Chapter 5: Castle of Dreams

(A/N: I don't believe it! I actually posted a chapter on time! Maybe I'll keep up this pace? Guess we'll see. Anyways, here ya go!)

James and Aqua arrive inside a brilliant castle, they walk through the hall as a large bell tones. Aqua looks over to her friend, "So, Jim, have you ever been here before?" She asked. She'd always been curious about his previous adventures.

James shook his head, "No. The aura of the world is familiar, but I've never been in this castle before."

Aqua tilted her head, "Aura?" She inquires.

James nods, "Every world is controlled by its own unique form of magic, or energy. If you teach your body to feel these magics, you can learn to differentiate one from the other, no matter how alike they may seem."

Aqua nods, "That's incredible!" She states.

Their conversation is cut short when they hear a voice calling out, "Mademoiselle! Senorita! Wait!" The two of them turned to see a man with a glass slipper in his hand, following after a beautiful blonde-haired woman that was racing out the door.

James caught a glimpse of the girl and his eyes widened, "Is that Cinderella?! Wow, I haven't seen her in ages!" James had once found his way to Cinderella's world while attempting to push back a Heartless outbreak. After first meeting with Alice, Snow White, and Belle, he was able to quickly deduce back then that she was another Princess of Heart. "If the Unversed are here, that's only going to spell more trouble."

Just then, the two hear another voice, this one much more familiar, "Aqua! Jim!"

They turn to look atop the flight of stairs and speak together, "Terra!" Terra walked down the steps to meet with his friends.

James whispered into Aqua's ear, "He needs to know about Ven. He might have seen him already." She nods subtly.

James hated feeling like some kind of secret agent, using Terra for gathering intel, but he wanted to protect Ventus, who has the least amount of experience of the group.

Aqua looks at Terra with worried eyes as he approaches them, "Terra… Ven ran away from home." She tells him.

Terra looks at her, "What?"

James nodded, "It's true. He didn't tell us why. Just went off flying to some world or other."

Aqua's gaze softened, "I think he left to go find you." She says, "Do you have any idea why?"

Terra pondered her question briefly before shaking his head, "No…" Then, he quietly gasped, "Actually… Just before I left, he tried to tell me something." He then started walking to the front door, "I should have listened to what he had to say." He stops just in front of the door.

Aqua looks away slightly, "Oh…" She sighs sadly.

James places a hand on her shoulder and offers her a reassuring smile, "Ven's a smart kid. He's got a big heart, and a quick swing. He can handle himself long enough for us to find him."

Aqua gives a small smile in return before looking back towards Terra, "So… did you manage to locate Master Xehanort?"

Terra turns his head slightly, "No, but it seems he's looking for pure hearts filled with light." He tells them.

James feels seven red flags going off in his brain, "Pure hearts? Filled with light? He must be talking about the Princesses of Heart! But what does Xehanort want with them?" James narrows his eyes, "Why's he looking for people like that at a time like this? Does he think they can help us stop the Unversed?"

Terra starts walking again as he speaks, "All I can tell you is that his search hasn't taken him here."

Aqua nods, "All right. I'll stay and see if I can find more clues."

James nods, "Me too. Four eyes are better than two."

Terra doesn't look back, "Ok. The Prince is in the Ballroom just ahead. He might have some answers."

Aqua smiles, "Thanks."

Just as Aqua turns to head to the ballroom, Terra calls out, "Aqua. You still have the same dream?" He asks her.

Aqua appeared confused, "Well… Yes."

Terra nods, "There's this girl here-her name is Cinderella." James' ears twitch at the mention of her name, "She made me realize how powerful it is just to believe. No matter how impossible things seem… a powerful enough dream will always be enough to light the darkness." Aqua nods, a small smile on her face, which Terra returns, "If you see her, give her my thanks."

Aqua nodded again, "Will do."

James smiles at Terra, "Try not to get into too much trouble while we're gone, alright?" He tells him. Terra smirks, but says nothing as he leaves. James' expression then went serious, "He's doing fine for now. But there's no telling when the darkness will ty and take hold."

