Traverse Town seemed to have gone through quite the change while they were off on their adventure. The town looked brighter and merrier, with happy conversation being exchanged at every corner between new and familiar faces. Yet, not all changes are happy ones; more people in Traverse Town meant more people had lost their worlds, and that awful thought wormed its way into their hearts when they stepped into the First District's plaza.

"Oh, Jiminy! And Sora, Akira, Donald, and Goofy! Hi guys!"

And perhaps not all things were as awful as they seemed.

"Pinocchio!" Jiminy called from Goofy's hat, "You're safe! What a relief."

"I sure am!" the puppet responded with a quick nod, "And Father is here too! In fact, we have this amazing house, and there are so many nice people here!"

Jiminy made a face. "W-wait, what do you mean house?"

"You should come see it!" Pinocchio exclaimed with excitement, not listening to a word Jiminy said. With that, he quickly scurried across the plaza and up the stairs, zooming past Moogles and people alike while almost tripping over a poor elderly woman carrying a bag of groceries.

They watched Pinocchio skitter towards his home with perplexed gazes when another Moogle floated across them, narrowing its eyes as it examined each of them. "Great, you're back," it said as it floated past Akira, "Here I thought it was bad enough I had to deal with just Pinocchio touching my pom…"

It grumbled softly as it floated off. Akira crossed her arms and glared at the tiny creature. "Well maybe you deserved it," she hissed.

Donald slapped her arm. "Ow!" she cried, rubbing the painful part of her arm as she furrowed her brows at him.

"Don't even start," he warned.

Pinocchio's house practically neighboured Cid's old accessory shop, occupying the district's previously empty alleyway. They marvelled at the construction when they approached the building, impressed at how such a lovely and cozy home could be built in so little time. Leon and the gang must have worked themselves to the bone…

Pinocchio pulled at Geppetto and Cid, whom had been conversing in front of the home, as he tried to get their attention. "Father, look who came to visit us!" he exclaimed.

Geppetto adjusted his glasses and beamed with joy when the group came into view. "Hello! How wonderful it is to see you again!"

"Likewise," Sora said, "Looks like you guys are doing well."

"Only thanks to your help," he responded, nodding towards Donald, "I did as you said and sought out Leon when we arrived. He even gave us this house to live in. I don't think I could ever repay his kindness."

Cid chuckled. "Keep designing those crazy blueprints for me and we'll call it even, old man."

"You're welcome to look over any you may find interesting, Cid," Geppetto said with a smile, "As are all of you. If there is anything we can do to help you on your journey, please seek us out." He turned to face his son. "And as for you, Pinocchio, it's about time you returned to your reading."

"But Father…"

Geppetto raised a finger in the air. "No buts, young man. Your studies are very important."

Pinocchio slumped his shoulders but chose not to argue against his father's better judgement. "Oh, alright." He turned to wave at his friends as he began to stroll towards his house. "Goodbye, Jiminy! Goodbye, everyone! Come visit us again real soon. Maybe we can play again!"

"Goodbye, Pinoke!" Jiminy called, he and his comrades waving goodbye to the wooden puppet and his father as the two of them entered their home.

Cid let out a hearty laugh when they shut the door behind them. "Who would've thought that old man knew so much about gummis? Still, he's been a real help since he landed here."

"Oh, speaking of gummis…" Goofy said as he rummaged in his pockets, pulling out the two gummi blocks they had found.

Cid's lips pulled into a wide grin the moment he lay eyes on them. "Well, look what we have here. You found this one's sister! Good job, kids. I suppose you'll be wanting it on your ship?" They quickly nodded in response. "Alright then, consider it done. And how goes the adventure? Find your friends yet?"

"Uh, we did… for a moment…" Sora began, though as he was reminded of their escapade in Neverland, the excitement quickly left his eyes.

"Oh… sorry to hear that," Cid said as he picked up on the teen's lack of enthusiasm, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. "I-I'm sure things'll work out. You'll have more places to explore once I install these two, right? I'll get on it right away."

Cid mumbled something under his breath as he walked off. He clearly didn't mean to dampen the mood, but the damage had already been done, and a swift retreat was the best remedy in his case. Sora kept his eyes to the ground, a gloomy expression on his face.

