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Once again, I was kept away in my room as Maleficent had sent Riku off on some errand to run but she insisted that I refrain from leaving the castle. Since I felt safest in the room that was designated to me anyway, I chose to stay in it since everything about the castle still made me feel off.
Glancing to the corner, Kishi had once again materialized in my room as if beckoned there though I had never called for him or anything.
"It would be wise to inquire upon the rooms of the castle for your benefit. Then you would no longer be confined to your room when left alone," Kishi suggested as if he read my mind, which he probably did.
"I really don't want to wander around this place by myself. And not when it's this close to sunset. I feel like once I get lost, I would never be found again."
"…Though not as exaggerated as you stated, it is very easy to get lost in the halls of this castle. If you would prefer, I could lead you through the halls assuring that you stay protected."
Well there wasn't much to lose from getting myself acquainted with the castle. Heck, I had planned on it earlier in the week when I went exploring with Riku into the crystal cavern that led into that weird but fun hall of puzzles we found. Never did find out where they connected to though.
"I guess we could do that. But if anything happens to me, it's on your head," I said as I watched his shadow form slip underneath the doorway. Getting up from the bed, I made my way to the door just as he opened it from the hallway, though I hesitated at the frame.
Kishi could probably sense my reluctance though he made no move to console me as he remained where he was. Staring back at him, I wanted to try to read his eyes, see if I could find anything in there that would reinforce my choice to listen to what he said – to know that I could trust in him and what he was telling me about Maleficent and this castle. But the longer I stared, the lonelier I felt; those burning bright orbs of yellow reflected nothing more than a being that was driven by an instinct, a yearning for its sole purpose:
To take hearts.
"You doubt me again."
It wasn't a question as he stood where he was but he made no movement to show it bothered him.
"For all I know, you could be leading me into a trap by Maleficent herself. I literally know nothing about this place or about what Maleficent is doing here with those other people. And with everything you said, it makes sense but how do I know it isn't something you're doing to convince me? Maybe you have some sort of psychic ability I don't know about and you're just lying to me."
"I am not. And if you are referring to my telepathic link to you, I was not aware of it until you had arrived at the castle. I have not had the same experience with anyone else inside the castle."
"... And how do I know if that's not a lie? Or at least not all of the truth?"
"…You do not. You can only choose to believe what I tell you though I do not hold judgement against your wariness."
Well, that was unexpected. Then again, no it wasn't. I didn't really have much to mistrust him on, but then again I haven't really been here long and it's too early to tell. But for now… I guess I don't really have a choice, huh?
"Well, outside of Riku, you seem like the only ally I can count on. So I guess I'll just let it be… For now."
"If that is what you wish." Kishi concluded with a simple bow and stood by the door, waiting to see what I would do. It didn't make sense to continue harboring an unnecessary amount of cautiousness at Kishi when he made a good point: I need to get more familiar with my surroundings if I'm going to make any progress at finding out where Sora and Kairi were.
"Alright, I've already explored the outside area with the caverns and the main foyer. How many other rooms are there in this place?"
"…It is perhaps better that you retain some nutrition first before going on exploring the rest of the castle. It is very vast and I will try to show you as much as possible before dusk."
Great. Now I just need to know where the kitchen is…