"He'll be all right." Aqua says, "He won't give in to it."

James looks at her, "How do you know for sure?" She simply smiles at him, "Because I believe."

James gaped for a moment, then let out a chuckle. "Guess you've got a point. Come on, let's check out this ballroom."

As they walk into the ballroom, they pass by three women on their way out. As they pass, Aqua and James sense an unusual energy, causing them both to jump and glance back towards the three. James narrowed his eyes.

He knew those three.

Aqua glanced his way, "Did you feel that? Where do you think it came from?" She asked.

James looked back at her, "I have a general idea." Before he could elaborate, however, the same man that was chasing Cinderella returned, running past James and Aqua.

She looked at the man and asked, "Who are those ladies?"

The man halted and made his way over to the duo, "Oh, er, if I recall correctly, that is Lady Tremaine and those are her daughters."

One look at Aqua, and James knew what she was thinking, "There was something very wrong about them." James looked to the man, "Why did Lady Tremaine's step daughter not leave with them?"

The man looks at James questioningly, "Pardon? The Lady Tremaine does not have a step-daughter, else she would've attended the ball with them."

Aqua looked back at the man, "Why is that?"

The man shook his head, "I'm terribly sorry, but I haven't the time! I must make a report to His Majesty." He said before walking back towards the Prince.

James leaned in close to Aqua, "Either that guy lied, or Tremaine doesn't know she was here."

Aqua looked to her friend, "What are you talking about, Jim?" She asked.

"Cinderella is Lady Tremaine's step-daughter. Though, with how they treat her, I'd say the word 'slave' is more appropriate." He tells her.

Aqua's eyes widen, "How do you know?"

"Because I met Cinderella in my old adventures. Tremaine and her two daughters treat her like a servant. No way Cinderella got here by asking nicely."

Aqua hummed in thought before the Prince looked at Aqua, "You came back!" He says.

Aqua jerks her head in surprise. "Oh." The Prince exclaims, "My apologies. I was mistaken."

(A/N: Ok, I'm sorry, but I just have to say this. How the hell did Prince Charming EVER mistake Aqua for Cinderella? I mean… They look nothing alike! Aqua's hair is blue and Cinderella's is blonde! This is as stupid as Shadow being mistaken for Sonic in Adventure 2. Sorry again, I know these are annoying, but I needed to say that. Carry on.)

The man from earlier interjected by saying, "Your Highness, I found this on the palace stairs." He says, offering his find to the Prince. Meanwhile, Aqua and James focused their attention back on the exit.

"A glass slipper?" The Prince asks. Aqua turns her head and watches the conversation.

"One dropped by a lovely young lady, and I'll search far and wide to find the maiden to whom this belongs." Says the man.

The Prince looks at him in surprise, "You will?"

The man simply nods his head, "Of course, Your Highness. After all, you have finally found someone whom you wish to marry." He says warmly, and James couldn't help but notice the faintest hint of a smile playing at Aqua's lips, "Upon hearing that happy news, your father, the king, has decreed that a quest shall begin immediately throughout the kingdom."

This statement gave James a flurry of thoughts, "That was definitely Cinderella I saw running away. Why, I have no idea, but as long as she's under the 'care' of Tremaine, she isn't safe from the influences of darkness. At the same time, these Unversed could attack anyone. But that gives me an idea." James summons his Keyblade, startling all in the room, before he lowers himself to one knee, "Your Majesty, with your permission, I wish to escort this mission." He states.

The Prince looks at James, "Why do you wish to do that?" He wonders aloud.

James smiles, "Call me soft-natured, but I've always had a thing for matters of the heart."

Aqua forced herself to contain her laughter at the horrible attempt at an inside joke.

"I swear upon my life, sire, that I shall see this mission meets with success. You will have your bride on the morrow."

The Prince smiles, "Wonderful. I shall have you accompany the Grand Duke," he says, gesturing to the man holding the slipper, "along on this campaign."

When the Prince and Grand Duke stepped away for a moment, Aqua pulled James aside, "Jim! What are you thinking?! We're not supposed to get involved in these sorts of matters!" She scolds.

