Of Keys and Hammers

by zcritic88

In a realm beyond, the Four Chaos has taken notice of a realm tied close to the heart. They squirmed into the darkness and sought to corrupt if to reach a prize beyond the light. Will the Light of Order, be able to repel this ancient evil?

51. Light of a New Day

During a bright morning at a park in Radiant Garden, the Replica looked pale from the knowledge Ken's Mother gave as Xion was ready to search. "We do need to tell Baldred about that. How come every thing we do gives that-" he shook uncontrollably as the woman had him sit down and relax. "Anxious feeling? Just go warn him against making too much of a scene and worry about your trip to the amusement park. Kay?"

The Replica had a constant sense of danger and was tugged at the arm by Xion, who whispered. "I'm scared for him to. We know something, he isn't ready to tell everyone and that's the reason they would try to hurt him again. Miss, please don't tell." The woman vowed. "We are getting the idea, no word of this will pass my lips."

Xion appreciated it and pulled at her brother, getting him to work his legs, traveling to the Cavern of remembrance and jumping down, finding Baldred sitting against a wall, twitching in his sleep and being tugged awake by Shadey. The Replica felt a whimper in the knight and fought his anxiety to go to the knights side and shake him awake. "Come on, wake up."

The knight shook awake and in shock, was ready to use his chime, he saw the familiar trio and stopped. "Get...get back, get back!" The boy and shadow creature did so as Baldred muttered. "I'm awake, I was just having a bad dream... that's all."

Xion walked to the knight and asked. "What...was it about?" The knight looked hesitate to talk about it, looked the three in the eyes and answered. "...It...was about a throne I wanted little to do with, I kept approaching it until I sat upon it. Seeing a door to the world outside close shut and leaving behind only the dark then I saw your...friend here, shaking me in the dark."

He directed to Shadey, who looked at him in an argument, the Replica felt he agreed with him. "He was trying to wake you up. We heard you had a pretty good time yesterday." The knight slowly stood up and readied for a day on watch. "Aqua is certainly something, she and the other keybearers are fine examples of what the worlds need. Perhaps you should take it to her to finesse yourself, Xion." The girl gasped, was tempted to say yes and stopped her self. "Oh, no, no, no. I'll just cause trouble for them and myself."

Baldred shrugged. "Nothing ventured is nothing earned. I also got to watch the night sky last night with a well hearted man, it was a crescent moon and stars as far as the eye can see." The Replica remembered the sky and started to smile relaxed. "It was gorgeous."

Xion agreed with that and remembered the flicker of light and dark in her room the previous night. "You don't get that often." The knight agreed with that. "The True Dark with the Light of the heavens makes you forget about the worries of the unknown and see things for what it is." He looked at the Replica with advise. "They make wonders when they are not clashing, ya?"

The boy agreed and asked with caution. "Talking about that would get you into serious trouble." Baldred laughed it off. "Only if I talk about the Abyss or the perversions to it. Sooner or later we'll have to face it, we have to look into it and know what is down there." Xion continued asking. "And what we will find won't be something we would like."

The knight nodded and pointed to her shadow. "It can be that or something as simple as what follows you in every moment. Can it ever disappear?" The children shook their heads and the Replica felt he was understanding something. "No and it can sometimes be your only friend. This is what separates it from the things that are actually in it, the Heartless, those that provoke it and... wow." Baldred had another comparison as he took out his katana and let his staff glow black, he used the staff to give the sword an aura of death. "Or the specter of death. Do you really want to be one of those monsters?"

The Replica shook his head. "No, it really is all about what lurks in it?" Baldred put his katana away and let the dark wear off. "Very good, what revels in the Darkness of Man ought to be cast into it and bard away from the light of the world. Or stay where they belong, much like... Shadey does until he has to do what is needed." The creature in the shadows blinked as the teenagers felt it was appropriate, Xion asked as she felt someone coming. "Unless Light and Dark can... do what they did last night. When did you started thinking about this?"

Baldred answered that proudly. "When I found enough good people that believe wholly in what they talk about. Things need to be as it should be, only when you can bring balance to yourself, can you truly see the purpose."

He noticed Tifa entering with a face almost bursting with laughter, he asked. "Something made your morning?" Tifa looked at the knight and pointed to him. "You actually got Cloud to smile and he told me everything. He never talks about... him, lightly."

Baldred wasn't ashamed of that. "That one winged devil is but a shadow he has to deal with, Cloud got tired of running and decided to quell him at every chance that fiend rears himself." He looked nervous at the mention of the fiend as Tifa nodded. "Cloud just needs to keep remembering that he is never alone. Come on, we got to get to today's meeting and plan out for tomorrow."

Baldred proudly followed. "Indeed." The Replica remembered something and warned the Knight. "Baldred... just be careful, someone might catch attention to what you are doing and what you talk about. It might cause trouble for you again." Baldred stopped and turned to the boy. "How wo... ah." His tone lessen and he assured the Replica. "I'll lay my head low until this current turmoil is done."

The Replica appreciated it and gave him a thumbs up, he sensed something retreating and was the first to follow as Xion followed. "Please do that, Dupmic had a pretty bad episode when we got wind of the danger." She looked to her brother and had him follow, Tifa wondered what they were talking about and promised the children. "Don't worry, he won't be in any trouble with us around." The Replica hoped so and calmed down, leaving a shadow behind and leaving with the group, Shadey emerged and scratched himself, he looked at his hands and had them take unusual shapes, growling in frustration in an attempt to remember something.

At the Land of Departure in the training area.

Sora was up early, miscounting pine cones and forcing himself to restart as Ken was in a gas mask and gloves. The one armed boy asked muffled. "I think you got more than enough." The spiky haired boy whined. "How am I suppose to know that, I don't got anything to..." he realized he did have something to keep the amount accounted for and took out his phone, pressing a couple buttons and finding a note. "...Oh."

Ken snickered and put the foam in piece by piece in a fuel filled jar. "Now that's pretty funny." Sora puffed his cheeks and wished to avoid a confrontation with someone as he laughed sarcastically. "Ha, ha." He scratched the back of his head. "Kairi gave the both of us a talking to. What are your making that got her that angry?" Ken shivered at the vision of worry born anger. "This is napalm, a flammable chemical that sticks to you, burns incredibly hot and the smell of it can kill you. It's like my poison breath in why it's lethal, but more fire."

