Hey guys! So here it is! Probably the most important chapter of the story! I was actually really excited writing this chapter and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

FACTS OF THE CHAPTER:

1) Charlie's theme song would be Everything's Alright by Laura Shigihara from the game To The Moon.

2) Ryan's would be Fding by Decyfer Down.

Anyway enjoy!

When everyone finally calmed down, the group travelled up the grand staircase into a doorway. They noticed the famous Heartless emblem embedded into the door. Sora brushed his hand against the surface and noticed there were slots as part of the emblem. Sora turned to the others and crossed his arms.

"It looks like we have to find pieces to open this door. Charlie, do you know where they are?" Sora asked.

"Um, I was never too good at remembering puzzles, but I might know were about they could be." She replied.

The group returned to the staircase and she looked up. The rest of the group followed her gaze and were surprised that there was a floor above them. Charlie said to the outsiders that the way to the upper floor is locked. She then led the group into a room through a set of double doors. When they entered, Sora, Donald, Goofy and Beast were surprised by the large library.

"Some of the bookshelves have books missing. Find the missing books and place them on the correct shelves." Charlie explained.

The first book was easy to find as it was literally on the floor to the left. When Sora had placed the red book in the shelf, the bookshelf itself had moved out of the way, revealing more of the room. Charlie had run ahead and looked around to see more books. She ran up the stairs. She tapped her slender fingers against the spines of some books. She turned to see the rest of the gang staring at her.

"What?" She asked.

Sora couldn't help but think that maybe Ryan was wrong about Charlie having a 'mask'. Maybe, her cockiness was just one side of her. Her sensitiveness was another. He then noticed that she was happy all of a sudden, why? She was scared of losing Ryan just a minute ago.

"Spike?" She asked, making Sora snap out of it.

"Wh-what?" He stuttered.

"I said there's a Green Trinity!" She pointed at a green mark on the floor.

"Oh!"

So, Goofy stood under the bookshelf. He ushered Sora to jump onto his back, then Sora ushered Donald. A book then fell on the floor and Charlie picked it up. Now, where did she find these books? Soon she found all the missing books and placed them in the correct shelves, revealing a switch and a new area. Sora pressed the switch, which unlocked a different set of double doors that led to the upper level of the Entrance Hall. But before they opened the doors, the group decided to enter the new area.

The area was filled with marble platforms but some had a force field to stop the group exploring the castle easier. Sora noticed a treasure chest above them and cast Gravira and pulled the chest to the ground. The male Keyblade wielder opened the chest and out popped Dalmatian puppies. Sora had told the puppies to go to a teleport point, which turned out to be the save point as Charlie had found out during the journey, and wait in the ship. Sora then told Charlie that he keeps finding the puppies and tells them to report to the ship before they get back.

Charlie touched a glowing switch and the outsiders were teleported to a lift. As the group travelled via electricity that suspended in the air, Charlie sat down; knowing full well that these lifts take a while. When the lift stopped, they teleported to a small area, with yet another chest suspended in the air. Sora repeated the action from before and inside the chest was a gummi piece. They then returned to the Library and entered the upper level of the Entrance Hall. Charlie then spoke to a statue nearby.

"O mighty one… Show me your crushing power." The statue ordered.

Sora destroyed the two pots that sat on each side of the statue. The statue then sunk to the ground and the fountain started to flow, and an emblem piece fell out of the water feature. Charlie then pointed out that the candles needed to be lit. Sora casted Fira down one side and Charlie did the other. Once they lit the candles, the blue flame in the centre of the chandelier subsided and revealed another emblem piece. Behind Charlie was a Red Trinity and the objective was obvious, even for Sora. Sora, Donald and Goofy all pushed the statue, which fell and shattered, leaving behind the third emblem piece. On the other side of the room, was a small statue compared to the others, which had a lightning bolt engraved onto it. Charlie used Thundara and the platforms that helped anyone across to the chandelier started to move. Finally, for the last piece, the group had to examine another statue.

"O mighty one… Prove your strength by moving me." The statue said.

Sora obliged and moved the statue. The statue then sunk to the ground like the other one but this time, a chest magically revealed itself down below. Now that all the pieces were found, the group split up and collected each of the pieces. They all met up in front of the jigsaw puzzle of the Heartless Emblem. One by one, they placed each piece to the correct spot and the door finally opened.