James rolls his eyes, "Even to protect one of the Princesses of Heart?" He asks.

Aqua gasps, "What do you mean?"

James glances over the room before whispering, "Cinderella is the owner of that glass slipper, and she's a Princess of Heart! You felt that energy from the Tremaines, we can't risk her being so involved with them, not with the Unversed around."

Aqua groaned, "Ok, I still don't entirely like it, but I want to help. What can I do?"

James smiles, "Get to the Tremaine Manor-it's not far from here, you can't miss it- and find Cinderella. Keep your eyes on her, and make sure she's able to meet with us when we arrive." Aqua nodded.

Both their hearts stopped for a second when they overheard the Grand Duke, "I will start with the closest residence-that of Lady Tremaine."

James started to panic, "Son of a Woozle! I hadn't planned on that part." The Grand Duke gestured for James to follow suit, while the Prince went off in the opposite direction. James sent a worried gaze towards Aqua, which she returned with a confident nod.

During the carriage ride, the Grand Duke widened his eyes at James' suggestion, "W-what?! Why should we not inspect Lady Tremaine's house first? Hers is the closest residence." He reasoned.

James nodded, "True, but as you'll recall, they are hardly what most would consider to be beautiful." He says with a hint of scorn, "I'm not saying we don't inspect them at all. But let's first rule out some more plausible maidens first. For the sake of saving time."

The Grand Duke hummed, "Yes, quite so." He mumbles, "Very well. We'll move past the Tremaine house for now, and return to inspect it later."

James offered a small bow of his head, "Thank you, Your Grace." He says, "Ok, Aqua. I've bought you some time. The rest is up to you."

Many hours later, and the Grand Duke is exhausted from approaching homes through the whole of the night and day. James managed to buy as much time as possible, but upon the morning hour, they had arrived in front of the Tremaine manor. When they arrived, the carriage rider introduced the Grand Duke. Lady Tremaine curtseyed to the man, "You honor our humble home, milord." She says as she lets him and James enter. The Duke cleared his throat, "Quite so." They entered the main room on the ground floor and were greeted by the two daughters of Lady Tremaine. "May I present my daughters, Drizella and Anastasia." Tremaine says as the two daughters offer hideous smiles. James resists the urge to cringe, and remains silent as his eyes surveyed the area, "I don't see either of them! Aqua, you need to hurry, you're running out of time!"

Anastasia quickly takes the slipper and tries for far too long to put the slipper on her ginormous foot, to no avail, "This is pathetic to watch, but if it gives Aqua and Cinderella more time, I'll let them try that thing on as long as they want." "I can't understand why! It always fit perfectly before." Anastasia grunts out after another failed attempt. James approaches the person in question, "Perhaps your sister should try it on now, to give your foot time to ease the swelling." He proposes in as nice a voice as he can muster. Drizella doesn't waste words and snatches it from Anastasia and has just a lousy luck with the slipper as her sister.

Suddenly, the room became surrounded in strange, purple monsters. James narrowed his eyes, "The Unversed! Grand Duke, keep the women back and leave these things to me!" He calls. The Duke nods and hurries to guide the Tremaines to the nearest corner. James summons Starlight, "I have so needed to burn off some steam!" He mumbles to himself before charging at the unversed. James strikes one Unversed down after another, constantly being mindful of his surroundings, "Can't afford to cast magic, or I could risk destroying the house!"

He hears a scream coming from behind him. He looks and sees Drizella about to be attacked, "Not on my watch!" James shouts as he throws Starlight. It hits the Unversed dead on and kills it as Starlight boomerangs itself back to James' hand, "Stay down!" He reminds her before returning to the fight.

A few brief moments later, and the monsters were defeated. James lets out a breath of relaxation, "Oh, how I needed that." He whispers to himself before looking back to the group, "It's all clear."

