Summery: A boy who lost his heart, after it was locked away by the Keyblade. Everyone was ready to give up all hope for him. Then, came a princess. A story of how a girl found a boy's heart, and a boy who found the girl to share it with. Sora x Kairi

A/N: Lights, Camera, ACTION. So the chaotic drama and action truly begins! Hold on tight, kiddies, 'cause we're in for a ride! Be sure and notice the fluffy clouds in the sky of the Kawaii-ness of Sora x Kairi, that's not going to end anytime soon, by the way. Oh, and how disappointed you all must be! XD

When I was creating this story, I wasn't sure what outweighed what. The Drama or the Action/Adventure. Yes, there is going to be an adventure, but rest assured, Kairi's not going to be left behind like in the actual Kingdom Hearts (no offense, Square-Enix). But, you guys already knew something like that would happen.

I have quite a brilliant idea for it, actual. So, the chapters might be pushed to forty for a limit. But that's just for my closure, so, no real promises on that. Or, I could split it and create a separate story to be the second part of this. I don't know, what do you guys think?

Anyways, you guys can expect to see them visit some of the Disney Worlds intermixed with, hopefully, more Final Fantasy elements.

Have you any requests of which worlds I should include, and which ones that should be best left out, please, let me know. This story is partly for your enjoyment, too, so, we're all in this together! Hehe. ;3 But, whatever I don't use in this story, I plan on using in another one. That one's gonna be good, by the way. But, not until this one is finished!

Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts.

The Lionheartless


Those Without Hearts


IX: Lost Sanctuary


The clouds rumbled in the sky as they rolled along. Growing dark and fat from the held up moisture, as a storm was promised to strike directly over the kingdom.

Sora would have gone over to Kairi, telling her to end her practice, but, she was making a startling amount of progress to stop now.

It was Riku's turn, at the moment, showing Kairi how to use a weapon to deflect magical blows, just as he and Sora had demonstrated in their version of catch-and-throw. When he had first met Kairi, he saw the potential she had. Sora noticed that in her structure, and that she was not a novice to combat either. She still learning, yes, and was far from being in shape to fight her own battles.

Riku had brought up idea to Sora, making it clear to him that Kairi shouldn't be treated like any other princess. Kairi hated the role of damsel in distress. And if the King's words were true about Kairi, it would help Sora a great deal if Kairi was capable of handling herself, even if just for a few seconds.

Besides, it was also a way for Sora to repay Kairi for giving him the voice lessons.

Swinging around the boken, a wooden replica of a katana sword, Kairi nearly stumbled over a hard swing. Sora shook his head. Her hands kept bunching up in the middle of the handle, which was completely wrong. That would only throw off her swings. Sora walked over to to, Riku pausing before he threw another dried rice ball, which were donations from the kitchens' cooks.

Reaching over, Sora firmly took her hands and spread them apart. Kairi nervously laughed, seeing her mistake. Stepping back, Sora let Kairi aim for another swing for an oncoming rice ball. Missing, the rice ball flew by, Sora having to duck before it could hit his head. A confetti of the exploded rice ball hailed down as it hit the flag pole.

"This feels too awkward," Kairi admitted, her hands wanting to go back to the incorrect way.

Going behind her, Sora shook his head. He took her hands put them over hers, holding them in their spot. Perhaps, once she gained a feel of how to hold and handle a sword the right way, she wouldn't revert back to her mistakes.

"Go." Sora said to Riku, who was covering his mouth at Kairi.

He was fully enjoying seeing the look on Kairi's face with Sora invading her personal bubble. He seemed to have a knack to do, and was doing it more often. The fact he didn't even understand how embarrassed Kairi was, made it all the funnier for Riku.

Throwing another rice ball, Sora's hands lifted Kairi's up, guiding her to hit the target perfectly, rice exploding and spraying back at Riku. Kairi finally had her revenge as she laughed at him, whom had his mouth open from laughing.

Spitting out the dry and soggy rice, Riku scowled.

"Okay, do it again." Kairi said, controlling herself and also wanting to put more rice into Riku's face.

