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: Sorry, this chapter is a little shorter, I sort of needed a breather from all of the action and longer chapters. (PHEW!)

I've got some really GOOD news, but at the same time, BAD news.

On top of my writing, I also do mess loads of art. I love this story so much now (I've got it all figured out! Screw Writer's Block! XD) I'm actually going to create a cover art for it.

I'm not sure how long it will, take, so that's the BAD news. My cover art/picture for this story will subtract from my writing time. However, I assure you, once its done successfully, I'll be so inspired that ideas will shoot out like a cannon of brilliance. XD I'm so excited! Hey, don't give me those looks! I'm most likely a better artist then I am a writer...um, I think that's a good thing. .;

Anyways, I'll keep you guys informed on that and post my result of it. It's really sweet...or whatever. So far, Sora looks a little mean, because he has a flat expression. Kairi's pose was HELL to come up with. AGH. O.o;

By the way, there will be nine Disney worlds. Kind of pushing it, but, whatever. It's exact right amount for this story, I think. It was hard picking them, because they had to go along with the story and I thank you for suggestions!

Besides, I have another fan fiction that myself and a friend of mine are teaming up to write. Well, I'm the one writing, but the story is very difficult, but really good! I couldn't use some worlds in this story, just as a precaution to not take away with the one I'm going to write after this one. And yes. It'll be another Sora and Kairi fluff! Hehe, I'm going to be such a hypocrite with that story. It'll most likely go over fifty chapters. Eep.

Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts.

The Lionheartless

Those Without Hearts

X: Hand in Hand

Forcing himself through another portal, Sora was hot on Xaldin's heels, and was steadily catching up as he broke into a full sprint.

Glancing back at his pursuer, Xaldin smirked, then extending his hand to create another portal. However, Sora rolled into a tumble, throwing out the Keyblade, aiming it for his legs. Tripping him, Kairi flew out of Xaldin's arms and to his advantage, was the only one to go through the portal. Xaldin rose to his feet, six spears falling as he juggled them around to catch all of them. The large man stood before the swirling dark gate, only leaving it open to, hopefully, distract Sora.

"Show me the power of a Keyblade Master!" Xaldin exclaimed, a twisted half grin forming.

Lowering his Keyblade, Sora stood there before him. Slowly, he breathed in and out, focusing on the Keyblade, and nothing else. The feeling of rusted blades unraveling in his chest and spinning around like a propeller was almost overwhelming for Sora. The Keyblade lit up with an intense light, Xaldin having to shield his eyes from it. By the time the area had cleared from the flash, Xaldin was too late to realize that Sora was only a second away from striking.

Two lances went up for an X position, catching Sora's Keyblade in mid-swing. However, the metal began to heat and melt under the light wrapped around the Keyblade, and folded in half under the Keyblade. Sora stabbed forth, another lance came down like a pendulum, batting it aside. Sora slashed to the side to regain his balance, the same lance lost its tip as the Keyblade sliced through.

Xaldin's supply of weapons seemed limitless. As soon as Sora would destroy one weapon, it was quickly replaced by another. Sora knew, however, this was slowly eating away at Xaldin's magical reserves. Sora was used to fighting constantly with the same intense vigor, and with the Keyblade with him, Sora was sure he could outlast his opponent.

But how long could Kairi last?

The pain ripping apart the insides in his chest dulled, and was replaced with something entirely different. Something punched against his ribs, just like the time it had when Sora was at the Clock Tower with Kairi.

The Keyblade glistered in response, bits of star-shaped dust falling from its blade. The voice of the Keyblade sung clearly, and Sora was surrounded by several orbs of light that shot out of the key. Spinning around them, each orb claiming one of Xaldin's lances and sucking it them into their spherical bodies. Xaldin tried to summon more to his aid as he jumped away from Sora to dodge the orbs. No more lances came.

"Very impressive," Xaldin said, pulling his hood back over his face. "As much to be expected from the Keyblade Prince. However, I had hoped you would have more...passion in your style."

Xaldin stepped back into the portal, closing it. Sora, however, had a chance to dive into the realm of darkness before it completely shut.

Hitting the imaginary floor, something flew into his mouth, down his throat and seized his lungs. Gasping, Sora tried to breath, but the grip only intensified. Spreading out into his limbs, crawling around and chaining itself to his muscles, Sora knew it was the Darkness trying to take hold of him. Sora could feel its laughter as it dragged him down, forcing that...beast back into him.

