A/N: Thanks for the reviews and the subscription. As always it does mean a lot 2 me =). I couldn't help but notice that the # of reviews i got r three times the # of chapter released. Im a math geek XD (not really O.o) so i couldn't help but notice. Anyways here's the next chapter, hope everyone enjoys it! R&R!

Chapter 8

Kagome held onto me as we walked through a Corridor of Darkness. It felt like ages since the last time I walked through one of these. Still, I can feel the Darkness trying to stain my heart. Yet I am lucky for two reasons. One I don't have to worry about Kagome being exposed to the Darkness here due to her status as a Princess of Heart, and two since her Heart is so full of light it dispels any Darkness that even tries to come close. However, the Darkness is still there, trying to find a way through to my once tainted Heart.

The path in the Corridor of Darkness is unusually long. We must be traveling far from where we were. I tried to make a mental map of nearby Worlds. The Worlds around Radiant Garden are Twilight Town, Disney Castle, Land of the Dragons, and Beast's Castle. So we can't be going to any of those.

As we walked one I felt the Darkness grow stronger. Where exactly are we going? I have to all but support Kagome was we walk through what appears to be an endless Darkness. She visibly paled due to the sheer strength of the Darkness that now surrounds us.

"We're almost there" I comforted, not really knowing if I was lying or not. All I knew was that I need to comfort her so that she can continue on. She nodded and gripped my hand for support.

"I" she started as she panted. "I can do this. Don't worry about me." I gave her a worried look that she waved off. Sighing, I nodded my head but still supported some of her weight.

We continued to walk, hoping that an exit is nearby. Still no matter how tiring this experience was, I couldn't help but enjoy the feel of Kagome against me. She felt tiny compared to me. She was soft and warm. I can get used to this this.

Suddenly a dim light appeared and Kagome's face broke out into a grin. We sped up our pace so that we could reach the light faster. For some reason though, a feeling of dread filled me. Was it because of faint or dark the light is? No matter, we still have to go to it. It's better than staying stuck in this place.

I couldn't have been anymore wrong. Thanks to that damn portal we are no stuck in the middle of the Realm of Darkness! I thought I've seen the last of this place when Sora and I escaped it. Sure I was willing to stay there back then, but the whole situation is different. One, Sora isn't with me, which was why I was okay with it in the first place. Believe or not, he made staying in the horrible place bearable. He is my best friend you know. Two, Kagome is with and I don't know what kind of affect this place will have on her. I know she is a Princess of Heart, hence Darkness can't harm her in any way. But this is the Realm of Darkness so I rather not take my chances.

Kagome took in our surrounding as she wore a shocked expression. We are on some sort of path. The land is a very pale and creepy gray while the rocks are pitched black. On those very same rock streaks of rocks shone with an eerie blue light. Darkness formed on the floor of this place, ready and waiting to take its next victim.

"Riku! I can feel her" Kagome exclaimed. Her eyes are shut tight as she concentrated. I stood close to her, trying to protect myself from the Darkness that followed me.

Pointing in the direction opposite from where we came, she said "that way! That's where Aqua is. She is also with someone else."

With that, we walked in the direction that Kagome pointed at. There were a few times I thought Heartless would appear but something seemed to be warding them off. Is it because of Kagome? No, it can't be that because Heartless came around her and Kairi plenty of times.

We didn't walk for long when we reached the end of the path. Now we stand before the Dark Margin. This is very same Sora and I ended up after we defeated Xemnas. The ocean spread across the horizon, seemingly endless. This is the place where the Realm of Darkness and Nothingness are the closest. This is good. Here is the best way to escape from this Realm.

Turning to the girl by my side, I said "Kagome, are they anywhere near?"

She nodded her head and said "yea. She is just a little far off. We're almost there." She then started panting. Her breaths seemed ragged and her lips became an ice blue. This is not good. This is not good at all.

Picking her up and carrying her bridal style I ran. I need to fin Aqua quick and get the hell out of here. I ran in the direction Kagome pointed at before and scanned the area. So far, she is now where in sight. Not a good thing.

