Traverse Town………
"Make sure you're prepared for the journey ahead of you," Leon told the trio. "We don't know how far the Heartless have spread." They were walking back to the first district from the third.
"Check out the shops here. They've got some pretty neat stuff!" added Yuffie.
"And this is from all of us," finished Aerith, handing Sora 100 munny. "Spend it as you see fit."
"Wow, thanks," said Sora.
"And this is from Leon," continued Aerith, handing an Elixir to Sora.
Sora accepted it, wondering why Leon didn't hand it to him himself. Sora glanced over at the rather silent man, but one look dissuaded him from asking that question.
"Good luck!" encouraged Yuffie.
"I hope you find your friends," said Aerith.
Leon gave them all a look. "Look out for each other. Keep your spirits up."
"We will," agreed Goofy.
"We've got to find the king," added Donald.
"And Kairi and Riku," said Sora.
"Then let's get going," said Donald. "The Gummi Ship is outside the gate."
"The what?" asked Sora.
"That's our ship," explained Donald. Sora was slowly getting used to his heavy duck accent and understanding more of what he said.
"Wait till you see it!" exclaimed Goofy.
"Okay!" exclaimed Sora, his face lighting up at the thought of being able to find his friends. He started to walk towards the gate out of Traverse Town.
"Hold on, Sora," called Donald. "This is for you." He held out his wand.
"What is it?" asked Sora.
Donald groaned. "Hold out your Key."
Sora did, uncertainly. Donald touched the Keyblade with his wand. Sora gasped in surprise as what felt like a bolt of thunder leapt down his weapon.
"There! Now you know the Thunder spell!" said Donald Duck, proudly.
"T-thanks!" replied Sora, a bit surprised.
"You can use the Keyblade as a focal point for many magic spells," explained Aerith. "Magic starts small, and increases with your strength, just like physical strength, so you should work on your magic strength as well as your physical strength when you fight."
Sora nodded, only half listening to her explanation. "How do I use the spell?"
"You'll know, when the time comes, you'll know," said Yuffie.
"Okay," said Sora. "Thanks Donald, I'll use it well."
Goofy leaned over and whispered in Sora's ear. "It's the only spell he knows right now too." Sora and Goofy both repressed chuckles.
Donald didn't hear the comment and continued on, "Now that you can use magic, too, Goofy, give him the other thing."
"What?"
"You know!"
"Oh, yeah!" exclaimed Goofy. "Lemme show you this. It's an ability. Abilities are physeecal moves you can use in battle. This is what I like to call Dodge Roll." Goofy demonstrated the move, which involved a half dive to the ground followed by an immediate roll. "This gets you away from the Heartless."
"Okay, like this?" asked Sora, mimicking him.
"Right! You've got it!" exclaimed Goofy, happily. "Abilities allow you to do all sorts of things. Guess we should practice them along the way, huh?" Sora nodded, eagerly.
Yuffie and Aerith giggled at the performance. Leon merely crossed his arms and returned to their room at the hotel.
"Good luck again," said Aerith with a smile, following him.
"Show those Heartless who's boss!" added Yuffie, leaving with her friends.
"Thanks," said Sora, waving good-bye to them. He turned back to his newest friends. "Okay, is that it? Let's get going!"
"Not till we're ready," cautioned Donald. "We need to get supplies!"
"Right," agreed Sora, trying not to sound any less eager. "Well then, let's head to the shops!"
"You know, I heard something about a family needing help in the third district," said a small voice. Sora looked around for the speaker, but saw no one.
"Okay Jiminy, let's go find them," commented Goofy, heading back where they came from.
"Jiminy?" echoed Sora, but Donald and Goofy were pulling ahead, so he had to hurry to catch up with them.
The first two seemed to know where they were going easily. Sora followed them, a bit clueless, but determined to stick with them. They entered the house the voice had mentioned. Unlike the other places in Traverse Town, this house was set up like a Victorian House on the inside, with plush furniture and even a piano. There didn't appear to be any people in the house, only two sad-looking Dalmatians.
"What is this place?" asked Sora.
"Aww, poor guys," said Goofy, bending down to Pongo and Perdita.
"Huh?"
"What are you talking about, you big palooka?"
"Their 99 puppies were lost amid the chaos of their world's destruction," answered Goofy, who could understand the Dalmatians, being a dog himself. "We should help find them!"
"99?!" gasped Sora, jaw dropping.
"We have enough to find," complained Donald. "The King, and the report, and…"
"We should help," said Sora, scratching Perdita behind the ears. "It's hard to lose friends, and I would want someone to help me find Riku and Kairi if I couldn't."
"I agree," said Goofy. "Besides, we're already going to different worlds in the first place."
Seeing himself outnumbered, Donald groaned, shrugged, and complied. "Okay, okay, but we'll never find anything if we don't get going."
"Right," agreed Sora, looking at the canine parents one more time. "Don't worry, we'll help find your puppies."
Perdita and Pongo barked hopefully.
"You're very welcome," answered Goofy.
"Come on, come on," grumbled Donald, impatiently. "We need to get our supplies and go. Where is the Item Shop?"
"I know where the Item Shop is!" said Goofy. "Follow me." They did so, walking all the way back to the first district and into a brightly lit shop.
Inside three young ducklings were behind the counter, running the place.
"Huey?! Dewey?! Louie?!" exclaimed Donald.
"Hey Uncle D," they all greeted.
"Triplets?" asked Sora, rhetorically, raising an eyebrow.
"What will it be today, Uncle D?" asked Huey, leaning on the countertop.
The store itself was small but cozy. There was the counter, which took up a better portion of the store. Three stools were behind it. A rectangular table was against the opposite wall, filled with bottles of Potions and Hi-Potions. Shelves laden with other goods to buy circled the wall at a low level, so the shopkeepers could reach them.
"Hi-ya boys," greeted Goofy, cheerily. "We would like…"
"I don't know if this is a good idea," said Donald, eyeing up his nephews, before taking a few steps to the door.
"I'm sure it's okay," said Sora, picking up three Potions. "We'd like these."
"Ohhh," exclaimed Goofy, noticing a line of shields on the walls.
"Oh brother," groaned Donald.
"I'd like one of these here things," said Goofy, peering as close as his snout would allow. His face fell at the price tags though. He ended up selecting the cheapest one, the Stout Shield. He picked it off of the wall and set it beside the Potions on the counter.
Donald was about to interfere with the transaction when a display caught his eye. It was a line-up of wands, staffs, and hammers on one shelf in the corner. Trying to act nonchalant, he walked over and examined them. It was clear by the gleam in his eye that he was very interested in the wares, but again, due to wallet restrictions, he selected the cheapest, telling himself he would come back when they had more munny. He picked up the Morning Star wand and set it with the other stuff on the counter, making poor eye contact.
They handed over the munny needed to pay for their equipment and medicine, and headed back into Traverse Town.
"Okay, let's go," said Donald, twirling the wand through the air and showering the ground with sparks.
"Sure," agreed Goofy, striking a pose with his newest shield. It was heavier than the last, but would provide better protection.
"Hey, one moment guys," said Sora, noticing the Accessory Shop. "I need to go see someone." With that he hurried across the square to the shop. Donald and Goofy exchanged a look, shrugged, and followed him.
Sora strolled into the Accessory Shop. "Hey gramps."
Cid didn't even look up. "I told you before kid, it's Cid. So did you find your friends yet?"
