow."

"Well you are a summoner, right?" Sora grinned. Almost nothing could keep the optimistic boy down.

Kagome nodded slowly as she bit her lip once again. "Yeah, I guess so." She agreed unsure of herself.

As the sun set on Beast's Castle the four friends once again boarded the Gummi ship. Riku once again took control of the ship and steered them towards an unknown destination. He promised Sora they could switch later on so they could both rest, the brunette grudgingly agreed.

The ride was most uneventful. Kagome managed to work her way up to level five on the gunner tutorial. She spent a good time with each passenger learning a little more about them as she explained a little more about herself. The arrived at a new world the next morning, sooner than anticipated. After restocking supplies they headed out into the newest world ready for whatever lay ahead.

Upon exiting the ship they all too quickly found themselves falling a great distance. So long was the fall Kagome found she had plenty of time to measure her surroundings at her leisure. Somehow she found herself content to free fall and p0eered around what she decided was an impossibly deep hole. The clay walls were lined with all sorts of cupboards and shelves, nooks and crannies. There were various maps and pictures hung about on pegs. Kagome noted one jar was labeled, 'Orange Marmalade,' but paid it no mind. It was certainly an eclectic collection and Kagome wondered why there would be such an assortment in a hole as deep as this?

Glancing at the others Kairi seemed to be turning and twisting around in various acrobatic positions, clearly enjoying herself. Sora seemed relaxed and unlike Kagome he paid no mind to the surroundings, 'perhaps,' she thought, 'he has been here before?' With a small shrug she looked about the enclosed space for her last companion only to find him further below herself. Riku seemed unconcerned but rather anxious to land.

As she tried to discern the strange boy she saw the ground approaching rather fast below. Wincing she tried to straighten herself and bent her knees to brace for the impact. To her astonishment they landed gently and her worry was in vain, Kairi who had not been watching had to be caught by Sora before she collided with the hard ground.

With a nervous laugh the dark auburn haired girl smiled sheepishly at her rescuer. "Thanks Sora." She said in a small voice.

Kagome watched from the corner of her eye as Sora turned his head away to hide the faint blush across his cheeks. Setting her down he took a step back, giving them some personal space. "Sure." Was all he managed.

Riku cleared his throat and gestured to a door. "I think we need to go this way." He suggested. All three nodded and fallowed him through the doorway.

Inside was the most bizarre room Kagome had seen yet. Within was a rather ordinary furnished room, however some pieces were on a much smaller scale than others. Some items seemed to be drawn against a wall in a surreal painting. She quirked her brow but soon waved it off, nothing was normal in her life anymore besides the unexpected.

"So, Sora, have you been here before?" Kagome questioned, voicing her earlier thoughts.

He turned around to face her. "Yeah, I have." He answered. Riku quietly scanned the room appearing to ignore the conversation while Kairi looked interested.

"Then where do we go next?" Kagome continued her line of questioning.

"Uh." He stammered looking around for something to jog his memory. After all it had been a while since he had last been to Wonderland. Spotting the table in the center of the room he smiled. "We need to drink from this bottle." He announced. Approaching the table he picked up a vile labeled, 'Drink Me.' He also pocketed a small golden key before standing beside his friends once more.

The three eyed the bottle warily. Kagome narrowed her eyes as she tried to study the vial. "How can we be sure it is not poison?" She asked her comrades. The other three stared at her with wide disbelieving eyes. Noticing their gaze she defended herself. "What? It's a valid question." She huffed crossing her arms.

Sora shook his head. "It's fine; really I've had it before. It will shrink us down to about ten inches high or so. Then we can go on through that door." He pointed over to a small door which appeared to be asleep. "I'll go first." He said as the others began to reconsider, shrinking did not sound like a pleasant idea after all.

One by one they each drank from the vial, Kagome going last. Kairi seemed amazed with her new height and looked about at all the taller furniture in awe. It amused the other three greatly and Kagome could to help but smile at her friend. Sora led them to the snoozing door and opened it with the golden key he had pocketed earlier. They still had to duck through the jam but soon found themselves in garden.

Sora led them through the garden maze as the group searched for another shrine of sorts. Kagome found a sort of childish wonder upon discovering she could throw certain items to particular flowers to receive gifts in return. She was about to toss an ether at a pretty yellow flower when Riku stopped her. He explained that ethers were precious and they ought to conserve them for better use. Kagome pouted but pocketed the bottle.

The maze was quite confusing, and the group had managed to walk ion nearly every direction, including those previously thought impossible. They wandered sideways, trekked upside down, sauntered slantways and crossed every which ways but soon found themselves lost.

Kairi collapsed on a stump with a sigh. "This is pointless!" She exclaimed. "Why don't we ask someone for help?" She suggested.

Riku leveled his aqua eyes to her own deep blues. "That would be fine if only there was someone to ask. If you have not noticed the only beings we've come across are nobodies and heartless. I very much doubt they will be of any help." He said gruffly.

Kairi pouted and looked away from her friend. Kagome slumped down beside her also tired from the long search. Sora continued to look around hoping to find the right way. Silence hung in the air about them and all four kept to themselves deep in thought.

Summoning her sword once more in a flash of light Kagome swung it upwards to take a better look. 'I wish I knew more about these crystals. All I know is that there are ten of them. There has to be some more information out there somewhere. To bad the only place I can think to look is Merlin's old book that creepy guy who calls himself the Angel of Death took. Lot of good that does me.' She pouted as she turned the blade this way and that, watching the light fall from different directions as she did so.

