Chapter 4

Riku and Denahi were now climbing towards the mountain top. The road was treacherous, and crawling with Heartless, as usual. However, it wasn't all that bad. Riku now had an ally. Denahi had a spear, and he jumped and kicked the Heartless with full might. Indeed, Denahi was a true hunter. Riku wondered what Sitka was like. Was he just a great a hunter as Denahi? And what about Kenai? Was he some hunter in his past life?

"You don't look satisfied." said Denahi.

"What's that?" asked Riku.

"I know Kenai was not amused to see you. Something happened that your not telling me." said Denahi.

"Kenai told me that he believed in second chances." said Riku.

"And second chances are a bad thing for you?" asked Denahi.

"No, not at all. It's just that I have made a lot of mistakes to get here." said Riku.

"That whole part of you joining forces with the shadows? What happened really?" asked Denahi.

"It's a long story. And you'll find it really ridiculous." said Riku.

Denahi scoffed. "Try me."

"I lived on an island with my friends. But I was sick of living in the same place all the time. So, I got involved with the shadows and I did things that hurt my friends and family." said Riku.

"So you wanted to move away. That's not a bad thing." said Denahi.

"But I DID join forces with the shadows." said Riku.

"Yeah that is a bad mistake. But did you ever learn from it?" asked Denahi.

"I'm not sure if I have the right to answer that." said Riku.

"Everyone makes mistakes every now and then. I heard what I did. What Kenai did. And no doubt you have seen or heard many other stories of similar people going through things." said Denahi.

Just then, Riku stopped and Denahi got his spear by his side. "Something's coming." said Riku.

"I sense it too." said Denahi.

Of course, like always, a dark corridor appeared and Ansem stepped out from it.

"What do you want this time?" asked Riku.

"I will not allow you to take one step further. I have been waiting for so long to step foot in this world, and now I am close to taking over." said Ansem.

"The spirits won't allow such a thing. They will punish you if you lay a hand on the world." said Denahi.

"I will take my chances with the Spirits. In reality boy, the Spirits should fear me!" said Ansem, placing a hand on his chest.

"You think you're so superior." said Riku with a scowl.

Ansem ignored Riku's taunt and snapped his fingers. Riku and Denahi braced themselves in case some Heartless materialized, but they did not. Instead, the ground began to shake and a powerful bear like Heartless appeared. It roared powerfully at the boys and Riku cursed under his breath. Denahi got his spear ready.

"This thing… it's not a bear…." said Denahi.

"No. It's evil." said Riku.

Ansem laughed triumphantly. "The end of this world begins now!"

The bear Heartless jumped towards Riku, but Denahi quickly threw his spear at it's snout. Riku on the other hand stood out of the way, and commanded a Strike Raid ability at the Heartless. The monster itself did get hurt, but it turned on to Riku. It quickly charged against him, but Riku defended himself with his Keyblade.

Ansem saw this opportunity to vanish and did just that. In a matter of minutes, he appeared at the top of Light mountain. He grabbed a knife and sliced his hand. Blood dripped on the snow as he began to say terrible words of the black arts. The Heartless symbol appeared on the ground and it began to glow like a neon light.

Ansem believed he had done it. He believed the world was now his to control. That is until a ray of light destroyed the symbol. Ansem felt the power of darkness getting weaker. He looked at the symbol, now vanishing before his eyes.

And then, a giant eagle flew to the ground and opened its wings. Sitka, or rather his Spirit, was standing in front of Ansem, with his arms folded. He had a playful and youthful air about him, and he smiled slightly. Ansem scowled at the young man while Sitka spoke.

"You thought we were going to ignore you. We had our sights on you since the day you set foot on our world. Just imagine how angry and insulted the Spirits are right now. You challenged them by saying that they should fear you? You are by far the most insane man to ever live." said Sitka.

"When the worlds vanish and the plan of the Organization becomes reality, a new world will begin." exclaimed Ansem.

Sitka rolled his eyes. "What is it with you people in the black coats preaching about hearts, darkness, hearts, lights, and keys. I'm starting to get a headache. And I'm a Spirit." said Sitka.