Sora shook his head, looking down slightly as Cid turned around. "No, I didn't, but I did make two new friends, and together we're going to find all of our friends."
"Sounds like one of the better plans I've heard," replied Cid. "You are stocking up for your trip, right."
"Yes we are, Mr. Cid," answered Goofy. Cid didn't even bat an eye at their unusual appearance.
"Might want to see what I've got," suggested Cid, who was examining something one of the Moogles handed him. "It's about time he's preparing himself."
"Thanks," said Sora, offering a smile before glancing at the various items on the wall.
Goofy already was trying on an Ability Stud. Donald was considering a Thunder Ring, but thought it would be a better idea to save his munny for Potions in the future. Sora glanced over the wares, and couldn't seem to make heads or tails of it. He hid his confusion with feigned interest. They all browsed a bit, but it was only Goofy who bought anything.
"Cheer up, I'm sure you'll find your friends," said Cid when they had finished. "Just don't give up."
"Thanks Cid," replied Sora.
"You three had better be careful, the way between worlds is getting rougher," said Cid as they headed to the door.
"Sure, sure…" Donald brushed off the warning.
"We will, Mr. Cid," said Goofy, being the last one out.
"Good luck," muttered Cid under his breath, repeating himself again. "You're going to need it.
Once more, the trio entered the square.
"I think we're ready to go," said Sora, feeling the weight of the Potions in his pocket.
"Hey, what's this here thing?" asked Goofy, walking over to one of the strange markings Sora had noticed before. It was three hearts, united in a circle.
"I have no clue," answered Sora, standing over it with him.
"I thought we were…woah!" shouted Donald. He had joined them above the mark. The instant all three of them were over the Trinity Mark, it flared to life. There was the sound of metal hitting the pavement stones. When the light faded, 75 munny coins were laying at their feet.
"Woah…"
"Ohh."
"Wow!" they exclaimed, quickly retrieving the coins.
"That's the power of friendship," said a small voice.
"Who said that?" asked Sora, jerking up.
"I did," said the speaker, who was sitting on Goofy's shoulder. "Jiminy Cricket's the name, key bearer. The stronger friendship becomes, the more you can do with it. That Trinity Mark is just one way to prove that. But you'll find others, I'm sure of it. And the strongest forms can't be seen."
"T-thanks," said Sora, a bit surprised by the newest character. "I wonder if that would happen for Riku, Kairi and me…"
"Now can we go to the ship?" asked Donald.
"Yeah, let's go," said Sora. "Lead the way." He gestured to the gates of the city.
"Follow me Sora," said Goofy, the first to leave the city. Donald and Sora followed closely.
"Well, I see big adventures coming our way," thought Jiminy Cricket. "Looks like it's up to me to keep track of it all in my journal!"
Crossroads……
"It's about time for y'all to get going," said Sylvia, a slight bit of her southern accent showing through. "Y'all had better be ready, the Heartless are relentless." They had made it back into the four-way crossing where they had originally started.
"We've got some stuff back in our shop that can help," suggested Sonya. "You should visit us from time to time."
"Besides, we'll help where we can," added Sasha, falling into triplet-speak.
"Like this," said Sonya, handing Verity 100 munny. "Use it as you need it."
"And trust us, you'll need it," added Sylvia.
"Thanks, everyone," said Verity, offering a smile to the five girls there. But she got as far as Sadia's scowl before the smile faded.
"You'll also need this," said Sasha, handing Verity an Elixir. "It will help with those scratches the Huntress gave you, and the next time you get into a brawl." Verity looked a bit apprehensive about the warning that came with this gift.
"Good luck," said Sonya.
"I'm sure you'll find the answers you seek, so you had better prepare yourself," added Sylvia.
"Prepare yourself for the truth," elaborated Sasha.
"Keep an eye on each other too," said Sonya, addressing Verity, Kermit, and Gonzo.
"Yes, ma'am!" exclaimed Gonzo, giving her a goofy salute.
"You had better not let your light fade," growled Sadia, glancing at the Divining Wand. Then she glared across the circle of people to Sylvia. "We have enough shadows already."
"The Pipsy Ship is just outside of town," said Kermit.
"You'll need supplies first," said Sonya, walking into their shop.
"You'll need to learn how to fight," glowered Sadia, following, one hand on her spear.
"She's horrible!" exclaimed Verity with a shudder.
"Don't let the Huntress get to you," said Sylvia. "Like I said before, most of it is an act with her. She doesn't like trusting anyone."
"She likes you least of all," observed Verity.
"Let's not get into that now," said Sylvia. "You three have your own task to worry about. You need to stop the spread of darkness to the worlds with your light."
"And we need to report it all to Lady Piggy," added Kermit.
"You'll do fine," said Sasha as she and Sylvia returned to 'Bishoffs' Odds and Ends.'
"The Pipsy Shop awaits," said Kermit. "But first we need supplies."
"Cool! What food can we buy with this cash?" asked Rizzo, eagerly.
"We're definitely going to need more medicine," commented Verity. "And maybe something like armor…" The slash across her stomach throbbed slightly.
"I can teach you something that will prevent such injuries in the future, truth-seeker," said Kermit.
"Really?" asked Verity, curious.
"It's an ability," explained Kermit. "Abilities are physical moves that you can use, so they won't drain your magic skill, which I think you'll need for your wand. Watch, this is the Frog Hop, I came up with it myself." He ducked low to the ground, until he was crouching, keeping his head up for enemies. Then he leapt to the side, still crouched low, so to avoid a high attack and gain a more advantageous position. He got more distance in his hop than any human could ever get.
"Hmmm…" said Verity, thoughtful. "Could you show me again?"
"Yes my lady," agreed Kermit, again repeating the ability.
"Am I doing it right?" asked Verity, crouching low with her Divining Wand in front of her at a guard angle. She lunged to the side, feeling another throb in her abdomen.
"Not bad for a first time," said Kermit. "I am sure you will get better with it as you use it more."
"That was cool!" exclaimed Gonzo, mimicking them. But he tripped over his feet and ended up in a bright-eyed heap. Rizzo sighed and shook his head.
"It will take more than this realm to win," said a low voice from behind Verity. Verity turned around and came face to face with Saskia's haunted eyes. Verity hadn't noticed that she had not returned with the others.
"T-t-this realm?" stammered Verity, unnerved by her sudden appearance.
"The body is not enough, it takes the soul, the mind, the heart," continued Saskia, a bit distantly. "It takes inner strength—magic."
"Ohh…"
"Hold out the staff."
Verity glanced Saskia over, but had to stop when she got to her eyes. Saskia's eyes were like two voids, pulling in everything. Verity looked away and held it out. Saskia placed a hand over the Divining Wand. Verity felt a sudden icy chill shoot down her wand, sending goose-bumps down her arm.
"Blizzard will help you just as much as summon light to disperse shadows," continued Saskia. "Maybe even more in the right situation."
Verity was a bit surprised that she was talking so much, considering all she had seen Saskia do was hide in the darkness. But then she observed that Saskia did seem a bit uneasy about getting attention and being away from her secure corners.
"Cooool!" exclaimed Gonzo, walking over, examining her wand. "Can I see the spell?"
"Well…erm…" stammered Verity. She looked at him, but when she looked up, Saskia was gone. "Where did she…?"