"Riku" Kagome whispered. My attention was automatically focused on the Princess in my arms. "She's there, behind that boulder." Kagome lifter her and pointed at what she referred to. The boulder wasn't big at all, but I do have to destroy it to get through.

Regretfully I placed Kagome on the sand, muttering a quick "I'll be done quickly." Summoning Way to Dawn, I got into a battle pose before striking the boulder. As my Keyblade disappeared the boulder crumbled to pieces. I quickly picked up Kagome, careful not to make her uncomfortable and ran towards the figure on the other side.

The closer I got, the better view I got of Aqua. She seemed to be at least seventeen. Her hair and eyes were the same shade of blue. Said eyes are now wide with both wonder and astonishment. She too ran to Kagome and I, abandoning the figure previously with her.

When we reached one another, Kagome smiled and said "it's nice to meet you, Aqua-sama." Kagome's faced showed her exhaustion. She tiredly took out the Shikon Jewel that now radiated Darkness.

Aqua gasped at the jewel and said "why are you holding onto that? Can't you see the Darkness overflowing from it?" Kagome nodded and dropped the Jewel. The moment it touched the ground it seemingly melted, forming a drop of pure Darkness.

"It can be returned back to where it came now" Kagome said, a small smile on her face.

"Are you okay" Aqua asked, worry evident on her face. Not waiting for an answer, the blue haired girl began casting Curaga. The spell's healing light covered Kagome and the girl showed a slight improvement. The color returned to her face.

"Are you really Aqua" I asked. It's not that I didn't trust her, but we didn't want to return without actually bringing the right girl.

She nodded and said "yes, but how do you know my name and who are you?"

"I'm Riku and this is Kagome, a Princess of Heart" I responded.

"Oh, I'm sorry for the rudeness your Majesty" Aqua said as she bowed down. "Wait a moment. You said your name is Riku, right?"

"Yea, what about it?"

"Then you're that boy I met at Destiny Islands. My, look how big you have grown. You are the little boy Terra chose to pass the Keyblade onto."

She met me before? I must have been too little to actually remember her. Also, Terra gave me the Keyblade? Isn't he one of the people we are supposed to save? Never mind, that isn't important now. Right now we have to leave the Realm of Darkness.

"Aqua, do you know any way out of here" Kagome asked. Her voice sounded stronger than before, but its still isn't as strong as its normally is. I guess when we leave this place, she'll get better.

"Kagome, if she knew how to get out wouldn't she have left already" I said as if it was the most obvious thing in the World.

"Well excuse me! Sorry I even asked" the girl in my arms responded. She even poked my chest to boot, not that it hurt though.

"To answer your question your Highness, no I don't. I don't even know how many years it has been since I got stuck here. Well, let's go over there. I have been talking to the man on the beach. He might be able to help us, though I doubt it."

Together we walked with Aqua leading the way. The girl seemed almost cheerful. Right when we reached the man I heard a familiar voice say "Riku?"

I turned my head to the hooded man. That voice. It couldn't be. "Di-Ansem" I asked. He man responded by pulling down his hood. Sure enough, there is Ansem the Wise. The man I spent a year working with in order to awaken Sora.

"Is that my name" he questioned.

"Yeah, what happened everyone thought you died?"

"Wait, you two know each other" Aqua and Kagome said at the same time.

I nodded. "Yeah, we helped each other out when Sora was put to sleep. I helped with his plans to awaken Sora."

"You know Sora" Aqua exclaimed.

"Yes…"

"How do you know him? That man, I mean Ansem told me many things about him!"

"Well, he is my best friend, always have been since we were younger and always will be. Look can we focus on escaping this place. I rather not get stuck here."

"You're right but how are we going to leave this place. I have been stuck here for years."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we can't try. I can't let Kagome stay here, not with the affect this place is having on her."

Suddenly Kagome pushed out of my arms. I tried to stop her but she is too damn persistent. So with much regret, I let her go. She stood there for a few moments with her head hanging low, before she walked to the beach.

She lifted her petite and it was then engulfed in a blazing light. The light only grew stronger and stronger as she walked deeper into the water.

Then the Door to Light appeared. It is as huge and demanding as always. Light with the purest radiance shone from the door. It floated right above the dark water. High enough for the tainted sea not to touch it, but low enough seemed as if the two were touching.