Mumbling curses, Riku threw another and another. Sora led Kairi through different ways of how to deflect them, or simple ways of blocking them. Gradually, Kairi noticed some of the ways were a little more or less then showy, but she figured the fancy moves were mostly a way to intimidate the opponent. She didn't notice the fact, that after hitting every target, Sora would loosen his grip over hers little by little, until his presence was only a form of confidence for Kairi. Occasionally, would return his grip to correct her moves to make them more precise. Other then that, Kairi was mostly hitting all of the targets on her own.

She almost did not notice Sora's hands leave hers, only the inclination that her hands were now lacking Sora's cold touch.

However, before she had a chance to do some on her own, Riku held up the empty basket.

"Looks like we're out." Riku showed, then shaking his head like a wet dog, hidden rice shooting out. A drop a rain hit his nose. "And now its raining. Hey, and Kairi?"

"Hmm?" She was expecting some sort of teasing remark from him.

"Good job." He said, waving a hand. Kairi smiled at the actual compliment, but Riku made up for it. "Well, for whatever Sora wasn't doing for you."

Knowing he meant well, Kairi's smile only widened. "Thank you, Riku."

Sora suddenly rushed in front of Kairi, placing himself between her and...

Leon.

Kairi gulped. She knew what he was here about.

"Kairi, you should get inside-" Leon said in his usual, commanding tone. Kairi stepped forward, but only until she was directly behind Sora. She peered over his shoulder, both timidly and defiantly. Leon put a hand on his forehead, pushing back his sudden headache.

"Sora and I need to talk-"

Riku laughed. "Lot of good that will do. Sora's not-"

"Riku!" Leon snarled. Riku didn't let Leon ruin his moment, but his laugh faded to a threatening smirk.

"Whatever you have to say to Sora," Kairi said, stepping out slightly, but Sora's arm came out protectively. "You can say it in front of me, too."

"Fine." Leon said. He was always one to treat her more like a little sister rather then a princess. "Then you can both answer some questions."

Kairi's hand secretly touched Sora's back. He glanced back, Kairi passing him a look, one to warn Sora to keep his guard up. Leon was angry, and at the level he was at, he might loose all his composure. Kairi always was on the edge of her nerves when Leon was at this point, and she couldn't have been more glad to have both Sora and Riku there with her.

Leon went straight to the point. "Last night-"

"Sora and I-"

"Kairi." Leon stopped her. Sora's hand balled into a tight fist, daring Leon to interrupt Kairi again. "I don't want excuses, I just want answers. Why or what, for that matter, were you and..."He hesitated, not saying Sora's name. Kairi was suddenly angered that Leon wasn't even going to pass enough respect to just even say Sora's name. "...him, doing last night that was so important that you were gone for almost ten hours."

"I was just helping Sora-"

"Kairi." This time, it was Sora who stopped her. Silencing herself, she nodded at him. Leon didn't have any right to know what they did in their own time, that was private. Even if Leon was getting the wrong idea, no amount of explanation would convince Leon otherwise.

Tapping his foot, Leon waited. "Well?"

Kairi opened and closed her mouth, not sure of what to do, what to say. She looked over at Riku, whom was always good at getting out of situations like these. Riku shrugged helplessly, unable to help. Kairi thought hard...what would Riku say in a time like this...

She would have to smack herself later, but Kairi couldn't help but smile just as Riku would.

Reciting the words, Kairi said, "None of your business."

Leon stared, his eyes narrowing to slits, seething in rage. "Really cute, Kairi. But that's not-"

"You heard her, Leon!" Riku shouted. "It's none of your damn business! So, go piss off!"

Leon stepped back, his shoulders shaking as he forced a chuckle. "Are you sure that's what you want to say, Kairi?"

Kairi was trembling. She had never talked back to anyone before like this, and the experience was overwhelming. She looked down, her head going up and down into a nod. Leon snorted, then turned his heel and stormed off. Rain was steadily sprinkling down now, Kairi falling down to her knees, her hands clawing at the grass.

Sora knelt down, Riku rushing quickly rushing over to her.

"That was pretty gutsy, Kairi! I'm really proud you-" He stopped, hearing a gasp from her. Riku gaped. "Don't tell me you're-"

Kairi shook her head, but another sob choked out. "I didn't want..."

Sora was unsure what was going on. He had never seen Kairi act this way, and wasn't sure of the best way he should respond. Doing what Kairi usually did, he leaned down further and curiously tried to look up into her face. Kairi drew back, not wanting Sora to see her now. Her hands went over her face, shielding it from view.

