Hey! So, this chapter probably isn't what you wanted to wait three weeks for. But stick with me through the long-winded descriptions, ok? I'm one of those people who has to be able to see the characters in my head, and since this is basically what Elizabeth's going to be wearing for the rest of the fic, I thought you might want to know. Plus there is some important stuff in here... And, I'll upload another chapter after this ok? Now, on with the story!

Chapter 10: I Finally Get Out of my PJs

We all bowed, thanked her, congratulated the couple once again, and turned to make our way to the north tower. Head Guard Dude- much friendlier now that his Queen and his captain had approved our visit- showed us the way, which was good since Sora was the only one who had been here before and his sense of direction is almost as abysmal as mine.

We reached the north tower and knocked on the great wooden door. I gulped nervously- after all, Yen Sid had been Mickey's teacher, so he was one of the most powerful characters. Except they're not really characters, I corrected myself. They're all real people, and you are in their world- so treat them like it. I had to admit, the discrepancies between the Gummi ship and Disney Castle in the game and here in reality made me nervous- how much else of what I thought I knew was wrong?

I put this aside however as the door creaked on its hinges and swung inward. I was prepared for almost anything, but was relieved when it turned out to be a slightly stooped man with a long gray beard and a blue robe, who matched Master Yen Sid's portrayal in the games. Was it Master Yen Sid? Then he spoke, and any doubt I had was washed away. There was great power and great restraint in his gravelly voice, as if he could have dominated the universe and had chosen not to.

"Yes? Oh, it's you, Sora. Are these your friends?" He said nothing more, but uttered a quiet "Hmm" as he studied each of us intently in turn. I squirmed when his gaze fell upon me- unlike Queen Minnie, I could see him cataloging my appearance and filing it away for future use. After his examination, he opened the door and gestured us in silently.

I expected his chambers to be large and somewhat strewn with mystical and powerful-looking artifacts, but still somehow showing dignity and silence. They probably would have- except for the three fairies. Immediately upon entering, the trio swooped down on us, gossiping and chattering like the biggest and loudest birds you've ever seen.

"Oh, Sora dear!"

"Lovely to see you again!"

"It's you! And who are your friends?"

I was dumbstruck. They were fluttering around like brainless ninnies, but I could tell their power was nothing to sniff at either. Then they turned their attention to the rest of us, and hurried introductions were made. As I told them my name, the red fairy eyed me thoughtfully (she seemed to be the leader) and said quite plainly, "Oh, no. That won't do at all, I'm afraid."

And before I could say a single word of thanks or (more likely) protest, they'd swept me off to another room. I shot Kairi a pleading glance as they towed me away, and she followed, leaving Sora and Riku to talk with Yen Sid. I was starting to wish I'd been given that chance as well, if only to get out from under the scrutinizing gaze of the magical trio.

"I do believe you are in need of some new attire, m'dear," the red one said briskly.

"Now, Flora, be gentle," the green fairy remonstrated softly.

The blue fairy spoke in a voice that seemed gentler than what she might normally use. "It looks as though she's been through a lot." Their kind eyes rested on me. I looked at the floor and tried to swallow the tears that wanted to come at the blue fairy's reminder.

"Be that as it may, Merryweather, a change of clothes might do her some good," Flora said briskly, not to be deterred.

I looked at Kairi, and she gave me a thumbs-up. Thanks for the help, I thought a trifle sourly. But I definitely didn't want to run around in my PJs any longer than I had to, so I looked Flora in the eyes and said, "Yes please."

"Be warned that we will change the things you are wearing into your new outfit," Merryweather spoke up. "If you are attached to any of it, let us know."

My hand curled around my necklace protectively, which I only take off for sleeping and showering- I'd worn it every day for almost five years. It wasn't fancy- small and oval, the pendant was a shimmering blue color and made from the inside of a shell. It was strung on a simple silver chain. I looked down at my worn and faded sleepwear and felt a pang- they reminded me of home, of my normal life- which I'd had less than twenty-four hours ago. Had it really only been a day? It seemed so much longer… But they weren't practical. I needed something I could wear a lot, meet new people in without getting embarrassed, and fight in.

"I want to keep my necklace. Please don't change it."

The green fairy nodded. Flora asked, "Merryweather, Fauna, ready?" They nodded. All three rolled up their sleeves, produced a wand, and pointed said wands at me. There was a flash of red, blue, and green light, bright enough that I closed my eyes. When I opened them and looked down, I was horrified. I was wearing an impractical, ridiculously low-cut purple dress that came to mid-thigh and had buttons and zippers everywhere. It looked a lot like Kairi's, actually, except it wasn't pink- thank goodness.