"I've got it!" Sora sudden exclamation brought her from her thoughts. His grin was bright as his spirit seemed to be renewed. "Let's try this way! I know there is someone there we can ask." He decided to keep the knowledge of said resident being mad to himself, after all was not everyone here mad?

They could here the singing long before they ever saw the place. The song was something about an 'un-birthday,' which confused Kagome. She shrugged it off however and followed the others through he picket fence after they arrived at their destination. They all stood by and watched as the performance continued. It was sung by a hare wearing rather respectable looking clothes as well as an older man with a large green top hat. Kairi sat down and soon the other's followed her lead.

At the end of their little song Kairi clapped politely which swiftly brought their attention to the new comers. "No room!" Protested the hare.

Kairi looked a little disappointed at their welcome, "Oh, but it was such a lovely performance!" She exclaimed in argument.

The man in the green top hat smiled goofily, while the hare's ears perked up. "You liked it? Oh well sit down have a cup of tea!" He cheered. Reaching for one of the steaming tea pots he picked it up and poured the kettle mid air! Fortunately four cups and saucers fell from within first and caught the tea which followed. He handed them all a cup while the man in the hat offered them many lumps of sugar.

"Why we never get compliments!" The hat wearing man lamented. Kagome pulled her cup away as her tea now resembled a mound of sugar. She tried to blow some off but was startled by the man continuing in a loud voice. "New cup! Move down!"

All four were ushered out of their seats and further down the table a ways into new seats. "Cup of tea?" The hare asked them.

While all four were confused they all agreed to a new cup of tea. Kagome asked for only a half a cup to which the hare responded by cutting one of the tea cups in half before handing it to her.

"Now then." The man with the ridiculous hat began as he sipped his new cup of tea. "You lot look troubled. Tell us all about it!"

Before another word could be said from any of the travelers the hare interrupted. "Yes, start at the beginning!"

Picking up where his friend left of the man with the hat continued once more. "And when you reach the end, stop!" He instructed them.

Kairi glanced at Kagome who shrugged back at her. "Well, it's a rather long story." The auburn haired girl told their hosts.

"Any story worth telling is long!" The man encouraged them.

"Yes well all the same, we are in a hurry; perhaps you could answer a question for us?" Kagome tried to suggest.

"I have a superb idea!" The hare suddenly exclaimed. "Let's change the subject!" He moved.

Scratching his chin the man in the green top hat pondered, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

Sora scrunched up his nose at the riddle. "Why is a raven like a writing desk?" He echoed. He crossed his arms as he thought abandoning his tea.

"What was that?" The hare asked him, also setting down his tea cup.

Facing him Sora repeated the riddle the man in the hat had asked slowly. "Why is a raven like a writing desk?"

Both of their hosts gasped, absolutely appalled by his question. "Ahh!" The hat wearing man screamed.

The hare jumped into his friends arms while he eyed the new group in fright. "They're mad!" He accused pointing his finger at all four of them.

Riku narrowed his eyes at the odd behavior. "We aren't mad." he spoke evenly.

Kagome was beginning to get fed up with the eccentric tea lovers. "Could you just please tell us if there is some old shrine around here perhaps?" She said as gently as possible. "We'll leave directly after that." She hoped to pacify them.

Both of their hosts grabbed a saucer and held it in front of their faces to hide behind. The hare also grabbed a butter knife covered in jelly and pointed the 'weapon' in their direction. "You stay away!" He bid them, the knife shaking in his fear.

Riku rolled his eyes and stood. "Let's just go. I doubt they'll ever help us, come on." He said as he strode away.

Sora nodded clearly in agreement and followed his friend after giving the two cowering hosts a funny face which startled them further. Both girls laughed as the two screamed in terror from Sora's mad face. Kairi waved good-bye and called back, "Happy un-birthday!"

Suddenly forgetting why they were hiding behind saucers the two began to sing once more as they poured yet another cup of tea. Kagome shook her head this was the silliest world yet!

Soon the group of friends found themselves in the wood once more. No one quite knew what to do as no one knew where to go. They did not trust the signs posted on the trees as all read things such as, "This way," "That way," "Yonder," and "Back" each pointing in a new direction.

"Ugh! What kind of world is this?" Kagome huffed as she sat on a nearby tree root. They had just finished clearing through several swarms of heartless and many crowds of nobodies only to find themselves stuck at a crossroads.

"Calm down we'll figure something out." Riku advised her from his position leaning against a tree.

"Lose something?" A new voice asked them. All four gasped and spun around to look where it had come from only to find a Cheshire cat sitting up on a high bough of a tree. It had a great many teeth, which were smiling, and dreadfully long claws. All four decided it would be wise to treat such a creature with respect.

"Um, hello." Kairi said first. "Could you tell us which way to go, please?" She asked as politely as she could, not wanting to offend him.

"Well, that depends on where you want to go." He countered with a wide grin, chuckling at how clever he was.

"We are trying to find a shrine of some sort; that is if you have something like that around here." Kagome piped up, shifting her foot in the lose dirt of the path.

"Oh no." The Cheshire cat said with a shake of his head. "You won't find anything like that around here. The Queen would not allow it; it wouldn't be her way you see." He informed the four. He began to sway his tail back and forth and swept it across his body which left it invisible after doing so.

Afraid he would leave Sora called after him. "Hey, wait! How do we get out of here then?" He said rushing towards where the cat had been.

"Why not try the way you came in?" The cat responded from atop Sora's back.