Ansem scoffed. "I see even the Spirits feel some pain."

"So what's it going to be, Ansem the Wise? Take over the world and challenge us? Or would you run away to your shadows?" taunted Sitka.

"Don't you dare call me that!" sneered Ansem.

"I'm sorry. I keep forgetting you are just like the shadows. You don't have a name, so you had to take one from an innocent king. Talk about self entitlement and total confusion." said Sitka.

Ansem had enough and opened a dark corridor. "There will always be another day. Mark my words Sitka, I will return, and this world will be in my grasp. You along with the other DAMN Spirits." said Ansem.

Sitka stood his ground and smiled. "If the boy with the odd spiky hair and pumpkin pants doesn't stop you, then we will be waiting." said Sitka.

Ansem scoffed once more and vanished into his corridor. When that happened, Riku and Denahi arrived.

"What just happened?" asked Riku.

"Sitka?!" cried Denahi.

"Little brother." said Sitka.

"Where is Ansem?" asked Riku.

"He's gone for now. But I doubt he'll be coming back anytime soon." said Sitka.

"That's a relief." said Riku.

"You can talk now? How come you didn't talk the last time!?" cried Denahi.

"What? I was adding a little bit of mystery to my character." said Sitka with a playful smile.

"You were always playing tricks on us." said Denahi.

"So Riku, what are you going to do?" asked Sitka.

"I'm not sure. I came out looking for answers, plus I must visit someone special for a friend, but with Ansem running around, it's only a matter of time before he tries to do anything terrible." said Riku.

"Then I suppose you are going after him?" asked Denahi.

"I am. I won't allow him to hurt anyone else." said Riku.

"As much as I admire your determination, I'm afraid it's too soon for you to face Ansem." said Sitka.

"What?" asked Riku.

"Young man, there is still a storm raging in your heart. And it's very bad. I strongly suggest that if you are willing to face Ansem, you must first clear the storm inside your heart." said Sitka.

"How am I able to do that?" asked Riku.

Sitka smiled. "One would think that one of the Keyblade's chosen would know what to do. First, do the task you were given. Follow the wayfinder you have to visit this friend you speak of. Along the way, see more worlds and meet their inhabitants. You will learn a lot from so many good people." said Sitka.

"How do you know so much?" asked Riku.

"You'd be surprised. There a many people out there that know about the worlds and it's creations. Spirits such as myself. The Gods from Olympus. Rafiki from the Pride Lands who often speaks to us, Merlin, Te-Fiti, and some fairies." said Sitka.

"What the heck are you babbling on about brother?" asked Denahi.

"That reminds me. Denahi. I want you to go with Riku." said Sitka.

"What?" asked Denahi and Riku, both in unison.

"There is a reason why I want you to go with him Denahi. You see, Rafiki, a shaman from a different world, has seen visions of a powerful force that can aid the ever growing darkness. We cannot allow that to happen. By defeating this force, you will make the darkness weaker and the worlds will be much safer." said Sitka.

"Your sending me off to some spiritual realm or something like that?" asked Denahi.

"You'll see when you go with Riku." said Sitka.

"With all due respect Sitka, there is the order that must be maintained." said Riku.

"I know the order. I have read the laws of the outside world many times. But in these times of crisis, especially that you are all by yourself, you are going to need allies of the light to go with you." said Sitka.

Riku acknowledged this. "I will go with the flow."

"Me too. I'll help you any way I can Riku. Just say the word." said Denahi.

Sitka put his hands in the air and a giant portal of light appeared. "This portal will take you where the wayfinder is pointing too. Take it." said Sitka.

"Thank you so much friend." said Riku.

"I'll return as soon as possible." said Denahi. He quickly gave Sitka a hug. "Please, watch over Kenai and Koda for me." said Denahi.

"I will. I promise they will stay out of trouble." said Sitka.

Denahi smiled and went by Riku's side. "Where to friend?" asked Denahi.

"You look happy." said Riku.

"Are you kidding? I'm going on a journey bestowed to me by the Spirits! How cool is that!?" cried Denahi.

"Well, that would make sense." said Riku. And with that, they went to the portal.