"The Door to Light" Aqua whispered joyfully. She ran to my side with Ansem in tow. Ansem honestly seemed tired. Who could blame him; he has been stuck in the realm multiple times. Each time the Darkness clawed away at his Heart, attempting to consume it. This time though, he can leave embracing the Light.

I should have known it wasn't going to be that easy. Right when Kagome turned around a figure grabbed her now unconscious form.

"Kagome" Aqua called out. I simply glared at the figure with Kagome now in his possession.

The man stroked Kagome's cheek tenderly, ass if she was glass. This only angered me further. I summoned Way to Dawn, as Aqua summoned her own Keyblade. Seeing that we were ready for battle, the figure placed Kagome down on the shore, right next to where the waves met the land.

She wasted no time. Stepping back, Aqua jumped in the air and giant bubbles emerged from the one the encased her. The bubbles followed the enemy and hurt him slightly from the looks of it. I then decided it was my turn.

I ran to him attacked him with a barrage attacks. Each strike that hit grew slightly stronger than the next. Right when I was going to unleash my finishing move, he hit with a force so strong it sent me flying away. I landed against some rocks. I gripped my rib cage before standing up. Damn, this is going to be tougher than I thought.

That's when I really looked at the man. He is wearing a black and red body suit similar to one I wore in the past. He has a muscular build and his face is covered by a simple mask.

"Try to attack from a distance" Aqua warned. "I fought him once, right before I entered this realm. It's safer to focus on long distance magic based attacks like this one." With that Aqua disappeared and appeared over the enemy's head. A beam of Light shot down over him multiple times before he finally summoned his own Keyblade. Just who is this guy?

He struck at Aqua but she was barely able to dodge. He managed to cut her arm as she cartwheeled away from him. He then suddenly disappeared into a pool of Darkness beneath his feet.

"Run around! Do not stay still" Aqua yelled. I did exactly that. My foot left the ground as soon as it stepped on it. I ran all over the place trying to avoid the man. Still right under my feet he appeared and thrust his Keyblade at me. I felt the Darkness of the Keyblade burn me a little as it came into contact with me.

We can't win. Not when we are in this Realm at least. He is feeding off the Darkness and that's amplifying his powers. So I ran towards Kagome and motioned for Aqua to grab Ansem. She nodded and took his hand. The three of us then ran towards the Door of Light. Turning my head around slightly, I saw that the black and white clad man is chasing after us. We stepped through the Door. The Light was amazing. It felt wonderful. I saw no traces of Darkness as we ran through the Door.

As soon as we made it to the other side, the man entered the Door. Still it was too late, our end of the Door closed as another one opened, thus separating us from him.

I looked down on Kagome as she gripped my vest. She looked remarkable better and even wore a smile on her face. I sighed, relieved that the battle is over…for now.

Then we were falling. A beam of Light surrounded the four of us as we fell from the sky, but we were falling slowly. It's almost as if we floating down.

I held Kagome close to me, just in case we really started to fall. It never happened though. I smiled as my feet lightly touched the ground. I checked to see if Aqua and Ansem made it. They were fine. We all made it.

Looking around I took in my surroundings. Strange enough, we are in the place where the Corridor of Darkness appeared.

"Where are we" Aqua asked. She is taking in our scenery and looked almost sad at what this World looks like.

"We're in the Radiant Garden" I replied, trying to wake up Kagome. I didn't want to give the others a heart attack. Kagome is after all unconscious in my arms.

"No, this can't be. Radiant Garden is a beautiful World. It has a fountain court and a lovely town square. There are also flowers everywhere."

"A lot has happened since you have last been in the Realm of Light. I'm guessing sometime after you left, the Heartless took over and completely destroyed this World. Not too long ago, there were even Heartless infestations in this World. Not to mention there were Nobody sightings as well."

"Nobodies? What are those?"

"They are creatures born from the left behind bodies that Heartless attacked. Though, they don't have Hearts they continue to 'live and exist'. Recently Sora, everyone, and I defeated the group that basically controlled the lesser Nobodies, Organization XIII. "

"I see I have a lot to catch up on."

