Chapter 4

(Scene 1)

Sora raced into the gummi ship and flung himself at the pilot's seat. He flopped down and spun in a circle, laughing. A beaming smile was plastered on his face as he giggled at Donald and Goofy's bewildered expressions.

"Ha, ha! Take that, Sashiro! Bring it on!" He spun the chair around again, only to jump up and grab hold of his two friends by the hands and begin dancing them around.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he exclaimed, digging in his pocket and pulling out the charm Nova had given him. It sparkled as it spun from his fingers. "Can't lose this! Gotta keep it close," and he suddenly quieted, thinking for a moment, then brightened almost immediately. Sora pulled the chain from around his waist and clipped the charm on it. It twinkled from his hips as the chain fell back in place.

"Sora, calm down," Donald said, rubbing his wrists. "It's only one shard. Who knows how many more there are?"

"Who knows, who cares?" Sora laughed as he rummaged around under the seat. "I'll get them all!"

He pulled the world map out and took Kairi's blue pendant from around his neck, whirling it around like a slingshot above the parchment. His blue eyes watched avidly to see where it would point, and it took a numbers of swings before it came to rest on a star.

"Ah, ha! Plot a new course, batton down the hatches, jump to lightspeed, and beam us up!"

"HUH!" Donald stood staring open-mouthed at Sora while Goofy seemed to be searching for a dictionary. Sora merely laughed again and spun the wheel around to head for the new world.

"Oh, brave new world!" he shouted, and they rushed off once again to the unknown.

(Scene 2)

A blue sky blazed above the emerald green fields, and a distant bird call floated calmly on the gentle breeze. A lone knight in brilliant armor sat astride his steed, surveying all with a keen eye for trouble. As he watched, something streaked across the clouds. His eyes widened, and he turned the horse's head toward the thing now rocketing towards the ground. The knight hurriedly lifted his visor and shouted back behind him to a small company of squires and attendants.

"A strange beast is landing in the valley! Quickly, to arms!"

The company surged forward after their leader, who was gallantly waving his sword in the air as he charged ahead.

(Scene 3)

Sora pulled the wheel back and leveled out, the gummi grazing the top of the grass. It landed softly in a valley, and he eagerly hopped out. His companions soon followed, staggering slightly after the haphazard ride. Sora grabbed a yellow flower from around his knees playfully, and he smiled at the two.

"Come on, guys!"

Kairi's pendant glowed softly and was tugging against its chain ever so gently to the right. Sora walked along after it, humming happily and picking yellow flowers as he went. Donald shrugged at Goofy, who shrugged back, and they sauntered off behind him. Sora's song was a bright, quick little piece, and his head bobbed along as he walked.

"Hey, Sora?" Goofy asked from his shoulder.

"Yep."

"You never said what that last shard let you remember."

"Oh?" He continued humming his song, realizing he had no idea why it made him so happy or where he had heard it.

"So what did you remember?"

Only humming came in reply.

"Sora!"

The song stopped long enough for a tongue to poke out at Goofy impudently. Sora started to pick it back up, but stopped again, both Goofy and Donald smacking into his back.

"What are those?"

Ahead, two black shapes were winging towards him, an eerie screeching following them. As they closed in, Sora could see that they had leathery wings and ugly bodies that vaguely resembled women, though just barely. Their savage, toothy mouths opened, and both screeched again, making the hairs on Sora's neck stand on end.

"I have no idea, but they look kinda dangerous," Donald answered.

"You think?"

Sora had the Keyblade out in a flash, immediately snapping on the Ultima chain, gold and silver tracing down its length. He was in no mood to let those things get close.

"FIRE!"

Two giant fireballs shot out from the blade, streaking towards the creatures, but they swooped in mid-air, dodging them with uncanny agility. Sora was taken aback for a moment, then steadied himself. The Keyblade flicked forward, dancing before him in a flurry of motion, and a glowing light formed before him, weaving an intricate pattern he knew by memory.

"Ragnarok!"

The pattern shattered and flew in a hailstorm towards the creatures, pummeling into them, and they fell, shrieking, to the ground. There they lay still and quite unmistakably dead.