Sora had his own vision and was both blushing and terrified. "A...a... it's no wonder she's doesn't want anything to do with this." Ken used a metal stick to push the foam into the mixture and stirred. "If what's his name and his buddies try raiding again, they are heading straight into a war zone. Hofneil and Tahm have a point in what needs to be done."

Sora agreed with that with his own input. "But are we really putting ourselves into that spot? Those guys were so use to war that it was all they knew." Ken wished to say no and watched. "...It gotten pretty bad for them that the war wasn't going to end easily for them." He stopped talking as Sora took a deep breath and counted down each pine cone. "And it ended... the only way it was going to end for them. I... don't want things here to get that bad again." Ken looked at his idol with sympathy. "None of us do and I sometimes have nightmares because of Abaddon. It takes someone... that evil, to lead an army of absolute maniacs and destroy everything just because it is in his way, to just... want to make everything burn." Sora felt that was a terrifying concept. "You... can't talk any reason to those guys. They're too far gone."

Ken nodded and tapped his forehead. "And the only way to stop them is to get rid of them, one way or another. They really don't belong in these worlds, Archaon sounds like he is just as awful and Ahriman gives me a headache."

Sora was nearly lost on monotonous thought and asked. "And we have that source of the problems backing them up. Chaos. It always feels like every time we fight back, we are giving them what they want." Ken frowned to that. "Like an endless loop, like how Jambert was caught up in that when he was told Linking the Fire... becoming one with the fire, would stop the Curse of the Undead for good and push back the Dark." Sora knew the story enough. "It didn't work, then Baldred came along to do something like it... and that didn't work." Ken shivered to a more grim image. "Then Benedict came along and done something to end the cycle. Letting the flame die. Sora, I'm scared that if we don't get rid of the real problem, Chaos itself, it's going to end up with all of us going in that kind of loop."

Sora felt it was mutual. "Like having your home lost to the Darkness, you and your friends getting lost, having to find them. Finding them, then getting separated again. Then getting yourself lost and having to find everything again. Then we had our home get attacked... again and we found out that the guy behind most of the problems is going to start it all over again."

Ken cringed with more pity. "Then we help find the people that got lost because of that guy." Sora nodded. "Each time gets more confusing and crazier than the last. We got to stop the cycle and we don't know how."

Jump! Land!

Sora heard someone land behind him and tried to turn, feeling someone hugging him from behind, he turned his head to find Kairi, Ken looked away and went to his chaotic craft. Sora looked worried and tried to say something as Kairi looked him in the eyes and gave a gentle smile, calming him down and letting go. "We'll find a way." She wished him. "Good morning Sora, you're up pretty early."

The spiky haired boy tried not to blush and said good morning back. "We... got a lot to do pretty early." He realized he forgotten how many sling shots were in the forest, Kairi giggled and suggested. "I think it's going to be a while before it's okay for you to set things up. Do you at least remember where they are?"

Sora does and answered overconfidently. "Of course, I'm not a total doofus." Kairi shook her head and looked at the rising sun, then to Ken seeing his unholy concoction fizzle. "It's all getting to our heads. Ken, how is the chemical going?"

The boy looked back and was hiding a smirk of good will, muffling under his gas mask as he broke more foam. "Just fine, I should have this stuff ready for the urns shortly. How's your project?" Kairi showed four crystals glowing with watery light. "It's been done." She remembered something and looked back to Sora. "That reminds me, if Ken and I are going to check up on Anna and Elsa for that... halberd we promised Baldred. Wouldn't some of the other princesses need to be checked on as well?"

Sora felt it would make some sense. "I think some of them are managing, but there was one you kind of left before seeing it to the end." Kairi nodded and thought of one more. "And another is reconnecting with her real parents. The others... I don't think need us snooping around." Sora tilted his head and offered. "That sounds like a lot of places to go to in a day. Do you mind if some of us help out?" Kairi didn't and noticed another walking down the steps, drowsy in the eyes, Riku tried to shake the early morning out of him and asked. "Which ones are you talking about?"

Kairi raised two fingers. "A kingdom called Corona and the city of New Orleans." Riku turned around and told two arriving figures. "What do you guys think?"

Goofy and Donald arrived on the scene, the captain of the guard scratched his lower chin. "Hmm. Either sounds like it could be fun." Donald agreed with that and asked Sora and Riku. "Which one should we go to?"

The silver haired teenager answered. "Either or, I'll go to the other one alone." He looked at the forming napalm and Ken breaking down the last of the foam. "And we'll start as soon as your done." Ken hummed and went to steering, feeling the mixture become thicker into a gel. "That'll be done in a couple minutes and once I get them stored up in the urns. I reckon you got the gems all charged up as well?"

Riku showed sun set glowing crystals that that an aura of blue. "It will draw them close to an explosion when triggered. Kairi, what will yours do?" The Princess answered bluntly. "It's like frozen water balloons that burst on impact, you know what else will shine out of it." She sighed. "This really is starting to get to us. Ken, should we go see Baldred before or after we head to Arandelle?"

The one armed boy answered. "After. Because if we get that halberd, we will save time on the trip and I'll get the smell of jet fuel off of me." Kairi found that fair and asked the others. "Baldred would settle for anything looking royal enough, but that's it on special requests. When is Master getting up?"

Riku answered that with an idea coming. "She's been awake, but something minor is going on. Hey Sora, since these things will draw others in, wouldn't that go well with forcing them to trigger other traps?" Sora gasped and agreed. "It would, you're thinking what I'm thinking?"

In the Castle on the mountain.

