World of the 11th Floor

Dwarf Woodlands

Alirah slowly walked up to the next door. She thought about Mickey and how he said that Riku was thinking about her. Her heart was pumping, she was getting chills – it felt like the time when she first met him. When she first looked into his eyes, all she could remember seeing was…someone…who looked just like her. Someone who was lost, felt alone, didn't know who to call a friend or enemy – just like her. Then the whole thing with feeling betrayed by Sora only confirmed that Riku was in the same boat as she was. "God I'm such an idiot!" She cursed herself. She didn't love Riku because he reminded her of Terra – which he did. She loved Riku because he reminded her of her. Riku made her feel like she had a place in the world – that she wasn't as alone as she felt. "Hiano," Hiano poked his head out of the keychain, "We have to find Riku!"

"He's still a ways away," Hiano informed her, "If we want to catch him, you're going to have to become a speed demon."

"Lucky me," She cheered, holding a card up to the door, "Aqua always said I was meant for running."

(^/|::|\^)

(Riku entered a world)

Alirah entered into the next world. She was in a forest. It was dark, almost eerie. The trees seemed to have faces. Alirah felt like they were going to jump out and eat her. A small breeze blew through, blowing leaves along the way. A leave brushed passed Alirah neck, making her shudder. "Any idea where we are?" She shuddered.

"These are your memories, you tell me." Hiano slithered out onto the ground. "As far as I know we could be in the woods of Radiant Garden."

"Radiant Garden doesn't have woods," she corrected him, "And aside from that, let's look around. Something gotta jump out at me." SNAP! She spun on her heel. Her eyes darted throughout the trees. "I hope someone won't make that literal." She prayed, ready to draw her keyblade. Hiano went around her neck, keeping eyes on her six. SNAP! RUSTLE! Was the forest moving? Or was it just Alirah being paranoid? SNAP! RUSTLE! SQWAK! Out of habit, Alirah switched to her gold eyes and darted them around. "Huh?"

"What is it?"

"Believe it or not I see something," She whispered, "It's a teal color – Similar to Even only different." She raised her hand and threw a dark ball at one of the trees. Something darted from the position came around behind Alirah. The shadow charged from the bushes and drew a sword. Alirah snapped around and blocked with her blade. The figure had on a helmet, but wore a very familiar suit of armor. Alirah pushed him back and slammed her blade down, getting the figure down on one knee. The figure balanced on the ground with one hand and brought his leg under Alirah's feet. Alirah fell on her back. The figure raised the sword above Alirah's stomach. Alirah got a good look at the sword. "Souleater?" she whispered. The figure stabbed down. Alirah rolled out of the way. She swung back and hit the helmet. The helmet was sliced in half. The figure looked away as the helmet fell off. Silver hair drifted out and down. Alirah walked closer to the boy, reaching a hand for his shoulder, "Riku?" She whispered. The boy turned. Alirah came face to face with the cerulean eyed boy. It was Riku. Only something was off. His eyes were harder than usual. He carried himself like he was ready for another fight. To top off the weirdness his aura was teal. No one can change their aura. It's part of their soul. She thought suspiciously. Alirah folded a strand of hair behind her ear. "Good to see you Riku," she greeted with a cautious smile, "You seem to be doing well."

"So do you." he replied gruffly. Alirah scratched her arm nervously. That didn't sound like him. She dropped her eyes. She couldn't look at him. "You don't seem surprised to see me." He said harshly, "What's wrong? Am I not good enough for you anymore?"

"No, no, that's not it," She reassured him with a smile, "It's just that…you seem…different."

"Pfft," he scoffed, "Different! Is that how you see me?" Alirah cocked an eye. "I bet if I was Terra you would be fawning over me!"

"That's not it!"

"YES IT IS!" He roared, getting in her face. He tore Hiano off and tossed him to the side. He was ready to spring back. Alirah threw up a hand, telling him to stay put. Alirah remained impassive to his anger. "These memories, these places – in all of them you were with Terra. I bet that's why they're so special!" Alirah didn't react. She narrowed her gold eyes. The teal is burning brightly. Is that how he wants to play? Alirah sub consciously smiled. "So you find me funny do you?" He roared, "You've always been like that! You laugh when a situation is serious."

"Why should I consider this serious?" She asked with a devilish smile. Riku narrowed his eyes. Alirah grabbed the collar of his shirt and brought him closer. Riku could see her gold eyes burning with black fire. "You think that just because you have his face I'm supposed to take you seriously. That I'm supposed to be scared." She raised a hand, black fire engulfing it, "Don't…make…me…LAUGH!" She punched him directly in the nose, sending him into a tree.

Hiano eyes were beaming with fear. WHAT'S GOTTEN INTO YOU ALIRAH?"

HE'S A FAKE! She roared back to him. Hiano cocked an eye and looked over to Riku. He sprang back onto his feet, holding Souleater at the ready. "He's nothing but a cheap imitation!"

"What'd you call me?" He snarled, wiping his cheek.

"A cheap, malpractice, imitation of the real Riku!" She spat. Riku gawked nervously. She pointed an accusing finger, "Besides, if this is a world of my memories, you wouldn't be here."

"Have you ever considered I'm part of the memory?" He retaliated cynically, "You and I did come to this world once before."

"True, but that was because I brought you. And if you were part of the memory, I wouldn't be able to see your Aura." Riku cocked an eye. "I already know the aura of everyone in my memories, so they don't appear." Riku readied his sword. Keep prying kid! He snarled in his mind. "Riku's Aura is purple. Your Aura is teal, the same as Even's, which automatically makes you a fake." A vein popped out in Riku's head. Fake? "Not only that – like me with him - Riku would never attack me. Not for any reason." Riku – his copy – smiled irritably. "So tell me, was it Even who made you?"

"It was. And he said – should you call him Even – to tell you to call him Vexen."

"I'll call him whatever I see fit!" She spat. "I'm going to guess that the card he pulled from my head is what gave you access to this memory."

"This and every other memory you enter." He added confidently.

Alirah nodded emotionlessly. Even always did find ways to keep tabs on me. She sniggered in her mind. Repliku began to glow. His energy was charging. Alirah cocked an eye. "You planning on doing something?" she asked, not feeling threatened.

"You're becoming a problem for the Organization," he informed her, "I've been asked to take you out."

"Have you now?" Alirah asked skeptically. She strutted slowly over to him, a seductive smile on her face. Her gold eyes were glowing brightly with malice.

