It's almost coming guys... few weeks, days and hours till KH 3...

XII ~ Strong Hearts (First Visit)

Gummi Ship...

Akari remained silent since they got back on board the Gummi ship. Sora had no idea what else to say to her, so he kept his distance - an action both Donald and Goofy recognize all too well. Struggling to maintain their smiles to make up for the two, Goofy tries his best to maintain his by laughing while Donald used paper clips to pull his cheeks to keep him smiling. If Akari and Sora had noticed they would start smiling and laugh at their antics, but both were individually preoccupied with their own thoughts. 'I know he wants to protect me... but why can't he trust me in protecting myself?' Akari shifts in her seat to briefly glance over at the Protector.

Jiminy steps out on Sora's shoulders and stares up at the boy, who was too deep in thought to even notice the small chronicler looking at him with disapproving eyes. He hops off his shoulder and goes over to Akari after she had turned to look back at the window. "Are you alright?" Jiminy asks after landing on her shoulder. She yelps, surprised at the sudden voice then calms down when she sees him. "I'm fine. I just..." Akari sighs and leans back against her seat. "I can't believe Sora did that. He supported me back in Mulan's world and agreed that I am capable enough to hold my own against the heartless. Why only then, in our second world, did he suddenly think otherwise?"

"But he never said that, did he?" Jiminy points out. She thinks over his words then shakes her head.

"See? Now, I'm just as upset that he had you stand back like that. But then I thought it over..."

"And?"

"He's just trying to keep you safe and do what's best for you, both as your best friend and protector. He never wanted you to feel like he doubts you. Sora never wants anything to happen to his friends and wants nothing more than to see them happy and safe. Over the time I've known him, he has shown time and time again that you are his most special friend. That means he'll do whatever he thinks is best for you, even if it causes you at times to get upset at him."

"I still don't get it..." I said, a bit confused where he was going with this.

"Think of it from his perspective. From what you've heard so far, you've been gone for about a year. And just when he thought he lost you forever, you suddenly appear out of the blue! Sure he has many friends in various worlds and that means they'll be able to see each other again, but losing a friend is far different. Not knowing where they are, how they're doing, it always eats a person up because they're not sure if they'll ever see them again. He may seem to be a bit over-protective right now, but I can tell you that he only started acting after he finally found you. And the way you disappeared certainly didn't help."

This causes Akari to look back at Sora and see him sigh and messing his spikey hair with his free hand. "Was I really gone for that long...?" she asks without looking at Jiminy. He nods and somberly states, "The time you were gone was hard on all of us. Sora took it harder than most." Akari had only considered his feelings about her lack of memories, but never on how he felt during the time she was gone. Guilt-ridden about her actions, she brings Jiminy up to kiss his cheek, grateful for being the voice of reason. "Thanks Jiminy..." she said as she placed him back down. His cheeks turn red and bashfully said, "Aw there's no need to thank me..."

Just as she was about to stand and approach Sora to apologize, the ship suddenly tilts. "Goofy! Stop laughing and keep the ship straight!" Donald yells, the clips flying off his face. She had expected that Sora would respond like he usually would if something happened to her, but when she opened her eyes, she almost felt her heart crack when she saw he was more focused on the two than her. "Give me the controls Goofy!" Sora shouts and grabs the wheel just in time before they crashed into an unknown flying object. Seeing this triggered something inside her, a memory that was buried deep within.

"Sora! Where are you?" I call out. It's already an hour past our agreed meeting time. Where else could he be on this small island? Then I spot a few of his head from under the bridge. I go on my knees as soon as I realize it was him. "Hey Sora! I'm-" I shut my mouth the moment I saw Kairi and Riku step out into view. They were... laughing. I wanted to say something, shout to gain their attention, but the longer I watched the more I realized something. "They... forgot about me..." That was the first time I ever cried. I don't remember how long I was crying. By the time I stopped I had realized it was already evening and I somehow ended up back in the treehouse - my home.

"Akari?" I lift my head up. I was expecting to see Sora only to for it to be-

Before I knew it, I was crying.