Ven found himself staring at the katana like it was calling for something, he turned to his left and found the same armored samurai from his dream looking at it. He nearly backed away from the hallucination and felt like he was seeing someone to converse with, Alonne asked him. "He is free from the dark bringers bindings, but he is still fleeing from something. What is it about the Throne he despised?" Ven answered with a guess. "Aqua did say he was trying to avoid the subject as much as he can and that he didn't want it. Maybe he'll talk more about it when more of his memories come. He had a katana as well." Alonne turned to Ven and explained. "Despite where he got it, he used it like it was a part of his soul." Ven was a little confused and realized. "He took it from someone you knew?" Alonne shook his head. "No, but it was from a knight who was taught my ways. Baldred proved the worthy victor and proved himself a worthy samurai." Ven asked back certain of the katana. "This was your sword and Baldred earned it a long time ago?" Alonne looked back to the sword. "He proved worthy of the blade. If he sees it, will he remember?" Ven was tempted to take the sword and go find out, stopping himself. "After yesterday and knowing what today is? Is now a good time?" Alonne wondered that and put his left hand under his chin. "Perhaps, perhaps not." Click! Ven turned around to find a door opening and looked to where Alonne was, finding him gone. He listened to Aqua instructing someone and entering the room. "When he is finished making them, I don't want you looking for them and causing mayhem yourself. They'll be gone by the end of tomorrow." Ven turned back to find Aqua and a snickering Stitch, the Keyblade Master kept a close watch on the alien and looked to Ven to wish him. "Good morning Ven, you're finally waking up early."

Ven appreciated it. "Good morning Aqua, good morning Stitch. Hey, you're still going to check the King's town today?" The adult nodded. "Of course," She looked at the katana and asked. "Where do you think this sword came from?" Ven wondered that and asked. "I... might have an idea, but we need to try it after tomorrow. I think this might... be from someone Baldred knew." Stitch found that a little ridiculous and Aqua took a closer look at the blade, having a close inspection and slowly agreeing. "I... see why you think that, they look a little alike. Should we bother him about this, today?" Ven shook his head. "Nah, this might freak him out and we need to be ready for that." Aqua sighed. "It might and he could also be busy. Come on, let's see what the others are doing this morning."

Out of the Castle.

Mickey finished a brief conversation with a half interested Wanda that explained her part. "We all are bunkering down for a war. We found a so call clearing and I'll set my riflemen there to assist while the rest of my men... hmm." She looked at the castle for one idea and wondered. "That would be pushing it, even if it is the only good place for ambush."

Merlin knew what Wanda was talking about. "You never know if your taking a privilege for granted unless you ask." Ana heard the advise and heeded caution. "It could work, but you know only the Lady of the Castle will have the final word."

Click!

Wanda turned around to find Ven closing the door, Stitch knowing warfare was being prepared and Aqua who looked like she heard enough. The General took her chance and gave a gracious bow. "Lady Aqua, my riflemen would be a great assistance in the woods when the time for battle comes. But the rest of them would be counterproductive against all them traps and I'm sure as Aqshy not sending them camping at the base of the mountain with those kinds of bombs being primed. With your permission, I would like for them to use the very castle as an ambush point."

Aqua's eyes widen for a moment and she looked at the Realmgate, thinking about it and deciding. "What they would want is over there, so it would catch them by surprise. The problem is this is my Master's home, I don't want it to be used as a war fort. It's already pushing it by allowing all these weapons to be made... if we are certain intruders are going to come, you can use it and be part of a last resort if they get past everything else. But, only if we are certain."

Wanda saluted firmly. "Thank you Lady Aqua, sorry for the inconvenience." Aqua let Wanda know it wasn't much of one as Ven explained. "It wasn't," Aqua was ready to check on someone and noticed a black bird flying off, not suspecting a thing, she thanked Wanda for the request. "Every troop needs to do something and I'd like to minimize as much damage as possible. Speaking of which."

At the training ground.

Ken had as much of a gel spread in a short urn, poured fuel in and closed it, he used rope to bind it together and put it with a stack of nine. "Should be enough for one more." He placed another urn and took a jar, using a tool to scrap as much as possible as he spoke to Sora and Riku. "Forcing the guys to trigger the traps is pretty genius. If the explosion doesn't get them, the slinging pine cones will."

He felt horrified at the potential he has as Kairi spoke. "This is more than enough to stop something or someone in their tracks." Ken felt there was enough a gel and used the last of the jet fuel to fill it. He repeated the rope bindings and slowly placed in the stacks, his legs shook and he vowed. "I'm never making these again, I already see how much destruction and damage one can do in my head and I can't shake it off."

Riku envisioned it and asked. "You can't just drop them with a wire, these need to be thrown, far away. Do you really have the nerve to use these?" Ken whimpered. "I shot a lot of things dead and scorched them, but those were quick. I think...I think I need to shoot the intruders from far away while someone does the deed. But who would want to do it?"

A feminine, lecturing tone asked. "Finally realizing what's wrong about these things?" Ken turned around to find Aqua having a gentle, concerned and nervous frown. He knelt on instinct as Kairi explained. "All it takes is making them and getting the idea of what it will do. Master, do we really need them?"

Aqua looked at the napalm bombs and hesitated, she wanted to say no. "...It's obvious what those using the Heartless want to do with us. But if it is the Varangaurd or their like, they would do much worse." Ken looked up and asked. "I already made them, they got to used for what they need to stop and I got to see it is done. But... who would have the nerve to use it?"

Riku had one idea and coughed. "Master Aqua, there is one friend of ours who wouldn't hesitate to burn those Chaos worshiping madmen. Even if she isn't a Nobody now, she would and see it done."

Sora cringed with his teeth showing. "But can she really be trusted to do that?" Riku answered firmly. "It's the one reason she chose to stay a Nobody, to fight Chaos where it goes. But she is still a scary lady." Aqua listened and decided. "You can ask, but that is the one thing she is permitted to do."

Kairi whistled to that. "Master Aqua, Resira would do it whether she had a heart or not. I think she would leave this place once her business is done." Riku looked at the others and volunteered. "I'll go ask her before we take off to check on a couple worlds. Kairi told us about what Baldred asked and if more of us are looking for it, the quicker we can get it over with, the sooner she can learn new tricks."

Sora whistled. "Good luck with that." He asked Donald and Goofy. "We should get out of here soon and check that Bayou out." Donald agreed with that. "It's about time we went traveling again." Goofy chuckled to that, Aqua requested that Ken stands up and flickered her keyblade to make the napalm urns disappear. "These will be kept locked away somewhere that no one can reach, Ken make sure you don't have any smell of gas on you before you go."

The one armed boy smelled himself, uncertain and putting his gas mask off. "...I been around that stuff too much, I need it out of my mind." He cheered to Kairi. "Let's find that halberd." He walked the path to the castle as the princess was excited for another adventure. "Master, thanks for getting that taken cared of."