"Shall we finish our preparations so that we can finish the quest Lady Piggy sent us on?" asked Kermit.
"Right, let's go!" exclaimed Gonzo.
"First we need supplies, and those sisters sounded like they would have what we needed," commented Verity. She turned towards the Odds and Ends shop, then hesitated. She did not want to run into Sadia again.
"Allow me, my lady," said Kermit, opening the door for her.
"Welcome back," greeted Sonya with a smile. She was behind the counter. Sasha and Sylvia sat on the table. Saskia was already back in her corner. Sadia was on a stool, polishing her spearhead.
"H-hello," replied Verity. "We were thinking that we…er…we want some Potions for our trip."
"I'll give her credit for thinking ahead," said Sasha, standing up and walking over to a shelf lined with bottles.
"Do you have a better weapon I can buy?" asked Kermit, holding out his dulling sword.
Three identical grins broke out. "Hon, if there's one thing we know, it's weapons," commented Sylvia. She walked over to a dagger and sword display, talking through each one with him.
"Funny nose, want something to help your defense in battle?" asked Sonya to Gonzo.
"Okay!"
"Here, take these, on the house," said Sonya, pulling out a pair of Brawny Cuffs from under the table. "I think they're your size. Put them on your wrists and they'll help you use your shield better."
"Wow! Thanks!" exclaimed Gonzo.
"Don't mention it," said Sonya, with an unmistakable grunt from Sadia.
"This is perfect, thank you," said Kermit to Sylvia as he tested a long Engraved Sword.
Sylvia smiled. "I have a fascination with sharp objects myself. When your strength and skill gets built up, I'll help you find an even better weapon."
"The sword and these Potions," said Verity to Sasha, who had taken her sister's place behind the counter.
Sasha closed her eyes and did the mental math, giving Verity the total. Verity handed her the munny and pocketed the Potions.
"We can hand out the medical supplies when we have a moment to sort through everything we have between us," explained Verity, turning to her new companions.
"Okay, cool," agreed Gonzo.
"Can you do us a favor?" asked Sylvia.
"A favor?" echoed Verity.
Sylvia bent down under the counter and pulled out a small, sharp metal fragment. "This used to be part of a sword that belong to a brave warrior."
"The sword was broken when he fought against the darkness," said Sasha.
"Eventually the warrior fell to darkness too, but the sword survives, in pieces," said Sonya.
"This sword is needed to beat the darkness enveloping the world it came from," continued Sylvia. "That's why the Heartless scattered it so far. We are forbidden to gather it's pieces."
"But you're not," finished Sonya.
"Can you please find the pieces of the sword and return them to its rightful heir so that it can be reforged?" they asked in unison.
"Woah…that is so neat!" exclaimed Gonzo, examining it.
Verity seemed a bit hesitant about touching a weapon, even just a small inch-long piece of one.
"Don't worry, truth-seeker," said Sadia, disdainfully. "It's not going to bite you." She snarled.
"It seems like we must, in order to help this world," stated Kermit.
"R-right," agreed Verity, a bit uncertainly.
"Trust your heart," said Sylvia, handing her the piece.
"I…okay," resigned Verity, accepting yet another quest.
"You'll do fine," assured Sonya.
"I hope I can handle all of this…" Verity said, quietly, thinking of all the tasks before her.
"Every journey starts with a single step," said Sasha.
"That is right," agreed Kermit. "We must be on our way."
"Again, good luck," said Sonya as they started to walk towards the door.
"You five are too kind, thank you for everything," said Kermit, who was the last out.
"You're welcome," three voices chimed as the door shut. The trio's footfalls faded quickly.
"Follow them," Sylvia said, but Saskia was already in the shadows on their trail. Sadia growled low and continued her work.
"Is this everything we'll need?" asked Verity, mentally checking off the list of things in her head.
"I believe so, my lady," said Kermit.
"We'll show those Heartless!" exclaimed Gonzo, striking a pose with his shield and cuffs.
"They are right though, we must take our first steps," said Verity, taking a deep breath. "Take me to your ship."
"This way, Verity," said Kermit, walking down the road that lead out of town.
"Another one of those strange marks…" commented Verity, glancing down at a blue marking by her feet as she passed. This one was three interlocking diamonds.
"Can I see?" asked Gonzo, eagerly, bending down next to her.
"I believe Fozzie might have mentioned something about 'friendship marks' or 'Trinity Marks,'" commented Kermit, joining them.
The Trinity Mark flared to life. Verity gasped in surprise, but managed to hold onto her wand, glad she had slipped the book into her pocket. Kermit let out a yelp as something solid hit his foot. Gonzo stared in amazement. The light faded.
"What was that?!" exclaimed Verity.
"Look," said Gonzo, picking up three more Potions. "These appeared!"
"That's impossible!" protested Verity. "Something cannot appear out of nothing, it's against the first law of thermodynamics!"
"That's the power of these markings," explained Kermit. "If I remember what the scholar said, these marks can only be opened by the hearts of three friends. They are the seal of treasure to aid those friends."
"Magic," summed Verity, trying not to groan. "But wait, of the three items in your dream, you choose magic. Why is it now bothering you?"
"What fortune!" finished Kermit. "Now, let's head to the Pipsy Ship and begin our quest!"
"Right behind ya!" exclaimed Gonzo as they all left the town.
"Oh, here we go again," Rizzo mentally groaned. "And I'm supposed to keep track of this madness? God spare my poor broken body, we're all in trouble."
Midridge……
"Have you thought of the preparations you'll need?" Hisui asked Lee, Link, and Elzad. "Give it careful thought, the Heartless are spreading." They were almost back to the town center.
"The shops here in town will be more than willing to help you there," agreed Dr. Shuichiro.
"We want to help too," chimed chibi Kohaku.
"So we have this gift for the three of you," said Hisui, handing the new trio 100 munny. "Use it for your journey."
"Wow! Thanks!" exclaimed Lee, truly surprised and grateful.
"Don't forget about this," added Kokuyo, handing him an Elixir.
"Gag me with warm fuzzies," grumbled Koryu. He was ignored.
"We appreciate your kindness," replied Elzad.
"Good luck," said Hisui with a serene smile.
"I'm sure you'll find your friends," added Dr. Shuichiro. "So don't give up."
"Don't let those mean Heartless scare you either," said chibi Kohaku, in his arms. "EEP!" Koryu had shot a small spark of lightning at her for his own amusement.
"I'm ready to go," said Link. "The sooner we leave, the sooner I can find Zelda."
"Just be sure to stick together no matter what," cautioned Kokuyo.
"Come on, love," said Hisui, holding out her hand. The two went inside together.
"Awww," cooed Kohaku, as she and Shuichiro followed them.
"Gag me," groaned Koryu, flying off into the night, leaving the trio alone.
"Where is your ship at, Link?" asked Elzad.
"It's just passed the outskirts of town," Link answered.
"First we should check out the shops," commented Lee, adjusting the Guide Shield on his arm. "They're right, we need to be prepared."
"It's going to take more than some trinkets to prepare you," grumbled Link.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Lee.
"You can't win a battle by defending," repeated Link.
"I'm not here to fight battles, I'm here to find my friends," snapped Lee, trying not to let his anger flare.
"I know, I know, you've said that enough," complained Link. "But the Heartless are still after the Guide Shield and you, pathfinder, so you'll have to be ready to stop them. I'll show you something that can help that. It's an ability."