"Kairi." Sora spoke softly. Her fingers parted a crack, letting her see through, but they snapped back.

Sora thought back to what he had seen others do to people who usually behaved this way. He didn't know what it was called, or why they did it, but apparently, if one put their arms around the one in distress, they would regain their self-control faster.

Inwardly nodded, Sora decided to try it. He preferred it when Kairi was more open and freely expressive over her current state, by far.

The rain had increased, falling in watery clumps now, now slowly drenching them. Riku watched Sora lean into Kairi, his arms going around her like he was some sort of winded-up toy. Kairi flinched, suddenly becoming very cold all at once, but then, very warm, at the same time.

Her hands came off her tear soaked face, blinking in disbelief. Was he really...hugging her?

For a moment, Sora thought she was attacking him, as she shot back at him with such quickness. Her hands came around at his sides, coming up to grip his shoulders. Head burying into his chest, Kairi let out her crying against him. Not quite how he had planned it, but Sora tightened his grip around her. Riku tugged at the hood on Sora's shirt, urging them to go inside. Sora nodded, and looked down at Kairi.

He had some sudden impulse to go hunt down Leon and drive his Keyblade between his eyes to give the man another scar.

The sky was now hailing down on them, the three of them now stranded under the shelter of a an old willow tree. Standing to keep from getting any more soaked then they already where, Kairi still held onto Sora, while Riku stood behind her and tried to show some comfort by rubbing her back.

"Leon never really was one for rejection," Riku said to Sora, trying to explain why Kairi would be this upset. "He's been guarding Kairi for ages, sort of took pride in it, you know, from protecting a high and mighty Princess of Heart. I don't get why he's so uptight, though. He always knew he'd have to pass Kairi on to someone more...well, yeah."

Sora didn't respond, but still listened. Truthfully, he didn't comprehend most of what Riku had just said, but he related to Leon's position anyways. The best way Sora could relate was when he had taken Namine away from the Disney Kingdom, past the Heartless territories to where the two might be able to find solace. After a journey that spanned over five months...only to loose her to another warrior. He still remembered his name, too. It was Ro-

"I think they're settling down." Riku said, intruding on Sora's thoughts. Riku was both referring to the weakening part of the storm and to Kairi. "C'mon."


"Man, this sucks." Riku said, moving to open the door. "First the Heartless want to get a hold of Kairi. Then the Nobodies crash in on the party. Now everyone else wants to, just for their own glory. It's not even about her anymore."

Sora moved to follow him out, but Riku's hand stopped him.

"Hey, what did I just say?" Riku said, trying to suppress a smile. "You should count yourself lucky, since you're the one who ends up with her, in the end."

Sora tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. Riku sighed, then shoved him back with both hands.

"I gotta spell out everything?" Riku remarked. "Stay here and protect her, or whatever else it is your supposed to do. You're so hopeless..." Riku shut the door of Kairi's room, cutting off his own sentence.

A flicker of light came in through the tall windows, followed by a heavy boom of thunder. Raindrops pelted against the glass, all attempting the break through. Sora moved and slid the curtains shut, assuming Kairi would have preferred them shut then to have the storm disturb them further.

Giving Kairi her space, Sora only stood nearby as she remained quiet.

Hours seemed to sluggishly go by, when it had really only been just over twenty minutes. Kairi took a deep breath, yet again, feeling more or less humiliated for letting Sora see her cry. Now, she only need a little time to herself, but Sora's presence made it seem like it was necessary for him to have around. Luckily, one of Sora's best traits was silence, which is all she needed.

Only now, she wished more then anything, that she could talk to him. However, she would have to settle for something less, for now.

"Hey, Sora?" He turned around instantly, ready to assist her. "Would you like another lesson?"


"So, this is the great Disney Kingdom." A tall, slender figure in black said as she stood on the hill. "So glorious." She rambled on. "So inspiring...so...disgusting."

Raising her staff, then tapping in on the ground, the earth shook and holes of darkness began to swirl around on the ground. For every opening, half a dozen Heartless rose. In a matter of less then thirty seconds, the mysterious woman had an army of over ten thousand Heartless.

"I told you all it would be worth the trip, surely a sight worthy of my seeing. Even if it is brimming with the foul smell of light. " She said, but was no better than talking to herself, the Heartless incapable of responding. "Ah, there you are, my pet."