Aqua gave a sweet smile to Kairi. "He'll get them back when it's time, it's about time you all had another adventure again." She warned Sora. "Wanda's riflemen might be helping out with the traps in the woods, so expect them climbing in the trees." The spiky haired boy felt it made sense. "Where did they learn to do that?" Aqua guessed. "They know of the Sylvaneth, tree people, so they know how to fight along side them without... angering them."

At Radiant Garden, by a train station.

Xion and the Replica waited for a train to Disney Town to arrive, hoping to look at potential fun. The girl saw her brother thinking about something and asked. "Dupmic, what's wrong?"

The Replica kept in thought. "It's just something I was thinking about, this is the first time the both of us heard... those two words together. Is that how he is able to use it without letting himself... turn?"

Xion knew the Replica was talking about Baldred and his powers over Darkness and warned him. "Remember what he said, to use it is to be like those we are fighting. He knows more about it than most, he might even know more than Dad."

The Replica almost laughed to that. "It would be a first, but that talk of looking into it and facing whats down there. I think to really get it, we got to look in ourselves and see all the ugliness that is in there, it isn't going to be easy, but if we can over come it or keep it from ruining us. Then we can figure out how he managed himself."

Xion looked up to the sun lit sky and remembered the stars from the previous night. "The True Dark, there really more to it than hurting people? That's what he is talking about."

The Replica looked around sharply and whispered. "Shhh, people can hear that. But... yeah, with that secret, we can tell them where they can shove it. If Baldred learns more about what's going on, he could change the worlds of the Keybearers and ruin those that get in their way. We should consider seeing that he gets the guidance he needs." Xion agreed with that. "It could be dangerous, but its... interesting."

Toot!

The sound of a train was heard and the Replica smiled like a typical teenage boy. "This ought to be a fun night. I wonder if we will see those stars again."

At Twilight Town.

Riku arrived and saw what he expected, catching a hint of Olette, Hayner and Pence discussing their plan for the night and otherwise, a town at peace. He ran up to the tower and finding Exrirsa finishing up a sermon. "And through his light, we have purpose."

The swarm nobodies clapped in mimicking joy, she used her crutches as a nobody gave her a list of things she was preparing for. "Hmm, it's a stretch of a variety, but its doable." Some of the nobodies noticed Riku coming alone and kept a stand, Exrirsa turned and stoically greeted him. "Morning, you came unexpected... is there something you require from me?"

Riku nodded and knew he was going to be told to wait. "Yeah, because a friend of mine noticed something he was making to protect a project is a little beyond what he is use to and we need someone who specializes in it to do the deed while he does his usual thing. You were about to get something for your usual day when I came, right?" Exrirsa nodded. "Then you know I don't need to ask. I'll be back shortly." She flickered away and left Riku alone with the nobodies, they knew he was at unease at counted twenty. "This would give her something to do... she is a scary person even before she ended up like that."

The nobodies agreed with him and one holding a list gave a sheepish nod, he had a nervous sweat and waited for what felt like an hour. Exrirsa appeared again, stepping through a window with groceries, the nobody holding the list instructed two of the others to help the leader. It went to a fridge and make shift pantry and opened the way, with her burden lessened, Exrirsa explained to Riku in a casual manner. "We need to eat and I'm the only one who is passable to out there. What has your friend done and why?"

Riku started with why. "We are working on something big so we can fight back against Garland and we are worried someone else will notice it and attack us enmasse. So we are going to rig the land, from the forest and base of the mountain with traps. My friend thought to make napalm urn bombs and after seeing what he put in those urn, had second thoughts about using them. You know what napalm is?"

Exrirsa answered in a single tone. "You know I do, what foolish child is making-" she realized who. "The one who is most tied to fire. This concerns me because there is a foe you suspect I would care about?"

Riku answered back, knowing his choice of words would entice her. "Not just the forces of Darkness, but very likely the Forces of Chaos. Of Archaon, who leads a group of black armored warriors that might sound familiar to you. It isn't going to be a quick burn and unless Ken is willing to cross himself beyond the horizon, you know what to do with those kinds of wack jobs."

Exrirsa's eyes looked to her right and the nobodies slunk away, Riku thought she was plotting something and asked. "And I'm looking at the problem from asking you, what are you-"

BOOM!

Riku felt a flash and found himself back at the Land of Departure, with Exrirsa closing her eyes and forming an aggressive smile. "Suffer not the threat of the Heretic. They will not set one foot on this summit and they will fear the Emperor's Specter soon enough." She noticed Ana with a keyblade feeding an odd structure a strange power and Mickey readying a keyblade, her smile lessened to a less than trustworthy smile as she addressed the mouse. "You're majesty, once the threat of Chaos and the Darkness it holds sway over is purged, I will be gone like how I arrived, in an instant." She gave a nod of respect. "Would that suffice?"

Mickey kept his guard and nodded with some sympathy over how Resira was stooping to putting up a facade of weakness. "I wish it didn't have to be like this." Exrirsa wished back. "It's mutual," She turned to Ana and greeted her with as much of an apology as she could make. "If the terms were more heartfelt, I would think of a way to compare you to an Adeptas Astartes without making it sound like who I prefer. Anatesis of the Stormcast Eternals I presume?"

Ana looked behind her and smiled in sarcasm. "A bittersweet pleasure to meet you as well. Resira, Exrirsa... what matters is you came to help us repel the invaders that would come?" The Adeptas Sororitas answered clear. "More or less and it's been too long. The lost would know how to care for themselves and use... what I made into a Church, as shelter for the time being."

She asked Riku and Mickey. "Where are the others? I expected much more of a... welcome than this." Riku had more ill news to give. "You missed Sora, Donald and Goofy as they took off. Wanda is at her camp getting her men ready for their posts and right now, Ven and Aqua are coming back after seeing that flash of light."

Exrirsa's eyes twitched in shock and she looked to the side to find a glowing door opening up, letting out two older teenagers and an odd blue dog that clearly looked alien in origin. Her right eye kept twitching at the sight of Stitch and she tried ignoring him as Ven had an instinctual guard up, despite knowing Exrirsa. "You actually came here?!"