"Ability?" echoed Elzad and Lee.
"An ability is a move that is used for fighting the Heartless," explained Link. "This one is the Shield Thrust. Hold out your Guide Shield at an incoming attack, keeping most of your body crouched behind it. Then in a short motion use it to throw the Heartless to the ground the moment they strike. It takes timing, but it is effective when done right."
"Thanks," replied Lee, a bit surprised by the helpfulness of his new companion. But if Link was willing to help him and become friends, Lee was willing to do the same. "Like this?" He demonstrated the move.
"Wait until the last possible moment, cause that's when the Heartless drop their guard," said Link. "But it was…okay besides that."
"Thanks again," said Lee.
"I have something for you too," interrupted Elzad. "The Guide Shield can be used as a focal point for magic. I'll show you how, though I only know one spell myself."
"I can do magic?" gaped Lee.
Elzad nodded. "Here, let me show you, just hold out the shield." Lee did so, and Elzad touched the center of it with his wand. Lee could feel energy course through his fingertips, run through his body, and disperse into the air around him. He felt as if his hair was standing on its absolute end from the jolt.
"That's the Thunder spell," continued Elzad. "It will get stronger as you do. I'll help you with magic as I learn more too."
"Wow, thanks!" exclaimed Lee.
"Well, it helps beat Heartless," muttered Link. "Can we get going now?"
"No, we still need to visit the shops," replied Lee. "I remember seeing one when I first got here. And now that we have some munny, we can see what they have that we can buy."
"It sounds like a plan," agreed Elzad, crossing his arms.
"Then let's stop standing around here," said Link.
"Okay, this way," said Lee, leading them to the Accessory Shop. As he opened the door, a bell above it rang.
"Lee! You're back!" exclaimed Julin. "Did you find your friends?"
"No…" said Lee, sadly. "But the three of us are going together to find them."
"Good luck to all of you," said Kalin, smiling. "Is there anything we can help you with?"
"Well, we need some medicine, and some basic survival equipment, like food, matches, tents…" started Lee.
"This isn't a camp-out trip," grumbled Link. "The Foxstar is fully equipped with most stuff like that. Just give us some Potions."
"Hina!" exclaimed Kalin's bunny, handing Link a daisy, trying to brighten his mood. Link looked down at the tiny creature a bit surprised, but said nothing.
"Don't be stressed, I am sure things will change for the best," said Julin. "If you want some Potions, the Item Shop down the street has those."
"A better weapon can prevent needing medicine," remarked Seilin, a bit disdainfully.
"There is truth to that statement," commented Elzad. "Do you sell wands?"
"Yes, we do," said Seilin. "That's Kalin's department."
"They're back here," said Kalin, walking to the back wall with Elzad.
"This is taking too much time," grumbled Link.
"Do you want something to increase your speed?" asked Julin. "These Swift Anklets will help. My old training master told me how they focus Chi and turn it into energy, which increases speed."
"Really?" asked Link, who couldn't help but be curious. "I'll buy them."
"And this too," added Elzad, returning with Kalin and a Jaded Wand.
They made the transaction.
"Thanks," smiled Julin.
"No, thank you," replied Elzad.
"Wait, before you go," called Seilin. The three stopped and turned to face her. "We need your help."
"Our help? Why?" asked Elzad.
"What do we need to do?" asked Lee.
Seilin reached to a top shelf and pulled out a jar and a box that was so far back it couldn't be seen from the ground. Each had ornate Chinese writing on it.
"What's that?" asked Link.
"This is part of a very dangerous game," explained Seilin. "It's called Dragon Cards."
"Dragon Cards?" echoed the trio.
"Dragon Cards used to be used as a final test, and the seal—the seal of light to guard their darkness— should never been broken otherwise," added Kalin.
"I don't see a seal," remarked Elzad.
"The seal has been broken, that's why," said Kalin. The three suddenly went silent. "We don't know who broke it, or who scattered it."
"Scattered it?" asked Lee.
Julin nodded. "The Dragon Cards themselves are missing. There's five elements of dragons; earth, fire, water, metal, and wood, as well as five levels for each element, making twenty-five kinds of cards. And there's three types of each card, so seventy-five cards are missing."
"We need you to find the cards," said Seilin. "If you don't…" She actually shuddered.
"What happens?" asked Lee, a bit nervous.
"Darkness will befall the land where the seal was broken, and the dragons' rage will be relentless," said Julin.
"We can't let that happen!" exclaimed Elzad. "I bet that the Heartless are behind it!"
"We think so too," agreed Kalin.
"We'll do it," said Lee.
"Yes, no one else should feel the loss the Heartless bring," agreed Link.
"Thank you," said Julin. "You can keep the cards you find in the box. But be careful with the soul jar."
"Soul jar?" asked Lee.
"The soul jar is the only way known to calm the dragons," explained Seilin. "Once the cards are gathered, two people must play a dark game which will result in the death of the loser to satiate the dragons. Normally, the cards wouldn't be scattered in the first place, and the game would begin immediately, but the Heartless always have to mess things up."
"Someone has to die?!" gasped Lee. "What kind of choice is that? Someone dying or the world trapped in darkness?"
"There may be one way to prevent that," said Julin. "The girl who gave us this box and jar had one of the cards in her possession. She said she was forbidden to gather the cards herself, but if the complete set was brought to her, she claims to know a way to calm them without anyone suffering."
"Do you think that is possible?" asked Elzad. "Even without the cards, I can sense a powerful magic from within these artifacts."
"We have no reason to doubt her," stated Seilin.
"How will we find her if we do find all the cards?" asked Lee.
"She has one of the cards, if you look for the cards, you'll find her. Luckily, the final game won't begin until all the cards are present," explained Seilin.
"Zelda is our first priority," said Link. "We'll keep an eye out for these cards, but she comes first."
"Thank you," said Julin. "You have no idea how much this means." She handed the box and jar to Lee. He could feel something dark the moment he touched them, chilling his insides.
"You three had better get started," said Kalin. "You have a lot that you must do."
"Right, we'll do our best, for everyone," said Lee.
"It sounds now like we really need to be equipped well," commented Elzad.
"Good luck," said Julin.
"Come on, let's see that Item Shop down the street," said Lee, walking to the door.
"Then can we go?" asked Link.
"Okay," agreed Lee.
The stepped out onto the gravel street, each lost in his own thoughts. Lee was looking down slightly, feeling guilty about not knowing where his friends were. Because of this, he was the only one to notice a blue symbol on the ground as they passed. It was three spades, circling each other.
"What's this?" asked Lee.
"Oh my!" exclaimed Elzad, bending down to examine it. "I've heard of these. It's a low-level Trinity Mark. According to what I've studied, when three people unite by one of these, it unlocks a magic seal. That seal may contain items, or even teleport the three people a small distance."
"Weird…" said Lee. "Things seemed a lot simpler at home."
"There's three of us, let's try it," said Elzad.
"We don't exactly have time to be wasting," grumbled Link.
"I have a feeling this will be worth it," said Elzad. "It can also act as a test, to see if the three of us are united enough to face the dangers ahead."
"I'm in," agreed Lee. "Nothing bad will happen, right?"
"Not that I know of."
"Fine, fine, I'm in," said Link, walking over. "But let's just…!" The Trinity Mark flared to life before he could finish. They all gasped in surprise, clearly not expecting this sort of result. But the light faded quickly enough, leaving them with an Elixir.
