Chapter 25

I'm sorry I left without saying good-bye. Did Master Yen Sid tell you? I'm training to become a Keyblade Wielder like you. That's right. No more waiting for you to come back from your adventures. I want to get out there and do my part to help.

Merlin has used his magic to bring us to a place where time doesn't matter. We can take as long as we need to complete our training. He's an amazing wizard. Oh, and by "us," I mean me and Lea. He's really sorry for all the trouble he caused. I told him it's fine, but he won't stop apologizing. I'll admit I was a little scared of him at first, but I've gotten to know him better. All he ever wanted was to help his friend. Honestly, it's hard not to like him. Every now and then, I catch him staring at me. When I ask what's wrong, he says, "I'm not sure. I think I'm forgetting something. Don't know what."

Sora, I think it may have something to do with you. Your Journey is all about helping people: some that you've never met before, and some like Lea that you have. They're all counting on you. It won't be easy, but I hope you'll remain the happy and cheerful Sora I know. There's no heart your smile can't reach.

Deep within a massive forest during a sunset, a girl was writing on a notepad. That girl's name is Kairi. She has been friends with Sora and Riku for a longtime and because of that, she has been a target for the forces of darkness. She is also one of the Seven Princesses of Heart, maidens that have no darkness and have the power to unlock the Final Door. She is currently training to become a Keyblade Master in order to fight Master Xehanort.

Kairi stop writing and notice a young man standing next to her. That man's name is Lea or Axel. He lived in Radiant Garden as Lea with his friend Isa, but they became Heartlesses during Xehanort's experiments. Their bodies took the form of Nobodies, Lea was Axel and Isa was Saix, and both join the first Organization XIII. But Axel betrayed them in order to save his best friend, Roxas, with the cost of his life. Now with Lea fully restored, he is training alongside Kairi to become a Keyblade Master in order to fight Xehanort.

Kairi looked up and asked, "What's wrong?"

Lea looked away and replied, "Nothin', sorry."

"Lea."

"What? I am."

Kairi continue to write on her notepad while Lea sat down on a rock in front of her.

Lea took notice of this and asked, "A letter?"

"Yup.", she replied.

"To Sora?"

"Mmm, technically yes. But I won't send it. It's more for me."

"Ask Merlin. He'll deliver it for you.", Axel suggested

"Yeah, but it's okay.", she answered. "I just like talking to Sora, even if it's on paper."

"Okay.", said Axel.

There was a moment of silence in the air, until Lea grab two Sea-Salt Ice Creams behind him. "Here.", he said.

"Ice cream? Really?", question Kairi.

"Yeah, I asked Merlin to pick these up. Ya know, we did both summon Keyblades. Gotta celebrate."

He then gave the Ice cream to Kairi.

"You're sweet, Lea.", she said with a smile.

"Naw… Also, Merlin said that some people are coming to help us train."

"Really? Who are they?"

"He didn't say. Guess will find out when they come."

"Okay…"

Kairi started to eat her Ice cream while Lea just kept staring at her, with a serious look on his face.

Kairi saw this again and asked, "What?"

Lea stuttered. "N-nothing, I just…"

"You're trying to remember what you forgot?", she answered for him.

Lea now looks unsure. "Well, I, uh… Yeah… Yeah."

They both looked at the sunset.

Kairi then said, "So tomorrow-you and me in the ring. You ready?"

"'Course.", he replied.

"Don't hold back, Lea. Promise?"

Lea looked back at Kairi, but it was Kairi he was looking at. It was a girl that looks like Kairi, but she had short black hair. Lea look shocked and drop hi Ice cream. He lean closer to get a good look at her, but a he lean, something fell from his face. He put his hand against his cheek and he felt it was wet.

Kairi notice Lea and said, worriedly, "Huh? Are your okay? Lea!"

Kairi got up from her seat to check on Lea, but he simply wipe the tears from his eyes.

"Yeah… Sorry…", he replied.

"You're crying. What's wrong?"

"Something in my eyes.", he said while sniffing.

"Lea…"

Lea got up and said, "I'm...gonna go. Sorry."

As he about to leave, Kairi said, "'Kay, but stop apologizing."

Lea sighed. "Fine...on one condition."

"What?"

"Call me Axel from now on. Got it memorized?"

Kairi smiled and said, "Yeah. Okay, Axel."

Lea left the area. Leaving Kairi there along with his Ice cream on the ground.