The nobody answered him. "Because you require my aid, I been informed enough," Aqua took a deep breath and informed Exrirsa. "Kairi and Kendry are getting ready for a trip out of here and they'll be out of the castle any minute now. Did... you use to have prosthetics?"

The nobody nodded. "They were gone and I learned to not need them. I only wish to speak with Kendry about his craft and I know you won't allow me to see the napalm until it is time."

Aqua let the nobody know she was correct. "No one is and please don't attack him over it." Exrirsa promised her. "That was never my intention." Aqua saw the door to the castle open, finding a concerned Kairi letting Kendry out, the one armed boy adjusted his cybernetic arm so it would firmly attach and he cringed, he wiggled his metal fingers and felt refreshed. "It's fine, I do this every day and this is why I don't like it when others see it."

Kairi noticed Exrirsa and cringed. "Oh, no." Ken looked ahead and recognized the nobody. "Ah... wow, I didn't expect it that soon." He approached Exrirsa and explained. "You here because of what I made and why I chickened out after doing it?"

Exrirsa answered in an attempt to calm him. "I wouldn't say you... chickened out, but this is beyond your mental threshold for this kind of burning. Where it would be much longer than a simple melta. You're aim is still accurate?"

Ken nodded. "Yep and that's the plan. If we find any daemons or warriors of Chaos, would you be the one to throw the urn at them while I shoot them back to where they came from?"

Exrirsa gave a salute with her remaining arm. "So long as this body is useful, this will be a simple task, but where?" Kairi answered that. "Around the first encircling at the base is a ledge not a lot of people would notice, above that is another that you need to fly to get to."

Exrirsa listened and simply dropped her crutches, her missing arm and leg were replaced by those of sunlight. "Thank you, I'll inspect it personally and await for the moment, I'll be gone when the heretics are gone."

PEW!

She formed wings of fire and flew off the ledge, causing a mass silence as Ana whistled. "Wow, she is pretty devoted in the war against Chaos." Kairi agreed with that. "There... isn't much we can do for her now until she chooses to come back from this."

Riku felt his chill leave. "We know that nobodies hide the fact they are nobodies. She's using that for guerilla warfare and hiding that she is barely human anymore." He wanted to change the subject and asked Kairi. "Anything else we need to do before going?"

The Princess shook her head and had less worry. "It's a good thing Arendelle isn't so frozen anymore or Ken's arm might have been a problem." She saw her rival trying to look away from where Exrirsa jumped off to and asked. "Are you ready to get going?"

Ken nodded and gave his fair well to Aqua and Ven, he walked off to the road and left Riku to wish Kairi the best of luck. "If I spot Rapunzel, I'll tell her how you been doing."

Kairi appreciated it and walked off, leaving Riku as the last one to depart. With him gone, Aqua was ready for her own trip. "Ven, you want to come along and check the amusement park out? I'm not going tonight, but this sounds like it would be fun for all of you."

Ven wanted to answer yes, stopped and shook his head. "Nah." Aqua found that a little odd and chose to dismiss it. "Once I get back, you need to start practicing and getting warmed up for the next big fight. These kind of battles can get messy."

In the Lanes in Between.

Sora was realizing how long of a flight it was to the world he promised to visit and yawned. "Haaaah. This is so boring." Donald corrected Sora with a sharp lecture. "Sora, this needed to be done and we don't got much time."

Sora took it and looked at the cosmic void. "I know and we promised to help Kairi out with this. She explored a lot of places by herself." He was impressed and was distracted, almost getting the gummi ship hit by a random asteroid, yelping and trying to keep things under control as. With the ship stirring its course, Goofy continued the conversation. "And wasn't this the last one she found while searching for the other princesses of Heart?"

Sora and Donald answered that Goofy was right, Sora relaxed and felt proud of Kairi's accomplishment. "I wonder what's going to be next for her once we finish with... what ever Garland is doing?"

His friends wondered that as well, he heard a ring and pressed a button, showing an eager Kairi wanting to apologize for something and speaking it. "Sora, Donald, Goofy, I guess I forgot to emphasize how long it is from here to the Bayou. Ha."

Sora didn't mind it. "It isn't the first time we had to travel that long. You finally headed out?"

Kairi nodded. "Once Ken was sure the smell of jet fuel was off of himself, if we are going to meet up with a Queen, we need to be accordingly. Even if the arm might cause some questions." She looked concerned as Sora asked. "It isn't as easy as he makes it out to be?"

Kairi shook her head. "There are some places he goes to where that arm needs to be left behind and it's as bad as you think it is. That along with how he tried getting that arm back on by himself is why it took so long." She took a deep breath and blew at her hair. "But we got the worst parts finished. Sora, there is something at the Bayou you might want to check out."

She almost felt her stomach growling and asked for a favor. "A friend of mine, Tiana, might have a restaurant built up and I heard a lot of good food ideas. She is a good cook and if there is something bigger going on in that world-" Sora answered as his mind was curious about food. "We'll try it out." Kairi nearly snickered. "It'll be worth going that far out for, I promise you that."

Sora knew it would and promised back. "We'll let you know how it is. Good luck." Kairi wished him back. "You too Sora, Donald, Goofy." She pressed a button to disconnect, Sora felt his friends keeping what they observed to themselves, he asked. "What?" Goofy answered with an innocent chuckle. "Oh nothin." Donald answered to avoid the subject. "Let's keep going, we'll get there eventually."

At Disney Castle.

Minnie insisted to a kneeling Aqua that she stands up. "You don't have to ask that politely, but I'm glad you asked about the theme park." She simply showed Aqua a pamphlet. "It's just an event that is opened during the summer and fall."

The Keyblade Master took it and saw various water rides, roller coaster rides and festive attractions, impressed at the activities. "Sweet, Ven's going to like this." Minnie giggled to that. "And tonight is when the park will open. You will have until Winter before we have to close up for some changes." Aqua laughed back. "That's more than enough time if there is something we missed. Thank you for informing this, Your Majesty."

Minnie took the thanks well and walked out with Aqua. "You're welcome, I've heard that the Realmgate is nearly finished as well." Aqua nodded. "I say by tomorrow we will be good and ready for that jump. This was the reason I had my students take the day off. Ana is the one who is opening the way for us while Kairi and Ken did nothing but train. With most of them going to this park, it will give me time to talk things out with Wanda about any last minute decisions and maybe some ideas for the kind of friend we might be able to make."

