Chapter 28

Chaos erupted from every corner of the hall as the Heartless began pouring in. Many of them wielding swords or breathing fire; the men in the hall never stood a chance against all of them. Yells and panic surrounded Hinata as she swiftly took down the enemies around her while frantically looking for any sign of Riku. The sheer fabric along the walls quickly caught aflame from stray shots from the fire breathing Heartless and heavy smoke began to thicken the air. Hinata stopped momentarily to find a quick exit point when she felt a hand yank on her arm. With a surprised yelp she turned around and saw Jasmine pulling on her.

"Follow me; I'll get you out of here!" Jasmine ordered her.

"I need to find Riku!" Hinata yelled back, realizing that the Princess would have no idea who she was talking about.

"He's with my father! Now, please, follow me!" She replied, tugging her away when a Heartless jumped in their path.

Hinata jumped in front of Jasmine and sliced away the enemy before any harm came to them. She stood up straight and nodded to Jasmine, "Alright, lead the way."

Without hesitation, the Princess ran through the hall slipping through the turmoil and surrounding violence without being noticed. Hinata followed close behind, trying to keep up with the surprisingly stealthy girl. Jasmine led her through the palace going in different rooms and halls, trying to get out of the fray. As she followed, Hinata couldn't help but wonder why the Princess was helping her and why Riku was with the Sultan. She wondered why they weren't all together rather than separated. Slowing her pace, she saw that Jasmine had come to a stop. Ceasing their escape momentarily, Hinata regained her breath and looked around the room they found themselves in.

The walls were tall and golden in color. Royal blue curtains draped from the ceiling as well as gold lamps with lighted candles inside. A white lace covered a large arched doorway that led to a balcony outdoors. In the center of the room stood a dark purple canopy; under it was a bedroom set up, no doubt the area was Princess Jasmine's room. Hinata wondered if taking refuge in her bedroom was really a good idea when the palace was under siege; but figured that it wouldn't hurt to at least take a short rest. Letting herself slightly relax, Hinata placed her swords on a small table and walked up to the lace curtain that led to the balcony, pushing it out of the way. She put her hands on the white marble railing on the edge of the balcony and looked out over Agrabah. Her heart wrenched as she saw the hints of Heartless all over the surrounding city. Jafar wasn't just going after the palace; he wanted all of Agrabah for himself. Letting out a deep aggravated sigh, Hinata leaned her elbows on the railing and planted her face in the palms of her hands. She had been played. There had been a feeling in her that something was going to happen, but to be a part of a group that would take an entire world over… well it was sickening. Whether indirectly or not, she had aided in the attack, she needed to set things right. Standing up straight, she took one last look at the Heartless on the ground; letting the anger and regret wash through her, having it fuel her drive to take each and every one of them out. Clenching her fists, she swiftly turned around only to find Jasmine pointing one of her dao swords right at her. Inwardly groaning, Hinata mentally berated herself for putting her blades down. She should have known better.

"Who are you and what do you know about this?" Jasmine ordered, feeling her voice shake.

Hinata put her hands up in surrender, taking note of how the Princess was trembling. "Your Majesty…"

"Don't 'Your Majesty' me!" Jasmine barked, glaring at Hinata and slightly gaining her confidence as her pet tiger, Rajah came up beside her; growling at Hinata, "I know you and that boy have something to do with the attack. What do you know?" When Hinata hesitated she finished, "And don't you dare lie to me!"