A crow fluttered down from the sky, squawking happily at the sight of its terrifying master.

"Did you deliver the letter?"

The crow crooned, yes,

"Very good, my pet." She scratched the top of its head. "Now, it is only a matter of time. Even that idiot Mortimer can surely pull of a task as easy as his."

Maleficent continued to stroke the crow thoughtfully, glaring hard at the kingdom. "Hmm, both Keyblade Masters, is it? Ah, and a Princess! Surely, they've put their last eggs in one basket." She looked back at the mindless servants hovering around her.

"Patience, my pets." She said soothingly, her voice lining with her very hatred for the Heartless. "You'll feast on the hearts of the very Keyblade Masters themselves, soon enough."

The dark sorceress walked down the hill gracefully, Heartless parting before her as the grass she passed over fells over dead and crumbling to ash. Coming to a group of horrified goblins and orcs, she stood before them.

"Well?" She said to them, all of them her faithful servants long before the Heartless had come. "What did you learn?"

One small goblin hiccuped in fear as he was pushed forward. Falling to his knees, he didn't dare look up at his mistress. "W-w-we bring news of from the East, my lady." He gulped.

"From Fate's Archipelago?" Maleficent spat at the name. Her one true adversary dwelt there with their legions of Nobodies, but rarely came out and left Maleficent to toy with the Mainlands. She longed the day when her domain was fortified enough for her to strike back at her one enemy, finally claiming the world as her own. After that, could she reach her true goal.

The goblins swallowed, looking back and forth, then backed away. Maleficent's gaze stared at the insufferable being before her.

Standing in a thick, black coat, a hood drawn over his face to shadow his true self, the man bowed humbly.

"And what would a Nobody, such as yourself," Maleficent started eloquently, mocking him. "Want with a humble sorceress, sir?"

"Lady," He started off casually. "I've got no business with you, personally. But, my comrades and I would like to take an opportunity to...make a temporary arrangement."

"Oh?" Maleficent raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

The thin man pointed towards Disney Kingdom. "There, as you can see, are the ones who can really screw things up for all of us-"

Maleficent laughed. "I think you may be overestimating their abilities-"

"And you, Miss, are underestimating them. That kind of attitude will only get you done in, in the end."

She cackled louder. "You are one to jest, aren't you? Very well, let us hear your offer."

"Fine," The man said. "Organization XIII hereby extends its...friendship to you, just so long as the Keyblade Masters are alive. But, once they're out, so are we. You're back on your own."

"Perfect. That will do, for me." Maleficent said. "However, I make no promises. Get in my way, and you will not be warned, nor spared."

"Likewise, lady." The man said, inclining his head. "By the way, we don't do house calls. We're only in this for the Keyblade Masters, not to run your errands."

"Very well." Maleficent said. "You may go to your group-"

"Organization XIII." The man corrected, then repeated slowly as if she was a small child. "Organization. T-H-I-R-T-E-E-N. Got it memorized?"

Maleficent clenched her jaw. This man was already trying her already thinning patience.

"Oh, and a little heads up for you." The Nobody said. "One of the Keyblade Masters is pro, and I'd watch out for. He may not look it, but he's not the shrimp as he looks to be. And the other one, well, he's got little left to loose. I'm sure we both know that's never a pretty thing to face. If he's anything like his counterpart that I used to know, then, I'd recommend-"

Maleficent had tolerated quite enough of him. "Thank you for the concern, but I do not take advice from nobodies, such as yourself."

The man bit back a comment, snorting a laugh. "Fine, suit yourself."

With that, he stepped back and was consumed by the portal of darkness, vanishing.


Nodding off, Goofy leaned back in his chair, snoring loudly. He was too sleepy to notice Pete walk by, along with several of his sniveling lackeys. Nor did he see them dart back the other way, fleeing from the scene of the crime.

He did, however, feel the surprising draft breathing into the area. Which was quickly followed up by a heavy tremor, knocking off one of the figurines off the shelf and hitting Goofy on the head.

Yelping out and grabbing his head to stop the bump from rising, Goofy smacked his lips, waking up. He suddenly heard loud cries coming from the northern watchtower, the emergency bell clanging loudly.

