Okay... so I began writing immediately after posting the last chapter and so yeah...

Yay, I got one more review, thanks!

Looking back at KHBBS - KH3D (timeline sense) and all the unexplained bits in the story, I decided I'd try conjecture and reasonable explanations for some powers. If I have any holes you want me to try to address (as I constantly love speculation on certain concepts and I don't mind discussing Kingdom Hearts) feel free to leave a review or PM me. As for this chapter and the moves that are learned, I looked up the wiki on what abilities were the most probable for Sora and Niji at this stage in their journey and using the KHFM and what I saw, gave them the appropriate moves (plus one of the ones that Niji uses is one I like and looks too cool not to use). I even made sure to check the descriptions so they were in the realm of possibilities for the two. I know there are variations that are elementally based, but I feel like they would use a more basic-/logical/all-encompassing/well-suited element attack (light). There is another fic - one which I highly recommend - known as "Kingdom Hearts Dual Keys" that give Sora the same attacks, and I want to clarify that I would never intentionally rip off another author's work and I hope you believe me. I had actually picked these before I decided to read that specific chapter in Dual Keys and saw the Shotlocks given; I wrestled with indecision before finally sticking with what I had and leaving it at that.

BTW, did you know that when fighting as Sora in the Hollow Bastion with a wooden sword, Stun impact and Gravity Break - two abilities I tested during that brief period for just this story - actually still work and deal significant damage to enemies?

P.S. All credit to respective owners.

-Y.A.R.N.

P.S. Edited (slightly)

Merlin was definitely surprised to see that I suddenly exploded into flame and began to rush to hit the targets around me with swings of my flame-coated keyblade. There was the odd sensation of the flames that were surrounding me pulling at my reserves to sustain themselves as my magic was almost immediately refreshed by Merlins's enchantments. Fortunately, it didn't bother me too much since I didn't have to worry about my magic running thin, I wasn't holding back as the embers of magic flared. I stopped when I realized the furniture had stopped moving and I was standing in the middle of the room, flames still pouring off of me. Merlin waved a hand and all of the floating furniture vanished in a puff of smoke.

Sora was staring and I felt the heat in my body pulsing as Merlin carefully walked over and inspected me.

"I don't believe it..." He said, "Normally keyblade wielders need a proper instructor before tapping into Command Styles!"

"Command Styles?" I asked, feeling the heat in my body begin to slowly ebb as I had stopped moving or attacking, "Is this what this is?"

Merlin looked at me in surprise, before shaking his head and sighing, "So it was purely chance? Well I suppose that makes sense. I suppose it is as good a time as any to teach you more about a keyblade wielder's special magics."

Sora had eagerly tried to use what was apparently a Command Style and initiated the one I had been using by casting a fire spell multiple times. Since we both were capable of activating said Command Styles, Merlin decided to instruct us immediately on what they were and proper usage.

For all that the lesson was to be about magic, Merlin did give us a brief overview of the keyblade's history and how it may have come into our possession. He told us that most commonly, any keyblade wielder had the ability to 'pass on' the ability to wield keyblades to those who they deemed worthy, usually through what was known as an Keyblade Inheritance Ceremony. He told us the phase that was recited and I stiffened as I realized that the dream - in which I first acquired Starlight as a temporary keyblade - had begun with those words. However as we both couldn't remember any sort of person ever giving us a keyblade, he explained that it was also possible that keyblades could come into possession of those who had strong hearts without the need for a ceremony, which he was sure was the case with us. Afterwards, he began to explain certain abilities exclusive to people who wielded keyblades.

"So let me see if I get it..." I said slowly, "Command Styles are basically temporary power boosts that occur when we use a specific offensive elemental magic or certain types of attacks?"

Merlin nodded, "Indeed. As it stands, novice keyblade wielders usually access Command Styles by casting elemental magic and then allowing the feel of the magic to build while in combat. Casting the elemental spell does help trigger the Command Style to a degree but is generally not a good idea as the exhaustion will hit you much more severely once the power of the Command Style fades away if you overcast the spell. Over time, wielders even discover Command styles that are unique to them and them alone. As it stands, you will probably be able to activate the three most basic Command Styles. Firestorm, Diamond Dust, and Thunder Bolt. I assume you can understand which element they correspond to?"