"I-I have." He sputtered. Alirah continued to walk towards him. Repliku's eyes were entranced by Alirah's gold ones. They were intimidating but alluring. Repliku couldn't explain it, but he was sweating. What's wrong with me? He asked himself. My heart is beating…I've got chills…what's wrong with me? Repliku looked up. Alirah was right in his face. He backed into the tree. Alirah pressed up against him, draping her arms around his neck. Repliku kept his hands raised and out to the side, trying not to hold her. Alirah rubbed her chest against his. She moved her knee in between his legs and grinded. "Hn…" he moaned.

"Do you know why your heart is beating?" She whispered in his ear. "Why your hands are trembling? Why you're sweating?" "Why you're," She raised her knee earning a groan, "Getting hard?" Repliku started to pant softly. He placed his arms around her waist. Alirah trailed a hand to his chin and gripped it, making him look down to her. Do you want to know why you can't hit me?" Riku's eyes trembled, "Because you're Riku's cheap ass COPY!" She hit fire into his chest, making Repliku cry out in agony. She grabbed him by the collar and threw him on the ground and onto his back. He looked up at her. Alirah knelt down to him. "Tell Vexen he needs to be a hell of a lot smarter when making a clone," she mocked the replica, "He needs to make sure they don't have the same emotion."

Repliku raised a hand and shot a dark ball. It hit Alirah in the chest, blowing her back onto her back. Repliku rose to his feet, balancing on his sword. He held his chest tightly. Alirah leaned on her hands and glared at him. Repliku pointed a finger and decreed, "You or the real thing," he gurgled animally, "I will wipe the floor with you. And when I do, I will make one of you watch as I kill the other!" Alirah smirked at him, accepting the challenge. Repliku opened a portal and jumped through it.

Alirah wiped off her chest. Hiano slithered over. "I never knew you could act sexy." He purred, wiggling his eyebrows sexily.

Alirah folded her hands behind her head and stuck out her hips, "One of my many hidden talents." She winked at Hiano. He blushed madly. Alirah giggled. "When we weren't doing anything, Riku and I would bribe Hook into sharing his rum with us. Riku helped me develop this skill in order to get what we wanted. I had Oogie drooling bugs one day," she inhaled through her teeth, "Boy that was not fun to clean up."

"I'm sure it wasn't," Hiano chuckled. He went up her body and to her waist, "Shall we learn where we are now?"

"Repliku gave me a hint. He said places I visited with Terra. There's one last world that I visited with Terra. And I can only be sure once we get out of these woods." She looked around. There was a path that was covered with rocks. "Let's go this way."

(=_=)

(Repliku POV)

Vexen was sitting on a couch. He was polishing his shield when Repliku appeared before him. He was panting heavily, almost flustered. "Did something happen?" Vexen asked, not looking from his shield.

"She played me like a damn Violin!" He roared, "Thanks to you making me exactly like Riku, I fell for those big blue eyes of hers!"

"Those always were pretty." Vexen jested, puffing on the shield and polishing it.

Repliku slapped the shield away and grabbed him by the cloak, "FOCUS YOU MORON!" Vexen cocked an eye, saying, did he just call me a moron? "If you want Alirah gone, you need to take out the part of me that loves her."

"And why would I do that?" Vexen asked with a smirk. Repliku gritted his teeth. "I'm about to send you up against the real Riku. If I take away that emotion, you won't be able to use it against him."

Repliku stammered for a moment, and then looked to the wall. Vexen's smirk grew. Repliku moved his eyes up and down, and around the room. He figured out the real reason behind the attack. "You knew I wouldn't kill her," he breathed, "You just-"

"Wanted to confirm the feelings of the two," Vexen finished. "And now that I know the two still love each other deeply, my plan can proceed."

Repliku reluctantly released the man and moved back, "What plan?"

"The plan that involves you going against the real thing." Repliku raised an eye, "I saw what Alirah did to you to make you lose focus," he said slyly, rising from the couch. Repliku blushed madly. "Use that knowledge to get a rise out of Riku. Let's see if his faith in Alirah's is as strong as hers." He tapped Repliku's forehead. He shifted and morphed into Alirah. "That card I made of Alirah is so that you can morph in between the two. However, since Riku is your primary, you're still male at heart. Your heart will not love Riku, but you mind will. So you can still manipulate him and not have Alirah's conscience nagging at you. But the Alirah's female mind and voice will take a while to set in. So you can relax here while that takes place." He analyzed the morphed boy. Twirling him, checking the angles and measurements, "All in all, you're not a bad fit. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were Alirah." Repliku marveled at his body. He was enjoying it as well. He saw that he had breasts now. Are these real? He thought. He reached for them. Vexen rolled his eyes and slapped his hand away. "You may be posing as her," he hissed in his face, "But I will not allow you to treat Alirah's body so lewdly.

"Sorry," he apologized. Vexen hmphed and jotted down his findings. Repliku scratched his head nervously. He's fussing over Alirah, his real objective is just for me to confirm feelings, and he's fussing over Alirah. He noted. Then he remembered, thanks to Alirah's memory card, that Alirah's known Vexen since she was six. Could he still care about her?

(=_=)

(Alirah POV)

The rocky pathway finally brought Alirah out of the forest. The sun was beaming down her. She never thought she'd miss it so much. She was brought to a weird canyon. She could see grass and trees above her, so she knew she didn't wander too far from her original position. This looks familiar. She thought to herself. What world am I in? "HI ho, hi ho – it's off to work we go." Someone sang in the distance. Alirah crept into the canyon further. She peered around a corner and saw seven small men marching into a cave. "No way," She marveled. The small men vanished one by one into the cave with a little dopey looking one skipping behind. She smiled dreamily when she figured out what world it was. She put a hand to her forehead, cursing herself for forgetting. We're in the Woodlands. She laughed. I should have recognized those woods. Those were the Woods where Terra and I lost sight of Snow White.

Isn't this the place where you had your rose trinkets made? Hiano asked.

Yeah, she brought out the Rose Way Finder and took off her clip, Terra and Riku made me these so that I would think about them when I was sad. They really do work.

Maybe I should make you one, Hiano offered, I feel a little bad that I haven't gotten you anything.

Alirah put the clip back in her hair and the Way Finder in her pocket. You do enough by staying with me, she assured him. She tiptoed to the cave. Stopping a foot away she said, Right now we need to figure out what tasks await us this time.

Well in the last two worlds we had to help the princesses.

And Snow White is the princess here. Alirah scratched her chin, and leaned against the rocky wall. Last time I was here, Terra and I found Snow White in a glade of flowers. That was after we spoke with the Queen.

