Amidst the buildings, streetlamps, and cobblestone walkways, the town did not seem as active as a town of that size should be. Each shop was decorated with their own flashy neon signs, illuminating the district with an urban vibe. Yet, as the weary travellers arrived and walked through the district's square, the lights shone only for them.

The court magician and the captain of the royal guard hailed from a world very different from this one and the Destiny Islands; one where nary a trace of humans could be found among the various species of anthropomorphic animals. They walked like humans, talked like humans, kept their manners and had their own personalities. In fact, they were quite friendly and engaging if one could simply overlook that small difference.

Goofy, the captain of the royal guard, was a kind-hearted and courageous dog, albeit a little slow on the uptake. He wore a bright green vest and matching hat and was always ready with his trusty shield. On the other side of the spectrum, Donald Duck, the court magician, was a quasi-impolite and feisty duck, though he had a heart of gold underneath his grumpy exterior. He wore a blue magician's jacket and matching hat, and always kept his trusty staff at the ready for spellcasting. The two were accompanied by a yellow dog named Pluto, the King's most loyal pet. If anyone could sniff out the King or the "key" they searched for, it was Pluto.

As they slowly made their way through the town square, Goofy came to a halt, gazing up at the sky. He squinted to get a better look at it, observing every bright star he could see. Sure enough, one of the brighter ones burned out and disappeared into the night.

"Look, a star is going out!" he said as Donald raised his eyes to the sky to see for himself. Their King had told them of the vanishing stars in the sky. Whenever a bright star suddenly dimmed, it signified a distant world had fallen to the darkness.

"Come on, then!" Donald replied, realizing the gravety of their situation, "We have to hurry."

Pluto took to the hunt, sniffing the ground as he climbed the stairs. Donald and Goofy were not too far behind him, but Donald grumbled under his breath, his arms crossed. He was never the most patient of folks. "Where's that key?" he asked irritably.

Goofy chuckled as Pluto rounded the corner towards an alleyway. "You know, maybe we ought to find Leon!" he suggested.

Goofy followed Pluto, trusting in his nose, but Donald turned the other corner around the accessory shop, climbing the stairs beside it. Normally Goofy would simply follow Donald but Pluto seemed particularly interested in the scent he was following. Perhaps he found something interesting?

"Hey, Donald," he called, "You know, I betcha that-"

"Aw, what do you know, you big palooka?" Donald snapped.

Goofy scratched his head. "What do I know?"

He turned to follow Donald while Pluto followed the curious scent behind a mound of barrels and boxes. It seemed like an alleyway where people would drop their junk and trash, but with a little bit of luck, a treasure may be found; and sure enough, Pluto found a great treasure, possibly the greatest one his nose had ever found.

He sniffed the unconscious boy, whom stirred as he came to. Pluto licked his face in an attempt to wake him.

"What a dream…" Sora murmured. Pluto, realizing that the boy wouldn't get up without some kind of motivation, quickly pounced on him, the force of his paws onto the boy's chest startling him enough to wake with a start.

"It isn't a dream!" Sora cried. He picked himself up, feeling the dread sink in as he took in his surroundings. "Where am I?" he asked softly. This place was definitely a far cry from the ocean and beaches of his home. "Oh boy…"

"Do you know where we are?" he asked the curious dog. Of course, the dog couldn't answer him. But he was in a strange town with a strange air, and far away from what he always knew. This dog that woke him up was his only clue.

The dog lifted his ear, as if to listen to the wind, and in an instant, he took off towards the noise, leaving Sora completely alone. He slumped his shoulders in defeat; he could never seem to be able to catch a break. He sighed heavily and exited the alleyway, making his way to the town square.

In the time since Donald and Goofy had passed, some people had made their way to the square, making it seem a bit livelier. Even a Moogle was pacing about, lost in thought. Yet the somewhat calming scene didn't do much to soothe Sora's anxieties.

"This is totally weird," he mumbled, watching the locals go about their daily lives, "I'm in another world."