Akira lightly put her hand on his shoulder. "Sora?" she asked quietly.

He didn't answer, prompting Goofy to try his hand at cheering him up. "Now, remember what Donald told ya," he said sympathetically, "No frowning, no sad faces."

"How can you be so cheerful? There's still no sign of your king!" he said anxiously, "Aren't you worried?"

Donald crossed his arms. "Aw, phooey."

"The king told us to go out and find the key bearer, and we found you. So, if we stick together, it'll all work out okay," Goofy said with a cheerful smile, "Ya just gotta believe in yourself, that's all."

It all seemed easier said than done; yet, Peter Pan had told him the same thing in Neverland, and when Sora followed his advice, he flew as high as any bird… Maybe believing in himself truly was the answer he sought. "Just believe…" he repeated under his breath.

Everything went dark, but he felt strangely at ease, like he was floating in the ocean back home; calm and at peace.

"I believe in you," Kairi's voice echoed through his mind.

Sora could hardly believe the sight that awaited him when he opened his eyes.

Bookshelves filled with tomes of all sizes lined the library's floor. Ahead of the maze of books lay a grand staircase with gold railings unlike any he had ever seen. A small desk and chair was nestled under the staircase, where an elderly woman sat peacefully as she gazed out the intricate stained glass window beside her.

"Grandma! Grandma!"

A young child skipped over to her grandmother and sat herself on her knees. "Tell me the story again, grandma!" she pleaded.

Sora squinted his eyes, but he simply couldn't make out the young girl's features. She looked so familiar…

Her grandmother laughed and placed her arms on her lap. "Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light. Then people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep it for themselves. And darkness was born in their hearts. The darkness spread, swallowing the light and many people's hearts. It covered everything, and the world disappeared. But small fragments of light survived... in the hearts of children. With these fragments of light, children rebuilt the lost world. It's the world we live in now. But the true light sleeps, deep within the darkness. That's why the worlds are still scattered, divided from each other. But someday, a door to the innermost darkness will open. And the true light will return. So, listen, child. Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you. Your heart will shine with its power and push the darkness away. Do you understand, Kairi?"

Sora gasped. "Kairi?" he called.

And as the light began to fill his eyes, he was able to catch a small glimpse of the young Kairi, turning to face him with a bright smile.

"Sora."

"Sora?"

"Sora!"

Sora lazily opened his eyes, his head spinning and his eyes glossed over. He felt like he had been hit by a truck; but what had happened? He was witnessing such a beautiful vision and yet his head throbbed in pain… "Huh?" he said as he fully opened his eyes.

Goofy held him by the armpits; it seemed like Sora had fallen off his feet in his trance. Akira watched with worried eyes while Donald breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness," he quacked before shifting his gaze to a glare, "No more distractions! It's off to bed with you!"

Sora grabbed at his head, still processing what had just transpired as he stood up on his own. "Y-yeah," he said softly, "I think I need a nap…"

Donald crossed his arms. "Then hop to it. Akira, watch him and make sure he doesn't fall and crack his head open."

"Sure thing," she said as she averted her attention to her old friend, "Come on, Sora."

Sora wordlessly nodded and followed behind her as she led him towards the hotel in the Second District. Although his mind had been foggy and dazed, he strangely didn't feel tired. He was overcome with curiosity and wonder, for he had never experienced something like this since their adventure began. "Kairi… did you call me?" he whispered under his breath.

Even without the threat of Heartless, the Traverse Town sky remained in a state of perpetual night. It was hardly noticeable in the First District amid the hustle and bustle of townsfolk chattering and shoppers haggling with wily merchants. The Second District remained as desolate as ever, though it had a certain charm in the stillness and quiet of the night; as the calm, peaceful breeze wafted through the empty streets and boarded-up shops, Akira found herself sitting on the stone ledge outside the entrance to the hotel, taking in the tranquility of the night.

She let her feet dangle over the edge as she placed both her hands at her side. When they arrived at the hotel, Sora had fallen asleep the moment his head touched the pillow. Donald had instructed her to rest as well, and with good reason; they had pushed their limits in Neverland, and what awaited them in Hollow Bastion was far more sinister than anything they had ever encountered. Yet, it was difficult to find any kind of rest when the looming threat of what was to come dangled over their heads…

You seem troubled.