"Sora!" Kairi screamed, her voice sounding miles away.

The Darkness halted, then fled entirely. He knew it was Kairi helping him up, metaphorically speaking, since no one else would feed him the limitless amount of warmth that came. Just by hearing her voice, his mind cleared more, pushing aside all the loud noise that screeched through his head.

"Tell me, Master of the Keyblade." A deep, baritone voice said. Sora jumped to his feet, his Keyblade ready for more. Again, he was faced with another stranger in black. However, this one was different, having far more power then either of the men Sora met earlier.

"You, who reject the Dark. But also un-welcomed by the Light. Trapped in the world of Twilight..." He spoke slowly and carefully. "What purpose do you have? Why is it, that the mighty Keyblade stays loyal to you, and only you?

"So easily, you receive such blessings." He continued. " What more could you desire? Already, you have: the power of the Key. The life of a Prince. And now," The man circled Sora, but held their distance. "The growing love from a Princess of Pure Heart."

Sora lowered the Keyblade, looking at the man as if he was speaking another language. He shook his head, sighing.

"You do not even know what love is." He stated, his hands falling to his sides. "Why, then, are you so worthy of such gifts? You are no better then myself or my brethren, all of us marked with the shame of no heart, as Nobodies..."

Stopping, the man drew back his hood. His face was young, his eyes intense with a fiery gold. Long draping white hair falling from his face.

"Sora...how long until the Keyblade's will consumes what is left of your heart? " He asked quietly, his expression not altering from its critical expression.

Sora's Keyblade vanished, sensing no hostility in the man, whom had now stepped back and letting the strings of darkness tie knots around him. Tugging on his hood, the man was devoured by the dark, a slight hole opening for him...

...to Destiny Islands.

Sora was drawn in by the sight, but the illusion of the lush palm dreams and soothing, sunset oceans faded away. Crumbling into a twisted and broken version, leaving Sora's mouth dry at the sight. If it were still intact, this is were Sora's heart would have broken upon seeing the corruption of his native home.

Fortunately, the sound of Kairi's scream tore his attention away. Kairi elbowed Xaldin as hard as she could, then quickly tried to escape from him. Quickly, the Nobody grabbed her, Kairi nearly falling to her knees as he jerked her back and forced her to follow.

Reaching out to him, and Sora doing likewise, Xaldin secretly smirked. Snapping his fingers, an invisible barrier build up from the ground, Sora not noticing it until he ran into it.

Pounding on the glass, Sora recalled the Keyblade and smashed against the invisible wall. Kairi screamed for him, trying to break through the wall herself, before Xaldin's gloved hand came over her mouth, muffling her cries. They were gone in moment, and Sora wanted nothing more then to swear aloud at his failure.

Growing tired of their endless game of transporting between the Realms of Light and Dark, Sora ripped open an uneasy hole, the darkness silently shrieking at the Keyblade's cut, then jumped out of the forsaken portal.

Catching his fall and going into a tumble, Sora stopped as he bumped into a heavy gate.

Backing up, he craned his neck up, looking at the massive gate towering over him. The gate to the city, as well as the final barrier that separated the Disney Kingdom from the Heartless' clutches.

And beyond that gate, was Kairi. Xaldin had purposely made Sora's portal barely short enough so he would only come this for.

Sora punched the wall, torn of what he should do. Before, when he had broken the barrier, there was hardly a Heartless in sight, so there was little risk when he allowed Leon's caravan of survivors into the kingdom. But now, a sea of Heartless was on the other side, all eager to get inside. All waiting for someone to open it for them...

...someone like a Keyblade Master. Sora.

Piecing together the string of events, Sora realized he was caught in a trap. Purposely, they had dragged out Kairi, knowing Sora would go after her, and play into their hands to open the gate for them. Sora would have wondered how they had gotten inside the walls in the first place, but there was no time to think on that. Right now, Kairi needed him.

And Sora vowed to retrieve Kairi, no matter what the cost.

Sora stepped away, then holding up his Keyblade, preparing to open the gate. The Cornerstone of Light would buy the kingdom some time, Sora reasoned. Looking down at the Keyblade, he glanced up at the keyhole. Most likely, the seal would shatter completely, with the Heartless on the Outside trying to forcefully break the barrier. Sora shook his head, he had to remember Kairi was waiting for him.

Stomping his shoes to prep himself, Sora broke into a run, then jumped up, running up the gate vertically. Before gravity noticed Sora bending its rules, Sora drove the Keyblade into the lock. Swinging around, the Keyblade reluctantly twisted. The first lock undone.