Minnie listened and asked. "From the Realms Ana is from?" Aqua answered that certain. "Yep, the Grand Alliance of Order isn't full of people like Ana and some of the alliance are different from each other, but most would have a common goal when they hear us out. But that won't be for a while."

Minnie thought about it as she and Aqua reached the garden, the mouse offered. "Would you like to see it? It's been a while since you came here." Aqua answered without hesitation. "It has."

The two went out by the gate and enjoyed a rather pleasant walk, heading towards the opening park. Aqua felt a little crestfallen. "It... hasn't changed much during those ten years." Minnie felt the tone and held her hand to try and keep the spirits up. "It hasn't, thank goodness." Aqua kept followed and explained. "It isn't a bad thing, but there is still someone missing. Will it stay like it is when he is found?"

Minnie knew Aqua was talking about a close friend. "I'll make sure it does." They heard a couple of teenagers chatting away and paid little head, Minnie recognized Max and P.J talking away with a teenage human boy in a hoodie that finished a description. "So that's how me and my sister moved to another town and this lady was nice enough to give us room and board in exchange for helping out at the house and keeping out of trouble."

P.J cheered for the fuller detail. "Out over at Radiant Garden dude, hi five Dupmic!" He and Dupmic did just that as Max wished the boy well. "It's still pretty sweet that you and Xion are going tonight. The first time is always the best one." Dupmic looked at the amusement park and at a resting Pluto by a bench near. "I'm sure it will." Minnie noticed Pluto enjoying something as Aqua had a much clearer view, a black haired girl in dark clothes petting him, Aqua felt something odd was going on and approached as Minnie confusingly tried to figure out what was going on.

The Keyblade master sat next to the girl and asked. "You're new here?" The girl looked at Aqua sharply, not expecting to be noticed at all. "Eek!" She jumped and almost startled Pluto, blinking with her blue eyes. "A...A...No, I came here before. I just didn't expect anyone but Pluto to see or here me is all."

Aqua found that strange and looked to Minnie being more confused, the Keyblade Master wondered what was wrong and asked. "I... think I see what you mean," She realized Minnie wasn't seeing anyone baring her and Pluto. "This is weird. What's your name?" The girl looked at the woman trustingly. "X...Xion." She hesitated to say something and held against it as she asked. "What's yours?" A

qua introduced herself. "I'm Aqua, what are you doing here?" Xion's eyes looked to something or someone as she answered. "W...Waiting for the park to open while thinking about what to do to pass the time." She faced her eyes back to Aqua, who was a little suspicious. "Are you sure that's what you're doing?"

Xion answered back. "I'm sure of it," She went for her pockets and showed it had nothing but a pass, Aqua slowly believed her. "Hmm, not that I don't doubt that. But is there something you want to talk about?" Xion shook her head. "Not really and I'm not sure if there is anything you can do to help. I kind of have a condition where not a lot of people see or here me. It might look like that you are talking to no one."

Aqua was surprised and still wanted to help the girl that stood up and asked. "Could you stop, please? I'll...I'll be fine." Aqua respected that and let her go off. "I'll be around if you need someone to talk to, alright?" Xion nodded and saw an ice cream shop to go to. "Alright, I did enjoy the talk, thank you."

Pluto whimpered as Minnie approached, seeing Dupmic finish a conversation with Max and P.J and hastily leaving them. "Well, see you tonight." Minnie asked Pluto. "What were you doing?"

The dog tilted his head, uncertain of how to answer, if he knew how to answer, Aqua petted him and tried. "Being a friend to someone, even if things are a bit confusing." The queen was confused by the answer and wondered what was going on, Aqua took a look at the amusement park in the distance with curiosity. "So this is Disney Land?" Minnie nodded as Pluto got up to follow to the parks gates, something resembling a gate to a kingdom. "Ha, the name stuck around for years, I think I can have the staff let us through if to give you a look."

In the gates of Arandelle's city.

Kairi watched the boats come and go as she noticed Ken showing up and trying to make himself presentable, causing the girl to giggle and asked. "What happened last time was something that caught you by surprise, you're fine." Ken tried much to hide his cybernetic arm and asked. "If someone sees this, would they ask where it came from?"

Kairi's teasing stopped and she warned him. "Ken, if you go in there with only one arm, they will ask what happened and if we have to go out in the city, you have to worry about fighting with one arm." The boy felt a protective tone and argued. "But I can explain how that happened easier. I...I think I can keep it hidden, we're just going to ask Anna and Elsa if they have someone who has a halberd. In an out... easy."

Kairi had her hands at her hips for her own argument. "Kendry, you hate having to get by with out that every time you have to take it off. It's hard to watch." Ken rubbed his cybernetic arm and reached for a switch, pressing it and causing it to let out steam, feeling a null feeling in his arm and taking it off, he put a bag down, placed the arm to its side and zipped it open, Kairi grumbled, took the arm and helped him get it in. Ken felt embarrassed as he zipped it close and put it back on. "Please don't do that, it doesn't feel right."

The Princess squinted her eyes and saw a face trying to stay proud, while feeling vulnerable, she took a deep breath and had him follow. "We'll be out of here soon and then you'll put your arm back on."

The boy followed and used his back pack to hide the missing arm, the city folk looked like they were discussing something of little importance and even saw a sweeper leaving the gates of a castle, two guardsmen wielding spears stood side by side. Ken marked two invalid weapons as Kairi greeted them. "Hey, we're here to see Queen Elsa, would you let us through?"

The guard on the right, with an orange mustache looked to his partner, that had a black beard and let him answer. "Can't do miss, the Queen fell ill and no one is allowed in." Ken's eyebrows raised. "Ill, what from?" Grunt! The gate opened up and they saw a familiar mountain man, a snowman and a caribou, escorting a legion of tiny, snowmen like creatures that had a matching snow cloud, Olaf lead the small legion naively. "You're going to love it up at the castle, Marshmallow is awfully nice, this way Slush and Slide and Ansel and-" Bump! Olaf bumped into Kairi by accident and caused the small snowmen to gaze upon her like a bunch of toddlers.

"Oof!"