No surprise there. "You can read my mind now?" she asked with a small chuckle.

No. But I can see your heart, and it has been distressed as of late.

She let her gaze fall to the ground. There was no hiding what was in her heart, no matter how hard she tried. "All this time… Our path had been so clear. Fight Heartless, lock Keyholes, move on to the next world, while looking for our friends. But now, when I stop and think about it, I realize how little I know about everything."

Such as?

"Like, what did Riku mean when he said he wanted to 'settle things'? Why did he bring Kairi to Hollow Bastion, and why does he want us to follow him? What even is Hollow Bastion, and why are he and Maleficent waiting for us there? What did he mean when he said Maleficent was interested in my weapon…"

When she spoke the words aloud, that last sentence stuck out. Her staff had been such a great help on their journey; a strong weapon with a great amount of power, enough to bring Heartless and villains to their knees, and a generous confidant, one who raised her spirits when she was at her lowest. And yet, she knew next to nothing about it…

"Hey, we need to talk about something," she said.

What is it?

"Since… since the day I accepted you, you've been an amazing help. But I don't know anything about you."

Her staff stayed quiet and it aggravated her, quite frankly. What did it have to hide? If it was going to occupy permanent residency in her heart and mind, she should at least know something about it. She summoned the weapon in her hand with ease and lay it across her lap, examining its every facet with a watchful eye. "Why do you look so much like Sora's weapon?" she asked. Perhaps if she started with something innocent enough, she could coax it to say more…

You had already caught a glimpse of the Kingdom Key. My reasoning was to take on a familiar form to ease the initial shock.

"Kingdom Key?"

The name of Sora's Keyblade.

Akira grimaced. "You looking like Sora's weapon didn't do too much to appease the shock of my world literally destroying itself while a disembodied voice spoke to me in my head."

I did what I could.

She rolled her eyes but chose not to press on the matter. "Okay, then. What is it you want?"

What do I want?

"Yeah. You must have done this for a reason. Magical voices don't just float around looking for average island kids and shove a staff in their hands without wanting something in return. What's your goal?"

It stayed silent once more, and Akira began to feel her blood boil. It didn't matter how kind her staff had been to her; she wanted answers. "Are you seriously not going to answer me?" she asked through her teeth.

You do not yet know enough to understand.

"Then explain it to me."

When it didn't answer once more, she entertained the idea of snapping it in half; though whether she could or not was a different story. "Are you for real…" she muttered.

I'm sorry.

Akira simply didn't know how to feel at this point. It was like arguing with her father; someone she cared for and trusted, and yet feeling so angry in the moment. "How am I supposed to trust you, then?" she asked.

As I have told you before, I will follow you wherever you go, and help you however I can. But this… this is not something you can understand right now.

"Why not?"

There is much you and the Keyblade master do not yet know.

"Then how do I learn about it?"

I truly cannot say…

She placed a hand on her face, squinting her eyes together in frustration. "So… what? I'm supposed to just go with the motions and accept things for what they are? You're the one who told me to follow my heart; you're the one who told me to go my own way and follow my own path. Now you don't want me to anymore? What am I supposed to do?"

Open your heart and trust me… as I trust you.

"You're making it so hard to do that right now… don't you understand?" she asked exasperatedly.

I know how this can be difficult.

If it knew, why did it insist on remaining cryptic? Akira sighed and slumped her shoulders, leaving her eyes closed as she sorted through her thoughts. "What do I do, then?"

Keep the light of your heart burning strong and follow it wherever it may lead you. And if you find yourself in trouble, look to me for help.

There was no denying the amount of times the staff had helped her through thick and thin. It almost seemed surreal to have some kind of guardian angel following her wherever she went. But something just didn't sit right with her… "Why?" she asked softly.

Why?

She fiddled with the silver chain around her neck as she opened her eyes. "Why all this? Why me?"

You and I… we're very alike.

"If you say that 'not supposed to be here' garbage, I will lose it."

Hah. Duly noted.

"So… why did you come to me?"

You were sinking into the darkness when I found you. And though your heart was weak and broken, I knew you had potential.