Meanwhile, Riku and Ryan had run all the way to the Castle Chapel, still in disbelief on what happened. Riku questioned it since Sora's Keyblade was his. Suddenly a voice appeared causing the two boys to stop and turn to the origin of the voice. They see a cloaked figure hunched over at them.

"The heart that is strong and true shall win the Keyblade." The cloaked figure explained.

"What? Are you saying my heart is weaker than his?" Riku asked in disbelief.

"For that instant, it was."

Riku glared at the figure but shook his head and stared at the floor. Ryan understood but what about Charlie? She always had a strong heart. He noticed that when they were at school. Whenever she saw a poor, defenceless kid got bullied, she stood up for them. And even now, she would always be there for Sora. He forced his eyes shut. His fists clenched and shook just thinking about him!

"However, you can become stronger." The figure said, snapping Ryan out of his thoughts.

"How?" Ryan asked.

"You showed no fear in stepping through the door to darkness. It held no terror for you. Plunge deeper into the darkness, and your heart will grow even stronger." The figure explained.

"What should I do?" Riku asked.

"Wait, Riku. You sure about this?" Ryan asked and Riku nodded.

"It's really quite simple. Open yourself to the darkness. That is all. Let your heart, your being become darkness itself." The figure said.

"Wait. What about Charlie? She's always had a strong heart. Her powers are unique. Why did her Keyblade disappear?" Ryan asked.

"Tell me about the child…" The figure demanded.

Back to the heroes, the gang had found a lift stop. One lift brought the gang to the Dungeon, which led to the Waterway, where they found another Blue Trinity. Eventually they have found a way outside of the castle. To Charlie, something was off with her. She was still smiling. Why? Was it because of Sora? That's impossible! Their only best friends! Nothing more! Charlie shook it off and remembered her goal; to save Ryan. She is his light. The group then came in contact with Wyverns; a dragon type Heartless. Charlie had used Thundara with Donald while the others had to wait for the Heartless to come to them, as they would always fly away. They glided to many platforms to open some scattered chests and activated switches, which triggered all the lifts on the outside. The group then went on yet another lift but this time a horde of Heartless appeared but was quickly disposed of. Once defeated, a switch appeared, Sora pressed it and the lift carried on to its destination. When they teleported off the lift, they had found another Blue Trinity and carried on with their journey.

They managed their way through a maze of lift stops and reached further up the castle to the Great Crest. Throughout the area, it was infested with Heartless. However, Charlie knew that they were getting close. Perhaps Sora knew as well? He was defeating the enemies as fast as possible and she had a hard time keeping up. Once they vanquished the Heartless, there was another switch and Sora activated it, revealing that it was able to move a platform down but not low enough for them to jump on.

They had arrived in the High Tower, which was located on the other side of the area. There, they found another switch to lower the other platform. The two platforms created a staircase to an area above. The group encountered another switch which raised the second platform higher than the first; creating another staircase to an even higher area. If you were getting confused with all these puzzles, Charlie was hopeless at them! And finally, the group had made their way to the Castle Chapel.

In the Grand Hall, Maleficent stands before the Keyhole, marveling it while the two boys trek up the stairs and join her. Riku speaks in two voices; stated that the path was revealed at last. But it wasn't just any Keyhole, the Keyhole to the darkness.

"Unlock it and the Heartless will overrun this world." 'Riku' claimed.

"What do I care? The darkness holds no power over me. Rather, I will use its power to rule all worlds." Maleficent explained.

'Riku' raises his arm and exposed a dark Keyblade with the teeth of the blade in the shape of a heart. Maleficent was surprised yet intrigued at the weapon but was annoyed to see it didn't respond. She thought the Princesses of Heart were all here, they turned to see Kairi's body on the floor and concluded that it was her.

"Without her heart, she will never be able to release her power." 'Riku' explained.

The three of them hear a sound of large doors opening; they all turn to the origin of the sound, which came from the Castle Chapel. Ryan's expression saddened knowing that if Charlie continues her way here, she will be in danger.

"The King's fools are here. I'll deal with them myself." Maleficent volunteered.