He demonstrated by holding out his hand and three orbs of fire, ice, and lightning respectively formed in the air.

"Wait..." Sora said, "If we could have gone into a Command Style at any time, why didn't we start using Diamond Dust at the Court in Wonderland or Thunder Bolt during out fight with Cerberus or the Stealth Sneak?"

Merlin nodded at Sora, smiling in approval, "A very good question, Sora. You see, it is another reason while overcasting isn't always a foolproof way to activate the Command Style. You need to conserve leftover mana or magical energy while fighting to activate the Command Style for any feasible amount of time. Not just that, but as I understand, you had only just received the spells, and therefore your grasp on utilization of the magic was shaky and unrefined, hampering your ability to activate the Command Style as your bodies were unaccustomed to the energy flux of the magic's Command Style. You both have truly begun to comfortably fit fire into your respective combat styles; as time goes on, you will do the same to any of the other magics and respective command styles you acquire on your journey."

"So what if we don't want to activate a Command Style at a certain time even if we had the magic built up?" I said, "While it's awesome and really strong, no doubt there'll be times when we may want to conserve our energy right?"

Merlin turned to me, "Very true! As I understand it, instinctively you can stem the release now that you have experienced it, keeping the Command Style from activating. However, stemming the effect for too long will cause the buildup of power to disappear, it takes time and focus to realize how to fight while keeping the Command Style's activation from dissipating. In time you both may be able to keep the energy of a command style going indefinitely while in the midst of a battle or conserve the buildup to release it at a opportune moment. However, you can't simply to be able to master such powerful skills at the very beginning, you need much more practice and meditation. It usually takes years, and while I will admit that the growth rate you both have shown in such a short time is nothing short of phenomenal, you are both still novices with no formal training to speak of."

Sora groaned at that but I didn't mind that reason as much as he did, we couldn't just be masters from the get-go and I already made my peace with that. What I wasn't able to be at peace with was the fact we didn't HAVE time. Ever second that we wasted, was another second that the heartless were that much closer to plunging another world into darkness, was another moment our friends could be in trouble and be hurt. We needed to be strong, and be strong fast.

"I do however have one skill that will help you both tremendously in your future battles, if you wish to learn." Merlin said after seeing our crestfallen expressions.

We perked up at that, and Sora spoke up eagerly, "What are they?"

The wizard grinned, "Shotlocks."

As it turned out, Shotlocks were techniques that were basically an 'ace in the hole' type of attack that were a way to shoot our way out of a tough situation or beat a powerful enemy and normal attacks weren't working. They were quite possibly more useful than Command Styles depending on the situation and they were something that all keyblade wielders - masters or no - could use if given instructions and a demonstration on how. With that Merlin gave us a list of several different and basic types of Shotlocks that we could use. Every keyblade wielder had a unique Shotlock - much like Command Styles had - and we would need to master basic Shotlocks before beginning to understand and find our personal Shotlocks.

"I cannot actually perform shotlocks," he began, waving a hand and conjuring up furniture as targets in the practice room above, "Seeing as I do not wield a keyblade and therefore I am unable to utilize the magic you require. However, I can show you a facsimile of the shotlocks that I have been told that keyblade wielders use and help you apply them."

He waved his and and suddenly a illusion of a featureless mannequin holding what seemed to be the Starlight keyblade appeared before us before dropping into a stance. I took a step back in shock and Merlin chuckled at my reaction.

"Worry not, young Niji." He reassured, "It is a simple illusion that should demonstrate the Shotlock you wish to learn."

I was visibly wary but swallowed down my worry, this was something I had to learn, I wanted to get stronger.