Sora began to wave back and forth in hopes of dislodging the animal but to no avail. The cat grinned wider before disappearing once more while humming a tune. A series of paw prints appeared on the ground, separating around the group before meeting back together to continue along the road until they too disappeared.

"Oh! By the way, he went that way, if you're interested." The Cheshire cat spoke from another tree behind the group making them all spin on their heels once more. They found him lounging in a rather human manner against the trunk of the tree from the bough he stood on. His hand pointing in another direction.

"Who did?" Questioned Kagome. Who in the world would they know here?

"The silver haired man." Answered the cat.

All four gasped at the revelation. "He did? Really?" Exclaimed Sora, forgetting the cat's previous offense.

"Who did?" Retorted the grinning cat now sitting atop his tail.

Narrowing his eyes once more Riku said, "The silver haired man."

"What silver haired man?" Asked the chuckling feline, who shifted position yet again.

"Ugh!" Kagome screamed in frustration ready to pull her hair out.

"Can you stand on your head?" The cat asked suddenly as he literally did just that.

"If I were looking for a silver haired man I'd try that way." The cat said thoughtfully as he pointed to a previously hidden path which now lit up. A sign stood nearby which read, 'what you seek.' The others watched as he disappeared once more while humming the same silly tune, the last they saw was his grin gleaming in the dark.

After a moment Sora squared his shoulders and turned to look at the new path. "Well, what are we waiting for?" He lead the other three on down the new path, never once looking back as they moved through the new wood swallowed in a white smoke.

Fallowing the new path further into the wood Kagome could not help but begin to feel uneasy. The deeper they crept the denser the forest became, not to mention that the path was narrowing out of existence. They had all noticed the strange white smoke upon turning down this route however it too was growing thicker with every step. It could only be described as smoke she decided; for it was too light for any fog she had ever encountered and was not moist like any mist she had seen. The wispy tendrils rose in an ominous manner disrupting their clear vision.

The temperature was also dropping but that, Kagome decided, may simply be because it was getting late; they had been walking through Wonderland for some time now after all. Kagome began to rub her arms hoping to encourage a blood flow which would block out the cold.

Treading carefully though the creepy forest paranoia began to set in. After hearing a twig snap she summoned her blade with Shiva's diamond crystal equipped still before spinning on her heel to face the noise. It was then she discovered that she stood alone. Cursing mentally Kagome realized she had been separated from the others.

She knew from experience that the best thing to do when lost was to stay put and let help come to you. Considering she could now barely see her own hand in font of her face she figured this the best choice of action. There was little hope of finding the others and the path was completely gone, swallowed up by the surrounding foliage. Sighing she reclined against a nearby tree.

As she began to relax she idly noticed that this white smoke that filled the air around her had a subtle sweet scent. It reminded her of warm summer days back home and it gave her comfort. Breathing deeply she let the soft sweet scent soothe her. Lowering her blade to the ground beside her she closed her eyes as she gave in to her memories. Soon Kagome yawned before giving in to sleep, never noticing the creeping vines around her.

"Kairi! Kairi wait up!" A voice called out to her. Turning Kairi smiled at the girl approaching her. Reaching her side Selphie panted slightly. "Good morning!"

Smiling back at her she replied, "Good morning. Do you want to walk together?" She already knew the answer, the two always walked to school together. Not waiting for her friend's answer she slowly continued on, the large building that was their imprisonment in sight now.

"Sure! So what do you have planned for today?" Selphie questioned as she fell into stride with the dark auburn haired girl.

Kairi shrugged. "Probably head to the island, like always." She said casually.

Nodding Selphie smiled. "Tidus and I will too, he promised to spar with me!" She said.

"That should be an interesting fight." Kairi mused. She waved as the walked through the school gates at Sora and Riku. The two girls joined them striking up idle conversation as they headed towards their class.

They all had home room together so the group of friends was rather inseparable. Taking their seats Wakka soon joined them encouraging them each to try out for the blitzball team. A few others also took their seats as the bell grew closer along with Tidus.

Just as the bell rang their last two friends rushed through the door panting heavily. Collapsing into their seats Sora grinned cheekily at the two. "Cutting it a little close don't you think?"

The blond boy with his hair cut in a mullet groaned. "One more tardy and I would have been toast! I swear Xemnas has it out for me!" It was well known that Demyx had a chronic case of tardiness not too mention he was a horrible test taker. Their homeroom teacher Mr. Xemnas made it is life's goal to get the poor kid either expelled or at least suspended as it seemed.

"Relax! We're almost free and clear, only three more weeks until summer vacation!" Axel consoled him. He lounged back in his seat before remembering something. "Oh hey! Did you guys hear about the new kid?"

Kairi blinked at him, "What new kid?" She wondered aloud. She had been rather absorbed in thought, wondering why Xemnas was late.

"Man oh man! Talk about blank with a capital 'B.'" He lamented with a shake of his head his red locks flying with every tousle. "Everyone's been talking about it. Apparently he's some kind of transfer student, but the administration is pulling out all the stops for this kid. I can't believe you have not heard anything!"

"Oh, I wonder-" Kairi stopped herself as the door swung open revealing their instructor soon followed by a tall male with silver hair.

Xemnas glared at the class and sternly crossed his arms. "Settle down now." Knowing that tone only too well they all straighter to face him and silence hung in the previously chatter filled air. "Class this is our new student make him feel welcomed won't you?" He said before retreating to his desk.

The new student gave a smile which made Kairi squirm in her seat uneasily. "I hope to become friends with you all soon. My name is Kuja, it is very nice too meet you. It is a pleasure to attend such a fine school." He said easily.