"We have time. When we get to Merlin's house, the others can explain it to you."

With that Kagome let loose a cute little yawn as she began to finally awaken. It took her long enough. Her big blue orbs stared into mine as she gave me a little smile.

"I'm sorry" she questioned.

Sighing, I let her down and pulled her close to me. Her small hand grabbed mine and she rested her head against my shoulder.

"How does it feel to be back, Aqua-sama" Kagome asked.

"It feels great but I can't simply fool around. I have a duty to the Worlds and to my friends. I…I have to find and help them."

"Are your friend's names Terra and Ven?"

"Yes! H-How do you know their names?"

"Like you, they are on our list of people to help."

"I see. Then shall we head back. The others must be worrying about you two." Aqua smiled and waited for us to lead the way. I was going to tell Ansem to follow us but he wasn't there any longer. He must have left. This is his home World we should leave him be. He might need some time to himself.

As we walked back, Aqua and Kagome instantly bonded. It seems Kagome looks up to the woman as an older sister figure. You can it in her eyes. Kagome actually looks up to Aqua. There's no doubt in my head that Aqua has become her new role model.

I opened the door and saw everyone's eyes turn towards me. Instantly Kairi's eyes welled up with tears and ran to me. Instead of hugging me like I previously thought, I earned a punch to the chest. Did I ever mention whenever Kairi is truly upset she has remarkable strength. So when the petite girl punched me, it hurt like hell.

"Riku you big idiot! Where in the Worlds were you and Kagome? We were looking for you everywhere! Kagome and you took too long coming back so we…" Kairi babbled. She kept pounding on my chest, though thankfully she was no longer at full strength.

Sora then sent me a relieved smile. As he pried Kairi off of me and into his arms. Yuffie instantly ran to Kagome and started inspecting her. Happy that she is completely unharmed, she brought the Princess of Heart into her arms. Leon is currently comforting a crying Aeirth. Donald and Goofy for some reason ran to me and engulfed me in a group hug. It didn't annoy me though. Cid is simply chuckling, obviously relieved that everyone is alright. Merlin however is staring at Aqua.

"Madam, who are you" the wizard asked. Aqua turned her pale blue eyes at Merlin. She smiled and bowed. By then everyone's attention was on the female Keyblade wielder.

Kagome however, released Yuffie and ran to Aqua's side. "Everyone, this is Aqua. Aqua this is Merlin, Yuffie, Cid, Leon, Aeirth, Donald, Goofy, Kairi, and Sora." Aqua's eyes went wide as she walked to Sora. She bowed deep and formally to the brunette.

"Sora, I have heard much about you from Ansem. You have save the World from Darkness multiple times. For that, I thank you for that. Yet I'm sorry I was not there to assist you" Aqua said, her voice filled with respect.

"No, it's okay" Sora stuttered, obviously embarrassed. "I mean, I just couldn't just let the Worlds be overcome by Darkness, right? Plus, I had Riku, his Majesty, Goofy, and Donald to help me too."

"His Majesty? As in King Mickey? Also Donald and Goofy as well?"

"Uh yeah. Do you know them? Donald and Goofy are here too." At that Aqua turned around and saw tow said animals.

Looking warily at her, Donald said "do we know you?" Goofy seems to be inspecting her too.

Aqua nodded and walked to them. "I met you two at Master Yen Sid's tower. Remember, when I was searching for my friends Terra and Ven."

Goofy scratched his head as Donald jumped with shock. "Oh yeah! Your that girl we saw there! Remember Goofy." Donald then began shaking a confused Goofy. Yet within moments, recognition spread across his face as a smile broke through.

"Gwarsh I remember now. You came when he asked Master Yen Sid if he knew where His Majesty's was! Right, Donald" Goofy exclaimed. The two then ran to Aqua and the three shared a hug as old friends now reunited.

"Donald, Goofy…how is His Majesty" Aqua asked the two.

"His Majesty is fine and at his castle. He is watching over and ruling that World. His Majesty deserves a break" Donald said.

"We visited him not that long ago. We had to present Kagome to him" Goofy added on.

"That's right, Kagome you are a Princess of Heart."