"We still need the other." 'Riku' spoke.

"Other?" Maleficent stopped her trek to the stairs and turned to the others.

"She is not a princess like the others but she is important."

"I see, you stay here and guard the princesses." Maleficent ordered.

Ryan clenched his fists as 'Riku' watched Maleficent exit the room. An earthly glow surrounded the new Keyblade wielder as he smirks. Ryan started to worry deeply for Charlie. He should really stop everything but, without Kairi and Sora, Charlie couldn't escape this universe with him.

Maleficent enters the chapel to greet Sora, Charlie, Donald, Goofy and Beast. She tells the group that they are too late as the final Keyhole will be unsealed. Then, the world will be plunged into the darkness. Sora summoned his weapon and argued that they will stop it since they've come so far.

"You won't get in our way!" Charlie also summoned her weapon and was determined to see Ryan again.

"You poor, simple fools. You think you can defeat me? Me, the mistress of all evil?" Maleficent provoked them.

Maleficent raises her staff and the platform beneath her rises out of the ground. It hovers in the air out of their reach. She taps her staff against it and it sails across the room. Charlie raised her Keyblade and conjured Haste on her party. The top of Maleficent's staff sparks with a green flame and she lifts the staff in the air as it cackles.

"Now you'll know the meaning of fear! A bolt of lightning to strike them down!" The villain called out.

Violet lightning crackles down from the ceiling, sending thunderbolts down on top of them. Charlie Dodge Cartwheeled out of the way. There was nothing she was afraid of anymore! She vowed to see Ryan again. She vowed to tell him how she feels! Nothing will stand in her way! Donald then casted Gravira, forcing the platform to come tumbling down. The gang rush in to attack.

"I've had enough of you, Maleficent! I'm sick of you trying to take Ryan away from me!" Charlie rapidly slashed the villain with no mercy.

Maleficent recovers and cries a defiant no as she swipes the gang with her staff, knocking them back. She then calls upon meteors and behind her; a vortex opens with large meteors that fly at them. Sora jumps out of the way, Donald rushed to the walls, Goofy deflected with his shield but Charlie noticed that Beast would be hit. She jumped at the creature and he was free from harm, but at a price. Charlie rolled and lied still. Her eyes slowly opened. She struggled to raise her Keyblade in the air and casted Cura on herself. She used her weapon as support as she stood up. Unfortunately the Haste wore off.

"Charlie?" Sora asked.

"I'm fine. I'm not going down that easily anymore."

"Thank you…" Beast said to her.

Sora places a hand on his heart, his Keyblade lights up and chucks it in the air. Sora catches it and sparks of magic shoots from his weapon. The Keyblade escapes his grip and a puff of blue smoke spurts from it, revealing Genie. Genie flies down and high fives Sora.

As the group continue to fight Maleficent, Genie would perform Showtime; he shoots magic blasts as well as casting some magic spells the group knew. Maleficent then summons a horde of Heartless, which Donald and Goofy took upon themselves to take out. Sora casts Gravira on the platform, making it fall again. The group attack the villain and Genie eventually disappears.

"Away!" Maleficent calls out.

A large bolt of lightning erupts from the ceiling, striking Sora at full force. Charlie quickly heals him. Donald unleashed a variety of spells at Maleficent, Beast uses his claws before the villain could call upon another meteor strike. Charlie wanted to finish this! She performed Lux Ray and finally, Maleficent was defeated. The villain bent over, her breath shallow. A portal appears behind her and she walks through it. But the outsiders were having none of it! They followed her through the portal. In a hidden room of the castle, Maleficent clutches her chest while using her staff as support. Her breath still shallow, a corridor of darkness appeared behind her and out came Ryan and 'Riku' with Keyblade in hand.

"Do you need some help?" 'Riku' asked her.

"Riku!" Sora called out.

"Ryan!" Charlie called.

"Charlie! Get out of here now!" Ryan ordered her.

"No! Not without you!" She replied.

'Riku' had also turned to the group and Donald was about to ask if the weapon he held is a Keyblade but 'Riku' was already ahead of him. Unlike Sora's and Charlie's Keyblades, the dark one can unlock hearts. To prove it, he demonstrated on Maleficent by stabbing her in the chest! The villain felt the darkness filling her heart.