"Wow…" was all Lee could say. That was all any of them could say for a long moment.
"I guess that means we are ready for the dangers ahead," said Elzad, picking up the Elixir.
"Er…yeah," admitted Link.
They continued down the street. The Item Shop wasn't too hard to find. It had big front windows and a sign above the door. The trio entered. Two people were in the shop. One was a blonde young lady with big blue eyes. She was wearing a nurse's outfit, complete with apron and red cross hat. The boy was a bit younger, wearing a trench coat with six glowing blue orbs in it.
"Oh, hello, welcome. My name is Ling Ling," greeted the girl the moment the guests entered their shop. "This is Narutaki. We run the Item Shop here in Midridge." (AN/ From Steam Detectives by Kia Asamiya.) Narutaki waved and continued to work on the medium sized mecha in the corner of the room, Goriki.
"Hello, I'm Lee, and this is Link and Elzad," Lee replied. "The sisters in the Accessory Shop told us we could come here to buy Potions."
"That's right," replied Narutaki, grunting slightly as he tightened a bolt.
"Going on a trip?" asked Ling Ling as she reached under the counter for several bottled healers.
"Yes, we are," said Lee. "We're going to…" He got cut off when Elzad prodded him in the gut with his elbow.
"We need to be careful who we tell about our travels," Elzad hissed under his breath.
"I know why you're being careful," said Ling Ling. "With the Heartless attacks becoming so common, everyone has been buying Potions. Those Heartless are the reason Goriki got hurt." She gestured to the round, steam-powered mecha. "Goriki got into a stalemate battle against Guard Armor. We thought that if we beat it, the Heartless would go away."
"We did beat it," commented Link.
"I told you I hadn't seen many Heartless lately," said Narutaki, brushing the grease off of his hands and looking at Goriki.
"Wow, I'm impressed," said Ling Ling.
"Just glad to help," said Lee, a bit bashfully.
"The Potions?" asked Link.
"Oh right, how many?" asked Ling Ling.
"Three," answered Elzad. "We'll come back if we need more."
"Okay, thank you for shopping here," replied Ling Ling, accepting her munny.
"Thanks for helping us," replied Lee, picking up the Potions.
"Now can we go?" asked Link.
"Yeah, we've got everything I can think of," said Lee. "I just wish Adeola and Devan were here. They always think of things that I miss."
"We'll find them," assured Elzad as they exited the shop.
"I have to find Zelda," stated Link.
"Don't worry, we'll help you," said Elzad. "You two seem impatient enough, let's head to this ship."
"Follow me," said Link, starting towards the edge of town.
Ani-Intersection………
"Are you three prepared for your journey?" asked Suzumi.
"Well…erm…" they all stammered.
"That's something you'd better take care of," stated Yuhi. "The Heartless are everywhere, anymore." He tried not to look down the street, where Aya and Toya were walking down the street, hand in hand.
"Right, good idea," agreed Crysta.
"But where do we start?" asked Mario.
"I remember!" exclaimed Crysta. "What was her name…Meiko? She has an Accessory Shop in town."
"That's right," said Suzumi. "There is also an Item Shop and a Weapons Shop. I'll point them out to you when we get there."
"Thank you," replied Luigi.
"It's the least we can do," said Suzumi as they rounded another circular street to head back to the center of the spiral of the town. "We fixed your ship too, that is outside town where you left it."
"Thank you," replied Mario.
"And we can use that to travel between worlds?" asked Crysta.
"Yes," replied Yuhi.
"I never knew that old carriage could be used like that," commented Luigi.
"Here we are!" exclaimed Crysta. "The Accessory Shop."
"We'll leave you three alone," said Suzumi. "Good luck."
"Thanks," said Mario.
"And thanks for all your help," added Crysta as the two returned to their upper apartment.
Mario entered the shop with his brother, and Crysta hurried to catch up with them.
"Hello again," greeted Meiko. This time a slightly older man was with her. Crysta assumed he was her husband, Nachun. He had very short blond hair and wore glasses. He was several inches taller than her and wore completely common clothing.
"Hello Meiko," replied Crysta. "My new friends, Mario and Luigi, and I are going on a journey to find our friends. We decided to stock up before we leave."
"Sounds like a good plan," commented Nachun. "We sell items that increase physical abilities."
"Really?" asked Luigi. "Anything very useful and…er…cheap?"
"I'm sure we'll have something that can help you," smiled Meiko.
"Our accessories are designed to improve physical strengths," added Nachun. "Speed, defense, strength…"
"Anything that can help me fight better?" asked Crysta, a dangerous gleam sparking in her pale water-colored eyes.
"We have just the thing," remarked Meiko, pulling a small piece of jewelry off of a nail on the wall. "And it should be in your price range. This is a Power Bracelet, and I can guarantee it will help raise your strength when you fight."
"Wow, thanks," commented Crysta, trying it on. She never wore jewelry, never carrying for how it felt. But the Power Bracelet was different. It felt like it belonged on her arm. "I'll take it."
"We'll come back later," replied Mario and Luigi, who both had their eyes on some higher priced items.
"Thank you for coming here, and good luck," said Meiko as Crysta paid for her item.
"Do you know where the Item Shop is?" Mario asked.
"Down the street and to the right," answered Nachun.
"Thanks again," said Crysta, heading to the door.
"You're welcome," said the couple in unison as their customers left.
"I think we're going to need more Potions than what we have," said Luigi once they were outside.
"Then let's head to that Item Shop," suggested Crysta.
"I believe it is this way," said Mario, gesturing.
They walked together, in semi-silence, until Luigi noticed something on the ground and motioned for them all to stop. Crysta, confused, looked at the blue marking on the ground. It was a club, like from a deck of playing cards. Actually, there were three clubs, woven together by a circle.
"Strange…" she said.
"It's a Trinity Mark," commented Luigi. "I've heard that other worlds have these, but…"
At that moment the Trinity Mark flashed.
"What the?!" cried Crysta, tightening her grip on her Compass Razor, expecting danger. The light faded soon enough, leaving multiple gold coins scattered at their feet.
"Munny?!" they all gasped.
"That's right," said Luigi. "Trinity Marks are supposed to help three friends in need."
"Wow…" Crysta tried to keep her jaw from dropping.
"This is ours?" asked Mario.
"Yes," replied Luigi, already pocketing a few coins.
"Other worlds are so different," commented Crysta. "But I like it!"
"Did we get it all?" asked Mario. "Good, let's get going before we attract attention."
"Right," agreed the other two.
The Item Shop was right where Nachun had directed them. They entered. Two teenagers, about the same age as Crysta pulled back abruptly. Crysta was under the impression they had been kissing. The girl has short black hair and brown eyes and wore a daisy sweater with a matching skirt. The boy was blond and wore an open checkered shirt, white t-shirt, and jeans.
"H-hello," said the girl, a bit flustered. "C-can Yuu and I help you?"
(AN/ More Marmalade Boy characters.)
"Hello," replied Mario. "I'm Mario and this is my brother Luigi and our friend Crysta. We would like some healing items for a trip."
"You can handle that, Miki," said Yuu.
"Right," agreed Miki. "Do you want Potions? Hi Potions? Elixirs? Megalixirs?"
"Er…" stammered Crysta. She could handle weapons, but the minor details of preparations she always left to Tamsin and Faye.