Following that was a few short minutes of Drizella trying to put the slipper on, causing it to fly off her foot and be caught by the Grand Duke. He eyes the three of them, "You're the only ladies in the household I hope- I presume?" He says, catching himself. Lady Tremaine quickly responds, "There is no one else, your Grace." James raises an eyebrow, "Truly? No maids, or other servants? Clearly those two over there are too spoiled to do their own work. And our orders were crystal clear. EVERY maiden must attempt to wear the slipper." Tremaine's eyes narrowed and was about to say something in retort before Aqua fell from the second floor rather clumsily. James quickly rushed to her and offered a hand to help her up, which she accepted with an embarrassed smile. She then looks to the rest of the occupants, "Oh… Would it…" She stutters awkwardly, "Would it be alright if I tried on the glass slipper?" She asked. James' eyes widened, "What!? She can't be serious!" Seeing the disbelief in his eyes, Aqua whispered, "We just need to buy Jaq a few more seconds. Back me up here!" James' ears twitched at the mentioning of Jaq, remembering him from his first visit to this world.

The Grand Duke eyed Aqua, "Hmm… I met you at the palace. Unfortunately, you are not the young lady the Prince is looking for." James nods, "Perhaps, but he did mistake this fine young woman for her once before. And the orders were clear, sire. Perhaps we should allow it, for the sake of leaving nothing to chance." He says. The Duke hums to himself. "Hmm… Quite so. Quite so indeed." Lady Tremaine immediately steps towards Aqua, glaring daggers at her, "Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?" James went to stand in front of Aqua, glaring back at Lady Tremaine. Drizella speaks up, "She's probably here to rob us!" "Mother, do something!" Anastasia demanded. James summoned Starlight, "Anyone who even thinks of harming her in my presence will face my wrath!" He shouts, casting an Aero spell at his feet for added effect. Seemingly unfazed by his threat, Lady Tremaine turned towards the Duke, "That girl does not live here." She says, spitting out the word girl, "I only have two daughters. I believe we're finished here, Your Grace." The Duke steps forward, "Regardless… She means no harm." He tells the three hags, as James steps aside and puts Starlight away so Aqua can try the slipper, "I am so never gonna let her forget that pratfall she made." He thinks to himself amusedly.

Just before Aqua went to try the slipper on, a new voice spoke up, "Your Grace… Please wait. May I try it on?" The voice asks. James smiles as he looks up at the staircase and sees Cinderella walking down them.

Lady Tremaine immediately went to block the Duke from the stairwell, "Pay no attention to her. She's just an-."

She was interrupted by Starlight being pressed against her throat, "All. Maidens. Must. Be. Checked. If you refuse to let her try that slipper on, I shall gladly arrest you and your daughters for treason!" He speaks threateningly, his patience clearly ran dry.

The Duke placed a hand on James' shoulder, "Now, now. There's no need for such drastic measures, my boy." He then turns to Lady Tremaine, "But he is correct. I must have every maiden, including her, attempt to fit the slipper."

Aqua went up to the Duke, "You should let her go first." She says before moving past Tremaine. She offers Cinderella her hand, which the young maiden accepts.

"Thank you." She tells Aqua. James fetched a seat for Cinderella to use.

Aqua stood beside the chair, "I actually want to thank you," The young Master says, "for teaching Terra he needs to keep believing."

The Grand Duke approached Cinderella, but Lady Tremaine tripped him, causing him to drop the slipper. James immediately cast Gravity on the slipper, and snatched from the air, showing it to Tremaine, "Nice try, you vile witch." He says smugly before lowering to one knee, "Milady, if I may?" He asks. Cinderella looks at the young man, her eyes widening with recognition as she smiles and allows him to slide the slipper gracefully onto her foot.

The Duke smiled brightly, "A perfect fit. I must inform the Prince immediately! You will come with me, of course." He tells Cinderella. She nods, and offers her thanks to James and Aqua once again and walks out with the Grand Duke.

The two wielders were standing outside, while Aqua was telling him about what the Fairy God Mother had told her about fighting the darkness with light. James just scoffs, "Spoken like someone who hasn't seen darkness at its worst." He says, "Trust me, Aqua. The darkness is nothing but evil. And the less there is in the worlds, the better." They were both interrupted by the sound of Cinderella screaming.