"Now, open your heart, surrender it to the darkness! Become darkness itself!" 'Riku' ejected the weapon and left with Ryan through a portal.

"This is it! This power!" Maleficent cried out as she glows in green aura.

"Oh no…" Charlie muttered.

"Darkness… The true darkness!" The villain continued.

Maleficent erupts in green flames, sending them billowing high into the air, her dark shadow etched in its smoky tendrils as her form changes. She started growing larger, her black cloak expanding outward filling with green. Charlie and the gang summoned their weapons. From Maleficent's back, large, black wings push outward splitting to her sides, knocking the green from her body into sparks. The black wings connect with grey translucent skin to her large black body, which is now heavily muscled and scaled.

Donald casted Aerora while Charlie conjured up a Haste spell. The dragon rears back on its hind legs and slams the ground. When Donald casted a Blizzara spell, Maleficent brushes it off like nothing. The group then split; thinking she can't go after all of them at once.

Beast the rushed forward and dug his claws into the monster. The dragon screeches and spins. Knocking them all back with her tail. Charlie's body was flung full force at the wall and bounced off the large vines that surrounded the room. As she leaned on one of her legs, she felt something dripping and falling from her mouth. She reached it with one of her slender fingers, she takes a look to see red liquid. Blood. She wiped it with the back of her hand. She's not going to let Maleficent win at all cost.

The dragon's mouth foams with green flames and it spews fire from its mouth, setting the room ablaze. Charlie jumps on its back and casted Blizzara. The Haste spell wears off and Goofy throws his shield at her, causing her to grow angry even more. Donald also aids Charlie in casting Blizzara spell, attempting to quell the fire.

Sora searches for a way over the jade coloured flames. He widens his eyes as he sees the vines wrapped against the walls and begins climbing. The dragon screeches, having Donald, Charlie and Beast making it angry enough. Maleficent rears back on her hind legs, conjuring fire at the base of her neck. The fireballs fly in the air and aiming at Sora.

"Protect!" Charlie casted on him.

After the ivory shield protected Sora from the fiery missiles, it disappeared and climbs up further. Beasts volunteered himself to distract the villain and Sora kicks off the wall and attacks her. And for a final attack, Sora used Strike Raid, Goofy threw his shield, Beast thrashed is claws, Donald casted Blizzara again and Charlie performed Lux Ray.

Maleficent starts thrashing in pain before crashing to the floor, sending ashes into the air. The thorny vines burst into green flames and disappear. And only a torn cloak was left behind by Maleficent. 'Riku' walks over it with no remorse.

"How ironic. She was just another puppet after all." He stated.

"What?" Donald asked in disbelief.

"The Heartless were using Maleficent from the beginning. She failed to notice the darkness in her heart eating away at her. A fitting end for such a fool." He explained.

'Riku' grounds his foot into the remains of the Disney villain and the cloak disappears. He backs away into a corridor of darkness. Sora finds a summon gem and they return to the chapel. A hidden entrance appears and the group made no hesitation to follow it into the Grand Hall. They all see the Princesses of Heart lined up against the wall. But Beast wanted revenge on the boys that did this to his beloved Belle. Sora wanted to find Kairi, Donald and Goofy are supporting Sora and Charlie. Charlie herself just wanted to save Ryan. They run up the stairs to the main area in front of the great heart, where Kairi sleeps. A barrier prevents Beast, Goofy and Donald's entry even though Sora and Charlie have already stepped through.

"Kairi!" Sora calls.

Both Charlie and he rush over to her body. They kneel beside her and Sora lifts her into his arms while Charlie looks at her sleeping body in sadness. Sora gently shakes her and tells her to open her eyes, worrying about her deeply. There was no use and Charlie knew it.

"It's no use." 'Riku' said.

Sora and Charlie to find Riku sitting above the great heart while Ryan stands beside it staring back at her with worry in his eyes. Riku tells them that Kairi had lost her heart and can't wake up. Sora sets down Kairi softly and the heroes turn to the other boys. They both could sense the darkness in Riku's voice.

"What? You… you're not Riku." Sora claimed.

"The Keyhole cannot be completed so long as the last Princess of Heart still sleeps." 'Riku' explains.

"Ryan? Is that still you?" Charlie asked.