"MEN TO YOUR POSTS!" One of the guards hollering, trying to out do the storm's volume. "INNER WALLS ARE BREACHED! GET CITIZENS TO SAFETY-"

Trailing off on dozens of commands at once, Goofy leap to his feet, being caught up in the the hustle of knights carrying off their captain.

"C'mon, Captain!" One shouted. "We gotta tell the King and Queen!"

The streets were flooding with water, roads turning into streams. Men, woman and children alike working together by packing up sandbags to hold back the river that passed through the city. The moat around the castle was on the verge of overflowing, superiors trying to order their troops to both set their positions while trying to hold up their defensive formations around the castle gates.

Donald was out-shouting every scream and every stroke of thunder, with no real competition against him. However, his duck filled accent made it impossible to understand him at all. Which only made Donald all the more angrier and motivated to should even louder.

Spotting his friend, Goofy stumbled over to him. "Donald, quick! 'Ya gotta get word to the King!"

"What's going on?" Donald yelled back, Goofy covering his ears from the shout.

"Just go tell the King-"

"Fine, fine! I'm going!" Donald said before running for the castle.

On his way, Donald saw Cloud and Auron running towards the gate. They paused at the sight of the duck.

"Are they here?" Cloud said, his eyes widening.

"What?" Donald looked up at him. "Is who here?"

"The Heartless." Auron replied. Donald gaped, completely in disbelief. The two warriors froze for a moment, their instincts mentally shouting wildly at them. "Too late."

"They're coming!"

Ignoring the duck, the warriors rushed past him, their massive swords out and read for use, and out towards the castle's exit.

"Heartless?" Donald repeated. Hitting him like a heavy boulder, Donald's brain finally checked in. "HEARTLESS!"


Before Sora could finish another word, as Kairi was drilling him to speak more then just one word at a time, he paused.

"Sora-"

He held up a hand, gesturing her to be silent. Standing up, Sora quickly moved to the window, pulling aside the curtain. The storm had stopped so suddenly, and nothing but shouting from all over the kingdom was heard. A heavy chime echoed throughout the kingdom, silencing the twelve tolls from the Clock Tower.

The Keyblade came to Sora's hand, lighting up the room for a moment. Reaching out for Kairi, offered to help her stand. Taking it without any thought, Sora yanked her up, lacing their fingers together.

"Not safe." Sora said simply, then kicked open the door.

Instantly, Sora cut down the keyblade, metal ringing against metal.

Riku's eyes hardened to Sora's glassy eyes. "Just testing it out."

Meeting with the Keyblade, was a devilish looking sword shaped as a demonic wing. The Soul Eater shimmered, challenging the Keyblade to its own might.

"Alright, you two done having your fun?" Riku said, shooting a suggestive look towards them. Sora nodded innocently, but that only made Kairi stiffen all the more. "C'mon! King Mickey's waiting for us at the Entrance Hall."

Riku grabbed Kairi's other hand, and the two boys quickly escorted the Princess of Heart.

Not even at a second glance, did anyone dare get in their way. Some even dropped to one knee at the sight of either Kairi or at their prince, Sora. In no time at all, they arrived at their destination, King Mickey ordering people about, trying to maintain dwindling order.

"Finally!" The King cried out in relief at the sight of them. Mickey's great Keyblade brightened as the two Keyblades were near, both showing their mysterious joy to be with their counterpart.

"Riku, I need you to go on ahead, tell everyone to fall back to the castle." People who heard the King stopped.

"Sire," One of the elite knights said, bowing down. "We will defend your entire kingdom to the last-"

"No," Mickey shook his head, a pained look came across his face. A look of pure regret. "Just round up the ones we selected."

The knights gaped, choking on his words. "Your Majesty...?"

"Hurry! Get a move on!" Mickey shouted to them, then made his way to Sora. Holding out his Keyblade, the two weapons clashed, only in friendly gesture.

"Sora. Don't ever leave Kairi out of your sight." Mickey said as he smiled. "Stay with her."

Both Keyblade Masters held their position, their Keyblades touching, as if for the last time. Sora nodded to his adoptive father, then answered the King.

"Always."

Queen Minnie came over, grabbing the King's shoulder, trying to pull him out of his trance as Mickey stared, jaw dropping, at Sora. The two mice turned, both making their way to the room containing the Cornerstone of Light. Looking over at Kairi, Sora squeezed her hand. Kairi smiled sadly, and couldn't help but feel like she might never see the kind Queen and King of Disney Castle again for a very long time.