Kairi glanced at her friends around her, surprised when the others smiled back. Was she the only one getting weird vibes from him? Why would someone transfer in only three weeks before break? Shaking herself she tried to clear her head of nonsense and forced herself to smile.

Xemnas waved a hand of dismissal at the new boy and told him to take any empty seat before droning on about their approaching finals.

After school the friends met up at a cafe for a snack before planning to head over to the island as usual. Kairi waited as she bantered with Selphie and Axel. She wondered where Sora and Riku were, they were not normally late.

Their waiter approached with their orders and Kairi smiled at the familiar face. "Thanks Go!" She said to the older red-eyed boy.

"Just let me know if you need anything else!" He said as he walked back to the counter.

The bell above the door rang and Kairi gave a relieved smile as she noticed Sora and Riku enter. Her smile faded quickly when she saw the new boy, Kuja, behind them. She tried to maintain a polite look but it was harder than she thought.

"Hey guys! We brought Kuja along I thought we could show him around a little." Sora said with a bright smile.

Kairi watched the new kid over Sora's shoulder. He smiled gently back at the assembled group, which still made Kairi's stomach feel queasy. "I hope you don't mind." He said ever polite.

The others all smiled and assured him it was perfectly fine. Welcoming him into their little group the all stood. Kairi followed her friends to the door and frowned as she watched Sora chat happily with Kuja. Upon reaching the exit she was astonished into disappointment when Sora who was just before her closed the door on her instead of holding it open as he normally did.

Frowning she pushed the door open and rushed through to catch up only to bump into someone. Noticing she had knocked whoever it was down she offered them a hand with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. Are you alright?" She asked the hunched figure.

A girl about her age with wavy blue-black locks looked up at her revealing silver-blue eyes. The girl nodded and accepted Kairi's offered hand and stood. "I'm fine don't worry about it. I can be a little clumsy." She said with a laugh.

Kairi nodded idly overcome with deja vu. She knew this girl, didn't she? Something nagged her at the back of her mind as Kairi continued to stare at the girl openly. "Do I know you?" She asked suddenly.

The girl blinked her big eyes in confusion and shook her head. "No I don't think so. Look I am going to be late for work. Sorry for bumping into you." She apologized as she stepped into he cafe. Kairi shook herself again before chasing after her friends.

After making it to the island Kairi sought out the others. That feeling at the back of her mind continued to eat away at her. Something was not what it seemed; there was something wrong but what? Approaching her friends on the beach she called out to them before pausing.

Flashes danced before her eyes. She saw herself with Sora and Riku by some sort of raft. Then she saw herself giving her lucky charm to Sora demanding he bring it back. She saw herself run into a portal of darkness away from Axel as a dog chased after her. There was one of her running over two both Sora and Riku with a message in a bottle, and another with her talking to the girl she had run into earlier. Before she knew it she was back in reality on the sandy beach with the others in front of her.

Sora was about as close to her own face as possible looking at her worriedly. "Are you okay, Kairi?" He asked softly.

"I'm so glad your back." She whispered to him with a soft smile on her face.

Sora sat back and scratched the back of his neck. "What are you talking about? I've never left?"

She blinked at him before glancing at the others. "Oh." She murmured. Was it a dream? What was going on?

Riku stepped forward and knelt beside her. "I think you should go home and rest Kairi." He suggested.

"You shouldn't strain yourself in this heat." A voice beside her advised. Turning her head she saw Kuja smiling at her. Her stomach heaved and she gasped at the sensation.

Moaning a little she tried to clear her head. "Yeah maybe I should." She thought aloud. She had been a little off all day. She was probably just stressed with finals approaching and needed a good night's rest.

"Yes Kairi, sleep. Just rest your pretty little head." Kuja whispered darkly. Glancing at him she noticed something had changed. Heartless appeared from the ground behind her friends. She tried to yell, to warn them but her voice would not work.

"Captain? Captain we need your approval." Sora's voice demanded of him. Opening his eyes Riku looked at his long time friend. Sometimes he wondered if he really should have made Sora second in command.

Sighing he looked at the map on the wall behind him. The map was slowly being filled in, thanks to his team. King Mickey had funded his little exploration team and now he got to travel throughout the universe just as he had wanted to do when he and Sora and Kairi first built that raft.

"That's fine but leave the team to guard the ship. Alert Kairi we will leave at 0800 hours to seek contact on this world. I only want you and her on this mission with me, got it?" He ordered sternly.

Sora rolled his eyes and saluted him mockingly. "Yes, sir." He said before marching off in a melodramatic manner.

This new world was different from many others he had visited. It seemed more primitive and yet there seemed to be a strange amount of technology foreign to him. The natives wore elegant clothing with reminded him of bathrobes made from silk. He shrugged it off as his own clothes no doubt seemed strange to them.

They entered a village not far from where they had left their craft and soon discovered communication to be easy with the natives of the planet. He asked them to take them to their leader. Bowing they lead the three to a hut, larger than the other's around it. They were brought inside and seated, before a servant girl handed each of them a strange glass filled with some steaming liquid.

Soon a woman about his age entered with long wavy blue-black locks and distant blue eyes with specks of silver. She wore a lose white shirt and baggy red pants that his her figure from prying eyes. She bowed to them before kneeling across from the three travelers. "My name is Kagome. What brings you to our village?" She asked in a smooth voice.

"We are explorers. We hoped to set up some sort of alliance with your village. I am sure there is much we could learn from each other." Riku said in his usual negotiate voice. He had been through this routine countless times already.