"All right!" Sora twirled the Keyblade around, then it vanished in a puff of sparkling light. He bent down and grabbed the bundle of yellow flowers from the ground where he had dropped them for the fight and turned to smile at his friends when he spotted a small group behind them on a hillside. The knight in the front of the party stood in open-mouthed awe, gaping first at Sora, then at the remains of the creatures, returning to stare once more at Sora.

"Sir Magician, that was incredible!" he called, riding his horse towards the three at a quick trot. His party followed suit, all exhibiting varying amounts of awe and wonder.

"Magician? Oh, no, I'm not a magician," Sora said, waving his hands before him, the flowers dropping a few petals to the ground.

"But sir, to beat two furies, you must be a sorcerer, and a great sorcerer at that," the knight replied. "To whom do you owe your allegiance?"

"To whoever needs my help, I suppose."

"Then, Sir Magician, may I lead you to my lord's castle?"

Sora glanced at Donald and Goofy, who shrugged their indifference. He thought for a moment, then nodded.

"I guess we'll need a place to stay for the night, thanks."

The knight bowed stiffly, creaking as he moved, and Sora was strongly reminded of the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz. At a wave of his metal hand, three squires in matching uniforms came up, each leading a fine steed and bowing before handing their reins over to each of Sora, Donald and Goofy. Donald looked questioningly at his mount, which was twice his height, and Goofy proceeded to stroke his own horse's velvety nose.

"I, Sir Brannon, shall be your escort through our lovely kingdom. May I be so privileged as to know the names of such great heroes who stand before me?"

Donald muttered in his ducky way to himself, obviously put off by the over-eager knight and ignored him as he pulled himself up into the saddle by the stirrup leathers. Goofy turned and beamed at the shining man.

"Gawrsh, of course! My name is Goofy, and that there is Donald," he then put a hand to the side of his mouth and whispered loudly, "but he's a little grumpy right now."

"Sir Goofy, Sir Donald," Brannon bowed to them and his party did the same. "And you, Sir Magician?"

"I'm Sora," and Sora stuck out his gloved hand, which Brannon stared at for a moment before shaking uneasily.

"Sir Sora, the Furyslayer!" he said and bowed low.

"Sir Sora, the Furyslayer!" his party mimicked, each bowing low as well. Soon, they were all set on their mounts and were riding off, Sora's face now flushed red. Brannon rode in the front and he had insisted that Sora ride alongside him, with Donald and Goofy behind him. Brannon prattled on constantly about his conquests and glories, giving Sora the distinct impression that his accounts were somewhat inflated and quite far from what had actually happened. In fact, Sora had come to the conclusion that Brannon had the same IQ as his armor. He let the man ramble on, lost in his own thoughts. His happy mood from earlier had worn off, leaving him feeling strangely empty, and he knew he was in trouble. Sashiro's words echoed in his ears; The heart is affected by memories, yes, but even more so by emotion! The memories and emotions are linked; throw off their balance, disturb their frail structure within the heart and watch it shatter! I will show those fools the true way to conquer the heart; see for yourself, Keyblade Master, what happens when this balance is broken! Sora knew that he was running out of time and that his earlier happiness had been a side effect of a breaking heart. He'd have to be careful now, and he'd have to be quick.

"And so I chopped off its head with one swift swipe of my trusty sword, thus saving the poor village from the dreadful monster."

"Uh, huh. Whatever you say."

Brannon faltered a bit in his speech, but continued on almost instantly.

"Ah, I cannot wait to see my beloved Juliana! She is the jewel of the castle, the sweetest, kindest, purest maiden in the land and my heart is hers forevermore."

"Let me guess," Sora drawled sarcastically, "she has fair skin, long flowing, golden hair, and blue eyes as bright as the morning sky, but your love is for naught because she is a princess and betrothed to another."

"You know my sweet Juliana! You truly are a magician, Sora Furyslayer!"

Sora's eyes widened in disbelief. Whether he disbelieved his ears or Brannon's stupidity, Sora couldn't tell. Maybe it was both.