Then let's assume that this is like Castle of Dreams, Hiano instructed, instead of meeting with the queen this time, you're meeting with these Dwarves.

Good theory. Let's test it. Alirah slowly walked into the cave. The dwarves were pickaxing the walls. The Dwarf with the Red cap was scrambling all over the cave, holding his pickaxe defensively. Every noise he jumped. Every sneeze he attacked a rock. The small man was paranoid. Maybe I should wait outside? The small man scared her. He was more vicious than a heartless Rabid Dog. He looks like he's expecting something to happen.

Maybe something did happen. We did run into the fake Riku. "WHO'S THERE?" Alirah snapped her head to the inside of the cave. Red cap and his Dwarf friends looked to Alirah. I think I've just been spotted. She chuckled dryly. Red Cap ran up to her and shoved his axe into Alirah's face. "WHO ARE YA, YA WITCH?" Red cap roared, shaking his axe. Alirah stopped snickering and sneered. Witch? She questioned feeling insulted. "Speak now or I'll run my ax through yer gullet!" Alirah narrowed her eyes, staring languidly at the small man. He's as morbid as Hook. "WELL!"

Alirah swallowed her pride and changed her attitude to sweet and polite and said, "I'm sorry for intruding. I was looking for a friend of mine, then I got lost myself you see and…well…" she flushed her face, trying to look innocent, "Now I have no idea where I've wandered." She batted her eyes, trying to earn sympathy. She heard the old one aw empathetically. This…is…torture!

Keep going! Hiano urged. It's working. "It's quite alright my dear child," The old man said as he walked up to her, "All cew nomers – new comers – get lost around her." Out of respect, Alirah knelt down. "You must forgive our friend," he said, pointing to Red Cap, "He's just keeping watch over us." Red Cap scoffed and turned away. "Allow us to introduce ourselves," The old one offered, "I'm Doc. This is Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Dopey, Sleepy and Mister jolly over there is Grumpy. We're the seven dwarves."

"Hello, I'm Alirah." she giggled. She found the names and titles kind of adorable.

"Gawsh…" Bashful laughed dumbly, twisting his bird nervously, "Yer awful perty. You look like…one of those…angels I see in ma dreams – tee hee." He pulled his beard over his face, hiding his red face.

"Aww," she chortled, "Thanks Bashful." Bashful hugged Sneezy, still trying to hide his red face. Sneezy was laughing like a drunken man. Dopey was flapping his ears, rocking back and forth on his feet. Alirah put a hand over her mouth, trying not to giggle out loud. They're really cute.

Yeah, yeah, keep it professional. Hiano grumbled. Alirah smirked to herself. I sense jealousy. She hummed. "You said you were looking for someone?" Grumpy demanded. "Tell us who so ya can get to gittin!"

"Why so grouchy Grumpy?" She played on his name, "You act like I'm going to kill you."

Grumpy snorted his nose, getting ready to yell at her again. He was stopped by Sleepy. "We had a run in with…yaaawwwn….someone in armor earlier this morning." He explained while yawning and scratching his leg.

"He attacked us," Happy explained next, "said we were getting in his way."

Must have been Repliku. Hiano commented. "Did he say in the way of what?" Alirah asked.

"He said there was someone he was looking for and we needed to come here," Sneezy explained, "He told us to stay here until he said otherwise."

"I know who you mean," Alirah admitted, "The man who attacked you was…the person I was looking for. I dealt with him."

"So he's gone?" Doc asked. Alirah nodded. "Oh thank goodness!" he sighed, "We thought he was going after Snow Site – Snow White."

"Why would he go after her?" Alirah asked enquiringly.

"Her step mother, the queen's, been hirin hunters and sending weird creatures after her." Happy informed her, "We managed to hide her. But we think the Queen knows that we have her."

"Now when you guys say creatures," Alirah said inquisitively, "what do they look like?"

"THAT!" Grumpy cried, pointing to the cave entrance.

Alirah looked back. Four Gargoyle heartless appeared in the cave entrance. Just what we needed! She groaned. Then a lizard with a lantern on its tail was scaling the walls. An illuminator, just what I didn't need! "They're after us again boys!" Grumpy declared, taking a fighting stance. "Let's take 'em out!" The Dwarves gathered around and held their axes at the ready.

Doc and Bashful got in front of Alirah. "Let us handle them Alirah." Doc offered.

"You stay back!" Bashful said.

Something about this didn't seem right to Alirah. Why hadn't they attacked? Hiano jolted in her mind, desperately trying to get her attention. Heartless can appear and vanish anywhere at any time. Hiano explained, ascertaining the situation. If they were after the Dwarves they would have appeared behind us and would have attacked by now

They must know where Snow White is! I have to finish this fast! "YOU SEVEN GET BACK FURTHER INTO THE CAVE!" She ordered, running passed the Dwarves, "Get back and stay close to one another." She drew her keyblade. The Dwarves gasped in awe. They eventually ran back and gathered in a corner. The Illuminator downed the lights. The cave entrance light – everything. This played to the Gargoyles advantage. They thrived in the dark. Luckily, so did Alirah. Alirah placed two fingers over her eye lids. "Brightest day, darkest night – reveal that which escapes my sight," She chanted, "Foresight!" She opened her eyes. They were icy blue. She looked back. The Dwarves were trying to see through the blackness, but they were together. Alirah glanced back to the heartless. The four Gargoyles had her surrounded. The two behind her were slowly edging towards the Dwarves. She looked up to the ceiling. The illuminator was over her. Alirah raised a hand, "Glacia." She whispered. The ice hit the heartless's tail. The darkness was lifted. Alirah flipped back and dragged her blade straight down one of the Gargoyles backs. One: nothing wrong with me. She sang. The one next to her readied a spit ball. It hawked the ball. Alirah rolled forward and tossed her blade like a Frisbee. It sliced the gargoyle in half. Two: nothing wrong with me. The last two heartless spit balls at her. Alirah deflected them. She ran up and grabbed a gargoyles foot. She threw the one into the other and burned both. Three, four: Nothing wrong with me! She looked up at the Illuminator. It was prying at the ice. She aimed her blade. "LET THE HEARTLESS HIT THE FLOOR!" She electrocuted it off the ceiling. It crashed on the ground hard and poofed out.

The Dwarves crept out of their corner, making sure no heartless were lurking. "Are they gone?" Happy asked sheepishly.

"They're gone." Alirah panted.

