Disclaimer: I'll keep it simple this time. I don't own Kingdom Hearts.

As I write this, I have a huge headache. You may ask, "Why is she writing, then?" This is because I simply have nothing else to do, and inspiration struck after I watched the full walkthrough of KH 3D.

SPOILERS BELOW:

I couldn't believe that Lea got a keyblade! I guess it kinda makes sense because he touched the practice keyblade that Terra had made and given to Ventus, back in BBS at Radiant Garden… I love that Lea still looks like Axel. I adore Axel, Roxas, Demyx, and Zexion, as do most people who like KH. I also have a soft spot for Xigbar, but after seeing him admit that he was a vessel for Xehanort, I just immediately disowned any respect I had for him. Same with Saix.

I also thought it was weird that Sora wasn't showing any disappointment at not being made a Master… And that they were having a freaking tea party afterwards. I was so confused, but I loved that Lea was looking all cool in the background. That's it; Lea will DEFINITELY have a part in this story. For sure.

Anyways, I guess I'm rambling. Thanks to roxasdualwielder for all the helpful suggestions, and to the rest of you for always leaving nice reviews. You know who you are :)

Enjoy!

Chapter 9: Starvation at the Castle

"Guess I won't be going to the ball after all…" Mai said miserably. Was it superficial of her to be worrying about her makeup getting ruined in this fight? Cinderella had put a lot of effort into it…

At a closer look, Mai could tell that the Unversed was only a type called a Bruiser; not too hard to beat, but it's size made it a formidable opponent. "All right, fatso. Let's tango."

Ventus turned green at the rapid dodges and flips that Mai did in succession. He was still inside the ribbon, struggling to hold on tight while still being able to breathe. This just wasn't his day. "Mai, can you put me down?" He hiccupped out.

Mai paused in her battle dance. Had somebody said something? She shrugged, then widened her eyes as she noticed the Bruiser's stomach glowing. "Crap…"

Turning, she ran away from the charging Unversed. "I hate it when they come at me like that!" She wailed as her head wound throbbed. Ouch, she had forgotten about that… That reminded her, where was Ventus? He should be helping her right now! "Ventus, where are you? Get your butt out here, wherever you are!"

Ventus gurgled ominously. "In here. I'm still small." He hoisted himself halfway out of the bow. "And there's going to be some tiny barf in here if you keep flipping around like that. At least put me down or give me some warning!" He glared shakily at Mai, then let out a burp.

"Don't you dare throw up on me!" Mai growled as she noticed a fist coming right towards her face. "Whoops! 'Scuse me." She ducked, narrowly avoiding what could've been a nasty hit. "Hang in there, Ven."

"What else can I do?" He moaned uncomfortably. Mai finally banished her keyblade and took out her fans instead.

"That's it! A big guy like this deserves the taste of two metal fans." She opened one and kept the one in her left hand closed as a club. Whirling around, she kicked the Unversed in it's belly and jabbed with her closed fan. The Bruiser teetered back, and Mai used that single movement as her advantage. She leaped up and used her open fan to slash downwards as she landed back on the ground. Just to be sure, she bashed the Unversed one more time on the head. It then disappeared with a flurry of darkness.

Sweat dripped into her eye, making it sting. "Ouch… You okay there, Ven?"

The blonde boy climbed out weakly onto Mai's offered hand. "Not really…" He debated with himself inwardly before announcing matter-of-factly to Mai, "I'm gonna be sick." He then leaned over the edge of her hand and upchucked the little amount of food that had been left in his stomach.

Mai looked away, wrinkling her nose at the stench that followed. "Gross, Ven. That is so grodey, seriously." Ventus collapsed onto her fingers, still retching. "Do you feel better now?"

"A bit." He admitted. His throat burned from his stomach acid, but it was all good.

"Let's get you some food." Mai placed Ven on her shoulder. "Don't fall off, now. Hold on to my dress strap." She could only imagine how hungry Ventus felt. She was starving already, but having an empty stomach on top of that must be excruciating.