The woman now known as Kagome studied them as s he considered their offer. "Stay the night and know you are safe here. Should you need anything ask anyone and we will be happy to help you. In the morning we can discuss this further." She said evenly rising from her place on the ground.

"Thank you. You are very kind." Riku replied. It appeared they may need to take their time with this world. He was sure it would be worth it tin the end though.

The next day Kagome showed them around the village and gifted them with garments fitting of those who lived here in her village. Kairi and Sora had wandered off alone in the marketplace leaving Riku and Kagome to travel through the sights.

"I hope I do not offend you but, I cannot help but wonder how is it a woman as young as yourself is the leader of such a place. Your people give you such respect, how is this?" He asked her as they sauntered though the town without destination.

She smiled gently as she had been doing all day long. "I am a summoner here. My people look to me for guidance and protection. I give much without asking for anything in return. Most have known me for my whole life and watched me grow. Although not everyone accepts my position. I do have some guardians who look after my well being." She said in a modest voice. A soft blush graced her high cheek bones he noticed and he gave a small smile in return.

Riku glanced behind them at the three males. "Guardians? You mean the three who have been trailing us all day?" He said frankly, his tone somewhat dry.

Kagome gave a laugh as she nodded. "Yes, those are they. The dark haired man is Squall, the woman is Yuffie and the last is Kimahri." She introduced him with a small wave of her arm. Riku nodded to each his eyes lingering the longest on the one known as Kimahri. He had never seen anyone like him in all his travels. Realizing he was being rude he returned to Kagome and they both continued in their walk.

"I see." He said at last. "I take it summoners are very important here." He mused while hoping she could explain their culture in more detail.

"Yes. That is true. Now a days only the large prosperous villages have summoners of their own. Most are shipped off over seas to The Great Temple. For a village such as this one to have a summoner here of their own it is a great honor. Times are not easy as the dark creatures are on the move and gaining land everyday. We must band together if we hope to survive. At least that is what I think." She said thoughtfully as she looked off to the left.

"We could help you. We could offer protection and supply better weapons to fight off this enemy of yours. We could even be of use to your economy; we both have much to gain from an alliance." Riku quickly suggested. She had been avoiding the subject all day.

She smiled in a wry manner as she swung her gaze back to Riku's own. "I believe supper will be ready soon. You ought to find your friends and prepare. You are welcome here another night." She said as she rubbed her left arm. With a bow she left him in the street, her guardians trailing behind once more.

That night Riku and his team discussed what they had found out about this new world and what the best procedure from here would be. Deciding that this world could be worth the effort they decided to delay their departure in hopes of securing an alliance.

Sora and Kairi both quickly fell into the arms of sleep, yet Riku lay awake in the early morning hours unable to find rest. He tossed and turned as his mind raced. Restless visions danced in his fatigued mind though they were not dreams he was sure as he lay awake still.

He watched as Sora reached for his outstretched hand while a dark cloud descended from above. There was one where he watched Sora chat happily with some friends, two of which re minded him of Squall and Yuffie, Kagome's guardians. He saw himself ask a favor of Sora before closing a door behind himself. Then he battled he saw a blindfolded version of himself battle a boy in a black robe wielding two Keyblades. At last he saw Kagome singing on a stage in some town which was not the one they were in currently. Disturbed he pushed the ill thoughts to the far back reaches of his mind.

Yuffie, one of Kagome's guardians knocked on his door in the early morning. It was only a few more hours until dawn and Riku decided to finally go without rest this night. She bid him to follow her as Kagome had something urgent to discuss. She could not tell him what only asked that he wake his companions quickly before following her through the empty streets.

While they had only been staying in the village for a short time they knew that the village always teemed with life and laughter. Seeing it in the dead of night was an uncomfortable feeling for them all.

Yuffie led them into the head house and into a side chamber alit with dripping wax candles providing a low intimate lighting. She asked that they all make themselves comfortable while she fetched Kagome.

The young summoner maiden soon joined them with food and drink in hand. She smiled trying to hide her own fatigue, but Riku knew he was not the only one who had not slept this night. Eagerly the three travelers helped themselves to the supplied refreshment. While Kagome watched on in silence.

"Are you unwell?" Kairi asked her finally after realizing they neglected to include their hostess into their conversation.

Kagome smiled, pushing the bags under her eyes further up. "I'm fine. There are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all which I must. I choose to sacrifice some sleep. Do not trouble yourself, I am fine." She answered cordially. She lowered her eyes then, her long bangs hiding her tired eyes. Riku hoped sleep was now settling in, she deserved it.

Riku nodded and reached for his goblet before frowning in confusion. No matter how hard he commanded his arm would not move. It was far too heavy for him to lift. Fear struck him as he realized what had happened. Sweeping his eyes across he saw Sora and Kairi also in distress. He tired to call out but could not do so, they had been paralyzed.

Looking at Kagome with wide eyes he could only sit helpless as he wondered at what was happening and why. Kagome lifted her head to look at her new friends through the haze her tears created. "I'm so sorry." She whispered in a broken voice unlike the strong delicate woman they had come to know.

Cold laughter filled the room suddenly but Riku could not look behind him to find the source. "Well played my sweet little canary." The voice said in a sadistically smooth tone. Kagome cried brokenly before Riku's eyes as she turned her head away in shame while the man approached her from behind Riku's form.

"Truly I am. I had no choice! I wish things could have been different but he came here before you did. You know what they say, it is best to keep your friends close and your enemies closer." She said as she broke down further.