"Yes but you need to leave, now!"

"What?" Charlie asked curiously.

Sora looks down at his crush and asked if Kairi's a princess. 'Riku' responded that she is but without her power, the Keyhole will remain incomplete and it is time that she awakened. As if by queue, Charlie summoned her Keyblade and stood in front of Kairi.

"And you… I didn't believe to see a Sorceress of Light again." 'Riku' said, pointing at Charlie.

"What? I'm a Sorceress of Light? What's that?" She asked.

"The sole protector of Kingdom Hearts. You are able to use its power at will but to obtain that power for myself, I need you out of the way. The reason your Keyblade vanished was because your light faltered." 'Riku' explains.

"So that's it." Charlie thought.

It all makes sense. The reason why she has a Keyblade is because she is a Sorceress of Light! The powers. Her protective shield! Her spells! But how did she become a Sorceress of Light? There's so much she doesn't understand. She looks back at Ryan and he stares at the ground. He knew? That's why he warned her! Ansem needs to defeat her to get Kingdom Hearts!

"Whoever you are, let Riku go! Give him back his heart!" Sora pleaded.

"But first, you must give the princess back her heart."

'Riku' points his dark Keyblade at Sora, who clutches his chest and falls to the floor, catching himself. Charlie went straight to him but stopped as Ryan pointed his blade at her. She gasped but realised that Ryan was being forced to do this. Charlie couldn't just let Sora go through this… She summoned her Keyblade G and with all her strength, attacked Ryan's blade.

"Sora!" Donald called.

"What's-" Sora started.

"The princess's heart is responding. It has been there all along. Kairi's heart rests within you!" 'Riku' finally explained.

Charlie and Ryan had already started at fight in the background to take any notice what was happening to Sora. This fight was breaking her heart but maybe, just maybe, she can get through to him and save him in time.

"Kairi… Kairi's inside me?" Sora asked and looks at her body.

"I know all that there is to know."

"Tell me. Who are you?" Sora asked 'Riku'.

"It is I, Ansem, the seeker of darkness." Ansem finally revealed himself.

Ansem walks towards Sora and stands over him and looks down at him with euphoria and points his Keyblade at him. He claims to release the princess to complete the Keyhole and lead him to everlasting darkness. His eyes widened into madness and Ansem lifts his weapon about to strike.

"Sora!" Kairi's voice calls out.

Sora raises his Keyblade and blocks Ansem's attack. The true villain grits his teeth as he puts more pressure on the blade. Sora tells Ansem to forget it as there's no way he's taking Kairi's heart! Sora managed to push back the villain, who extends an arm.

Meanwhile, Charlie and Ryan are still clashing metal with metal. Charlie knew she was holding back but Ryan was still persisting to not let Charlie interfere. She glances over at Sora for a brief moment and pushes Ryan back; giving her enough time to cast Haste while Sora casted Aerora.

"Ryan, just stop this! Can't you see what's happening?"

"Don't you want to go home?" Ryan asked her.

"Of course I do but I need to stop you from descending further into darkness! Can't you see how I feel for you?"

"No, all I see is your loyalty to Sora!"

Sora strikes, hitting Ansem square in his side. He winces but soon recovers, blocking a further attack. Ansem tries to toy with Sora, forcing to strike first and dodging at the last minute. Sora blocks his next strike and sends a Thundara spell at Ansem who responds with a dark fireball that hits Sora straight in the chest.

"Cura!" Charlie healed him.

"Thanks!" Sora said.

"Sora! We need to switch! Ryan knows my moves and Ansem knows yours through Riku!"

So they switched. However, Ansem told the girl to witness true power. Ansem floats in the air, his left hand glowing. He plunges his Keyblade of Heart into the ground, unleashing lightning shockwaves from the floor. Charlie had conjured up her ivory shield just in time.

Sora continues to fight Ryan. Ryan also smiles with glee, now that he was fighting Sora. He wasn't going to give any mercy! Sora had casted Blizzara, since that spell will do the least damage. He didn't think Charlie would forgive him if he had killed Ryan.

A scream echoes in the room.