Mai rubbed her hands evilly as she came up with an idea. Walking gently as to not agitate Ven's stomach, she opened the large doors to the estate and headed in a direction where she assumed the kitchen would be. Delicious aromas were drifting from inside, begging her to come and devour the food that was laid out somewhere nearby.

She stopped and took another deep sniff; something smelled extremely appetizing. Screw walking slow, I'm half-starved. Picking up the pace, she nearly sprinted down the long hallway towards the dining room, blowing the door open. A man held a hand to his heart, an startled expression on his face. "Ma'am-"

Holding a finger to her lips, Mai slunk around the perimeter of the room, leaving a bemused waiter behind. "Where's the food?"

The waiter figured he might as well go with the weirdness, and waved a hand towards a door on her right. "Thanks." Without any further ado, she entered the kitchen into what could only be described as a culinary heaven. A large pot full of corn chowder boiled on the stove while a roast turkey cooked in the oven. Freshly baked loaves of French bread were left to cool on a rack and a gigantic salad with vinegar dressing was set on the counter. Last, but definitely not least, was the glistening strawberry pie with thick whipped cream edging the crust.

Mai twitched in alarm as she felt something wet drip on her shoulder. Looking down to inspect it, she came face to body with Ventus. "Sorry…" He wiped the drool off his chin. "I couldn't help it…"

"Poor Ven. Let's get you something to eat." Mai locked the door; no one would be able to interrupt their feasting. "I'll get a plate, and you can just take whatever you want from it, okay?"

He nodded wearily, holding back a yawn. Mai had to prevent a squeal from coming out at his cuteness. A sleepy Ven was one of her favorite ways to see him, although she wasn't too picky with his personality, except for when he was angry. Particularly when he was angry at her.

Going around to all the dishes, Mai grabbed a hefty portion of each entrée; even the salad. She hated to admit it, but a girl did need her greens. Seeing as she was too tired to deal with utensils, she dug in with her hands as daintily as possible. Ventus had decided he didn't care about appearance, and thus stuffed his face like a wild animal. Mai laughed at his reaction, then helped him get up on the soup bowl.

Ventus balanced delicately on the rim, leaning over to take a sip. However, he got more than he bargained for when he inclined a bit too far. Overbalancing, he toppled into the chowder with a splash of pale yellow liquid. He surfaced, his spiky hair held down with the thick goop. Mai fell out of her chair in hysterics, rolling on the floor uncontrollably.

The blonde boy pouted at his friend, causing them both to feel a strong sense of déjà vu. Mai remembered that time, a few weeks ago, when they had had a food fiasco much like this one. That same time had been when she started feeling something more than friendship for Ventus. Her laughter instantly halted as her cheeks warmed up with heat. Luckily, Ven couldn't see her from where he was situated.

Floating amid flecks of corn, he remembered the same time. He had always had a soft spot for Mai, ever since she had been by his bedside when he had awoken for the first time in the Land of Departure. Her doe-like eyes and happy aura was what originally drew him in, but he only fell further when he realized how caring and sarcastic Mai could actually be. Those two words couldn't normally go together, but when it came to Mai, they fit perfectly.

Sure, he was still a bit unsure about his feelings, but he was almost certain that he loved her… Somewhat. It felt too serious to be thinking about love in their young teenage years, so Ven settled for the description of a strong crush.

On the other hand, Mai was certain about her feelings. She wasn't afraid to admit that she loved Ventus. However, she did know that feelings could change based on the heart's yearnings. She would go where it leaded her, but for now, it was telling her that Ven was a true friend and a good choice for a boyfriend, if that was what they would be when they admitted it to each other.

Both started when they realized they had zoned out for a second too many. Mai quickly climbed back onto her chair and messed with her bangs distractedly. All the food was now gone, except for the chowder that Ventus was still swimming in. She peered over at him questioningly. "Are you gonna eat that, or keep doing water aerobics in it?"