Fear trickled through Hinata's body as she saw Rajah come up beside Jasmine. She probably could have handled the Princess without her swords if need be, but not that creature. Feeling her throat go dry, she realized that she better give Jasmine the information she wanted. It's not like she would have gotten away with lying to her in the first place; but Hinata thought of what she should tell Jasmine. Words could not describe how done she was with Maleficent's manipulation. Maleficent had to know what Jafar was planning and helped him do it. They were basically black mailing her and Riku to do their bidding and in Hinata's opinion, enough was enough. Smirking, Hinata knew that Maleficent was most likely watching her on that stone back in Hallow Bastion and wondered how she would like it if she gave Jasmine all of the information she had.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata told Jasmine everything she knew, "My name is Hinata. Jafar is working with a woman named Maleficent. They are working together to take Agrabah. Those creatures attacking are called Heartless and I don't know much about this, but they mentioned something about capturing Princesses. If I had to take a guess, you are on that list. Otherwise, I don't know why they would be going through so much trouble."

Jasmine's eyes widened from all the information. Clearing her throat, she calmed herself and asked, "And that boy? You two seemed close during the banquet."

"Riku." Hinata answered plainly and wondered what business it was of the Princess about her relationship with him but told her anyways, "He's my boyfriend." Pausing for a moment she requested, "Can I have my sword back now?"

"How do I know you won't turn me over to Jafar?" Jasmine accused suspiciously.

Hinata crossed her arms, "Trust me; the only thing I want to do to Jafar is make him pay for hurting so many innocent people." Seeing that her words weren't swaying Jasmine, she clarified, "I and Riku's home was destroyed and we ended up on Maleficent's doorstep with nowhere else to go. We've been going on missions for her in return for shelter and our friends. So far, they haven't been anything too bad, but this one is going too far. I'm not taking part in this." Reaching out her hand for her sword Hinata promised, "You have my word that I will protect you with my life. I'm not leaving here until I know you're safe from Jafar."

Reluctantly, Jasmine looked down at Rajah and then slowly handed the sword over to Hinata, who sighed in relief. Grasping her blade in her hand, Hinata went back into the bedroom to grab her other sword.

As she grabbed it she called back to Jasmine, "We need to get you out of here. Do you know where your father and Riku are?"

Jasmine had her arms wrapped around her waist; it was obvious she was having a hard time coping with everything happening. Just that morning she had been enjoying a peaceful walk through her garden and now here she was running for her life with a complete stranger. Looking up at Hinata, Jasmine shook her head, "No, once those… Heartless broke in, that boy, Riku, ran up to my father. He told my father he would bring him to safety and asked if I would get you."

Hinata smiled to herself, Riku was always looking out for her; but she wondered why he was so readily at the Sultan's side. It likely had to do with whatever Jafar had whispered to him right before she began her routine. A slight tinge of worry threatened to worm its way into her, but Hinata swiftly pushed it aside. Now was not the time to wonder what might and could happen. She had a mission to do, to keep the Princess safe. Takin a deep breath she came up with a plan, "I think it would be best if we left the palace. If Jafar and Maleficent do indeed want to take you, I think your best chance of hiding will be out in the surrounding city." When Jasmine didn't respond, Hinata turned around to face her. "Would that be alright?"

Jasmine looked up at Hinata and felt her face lose some color, "It's just that, I've never left the palace walls before."

"Well there is always the first time." Hinata encouraged her, walking up to the door that they had entered from. Peeking her head through, she made sure there was no sign of Jafar or the Heartless. Seeing that the way was momentarily clear, she motioned towards Jasmine, "There aren't any Heartless here at the moment so it would probably be best to leave now." Looking back at Jasmine she gave a quick glance at her clothes and crown, "Do you have anything you could wear as a disguise?"

Jasmine nodded and ran to her wardrobe that was placed under the tall purple canopy. Within a couple minutes she emerged wearing a tan cloak that covered her arms and hair. At a quick glance she wasn't recognizable as the Princess and that could prove rather useful once she was in the main city. Nodding towards Hinata's hair, Jasmine asked, "Should you not also disguise yourself? What of your hair?"

"It won't matter what I wear, Maleficent always knows where I am." Hinata admitted, then reluctantly informed Jasmine, "Which means that once I get you to the city, I won't be able to protect you anymore. I can only get you there safely, and then you'll be on your own."