He noticed and waved. "Hi Kairi. What brought ya here?" The Princess looked around to find no halberds. "We came by because we were looking for a weapon to get for someone, a halberd."

Olaf blinked and asked. "A... Hal... beard?" He looked at the guard with the beard. "He's Hal." Ken puffed his cheeks and laughed in pity for the guard blushing in embarrassment. "I...I don't think they came looking for me."

Kristoff sighed and silently let Hal know he has it taken cared of, he answered the two. "I think, Anna might know, but she is in the castle taking care of Elsa. We were getting these guys up to the castle."

Kairi found the playful looking snowmen to be adorable and crouched down. "Aw, where they come from?" Sven snorted and gave a sneeze that caused Kristoff to back away defensively. "Easy Sven, we don't want to think you caught it to." He answered. "They might have showed up when Elsa was losing control of her powers from her cold."

Kairi gasped at the irony as Ken answered. "Wait, that's what Elsa caught? When?" Olaf sighed and answered like it was a pleasant memory. "Since yesterday, Elsa was trying to throw Anna a birthday party." Kristoff nodded. "And it wasn't until the middle of the day these guys started showing up. Elsa kept going all day."

Ken whistled. "So she must be feeling more sick. Shoot." The man understood what the boy was planning. "It's kind of why Anna had these guys keeping guard, no one wants to catch it and it be a pretty awkward reunion." Ken sighed. "And I wanted to apologize for passing out on her the other day. Guess that's not happening."

Kairi looked at her rival with a half frown. "I think you still can, but we need to talk to Anna about that other thing and then maybe-" she looked at the snowmen. "Maybe one of us should help these guys get to the mountain while the other stays behind and make sure nothing funny happens?" Ken felt it was doable. "I see what you mean."

Kairi asked Kristoff. "Do you mind waiting for a minute?" The man didn't. "You'll find Anna up the stairs and to the right."

The Princess gave Kristoff a thumbs up in thanks as Ken stuck his up to try to hide his self handicap. Following the instructions, they entered a well decorated castle and found a particular orange haired woman with her hair in a bun, wearing a green face mask. She was holding an empty soup bowl and nearly jumped in astonishment, tossing the bowl at the two by accident, Kairi caught it and greeted her. "Hey Anna, we heard your sister gotten sick, so we came to check up on you."

Anna tried to calm down and greeted the two awkwardly. "Ahhh... that's kind of why I had some of the guards keep some of the people out for now. This is pretty contagious." Ken agreed with that. "So don't go near Elsa? Got it, hey... there's another reason we came here besides that, we're looking for a halberd that... just about any of the guards might have. You know one we can take?"

Anna shook her head. "We don't have those. Sorry." Ken started to frown as Kairi asked. "We saw Kristoff, Sven and Olaf guiding those snowmen Elsa created out to the frozen palace, do you mind if one of us help them out while the other stays here to keep watch." The boy nodded. "With all the stuff going on, I don't know if the guards would handle some crazy freak coming around."

Anna felt that was a good point. "Elsa told me about what you did for her... but... what happened to your arm?" Ken worried about being turned down and answered. "I met a crazy freak and I was lucky to have gotten out of that one alive. But I can still fight."

He focused his fleshy arm and formed Fire Keeper's Wish, placing the tip of his blade over his shoulder and looking promising as Anna saw the glowing flame. She thought nothing more of it as Kairi confessed. "He has another arm if it's needed, but might look too odd to you."

Anna's lips pressed together, like the only convenient cover she had was being used, she accepted it and thanked the boy. "I'll go tell Elsa that company arrived, Ken, check the halls when you can and be careful. Kairi, good luck and tell Marshmallow I said hi." The Princess felt the confidence and gave Anna a parting hug of good will, heeding caution, Ken nodded to Kairi and wished her well, letting her take off and beginning his march, asking Anna. "Tell her I said hi and sorry that I acted like a doof."

The lady had that as a memory. "She thought it was cute if a little silly. I'll go tell her once I have this put away." The boy smiled and began his patrol.

At the Castle that Never Was.

By a massive door slowly distorting, Archaon was astonished by what Maleficent showed him, a group of heroes and a familiar gate. The Everchosen stared down at the imagery and back to the witch. "You done well to retrieve this knowledge. It's little wonder they were fortifying rather than trying to invade us," A Varanguard with a head of curled horns and a glowing spear asked. "Milord, shall we put an end to this?"

Archaon answered firmly. "Three of you will orchestrate an assault upon their world and see to the Realmgates destruction. Aqua was amusing when she wandered the realms, but she and the others would be... beyond an annoyance if they were allowed to return to the Realms at their leisure. Or worse," The Varanguard snarled in shock. "They would go for reinforcements." He hissed with a mouth full of teeth as Archaon assured him. "Not that it would matter, but it would take much longer to crush them than idealy. The other nine will come with me for our own plans of reinforcement along with the Sorcerer and his right hand Tzaangor, the Endless Spells with in the Varanspire and the realms will all but assure their loyalty to us. Inspite of their Tzeenthian ways."

The Varanguard agreed with that. "And yet he would return to betraying us again when the moment arises?" Archaon looked him in the eyes. "He would plot and scheme to keep his position. Now, prepare for the Ratman's arrival, he will come shortly and I will personally see that he understands what his task is." He ordered Maleficent with a pleased, if fearsome tone. "As for you, continue to spy on the Keybearers and make some use out of the sea witch. She holds far more potential than the rogue Undead and the effort will NOT be wasted."

Maleficent was ready to turn around and leave as Ahriman and Ztardon entered the room, seeing the gate come to life in chaotic energy. The Sorcerer gave a respectful nod to Maleficent and reported to Archaon. "My Rubrics are set to an active patrol and are guarding key objectives in both the castle and the city bellow, in the off chance the Keybearers become that desperate to stop us and so the Moonlight Sword stays where it is. I believe I have a solution to any potential threat the Undead would pose to us while keeping under the radar."

The Everchosen growled and Maleficent kept her distance, Archaon ordered. "Do not speak of that, are you prepared or not?" Ahriman kept his ground and calmly answered. "Of course we are. The Tzaangor know to help maintain the Rubrics, me and Ztardon conducted theories about the Endless Spells and how to bind them to our will." Archaon sensed the Sorcerer's determination and had a smile growing. "Good," Ahriman, Ztardon and Maleficent heard something crawling from the ceiling and flying down to Archaon's side, Dorghar looking down upon the three with a predatory glee. The Everchosen instructed. "You may conduct your theory close by, but Ahriman, at the sound of the horn, I want you here immediately. I won't tolerate being delayed." That Ahriman understood. "This is for the war, of course I won't delay this."