Riku's eyes widened even more as it was the only body part he had any control over. She had made a deal with her enemy, to save her own people.

"Hush now my canary." The man spoke as he knelt beside her broken form. He ran his long fingers through her locks in a soothing manner. "Such a delicate little bird." He mused aloud. Moving his red eyes to his prisoners Kuja studied them. "It is time for my dark army to be formally introduced to you. I will leave you alone as I am sure you have much to discuss." He said as he took Kagome into his arms and quit the room.

Panic set into Riku's veins as his blood ran cold. Looking about as best he could he watched as heartless and nobodies sprung up around the room. Slowly moving in on he and his friends. Heart pounding Riku fought the poison as hard as he could. Watching as the creatures of darkness moved in on their defenseless pray.

Kagome let her arrow fly watching as it flew true only to land in the center of her target. She smiled broadly before walking over to the target to collect her arrows.

Keade met her there. Smiling at her pupil. "Well done. Kagome. I think you are done for the day. Yu are free to do as you please." The old woman dismissed her.

Kagome eagerly raced home and dropped her bow and arrows carelessly to the ground upon entering her hut. "Mama! I'm home!" She called.

Her mother hissed at her behavior. "Kagome dear you need to take better care of those bow and arrows. Your father paid good money for them." She said as she cut some vegetables for their noon meal.

Collapsing to the ground she snatched a carrot away and ignored her mother's glare. "So where is Souta?" She asked.

"Probably off making mischief with Shippo again." She answered absent mindedly.

Standing again in a rush she informed the kind woman who she adored, "I'm going to try and find Sango and the others." Kagome then exited her hut. She had been training for years as Keade's apprentice. Now it was finally paying off. Jogging through the village she waved to those she saw in the streets. Reaching the other side of the town she spotted Kohaku sitting outside his family hut.

"Hello Kagome! If your looking for Sango she is practicing with Kirara around back." The youth informed her. Smiling and thanking him she went around the small hut to find Sango polishing her boomerang bone.

"Hey Sango! Are you all finished for today?" She asked her old friend. She and Sango had grown up together and been the best of friends since they were old enough to walk.

"Yep, all done here. You sure finished training early today." Sango observed ass he set down her large weapon and the rag she had been using to clean it.

Kagome nodded. "Keade said I may be able to take over soon!" It had been her dream to be the village's miko since she was a child. Her family while well respected had always been poor. Kagome hoped she could help out more if she became miko, it would also make her father proud.

"That's great!" Sango congratulated her. The two began walking through the town, checking what the different vendors where selling but never inquiring after the items that caught their eyes. Chattering away they soon reached the river and sat down. This was their place. Whenever they sought some time alone they came here for solace.

They also usually met their other friends here. Speaking of friends they could feel one of them now. "Pervert!" Both girls yelled knocking the boy with the wandering hand back several feet with their combined force.

"Ladies, there is no need for such violence." The hormonal boy defended himself.

"Lay off Miroku. I don't want to have to drag your body back to the village again." Another voice spoke gruffly.

All four sat together enjoying the calm steady flow of the river. Talking about their day. Miroku was another from a poor family just like Kagome and Sango and had known the girls longer than the other man. Inuyasha was the headman's youngest son, and was wealthy beyond compare by the village's modest standards. None of them were bothered by their differences, finding friendship where others would not offer it instead.

The evening approached quickly and soon each youth returned tot heir homes. As Kagome reached her own she winced, knowing what was coming. As predicted upon entering the hut a deep voice asked her the question she knew would be coming. "And just where have you been young lady?"

"Well, you see I was down by the river. With Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha." She said with patience in her voice. She went through this routine every day it seemed, the territory coming from having an overprotective father.

"Your mother tells me you missed the mid-day meal." He said with a frown. The tall man remained shadowed in the low light.

Kagome smiled at her father. "I know you worry about me, I'm sorry. It won't happen again." She said as her mother had taught her.

He nodded in approval. "Keade told me you are nearly ready to take over. She says she may get to retire early."

Beaming at her accomplishment she went on to tell him all about her day. The conversation continued into dinner with the family. Father told Souta he was now old enough to be working in the rice fields with him and he would be starting the next day. Souta was overjoyed at first, being one step closer to being considered a man. After realizing that meant nearly no time to play or pull pranks with Shippo he frowned though.

Late that night Kagome was awoken by her father once more. Inuyasha had come to speak with her. Not one to deny her friend she rushed to redress herself before stepping outside the small hut into the moonlight. "What is it?" She asked him in a whisper.

He seemed troubled and it looked like he had been busy this night. "I need your help. A few people from a nearby village came here earlier and one of them is injured badly. Will you come?" He asked. It was a task appointed to him by his father, but there was no need to tell her that. Kagome's heart was too big, he already knew her answer.

"Of course." She ducked inside through the flap that served as the door to grab a few items which may help her. Dashing back out she walked quickly at Inuyasha's side. "What happened to them?" Travelers stopped by now and again but injured villagers from nearby did not happen. Something was wrong and Kagome hoped it would not put the village in danger.

Glancing down at her he shrugged. "We don't know much. Father and Sesshomaru are with the other two now interrogating them. All I know is they were attacked and only the three of them managed to escape." He said lowly.

She nodded walking on in silence as they approached the massive home of Inuyasha and his family. Her friend led her inside and into one of the spare rooms. Sugumi had always longed for a girl and this was meant to be her room. However it remained empty as they had only two boys.