Tightening her hands over the edge of her makeshift cloak, Jasmine took a deep breath. She had always dreamed of seeing the world outside the wall. This may not have been her ideal opportunity but she was going to take it nonetheless. Looking at Hinata she stated, "Alright, I can't stay trapped here forever. I need to do what I can to keep myself and my world from Jafar."

Hinata smiled at the Princess' determination and nodded in acknowledgment. Then looked out the door again to search for what seemed like the quickest and safest path to the palace garden. She heard Jasmine saying her farewells to Rajah, telling him to be safe and stay hidden. Once the Princess was by her side they exited the room and entered the hall. Hinata decided to go the opposite way of the path they took to the bedroom, as to avoid as many enemies as they could. Jasmine followed close behind, randomly telling Hinata when to take a turn. They came upon a corner in the long hallway when they heard voices approaching. Hinata stopped immediately and held out her arm to halt Jasmine beside her. Leaning against the wall, Hinata listened intently, trying to make out the voices as friend or foe.

"I don't understand why Jafar wants us to take the Princess prisoner." A male voice confessed.

"We're here to follow orders, not question them!" The other voice barked, "With the Sultan missing, Jafar is the highest in command. Whatever he says goes."

The men continued bickering as Hinata searched for a room for them to hide. She could attempt to take them out on her own, but with people already on the lookout for them, leaving behind bodies in their wake didn't exactly seem like the wisest plan. Jasmine tugged on Hinata's arm and led her behind a column out of sight from anyone who could pass by. They stood pressed up against the column, trying to hold their breaths as the men passed them unnoticed.

"We were almost killed by those things in the banquet hall!" The first voice pointed out, "What does Jafar need us for when he has those things?"

"Just be thankful we are still alive." The other man told him, "We were the Sultan's royal guards; Jafar could still have us beheaded just for that."

Rubbing his hand uncomfortably on his neck, the man shook his head and half-heartedly looked around to see if could catch a glimpse of the Princess. He and the other guard knew very well that the Princess could easily hide behind the pillars that lined the room but in his heart his loyalty still stayed with the Sultan.

Soon both the guards were out of sight and Hinata let out a relieved breath. She was glad she hadn't jumped to conclusions and taken out those men as they seemed like they weren't completely with Jafar.

"My father is missing?" Jasmine muttered under her breath worried.

"Well you are technically missing too, Princess." Hinata pointed out. "I bet Jafar is having some search party for the Sultan; but Riku is keeping him safe and out of sight like I am with you."

Jasmine crossed her arms, "Are you sure Riku is keeping my father safe? I saw Jafar speaking with him while you performed."

Hinata sighed, "Yeah I saw that too. But I'm sure Riku would never harm the Sultan."

They began to walk again, making their way slowly to the ground level to head outside. As they walked Jasmine noted, "You seem to really trust Riku."

"I try to." Hinata admitted, trying to keep her voice down.

"What do you mean?" Jasmine inquired.

Pausing, Hinata wondered why Jasmine cared and if she should really be having such a vulnerable conversation with someone she just met. Something about the Princess seemed comforting to Hinata. For some reason she felt like she could pour her heart out to Jasmine, which in the end made her feel more cautious as she pondered why that was. It was like there was some sort of light surrounding her. She was about to tell Jasmine not to worry about it when she realized that it would be nice to talk to someone about everything. Taking a deep breath, Hinata explained, "I mean, since our home was destroyed, Riku and I have been keeping things from each other. And it's hard to trust someone when they won't be completely open with you."

"Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Without it, anything you build will eventually crumble." Jasmine commented, "Or at least, that's what my mother used to tell me."

Hinata winced at the words from Jasmine. It hurt to hear it but somehow in her heart she knew what the Princess was saying was true. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but having Riku purposefully keeping things from her was chipping away at the solid trust she used to hold in him and she had no doubt that her hiding things was doing the same to him. Without realizing it she felt a tear fall down her cheek that Jasmine quickly noticed.