He suggested to the Witch. "It won't be long, it's just a theory I had." Maleficent hummed and followed out of the room. Far enough that Archaon won't listen, she asked. "With what the others suspect, I'd suggest you keep yourself low. For what you have planned isn't with all of us at heart." Ahriman responded with a snort. "That is so Archaon's gaze upon me would lessen. My research on the Moonlight Sword and all the wonderful tales of the Undead's attempts at escape shows one obvious thing."

Maleficent asked with a rather annoyed tone. "Start with the Sword, for I believe the later is a little obvious." Ahriman gladly did so. "The Undead has certainly been exposed to dark individuals before, yet somehow he is able to take some of the foes he bested and convert their very essence into some of the tools we seen from him. The Moonlight Sword holds the essence of something that is... seething in obsession and spite, the Chime contained something wanting something."

Maleficent thought of it and guessed. "That is also a dark heart of some kind? It takes a strong will to bind those into obedience." Ahriman nodded. "Precisely and though it took time, the Undead is able to use the powers of Darkness without it permanently deteriorating him." Maleficent had a thought in mind. "Was the Darkness the reason he was in such a wretched state? Or was it something else?" Ahriman answered that. "From what we know, once someone is affected by Darkness, the effects linger for much longer and would eat away until they reach an unstable state. Yet for him, it's the reverse."

Maleficent realized what the Undead's secret was. "He has... a different perspective of Darkness, something that could be a use to us." Ahriman had another point to make. "While Riku developed from his own exposure, Aqua and her susceptible student have been exposed to the secret of the Undead's world and saw the horrors of the Abyss. That student, defied Xehenort in a way that caused the Seeker of Darkness to become obsessed with trying to corrupt him. The strongest tool against the Dark is the knowledge of what is. But unfortunately, I'll be busy with this little journey, you are the only other person in this Castle I can trust to be subtle in the matter... and you have you're own task that is just as crucial." Maleficent had a plan to make due. "But, we have another sorcerer with in the castle," Ztardon chirped. "The Sea Witch can do that?" Maleficent nodded to the observant minion. "That she can while carrying out a... task I have for her." She readied to take her leave. "Bring back something interesting and maybe I'll pass along the secrets."

Ztardon squinted his eyes as Ahriman promised. "Oh we'll have some specimens on our return alright. Come Ztardon, before another takes notice." The minion obeyed and followed his master to the gate way that formed in pink and blue, Archaon kept his gaze upon the rift. The Everchosen answered a question Ahriman had yet to ask. "I don't believe they are making the Gate for us, there could be another ordeal they are preparing for, but are we going to allow them the chance?" Ahriman answered calmly. "No, it wouldn't be wise to allow them this if the Alliance of Order is anything like the Imperium."

In the forest of Corona

Riku wandered around and found something odd about the forest. The trees leaves looked brown and the branches broke down, he noticed five archer like heartless under a left most tree and aiming for him with arrows that had a faint dip of something green and venomous.

PEW!

Riku flowed to a branch above and fell downward at the archers, drawing out his keyblade and landing in between, he unleashed a rather dangerous combination that swiftly slew the Heartless. The boy looked around and found hints of a toxic looking miasma, guessing. "Maybe this was an after effect of that Nurgle Incursion." He felt disturbed and talked to himself more. "Just a short amount of time can cause all of this?"

Poof!

A large dandelion like Heartless appeared with a swarm of ten lesser, Riku took a deep breath and rushed after them, slashing, shooting them with fire balls and giving off a pulse of purple light as a finisher. With them gone, he wandered deeper in the forest and found a patch of forest that looked more lush in comparison, nauseous danger was felt.

BZZZZZT.

Riku looked up to find a dark rift open up, letting out five black, demonic flies that were ridden by pale plaguebearers, one particular saw Riku and range a rusty bell. The flies looked down at Riku and dived down after him in a combined buzz. WOOSH! Something flew from a mountain high above and pounced on the flies to claw at them, a large grey dragon with a spear wedged through its chest. Riku stopped and backed away in shock and terror against the foes might, the dragon was stung and bitten as the daemons tried to stab the dragons hide, the dragon flew above the swarm and breathed an orange fire ball at the flies, incinerating them all and causing a miasma like cloud that was identical to what he saw. The cloud blew down in the forest, the dragon looked deeper into the forest and flew off, ignoring Riku and the cloud it let loose.

The cloud blew down into the grassy forest bellow, causing the plants to wilt, the boy spun his keyblade to blow the miasma away into particles, realizing as he looked above. "That dragon is the cause of this!" He rushed down the forest in an attempt to catch the dragons trail, if it reaches civilization, it would cause complete annihilation.

At Disney Town, by an ice cream shop.

Xion and the Replica enjoyed a large ice cream bowel that had fruit and chocolate mouse like ears at the top, the girl answered her anxious brother. "Aqua noticed me when only Pluto has, so we started talking."

The brother tried calming down and found it a humorous fluke. "Ha, of all the glitches in the program. She had to be one of them, she... could help you, because... he is at some hideout where she goes or something."

Xion licked a spoon and made a point. "Even if she would, that won't help you because of how scared you are to meet... him. Don't you tired of all the half truths?"

The Replica answered with a constant beating in his consciousness. "You saw how my buddies didn't see you. I had to do it so they would know that you exist. I'm kind of tired of doing it to all these good people, but is there really a choice?"

Xion wanted to know if they do, the Replica exhaled and looked at the time. "If we can find a better option, we'll take it. It's still going to be a while before the park opens and it gets harder when some of my friends don't... see you. You want to go to the arcade?"

Xion nodded. "We need to get by... I hope Shadey is okay by himself." The Replica imagined the creature being more focused on Baldred. "As long as he has someone to follow, he'll follow and Baldred's been good to us. It's kind of lousy he had to be left there, but I think this would work." Xion hoped so and focused her mind back on the ice cream, wanting to enjoy the day.