"That was impressive!" Doc gasped impressively. "Where'd you learn to fight like that?"

"I had a master. Listen," she changed the subject swiftly, "Where is Princess Snow White?" She asked hurriedly. The Dwarves exchanged looks of confusion. "It's not a trick question!" she howled, "Where is she?"

"At our cottage," Doc answered, "why?"

"This fight was a farce! The Heartless were trying to keep us here! The princess is in trouble!"

"SNOW WHITE!" They all cried. They sped from the cave. Alirah followed behind them. I never saw what happened to Snow White last time. I hope nothing bad is going to happen.

\\/(^)\/

Alirah and The Dwarves arrived at their cottage. So far nothing seemed amiss, but something was nagging at Alirah. Something's off.

I sense it too. Stay on your guard. "PRINCESS!" Doc and Grumpy cried. The Dwarves ran for their cottage.

"WAIT!" She ordered. The Dwarves skidded to halt, crashing into one another. "Something's not right about any of this." She inferred. "Our trip here was too easy. There could be a trap waiting in the house."

"But we have to check on Snow White!" Grumpy snapped desperately, "She could be in danger."

"Then let me check things out." She offered, "Just in case one of those monsters is hiding in the doorway." Doc placed a calm hand on Grumpy's shoulder. Grumpy cooled down and cleared the way for Alirah. She bowed her head in gratitude. Alirah strolled over to the cottage, keeping her eyes and ears open for anything shifty. As she touched the door, something flashed in her mind. (An old woman and the queen) Hiano, something's off. The old woman I just saw. I've never seen her before, yet her presence is all over this house.

She must be someone of this memory. Otherwise I'd doubt she would appear. Alirah glared at the door. A sickening chill running up her body. She prepped herself to attack. She waited for the word to act. Do it. Alirah drew her blade. The Dwarves raised their axes defensively. Bashful ran up and grabbed the door knob. Alirah put her back to the wall. Bashful furrowed his brow and bobbed his head to Alirah, waiting for the go ahead. Alirah nodded back. Bashful threw the door open. Alirah jumped in the doorway, keyblade glowing. Nothing happened. Alirah, keeping the blade in front of her, stepped into the house. She moved her eyes about the small cottage, gazing at the smallest shadow. I sense nothing. Hiano informed.

Neither do I. Alirah sheathed her blade. "Come on in guys!" She announced. The Dwarves gathered in. Alirah moved about the cottage, marveling at the décor. Maybe when this whole journey is over I'll find a place like this. She smiled. I like quiet places like this. I can train and liv in peace.

I can see it now, Hiano daydreamed, you and Riku are married, have your own kids, and are living in a cottage.

A mad blush broke out across Alirah's face. I'M NOT GOING TO MARRY HIM! She panicked.

But you are going to get back together with him, Hiano continued to mock her, After all, you do love him. Before Alirah could tell him to shut up a cry was heard from upstairs. NOOOO! Alirah dashed for the cry. When she entered the upstairs bedroom, her eyes widened with horror. Draped on the bed, lifeless and pale, laid Snow White. The Dwarves were on their knees crying, begging for this to not be happening. Alirah sauntered somberly over to the beds. Is this…what happened? She thought, mourning the princess. She died….A tear ran down her face. "Huh?" Alirah wiped it away. "I can't believe this…" she laughed at herself. The Dwarves looked up at her. "I can't believe I'm crying over someone I barely knew."

"You knew the princess?" Happy asked, sniffling.

"Sort of," Alirah cleared up her eyes. She stood over Snow White, "When I was six, I saw her picking flowers in the glade." She ran her hand through Snow White's hair lovingly, "She carried the same smile she does now. You would think she was in a never ending dream with how happy she was." Alirah squeezed her eyes shut and wheezed. She knelt down and placed her forehead on Snow White's. Bump-bump. "Huh?" Alirah felt something. She moved her finger to the corner of the princess's neck. She had a pulse. "She's not dead!"

"What do ya mean?" Sleepy asked.

"She has a pulse! She's not dead." The Dwarves had half smiles appearing on their faces. The hope was coming back into their eyes. But how is that possible? Alirah, Hiano whispered, on the ground. Alirah looked down. There was a bitten apple on the floor. Alirah shifted and had Hiano snake his head out. He sniffed the apple and went back inside. It's one of those cheaply cursed apples. Whoever bites into it falls into a deep sleep. I have no idea how to break it though.

You let me worry about that. She picked up the apple. "Snow White's been cursed. This apple's just put her to sleep."

Sneezy took it and analyzed it. "That mean old Queen must have done this!" Sneezy cried. "We have to help her somehow!" Dopey nodded his head wildly, his tears splashing all over. "But how?" The Dwarves muttered worryingly amongst themselves. Alirah put a hand to her chin, humming thoughtfully. Alirah, do you know the way to the castle?

Not from here. The Queen could decide to move by the time we found her.

Then we must ask the Dwarves for their aide.

We can't do that. They'll get in the way.

Then how do you suggest-

Hiano was stopped by Grumpy slamming his fist onto the table. All eyes went to him. Alirah was especially intent on hearing him. "Are you all a bunch of knuckle heads?" "We're stormin that castle and we're takin that queen down!"

"We can't do that!" Doc gasped, "Storming the castle will be cruicide – suicide!"

"Then what do we do?" Grumpy roared, getting into his face, "We can't just let Snow White wither away." He grabbed Doc by the collar, "The moment we hid her here in our home was the moment we vowed to protect her. We are going to keep that vow," he pushed him away, "And we are going to wake Snow White up!" He decreed. He raised his pickaxe heroically, "No matter what it takes."

Alirah marveled at how determined Grumpy was. She looked among the other Dwarves and saw the fire in their eyes. Okay…She sighed with defeat, Looks like we're bringing them along. Hiano smiled with victory. He knew that somehow the Dwarves would play on her conscience. It went better than he expected. "Then let's get to work," Alirah opted blissfully, "The way to help Snow White is in that Castle, and that witch has the means to do it." She knelt down to them, "Will you boys allow me to help you?"

"After everything you've done for us?" Doc asked. Held out a hand, "We'd be honored to have you." Alirah took the hand and shook it. "Now if we run, we should make it to the castle before the sun sets." Doc planned.

"I can do you one better." Alirah winked. She went outside. The Dwarves trailed behind her. Alirah stood in the center of the path. The Dwarves gathered around, anxious to see what it is she would do. Alirah held out a hand and summoned, "Hiano!" Hiano slithered out and around her arm. The Dwarves scrambled back.