"You won't need it. You're not strong enough to handle such memories."

Was she right? Am I really not strong enough to handle my deeper memories? Is that why she wanted to test me? I still want to remember, but after seeing something like that was too much for me to bear. Though thanks to that memory, I know for sure Sora's been keeping secrets from me, he wants to keep me in the dark. "Alrighty! We're here! Akari?" All eyes were on me and all three were surprised to see me crying. "Akari?" Sora steps forward, concerned. I sniff and wipe the tears away. "I'm fine." By the look on Sora's face, he doesn't believe me. I try to change the subject, "So, where are we? Is it a place we know?"

Donald steps to the side and points at the scene. "Olympus coliseum!" he announces. I walk over to them, at the same time ignoring the look I was receiving from Sora, to get a closer look. "This is the world where we all trained to become heroes! We all participated in a tournament to test our strength!" "You and Sora even entered separately," Goofy adds. Me? Enter something like that solo? "Now, now!" Jiminy hops back on my shoulder. "We're not supposed to reveal too much, remember? SHE has to remember it herself!"

Olympus Coliseum = Underworld Entrance...

Shiver ran down my spine the moment we got out of the ship. Not only was it dark and quiet, but it was void of life. "Uh, guys? Where are we?" I ask, hugging myself. Goofy wonders out loud, "Are ya sure this is the coliseum?" This place looked nothing like a coliseum, it more looked like the underworld but without any dead people walking around. "It's that way!" Donald points out as he marches past us. "Oh, looks like we were a little off," Sora sheepishly smiles. 'A little!?' My head snaps in his direction with bewildered eyes as the two start to walk after him. I wanted to follow, but because of our last exchange, I was a bit hesitant to get close to Sora.

In my heart, I know I should be the one to apologize, it's just there's this something that's keeping me from doing so. I just don't now what that is. Taking a deep breath, I force myself to move and make a mental note to apologize later. We were just about to leave until we heard screaming. It sounded like, a woman? We turn to see her being three dog-like heartless. Fearing for the worst, we all charge in to save her. The heartless saw us and ran the moment they saw us. I stop for a moment, confused at their odd behavior but decided to question it later, someone was almost attacked by those things. Sora and I stood close to her side by side.

I remain a bit hesitant to be near him, but he doesn't notice. He bends forward and offers a helping hand. Rubbing her temple, the woman goes on one knee.

"Thanks, but... I'm fine."

She moves her hand to look at us and the first thing she does is raise a brow. "And you're supposed to be?" Instead of showing some form of gratitude, she appeared unimpressed. I know we don't know the woman, but that's a bit rude for someone that was just chased by some heartless not too long ago. She stands and brushes her skirt before crossing her arms and looking down at us. If we hadn't saved her then I'd give her a snarky comment for acting like this. But like I said, we don't know her, so I don't have a reason to judge. Yet. "I'm Sora." I almost wanted to facepalm at Sora's instant trust towards strangers. "He's Donald, that's Goofy-" He pauses when he finally notices how close we were. Not wanting to make things awkward for all of us, I extend a hand at the woman and force a smile. "Akari. Nice to meet you."

Thankfully, she smiles back and takes my hand and shakes it. If she didn't then she'd definitely give me a reason to give her an attitude for the entirety of our visit. "We came to see how Hercules was doing," Sora adds, despite knowing this was the first I've ever heard of him. She looks at all four of us, slightly confused and curious. "You know Wonderboy?" I sheepishly smile and shrug. "Well, THEY know him than I do."

"That's 'cause we're heroes, too!" Donald declares, puffing his chest out with pride.

"Hyuck! You mean junior heroes, Donald..." Goofy whispers, still loud enough for us to hear.

I just giggle as the duck frowns and scowls to the side with his arms not crossed. The woman giggles as well, "Looks like we have a friend in common." She then extands a hand to me. "Name's Megara. My friends call me Meg." We talked for a bit, and she actually seems like a good person. Never judge a book by its over I guess. Though, I wish Sora would at least hold back a bit on sudden introductions before we know the person is actually good or not. Apparently, this Hercules guy is a hero of this world. I can't tell whether if Meg is his girlfriend or not, but for her to be this concerned means she must have some sort of special feelings for him. And I'm not talking about on a friend level. She wouldn't be in this dark place and risk her life just to speak to Hades - the lord of the underworld - to give Hercules a break.

