Chapter (10): Innocence

Melody had always known that the sea had many surprises within, but a duck octopus and a dog turtle weren't what she had in mind.

But did she have a choice? They were the only source of light in the darkening sea.

"Don't be afraid." The dog said in a weird voice. Something about them made her feel safe...or maybe it was the light, she wasn't sure.

"Are you alone?" asked the dog again waiting for her reply. She quietly shook her head, before asking them," Is it okay if I waited with you?"

The dog smiled and said," Of Course!" or at least that's what she thought he said in his weird voice.

"I'm Melody", she said with a wide smile drawn on her face. Little did she know that they had been looking for her earlier. Not only did Donald and Goofy find the missing Melody, but also they solved the mystery of the lost trident.

...

Too Quiet, that's how the life on the island had been, ever since Sora and Riku left on their mission. Kairi had been spending her time walking on the beach or reading a book. But no book could take her mind off of them.

Sighing, she put the novel she had been reading on the side table and closed her eyes deciding it was better to take a nap to pass time. She was actually trying to shut the feeling of worry that had been haunting her lately.

It was nearly sunset and she knew that if she slept, she wouldn't be able to sleep at night, but it was mandatory. That feeling had been hurting her all day and she couldn't take it any more.

After a few quiet moments, she heard a cry come from outside... A child's cry. What a child would be doing on the beach alone...What would a child be doing here on the island? All of the children were grown ups now. She was one of them. There were no kids on the island any more...not yet, she blushed.

With curiosity taking over her, she put on a nightgown and went downstairs to check it out. Opening the door, she was surprised to see that it was indeed a child. He had short mousy hair and his big eyes were closed. Her eyes scrolled down his body, which was lying on the ground, only to see that his body was covered in blood.

Hurrying towards him, she carried him in her arms and dragged him to the house. Helping him on the couch, she heard him whisper," Thank you" to her. Her heart was torn apart to hear the innocence in his voice.

After going to the kitchen, she came back with pieces of cloth, a bowl of water and the first aid kit.

Taking his shirt off, she was surprised to see he had no wounds. But before, she could ask him about that, she was surrounded by total darkness. Before losing conscious, she heard someone say, "We did it, Naik!"

...

"Donald! Goofy!" Where did they go? They were right there next to him just before the darkness covered the place.

"The Key bearer! Come face your destiny!" A deep voice said before a well-built man appear in front of him. He was bald with fair complexion. His greyish eyes were narrowed with seriousness and his attention was towards Sora.

"Who are you?" Sora asked as he summoned his keyblade.

"The name is Leroan, a member of the fellowship."

"Fellowship? What do you me...?" He was cut off with a huge black titan, similar to the one with horns Sora had encountered years ago, coming out of the sea's bed and under Leroan.

"You, Sora, are in our way. SHE is not happy." With that the titan bellowed with anger and some wall of darkness surrounded Sora, Leroan and the titan.

...

"Good morning", Riku greeted Aerith and Yuffie. Looking around him, he asked, " Sophitia is not up yet?"

"Actually she woke up three hours ago." Aerith replied. She went on, " She left you this note."

Taking the note from Aerith, Riku unfolded it and read:

"You're such a lazy partner...When you wake up, which I presume would be a few hours from now, follow me to dad's house!"

...

"So, have you seen a penguin and a seal passing by?" Melody asked Donald and Goofy after knowing their names.

"No!" replied Donald as he swam along and led the way using his staff, " Have you seen a merman with spiky brown hair?"

"No!" She followed Donald and Goofy trailed afterwards to keep her safe.

"Where did this come from?" asked Melody, " I mean the darkness."

"Gawsh! We have no idea.", replied Goofy from behind, " I sure hope Sora is safe."

...

Riku was standing in front of a huge mansion that was now covered in vines. Wild weed replaced the flowers and plants that used to be in the mansion's front garden...So, that's where it all began! ... Ansem the Wise's home ... Sophitia's home.

He opened the creaking huge wooden door slowly and entered the mansion. He was standing in a huge reception hall that was, though not lit, elegant. Going deeper into the dark mansion, he noticed light coming from a nearby room.

Peaking into the room, he saw Sophitia's back. Apparently she was picking something up from the floor. Going into the room, he concluded that it was young girl's room judging by the dolls, the pink color and the not very big bed ... It must have been Sophitia's room.

He smirked as he thought how innocent Sophitia must have been to have everything there in pink.

Putting his hand on Sophitia's shoulder after she had stood up, he whispered, " You have left this place a long time ago, haven't you?"

Sophitia didn't face him, but replied, " It's been ten years."

He looked in her hand to see that she was holding a stuffed moogle doll. That's what she had been picking up? A doll? However surprised he was, he decided it wasn't a very good timing to question Sophitia's behaviour, so he asked, instead, " May ask you a favour, Sophitia?"

She turned around to face him and asked, "I want to know more about your darkness."

Her eyes were bearing into his as if questioning his motives, " Why do you want to know that?"

" Call it curiousity!"

She remained silent, so he went on, " Besides, if you don't spell it out now, when would you? This is your room and I am sure it would help you feel better to talk about your past here than anywhere else."

…

Thanks a lot for all of you who still read this fanfic. I'm extremely sorry for not updating fast enough. I'm trying to follow my schedule now and have a weekly update, so cross your fingers. R & R, please