"I didn't mean to upset you." She apologized then confessed, "It's not like I know what I'm talking about. I can't even choose a husband."

Hastily rubbing the tear away, Hinata assured herself, "Everything will be fine once we…" Her voice trailed off. She was going to say once they were home but their home wasn't there anymore. They didn't have anywhere to go. For all she knew they were going to be stuck under Maleficent forever and things would never get better. Feeling her emotions threatening to take her over, Hinata shook her head and addressed what Jasmine had said. "You'll find the right guy eventually; you'll know it when you see him."

"I hope so." Jasmine whispered, dropping the subject when she saw how Hinata reacted.

They continued walking in silence; Hinata deep in thought. Jasmine kept her head down as she followed, hoping they would make it outdoors soon. She never realized just how large the palace really was. Going down a flight of stairs they finally made their way outside. They walked along a gray stone walkway that had clear water on either side with pink flamingoes standing peacefully, oblivious to all the turmoil. Beyond the water stood a tall white stone wall that seemed to surround the entire palace. By the edge of the wall grew a towering thick tree. Hinata smirked when she spotted it and felt her heart leap for joy. It seemed that throughout all the craziness Princess Jasmine was going to make it to safety.

Pointing towards the tree she told Jasmine, "I'm pretty sure you could climb that tree over the wall. Do you think you can do it?"

Looking where Hinata was pointing, Jasmine felt a lump in her throat from fright and anxiety but nodded all the same. She had to get to safety and hiding in the city was going to be her best bet. They made their way to the tree and Hinata got down on one knee and knitted her fingers together to give Jasmine a boost up. Jasmine reached a high branch and struggled to pull herself up to it. Grasping onto it for dear life she inched her way to the wall. With shaking hands, she vaulted herself over the wall and landed in a heap on the dry sand on the other side.

"Are you alright?" Hinata called, cupping her hands around her mouth.

Jasmine coughed as dust flew around her. Once it had cleared, she called back, "Yes, I believe so."

Hinata felt relieved and gave one last bit of advice, "Good, be careful. Try to stay out of sight as much as you can."

A sudden scream from the Princess caused Hinata's heart to jump. Without asking what was wrong she clasped her blades into one sword and rapidly climbed the tree. Within seconds she landed on the other side of the wall and found the Princess surrounded by Heartless. She groaned, maybe the city wasn't the safest place for her. Making her swords into two again she began taking down the enemies. They were small but these ones held their own swords; making taking them down all the more complicated. The amount of them seemed endless and Hinata felt bogged down by the relentless heat from the sun. Eventually, the last Heartless was disintegrated and Hinata watched as its heart floated into the blue sky. Her body was slick with sweat and her breaths were shallow. Leaning against the wall she looked over at Jasmine as she stayed huddled on the ground. Hinata wished she had enough time to at least teach the Princess the basics of sword play if for the only reason so she could protect herself.

Sighing, Hinata helped Jasmine up, "Alright new plan, I'm not leaving you until I find someone else that can protect you."

"Thank you for saving me from those things." Jasmine thanked her as she stood on her feet.

Hinata nodded and looked around the city they found themselves in. Dozens of colorful shopping booths filled with various trinkets filled the area, but the only thing missing was the people. It seemed that once the Heartless attacked mostly everyone evacuated back into their homes. A rather smart decision in Hinata's opinion, but that only made hiding Jasmine all the more difficult.

The sudden sound of metal clanging brought Hinata to attention as she once again tightened her grip on her blades. Her muscles were aching and she dearly hoped that there weren't more Heartless lurking nearby. The heat was really doing a number on her stamina. Taking a few steps into the bazaar with Jasmine close behind her, she spotted a young man rummaging through one of the shopping stands. His hair was black and he wore a tiny red fez. A purple open sleeveless vest was over his toned torso and dirty patched up white pants on his legs. On his shoulder sat a small monkey that also wore a fez on its head.