I wonder just how much work he has to do as a hero for Meg to be this concerned for his well-being over hers.

"Is anything happened to that kid..." she grimaces at the thought.

"Gwarsh, it's like to me you're more than just friends!"

"Oh... uh... I mean..."

So even Goofy's noticed.

"We'll go have a little talk with Hades," Sora quickly offers. "I'd hate for anything to happen to you on your way to see him."

For once, I'm actually glad Sora's always willing to lend a helping hand to people we've just met. I wish I could be as less cautious as him to make such offers so willingly.

I nod. "Sora's right. It's not safe for you to wander around without at least anything to use to defend yourself. Just leave it to us! We'll talk to Hades."

Sora looks at Donald and Goofy then at me with a concerned expression. He nervously scratches the back of his head as he said, "I think it should just be... us three to go. You go with Meg and get out of here." I could not believe I what he just said. This again!? I stomp my feet on the ground and said defensively, "I can defend myself Sora. You don't need to baby me whenever something important happens!"

"I'm not babying you! You don't remember what Hades is like but-"

"But what? He's a god? And that automatically means he's too dangerous for me to fight? I just helped you with a giant heartless back in Mulan's world and then Beast's before you decided I had to be held back!"

"That's not it!" I could tell he was starting to get frustrated with me, but I didn't care. I need to show him that what happened doesn't give him the sudden right to protect me.

"Then tell me why!" I demand.

"I CAN'T!" he finally snaps.

I step back and recoil, stunned to hear him raise his voice like that. And based on Donald and Goofy's silence alone tells me that this wasn't the first time it has happened, but it may have been the first in a while. My fist tightens as my mouth forms a line. "Fine." I don't want to argue with him. Not in the third world. "Akari, wait-" Sora tries to reach out to me but I make a sharp turn and walk before he could.

Sora didn't want to tell her that she should go to the coliseum with Meg. However, he also didn't want to take any risks until he knew it was safe for Akari to travel in the underworld. Slumping his shoulders in defeat, Sora lets out a long sigh. Meg placed a hand on his shoulder and assures him, "Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on her till you get back. I'm sure she'll cool off when you do." Without much else to say, Sora just nods, silently watching as Meg follows after Akari. "Don't worry Sora," Goofy says after the two ascend the stairs. "I'm sure everything will turn out okay."

"You can talk to her after we talk to Hades!" Donald adds.

He could only smile at them. He really appreciated their concern. That same gut feeling he got the first time he and the others talked about facing Riku. The last time Sora chose to ignore that feeling, Akari was placed in mortal danger. That's something he never wants to happen to her again.

"I'll be fine Sora! You can count on me!" Akari grins and she confidently gives him a thumbs up. Reluctant to let her go at first, Sora gives and steps back, watching as the girl turn and climb up the steps. She pauses for a moment once she was at the top, slightly turning and smiles down at him. He gaps for a moment then smiles back. Peter Pan had said one of them has to go through the small opening in the wall so they can get out. There was a bit of uneasiness on his part when Akari suddenly volunteered. Akari trusted him with her safety. The least he can do is trust her when she says she's ready to fight on her own.

. . . . . .

Sora ran ahead before the others could stop him. Akari held her keyblade up, ready to defend herself at any given moment. "Akari!" he shouts as soon as he spots the girl. She turns her head, briefly distracted by his sudden presence. "Sora?" But before he could run to her side, she was suddenly knocked back, sending her body to the wall behind her. Sora nearly slows after he sees her back slam against the surface. His heart stops when the thud resonates into his ears. His brain finally began to resume working when he sees the large heartless approach Akari's fallen form and grab her by the front of her shirt. "Don't you touch her!"

