Author's Note: Something weird was going on with the site this weekend, which delayed some email alerts. So, if you didn't read Ch.3 yet, go back and read it so that you will be caught up. The offer for the guest chapter is still up. Also, for the authoress of Black Fate, I don't mind doing guest chapters either.

Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 4

3:17 A.M.

Riku:

I could only pray that Minnie was okay. Perhaps…just perhaps Sora didn't make it to the castle. There was no way to tell…just to hope. As we wearily walked into a room in the town's inn, we could only hope for some rest and good news when we awoke.

Dark Depths

Sora:

I opened my eyes and allowed my body to stretch out along the floor…if that's what you would like to call it. That damnable object…that Cornerstone of Light repelled me. I wasn't about to let Daisy live, but as long as she remained shielded around that thing, I couldn't touch her. That bothered me a lot. If Riku figured out how to generate a portable version, I would be murdered again. Not before I finished what I started.

"Curaga."

The familiar cool sensation of a healing spell washed over me and I let out a sigh of relief. I checked my magical storage. Still full.

Wonderful.

A chorus of hisses and laughter caught my attention.

"You're awake. We found your friend in Hollow Bastion."

Huh? Wow, they work fast.

That was great because I wanted to see Kairi.

"Take me there."

4:02 A.M.

Hollow Bastion

Sora:

There was another reason why the Heartless found out where my 'friends' so quickly. I sat down on the roof and took in my surroundings. The town had changed a lot since I had last seen it. The neighborhood was more of a labyrinth, but now it was beautiful and ornate. The castle was now rebuilt and standing proudly on the outskirts. I felt so left out from everything…

A chorus of hissing drew my attention away from the town. I inched over to the other side of the roof and crouched down. Kairi was leaning against the side of the building with her hand over her heart. She seemed like she was in pain, but she wasn't. I allowed myself to take in a little of the dark energy that she was producing. Kairi was ready to transform…ready to feed.

"Do it," I half thought/half whispered aloud.

The girl doubled over as vapor covered her body.

Good girl.

I smiled softly as she tore into the Heartless immediately. She was feeding…

I licked my lips slowly.

Now I was getting hungry.

"Bring her a heart to feast on, my siblings," I said aloud.

The Heartless that hadn't met death vanished, leaving behind one fresh heart. Kairi bounded over to and began devouring it.

"What are you doing here?"

What?

I straightened up and turned around. Riku stared at me with his anger filled cerulean/green eyes. His keyblade was resting at his side.

"Can't I enjoy the show?" I asked, motioning to Kairi, who was being fed yet another heart. Riku followed my hand and made an inhuman sound.

"What did you do to her?" He asked, voice laced with anger.

"All I did was give her a little push to get what I want."

"Change her back, Sora or I'll—"

"You'll do what, Riku? I won't let you kill her, if murder is what you are aiming for."

Surprise blanketed Riku's face.

"Why…?" He asked.

"Last time I checked, she was your best friend. Maybe now you've grown to like her a little more. In any case, she is carrying something that I want. I won't let you cut that away from me."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kairi collapse and the black vapor fade. The darkness inside was growing. It would need more hearts to nurture.

Damn Riku's interference.

"Go retrieve her. The Heartless might devour her. They've been known to get…a little antsy," I spat, turning away from him.

"Don't you dare turn your back on me! Holy!"

I found myself flying across the town…burning much like I did earlier. When I did finally land…the world went black.

Morning:

"You die now, Sora!"