"No, just a lucky guess. And don't call me Sora Furysl-" He stopped, spotting something in the trees as they rode through the small woods on the hills. He could have sworn he saw a young woman behind one of the oaks, wearing long, flowing white and grey clothes, with a long silver braid hanging down her front. But what had really caught Sora's eyes in that split second had been her own eyes; they were pure black, pupil-less and seemingly infinite in depths. Her expression seemed somewhat worried, and Sora turned to catch a second look. As he gazed back at the oak, his eyes widened even more. The girl wasn't there.

"What is it, Sir Sora?"

"Nothing. It's nothing," but he remained staring behind him in confusion for some moments more. Brannon looked back at the tree, then continued on as if nothing had happened.

"But you really must meet my sweet Juliana! Ah, she gives me the courage I need to carry on..." His voice went on in a constant hum, and he vigorously grabbed the bunch of yellow flowers Sora was still absently holding, gesticulating with them as he rambled on about Juliana's beauty and virtue, stopping only momentarily to smell the blooms. Sora tuned him out, turning to watch the little party. Goofy was chatting amiably with the nearby attendants and Donald was muttering angrily to himself, fighting his somewhat reluctant steed to go forward and not charging off into the forest. Sora settled in for the ride, sighing as they topped the hill, emerging from the wood and a castle rose into view a few rises over.

(Scene 4)

As the small procession wend its way finally towards the castle gates, Brannon ceased his incessant babbling about Juliana and began the involved process of gaining entry. The horses stepped through the cool stone battlements and pranced across the wooden drawbridge, hooves clicking in a steady rhythm. Donald yelled angrily as his mount nearly threw him into the moat, but Sora paid him no attention. Now that Brannon was busy, he checked the pendant. A steady blue glow was emanating from it, strong and persistent, an equally steady pull tugging forward. Tucking it back in his shirt, Sora glanced around at last, only to be interrupted again by Brannon.

"Come, Furyslayer; you and your companions must meet the king. Perhaps my dear Juliana will be there as well!"

The group dismounted and Brannon pushed Sora, Donald and Goofy through the great oaken front doors, steering them down myriad hallways and passageways.

"Don't call me that," Sora snarled through gritted teeth, but Brannon paid him no heed. Quite suddenly the four were in an enormous hall, which must have been the main chamber. The air smelled of pomp and pageantry, and through the rainbow of silk-clad footman and waiters strode three elegantly dressed royals.

"May I present," Brannon said in a hushed voice and dropping to one knee, "their majesties, the king and queen–"Sora, Goofy and Donald bowed deeply in response to their courteous nods, "and his eminence Drowen, Head of the Druid Church."

A robed man with long white hair nodded and shook hands with Sora, who wore quite a large grin on his face.

"So, you're like a druid pope, right?" He couldn't help it anymore; Sora burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the high-terraced ceiling and stained glass windows. The entire court was staring at him now, incredulous and wondering.

"Sora," Donald whispered as he tugged on his sleeve, "Sora, what's so funny?"

"Dr-druid...pope," Sora finally spat out, tears streaming from his eyes. "He's a druid pope! Get it? A druid.." He looked around at the silent assembly and flushed slightly. "No, of course not...private joke...between me and...me and her..." But try as he might, he could not remember why that was so funny. Sora straightened up and quickly composed himself.

"Sorry about that." He smiled weakly and waited out the uncomfortable silence. At last, the king spoke.

"Brave warrior, henceforth known as Sora Furyslayer–" Sora grit his teeth tight but said nothing, "we are in debt to you for ridding us of those evil creatures. Please allow us to help you in any way possible and grant us the honor of accepting our hospitality for the night."

"Uh, yeah...okay..." Sora mumbled, glancing at Donald and Goofy for help with all of the pomp and such. Donald got the hint first.

"Thank you, your majesty. We would be glad to take your gracious offer. Perhaps in the morning when we are rested, we can continue on with our journey with your best wishes."