"Sora?" Goofy touches Sora's shoulder after noticing the boy went silent, unknowingly pulling him out of a bad memory. He shakes his head and forces a smile. "C'mon! Let's go talk to Hades!" he said as he clutches his fist in the air. At the back of his mind, Sora knew that he would have to properly apologize to Akari. She may not remember yet, but they had the exact same argument around a year ago. He just never expected to have it again this soon.

Coliseum Gates...

I was amazed at how large the gates were when we left that dark pit. The world didn't seem at all big, but then again we are only at the top of a mountain. "I know, amazing isn't it?" Meg asks me as she stands at my side. I nod, still marveling at the structure. "This place is huge! I can't wait to see what's inside!" I was just about to run inside only for Meg to stop me. I look up at her and tilt my head, confused as to why she still me. "Woah there, let's not get too ahead of ourselves here," she said as she bends forward to level herself with my height. "I know you're excited but I think you and I know you need a minute to cool your head." She's right.

I don't want to forget what just happened, nor do I want to stay upset. That'll just ruin whatever time I have here. Who knows when we'll ever be able to come back to visit.

"So... What's exactly is this place?" I ask, realizing I never got told much info on this new world. Without the others with me to fill me in on some things, I'm basically walking around blind.

"The coliseum, where heroes like Wonderboy fight against monsters like the ones that chased me in matches."

"The heartless? Wait, do people WATCH these fights?" I ask in utter disbelief.

"Yep, but Herc is the only hero right now that's breathing. Wonderboy just has a problem when it comes to taking a break. I know he's just doing a heroes' duty, but it's taking a lot out of him."

Almost reminds me of a certain someone. 'Wait, where did that come from?' I push the thought aside and focus more on Meg. She seems pretty worried about Hercules. If it's that bad, why can't he take a break? Sounds to me he's more like an entertainer than a protector of the innocent. "I can't believe it." We slightly turn to see a shorty, tubby goat-man approaching us with a huge grin, which grew wider upon closer inspection. "By the gods it is! If it isn't the princess herself-" I fought back from frowning. "If you're here, that means those three are with ya too!" "Nice to see you too Phil," Meg dryly greets. Phil rolls his eyes and continues to maintain his attention on me.

He gets closer and gives me a friendly pat to the leg. "Sure 'ave gotten taller. Hope your fighting skills have gotten better too! Wouldn't want our first and only female champion to lose her spot in this year's tournament." "Tournament...?" I quietly repeat as I watch Phil turn and head back to the Coliseum. "Registration closed an hour ago, but I'll make an exception for you!" he said with a raised hand, gesturing me to follow. Meg notices my confusion and points to one of the large banners that were nailed to the walls behind us. "Before all kinds of heroes were allowed to join the tournaments but," she points to a particular name that was at the bottom. "

Ten years ago, there was one that beat EVERY fighter in one day. Because of the shame men felt, they refused to join. Phil had no choice but to split the tournaments into different factions for it to be fair for all. Especially the women."

Great, almost like Mulan's world but less discreet. 'Oh well, at least they actually acknowledge that we're just as strong as men!' I smile at the thought and stare at the name. It read: Lumina. Whoever she is must have been pretty strong, though I'm guessing this Lumina girl didn't come back since her name is at the bottom with another at the same rank. Aqua. Or I think that's the spelling. The names are slightly faded. "You plan on joining?" Meg smirks, a devious glint in her eyes. I cross my arms and said, slightly unsure, "Hmmm... I don't know. If I get caught doing something like this behind Sora's back, I definitely won't hear the end of it."

"I don't know..." I watch as Meg gets closer to the banner. "He did tell you to just get up here, but he never specifically said what to do next." I know where this is going, and I'm liking it. "I'm joining the games!" I enthusiastically announce and my fist pumped in the air. "You sure?" Phil asks with a raised brow. "Last time I checked, your boyfriend was against you goin' in alone. Sure you're up for it?" "Ye- Wait, boyfriend!?" I exclaim. He laughs and I knew he was just messing with me. No way we're in THAT kind of relationship. Right? 'Sora will tell me... I hope,' I thought, feeling a bit unsure.