Count Mortimer yawned, watching the commoners scream for the guards as they gathered them into carriages and wagons. Some tried to jump into carts, but they were soon thrown off by the guards, rejected and left to stay within the doomed city. Count Mortimer snorted, somewhat impressed that King Mickey had the guts to only pick the commoners that with the least amount darkness in their hearts. He was expecting the King to try and save every single life from the Heartless. But, this only proved that Mickey wasn't completely incompetent, since the Cornerstone would be weakened by every smidgen of darkness, its energy already near depletion.

And once the Cornerstone of Light would finally did crack, that's when Mortimer could finally move in to seize the kingdom, as well as Mickey's beloved Minnie, for his own.

Everything was going perfectly. The city was being evacuated, soldiers frantically trying to gather up the selected commoners worthy of being saved. Now, was the next step was ready.

To draw out the Keyblade Master...

...and use his precious princess as the bait.

"Too easy." Mortimer said aloud.

A crow suddenly swooped down, dropping something into his hands, then perched on a lamp post.

"Eh?" Mortimer tore open the letter, his drooping nose wiggling in distaste. The note read:

Slight alternation in plans, my friend. Two allies have been sent to retrieve the Princess. Otherwise, be ready.

Short and and sweet, but vague, as usual. Mortimer promised to pass a taste of his power once he was the new king. Counting down the seconds, Mortimer held the letter away from him, expecting it to explode in its green flames.

Nothing happened.

Opening an eye, the count looked back at the letter closely. Naturally, it had delayed long enough to burst into flames, nearly blinding him and singeing the tip of his nose.

"Lousy witch!" Mortimer cursed, patting his black nose, then holding it to the water drains for cool water to drip on it.

"So, rats always do return to the gutters of whence they came." A voice said. Mortimer whipped around, reaching for his over-decorated rapier at his hip.

"Who's there?"

"Yeah, that's him, alright." Another voice said. "Okay, lets cut the small talk. Some Maleficent said you had a way into the castle."

Mortimer straightened. "Ah, wise guys are you-?"

"We prefer we not waste time." Another black figure emerged from the shadows, his hands behind his back. His voice was deep and rumbling, but spoke delicately. "We are from the Organization. Now, show us."

Mortimer sniffed haughtily. Nobody ordered him around like that! If only the Count realized the irony of the thought, he might have altered his attitude. "Alright, follow me."

"Okay, Xaldin," The other said, rolling his head, then pulling out two, very large and extravagant crossbow-like weapons. "Time for a action."

"Yes." The man, Xaldin, agreed dimly. "Oh, and try to ignore my comrade, Xigbar. He speaks only nonsense."

"Hey, hey," The sniper in the cloak said, trying to act hurt. "That's not nice, Xaldin. Shutting me down like that."

"Number Two," Xaldin snarled. "It would be better if you-"

"Alright, shut up, Number Three." He nodded at Mortimer. "Lead the way, rat-face."

Mortimer sucked on his tooth, mentally adding the two and this Organization to his list as he led the way. Being on Mortimer's list, was not an act of flattery.


Sora dived out of the way as a clumsy, panicking made knocked over a suit of armor, nearly falling on him and Kairi. He sliced the armor in two before it could crash any further, it falling hard on the ground instead of breaking apart and causing a small obstacle course.

They had to keep moving. Amidst all the chaos, it was a prime opportunity for anyone within the shadows to act now. They also had to stall for time, until Riku was finished with their rounds. However, the King seemed to be expecting something entirely different in store for Kairi and Sora.

And that always set Sora high on his nerves.

"Master Sora, Prince of the honored Disney Kingdom." A voice proclaimed.

Sora instantly held back his arms over-protectively around Kairi.

A red figure revealed himself openly, extending his hands out in a welcoming expression. "And the famed Keyblade Master with no heart."

Kairi squinted. "What?"

The beggar laughed. "Ah, and the ravishing Princess Kairi! Truly, I am not worthy to be in presence of either one of you."

Sora growled. "Leave."

"Alas," DiZ said, blocking their path. "I'm afraid we are all doomed to stay within these walls. The Heartless are upon us, but, least we forget, there are Nobodies afoot, as well."