"NO, I don't do dresses! Or skirts," I added, spying the gleam in their eyes.

No one present seemed inclined to listen, but my glare subdued them and the wands waved again. A few admiring murmurs were heard from the fairies and Kairi let out a little gasp. Well, they seemed to like the new outfit- would I? I opened my eyes and took a peek.

Much better. I was wearing a (still somewhat low-cut but way better than before) shirt with no sleeves. It was a pale light blue, except for two small silver patches on my shoulders that looked almost like tips coming over my shoulders from the back- if I had to guess, they were the same shade as Riku's hair. I tried not to think about that. The midsection was also not blue- instead, it was a thick green-striped band that went from the middle of my rib cage to just above my belly button. Below that, the fabric went back to silky blue and ended an inch or two above the waist of my bottoms. I don't know how they did it, but the three fairies had conjured up an exact duplicate of my favorite jean capris back home. They went to mid-calf and were rolled up at the cuffs. The denim, a completely familiar shade of navy blue, felt like home. I also had a belt around my waist- a simple swooping piece of fabric that looked much like one of Sora's, except I only had one. I figured one belt was plenty. Attached to my belt was a simple loop, made of a sturdy leather, about three inches wide. I looked at the fairies quizzically.

"For holding your sword, dear."

"Oh. Wait, isn't the sword supposed to go on your opposite hip?"

Flora looked at me a little strangely and said, "Yes."

"Then I need the loop or sheath or whatever on my right hip, please. I'm left-handed."

"Really? Hmm." Saying no more, Flora gave her wand a tiny flick and I found the belt switched. I nodded in thanks and returned my attention to my outfit.

My feet were covered in large sneakers that didn't look like any I'd ever seen on Earth. However (I glanced at Kairi's feet), they seemed to be more common here. They were red, a brilliant red except for a pair of wide criss-crossing stripes close to my ankles, which were the same silver as the shoulders of my shirt.

I had been apprehensive, but… it was perfect. I lifted a hand to my hair, and found that it had been done in a complicated, swirly updo. I ran my fingers over it, then over my face to check for makeup. I didn't find any, thank goodness- I drew the line of magical makeovers at redecorating my face. But it felt like something was missing… I touched my eyelids and knew. "Where are my glasses?"

The fairies all watched me intently. "Do you need them?" I started to retort that of course I did, when I realized... that I didn't. I could see everything, from faint scuff marks on the floor to the details of the fairies' crazy hat-things. They had fixed my eyes! I could see!

I looked up, letting my gratitude shine in my face, since I was having trouble finding words to express it (which is not a problem I normally have, let me assure you). "How…how did you?... The clothes, and my eyes!.. It doesn't matter. Thanks, thank you so much!" I sent a huge smile their way, and the fairies beamed.

"No thanks necessary, m'dear," said Flora.

Fauna added, "We're so glad you like it," her eyes twinkling back at me.

In a rather gruff voice, Merryweather threw in, "Just be careful now, you hear?"

Kairi and I promised. With that, the fairies bid us fond farewells (at least for now) and flew away to a higher level of the tower. Kairi and I glanced at each other, shrugged, and went back to rejoin Sora and Riku.

Hey! So, yeah. This is super late, and I'm really sorry! Especially for those of you who stopped by the last few days to see if I had put anything new up- thank you so much for your dedication and support! I'm really sorry! And I don't really have anything to say for myself, except a surprise 3-day visit from my grandparents and college craziness- which, sad to say, will not be slowing down any time soon. So if my updates become a little more erratic, bear with me please. However, I have good news and bad news. Good news: I'm putting up two chapters today for your patience! I wanted to do three, but... Bad news: The next chapter is the last of what I have pre-written. I have a half chapter past that, and some basic ideas, but I dunno how much I'll be able to get done on any given day. So... that also means my updates are not going to be twice a week, nice and neat, any more. Sorry.

Plus, school starts in a mere 15 days! Booo! And I have no idea how often I'll be able to upload during the year. Just know this, I am NOT abandoning this fic! I may be out of pre-written material (for the beginning of the story), but I have lots of random parts of the rest of it done, and I won't give up on this. My first little fanfic baby! I won't leave you! *cough* Ahem. Yeah. So, enjoy the next chapter! We'll actually be getting to the plot soon!