On the sleeping cot lay a fevered looking young man with soft silver locks not unlike his hosts. However unlike his hosts he was clearly human. Kagome went straight to work, evaluating his condition before giving Inuyasha instructions. The young man nodded before swiftly doing as she bid.

Kagome tended to her patient all night before she relaxed, all he needed now was rest, but then again so did she. Staggering back home she fell into a restless slumber upon hitting her pillow.

Her dreams where filled with pictures of her in an indecent skirt. She saw an old well that yielded no water. There was a memory of her tear faced mother telling her about a tragedy. She watched herself in a room full of youth her age all bent over a desk and writing frivolously on paper. There was a small pink jewel. Then she saw an old fortune teller. Eventually she watched herself fighting heartless beside the injured boy and two more she did not know.

She was wrenched from the sandman's forgiving arms by a stern shaking of her shoulder. Cracking her eyes open she saw her father standing over her and quickly blinked awake.

As she tried to process what she saw and what her mind told her father spoke. "You need to get up Kagome. Sugumi calls for you." He said with a fond pat of her head.

Kagome blinked up at the man before her. Tilting her head she said softly, "You're dead."

Her father's smile faded upon hearing the words she spoke. Frowning he looked down on her. "I am very much alive Kagome, what have you been dreaming?"

Kagome looked around the hut and shook her head vigorously. "No, no!" She cried out. She began to fight with herself she knew what she saw in her dream was true but this felt so right, which was real? "You're not really here! You're dead! Mama told me!" She said shaking in confusion.

Her father sat beside her and hugged her close. "Hush now little one." He said as he rocked her back and forth just like when she was a child.

"I'm so confused Papa. I don't know what's real anymore." She whimpered into his chest.

"Shh." He shushed her. "Let it out. It's okay darling, I'm right here." He said softly against her hair. Giving in Kagome cried as she decided that here in her father's arms is where she belonged.

Choking back the tears she cleaned herself up before stepping outside. Sugumi waited for her with both sons, all three wearing full battle armor. "What's going on she questioned.

Sugumi's stern face looked down on the small miko. "We are under attack." He said.

"I built a fort!" Inuyasha cheered as though he had just one the war. He punched a hand grasping a pillow in one hand into the air to punctuate his declaration.

Kagome blinked at him for a moment as she remembered a different Inuyasha. Shaking her head she gasped when the enemy appeared suddenly. Nobodies of all shapes and sizes filled her view and she cried out in despair.

Idly she wished she could protect her friends and family to help her village in it's time of need and gasped once more at the bright flash of light that appeared. A sword covered in frost rested in her hand. Before Kagome could study it further she heard cold laughter fill the air.

Looking up she noticed Inuyasha and his family were nowhere in sight. Before her stood an oddly dressed man with silver hair and red eyes. 'Why is it always silver hair?' She idly wondered. Something at the back of her mind stirred, nagging her with a sense of recognition as she looked at sinister man. "You...I've seen you before." She murmured ass he reached up to hold her aching head.

The mysterious man laughed coldly once. "Smart little bird aren't you?" He said in a smooth voice. "My sweet angel, come to me. I will take you to a world of dreams." He said in a hypnotic voice.

Kagome narrowed her eyes. "Then what do you call this?" She bit out.

He smiled maliciously at her. "Perceptive. Oh, dear, I wasn't expecting this. That's right this is a dream. But don't think you've won just yet!" The man said raising his arms. By his signal the hundreds of nobodies attacked.

Letting go of her fear Kagome gave in to the fight and began unleashing combo attacks against the enemies. She was fighting alone however and greatly outnumbered. She knew she would not last long and wondered at a way out of this mess. With a loud battle cry she swung one last time before she knew fatigue and injury would claim her. Clashing down on them she yelled fiercely, "Diamond dust!"

She awoke abruptly gulping down air as if she had been drowning. She noticed she was restrained and found vines had grown around her body, burying her in their coils. Tightening her grip on her blade she slashed herself free and stood panting. Taking stock of her surroundings she realized the immediate threat was over. It took her a minute to notice she was back in Wonderland.

Somehow she had managed to release herself from the dream world their enemy had created. It was then she realized the others would be in similar positions. The white smoke was not as strong now she decided. Racing off she hoped she could find them in time. "Hold on just a little longer." She pleaded with them aloud.

Sora groaned as he slowly blinked his heavy eye lids open. He felt like he had just lost a match to Cloud. His head was killing him. Opening his eyes he looked around only to see stones everywhere. He was perched on the landing of a set of stairs. Looking around better he noticed there were doors and other stairwells as well going in every which way imaginable.

Shutting his eyes again he groaned loader. 'Stupid Wonderland.' He thought in his head. Counting to ten he opened them once more only to notice the place he had found himself in had not changed. Standing he nearly lost his balance and had to grasp onto the side of the wall as best he could to keep his position. It was then realization dawned on him. Either he was upside down, or gravity had changed directions. Gulping he looked up, or rather below him.

He began edging around the place clinging to the stone walls the entire time. Wandering through the most confusing maze the backwards world had created yet he decided it was best to sit and wait. Collapsing onto the stairs he sighed. 'So how do I get out of here?' He wondered.

"Hello Sora." A voice whispered in his ear. Nearly jumping he summoned the Keyblade and spun around to face the threat.

Behind him stood a silver haired man, horizontally standing on the wall, that is. He giggled and flipped his long silver locks over his shoulder. Sora growled upon recognizing him. "You!"

"Yes, me. My given name is Kuja I'll have you know." He said with a playful gleam in his red eyes.