Pulling it out, Sora kicked off the wall, spinning his body around into a back flip. Brandishing the Keyblade to build up momentum, he swung it down with one hand. Sora's personal crest of his crown glimmered on the ground, reflecting through the wet, cobblestone streets. A beam shot out, hitting the opening of the keyhole perfectly.

A loud noise cracked, the sound of something large unlocking. Sora dropped his hand, and waited.

The glimmering dome that shielded the kingdom dulled, then began to crack.

The large gate before him shook, the Heartless already hard at work to bust it down. Sora stopped running towards it, then held his spot, ready to face the army of ten-thousand Heartless...alone.

It was like a massive dam holding up an lake broke up. The Heartless all moved as one as they began their stampede onward to the Disney Kingdom. Maleficent was especially riveted by the enthusiasm the Heartless had begun their charge. For nearly ten years, she had waited for this moment.

Witnessing the fall of the Disney realm.

Maleficent's thoughts of their approaching victory as she felt the presence of a Nobody disturb her. Turning, Xaldin dropped down from a hole of darkness. Maleficent suddenly was interested in the girl trying to shake off his grip.

"My, my, you've done well, Nobody," She commented, her eyes judging Kairi's every movement. "A Princess of Heart."

Kairi held her breath at the evil witch inspecting her, as if she was a special on a menu. She reached out her long, spidery fingers and caressed Kairi's cheek. Sucking out the very life of her as it burned her skin like a scalding iron, Kairi preferred being under Xaldin's clutches and she backed away.

"Princess Kairi, was it?" Malfecient inquired, Xaldin answering for Kairi as he nodded. "This is quite a pleasure, my dear Princess." She bowed gracefully, the horns curving atop her head nearly coming down to hit Kairi.

"We'll certainly have to prepare a celebration for your return," The witch said with a sinister smile. "I'm sure you must miss it so. Hollow Bastion is-"

There was a clap of thunder, or at least, something that definitely sounded like it. It was strange, since the flash came after the noise. The three on the hill turned their heads to see what the ruckus was about. Xaldin chuckled bitterly, and Maleficent's anger was rising slowly. Kairi, however, was the only one more then happy at the sight.

Running out of the gate, was Sora, single-handedly driving back the Heartless from setting foot in his kingdom. The Keyblade was brighter and more terrifying (for the Heartless) then ever. Swinging heavily with both hands, Heartless would be knocked back, thrown back into the air, and collide into other Heartless.

A white fire blazed around Sora's key, as he jumped in the air, the Keyblade pulling him along. Diving down into a swoop, he plowed through the Heartless, swinging back and forth like a pendulum. Dropping from the air, Sora hooked an arm around a Heartless spewing deadly rays around. Spinning it around, the ray shot out, hitting other Heartless and diminishing them into nothing but puffs of smoke. Sora gored the Heartless from behind, and as it vanished in defeat with a captured heart floating away, Sora continued to hack his way through. Slowly making his way towards Kairi's position.

Sora repeated his high jumps and dives at the Heartless, wiping them out. Landing in a heavy clump of Heartless, every single one of them ignoring their chance to sneak through the unprotected gate.

"FOOLS!" Maleficent roared, her voice piercing through eardrums. "FORGET THE BOY! DESTROY THE CITY!"

Completely disregarding their master, they only pressed on towards Sora.

"The Heartless," Xaldin explained. "Greatly fear the Keyblade above all else. In that, they will stop at nothing to destroy its bearer. Only a capable master should be able control the Heartless otherwise."

Maleficent whipped around, bright green flames flaring around her. "You dare insult me?"

The ground suddenly shook, all of the Heartless falling on their knees at the tremor caused by Sora as he dug in the Keyblade to the earth. Sora twisted it hard, the ground split and crack, light rising from beneath, shooting up great pillars of light. Xaldin quickly opened his escape and fled from the battlefield. Maleficent having to shield her eyes from the light and form a protective wall of flame around her.

Kairi only had to shut her eyes, until the burning light was suddenly cut off. Trying to refocus her vision, Kairi blinked several times.

All of the Heartless that had been circling around Sora, were now gone.

Her breath stopped as she saw the lone Keyblade Master on his hands and knees, unable to stand up. Kairi couldn't imagine the amount of energy Sora had to use to pull off the spectacular power such as that from the Keyblade. Maleficent was still recovering from the light, a small window of opportunity for Kairi to simply run for it.