He wasn't quite used to the bright neon lights that lined the shops in the square; the Destiny Islands had street lamps on the main island that stayed lit throughout the night but little else. The lights in this town almost gave him a headache. Yet, one sign that stood out to him was the one for the Accessory shop, the largest shop in the square. It stood at the top of the staircase in the direct middle of the town square, exuding an air of superiority among the other shops.

"Maybe someone in there can help me," Sora thought as he pulled open the doors to the shop. No sooner had he pulled them wide enough to pass, he was greeted by an overly-enthused shopkeeper.

"Hey there! How can I- oh, it's just a kid."

The owner of the shop slumped his shoulders when he caught a glimpse of Sora. He stood behind the counter that lauded priceless and exclusive accessories behind its glass windows. The shop also held a fireplace and couches for weary shoppers to rest after emptying their purses; it was purely a business strategy, really. The shopkeeper himself had a gruff look, with a five-o'clock shadow and what Sora could only assume was a tobacco stick in his mouth. He didn't look much different from a regular, no-nonsense shopkeeper, but the goggles on his forehead perplexed the teen. Maybe he was an avid motorcycle enthusiast? Or a pilot?

"I'm not a kid! And the name's Sora!" he said, tapping his foot.

"Okay, okay, simmer down," the shopkeeper said as he shook his head. The kid didn't look a day over fourteen, and teens that young usually didn't have much money to spend. "So why the long face, Sora? You lost or something?"

"No! Well… maybe. Where are we?"

The shopkeeper furrowed his brow in understanding. So, this kid lost his world too… "Traverse Town," he said, chewing on his tobacco stick, "A shopper's paradise. You want it, Traverse Town's got it."

"Traverse Town…" Sora repeated, letting the name sink in, "So, gramps, is this really another world?"

The shopkeeper flicked his nose in annoyance. "Quit calling me gramps! The name's Cid. Anyways, where you from?"

Sora hesitated for a moment before answering. "Destiny Islands," he said, looking down, "I got separated from my friends during a storm..."

"I see. Well, sorry to tell ya, but this place sure ain't your island."

"Hmm…" Sora murmured to himself, "Guess I'd better start looking for them, then."

Cid put his arms on his sides. "Well, good luck with whatever it is you're doing. If you ever run into trouble, come to me. I'll look out for ya."

He gave Sora a piece of paper with a loos map of the town's Second and Third districts, circling important landmarks before sending him on his way. He frowned as he watched him leave the shop, pursing his lips as he shook his head.

"Man, this town is really starting to fill up, ain't it?" he thought.

"Ow," Akira groaned, rubbing the back of her head where she felt the most pain. With all the thrashings she was getting today, it was almost a miracle she hadn't suffered a concussion yet. She slowly picked herself up off the pavement, rubbing a scrape on her elbow.

Wait, pavement?

"What is this place…" she asked herself, though she wasn't sure if she wanted an answer.

Even with the glow of the streetlamps, the town she found herself in was dimly lit. The shops that lined the top of the stairs seemed closed, their curtains drawn, and their neon lights turned off. No locals paced the cobblestone sidewalks and no sounds could be heard from the barricaded windows and doors. It gave the town an almost eerie, empty feel. Did anybody even live here? She used a stone pillar from the malfunctioning fountain beside her to help herself up. It honestly seemed less like a fountain and more like a fancy pool of water; though, given the sad state of the town, she was hardly surprised. The only shop upstairs that seemed open was the hotel, but it did nothing to counteract the creepy feel from the lack of people.

"This isn't my island..." she muttered to herself, bringing her palm to her forehead. Here she was, living her absolute biggest dream, and she felt nothing but loss and dread. This adventure to the outside worlds definitely didn't turn out the way she wanted it to.

You're a far cry from home.

"Wha!?" she screeched, whirling around and examining her surroundings. She could have sworn she was completely alone...

And so she was.

No one stood behind her or before her, not up the stairs or down the square. Not even in the dreary little fountain. So, who... said that? "H-hello?" she called.