"Do not worry gentlemen," Hiano said with a bow, "I will not harm you."

"Who-who are you?" Happy stammered.

Hiano went to the ground and grew in size. The Dwarves backed away. "Your ride to the castle," Hiano answered. Alirah got near him and extended a hand, offering to help them on. The Dwarves questioned the snake. They weren't suspicious of Alirah, just dubious of her actions. They were wondering how long she would have really kept Hiano a secret. Dopey, though scared out of his mind, edged his way to Hiano. He hid his hands away in his robe, twiddling his fingers nervously. He looked from Hiano to Alirah, questioning whether or not he should ride.

"Don't worry Dopey," Alirah said with a smile, "Hiano and I have been together for a little over a year now," She patted Hiano's head, "He wouldn't hurt a fly." Dopey edge closer. Alirah took his hand and placed it on Hiano's head. She moved it left to right. Dopey smiled widely and hugged Hiano. The other Dwarves seemed to calm down. Alirah put Dopey on and turned back to the other Dwarves. "You boys ready to go?"

/{}^{}\

Alirah rode in front so she could steer Hiano. Hiano was speeding through the woods, tearing up the pathway and bushes. The Dwarves, as they gave direction, were hanging on for dear life. They felt the bumps of the road and Hiano's body twisting to move through the woods without scarring himself on the tree trunks. Dopey was burying his face into Alirah's back. Alirah smiled to herself. When you get passed the beards, Alirah commented softly. Hiano glanced back out of the corner of his eye, these dwarves are only human. She laid her head against Hiano's neck. And as to the human persona, they always look for some reason to fight. Regardless of their own safety.

In hindsight, you're human. Hiano retorted gently, and I've seen you go the distance for others. In case you've forgotten, you nearly died from a stab wound.

Believe me, she moaned, I could never forget. She put a hand to her chest. It still feels like the dagger is in my chest.

Grumpy looked passed Doc and up to Alirah. He could see he face contorting into different emotions. One point she's happy, the next she looks melancholy. The same as said for Hiano. Grumpy saw him smiling as well. He leaned into Doc's ear and whispered, "I don't trust 'em," Doc looked back, "When one smiles, the other frowns. There's more to these two than meets our eye."

"Calm down Grumpy," Doc whispered back, "If Alirah wanted kill us she would have by bow – by now." Grumpy spat at the ground, skeptical of Doc's assessment.

Happy poked Grumpy, getting his attention. "She's a good kid Grumpy," Happy assured him, "You'll see." He patted Grumpy on the back affectionately. Grumpy looked forward and glared at Alirah. She and Hiano seemed to be talking about something and it made him nervous. She's full of wicked wiles. Grumpy grumbled. I can feel 'em in ma bones.

(:|)=(|:)

Alirah and the dwarves arrived outside the castle. Alirah looked the area over. No heartless were around, but that didn't mean they weren't in the castle. Alirah was tempted to tell them to stay back. But they were Dwarves, with pickaxes, on a mission. They'd probably sneak in after her. She and the dwarves jumped down. The Dwarves twirled and readied their pickaxes. Hiano went around her waist. "You rest old man," Alirah stroked his body, "You've earned it."

"Thank you." He started to snore around her waist.

Alirah rolled her eyes and then looked to the Dwarves. Sneezy and Bashful went to the archway and looked into the courtyard. Bashful motioned with a hand for the others to come close. Happy, Dopey, and Doc went with Sneezy. Alirah, Grumpy and Dopey went to Bashful. "Alright," Bashful whispered, "There are two weird ghost things, and three of those gargoyles in the court yard." He informed. "They're being led by some strange ghost magician."

Alirah leaned over him and peered around the corner. There were the gargoyles. Pacing back and forth throughout the court yard. The three Ghost s were Search Ghosts, who guarded the door. The last ghost was dressed as a magician and he was sitting in the center of the group. "The ghosts are known as Search Ghost," she informed irritably, "The good news is that they can't hear, so they rely on their sight. The bag news is," she pointed to the glowing eyes, "Once they have you in their sights, it's pretty hard to shake them. The other Ghost is known as a Nightwalker. Fast, strong, and annoying."

"You seem ta know a lot about these here creatures," Grumpy commented judgmentally, "Why is that?" Alirah narrowed her eyes. Grumpy furrowed his. "What's the matter WITCH?" He snarled, "Did I catch you and yer lizard red handed?" Hiano poked an eye open. "I saw you two the entire ride. Smiling and frowning – yer able to talk without talkin ain't ya?" The other Dwarves became concerned. Could she speak with talking? And if so, what was she not talking about. "WELL!" Alirah slapped a hand over his mouth. One of the gargoyles stuck its head over the edge. It hissed and gurgled, running its tongue over its lips. Alirah picked up a stone and threw it in the court yard. The heartless formed around it. Alirah and the dwarves let out sighs of relief. "I still want an answer!" Grumpy demanded quietly.

"Grumpy!" Doc hissed.

"It's alright," Alirah assured him. She stroked Hiano again, letting him know things were fine. "The ghosts and gargoyles are something of my creation." She explained. "As a necromancer I have power over the dead. Heartless who are on the basis of death are no problem for me to create." Sleepy and Sneezy exchanged worried glances. Doc and Grumpy sneered. Happy, Dopey and Bashful were waiting for the rest of her explanation. "Thanks to my former employer's power over hearts, she helped me make them."

"Then you should be able to take control right?" Happy assumed.

"Unfortunately no," she groaned, "My ex-boss created a failsafe on the heartless. Anyone who diverts from her rule loses control over their heartless," she thought on hers and Riku's coup d'état. An anime sweat drop dropped on the side of her head, "And I lost that control months ago."

"What about you and that snake?" Grumpy continued.

"As Master and Guardian, Hiano and I are allowed to speak telepathically and in our own language." Grumpy cocked an eye. He was still suspicious of Alirah. But he thought about it: if Alirah was hiding something, why would she tell them all this? I figure it doesn't matter if I tell them, she said to Hiano. They are memories after all. Once we leave, it'll be as if we never met.

And yet you'll still love them no matter what. Hiano chuckled. Alirah rolled her eyes. "Alirah," Doc whispered, "There's too many of them. Please allow us to help you."

"I don't know Doc," She doubted, "These aren't enemies I think you guys can handle."

"We gotta help!" Happy encouraged her. "You've done so much to help us. Let us help you now."