I shake my head and give him a confident smile. "Definitely! Besides, we've done a lot so far. I'm sure he'll be fine with me participating."

Sora trusted me up until Beast's world. I need him to see I don't have to rely on him all the time. That way we can work together as a proper team.

. . . . . .

Several rounds in and I'm already tired. I don't know-how in the world I was about to do this before to earn my own championship title. A year ago I must have been an expert or something to be able to slog through that many rounds to win all those cups as Sora did. And I know for sure he had Donald and Goofy to back him up. I plop myself on the ground after defeating the last heartless. The crowd was going wild. You know, when Phil said I'd be fighting I thought he meant people, not only heartless. This is way too many for my comfort. Whoever's in charge of this place, I just want to ask this one thing.

One thing which has been my main concern since the moment I found out the kind of opponents this place has to offer. How in the world are they able to control and keep the heartless from attacking every person in the audience? "Looks like you're holding up pretty well," Phil said the moment I entered the foyer for a break. I know that I said I was ready for the games, but I didn't expect it to be this tiring. I flash him a tired smile as I pant, "Sure... if you count being dead tired... Then yeah I'm doing pretty good." That's when I noticed a certain someone wasn't here.

"Where's Meg?"

"Oh, her?" The way he addressed Meg sounded like he's... irritated. "I just let her out to go for a little walk. Can't let a dame like her to stand around doin' nothin' while you're out there fighting. Who knows when you'll be done!"

Okay I'll give him that. Still, I thought the reason why she came up here in the first place was so that she'd be safe. "So, what's the next opponent?" I ask as Phil jumps on the cement block to wipe down one of the lined trophies. "Not what-" he slightly turns to smirk at me. "WHO. The next round is the final. It'll be the defining moment between you two on who will take the title. The has been or the underdog!" "Yeah- Wait, has been!?" Before I could give the goat man a piece of my mind, the cheering from inside the coliseum suddenly increased. "That must be her!" Phil said, practically hopping as he runs out to the coliseum. Most likely to see the winner of whatever fight is happening right now.

Given how he reacted, he already knew who it was that won. And I'm a hundred percent sure that it's the person Phil was going to tell me about. I roll my eyes and sat on the ground with my legs crossed, thinking, 'I know that I haven't fought here in a while, but he should at least not pretend I'm not here.' For being the champion, Phil sure knows how to show where his favorites lie. 'At least Sora would-' I pause for a moment. It slowly dawned on me just how much I missed them, most especially Sora. The first time I woke up I was alone. Without my memories or anyone at my side, I was afraid of everything. So when Sora found me, despite not knowing who he was, I felt relieved.

I was happy that there was someone that knew me, to guide me in this unfamiliar world. Yet here I am. Alone once again but this time by my choice. Curling up in a ball, I start to reflect on the events that have happened so far. When we traveled to our first world, I was still afraid. Despite Master Yen Sid's reassurance that I would be fine so long as I stayed at Sora's side, there was still a lingering feeling of fear in my heart of whats to come. My first encounter with the heartless was terrifying enough as it is. To be surrounded by again was something that I dread the moment I stepped into the gummi ship. Then Sora was there. Donald and Goofy too, but his presence alone kept me going.

His encouragement and promises was what made me gain the confidence I needed to allow myself to travel without worry. Then it happened. I was so caught in trying to prove myself that I ended up hurting those closest to me. I made them worry. All because I acted without thinking on how they'd feel. I bow my head and close my eyes. 'And look where that got me...' Despite what I said, I don't want him to stop protecting me. I just wish he'd trust me more like how I trust him. I open my eyes after what seemed like hours. Standing up, I summoned my keyblade and stared down at my reflection on the blade.

"I want to be more than what I am..."

"And you will-" a gentle voice spoke.

I got in a defensive position when a sudden portal made of light opens up from across the room. What stepped out was another forgotten, her face conceled under the hood of her white cloak. "Your heart..." She extends her hand to me. "Is under great conflict. We can all feel it." I lower my keyblade. Despite my better judgement, I felt that I had to listen to her. She gave off this aura that made me feel I could trust her.