Ryan and Sora stop. They both turn to the female who stood there paralyzed. She was clutching her heart and struggled to stand. Ryan ran over to her before she collapsed. He held her head. Panic filled his eyes. Sora turned to Ansem who was smiling like it was an accomplishment.

"Finally, Kingdom Hearts is closer to being mine." Ansem said.

"R-Ryan?" She managed to say.

"Charlie, don't speak. You'll be okay." Ryan said as tears brimmed his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry… I couldn't save you."

Charlie starts to glow as she rests her eyes. She grabs the video camera and hands it to Ryan; telling him to watch it. Tears started to stream down Ryan's face. Her heart leaves her body and ascends above. She then disappears. Ryan felt he weight on his arms vanish and he embraced himself, still shocked what had happened. Sora also wanted to cry, for he had lost his best friend. Ryan wiped his tears with his sleeve and stood up, glaring at Ansem.

"That's it!" Ryan called out.

Ryan's darkness grew in power and it became his aura. His weapon glowed in a dark blue. Sora stood beside him, Keyblade at the ready. He was going to avenge his best friend! Ryan nodded at Sora' letting him know that they are allies now. Ansem just smiled at them.

"Behold the power of darkness!"

Ansem starts running impossibly fast, pelting the boys with blow after blow from his dark Keyblade. Sora and Ryan endure the attacks and wait for the right time to strike back. Sora heals both himself and Ryan. Ansem stopped running, Sora performed Strike Raid and tossed his Keyblade at Ansem and brought it back. This was repeated four times and finally defeated him. Riku's body disappears, leaving behind the dark Keyblade.

"Riku!" Sora called.

"Riku hasn't gone for good." Ryan explained, the darkness dying down inside.

The barriers vanish and the remaining Disney characters run and stand in front of the Keyhole while grabbing the boy's attention. Sora aims his weapon at the Keyhole but it doesn't respond.

"It won't work! The Keyhole's not finished yet!" Goofy says and Sora dismisses his weapon.

"What can we do?" Sora asked.

"Charlie was trying to stop this." Ryan told the group.

"I'm sorry." Sora apologised.

"Oh. Charlie…" Donald felt sorrow.

"She wouldn't want you guys to give up. She would want you to carry on, for her sake." Ryan said.

"But how?" Donald asked.

"Maybe we've gotta go wake Kairi up." Goofy suggested.

Sora thought out loud and admitted that Goofy might be right. Sora turns to her body and places a hand on his heart. He questions how to free her heart and his eyes settle on the dark Keyblade. He speaks aloud about the Keyblade that can unlock people's hearts.

"Sora?" Goofy asks as the boy walks over to the Keyblade.

"You sure about this, Sora?" Ryan asked.

"Sora, hold on!" Goofy calls out to him.

"No, wait!" Donald tries too.

Sora picks up the Keyblade and smiles at them. He holds the blade in both hands, stabbing himself in the chest. His chest glows brightly and the Keyblade floats out of him. He closes his eyes and starts to tumble backwards. The dark Keyblade splits into six hearts, each flowing back to the Princesses. Another heart surges from Sora's chest and returns to Kairi. She opens her eyes as the entrance to the Dark Depths, through the Keyhole, shimmers and the barrier is broken. Sora continues to glow brightly as he slowly falls while Donald runs towards him.

"Sora… Sora!" He calls out.

Kairi jumps to her feet and calls out his name. She runs to him, but as she touches him, he bursts into a million points of light, which float into the air and disappear like Charlie had done, which leaves Kairi in shock.

"Sora! Come back, Sora!" Donald shouts.

In an endless abyss, Sora floats in the dark void. He asked himself what was happening, all he knew was that he was falling into darkness. Perhaps this was what happened to Charlie? A pang of guilt clung to his emotions. He felt like he let her down.

"Sora, are you really- No. He can't be! I won't let him go!" Kairi cried.

"Kairi… I'm sorry. I want you to have this." Ryan handed her Charlie's camera.

"What is it?" Kairi asked.

"It's Charlie's camera."

"Where is Charlie?" Kairi asked.

"She suffered the same fate as Sora did. She protected him and I guess me as well." Ryan looked down in sadness.

A corridor of darkness appears and a tall man with silver hair and orange eyes steps out. He was relieved that Kairi had awoken and the Keyhole is now complete. He stated that she had served her purpose but now it's over. He moves towards the Princess of Heart but Donald, Goofy and Ryan brandish their weapons.