Alirah could argue with them for the next hundred years if she could. The results would be the same. Once she said no, they would beg for her to let them join in. Besides, Hiano was tired. She couldn't ask him to help at that point. It's been a while since she's fed him anyway. "Fine," she agreed. She knelt down and urged them all closer. The three on the one side tiptoed over. They all huddled as Alirah made a game plan. "The Nightwalker and Gargoyles can fly, so I'll lure them away. The Search Ghosts are grounders so you guys can take those three. But stay out of their sight." She fore warned.

"Right!" The Dwarves cried.

Alirah got to her feet. She climbed up the vines and crawled on top of the wall. "Drakov!" She shot the dark ball into the center of the group. The heartless looked up at her. "Catch me if you can you half-baked puppets!" She ran along the wall, the gargoyles and nightwalker trailing behind. The Search Ghosts remained in their spots. The spot lights from their eyes were seen on the ground, so the dwarves knew where to avoid. Sleepy and Sneezy crept in first. Sleepy had a dirt ball in his hand. The left hand Search Ghost ran its gaze from left to right. When the light went left, Sleepy threw the dirt ball. It landed in the middle of the light. The Search Ghost floated from its spot. It tilted its head. Its drooping eye dangling on the ground. Sleepy and Sneezy snuck up behind him and drove their axes through its skull, destroying it. Happy and Bashful came in next. Happy got the Ghosts attention. Its head spun in a complete circle and moved for him. Happy raised his axe. As the ghost got ready to attack, Bashful came up on the side and sliced through the ghost, taking down yet another threat. Dopey, Doc and Grumpy didn't waste any time. Doc and Grumpy tackled it to the ground, pinning it. Dopey delivered the finishing blow. The Dwarves laughed victoriously. It felt good to be in battle. They wanted to try it more often. They then heard clapping from around one of the corners. Alirah was applauding them. "You guys are better than I gave you credit for. I hope you'll forgive me for doubting you."

"Not worry," Bashful said with a smile, "We're more than capable of handling creatures like these." He blushed as Alirah drew closer. He twisted his beard into knots as his face turned red. Alirah smiled with adoration. "OH GAAAWWRSH!" He giggled embarrassingly.

Alirah shook her head. "Let's go." She insisted. The Dwarves nodded. They pushed open the door and walked inside. The Dwarves searched under the tables and behind the curtains. They were so determined to find the queen they literally searched every nook and cranny. They'd search a mouse hole if a human could fit in one. So paranoid. She giggled. Her eyes roamed over the room. The castle was nothing like what Alirah saw when she took Riku to this place. As of now it was brand new. Even in memories, Alirah always enjoyed the sense of nostalgia that came with them. But that sense was dulled by a feeling of suspicion. The security outside was somewhat excessive. Alirah commented. The queen must have realized what the cure was. She touched a pot on a stand. (Queen and the old woman standing side by side) That vision…

The old woman and queen again.

Yes. And I have a feeling that they are one in the same. She placed a hand to her fore head, groaning irritably. The death of Snow White, the woman and Queen, the cure – so many questions. There's only one who can answer my questions. She looked upstairs. And he's hanging on the wall upstairs. "Guys!" She called. "Up here!" Alirah ran upstairs. The Dwarves sped after her.

/}{\\

Alirah and the Dwarves made it to the top of the stairs. They came to the queen's bedroom. And to Alirah's delight, on the same wall, the mirror was placed. Alirah gasped in bliss and ran up to it. "This is it!" She cheered, rolling her hands over its smooth surface, "This will help us save Snow White."

"How's a mirror supposed to help?" Grumpy asked.

"Oh ye of little faith," she retorted smoothly, "Join me up here and see what this mirror – as you so plainly call it – can really do."

Grumpy snorted and stomped up to her. The rest of the Dwarves followed. They all saw themselves in the mirror. Alirah tapped her head, trying to remember the words to call forth the spirit. "So what do we do now?" Grumpy asked impatiently. "Stand here and look at how gorgeous we are?"

"If you're that obsessed about your looks," Alirah grabbed another mirror, "Then use this one." She handed it to Grumpy who tossed it into a corner. "This mirror," she raised her hands out in front of her, "is not for personal use." She closed her eyes, feeling the magic of the mirror swirling around her. This mirror is our only hope. Please be inside. "Spirit of the mirror," She began powerfully, "Come from the farthest space." A breeze seemed to pick up. The Dwarves hung onto their caps. Alirah hair flipped, and her skirt flowed. "Through wind and darkness I summon thee…" Lightning struck in the mirror. Its magic was gathering. Alirah shot her eyes open and shouted, "SPEAK!" Fire engulfed the mirrors reflection. The Dwarves jumped back and hid behind Alirah. "Show me thy face." She commanded once more. The flames died down. Coming into view was a face that looked like a theatre prop.

"What wouldst thou know, she who summoned me?" The face asked.

"IT TALKS!" Happy gasped.

"He does," Alirah replied calmly, "This mirror has the answers. We just need to ask the questions."

"In that case," Bashful walked up, "Please tell us who killed Snow White." He pleaded. The spirit remained silent, his face blank. Bashful, prone to his nature, blushed dumbly. "Uh…" he glanced back to Alirah who was smirking, "I think the mirror in broken."

"It's not broken," She chuckled, walking up next to him, "You just need to say it in a rhyming pattern." Bashful scratched his head, wondering why that was. "It's a magician's thing. Our predecessors had an attraction to riddles." She approached the mirror. Thinking for a few seconds, she chanted, "Magic mirror, here my call. Who killed Snow White? Please tell all."

"We already know who killed her!" Grumpy hollered, "The Queen did it!"

"We know that the Queen did it," Alirah retorted harshly, "But you and I both know that Snow White would never take anything her step mother gives her." Grumpy chewed on the side of his cheek and spat out on the floor. "I want to know how the Queen did it Mirror. Please tell us."

"Eyes burned deep with envy," he began, "Heart forever stained with hate. It was the Queen as an old woman, who sealed Snow White's fate."

"Knew it," Alirah grumbled, "Snow White never knew what her step mother was capable of. Disguising herself was a good plan."

"Magic mirror hear my plight. How do we save our princess Snow White?"

"Bitten into an apple cursed with an eternal sleep," The Mirror spoke, "only one remedy will set her free. That which brings love struck hearts bliss, Snow White shall awaken by true loves kiss."

"But who does Snow White love?" Sneezy asked.

"In a place where the flowers glow never fades, you find Snow Whites love in the glade."

"He must mean the glade outside the palace!" Bashful jumped. "That's Snow Whites favorite place to

"Thanks mirror!" Alirah cheered. "Let's go boys!"