Akira blinked. "Potential?" she asked.

If you can find the resolve within you to follow your heart and put your trust in those you love, there is nothing you cannot do.

She placed a hand on her chest where her heart resided. "And what about you?"

I want to see where your heart will take you.

"So… I guess you won't be getting off this wild ride anytime soon," she chuckled.

Not unless you want me to.

"Sometimes you really make me want to tell you to screw off, you know," she intoned.

I know it can be frustrating.

She lowered her hand back to her staff, curling her fingers around the handle. "Will you ever tell me your true goal in all this?"

Yes, when I deem you ready. Is that not what 'friends' do? Tell each other their innermost secrets?

"Friends…" She never had a mysteriously cryptic voice as a friend before, and her staff referring to itself as such threw her for a loop. "I never thought to call you that…"

From what I can tell, friends are ones you hold dear, with whom you have a mutually affectionate and interpersonal relationship built on love and trust. Well… it seemed that way judging by how you hold Kairi in your heart.

Akira grimaced, though she couldn't refute. It was odd hearing how it knew so much just by rummaging in the very personal spaces of her heart, yet it got the idea of friendship spot on. Well, how she viewed friendship, at least… "Do you think of me as… your friend?" she asked.

Yes. I trust you, Akira, and I trust that together, we will do incredible things. And when things seem their worst, we will lean on each other for support. I did understand friendship correctly… did I not?

She felt a soft smile form on her lips as her eyes danced across her weapon, examining every nook and cranny she could find. People she held dear, people she loved, people she trusted, and the people who weathered the most difficult of times at her side… these were the people she called friends. She almost wanted to chuckle; hearing her staff try to comprehend the concept of friendship was a strange thing. Yet, it had somehow understood, and to refer to her as its friend filled her heart with hope. "Yeah, that sounds about right," she said.

She placed the staff on the ledge beside her. She thought of catching some rest before they departed, but one final question still buzzed in her mind, and she simply had to ask. "Hey, what are you? Where do you come from?"

"Oh, hi Akira!"

She gasped as a cold shiver travelled down her spine, quickly whirling around and laying eyes on the person behind her. Sora stood at the entrance of the hotel with his hand holding the door open, watching her with a perplexed gaze. "I heard a voice… are you talking to someone?" he asked.

"N-no, no," she said quickly, "It's just me here… heh."

"O-okay then. That's kinda weird, I guess," he said as he closed the door behind him, "Mind if I join you?"

She nodded, and he took a seat on the ledge by her side. "How's your head?" she asked.

"Better. That nap really helped," he said with a toothy grin, "I'm ready for anything now!"

"Alright, slow down there, buddy," she laughed.

He gazed at the tranquil district in silence, taking in the calmness of the night as he let his mind wander. "We've been through so much, huh?"

"Yeah. We've been to so many places and seen so many things," she said, gazing up at the stars in wonder.

"We learned to fly!"

"And became mermaids."

"Met a real live genie."

"Got swallowed by a whale!"

"And to think," he said, nudging her shoulder, "We found out you come from a place where they celebrate the best holiday every single day!"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "The mid-summer festival is a better holiday."

"That's not even a holiday!" he said, wrinkling his nose.

Akira seemed shocked. "D-doesn't matter! They have food booths with fried squid."

"Are you seriously basing your favourite holiday on food?"

"Yes. Yes I am."

"Well, don't let Jack hear you say that," Sora sneered, placing his hands behind his head.

"I'll gladly change my mind once I sample their food; that apple was delicious. I'm sure the rest of it is just as good."

"I should've bought it with the worm then…" he muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing!" he said with a wide grin.

He let his arms fall to his side once more as their playful chuckling subsided. Since they found out about what awaited them at their next destination, the air had been filled with tension and unease. It was nice to laugh together once again, just like they used to.

"You'll see…" he said softly, "We'll find Kairi, bring Riku back to his senses, and go home. Then, you can have all the fried squid and shaved ice you want. I'll make sure of it."

He'll make sure of it… It was so easy to say. Akira could just blurt out the same thing. She'll make sure of it, she'll make sure of it, she'll make sure of it. She put her hand on her heart and allowed it to speak its truth to him. "Sora… I'm afraid."