Kairi tried to get a better look at the man, but Sora wouldn't allow her to get closer. There was something oddly familiar about his voice...

"It would be wise," DiZ said slowly. "If you two would flee from the kingdom at once. Especially you, Sora." He looked at the Keyblade. "Many worlds are begging for their savior to come to their aid. And as they legend goes, only you are suitable for that task..." He chuckled. "Shame, that you cannot. Ah, f you were only a complete being."

"What are you saying?" Kairi demanded.

"That boy, dear Princess," He said. "Is no more complete then any of the Heartless you have seen, or the Nobodies you have run from. He is incomplete."

"You're lying..." Kairi said defiantly, shaking her head.

"Believe what you must, but, I speak only the truth." DiZ said as he stepped aside. "But, perhaps, you could-"

"DIZ!" Riku shouted, his sword propped up, ready to strike. DiZ stopped mid-sentence, turning around the corner. Riku chased his ghostly figure, but DiZ was nowhere to be found. Not willing to waste his time hunting down the self-proclaimed beggar, Riku returned to his two friends. Waving his free hand around to them, Kairi and Sora followed Riku.

Sora held his breath, then stopped, grabbing Kairi around the waist, and pushing them both into the wall. Just where they were standing a moment ago, several blades shot into the floor. Keyblade at the ready, Sora looked around, waiting for another surprise. Sure enough, another batch of blades shot for them. In a blur, Sora moved, kicking back the blades to their sender.

"You little sneak!" A man's voice cried, throwing one of his wet, red-stained blades down.

The air parted, Darkness seeping through the hole, and a man emerged into sight. Looking at the two of them, he pulled off his hood. With an eye-patch and a long scar tracing long the side of his face to his neck, the man in the dark cloak chuckled. His dark hair had a streak of white, showing his that he was aged in years, was pulled back and tied in the back.

"Hmm, Axel was right." He said, mostly to himself as he looked over Sora, rubbing his nose. "You do look a lot like him."

The hair from Sora's nape stood up, and he resumed his guard over Kairi, his eyes not leaving Xigbar.

"That look he has...it's kinda creepy, though." Xigbar continued, then added in a shout, "Don't you think, Xaldin?"

"Indeed," A responded, his voice echoing through the hallway. "His being is quite interesting. Zexion would have thoroughly enjoyed studying him."

"Listen, kid," Xigbar started, lowering his projectile weapons. "We just wanna borrow that little girlfriend of yours for a second. You know, as collateral, until you can do a small favor for us. Or," He grinned wickedly. "We can skip the messy procedures, and you don't even have to hand her over at all. Just do as we say, and we'll be out of your way."

Sora's teeth bared, his eyebrows acting out a glare.

"Heh." The man chuckled. "Fine, we'll do things the hard way."

"Sora! Watch out!" Riku shouted. But the warning was too late.

Appearing behind Sora and Kairi, Xaldin emerged from another dark portal, grabbing Kairi around the throat and dragging her with him.

Sora's Keyblade thrust out, hitting the man in the side. Grunting, he conjured a deadly lance, and knocked it away, but Sora quickly hit his elbow to retaliate. Kairi, in the meantime, stomped on his foot, Xaldin staggering back from the two blows.

"Getting soft, Number Three!" Xigbar taunted, Xaldin snarled, then threw off his hood in annoyance.

His pitch black dreadlocks cascaded down. The jagged sideburns and eyebrows only made Xaldin seem all the more enraged. Five more identical lances appeared, all orbiting around their wielder. Jumping up, Xaldin shot into the air, then plummeted down on Sora. Pushing Kairi out of the way, the two of them went in opposite directions. Xaldin threw four of his lances at Sora, distracting the boy as he rushed for Kairi, picking her up and diving into the dark portal

Sora shattered the lances with the Keyblade, and ran to catch up to them. Two sharp pains struck his calves, causing him to stumble. Sora looked back, Xigbar waving to him, and ready to fire again. Riku tackled Xigbar, both crashing into a suit of armor.

"Don't worry! I'll get this guy, Sora!" Riku shouted, hitting the man in the shoulder with the butt of the Soul Eater. "Go after Kairi!"

Not disagreeing at all with Riku, Sora cut open his own portal. Then leaped to follow Xaldin and retrieve Kairi, and at any costs.