Sora was heaving, looking like he was about to sick any moment. Kairi nearly tripped as she saw a dark line start slide down from the side of his head, dripping off his jaw line in large, bloody globs. One hand on the Keyblade, desperately holding onto it, Sora's other hand over his chest. Over his heart. His nails were digging into his shirt, pinching his skin. Kairi dropped to her knees, sliding down next to him.

"Sora!"

He tried to look up, but his body lurched forward, Sora vomiting. Kairi shut her eyes before she caught a glimpse and wrinkled her nose in distaste, preferring not to be sick herself by just looking at Sora's mess. However, it wasn't of a regurgitated meal. It was mixed with both a disgusting, acidic black slime mixed in with heaps of drying blood. Kairi only noticed this when it didn't reek of the usual, revolting smell and dared herself to look.

Sora wiped his mouth, Kairi taking his wrist and putting his arm around her shoulder. He was surprisingly light at the moment, and seemed very weak and feeble now. Sora looked over at her, Kairi attempting to smile, but her eyes were flooding over with tears.

He had nearly killed himself times by coming after her. But the words that man had said earlier, the man Riku had called DiZ, they were now ringing in her ears.

After seeing what she just had, and linking it together with other events she shared with Sora...was it all true?

Did Sora really...have noheart?

"Such power..." Maleficent marveled, recounting the display of the Keyblade with greed in her eyes. She shook her head, then looked back at the remaining army, estimating her losses. Just over three-thousand had been lost, and plenty of her army remained with her. She could easily gather more, and much more powerful Heartless later. But for now, she had a new trial to overcome.

The Keyblade Master.

Maleficent grinned as she watched the princess drag the boy across the field, another young man with silvery, white hair rushing out to meet them. Two more pawns for her to play with. The newcomer, she knew nothing of him, but made a note to remember him. Surely, he could help her in her mission. As for the princess...

No doubt, she was close to the Keyblade Master. Maleficent's grin widened. How intriguing it would be if the two shared the bond of two foolish lovers, as appalling as the thought was to Maleficent. She knew perfectly well how to turn that to her advantage.

"Our time here is finished," She said to her remaining army, her faithful crow servant perching itself on her shoulder. "We taste defeat, but we will only win more battles from here on. I'm sure our dear Mortimer will be able raze the city with his new abilities and resources, in our absence."

"Destroying it from the inside?" Another voice asked, his voice was rasp and snake-like. "Rather presumptuous, I must say."

"Disney Kingdom is weakened enough with the loss of their precious barrier and their other Key Bearer." Maleficent replied harshly. "We needn't no longer worry about Disney's place in our plan-"

"So, we continue where we left off." Another ally commented.

"Besides that one girl," A heavy voice of a female spoke, talking through a strange, floating orb. "Only two Princesses are left, now."

"Excellent." Maleficent said, nodding. "Leave that Princess alone, for now. We could yet have use of her before we gather them up."

"The Keyblade Master would not easily relinquish her," The same, snakily voice from before said. "However, he seems quiet helpless without her."

"Kid's nothing with that little toy key of his and his girlfriend." A voiced sniggered.

"Yes," Maleficent agreed after observing Sora's exhaustion. "He is quiet worthless. But, that Keyblade he holds will make him a thorn in our sides." She waved a hand, several of the communication orbs popping, ending their conversation. Curious, she watched the three young teens gather, two trying to help Sora back to the castle.

"Oh dear," Maleficent said, clicking her tongue at them. "We can't have this now, can we...?"

Waving her staff abound, a fair amount of five hundred Heartless sank into the ground, and crawled for the three unknowning teenagers.

"Unbelievable." Riku muttered, helping Sora along. "How many times are you gonna put yourself-no-everyone else around you through this?" Sora's head only hung down from his neck limply. "Why do you always have to go and play the hero, Sora. Not everyone has to be-"

"Riku..."Kairi said weakly. "That's enough, okay?"

Riku blew out a breath, then looked away from them. "Fine, whatever."

Sora's head came up, taking his arm back from Riku's shoulder so his Keyblade could appear.

"Great." Riku's arms slapped to his side. "Now what is it?"

On cue, rows of Heartless came from their shadows, stretching out of the ground and encircling them. Riku grunted, irritated as he raised the Soul Eater.

"This is getting on my nerves." Riku looked back at his two friends. "You know you guys can't go back, right?"

