A/N: Yay~~! Got this one finished too! And right in time for work. X3 I'm happy with it for the most part, and kinda iffy about the ending part…I know that could be better. Happy new years everyone! I have to be on my way to work now! =D

Chapter X

All was peaceful and quite. Soft cooing, of the nearby birds, as they nestled into their beds, could be heard on the cool gentle breezes flowing throughout the area. Inky blue-blackness of night covered everything it touched in a dark blanket. The brightly shining stars, along with the moon, provided enough light to illuminate the seemingly sleeping figures, lying in the wooden area, among the trees.

One lone figure stared up at the sky, marveling at its brilliance. Sighing the girl with the light sky blue eyes, stretched out gently, and curled into a comfortable position. Looking up once more into the vast cosmos of space, flashes of loved ones crossed her mind. It's so different; between knowing you'll be home soon and if you'll ever be able to go home again. She was already missing her family. Even if it only had been two days already, who knows when they'll ever get back to their homes…

The island they were on gave her a very serene feeling, as if it were relatively new and still untouched by the ugliness of humanities cruel nature. The lights seen in the tunnel were a good example. They had given her such a wonderful feeling of warmth and happiness. I wish Nova could've seen and felt them too… The only other time she had that experience, was when they visited a castle on one of the school field trips they had. The caretakers had turned the old structure into a museum, and left most things generally untouched. They had put up ropes and whatnots to keep people from tripping on things and touching the old draperies and such. The castle was supposedly the one that the leader of the Knights lived at. If she remembered correctly…It wasn't like those huge, imposing, but grand castles. Rather it gave off a more humble and homey feel, but still rather spacious. It also provided a good defense against opposing forces. The strange thing about the place was that there were almost no paintings, or even tapestries of those who lived there. The only one that they did put up were, smudged and damaged paintings of the last standing Knights, the Maidens coming together to seal off the light, and the Leader of the Knights and his thirteen Lieutenants.

A fit of nostalgia overcame her, as unwanted but not entirely unpleasant memories came forward. Star gazing was one of the things that she and her sister used to do together. A warm heavy pressure began to build up behind her eyes, as she did her best to shake it away. They had more pressing matters at the moment. Finding a way home was a big one. A flickering movement caught her eye in the stars above.

"W-wha…?" she exhaled softly, blinking, she waited. Just as she was about to brush it off as a figment of her imagination, a star brightly shining, dimmed and blinked out as if it were never there. Abruptly standing, small seeds of dread crept its way into her being, only to sprout faster as another one slowly fades out as well. Stars do not go out like that naturally…! The roiling clouds did nothing to quell her fear, as it brought strong growing winds and ominous thunder with it.

Grabbing her things and quickly preparing, she shuffled over the nearest figure to her. Never know what might happen…It's best to be ready for anything! It was just her luck to pick someone who slept heavily like a rock. "Chase. Chase!" her urgent whisper called out, as she tried to gently shake him awake. Despite her seemingly endless amount of patience, right now was really not the time for it. RRRRGH! Wake up sleepy head! Poking him somewhat harshly in the side (It was one of his ticklish spots…), he jerked awake.

Pushing his visor out of the way, Chase looked up at the person who had roughly wakened him up. "Luna…? What's wrong?" he inquired as he stared into her anxious eyes. Holding her hand out, she pulled him up just a bit so he was sitting instead.

"I-I feel like something is wrong, like that one time we decided to walk home…we need to wake the others, and prepare for whatever is happening!" she pressed, as she helped him to his feet and proceeded on to the next person. Nodding, he stretched languidly, before going to the friend nearest to him. He could remember that time all to clearly. They had just finished a class project together, and instead of calling their parents and waiting at the school until they arrived, they left together, deciding to enjoy a walk home instead. Him and the others were sleeping over her house for the weekend, but were arriving at different times. Along the way they had taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up in a different neighborhood. Luna could sense certain things and upon walking, not even ten steps, into the community did she stop dead in her tracks. She wouldn't budge at all! And, instead, insisted that they turn back and just call her mom. Her mom had been rather relieved when they had called, having heard on the radio that in a nearby district, near to their school, kids have been disappearing and found dead days later. So, now, whenever she insisted upon something bad happening he listened. Most in their group of friends just thought she was paranoid.