Seeing a thief should have caused Hinata to get angry, but she couldn't help but feel drawn to the man. She looked back at Jasmine and motioned her head towards him at which Jasmine just looked at her confused. Taking a few steps forward, Hinata called out to the guy, "Um, excuse me?"

The man startled surprised, dropping gold coins and apples onto the ground. In a rush he turned around and sheepishly smiled at them, "Ah, can I help you?"

Jasmine took a step forward obviously also being drawn to him. Hinata smiled at Jasmine then quizzed the man to see if he was fit to watch over Jasmine, "Do you know what happened here? Where is everyone?"

"These creatures just attacked recently, I don't know what they were." He admitted, then reached behind him and pulled out a curved blade, "Nothing I can't handle though." He looked up and grinned when he noticed Jasmine. It seemed that the moment their eyes met there was a visible spark. Both of them got goofy smiles as they slowly approached each other. Reaching one hand behind his head the young man introduced himself, "I'm Aladdin."

The Princess stepped closer, her brown eyes getting obviously lost in him, "Jasmine."

"Street rats have no place with the Princess." Jafar's voice startled all of them. He stood on the other end of the bazaar on a ledge above them; glaring down at Hinata specifically.

Aladdin took a couple steps back surprised, "P-Princess Jasmine?"

Hinata readied her swords, ignoring her tired muscles begging her to stop. Stepping in front of Aladdin and Jasmine she yelled, "Aladdin, get Jasmine to safety. I'll hold Jafar off."

When Aladdin hesitated, Hinata shot him a pleading look. Gulping, Aladdin grabbed Jasmine's hand and ran out of the bazaar. Jafar waved his staff and went up in a red smoke before reappearing on the ground of the bazaar. He ignored Hinata and began walking in the direction of Aladdin.

Hinata turned towards him and sassed, "Oh what am I, chopped liver?"

Jafar stopped but didn't turn to face Hinata, "If you were, at least then you would have some use."

"I might have been more helpful if you told me about the whole invasion plan!" Hinata bit back. "You can't honestly be mad that I didn't play along when I didn't know about the game to begin with!"

"You mean Riku didn't tell you?" Jafar turned around as if he was shocked, then when he saw Hinata's confused look he widened his eyes. "What a terribly awkward situation."

"What are you talking about?" Hinata asked suspiciously, feeling her heart beat quicken.

"What did you think they talked about when you were separated in Hallow Bastion?" Iago jumped up and squawked, "Gosh Jafar, where does Maleficent find these bozos?"

"Shut up!" Hinata barked at Iago as he shook his head and flew away.

"Whether you knew about the plans or not, you have made quite the mess of things." Jafar told her, getting back to the subject, "The Princess is supposed to be in my custody."

"Well sorry to disappoint you." Hinata sarcastically remarked. "I don't take well to kidnapping."

"So I have heard." Jafar told her, "The longer you are here the more trouble you create. You seem to be more trouble than you're worth."

"Is that some sort of threat?" Hinata scoffed, "Sorry, but I don't think you would last long in a fight against me."

"And how do you think Riku would react when he found out because of your reckless behavior neither of you would ever see your dear friends again?" Jafar baited, "Oh what was that girl's name again? Oh yes, Kairi. I believe the instructions given to Riku were to complete this mission and he would get Kairi in return."

Hinata's eyes widened hearing that Maleficent had found Kairi. Then shaking her head she countered, "We will find her ourselves if we have to. Doing these horrible things to get her back is wrong!" Readying her swords Hinata threatened, "So do your worst, I'm done with Maleficent's games."

Jafar's lips thinned as he considered his next move. Then looking beyond Hinata he noted, "Why Riku, you're back ahead of schedule."