She was so afraid. So deathly scared and terrified. Of what, she wasn't sure. The Heartless, Maleficent, Riku, or perhaps the darkness itself, and her doubt as to whether her heart was strong enough to weather it, or if her light was bright enough to guide her way…

She didn't realize she was shaking until she felt Sora gently place his hand on her shoulder. She raised her eyes to meet his. He stared back at her with comforting eyes and a tender smile. "I know. We're going to a pretty scary place, huh? But…" He removed his hand from her shoulder and held it out in front of him, as if he wanted her to take it. "When things get scary, or difficult, or if you get lost, just take my hand. I'll lead you to safety."

She wouldn't deny it was a comforting thought; Sora always wore his heart on his sleeve, yet he couldn't always hide everything behind his eyes. Even as he reassured her, she could see the smallest tinge of fear in his deep gaze.

You and Sora… should lean on each other as well.

Of course. That's just what friendship was all about, wasn't it?

She looked at his hand, the corner of her lips curling into a soft smile. "No," she said firmly.

Sora blinked. "N-no?"

"No."

He watched her with a perplexed gaze, stammering in confusion. "I don't…"

"It's not fair."

He blinked again, dropping his hand to the stone ledge. Her smile never left her face as she gazed softly into his eyes, and it did nothing but confuse him further.

"You're always the one lifting me up. Even when we were on the islands, you were always the one with a huge smile on your face when things were at their worst. And it's not fair, because I know you're hurting. I know you're worried. I know you're scared too."

Sora wanted to speak, but no words escaped his lips. It was both frustrating and confusing; he always knew what to say. And when all else failed, he'd just smile. A smile always spoke the words he couldn't say. Yet, in that moment, he couldn't escape it. She was right. He was scared, and a smile wouldn't save him now. He balled his hand as his expression fell, letting his reservations show on his face, in full view.

Akira smirked. "So, I want you to promise me something. Rather than keep a constant eye on me in case I need help, just stay with me. When either of us is scared, we'll take the other's hand. And wherever we go, we'll go together."

He met her gaze once more and smiled. A true, genuine smile filled with hope amidst his hesitation and fear in his eyes. "I promise," he said.

Neither could remember a time when they were not together. Since they were children, they found strength and solace in each other. Yet now, as they faced the hardest trial of their young lives, they realized nothing was different. Whether it was an imaginary monster in a cave, or a fearsome witch commanding the armies of darkness, they'd get through it together. That's just what friends do.

"I'm lucky to have you as one of my best friends, Akira," he said as he gazed into the plaza, "Even if you do talk to yourself sometimes."

"I'm lucky too, Sora," she responded, gazing to the sky in a dreamy state. "My staff talks to me in my head."

Now that was a way to ruin the moment.

Sora quickly turned his head and gave her a puzzled look. "Huh?"

Shoot, he heard her... damnit.

Realizing her brief moment of idiocy, she widened her eyes in shock and quickly met his. Her jaw dropped, but she couldn't find the words to explain herself. Exactly how was she even going to explain this? "U-Uh… um," she stammered.

"W-well that explains all the talking to yourself stuff," he said with a toothy grin, hoping to defuse the tense conversation.

Akira suddenly straightened herself, immediately embarrassed. "Wait, what? You've noticed it before?"

"Yeah, loads of times!" he said cheerfully, though he immediately regretted it when he saw her horrified expression.

She slumped her shoulders. Great. This wasn't awkward at all.

"D-don't worry about it," Sora said in an attempt to calm her, "Nobody thought anything of it."

"Oh my gosh, you're making this worse…"

"Sorry…" he said with a sympathetic smile.

She buried her face in her hands beside him, laughing incredulously. He didn't seem too bothered by it, but she had never felt so embarrassed. Did he even believe her? She almost wished she didn't say anything and let him go on thinking she just talked to herself…

"Has it said anything about me?" he asked softly in another attempt to calm the awkwardness.

She let her hands fall to her lap and smiled. He was really something else… "Yeah, but only nice things," she said, grinning at him, "It even called you the Keyblade master."