Aqua jerks her head in the direction of the scream, "What's that?" She asks.

James summons Starlight, "Cinderella! Let's go!" They hurry down the path and run to find Lady Tremaine and her daughters standing in front of a massive monster that was attacking the carriage.

James looked to Aqua, "I'll handle the civilians, you take on that Unversed!" Aqua nodded. James made a beeline for Lady Tremaine, "Aeroga!" He launches a concentrated orb of wind at Lady Tremaine, smashing her against a tree and knocking her out. He delivered each of the daughters a swift kick to knock them out as well, "With them out of commission, the Unversed should be a bit weaker." He then used the Strike Raid to break the carriage door open and jumped in, grabbed Cinderella, and leapt out. When they landed, he looked to her, "You alright?"

She nods, "Yes. Thank you so much! But I wonder… Are you?"

They were interrupted by Aqua getting knocked to the ground by the Unversed. "We can catch up later." He says as he steps forward, "Get behind something and stay there until the fighting stops."

The creature absorbed the carriage and made a new body from it. Aqua returned to her feet as James stood beside her, "Let's take this thing down, yeah?" He says.

Aqua nods and draws her Keyblade again, "Right." She responds.

Aqua starts off with a Thunder spell, that the Unversed dodges, but it gave James an opening to strike it with a barrage of strikes from Starlight.

The vines from the carriage Unversed swung out and swat James aside. It charged towards him, but immediately stopped as a Blizzard shot flew in front of it. It turned towards Aqua, who was charging at it. She tried for a Quick Blitz, but the Unversed moved out of the way swiftly.

James grunted back to his feet, "We gotta slow it down, or we're never gonna get anywhere with this thing!" He shouts as he re-enters the battle. The two of them stood side by side as the Unversed launched itself at them.

They both instantly responded with their respective Shotlocks, "Bubble Blaster!"

"Union Ragnarök!" The bubbles juggled the Unversed in place, while the Union Ragnarök shots were pelting it mercilessly.

The two of them broke off in different directions, "Freeze!" They both shouted as they launched Blizzaras to freeze the wheels. Then, they both moved in and cleaved the Unversed in a cross slash, destroying the Unversed.

Aqua and James were nursing each other's injuries at the water fountain while the Grand Duke presented Cinderella to the Prince. The wielders looked on as the two embraced each other, which brought a smile to James' face "I'm happy for you, Cinderella. You got your Happily Ever After." His hand went up to the Wayfinder hanging from around his neck, "Now I just gotta wrap up this Unversed issue, so I can get back to my own." The two of them turned away as the Fairy God Mother approached them.

Aqua smiled at her, "A pure heart, filled with light." She said, "It's strange, the Master taught me darkness needs to be destroyed. But how, if not with light?"

Fairy God Mother looked to Aqua, "Oh, my dear, you're too young to know." She tells them, "Experience more things, and you'll find the answer. Just trust in your dreams." Aqua nodded, as did James. They were going to leave, before the Grand Duke approached the two with news for the two of them.

The following evening, James and Aqua were once again at the palace. This time, as honored guests for the wedding between Cinderella and the Prince. Aqua fidgeted, "Should we really be doing this? Don't we have other places to be right now?" She asks.

James laughs, "Aqua, moments of peaceful joy such as this don't happen often in our line of work. We deserve to enjoy them when they come around. That said…" He then stands in front of her and offers her his hand with a bow, "My lady, may I have this dance?"

Aqua giggles, but decides to humor him with a curtsey as she takes his hand, "It'd be an honor, good sir." She says jokingly, as they begin to dance.

Some hours later, and the two were making their final preparations. Aqua looked to James, "Oh! I forgot to mention! Jaq mentioned that he knew Ven!"

James smiled, "Then that means we're hot on his trail! Let's get a move on!" They both don their armors, mount their gliders, and set off for the next world.

(A/N: That's it for this chapter! James' story is still only beginning. With old and new friends meeting, will he put his past behind him? Or will it catch up with him? Tune in next time, to find out! Read and Review!)