Kairi bit the inside of her cheek, but lowered her head into a defeated nod. She had gotten the impression when Sora had made his promise to the King to stay with Kairi. Riku jumped ahead, slashing a Heartless in half as it tried to lung at them.

"Well," Riku said, smiling at them. "Get going! The world isn't going to wait for you two forever!"

Sora tried to position his Keyblade, but it seemed to heavy for him. Kairi dropped his hand and rushed behind him, reaching around and putting her hands over his. Only reversing the position of when Sora and Kairi had been in when they were at the Cornerstone of Light.

"Okay, Sora." Kairi said to him, helping him lift the sword-key. Raising it, then letting it down, Kairi putting her weight to make it a decent slash. Kairi felt something tug at her heart, linking into Sora. Sora gasped, Kairi even hearing the loud thump echoing from his chest. Barely, a string of light followed the Keyblade, tracing its path and opening a gate. Riku held off the Heartless just enough for Kairi to help Sora inside the portal.

Reaching out, Kairi held her hand to Riku. He looked back, and gave her a sincere smile for once. "You kids play nice."

Kairi's breath was caught in her throat, and she barely managed to say, "Riku?"

Riku faced them, waving at them, only to whirl around as the Heartless came in all at once. One knocked Riku over, all of the creatures beginning to pile onto the brave young man.

"RIKU!" Kairi's voice was joined by Sora's as he tried to go back. But the portal shut, closing before they could do anything, leaving the prince and princess safely alone in the realm of Light.

The two of them wandered around the endless area, both not saying a word. Kairi held onto Sora's hand, the same one that held onto the Keyblade, afraid Sora might be taken away from her at any moment.

They couldn't go back. That was for certain. As much as the crushing guilt to go back for Riku weighed down, that would only cancel out Riku's sacrifice for their escape.

Now, the only question was...where were they supposed to go? And assuming they found that answer, what laid in store for them?

Kairi's steps slowed, drawing back Sora. Letting go of his hand, Kairi stared at her feet. Sora turned, then walked in front of her. Kairi looked up, sniffling sadly, but smiled nonetheless.

"I never expected things to turn out like-" Sora put a hand over her mouth.

"Don't." He said, looking her in they eye.

Kairi choked out a giggle, remembering how she had silenced Sora the day she had offered him lessons on how to speak. One hand over his wrist, and other over his hand, Kairi lowered it. She had to show him she was still smiling. Even though Sora never did, or could, smile for her...he always made her want to smile to make up for him.

Sora put down his hand, the Keyblade disappearing. His hands were somewhat held out, almost as if he was welcoming her. A tear rolled down, and Kairi sprung forth, forcing an embrace on him. Sora's arms stayed by their sides, then rose to hold her arms. It seemed a like an awkward hug, but Kairi didn't care at all. She never was quite one to bottle up her feelings, and they always burst out at the least appropriate moment even when she did. Now seemed to be a good as time as any to open up.

Besides, there seemed to be more for Sora to learn, besides how to talk, laugh and smile.

Sora went to drop his hands, not sure if Kairi ready to move. Kairi squeezed, proving otherwise.

"Just...a little longer, please?"

"...Okay."

After several moments, Kairi regained enough composure to release the boy. Midway, she stopped, then put a hand on his chest. Sora looked at her curiously, unsure what she was doing now. Kairi sighed, pulling away her hand, and acting disappointed about something.

Putting on a fake smile, she looked up at him.

"Remember what Riku said?"

Sora thought, then repeated. "Play nice."

Kairi's heart skipped a beat, nearly falling forward at the remark. "N-no, silly!" She laughed. "That the world can't wait forever!"

Sora nodded, understanding what she meant, but not comprehending the meaning of what Riku had truly meant by his last words. Reaching out, he grabbed the Keyblade out of thin air, then held it high while closing his eyes. The Keyblade glinted, then shuddered, but Sora's grip held it firm. By its own will, it led Sora's arm, pointing off in a direction. Eyes still closed, Sora followed its guidance, Kairi unsure whether to let him be for to stay close.

Sora paused, his hand out, searching for hers.

Kairi started to consider if it would be better to permenantly bind their hands together, seeing how they were always by eachother so much. Continueing on, the Keyblade paitiently waited for Kairi to join them. Suddenly the air parted, opening a doorway for them. Sora's glazed, blue eyes opened. Both hands tightening, the left on the Keyblade, the right in Kairi's. At the same time the two went forward, both taking their first steps of the awaited adventure.