"Keyblade master?" he repeated, "It thinks I'm a master." He put his hands on his hips and pumped out his chest. "Well, can't say I disagree."

She rolled her eyes. "Okay, don't get cocky," she laughed as she nudged his shoulder.

Their laughter echoed through the silent district and, in that moment, almost gave it the life and energy it so desperately craved. Akira clasped her hands together on her lap as their laughter slowly died down, smiling all the while. If Sora's grin would lighten up the Destiny Islands, it was no surprise his laughter would light up an entire district.

Sora stretched his arms into the air. "Well, I should get some more rest before Donald kills me," he said as he rose to his feet, "Are you coming too?"

She shook her head. "Not yet."

"Okay then, see you in a bit." He jumped off the ledge and strolled towards the hotel, clasping his hand on the door's handle. "Hey, Akira?"

She turned to face him. "Yeah?"

"Thanks," he said with a soft smile.

She nodded to him with a smile of her own before he pulled the doors open and disappeared behind them. She heaved a sigh as the district grew quiet once more, though her heart felt much lighter than it had before.

Smooth recovery.

She snorted. "I wouldn't call it smooth."

He seemed to take it well regardless. Though I wouldn't call him a Keyblade master just yet. He certainly has the potential, though...

"What would you call him then?"

I would call him... a very good friend.

"He really is…" she said, letting her voice trail off.

But… something still troubles you.

Damn. There was no escaping it, was there? Akira pursed her lips as her smile fell. Though her doubts and fears were eased for the moment, there was still one last thing she needed to know… "What did you say before?" she asked firmly.

Before?

"Before Sora interrupted us. I asked you what you were and where you came from. You said two words. What were they?"

Her staff remained silent. She let out an exasperated sigh as she picked up her weapon from beside her, laying it on her lap as she clutched the hilt firmly in her hands. "Please…" she murmured, gripping her weapon so tightly that her fingernails dug into her skin.

Her heart almost stopped when her staff had answered her. She didn't recall these words, but they left her with a sense of dread and fear she had never experienced before. Something familiar and warm yet sinister and harsh. She almost wished she hadn't asked.

Kingdom Hearts.

Cid rubbed his forehead as the group watched him with a careful gaze. He had called on Sora, Akira, Donald, and Goofy to meet him beside the accessory shop, but his expression seemed grave and concerned, and it did nothing but make them nervous.

"Alright," he said sternly as he crossed his arms, "I installed the navigation gummi for you. But, I gotta ask… are you guys sure?"

"Uh, sure about what?" Goofy asked.

"Pinheads," Cid muttered before glaring at them, "That place the navigation gummi will bring you to. You guys do know where you're going, don't you?"

"The ruins of Hollow Bastion," Sora said firmly, repeating what Captain Hook had said back in Neverland, "Yeah, we know."

"And you still want to go?!"

"We have to. Our friend is there, and she needs our help," Akira said in a pleading tone.

"And our King might be there too!" Donald added.

Cid's stern glare never left his face. "That place is a danger zone. It's crawling with Heartless. You might get hurt, or worse…"

They didn't answer him, but the looks of resolve each of them had on their faces told Cid all he needed to know. He sighed heavily as he scratched his head, his glare fading but his eyes seeming troubled. "Alright, I won't stop you kids. But if you need anything at all, you come find me. Leon and the gang are ready to help at a moment's notice."

"You told them?" Donald asked incredulously.

"Of course I told them, you blockheads. What kind of friends would we be if we just let you march into danger without offering to help?"

They exchanged perplexed glances, but they couldn't help but smile. Even if there would be many worlds between them, it was comforting to know they had friends supporting them in any way they can.

"Thank you, Cid. We'll remember that," Sora said with sincerity, echoing his comrades' sentiments.

"Well, don't go thanking me just yet," he responded with a small grin, "Good luck out there."

He waved at them as they made their way towards their ship, parked away from the crowds on the edge of the First District and looking exactly how they had left it. They made their way in silence, ignoring the bustle of the crowds, the idle chatter of the townsfolk, and the clanking of dishes from the local restaurant. They had done this so many times before yet now, as they boarded their ship and prepared to visit the next world on their list, their hearts were filled with a certain hesitation that they simply couldn't shake off…