"Yeah and Kairi too" Kagome said cheerfully.

"Kairi?"

"That's me" said the red headed Princess of Heart. She stepped through everyone and stood by Kagome. Her carefree smile is on place.

"I see. You are grown up now, aren't you Kairi" Aqua said, a nostalgic tone in her voice.

"I know you" Kairi questioned.

"Yes, but you are probably too little to remember. I saved you from a group of Unversed that attacked you."

"Don't you mean Heartless" Goofy asked.

"Or Nobodies" Donald piped up.

Aqua shook her head bitterly. "No, Unversed, the physical form of Vanitas' negative emotions. Back before I was trapped in the Realm of Darkness, Terra, Ven, and I fought those creatures in the World."

"I see" Merlin said, nodding his head. "Aqua, would you please clarify as to who Vanitas is? If he is capable of creating such monstrosities then it would be wise to know who to look out for."

"You're right. The only way Vanitas can be back is if Ventus awakens. You see, Vanitas is the Darkness of Ven's Heart given form. Since Vanitas exited, Ven had no Darkness in his Heart. I only saw him once but Vanitas' face looks exactly like Sora's except his hair is black, he has paler skin, and his eyes are gold like his vile master."

"HE LOOKS LIKE ME" Sora yelled out. My best friend's eyes are wide with shock and he even gripped the table near him. His overall expression looked like an over exaggerated cartoon, buts that Sora for you.

"Yes, so please be careful."

"Wow, that's the strangest thing" Sora muttered, his head no doubt throbbing with pain from taking in so much information.

"Sorry, but how did Riku and Kagome find you Aqua" Kairi asked, proving to be rational one out of everyone. No one had asked that and I was beginning to wonder about everyone's mental health.

It was then a small yawn erupted from Kagome. Her blue eyes were hidden due to thick lashes and mouth is in the shape of an 'O'. She rubbed her eyes slightly as her exhaustion. Her tired eyes gazed at me before walking into my already open arms.

"Can we talk about it tomorrow Kagome looks ready to pass out" I said while wrapping my arms around the petite girl.

"Let go of Kagome" Roxas yelled, suddenly appearing from Sora. His blues eyes are stormy with rage. His fists were clenched and he looks like he is about ready to summon his Keyblade.

"V-Ventus" Aqua asked, her eyes wide with shocked. She seemed paralyzed as she stared at Sora's Nobody. However, the boy didn't even seem to notice her, his eyes set on Kagome.

"Why, what's wrong Roxas" I asked, trying to hide my smirk. "I mean there can't be anything wrong with helping my girlfriend, right" I then unleashed my smirk as Roxas stared at Kagome sadly.

"Ka-Kagome, is it really true" the Nobody asked.

Kagome however by then was completely passed out, already cutely snoring. My smirk grew wider when the object of Roxas' and my argument snuggled into my chest. The blonde haired Nobody gave a dejected look as he took in Kagome's innocent act of affection.

Aqua then turned Roxas to her. He looked annoyed at this and glared the girl. "It can't be you. Ventus, is it possible…"

"Sorry to break it to you lady, but I'm not what's his face. I'm me and my name is Roxas, R-O-X-A-S" Roxas said angrily.

"But…how can you look so much like him?" Aqua face expressed her feelings of inner turmoil. She hugged herself before pulling something out. In her palm is a blue Wayfinder. Instead of being made the traditional seashells, it is made of blue glass and metal. It shone with a faint light in Aqua's palm, as a few tears escaped from her eyes.

"That…"

"It's mine, but I gave one to Terra and Ven. It's our promise to always stay together, but look at us now…"

Roxas reached out a hand towards the crying girl. She simply stepped away and shook her head. Clutching her Wayfinder , she said "never mind. Please forgive me. Good night everyone." With that she walked to me and as ked what room should she stay in.

Placing Kagome into my arms…yet again, I led her into the main hallway and pointed at what room. I then walked into the one right across mine. Setting her down gently on the bed, I covered her with the blanket and kissed her lightly on the forehead. She sighed in her sleep and turned to her side. I smiled before leaving to my own room, ready to sleep for at least three days.