"Yeah, what he said," Sora blurted, sighing in relief. He hated all this courtly stuff, but the king and queen seemed to understand and smiled at him, beckoning to a footman who began to lead them out. As the left the room, a gentle hand pulled Sora aside. He looked around and found himself face-to-face with a beautiful young woman. Flaxen blond hair fell to perfectly frame a fair face, bright blue eyes staring beseechingly into Sora's. He felt a warm flush creep into his cheeks.

"Ah, heh. You must be Juliana."

"Yes, I am, Sir Furyslayer. I pray you will allow me to ask a favor." She stared at Sora in that way women have, pitiful and puppy-like.

"Sure, anything," he answered all too quickly. Donald snickered off to his side, but Sora ignored him.

"It's Sir Brannon. He is driving me crazy! The man swoons after me, imagining some forbidden love. Truth be told, I think he is an addle-brained clod with no talent. The prince and I truly love each other, but he won't leave us alone. Please, Furyslayer, I am begging you; help him understand. He admires you so."

The exasperation she had shown in her tirade now returned to its pleading, puppy-eyed gaze.

"I'll see what I can do," he grinned, and she brightened immediately.

"Oh, thank you, Sir Furyslayer, thank you!"

Juliana swooped down and grabbed Sora into a tight hug, kissing him on the cheek as she did so. Beaming, the beautiful young woman swept off to join her equally handsome prince. Sora sighed once more, but with something far from relief. Donald snickered again.

"Well, she was awfully nice," Goofy said.

"Yeah, she really seems to like you, Furyslayer," Donald laughed.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"

The footman cowered as Sora lashed out, chasing Donald around and around the pillars for a minute before thwacking him on the back of the head. As the duck rubbed his new sore spot, the footman cautiously turned and began to lead them once more towards their rooms. After five flights of stairs and too many twists and turns to remember, the silk-clad boy bowed them to three doors and left.

"Well, guys, let's get some shut-eye. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day, I think."

"G-night, Sora," Goofy yawned.

Sora turned to Donald, who was still rubbing his head.

"Friends?"

Donald muttered, then smiled.

"Friends."

(Scene 5)

Sora awoke quite early in the morning, fully refreshed and eager to get underway. Each moment he waited, he could feel another tiny piece of his heart break away under the ever-raging flow of disconnected emotions. Each shard would tie his heart closer together, he knew, as the first shard had healed the pain a fraction, but would it be enough to save him? A heart can only repair so much damage in so little a time. I must get them back, and soon, Sora declared in his mind.

It was still too early for breakfast, so Sora turned to the stairs, intent on reaching the courtyard for a little battle training. He paused at the edge, however, completely nonplused. A gloved hand reached up to scratch at his tousle-haired head, and his face turned to a sour frown.

"Sir Furyslayer! May I be of assistance?"

Sora quickly grimaced to himself, then forced a smile at the attendant from last night.

"Yeah. Which way is it to the courtyards? I'd like to get some practice in before breakfast." His hand continued to scratch his head, congenially now. The boy bowed, smiling as well in understanding,

"Of course. Down five floors, take the first hallway to the left and then through the great oaken doors. There will be a cobbled path to take you to the training fields."

"Thanks!" Sora beamed, already starting down the stairs.

"Breakfast is in an hour!"

"Wouldn't miss it!"

"Do be careful, Sir Furyslayer!"

Sora turned and flashed a thumbs-up, nearly falling off the last stair, then, grinning, continued down in the wake of a very confused attendant, who stood, looking at his own thumb in confusion. Reaching the training fields with only having to backtrack twice, Sora flicked out the Keyblade, watching it glitter in the early morning sun. A deep breath to collect himself, and he was off, spinning around in a dance of death with invisible foes. His blue eyes were narrowed in deep concentration.

"Sora Furyslayer!"

"Whaaaaa-!"

Sora stopped the Keyblade an inch from Brannon's idiotic face, but could not stop his own momentum, and he toppled to the ground in a heap. He laid there for a moment, then picked himself up and brushed off.

"What?" he glowered, starting back into the last of his routine, trying to get back into rhythm while his heart beat thirty miles a minute.

"I thought I would practice this morning as well."

"Okay, you do that."

"I thought I would practice with you."