"Just Potions," Luigi answered, bailing her out of the spotlight.
"Okay, how many?" asked Miki.
"Er…three," said Mario.
"Here you go," said Miki, handing them the bottles as they handed her the munny. "Thanks for coming here. Be sure to check out our friends' shops too."
"We will," agreed Crysta.
"Woah!" gasped Yuu. "It can't be." He just then spotted the Compass Razor cradled under her arm.
"Hmm?" asked Crysta.
"Oh my!" agreed Miki, following Yuu's gaze.
"What?" asked Luigi and Mario.
"We…er, have a favor to ask from the person who brings in a weapon like a Frisbee into this shop," answered Yuu.
"A favor? From me?" asked Crysta.
"Yeah," agreed Miki, pulling a tiny clear-pink gem shard out of her pocket. "This jewel used to belong to a much bigger one. The Heartless are seeking all the pieces of that jewel."
"What does it do? Why are they interested in it?" asked Luigi.
"You'll have to find that out on your own, because we have no idea," said Yuu. "But trust us when we say it cannot fall into their hands."
"How did you get it if you don't know what it does?" asked Crysta.
"A girl came into our shop one day and gave it to us," answered Miki. "Along with instructions to give it to you. She didn't seem to be able to keep it herself…I don't know…she was weird."
"She seemed to know what she was talking about though," added Yuu. "The Heartless showed up shortly after she left. Would you please look for the other pieces and return them to their rightful world?"
"Rightful world?" asked Mario.
Miki nodded. "Apparently, it came from a world that is under attack by the Heartless but not yet destroyed by them. The Heartless seized all the fragments and hid them…at least that's what she said. Since then the shards are scattered all over many worlds, they need to be restored to their rightful place before that world gets into real trouble."
"Okay, we'll do it," agreed Crysta, instantly, her eyes again glimmering with danger.
"A girl from the world it came from is waiting for you to return the fragments to her," added Miki, handing the tiny shard to Crysta.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Mario.
"I can sense power from it," commented Luigi. "I think we should get it back where it came from, and any other pieces as well."
"Okay…but how many pieces are there?" asked Mario.
"No clue," answered Yuu.
"Don't worry," said Crysta, pocketing the shard. "If you see that customer again, tell her this jewel is in good hands."
"We will," agreed Miki. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. We have to get going, we have one more shop to visit," said Crysta. A smile lit her face. "The Weapons Shop."
"That's two streets behind us," said Yuu.
"Thank you," said Mario, following Crysta to the door with his brother.
"This day has been one of the weirdest ever, but I am starting to enjoy it," said Crysta. "If only I knew if Faye and Tamsin were okay."
"Princess Peach might be in great danger," said Luigi.
"We must hurry and rescue her from darkness," agreed Mario.
"Right, let's find the last shop so we can go," said Crysta.
The Weapons Shop wasn't too hard to find. Crysta was beginning to get the hang of the spirally streets of Ani-Intersection. Like the other two shops, this one was brightly lit and looked welcoming. Crysta entered first and stopped abruptly. The walls inside were lined with her wildest dreams come true.
"Kitanas…shurikens…dirks…daggers…swords…" she was trying not to drool.
"Crysta?" called Mario.
"She's gone," commented Luigi.
"Er…can we help you?" asked one of the four people in the room. The speaker was a guy with short brown hair. He wore a red jacket over casual clothing.
"I see someone likes our weapons, Ginta," commented the girl he had been talking deeply to. She had short turquoise hair and a flirty look. She wore a short skirt and matching vest.
"I've noticed, Arimi," said the first speaker, Ginta, to the second.
"They came to the right place," said the other guy. He had green hair too, though his was darker than Arimi's. He had his back to the group, playing a piano in the corner.
"We'll handle this Kei, you can keep playing," said the last girl in the shop. She had long blonde hair and wore a stylish red dress with a matching top.
"Don't worry Suzu, I'll help them," said Ginta, stepping out from behind the counter. "What would you like to look at?"
(AN/ More Marmalade Boy characters.)
"All of them," answered Crysta, who was still wide-eyed.
"Er…a good shield for me," stammered Mario, a bit surprised by Crysta's zoned-outedness.
"We just got some in stock," said Ginta. "The shields are over here." He walked to the back wall with Mario.
"Crysta? Crysta?" Luigi called.
"Hmm?" she asked.
"Are you okay?"
"I just…er…really like swords and knives," she admitted, bashfully.
"Your weapon looks better than anything we stock," commented Arimi, noticing the Compass Razor.
"You think?" asked Crysta. Arimi nodded.
"She is right, the Compass Razor is unique," agreed Luigi. "And if we don't but too much, we can save our munny for our travels."
"Right…" resigned Crysta, a bit dejectedly.
"Travels? You're going somewhere?" asked Suzu.
"Be careful if you're leaving town," said Kei without missing a note on his piano. "The Heartless are worse out there."
"Thanks for the advice," replied Luigi.
Ginta and Mario returned to the counter as Mario purchased a Fisted Shield.
"Is there anything else we can help you with?" asked Arimi.
"No, we've got all we need for right now," answered Mario. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," replied Ginta.
"If you come back in a few days, Satoshi will be back with some more things," added Suzu.
"More knives?" asked Crysta, a bit too eagerly. Mario and Luigi saw that it would be best to pull her from the shop at this point in time.
"Crysta, are you sure you're okay?" asked Luigi.
"Yeah," replied Crysta. "Faye and Tamsin always teased me about my weapon obsession."
"Now I can see another reason for the Compass Razor choosing you as the guide," said Mario. "Here, I want to show you something that will help you fight with it."
"Really?" asked Crysta, perking up at the word 'fight.'
"It's an ability, which means you can do it with only your physical strength," said Mario. "I noticed when you fight you have to let go of your weapon, so this will help when the razor is away. It's called the Side Duck. You dodge low so an attack misses, then dart to your opponent's side, so you can strike it there, where it probably won't be prepared." Mario demonstrated this as he talked.
"Okay, I get it," said Crysta, trying the motion herself.
"It looked good," commented Luigi.
"You figured it out quickly. You seem to have good fighting instincts," said Mario.
Crysta smiled. "That's one of the best compliments I've ever had."
"I have something else that can help you in battle. It's the Thunder spell," said Luigi. "The Compass Razor has the power to help you focus spells."
"Magic?" asked Crysta, a bit surprised.
"Let me show you, hold out your razor," said Luigi. He held his wand over it when she did.
Crysta's eyes went wide as a flash of heat reverberated through her whole body. She felt like she had stepped into an inferno, but was not burned.
"Woah…" she stammered.
"Wait…that red aura…that was a Fire spell!" exclaimed Luigi.
"Fire? But how?" asked Mario.
"I…I am not sure," stammered Luigi. "Perhaps it is because Fire seems to fit her better?"
"Yeah…" agreed Crysta, still a bit overwhelmed. "Our choices have the power to change things."
"Well, now let's go and change the worlds," said Mario.
"Right, I'm dying to see this intergalactic ship and save my friends," agreed Crysta.
"And save Peach," added Luigi as they headed out of town.
"Those Heartless don't stand a chance," Crysta smiled wickedly, cradling her Compass Razor.
AN/ I've changed my plans several times since the disclaimer in the first chapter and probably will change them again. So I'll just disclaim characters and series as I go along. And, as always, please read, review, and enjoy!