"N-no, I'm done." He tried to get out of the bowl, but kept slipping down the curved china walls. "Um, can you help me out?"

Mai reached over and picked him up with her thumb and pointer finger, then dropped him in the middle of a fluffy bread slice. She then got up and licked her lips excitedly. "Methinks it be dessert time!"

The strawberry pie taunted her from a few feet away. Rather than cutting a piece, she grabbed the entire pastry and brought it over, failing to notice that Jaq had sneakily come over to exchange a glance with Ventus. Mai put it down in front of her and bent down to smell the dessert, wanting to fully appreciate it before it was gone.

In the end, this was her downfall. Ventus and Jaq had ascended onto her head, pushing with all their might at the right moment. Mai's face was promptly stuck into the red pie with a loud gurgle. The two boys gave each other high fives before going back to the safe table surface, out of arms reach.

Mai's head rose from the pie, dripping with red slime and white cream. She sent a death glare at the devious duo, gritting her teeth. "Ventus…. Jaq…"

"Hey! It's only fair," Ventus pointed out, "that's twice now that I've been covered in food." Mai considered his point before relenting.

"True. Next world, I mean, place we get to, though, you owe me an ice cream."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Ventus laughed loudly, ignoring her mess-up.

"It relates to food! But, whatever." She turned to Jaq. "Hey, Jaq? I have an idea, but it requires your assistance, along with any other friends you might have…"

The mouse leaned forward as Mai whispered into his ear. A grin spread across his face. "Zugk-zugk! You can count on me!"

Needless to say, when the sisters and evil stepmother came back from the ball, trails of food could be found all over the estate. The kitchen looked like something had blown up inside it, and barely distinguishable letters could be found on the wall, saying, "I win."

Anastasia burst into tears while Drizella stomped her foot in a mini temper tantrum. "Mother!" Both moaned. "I want that maid fired."

The older woman collapsed in the chair. "I agree, darlings. I agree."

Later, when Aqua came by, she was very confused by the state of the house. Why were there green lettuce leaves on the floor of the entrance hall? And why were there pieces of bread on the chandelier?

The bluenette shook her head and smiled. There was only one duo that could have caused such a mess. "Ventus, Mai, hold in there."

Meanwhile, the two blondes had just left the large estate after picking up Mai's regular clothes. "Man, oh man." Mai wiped her face with a hand. "It'll be hard to get this off, huh, Ven?"

"Heh. You shouldn't be talking." Ventus joked, putting his hands behind his head. "Is it time to move on to the next world?"

Mai nodded. "Yeah. Let's find water there so we can wash off, okay?"

"You don't need to tell me twice. I can't wait to get back to normal size again." Ventus rightfully complained. "I hope this food won't stain our armor."

Mai responded by slamming the button on her arm. "By the way, you're the rotten egg, remember? I beat you last time."

Ventus leaped off her shoulder and did the same with his. "Well, there was obviously a malfunction if I ended up being that small! You can't hold me to that. Wanna race again?"

"Sure, why not? I'll just beat you again." Mai giggled, opening a portal with her keyblade. "Let's get going."

She tugged Ventus behind her as they went inside the Lanes Between. As soon as the portal closed, Ven grew back to regular size. "That's a relief." He mumbled.

"C'mon, race ya!" Ventus shot off into the sky like an arrow, making Mai chase after him.

Being in the Lanes Between gave her time to organize her thoughts. Mai still couldn't shake off the dark feeling of forboding in her heart, but ignored it as best she could. She felt guilty that she had forgotten about Terra being lured in by the baldy. Terra, Mai grasped her Wayfinder tightly, please be all right.

The two became mere spots in the distance, leaving the Castle of Dreams behind them forever.

That's it for now! Got a little dramatic there… Hope you enjoyed it anyways ^^

-SoraMaiDay