"Don't make another move!" Donald threatened.

"Do you think we can stop him all by ourselves?" Goofy asked Donald.

"I don't know!" Donald squawked.

As Ansem approaches, he stops, struggling to move his own body. He claimed it was impossible but as a prisoner inside his own body, Riku appears in a faint image, standing before the group. Stating that Ansem won't use him like this. The boy holds out his arms; blocking Ansem from proceeding further but it was also to shield the outsiders from him.

"Riku!" Kairi called.

"You've got to run! The Heartless are coming!" He warned.

"Go. I'll handle this." Ryan turned to the others.

A horde of Shadow Heartless appears and surrounds them. Kairi touches her necklace and nods. Donald screams as the three of them escape the Grand Hall. Goofy asks about the Keyhole but Donald was focused on escaping instead.

A shadow watches and follows but stops. Its antennae twitches, sensing another Shadow. The two Shadows follow the group together and exits the Grand Hall through the Castle Chapel. The two Shadows follow them outside and jump off the ledge. They made their way to the Entrance Hall. Kairi stops at the top of the staircase.

"Kairi, hurry!" Goofy ushered.

"I can't leave them behind!" She wished she could have met Charlie in person.

"We can't stay here!" Donald prompted her.

Kairi runs down the stairs and Goofy points out a couple of Heartless that were after them. Donald took it upon himself to take care of them and both Shadows descend the stairs. Donald then hits one of them with his wand and told them both to get lost. They both are unfazed and look at Kairi. Kairi felt something within her as she felt a sense of familiarity with both of them.

"Sora? Charlie? Is that you?" She asked but then they were surrounded by Shadows.

"Uh-oh!" Goofy cried out worriedly and he and Donald rush to fight them.

"This time, I'll protect you." Kairi reassured them.

The Heartless surrounding her slowly move closer to their prey. They pause, their antennae and glowing eyes taking in every sense. They ponce and Kairi whirls around, putting her arms around the two shadows, her eyes clenched shut.

"Sora! Charlie!"

Goofy and Donald defeat the rest and turn to see the group Shadows covering Kairi. Donald lets off a worried squawk. Goofy calls out to her and a light erupts from beneath the dark cloud, knocking the Heartless away, revealing Kairi in the arms of Sora while Charlie is holding her weapon, threatening the Heartless.

"Kairi, thank you." Sora said.

"Thanks for bringing me back, Kairi." Charlie smiles at her.

Sora holds her close as sparkles of light surrounds the three of them and Kairi opens her eyes in amazement and calls Sora's name in surprise. Donald and Goofy call Sora's and Charlie's name in surprise and joy. The Heartless around them reappear and everyone braces for a fight. Beast arrives, roaring loudly on top of the water feature. He leaps down to their level and knocks away a Shadow.

"Go! Now!" Beast ordered.

"Come with us!" Sora replied.

"I told you before, I'm not leaving without Belle. Now, go! The Heartless are coming!" Beast told them.

"All right. Let's get out of here." Sora ordered.

"Beast, take care of yourself." Charlie said.

They race out of the castle and enter the Gummiship. Charlie noticed something was off. Someone was missing. Kairi had given her the camera but the female Keyblade wielder left her to Sora as she knew they would want to catch up. But still… something was off, her eyes widened when she realised who it was.

"Where's Ryan?" She asked.

"Uh…" Donald muttered.

"Ryan stayed behind to stop Ansem…" Goofy admitted.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, why would he sacrifice himself? She stumbled back. Everyone was staring at her. Sora had his crush back but she didn't. She turned and headed to her room. She knew Sora wouldn't come after her, now that he has Kairi. Now she didn't hate her, but now she felt like she was a temporary replacement. Or perhaps, she was just overthinking it? Is she jealous? She shouldn't be thinking about that! She is a Sorceress of Light. It's her duty to protect Kingdom Hearts. But does that mean she can never go home?

How'd you like it? So, Charlie's a Sorceress of Light? What do you think about that? But what will happen to Ryan? Will he be there when they return? Do you think Charlie is jealous of Kairi? Tell me what you think!

See you in the next chapter!