AN2/ My friend and fellow author Ryumasa gave me the idea to include brief bios in mass crossover fics like this. So here it goes, to give y'all a better idea about the characters. If you want to know more e-mail me. This bio section is going to be a bit big, since it's semi-cumulative up until this point.
Sora: Sora, the Key-Bearer, is a young boy who lived on Destiny Islands with his pals Riku and Kairi. One day, his community was invaded by Heartless. With his home in shambles, Sora winds up in Traverse Town. Together with Goofy and Donald he must overcome the Heartless. (Kingdom Hearts)
Donald Duck: Royal wizard of the King's court, Donald is skilled with magic. One day Donald found a letter from the King explaining his departure. Donald set out with Goofy to find and assist the King in battle against the Heartless. (Disney)
Goofy: Although Captain of the royal knights of the King's court, Goofy avoids fighting whenever possible. Still, he is the King's most loyal subject, and sets out with Donald in the gummi ship to find the Keyblade master. (Disney)
Jiminy Cricket: Jiminy has been sent by Queen Minnie to accompany Goofy and Donald on their quest to locate the Keyblade and the King. Jiminy keeps track of all the events that occur and all the characters that the heroes meet on their journeys. He observes all that happens and records it for posterity. (Disney)
Huey, Dewey, and Louie: The three nephews of Donald are a troublesome trio. It's a wonder they've managed to set up and maintain an Item Shop in Traverse Town with all the chaos they've caused. Huey, the one in red, is often considered the leader. Dewey, the one in blue, is cheerful and easy-going. Louie, the one in green, tends to look after the details. (Disney)
Cid Highwind: A highly skilled engineer and first-rate pilot, Cid owns the Accessory Shop in Traverse Town and stocks it with his own custom made goods. He is also an expert on gummi ships. (Final Fantasy 7)
Leon: Leon's true name is Squall Leonhart. He's a graduate of SeeD Academy at Balamb Garden and captain of a highly trained squad and wielder of the Gunblade. However, Squall was unable to prevent the Heartless from conquering his home. (Final Fantasy 8)
Yuffie: The "greatest female ninja ever," Yuffie had to escape her home world when the Heartless took it over. Yuffie helps Leon and Aerith search Traverse Town for the secret of the Keyblade. (Final Fantasy 7)
Aerith: Aerith is a flower girl who lost her home to the Heartless when she was very young. She is a strong-willed but extremely gentle person from an Ancient race. Aerith assists Leon and Yuffie in their search for the secret of the Keyblade. (Final Fantasy 7)
Verity: Verity, the Truth-Seeker, is a curious, scientifically minded girl from Metro City. She loved to spend time with her science fiction loving friend Scott and fantasy loving friend Meg until her world was attacked by the Heartless. She ended up in Crossroads and joined forces with Kermit and Gonzo in a search for truth. (Original)Kermit: Kermit is the first knight of Lady Piggy. She chose him as her champion to travel to other worlds and look into the threat of the Heartless. She commissioned him to find the truth behind the Heartless and the worlds. Kermit is a bit on the nervous side about fighting, but will fight with his friends nonetheless. (Muppets)
Gonzo the Great: Gonzo is easily excitable and amazed by the unusual things from the other worlds. He seems a bit absent-minded, but is also loyal, defending his friends. Knight Kermit chose him as his traveling companion on his quest for truth. (Muppets)
Rizzo the Rat: Rizzo was sent to join Kermit and Gonzo and record their findings for the royal library, run by scholar Fozzie. Rizzo would much rather prefer to be somewhere safe than in the middle of the Heartless battle. However, he has found that he likes other worlds' food. (Muppets)Sylvia: Her full name is Sylvia Sarah Bishoff, "the princess of the forest," but her sisters call her Sly. She is the oldest of the Bishoff triplets. She is a skilled fighter and came with her friends and sisters to Crossroads to halt the progress of the Heartless before they could spread to any more worlds, including their own. Sylvia loves danger and has a darker personality than her sisters. (Original)
Sasha: Sasha is the middle Bishoff sister, nicknamed Wolf. She is a computer hacker who always provides the trio with knowledge on the situations they get into. She is more calculating than the others, and can often size a person up with one glance, though she prefers not to be with people. (Original)
Sonya: Sonya is the youngest of the Bishoff trio, who call her Blondie, and also the most carefree. She tends to be more relaxed and welcoming than her sisters. Like her sisters, she is fiercely loyal and a highly skilled fighter. However, they and their friends, Sadia and Saskia, are bound by forces that prevent them from helping out as much as they want to. (Original)
Sadia: Sadia, the Huntress, is a highly aggressive fighter who knows how to hold a grudge. The Rules of her world forced her to team up with the Bishoff sisters and Saskia against her wished. Sadia's biggest grudge is against Sylvia. She also does not like people getting to know her. She knows what needs to be done and will do it, but will also scare everyone away in the process. (Original)
Saskia: Saskia has known true terrors in her past, before the Heartless came. She first joined with Sonya, then the rest. She hides it well, but she has strong powers, but prefers to remain hidden in the shadows. (Original)
Lee: Lee, the Pathfinder, came from the Forgotten Forest, a park his family camped at every summer with his friends', Adeola's and Devan's, families. He is very loyal to his friends, and has been concerned about them since the Heartless separated them. Lee wound up in Midridge with Link and Elzad. Together they want to find their friends and fight the Heartless. (Original)
Link: Link is a hero in his own world, and swore to protect Zelda, the princess he had fallen in love with. But she was kidnapped after the Heartless ambushed his world. Link joined up with Lee in order to find Zelda and restore harmony to his world. However, he is still adjusting to teamwork. (Zelda)
Elzad: Elzad is still a bit of a mystery. He showed up when Lee and Link were in great need and saved them with his magic spells. The Heartless destroyed his world, and now he seeks revenge. He also wants to protect other worlds from the fate of his own. (TBR)
Kohaku: Kohaku is an angel who got trapped in a tree. Shuichiro rescued her and she promised him one wish in return. However, he claims to have no wish to grant. So Kohaku is staying with him until he decides (and in the meantime is falling in love with him). Kohaku has yet to master all of her spells, so she is only a foot tall when the sun doesn't shine. (Wish)
Shuichiro Kudo: Doctor Shuichiro is a wealthy bachelor who has everything going for him. Kohaku promised him one wish, anything he wanted. But he wants and needs nothing, so he plays host to Kohaku and the celestial beings that seemed to appear as she did. (Wish)
Koryu: Koryu is a mischievous demon who loves to tease Kohaku. He stays with this group for that reason. He is Satan's nephew, but has not mastered all his spells yet. Thus Koryu is only a foot tall when the moon does not shine. He has two servants, Ruri and Hari, who turn into cats with the moon cycle. (Wish)
Kokuyo: Kokuyo is the son of Satan who fell in love with one of the four angel masters, Hisui. They both gave up their positions in exchange for each other and eloped to their Earth. However, the Heartless wiped out their world. So now the forbidden couple lives in Midridge in order to aid the Pathfinder. (Wish)
Hisui: Hisui was one of the four angel masters, the angel master of wind. But she gave up her post to elope with Kokuyo. Hisui is the mentor to Kohaku. She is sweet and gentle. After the destruction of her world, she came to Midridge and tries to protect it. (Wish)