()_}^{_()

(Q's about the boss: Go on YouTube and look up Dwarf Woodlands Ventus boss.)

In the glade stood the witch, cackling and rubbing her hands together with her malicious plans. A large Monstrous Tree danced behind her. Its fruits and leaves rustling with every movement it made. Lying in the flowers, scars and bruises on every inch of his body, was Prince Charming. He rolled onto his side, reaching for his discarded sword. The Witch let out a shrill cackle at his attempts to still fight. "My dear boy," she spoke eerily, "You hardly have any bones left to spare. Stay down before all of them are broken."

Charming stabbed his sword into the grass and pushed himself onto his feet. He was holding his stitching side, but stood defiantly. "I will…not stop!" He choked insolently. He took a stance. His cap slipped from his head, revealing his bruised skull. "I will find the maiden," he strained, "Even if my legs are removed, I will still search for her."

"In that case," the Witch snapped her fingers. The Tree howled and buried one of its four legs into the ground. The flowers shifted and contorted into thorned demons. Their pollen faces with razor teeth, their petals sharpened blades, and their stems littered with thorns. "Allow my friends and me to oblige you!" The flowers shot from the ground. Wrapping around his neck and arms, the flowers dragged Charming onto his back. More flowers tied him down at the waist. The Witch strolled over. She pulled a razor edged dagger from her cloaks sleeve. She knelt down to the still struggling prince, ripping the princes pant leg and revealing the flesh. She touched the cold blade to the leg. "I must warn you," she jested cruelly, "This will hurt."

"Not as much as this!" The Witch looked over. Feet made contact with her face, knocking her into the flowers. She wiped the dirt off her face and glared at who kicked her. Grumpy and Dopey stood a couple feet from her, fists raised.

The Witch then saw Alirah and the other Dwarves run up. Alirah placed a hand on the ground. Hiano slithered down and attacked the flowers. He bit and pried them off, hissing threateningly at the wild flowers. Some of the flowers cowered back beneath the surface. Alirah ran to the prince. Hiano grew and formed a barrier around them. The Dwarves drew near the serpent, determined not to let the queen or her monster through. The Queen merely gazed at the band of rabble before her. She knew she could take the Dwarves and Charming. However she was having second thoughts about Alirah and Hiano.

The Prince was scarred almost beyond recognition, yet he was still among the living. "You're Highness!" She cried, propping him up on her lap. The prince moaned and looked up at her, his eye groggy from exhaustion. "Are you alright?"

"I live…but only just," he groaned, "I thank you and your," he glanced up to Hino, "Interesting friends for coming to my aide. I thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, we still have a fight to finish." Alirah gazed over to the Heartless Tree and the Witch. She only stood there, hunched over and awe struck. That's to be expected of a human practicing magic, Alirah spat in her mind. "Hold still." She instructed Charming. She placed a hand over his forehead. "Curaga!" She ran her hand over his body. A green mist was left behind and seeped into the wounds. Slowly they were healed – the pant leg too. Charming had feeling returning to his legs and arms. Alirah helped him to his feet. She gave him his sword. "How do you feel?"

"As if," he breathed impressively, "I could battle five dozen bandits with my bare hands!" He boasted. He bowed to Alirah, "Truly, you are a sainted angel from the heavens."

"Flattered though I am," she blushed, "I'm far from it."

"Well as of now you are an angel," he kissed her hand, "And I am in your debt."

Alirah cleared her throat nervously. She sneered to Hiano who was chuckling. "If you want to pay me back," she drew her keyblade, "Help me take down this witch and her little pet."

"It would be my honor."

Alirah nodded confidently. She and charming faced towards the witch. Hiano, to me. She ordered. Hiano shrunk and returned to her neck. She held him close. The Witch held her dagger at the ready, smiling with her one toothed mouth. Alirah narrowed her eyes, wondering what she was smiling about. Then, it was slight, she saw the witch move her eyes. DAMMIT! Alirah spun on her heel. She threw up her blade, blocking attacking flowers. They tackled her to the ground. "ALIRAH!" Bashful cried. He and Doc ran over and tore at the flowers. The two Dwarves pulled the flowers from their routes. They died instantly. "That's it!" Bashful cried. "We just pull the flowers out!"

"Then we will destroy the glade." Charming commented. Bashful dropped his head sadly.

"NO! He has a good point there!" Doc cheered. Alirah, Charming and the other Dwarves glanced over to him confusedly. Doc pointed to the heartless's leg. "If we get that things leg out of the ground, the flowers should stop attacking!"

"And maybe if the witch is distracted," Bashful suggested, "The monster won't know what to do either."

"It's worth a shot." Alirah agreed. "Grumpy, Sleepy, Dopey, and Happy take the Queen." She ordered. "Charming and the rest of us will take the tree!" Everyone nodded. "GO!" She threw Hiano out. He grew. At first Charming hesitated, but then him, Doc, Bashful, and Sneezy jumped on. "And watch for the flowers!" Alirah's group sped off in another direction.

Grumpy's team went for the witch. The Witch panicked and turned to her monster. "STOP THEM YOU-" Dopey sprang up and latched onto the Witches face. She pulled at his ragged robe, trying to remove Dopey from her face. She raised her dagger. Grumpy grabbed onto her dagger arm, weighing it down. Dopey swirled around to the back of the Witch's neck and hammered his fist on her head. Sleepy and Happy grabbed onto her feet. "RELEASE ME YOU DIMINUATIVE SIZED IMPS!" She roared, trying to kick and throw them off.

"NEVER!" Grumpy declared. "You're going to pay for what you did to Snow White!"

Alirah and her group were a foot from the Tree. The Dwarves and Charming jumped off. Hiano constricted around the tree. Alirah ran up Hiano and to the Trees top. "Eat this!" She sliced at its upper branches, earning a shriek of pain. Charming grabbed onto the other leg and stabbed his sword into it, picking away at it. Doc, Bashful, and Sneezy attacked the planted leg, etching their axes into it routes. The Tree roared in anger. It shook off its fruits. Charming and the dwarves dodged and avoided the fruits. Seeing them explode on impact, they splashed bubbling ooze that burned the ground. One hit Hiano's skin. The Serpent howled in pain. Alirah grabbed her side and cried out in agony. "GYAAAH!" The tree shook her off. Alirah fell on her back hard on the ground. The wind was knocked out of her, but even that didn't stop the burning sensation.