I panted for breath as I stared at the slightly charred ceiling of the practice room we had been using for the past hour. I had just used two Shotlocks and the effects of using them twice in a row were almost enough to floor me. I had chosen to use Chaos Snake and Photon Charge as they were both attacks that were among the simplest to use but didn't lose out on power (I hope). The first few attempts were really more of me and Sora crashing headlong into furniture at what felt like Mach 100 and blast ourselves off our feet when we tried our projectile Shotlocks. It took dozens of nonstop tries (and multiple cures on Donald's part) before we finally were able to execute them every time without overt mistakes, and even more practice to make sure the attack was up to Merlin's meticulous standards. After using Photon Charge the first time, I noted it was quite similar to Sonic Blade and applying the same concepts to the attack helped me grasp it rather well while also improving Sonic Blade's technique. The force and strength of the attack was much more powerful though and while more demanding, it wasn't too difficult to apply. Sora had decided to pick one called Ragnarock rather than one of the other projectile Shotlocks that I had chosen, but did join me in learning Photon Charge. Thanks to the rejuvenation enchantments in Merlin's room, he let us practice them almost without pause, but after we both claimed to have a grip on the strain, he dropped the enchantments - while also telling Sora to switch back to the kingdom keyblade - and told us to try them out. Both me and Sora were able to perform the first Shotlock without too much strain, but launching one right after that pushed us too far and we both needed to stop moving for a second while we tried to recover.

"Oh man..." I huffed in irritation, "That was way too tiring... I can use two... maybe three if I really push, but it'd probably knock me out for the rest of any fight..."

"Shotlocks cost focus, will, and energy; as mentioned, they are arguably the most powerful moves afforded to keyblade wielders." Merlin said, eyes lighting with humor, "And naturally, you cannot keep using them over and over. You will need time to regain the focus required for such an attack. Shotlocks are convenient in that they don't draw form your normal magical reserves, so - while they can be used in battle - they won't diminish your overall abilities if used sparingly enough and with caution. Regardless, they still uses a significant amount of power which is why they are usually referred to as an ace in the hole; not even Command Styles with magical exhaustion and drain the body quite as much as Shotlocks can if they are used one after the other in rapid succession."

I took a deep breath and stretched, wincing at how my body protested even those slight movements. Donald and Goofy who had been watching rushed over and helped us to our feet before Donald cast cure, washing away the worst of our exhaustion. Sora sighed as the healing aura soothed away the bone deep exhaustion he was feeling and stretched. I rolled my shoulders and tilted my neck from side to side, sighing at the now-pain-free feeling and thanked Donald.

Merlin gave us a smile and clapped his hands together in order to gain our attention, "Well, young keyblade wielders, it seems that I have done all I can at the moment. The time has come for you to continue your journey."

I blinked, "How long have we been here?"

Merlin closed his eyes for a moment, "Several hours."

Sora near face-faulted at that and yelped, "What?! That long? We need to get moving and meet Cid, make sure the navigation gummi is installed, find Traverse Town's keyhole..."

He trailed off as he realized how much there was left to do.

Merlin chuckled, "Don't worry and doubt yourself now, you have much to do, but I have a feeling that you both are capable of dealing with it."

Sora and I both unconsciously straightened at the praise.

He was right, we weren't just able to save the worlds.

We WOULD save the worlds.

"Before you go," He continues, "You may want to show that gem in your pocket to the Fairy Godmother, she may be able to help you make use of it."

After learning that we had a summon gem - basically the remnants of a strong-hearted individual whose world had fallen but were strong enough that they became entrapped in stone rather than be lost with their world - and being told the best way to restore them to normal was to save the worlds, we walked out of Merlin's Alley to enter back into the Third District. Heartless began to form and we all took our respective stances when they suddenly were cut cleanly in half. We blinked and looked up only to see a familiar figure.

My heart leapt with hope and Sora jaw dropped as we saw who it was.

Riku stood casually with a falchion-esque blade that resembles a black demonic/bat wing with a blue cat-like eye, "There you are." He said smiling slightly, "What's going on?"

"Riku!" Sora and I chorused in relief.

Sora reached towards Riku's face and began to pull it as though to verify it was flesh.

Riku swatted his hand away with a slightly irritated expression, "Hey, cut it out."

"Is it really you?" Sora asked, hands still outstretched slightly, "I'm not dreaming this time?"

"I hope not," Riku snorted, as he ran a hand through his hair, "Took me forever to find you."

"Riku," I greeted joyfully - seeing him alive was probably the most uplifting thing I had seen since this whole journey had begun - pulling him into a one-armed hug before bumping his fist with my own, "You have no idea how much we had been going through to find you."

Riku raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to inquire when Sora cut in, "Wait a second, where's Kairi?"

Riku and I blinked before a confused expression crossed Riku's face as he glanced between the two of us, "Isn't she with you?"

I shook my head mournfully and Sora looked down, blue eyes dull.