Julin: Julin is the youngest of her sisters, and the most fiery, though they are only half sisters, same dad, different mothers. Julin was left at a dojo after her mother's death and was training in fighting, especially the Shaolin Stone Fist. After the White Lotus clan destroyed her dojo and the Heartless destroyed her world, she escaped to Midridge with her sisters and set up an Accessory Shop based on their knowledge of the martial arts. She has a pet bird named Juliny and a mysterious heirloom bell held by a claw. (Shaolin Sisters)
Kalin: Kalin is the middle sister and weapons expert of her family. She is gentle and compassionate and also knows a bit about healing. Her pet bunny, Hina, is skilled with bandages. Kalin agreed to go with Julin to learn about their father after a strange attack on her dojo. Kalin also has a mysterious heirloom bell, with a feather on top. (Shaolin Sisters)
Seilin: Seilin is the oldest and hardest of the sisters. She had a hard life, living most of it as a pirate captain. Her fighting skills are intense, and include air-walking. She has a swordfish for a pet. She was most reluctant to join her sisters, but circumstances pushed them together. Her bell has a fin to hold it. (Shaolin Sisters)
Narutaki: Narutaki is a boy genius who runs his own detective agency, which he inherited from his father. He lived in Steam City, where he would solve crimes by Batman-like villains Sherlock Holmes style. But when Steam City was destroyed, he ended up in Midridge and opened an Item Shop, though he still offers his services to those in need. (Steam Detectives)
Ling Ling: Ling Ling is a trained nurse who was joined Narutaki after being tricked by the Phantom Knight. Her knowledge of medicine is useful for the Potions they sell. She is also close to the robot Goriki, who was made from and literally is, her father. She is smart but kind-hearted. (Steam Detectives)
Goriki: Goriki is an approximately 12', steam-powered mecha designed by Ling Ling's dad. But after an accident, her dad's brain was transferred inside it. It should have been the end of her father regardless, but his heart can still be seen in Goriki. Goriki protects the two from the Heartless threat. (Steam Detectives)
Crysta: Crysta, the Guide, is a fiery young lady who loves weapons and physical challenges. She went on a hiking trip with her two best friends, Tamsin and Faye, where they decided choices are more important than destiny. The Heartless separated her from her friends, and now Crysta seeks to end all of the Heartless threat. (Original)
Mario: Mario is a hero from classic video games. He set off on a mission with his brother and Princess Peach. But their journey had hardly gotten started when Peach was abducted. Mario and Luigi ended up in Ani-Intersection with only the warning to stay with the Guide. Now he combines his skills with Crysta to stop the Heartless. (Mario)
Luigi: Luigi is also a classic character. He often fights along side with his brother to save his world and the princess. But the Heartless defeated them before they knew they were being attacked. However, neither has given up. With the Guide, they seek to undo the damage the Heartless have caused. (Mario)
Aya Mikage: Aya is a young, seemingly normal girl. But on her sixteenth birthday Ceres awoke from within her. Her family ostracized her for this, so she went to live with Suzumi, who also has tennyo (angel) blood in her. Conversely, her twin brother Aki has Ceres's husband and their family's forefather in him. He is highly guarded by their family as a treasure. (Ayashi No Ceres)
Ceres: Ceres is a tennyo, a celestial maiden, and an angel. One day she came to earth to bathe and a man stole her Hagaoromo, her feathered robe. Unable to return to heaven, she became his wife and had his children, who were Aya and Aki's ancestors. However, Ceres is infuriated by the actions of her descendants and her husband. She swore revenge against her family and will only be calmed if her robes are returned to her. She keeps reappearing, sharing the body with one of her descendants until her personal mission is complete. (Ayashi No Ceres)
Toya Mizuki: Toya is mysterious man with amnesia. He was hired by Aya's family to kill her, but fell in love with her instead. His own heart prevented her from killing her or Ceres. He joined Aya to help Ceres find her robes, so that Aya's family may be spared. He is an excellent fighter with a stiletto that is part of him. He does not know why. (Ayashi No Ceres)
Suzumi Aogiri: Suzumi is a widower with tennyo powers, though she inherited her powers from a tennyo other than Ceres with a slightly more pleasant story. Her brother-in-law Yuhi lives with her. Suzumi took in Aya when her family turned on her. Suzumi is graceful, compassionate, and intelligent, like a cross between a mother and a big sister. (Ayashi No Ceres)
Yuhi Aogiri: Yuhi is Suzumi's brother-in-law and about the same age as Aya. He has feelings towards her, but she loves Toya, not him. Yuhi is a good fighter and an excellent cook. Somehow, his kiss can withdraw Ceres's control on Aya's body and put Aya back in charge. (Ayashi No Ceres)
Meiko Namura: Meiko is a college-aged girl who fell in love with Nachun while she was still in high school and he was her student teacher. When their love got found out they broke up, but their love would not die, so they got married. Meiko is a bookworm and an author, as well as the best friend to Miki. She is independent and doesn't always realize how this makes other people feel. (Marmalade Boy)
Nachun Namura: Nachun was a teacher until it was discovered that he was dating a student. So he went into his family business and eventually married Meiko. But their world was destroyed by the Heartless. The couple did their best to set up a new life in Ani-Intersection and manage an Accessory Shop. (Marmalade Boy)
Miki Koishikawa: Miki's parents got a divorce at the same time Yuu's parents did. Her dad remarried his mom and his dad remarried her mom. That's how Miki and Yuu met. Miki is a bright girl who seeks close friendships. She eventually fell in love with her step brother. Even though they were displaced by the Heartless, the family of six runs an Item Shop in Ani-Intersection. (Marmalade Boy)
Yuu Matsuura: Yuu is a quiet boy who keeps everything inside. His attempts to keep people away earned him the nickname "marmalade boy." Miki's sweet and persistent nature eventually allowed him to open up to her and love her, despite the nutty family situation. He is an excellent tennis player. (Marmalade Boy)
Ginta Suou: Ginta is Miki's classmate and close friend. He missed his chance at her, though he still tried to win his love. One attempt to make her jealous by dating Arimi turned into the real thing for them. Ginta has a temper and doesn't always know how to handle a situation, but his direct approach to things still makes him a good friend. He also likes to play tennis. (Marmalade Boy)
Arimi Suzuki: Arimi used to like and date Yuu, but he couldn't let her get close to him. She persisted after him until she started fake dating Ginta, which turned into real dating. She is flirty and has many guys who like her, who she hasn't seen since the Heartless attacked. Her and her friends started a Weapons Shop to make their way in the new world. (Marmalade Boy)
Kei Tsuchiya: Kei was Miki's co-worker who had a crush on her. He tried to trick her into breaking up with Yuu but it failed. He lacks ambition, but Miki helped him remember his dream of playing the piano. He acts cool, but also has an artistic side. (Marmalade Boy)
Suzu Sakuma: Suzu is a young model and cousin to Ginta. She started to like Yuu and trick him into breaking up with Miki, but it didn't work. Suzu and Kei have just started dating. Suzu likes being the center of attention and acts really sweet, but there is a cunning side to her. (Marmalade Boy)
Satoshi Miwa: Satoshi is a popular guy who persistently tried and failed to win Meiko's heart. He is good-natured and easy going. A confusing letter made him and Yuu think they were half-brothers, which turned out not to be the case. However, during the confusion, Yuu and Satoshi became best friends. (Marmalade Boy)
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