"Your mind is clouded... your memories are conflicting much of your emotions," she told me softly.

When she made the initiative to approach me, I took a step back, keeping my distance from whoever it was that stood before me. I already figured out there's more than one of them. The first one attacked while the second one came to my rescue, there's no telling what this ones agenda is. She must have noticed my hesitation when she said, "There is a way to ease your confusion. You can suppress your memories."

"Suppress them...?" I repeat, sounding a bit confused at what she meant.

The Forgotten nods and offers, "I could have the unwanted memories locked up while the good remain."

"But wouldn't that be bad?"

"Not if you want it. It'll only be a temporary thing, I promise. All the hurt you experienced a year before you lost your heart will resurface. However, it is only if your heart is ready can the lock me removed."

It sounded very tempting. To no longer feel this pain, to stop doubting my friends, that's something I want to go away. But- "That would mean I would never truly remember him," I said out loud much to her surprise. "Every single one of my memories is important. Yes, it will hurt. I knew the moment I almost lost against one of the Fragments that I was never truly ready." I place a hand to where my heard it and tightly clutch the cloth of my shirt. "I've been questioned almost all the time if I'm ready to remember everything... I was telling the truth when I said I was, but I also admitted my fear in learning the truth. Sora promised he'd help me make happy memories to fill in the gaps. He wouldn't make such promises if there was a reason." I will apologize. I won't get angry anymore.

"Whatever memories I'll see, I'll accept them!" I declare, this time with much conviction in my voice. She was about to say something until Phil walks in. "Alright kid, looks like it's just you and-" He stops when he sees me with my keyblade out. "Everything alright?" My attention goes to him then to the spot where I last saw the Forgotten. "Yeah... Yeah..." I said, a bit unsure as I de-summon Starlight.

The entire audience was yelling at the top of their lungs as Akari stepped into the coliseum. She was nervous. Before, the crowds merely cheered because she was there to compete. Now it's like a sudden spark had lit up in all of them. Taking a few cautious steps forward, Akari took deep breaths as she approached the center of the arena. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! THE FIGHT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! DEFENDING CHAMPION FROM AN UNKNOWN LAND-" Her heart practically jumps when the booming voice enters her ears. "AKARI!" There was clapping and cheering from all around.

Though somewhat shy at the attention, Akari manages to smile and wave. "NOW AGAINST A NEW UNDERDOG! GIVE IT UP FOR-" She looks around the area, confused at the sudden drumroll from a very absent band. "JADE!" Once again, her heart jumps, but this time when her opponent literally drops from the sky and lands on the ground. The earth shook for a moment at the harsh impact, nearly causing Akari to look her balance. Before her stood a girl, somewhat older than her. Her clothes almost remind me that of a soldiers', though it was a blue, dark blue on some parts of her clothes.. The thing that stood out the most from her clothing was her Fenrir necklace.

Jade takes a few steps forwards, walking in a circle with her arms stretched out as she accepted the cheers. She began to gloat without looking at Akari, "Seems like the crowd already knows who's the next champion! You'll be nothing but a pancake by the time I'm done with you!" Akari scratches her cheek and innocently tilts her head to the side. "Wouldn't it be best if we just shook hands and wish each other luck?" "What?! What kind of idiot would-" The second Jade turns her head, she could almost feel her eyes pop out and her heart stop beating when she saw who was her opponent. "YOU!?" exclaims the girl before slapping a hand over her mouth.

"Uh... Have we met?"

"Huh? Oh, OH. NONONONO!" Jade frantically waves her hands. "This is our first time! Of course we haven't met! If we have I would have told you!"

This is the last place she ever thought Akari would be. After watching the over-protective Protector, Jade was sure that the Purest of all Hearts would be kept away from this world. A world filled with violence. Though the others were the same, the residences of the current world was very accepting of it. A thing which should have temporarily steered them away. Akari extends a hand. "I know you already know my name, but I'm Akari. No matter who wins, I hope we have fun." Although skeptical of her action, Jade walks over and takes her hand. "A little weird to be friendly to your potential enemy," she said with a raised brow.