Riku looked worried for a split-second before I saw him smile encouragingly, "Well, don't worry. I'm sure she made it off the island too. We're free and hey, she might even be looking for us now. We'll all be together again soon, you'll see. Just leave everything to me. I know this -"

Suddenly Sora was behind him and we saw shadows writhing into nothingness as Sora was posed like he just cut something down.

"Leave it to who?" He asked with a cheeky grin.

"Sora, w-what?" Riku stuttered, a bit caught off guard at Sora's speed.

"We've both been searching for you." I chuckled at Riku's surprised look, "Got some help along the way."

Riku turned to look at the duck wizard and dog knight, "Who are they?"

Donald stepped forward proudly, "Ahem. My name is-"

"We've visited so many places and so many worlds, looking for you!" Sora cut in excitedly.

I gave Riku a sidelong look and he grinned at the rueful smile I gave him.

Sora was always excitable like that.

Riku smiled, "Well, what do you know. I never would've guessed."

Goofy stepped forward and rested a his hands on Sora's shoulders, "Oh, and guess what? Sora's a keyblade master, Niji too!"

"Who would've thought it?" Donald harrumphed.

"Hey!" Sora cried indignantly, "What's that mean?"

"So..." Riku said, holding up Sora's keyblade, "This is called a keyblade?"

I blinked, Riku had swiped it pretty fast, I almost missed it.

"Huh?" Sora yelped, "Hey give that back!"

Sora swiped and ended tripping over himself as Riku skipped back with a playful smile, "Catch."

He tossed the keyblade back to Sora, who caught it with a quiet , "Woah."

"You coming along right?" I queried, "Bet if we work together, we can find Kairi all the sooner."

"Yeah!" Sora added, "We've got this awesome rocket! Wait till you see it!"

"No, he can't come!" Donald interjected.

"Donald!" I snapped before turning back to Riku, "Sorry 'bout him... He's a bit..."

Sora began to argue with Donald over allowing Riku to come.

"Small team?" Riku filled it with an unamused arched eyebrow.

I shrugged, "Not really, I think he just like to stay by the book as much as possible. But he's a awesome mage, and Goofy can pack a mean wallop and is really nice. Basically we don't have a problem but Donald likes to fight."

Riku nodded to himself, "I see. So really? A rocket?"

"A rocket-ship." I agreed, "You need one to get through the worlds. I can give you a crash course in driving if your interested."

"I'd take you up on that, but I actually don't need to use a ship." Riku replied, "Landed somewhere and some lady gave me a trip here using a portal."

"Really?" I asked, that was probably quicker, but I still wanted us to stick together, " I still think we should work together, it'd be best. So how about it? Interested on coming along?"

Riku frowned at Sora, "Sounds like you guys don't want me."

I slapped him lightly upside the head, "Don't say something so stupid! I already said it's fine, we'd been looking for you high and low. We were worried sick, you should've seen Sora when we couldn't find you or Kairi. Hell, we crashed our rocket into a world because we didn't want to skip it in case you were there. We nearly got shot and sliced by some jerk with a machete just to make sure we could search every place just for you and Kairi."

Riku's eyes widened before darkening in anger, "What?"

I closed my eyes, remembering Clayton's lifeless stare, "He got crushed by a heartless... I wasn't fast enough to... it won't happen again."

Riku put a hand on my shoulder, brow furrowed in concern, "You okay?"

I plastered on a smile, "I'm managing... about how you got here though, how did you get to Traverse Town? We'd scoured the districts but didn't find you anywhere. Where did you end up?"

Riku was about to reply when Sora called out my name, "Niji, help me out!"

"Donald." I said, turning to the duck, "I don't see why Riku shouldn't come. He has a weapon, we just found him, and more of us would make our chances all that much better. Besides, it's not like we lack room."

Donald sighed and Goofy suddenly called out, "Hey! He's gone!"

I whirled and saw an empty patch of air where Riku had been standing a moment ago.

"Riku?" Sora called out in dismay before growing sullen, "Nice going."

"Was it really that big of a deal Donald?" I grumbled.

Donald turned his head to the side, but sighed, "Sorry."

Sora seemed mollified, "Oh well. At least he's okay. Who knows, maybe we'll run into Kairi soon too!"

I looked around but sighed as I saw no trace of Riku, "We can look for him after we talk to Cid and find the Keyhole."