"Alirah!" Bashful cried. He jumped down to her. Alirah's shirt was burned through. A large purple and red discoloration was plastered to her skin. Bashful pulled out ointment from his satchel. He rubbed it on her skin. The vapors soothed the burn, but the pain still lingered. Alirah smiled with gratitude. The tree raised its large rounded foot. Alirah grabbed Bashful and rolled out of the way.

"MY LADY!" He cried. Hiano began to uncoil himself.

"DON'T LET GO!" She cried. Hiano stopped. Alirah was holding her side with Bashful supporting her. "Hiano, you're the only one who can pull that tree out of the ground. It's the only way we can win this fight without destroying the glade."

Hiano gazed at her worriedly. He could see the burn mark appearing on her skin. "Alirah please!" Hiano begged, "I have to aide you!"

"HIANO!" She hissed back. Her eyes firm and strong, "I hereby by command you, pull that shrub from the ground!" Hiano's eyes widened with shock. It was rare that Alirah would command him to do anything. When she does give him a command, Hiano has no choice but to obey. But he understood why she was being so stubborn. Snow White's touched you that much, has she? He smiled and continued to pull. He moved his tail underneath the tree. He tugged up as much as he could. The tree, thanks to it still trying to shake off Charming and the other two Dwarves, started to come from the ground.

The Witch finally pried off the Dwarves. She saw he creation being mangled from its routes. "NOOO!" The Witch cried. A heartless emblem appeared on her cloak. "YOU WILL NOT DENY ME MY KILL!" She raised her arms. The flowers began to attack again. Alirah and Bashful were strapped down. Grumpy and Dopey were tied back to back. Sleepy and Happy were hoisted off the ground. "KILL THEM MY HEARTLESS!"

The heartless dropped more of its fruit. Hiano took the hits so Charming and the Dwarves were not harmed. But the more damage he took, the more Alirah had to endure. He could hear his mistress grunting and squirming with pain. She tried her hardest not to cry out, but Hiano could hear her as if she were in his ear. Pulling at the Heartless was taking too long. He looked over to the Witch. Her emblem was glowing brighter and brighter, and the heartless was growing stronger. "A heartless base?" He thought aloud. "THAT'S IT – ACK! CHARMING!" The Prince looked up. "Kill the Witch. She's the base for this Heartless. Kill her and the heartless will go along with her!"

"Right!" Charming jumped down. He went to Alirah and cut her free. "Aide me once more!" He ordered. Alirah shook off hers and Hiano's pain and nodded. Charming took point while Alirah covered him from behind.

The two slashed at the deadly flowers left and right. Charming was grazed on the cheek. Alirah was hit on the arm. The two didn't stop. Even as Hiano was hit with more fruit, Alirah didn't stop. The Witch moved her hands out to the front. More death flowers flew. Alirah threw up and hand and shouted, "XELLA!" Sparks of fire burned the flowers to cinders.

The Witch stepped back from the fire. Charming emerged from the blazes and stabbed the Witch right through her emblem and into her chest. The Witch howled in agony and shock. The Tree's emblem began to crack in half. The Witch reached a hand and grabbed Charming by the neck. As her wrinkled hands began to wither, Charming's neck was being burned. Alirah came up and sliced her hands off. As they were cut, the hands turned to ash. The witch staggered back. She gawked at her fading body. Her skin and bones turning to ash with each second that passed. The heartless turned into glitters of light. Hiano dug his fangs into the large heartless, taking in the creature of darkness. The flowers began to revert back into normal flowers. The Dwarves were untied and released. Doc and Sneezy leaped from the heartless and helped Bashful. The Witch panted heavily and glared at Alirah and Charming. "To think…" she choked, "I was…defeated…by a bunch…of misfits." She fell to her knees or what's left of them. "How low…I have…fallen."

"No!" Alirah hissed. The Witch looked her in the eye. "It was your own petty jealousy that did this!" she spat. "We only helped it along!"

"Hee…hee…" The Witch laughed weakly, "The strength…of young…love…truly…" she fell back, her eyes closing, "Sickening…" with that word, the Witch – the Queen – was gone. Her ashes drifted back to the castle, forever confining her sinful spirit for all time.

/(}{)\./(}{)\

Alirah, Hiano, Charming and the Dwarves all gathered themselves back to the cottage. Alirah levitated Snow White out to the garden. She laid the lifeless princess down and backed away. She used one more healing charm, making the Prince look presentable. As the Prince approached Snow White, Alirah crossed her fingers, praying that the mirror was right, praying that the kiss would work. Charming removed his hat and knelt down to the princess. A crestfallen tear rolled down his cheek. "Was this battle all for nothing?" He wheezed hoarsely. "Did I fight to accomplish nothing?" he scorned himself. "Even so…" he lowered his head and touched his forehead to hers, "though you may no longer be living, know that my love for you transcends that of death." He moved his head and touched his lips to hers. Alirah found she was blushing and looked away. Riku…Bashful, who was sitting on the wall next to her, smirked mischievously. Alirah blushed even more. A gasp was heard. Bashful and Alirah looked over. Snow White had awoken. Cheers of victory exploded from the Dwarves. Alirah grabbed hold of Bashful and twirled around. She couldn't remember that last time she was this happy. So happy that she kissed Bashful on the cheek. Steam screamed from his ears as he fell unconscious with love.

After giving the Dwarves a kiss on their heads, Alirah the Dwarves watched as Charming carried Snow White off into the distance. "At least I can leave knowing she'll be happy." Alirah sighed with relief.

"YOU'RE LEAVING!" Bashful cried.

"'Fraid so," She answered with a smile. She faced the Dwarves and said, "You guys were really awesome today. Snow White is lucky to have you."

"And we were lucky to have you." Happy replied.

"yeah," Grumpy grumbled, "Sorry fer – you know – being a-"

"It's alright grumpy," She giggled, "I forgave you a long time ago." She and he shook hands. Bashful's eyes filled with tears. Alirah knelt down to him and wiped the tear from his eye. "Don't cry Bashful," she pleaded, "We'll see each other again someday."

"Promise." He said.

Alirah brought him in for a hug, "Promise." The rest of the Dwarves joined in on the hug. As they parted, Alirah waved good-bye to them. She warned them to look after Snow White or she'd hunt them down. As she made her way for the appearing door, Alirah felt a warm sensation in her heart. She was…at peace with herself. "Maybe there is something to this love thing."

Finally admitting your feelings are you?

"I am." Alirah answered confidently. "And after today, it's good to let people know how you truly feel. Otherwise, one day, they may not be there for you to tell them."