Gizmo was one of those people who you could wake up and talk to for a bit. That is before they immediately fell back to sleep when you were done. So jolting awake the second time around, as Chase roughly tapped him on the shoulder, had him more alert than earlier and almost ready for anything. Together they journeyed towards the next victim, all the while trying to keep each other from falling asleep on their feet.

On the other side Luna was doing her best to wake up the normally animated Mizu. Despite the bubbly girl's hyperactivity, once asleep she was a dead weight until she awoke. The sky-eyed girl was getting a tad bit frustrated. None of the methods she was using was working on the girl in front of her. Well, I guess desperate times call for desperate measures…maybe I could use her ribbons to… Untying the ribbons from bubblegum pink hair, Luna leaned closer towards dozing female's ear. "Mizu! Someone took your hair ribbons and are planning to burn them!" she whispered loudly.

"Noooo!" cried Mizu; as she abruptly sat up, a confused yet sleepy look overtaking her facial features. Her untied hair hung in ringlets, framing her face, as she ran her fingers into her hair. She turned and looked all over, before settling on Luna as said girl held up the ribbons with a small smile. She tied her hair back up as she listened to Luna talk explaining the situation. Unknown to the two, a strange darkness formed beneath their bodies.

Nodding to each other the two got ready to stand up, only to find that they couldn't budge from their spot. The dark was already consuming their legs and no matter what they did, it would not let them free. Like quicksand the more they moved the faster they sank into the substance. Looking at each other with startled expressions, they both gave a cry of warning to the friends on the other side of the platform.

"Gizmo! Chase!" But their warning came too late. The two boys were already stuck in the pool of darkness. The four awake friends could only struggle and watch as their sleeping friends sunk beneath the darkness. In hopes that they would see each other again one day, the four linked arms with their partner. Luna instead grasped onto Mizu's arm and hoped against all odds the she wouldn't be alone in whatever place they were headed.

(Where...?)

Darkness was all around. I floated on a bed of nothingness. A weightless feeling; in the vast unknown around me, drifting to and fro. All I could remember before this point was, trying to grab the attention of a few of my friends. Then, there was storming wind and rain consuming us.

In the dark I let my senses take over. Warmth from an unknown source could be felt, as well as the delicious smell of food cooking wafting around. I could faintly hear a constant crackling noise in the background. A gentle flicker of light was seen in the distance. Not really knowing what to do, I made a move towards the light. Vague mumblings of an elderly male could be heard, the closer I got to the glow of illumination.

"...stir constantly... the whole time? Or every so often...?" a light slurping sound soon followed. "Mmm!" exclaimed the far off voice, mumbling to itself. "...very tasty, indeed! ...just...wait till...all components...cook through." It continued.

Reaching the light, I could feel that, I seemed to be lying on some kind of mattress, with a light material covering me. Slowly, my eyes opened to see a rock ceiling above me. Moving my arms just a bit I pushed myself into a leaning position against the headboard of the bed I was placed upon. It was a cozy place I guess...Although, why anyone would want to live in a cave was beyond me. Turning my head a little, I glanced around the rather spacious room, taking notice of a multitude of things.

First of all, the space was surprisingly well furnished. The second thing, were the piles upon piles of books lining the walls of the room, along with completely covering the two desks that were there also. The third thing was that there was a short tunnel leading a ways away from us, holding the entrance to the cave. Thick vines covered the opening, occasionally moving back and forth, due to some rather strong winds. And lastly, right smack dab in the middle was a merrily crackling fire. Along with some sort of handmade apparatus that held a pot above it. An elderly man, dressed in light blue robes and a pointed hat, sat nearby. He was poring over some sort of book and waving a thin looking stick at the pot, which in turn was magically stirring itself. The wizened old man seemed to pause in his studies, to quickly glance my way before going right back to his work. That is, only to fully put his attention on me, once he realized I was awake.

"Dear boy! I see you have finally woken up!" he happily exclaimed. "You've been out for a couple of days now, so I was hoping you'd awaken soon. I'm not too sure what I would have done if you didn't! I have to be on my way you see..." He explained, as he rummaged around for a few things. I watched as he put together a small meal upon a tray.

So many thoughts were running around my head. I don't quite understand how I ended up in a cave when I was on a beach before... where were my friends..? And the beach we were on? Where exactly was I anyway? And my friends...are they okay as well...? And who exactly is this strange old man...?