That's not necessary, you know.

Her head. It was all in her head. She put her hands to her head as each intake of breath grew shorter with her rising anxiety. This was it; she'd gone mad. Completely crazy. Hearing voices in her head and hallucinating about large, empty towns without so much as a flicker of sunlight. "I've gone mad," she said between breaths.

Mad? No. But you did take a nasty hit from that awful Heartless. Do you truly not remember?

"H-Heartless? What?"

Speak of the devil.

She didn't have a chance to ask again. As she let her arms fall to her sides, a pool of darkness sprouted from the ground in front of her. A terrible, pitch-black creature emerged from it, writhing in place as its antennas twitched. Her eyes widened as she watched the scene in horror, recognizing those yellow eyes from that awful nightmare she awakened from. Though, no matter how much she wished it, her hope diminished. She was very much awake, that voice in her head was very real, and that dream she woke from wasn't a dream at all.

Quickly. You must destroy it.

Of course she did; that much was obvious. But how? That was a different story. "I-I don't..." she stuttered as the creature began to sink under the ground.

Summon me. Quickly.

"What does that even mean!?"

There was a flash of light. She shielded her eyes from the intense brightness as the shadowy creature recoiled in fear. And all of a sudden, her right hand felt heavy; very heavy.

She gasped. The blade in her hand was the very same one that appeared when she woke up from the darkness. This voice in her head... was a weapon? Or the other way around? She shook her head; how silly. Blades don't talk... right?

I've done it for you this time, but it's imperative you learn to do it yourself.

She swallowed hard. This one certainly did.

Hurry now, before it strikes again. Put those years of dueling to the test.

How did this damn thing know what she used to do with her friends on the island? She pushed the multitude of questions she had to the back of her mind as she attempted to raise her new weapon; the creature seemed none too thrilled from the previous flash of light, and was returning with a vengeance. Wooden swords were easy to pick up, but this blade was heavy. She used both hands to raise it to chest level, though she lacked the strength to do little else. How was she supposed to defeat this thing if she could even barely lift up her weapon?

The creature jumped, baring its fangs. Her breath caught as she used most of her strength just to keep the blade risen.

Now's your chance!

Using what little strength that still remained in her arms, she swung her blade. The shadow burst into a puff of dark smoke as the force of the swing pulled the blade to the ground. She stumbled on her feet as the tip of the blade crashed to the ground, though she somehow managed to remain standing, albeit completely winded.

Well done. You lack finesse, but that is nothing practice cannot fix.

"What... what in the world is going on? What just happened?" she said with a squeak as she attempted to raise the blade again.

That creature came from the darkness. The same ones that destroyed your home.

She figured as much, though the one she defeated just now was a far cry from the colossus that destroyed her home... Wait, destroyed? "M-my home? What do you mean, destroyed my home?" she asked.

Are you truly confused? Or unable to accept it?

Damn. It got her there, didn't it?

It was no use running away from it. She knew it in her heart. Her home was gone. She watched as that orb of darkness ate chunks of her beloved home, piece by piece, and no amount of wishing for it to be a dream would make that true. And, just before losing consciousness, she saw it devour Sora as well...

She didn't want to continue thinking about it. She swallowed hard before asking her next question. "And...what about you?"

You accepted me, did you not?

Of course. That voice in the darkness, the one that saved her from approaching death. She was so preoccupied with finding a way to escape, she accepted any help that came her way. She never imagined something as strange as this would happen. She let herself fall to the floor, crossing her legs as she sat upright, blade still in her hand.

...I know this is difficult.

"Very," she said with a chuckle. She's talking to a voice in her head. She must look so weird to anyone else... that is, if there was anyone else around. Oh boy...

But, it did save her from death, didn't it?

"T-thank you... for saving me," she said softly.

You're welcome.

As she took the blade in both hands, she couldn't help but feel a form of gentleness and warmth radiating from it, even though the steel felt cold in her hands. She wanted to have a hard time believing a blade could give off such an air, let alone talk, but given the events she just went through, she started to wonder what she even knew about anything. Her old life... just seemed so far away right now.