Akari simply shrugs,"A friend of mine does it all the time. Well not to enemies, but is really friendly with a lot of people."

She lets got and digs into her shirt, taking out the half seashell that was attached to the silver chain necklace.

"A friend and I recently got into a fight. I feel like if I put myself in his shoes, understand how he thinks, then I'd feel closer to him."

"Heh. Fair enough," Jade smirks before summoning her weapon. Akari dodges to the side the second the other raises her warhammer above her head. A quick second after, Jade slams head to the ground. And just like when she landed, the ground violently trembles from the strong force. Akari raises her keyblade to block when Jade twists the hammer so that the sharp end was pointed and swung in her direction. The sound of screeching metal hit her ears before she was send flying back. Twisting her hips in mid-air so she could flip, Akari was surprised to see her opponent already directly below her. Playfully twirling the handle with one hand, Jade jumps and lands the blunt side of the weapon against Akari's abdomen.

All the air was knocked out of her lungs before she could breathe. Pulling her by her shirt so that she was below her, Jade moves around mid-air then proceeds to downward kick using the heel of her right foot against Akari. Akari slams on her back. Pain shot through her spine then the rest of her body. Her vision was completely blurred. It took her a moment to regain her vision, and at the exact moment she did, Jade was diving straight back down. Akari barely had time to raise Starlight to block Jade's attack. Pushing against her weight, Akari lets out a yell as she pushes back and kicks the other on the shin. She hisses in pain and forces herself back as Akari forces herself off the ground.

Seeing that Jade was still in pain, Akari took this chance to throw everything she's got. After a few strikes to the body, she slides around to Jade's back before she could retaliate. It surprised Akari just how fast her opponent was despite the massive size of her warhammer. She performs an upper slash at the latter's back and partially sends her up into the air. I jump, striking her a few times before landing and jumping away. Jade doesn't even try to properly land. There was a loud thump when she hits the floor. Akari grimaces at the way Jade stood. Wiping her mouth, Jade comments, "You're pretty good. Didn't think you had it in you..."

Akari flashes a playful smile as she held her hand up, repeatedly curling her four fingers, enticing her to come at the girl.

"C'mon, don't tell me that's all you got!" she taunts in between pants.

"Hah! I should be saying that to you! I can barely feel your hits!"

This felt familiar to Akari. Their playful exchange reminded her of something. A time where there wasn't anything to worry; no heartless or the fear of the end of the world. Eventually, they brought themselves to re-engage. As they kept fighting, it was then and there did notice the difference in their heights. She was so focused on the last hammer that she failed to notice. "You're a bit short..." It just slipped out. This causes Jade to freeze. Akari hadn't entirely realized what she had said until she noticed how still her opponent was. Seeing her face turn red, Akari knew then and there she had messed up.

While they were fighting, Sora and the others just arrived after their failed attempt in talking to Hades. Goofy and Donald slump on the ground, dead tired from having to fight with much of their skills degraded. Sora should have been the most tired as he had fought against Cerberus. He may have had help from an unexpected ally, it was a long battle. The main reason why he wasn't as tired as the two was because of Akari, she wasn't in the foyer like he expected. Panic began to fill his thoughts. He was about to go and search until he heard cheering from the outside. Curious, he carefully limps towards the arena and was amazed at what he was seeing.

Akari was holding her own well against Jade, something which she too was surprised at. Despite how beaten and tired she was, she still held her ground. Sora continued to watch and noticed something he hadn't seen in a long time. She was having fun. Their time together back at the Island was simple, however, there were days when the boys wanted to test their individual skills. Akari wanted to join while Kairi and Selphie chose to watch from the sidelines. He hasn't seen her smile like that in a long time. And he's hoping she'd continue to smile like that until she regains all of her memories.

To Be Continued

Merry Christmas everyone! And a happy new year! A lot has happened recently and I almost fell into deep depression. Thankfully, I have great friends who are always there for me. Happy holidays guys!