Hinata quickly spun around to see Riku when only the empty street stands met her eyes. She looked around confused about to go back to confront Jafar, when she felt a sudden intense pain in the back of her head. Jafar whacked her with the top of his golden staff. The corners of her vision began spotting black as she fell to the ground. As the pain in her head grew everything around her began to fade away. The distant sound of Riku calling her name was the last thing she heard before slipping out of consciousness.

"Hinata!" Riku yelled panicked as he sprinted towards her. Skidding to his knees when he neared her he pressed his ear against her chest and placed two fingers along her neck waiting for her pulse. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when he heard her familiar heartbeat. Seeing she was alive and just unconscious, Riku instantly stood and yelled, "What did you do?"

Jafar smirked, "You have arrived. I trust the Sultan will no longer prove to be a problem."

Not appreciating Jafar avoiding the question, Riku grabbed Jafar's shoulder and slammed him against a nearby wall. Summoning Soul Eater he repeated, "What did you do?"

"You should be thanking me." Jafar told him, unfazed, "That street rat betrayed you."

"I don't care what she did; you don't lay a finger on her!" Riku growled, completely prepared to gut him where he stood.

A sudden green mist appeared and Maleficent came out of it. She calmly observed everything that was around her before addressing Riku and Jafar, "I see everything is going smoothly."

Not looking away from Jafar, Riku hissed, "He hurt Hinata."

"She became a hindrance to the mission." Maleficent explained,

"She didn't even know the mission existed!" Riku defended, pushing Soul Eater threateningly close against Jafar's throat. Jafar sent Maleficent a look but she subtlety shook her head.

"You had ample amount of time to explain it to her. The fault lies with you alone that she was in the dark." Maleficent accused him, knowing that she was dangerously close to him lashing out towards her. "Jafar did what he had to do. I suggest you take that girl back to Hallow Bastion for safety. You will be summoned when you are needed again."

Riku tightened his grip on Soul Eater, feeling the effects of anger turning into hatred and developing into darkness inside his heart. Everything about Jafar was sickening him. No one had the right to hurt Hinata. Releasing his hold on Jafar, Riku breathed through his clenched teeth, "You're lucky Maleficent was here, otherwise you wouldn't be." Dissipating Soul Eater, he backed up and scooped Hinata into his arms, careful to keep her head on his shoulder. Putting out a hand, he summoned a Corridor to Darkness to make his way back to Hallow Bastion. Before he stepped through he glared back at Jafar and threatened, "If you ever hurt her again, no one will be able to stop me from ending you."

As soon as he stepped through, Jafar relaxed and straightened his robes. He rubbed his bony fingers along his neck and gave a distasteful growl when he saw blood on his hand. Looking over at Maleficent he noted, "That boy better be worth the trouble."

Maleficent smirked as she flicked her hand and sent a whiff of green mist that instantly healed Jafar's wound, "He is I assure you. Even that encounter you just had with him grew his darkness greatly."

Jafar cleared his throat; silently thankful his neck was healed, and informed her "If you had not shown up, I would have unleashed my magic. He never would have stood a chance."

"I am aware." Maleficent claimed, "That was why I was swift in my intervention. He reacted more recklessly than I anticipated; which only means his darkness is growing." Turning to begin walking through the street, Maleficent informed Jafar, "He completed his part of the mission. The Sultan will not stand in your way."

Joining Maleficent on her walk, Jafar smirked, "Perfect. Agrabah is finally under my rule." After a few moments of silence he asked, "What will become of that girl?"

Maleficent laughed, "The time has finally come to rid ourselves of her." She stopped walking and took a couple steps back, "I am going to break the news to the boy, I shall return to check your progress on the Keyhole and the Princess."

Jafar put a hand on his chest and bowed, "Everything is under control. I shall await your return."

With a wave of her arms, Maleficent was surrounded by a green mist when it dissipated she was back in Hallow Bastion. Hades was standing by the flat round stone in the center of the room, re-watching over Hinata's confrontation with Jafar. He arched an eyebrow at Maleficent when she appeared in the room. "Lover boy just came through with that girl in his arms. He didn't even say hello, just stormed out of here."

