Last chapter of this story arc, sweet! Time-wise, this chapter should take place just after Riku talks with the King in Twilight Town, and just before Riku encounters Roxas. So not too long before he turns into Ansem. The next chapter features Mickey and Pluto together again rather than separately, specifically in a casual setting. Which has been long overdo.

Current Location: Dark City, The World That Never Was

Word Count: 467 words, don't worry. I can always make another batch of cookies.

Days IX - For Whom The Dog Tolls

Riku did not let down his word, and returned just like he promised. Although now he looked eager about something. Pluto was sure that it was something unknown to him, and wondered if the King had any involvement.

Pluto eagerly looked at the man, wondering what he had done for the past half-hour. Riku knew that he was going to have to have the same conversation with Pluto that he had with Mickey.

"Listen. I managed to find the King, and I told him everything that happened up until now." Pluto barked, he thought that in just a few hours. Everything would go back to the way it was.

"Pluto, I'm going to have to face one of the guys in the black coats. I don't want to do it, but it's to "wake up" a friend. That slacker has a lot of debts, and he isn't just going to slide by because a few people are interfering with his wake-up call." the dog didn't know why, but he was vaguely reminded of the boy who once awoke in Traverse Town.

"You're going to have to end up doing things on your own from now on. I don't want to risk the King's pet, well. Friend. Any danger I'll come across. You'll manage though, right?" Pluto whipped his ear to his forehead in a salute-like manner, he had done things on his own for a while. So doing it again wouldn't be too hard.

"Heh, I knew you could. Once this is all over, you'll have your King back. I promise."

The dog nodded and watched Riku pull out a slip of paper from his coat pocket. Pluto was intrigued as to what it's contents were.

"One thing though. I'm going to assign you on a little mission while you're out on your own. See this guy?" the paper was picture, a rather blurry one. But Pluto could make out the image despite his color blindness.

"His name's Axel. He works for those guys in the Castle I sent you to. The intel you've gathered for me suggests that he's no good. And up to something. If you see him, promise me that you keep him under your watch. If I succeed in my fight, chances are, he's going to be lurking after me." Riku handed the picture to Pluto, who understood his next mission and nodded.

"You take care of yourself now, alright?" Pluto barked and licked Riku's cheek, his way of saying "goodbye". With the picture in tow. The dog turned around and scampered off towards the Castle That Never Was. Leaving Riku to gaze up at Memory's Skyscraper. Clouds were starting to form, it was going to rain soon. Riku rubbed his wet cheek and heaved a sigh.

"Time to wait for the blondie..."