"So... are you a blade or a staff?" she asked. What a dumb question. But it was the only question she could ask without risking her eyes filling with tears.

Is that truly what you want to ask?

Her lip quivered as she nodded.

I have been called a staff on several occasions.

"I lost everything, didn't I?" She was fighting a losing battle.

You could say that, if you so desire. Or, you could take this second chance at life, and write a story you could be proud of.

She brought the staff to her chest and blinked away what few tears escaped from her eyes. She hated that answer. She hated it because it was right; isn't that what she begged for when she was faced with imminent death?

So, what will you do?

She pulled the staff away, wiping away the mist that remained on her cheek. The damn thing was right; it would be foolish to go back on her word. She asked for a second chance, and she got it. Though it didn't make her situation any easier, she did feel a small semblance of hope from the staff; like a warm hug after a difficult day. She may have gone through hell and back, but at the very least, she wasn't alone.

"I don't know yet, but I'd like to figure it out," she said with a chuckle.

That's a plausible answer. How about we begin with finding out about this world we're in?

The staff disappeared from her hands with a flicker of light. This must be what it was talking about earlier... that would take some getting used to, for sure. She rose from the floor and took another quick glance around the dreary town, though it seemed as empty as it was when she first woke up. "Now what?" she sighed, crossing her arms.

"Stop! Leave me alone!"

The source of the voice came from above the staircase. Akira quickly turned to face it, and was met with the sight of a middle-aged man, running off towards the empty stores.

A resident?

"I think so!" she answered the staff. It wasn't like her to run after strangers but this was her only chance. It's not like she had all that many clues to go by; this place was practically deserted.

"Wait! Stop!" she called, running up the stairs to catch up with him.

No sooner had Sora opened the doors to the Second District when he was met with an alarming sight. A frightened man tripped and fell to the floor as he was running away from the evil that chased him. Sora instantly recognized it as one of those creatures from the island; it may have looked slightly different, standing on its hind legs and dressed in what seemed to be flimsy armour, but its menacing yellow eyes were unmistakable. It pointed at the trembling man, a pool of darkness forming below him. Sora gasped in horror as the man's heart slowly rose from his chest, being drawn in by the awful creature as what remained of the man's body sank into the depths of darkness.

"The creatures from the island!" Sora gasped as the monster turned to face him, watching him with hungry eyes.

"Am I next?" he thought.

"It just… it just ate his heart!"

Sora inhaled. It couldn't be… It couldn't. He watched her disappear into the dark orb when the shadows devoured their home. He averted his gaze towards the source of the familiar voice, his heart filled with hope.

There she was. Standing only a few feet away, her knees trembling in fear, pointing at the creature who had just devoured that poor man's heart. He had never been so relieved to see a splash of fuchsia in his entire life.

"Akira!" he cried.

Akira reacted exactly as he had; eyes filling with relief as she brought her hands to her chest. "Sora!" she responded with a smile.

She rushed to his side, though the moment would not last. Multiple creatures rose from the ground, identical to the bug-like variety that ravaged their islands.

"It's those things!" she said in a panic, attempting to recall what her staff had previously called them.

"Those creatures that attacked me on the islands!" Sora yelled.

There wasn't a moment to lose. Focusing all his strength, he replicated what he had learned from the islands. The brilliant blade that suddenly appeared to him on the islet was his to command, and it was their only option to defeating these enemies. He bent his knees and readied for battle as the Keyblade appeared in his hands with a flash of light.

Akira watched in awe as he effortlessly swung the blade, defeating the monsters before them with relative ease. It was so different from watching him play-battle on the islands, yet she felt a tinge of familiarity as she watched. He always lost to Riku, whom fought with more finesse and vigour than Sora did. And now, as he wielded this strange weapon, it was almost as if this blade was made for him…

She looked to the ground, lost in thought. She needed to do something too. This wasn't one of those lazy days on the island watching their friends battle for fun; this was for real. This danger was real. She said she'd do things differently this time, didn't she?