"What do you want?" Sora asked him narrowing his eyes. This man known as Kuja was bad not a good sign. As he waited for an answer he wondered where the others were.

"My we're upset aren't we?" He mocked the youth. Stepping down onto Sora's level he approached the brunette. "So, you're the key bearer?" He asked as he studied Sora, which made him uneasy. "Let's have a look at that key then shall we?" Kuja asked as he moved in on Sora.

Kagome could only hope that the others were in identical situations to the one she had been in. She was running through the forest now hoping to find vines clumped in a similar fashion over her friends. The wood was deep and there was a lot of ground for her to cover. Time was of the essence and she continued to push herself forward despite her lungs protest.

Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she worried that with each passing second she did not find them that she would lose her new friends. Nicks and cuts adorned her body and her feet were certainly worse for wear thanks to the rough terrain. She could not afford to stop and heal herself though; these wounds were only superficial, unlike what the others were going through.

Suddenly she spotted a clump of vines, slowing down she was able to hear the rustling as they grew to cover what she hoped was one of her friends at last. Stooping down she pulled the vines away and found Kairi beneath the foliage. Working faster she pulled up the greenery around her blindly as fast as she could before turning Kairi over and checking her over. Performing a quick cure spell on the girl Kagome was relieved when she began gasping for air. Patting Kairi's back Kagome waited for her friend to regain herself.

Kairi's eyes were wide in fear as she yelled, "No the heartless! Look out!" She then realized someone was patting and rubbing her back. Glancing over her shoulder she found Kagome. "Oh Kagome am I glad to see you!"

Kagome smiled but helped Kairi to her feet. "I'll explain later. Are you alright to travel? We need to find Sora and Riku still." She said in a hasty fashion.

"Sure, let's go." She agreed. If her friends were in danger than she did not care how awful she felt right now, they were more important.

Nodding Kagome took off and Kairi had to work to keep up with her. "Look for vines in some grouping or clump!" Kagome instructed over her shoulder to the other girl.

The two raced against the clocks ticking in their own minds. Running through the deep forest and it's thick underbrush they looked about wildly for any signs of vines or life.

It was nearly ten minutes before Kairi spotted an odd clump of vines by a tree. Both girls moved over to it quickly and began disbanding the vines from their purpose. Pulling the body below free they found Riku. Using the same methods she had used on Kairi Kagome began to heal Riku and encouraging him to breath.

Spluttering out old air and gasping for new clean air Riku came to. He coughed for a while muttering something about the enemy. Kagome peered at him worriedly; he seemed to have it wore than either she or Kairi had. "Are you okay Riku?" She asked in highly concerned voice. The adrenaline still pumping in her veins.

Turning himself around he looked up at he two girls and nodded roughly. "Yeah, I'll be fine." He said in a hoarse voice.

Kagome frowned. Kneeling down beside him she inspected his throat running her fingers along the length of his neck, making sure not to add to much pressure. Riku watched her with disbelieving eyes while Kairi seemed impatient to know how he was.

Pulling back Kagome looked him in the eye. "I think you may have damaged your throat lightly. Does this hurt at all?" She questioned further as she added a little pressure just below his Adam's apple. He groaned immediately and pulled away. Kagome nodded and handed him a potion. "Here this should help. All the same try not to use your voice for a while. The tissue needs to heal." She advised him in a soft tone.

He nodded and stood, Kagome did the same. "Alright." Kagome began. "We still need to find Sora! Let's hurry!" She said as she broke out into a run once more. Kairi pulled Riku along until he caught up with the determined girl.

It was nearly ten minutes before they found Sora. They were beginning to lose hope when they caught sound of a cold mocking laugh. Veering in direction they hurried on tot he source of the familiar noise. Crashing through the tree line they found the edge of the wood and a tall man with silver hair.

"Kuja." Kairi cursed his name under her breath. All three watched him for his next move. Kagome and Riku who had not learned his name quickly committed it to memory.

"Hm?" He hummed as he turned to look back at the three. It was then as he faced them fully they saw Sora lying in his arms.

"Sora!" All three cried out at once. Each worried for their friend who appeared unconscious in the enemy's arms.

"Ah, you finally made it." Kuja spoke in a suave tone which would have been striking coming from anyone else.

Riku stepped in front of Kagome and Kairi as he glared at the sinister man for all he was worth. "Let him go." He said sternly.

"Now why would I want to do that? What's in it for me? No, I think I'd rather keep my prize." Kuja said arrogantly, it was obvious he got some twisted pleasure out of the whole experience.

Summoning the Way to Dawn Keyblade Riku took another step towards the man. "Let him go now." He repeated once more.

"Sorry, but I have more pressing business. You'll get your friend back, if he's a good little boy." Kuja laughed sinisterly before pausing as Riku advanced on him, Keyblade raised. A dark malevolent gleam shone in his crimson eyes as he shifted Sora's weight in order to produce a silver sword of his own. "Eager to die, are we?" He mocked as his sword clashed with Riku's Keyblade. Kuja pushed Riku back and faced down all three youth who held their weapons against them now. Raising his silver sword he cried out, "Silver dragon: Annihilation!"

A massive wave of energy swept towards them too swiftly for the three friends to defend themselves. The forest behind them howled as trees broke and limbs were torn asunder. Kuja smirked at his handy work before disappearing into another portal, Sora in his arms.

Kagome blinked as the haze began to clear, her breathing labored. Looking at Riku and Kairi she saw they were in no better condition than she was. Riku had taken the worse of the hit but Kagome knew she was already clinging to life by a thread. Groaning she lost herself to the forgiving darkness.