Maleficent nodded as she walked out of the room, "I assume he brought her to their room. I shall return momentarily."

Swiftly, she made her way to Riku and Hinata's room; relishing the feeling that she was finally going to rid herself of Hinata. The only thing that girl was good for was holding back the darkness in Riku and that was no longer needed. Reaching the door, she opened it and allowed herself entry. She found Riku had laid Hinata on top of the bed and was sitting on the bed beside her. His face was twisted between worry and pure rage. Maleficent smirked, that was exactly where she wanted him. Closing the door behind her, Riku didn't even look her way.

After a couple moments of silence Maleficent asked, "How is she faring?"

"Like you care about that," Riku bit, then took a deep breath, "I think she'll be fine. I gave her some potion so it's only a matter of time until she wakes up."

"She can't stay here." Maleficent told him plainly.

Riku fisted some blanket into his hand, "So that's it then. You guys frame her to mess up and it's suddenly time for her leave?"

"Jafar was right," Maleficent began.

"Jafar was NOT right!" Riku barked, standing up from the bed.

Maleficent cleared her throat, not appreciating the interruption, "As I was saying, Hinata betrayed you." Rubbing her hand over the orb on her staff an image of Hinata talking with Jafar appeared.

Riku watched the entire confrontation between them and widened his eyes when Jafar full out pushed him under the bus. Hinata knew he lied to her about the mission and he suddenly felt guilty. He wondered how things could have been different if only he had been straight up with her; but in the back of his mind he had a feeling that things wouldn't have changed as much as he would have like. She still would have gotten upset being forced to be part of something like that and she still would have helped the Princess. Looking back up at Maleficent he said plainly, "I don't see how she betrayed me. The only thing I see is she's sick and tired of your manipulation. And I'm starting to feel the same way!"

"She knows the requirements of staying here. By completing missions I in turn find your friends." Maleficent reminded him, "I cannot set the missions to fit her preferences. She is causing a hindrance to everyone here."

Riku was about to bite back when he realized there wasn't anything he could say. Hinata was, even unintentionally, causing trouble. He clenched his fists in frustration and looked back at Hinata as she lay peacefully on the bed. It was probably going to be the last time she would be like that for a long time. Sighing in resignation he asked, "Where is she supposed to go? You can't really be expecting me to just leave her on a random world."

Maleficent uncharacteristically sighed; she couldn't help but hate how much trouble she had to go through for that girl. Forcing a smile she said, "A vessel is being prepared for her as we speak."

"Did you know this was going to happen?" He glared up at Maleficent, "And what if I decide to go with her?"

"I would advise against it, we have Kairi in our custody. If you leave, you'll lose the only chance you have to get her back. As well as any hope to rightfully gain back your Keyblade." Maleficent baited, purposefully avoiding his other question. "You simply have to ask yourself what is more important; your destiny or a girl who's trying to keep you from your full potential?" Smirking when Riku's face slightly paled, Maleficent turned to head out the door saying, "I'll give you some time to think it over. You will be summoned when needed."

Riku closed the door behind Maleficent as she left and pressed his forehead against it. He was being played, he knew it. From right under his nose they had pushed him into a corner. There was no way he could just abandon Hinata; but he had to get Kairi. He had to have that Keyblade. Letting out a yell, he slammed his fist into the wall. He felt his skin split as the reverberation of jolting pain vibrated through him. Tears stung the corners of his eyes from both the pain and everything happening. Hastily pushing at his eyes with his uninjured hand, Riku turned and leaned his back against the door. He looked down at his bloodied knuckles, absently watching the red liquid run down his fingers eventually dripping slowly to the floor. Glancing up at Hinata he felt his heart sink; he knew what he had to do.

*** Author's Note: Thank you everyone for reading. Please let me know what you think! ***