"You said you'd help me if I accepted you," she thought, "Well, I need help now. Besides, you said I should practice."

She reached her hand out in front of her, breathing deeply as she concentrated. If Sora could do it, so could she, right?

She flinched slightly from the flash of light but sure enough, the magnificent staff materialized in her hand. She let it fall to the ground once more, gripping it tightly so as to not let it take her down with it. The heaviness needed getting used to, but she was determined. She rarely ever fought on the islands and she had no fighting skills to brag about, but she at least had to try.

She raised her blade above her shoulder with both hands and brought it down onto a shadow creature's head with all her might. She was quite off center, and had she swung a bit further she would have missed completely, but the creature certainly felt the blow and disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

"This is-" she said, huffing as she raised her weapon again, "Really, really heavy."

She searched for another shadow creature to hopefully bash into oblivion only to find that Sora had already disposed of them all. Well, at least she was able to get rid of one… When did he get so good at this?

She wanted to ask, but goodness, it was not the time for that question.

"It's really you!" Sora exclaimed, putting his hands around her face, pulling her cheeks and hair every which way. Akira couldn't help but laugh at his gesture; he was just as worried about her as she was of him. Even through the discomfort of getting her hair pulled, she was so overcome with joy and relief at the sight of him, something tangible and real that she was familiar with in this strange world. Just his smile, just his presence, made the shock and pain of losing everything that much more bearable.

"Yes, it's me," she chuckled, pulling his hands away. "I'm so glad I found you! I was so worried when I woke up here alone; I thought something terrible happened to you. And those awful shadows! When did you learn to fight those things so well?" she asked, though she had to stop herself from excitedly asking another twenty questions.

Sora shook his head. "I don't know. I fought a few of them on the island before it was swallowed up. My wooden sword didn't work but… next thing I knew, I had this in my hands."

He raised his weapon to eye-level, holding it in both his hands. Akira marvelled at it before raising her own to show him. It oddly looked exactly like his, save for the top.

Now that is an interesting sight... the staff said to her, though she pushed the thought away.

"I was given one too," she said, still in awe, "I don't know where it came from, but it-" She stopped halfway through her thought, realizing how dumb it would sound if she admitted her blade talked to her. She could have sworn she heard the damn thing chuckle at her expense. "I-I just had it, next thing I knew…" she said quickly, "Everything happened so fast, I didn't really have time to process it."

Sora's face fell, recalling the awful events that had recently transpired. He was so focused on figuring out this new world and finding his friends that he didn't take a moment to really be sad about it. After all, his home was gone. His parents were gone. His friends were gone…

No. He won't believe it. "Everything will be fine."

Akira looked at him, surprised. Even behind the hurt in his eyes of losing all that they knew, he was still filled with instant determination. She may have needed more time to process it than he did, but she nodded in agreement. His optimism can be infectious.

"I have an idea!" he exclaimed, reaching for her hand and guiding her towards the large wooden door he had previously emerged from.

She was slightly taken aback by his sudden gesture. "Where are we going?" she asked, trying not to trip over her feet.

"I met a shopkeeper here who said he'd look out for me! He hasn't seen Riku or Kairi but maybe he knows about those shadowy things, or the weapons we have. That might be a clue to finding them!"

"You already met someone here?" she asked with curiosity.

"Yeah!" Sora replied, smiling, "He told me all about this world!"

This world… She still knew next to nothing about it, didn't she? Just a few days prior, she and her friends were daydreaming about the outside worlds they'd sail to; yet now, as she walked the streets of this magical place they'd dreamed of travelling to, she realized she was so caught up with everything that happened to them, she didn't really get a chance to take it all in.

"What's this world called?" she asked as Sora guided her through the door towards the First District.

"Traverse Town!"

She chuckled. How convenient; this town's aesthetic really did seem to fit its name.

Traverse Town...