The wizard..? I guess, came over with the tray. Slowly, I pushed myself into a sitting position, receiving the tray that he offered me. Confusion slowly crossed my features.

"Eat up! You need your energy, after sleeping so long." He gently smiled, motioning for me to eat. Looking at all the food I couldn't help but think that this person was one of the nicest people I have met. How many people would just pick up an unconscious person and take care of them with no strings attached..? At our home, not a lot of people would help another, despite the peace there seemed to be. Most times when someone is in need of help, people would just stop and stare or even walk around and ignore them, not wanting to get involved. I only know a few people that would actually get up and help others out of the kindness of their hearts. Before taking a bite I voiced the question on my mind. Well, tried to I guess.

"H-ha...!" My voice cracked horribly. The insides of my neck felt dry and scratchy, causing some pain. The coarseness made me go into a fit of coughing, hurting my throat further.

The elderly male seemed to flood with concern and apologized to me profusely. "I'm so sorry! I've forgotten your water. It's the old age, you see." Using his wand he magically filled a cup with water and flew it over. Holding out the cup, he instructed, "Drink it slowly. Don't want you to choke now, do we?"

Taking the glass and nodding, I did my best not to gulp the whole thing down in one go. The water was very refreshing, with a crisp flavor. Cooling the soreness, as it went down. Placing the half full glass on the tray, I gasped and tried once more to ask my question.

"Have you seen my friends, sir?" pausing, my ice blues staring into his darker ones. "There are ten of us, myself included." Unconsciously a swell of hope welled up inside. That is, only to be brought down at the news that came soon after.

"I'm sorry...but, I'm afraid that you have been the only one I've seen so far. You did appear in a flash of light after all." Replied the wizard softly. "For now eat, and we shall discuss your magical abilities, and a way to find these friends of yours." softly urged the wizened male.

Magical...abilities...? I wasn't even aware that I had any sort of it within me. I just figured that every day would be the same old thing with me. Not that I minded, but the idea of being able to do magic was amazing! Maybe...just maybe, it would make Alya like me more... Her confident and light hearted personality seemed to calm me when I'm around her. It's such a pleasant feeling! If I could use magic to find my friends and maybe even help them out, that would be great! ...And if possible, maybe pull a prank or two here and there. Only one problem seemed to present itself at the moment.

"If possible, I would love to learn sir, although before we start on anything could I get your name?" I asked. Really, though, I'd rather not have to call him sir of even mister throughout the whole thing.

"Ah! I have forgotten to introduce myself haven't i? well, you may call me Merlin." He introduced holding out a friendly hand. Grasping it gently, I gave him a small smile.

"I'm Blaz."

[What is that?]

Pulling my boat into the docking area I noticed that the others were here as well. "Riku's boat and Kairi's!" Jumping onto the dock of the island, a huge glowing ball of some kind of strange glowing energy pulsed in the sky…"Wh-what is that?"

Looking back forward, little black figures started to ease out of the ground. Just like in my dream! Dashing back to my little boat, deft fingers grasped the wooden structure of my play sword and quickly turning to slash at the air, just as one of the shadow things jumped into the sky and aimed for attack! Jumping from space to space, slowly making my way onto the sand. I slashed at them the best I could, in hopes that they would disappear. I wasn't doing any damage to them at all and only earned tiny scratches for my attempts.

Taking my play sword I tucked it in a belt loop and bolted for the area that Chase and all our other new friends were staying for the night. Climbing the ladder that led to the area, the eerie silence sent a small sense of foreboding throughout me. Please let them be okay… Upon reaching the site, all I could see were a few scattered blankets and pillows lying about. Other that that there were no signs that anyone was there at all. NO! Turing around, I found that Riku was standing upon the little Island with the Paopu tree.

Standing around didn't seem to be such a good idea. The shadow things were coming up around me again. Taking off I headed to the little islet. Finally crossing the bridge I found Riku calmly standing in the middle as if nothing were happening around him. "Where's Kairi? I thought she was with you!" I couldn't help the accusing tone from seeping into my voice. So far I hadn't seen her and the dark shadow minion things could attack her!

"The Door has opened…" he said in awe, his head lifting higher in realization. "The Door is open, Sora! Now we can go to the outside world!" he exclaimed in excitement turning towards me.

"What are you talking about? We've gotta find Kairi!" I said panicked, who knows what those things would do to her if we don't get to her first…

"Kairi's coming with us too!" Riku interjected in confident assurance, as I softly gasped at his outburst. "Once we step through, we might not be able to come back." He stated, laying out a possible outcome. "We may never see our parents again. There's no turning back." He slowly lifted his head, as if seeing a far off distant world. "But this may be our only chance. We can't let fear stop us! I'm not afraid of the darkness!" he concluded with determination, holding his hand out to.

"Riku…" a sense of alarm gripped me. A pool of darkness appeared under him and slowly climbed up his form. Running forward, I stopped only to find the same pool around my own feet, stalling my movement. Reaching out I did my best to grasp his hand. We're so close! I not about to let the shadows take may best friend away from me! Before I could even think to touch his hand a force pulled me backwards. I was consumed in darkness for a moment as I floated in the subconscious.

A bright ball of light illuminated my vision and I was once again on the island, stumbling back onto my feet, with a new weight in my right hand. Lifting it into my sight I saw, a key shaped, weapon.

…Keyblade…

…Keyblade…

Strange whispers flew into my mind; along with the knowledge that I could use it to get rid of the small shadow things popping up all over the place. Nodding to myself I jumped off of the bridge, unto the sand below. The shadows immediately, started to surround me. Focusing on the one near me I slashed at it as it jumped into the air knocking in to the ground. Doing the same to some of the others and sending them flying away from me. Missing one as it sank back into the ground and seemed to circle around me. Keeping it no mind, I caught one of the ones that I had attacked earlier and watched as it burst into , green bubbles and small golden nuggets and a crystal heart flew away into the sky. Running into the items had me picking them up. The small green bubbles filled me with energy and I notice that some of my scratches seemed to heal themselves. Finishing off the shadows, I made my way to the secret place where Kairi and I drew pictures all over the walls.

Stopping abruptly at the end of the tunnel I noticed a familiar figure facing the wooden door with no knob. "Kairi!" I shouted, relieved to have finally found her. Sluggishly she turned, an empty haunted look in her eyes.

"Sora…" she called softly. Trying to take a few stumbling steps forward, her hand reached out to me. The door behind her suddenly burst open, sending a strong dark wind flying out. I threw my arms out in front of me to protect myself from any oncoming debris. Squinting through the wind I was shocked to see that Kairi was flying towards me! Holding my arms out to catch her, I waited for the impact. I was surprised to find that instead of catching her, she disappeared as soon as her skin touched mine. Then the swirling wind only got stronger and threw me out of the cave.

I landed back onto whatever was left of the island. Situated at what was now the edge, of my world, the dark sphere in the sky seemed to be sucking in more and more pieces of it. Turning around a huge dark figure loomed before me. Its another creature from my dream. It stared at me with its glowing yellow eyes from under its fringe of tangled strands of hair.

Hefting the Keyblade in hand, I ran toward it and instantly attacked its hand. It seemed the only possible vulnerable place to hit. In the dream, nothing happened when I hit its legs. Crossing its arms over its chest, the huge shadow, Darkside, I think it was called, bent over and gathered energy in the empty place where a person's heart should be. Rearing on its legs, it shot pulses of darkness into the sky, raining down as huge balls of darkness. Doing my best to avoid them, I continued to hack at the hand in front of me.

Having hit a nerve, the hand in front of me reared backwards into the sky and accumulated more dark energy before slamming it into the ground. A pool of darkness appeared around it and small shadows appeared into the mass, as if being summoned. Taking advantage of the Darkside's head so near to the ground, I attacked it. The little beings of darkness attacked my backside mercilessly as I went for its 'Mother' figure.

A bright flash of light suddenly illuminated the area and the Darkside seemed to fall, defeated. Stumbling on my feet, I fell down, grabbing at the nearest thing to me. I could feel the suction of the ball in the sky, while watching the huge shadow get sucked up into it. I-I can't hold on much longer!

"UAAAHHHHHHhhhh…..!"

A/N: Omg...xD that last part is so repetitive! I'll get to fixing it soon...

Thank you all for reading!

Update 6/18/12: Finally fixed the things i had wanted to tune up! :D

~Lunamonki