Sora stared at him from the corner of his eyes, almost daring him to try, but Brannon's look of pure enthusiasm and misplaced cockiness got the better of him.

"Alright, fine." Sora dropped the technique he had been running and crouched into an sparring position.

"I must warn you, Furyslayer; I shall not hold back just because I like you." Brannon drew his sword and flourished it grandiosely before dropping as well into his own slip-shod sparring position.

"Fine by me," Sora called. Not like it matters anyway, Sora thought; he's completely useless with a sword.

Brannon stared at Sora for awhile; so intently, in fact, that he began to turn blue. Did he forget to breathe? Sora marveled. Then, without warning, Brannon yelled wildly at the top of his voice and rushed recklessly towards Sora, sword flailing as he ran. In one swift movement, Sora dodged behind him, bringing the Keyblade around and underneath his feet. Brannon toppled to the ground just as Sora had minutes before. His cheery voice came out muffled through the grass and earth.

"Good move, I would expect no less. But that was just a test of your strength!"

"Yeah, right," Sora muttered, helping the man to his feet. By this time, several of the castle's knights had gathered in the training field, either drawn by the prospect of seeing Sora in action or Brannon's wild yell. Seeing this, Brannon winked cheekily.

"Ah, but who am I to have you all to myself? I shall allow one of my colleagues to spar with you in my stead for now; I feel I may fight better after a good meal. Here is a match for you, Furyslayer; after me, he is the strongest knight in the castle. May the best man win!" Brannon added as he walked away, waving broadly to a sturdy looking man who was openly snarling at him.

"En garde, Sir Furyslayer!" the man growled brusquely, bowing and taking a stance. Sora did the same.

"En garde."

The knight paused to consider Sora's stance, and Sora could tell he was experienced, well able to gauge any of his faults and find an opening. Sora raised his blade as if to strike, and the knight took the bait, attacking in an instant and coming forward. Sora dropped the bluff immediately and countered, throwing the man off balance, and the two began a furious exchange of blows. Slowly but surely, Sora's advantage grew, the knight eventually falling back to merely defending himself from the whirling blur of silver and gold that was the Keyblade. With one last great surge of effort, the knight counterattacked, beating Sora back for a brief while, but his strength failed him, and Sora soon had the advantage again. As the knight struck out, Sora caught his blade in the teeth of the key and flicked, spinning the sword from the knight's hand and sending it flying into the grass. He brought the Keyblade around behind the man, dealing a heavy blow to his back and knocking him to his knees.

"Touché,"the knight conceded. "Well done."

The other knights looked at each other in amazement, many applauding the exciting match. Sora's breath was ragged, and he helped the exhausted knight to his feet.

"Come on, it's almost breakfast, and I don't know about you, but I'm starving!"

They both smiled tiredly at each other, but Sora felt Brannon approach behind them, and so braced himself for more stupidity. Then a thought occurred to him as the pendant tugged insistently again on his neck.

"Hey, Brannon? What's out there?" Sora pointed in the direction the charm was secretly tugging. The hare-brained knight followed his finger.

"A courtyard, Sir Furyslayer."

"Don't call me that! I mean, past that."

"The castle wall, Sir Furyslayer," Brannon answered, as if this were the obvious answer. Sora clenched his fists and counted to ten.

"Beyond that. What would I run into if I traveled in that direction?"

"Oh. Well, you would go through a lot of grassland and hills, and eventually you will reach the forest-bound lake."

"Thanks. Finally." Sora said, the last part muttered irritably under his breath.

As the knights filed into the feast hall for breakfast, Sora wound his way to Donald and Goofy. They sat down together on an empty bench relatively apart from the rest of the crowd, each with a fully loaded plate of food. Sora leaned in towards the others.

"So here's the plan; we leave as soon as possible, like right after we finish eating. The pendant is pulling me north, and Brannon says it's all foothills and grasslands until we get to a forest-bound lake. I'm betting the shard's there. Sound good?"

"You're leaving us so soon!"

"Oh, no," Sora groaned. Brannon had approached from behind and was now leaning over them like a mother hen.

"If you are intending on going to the Great Forest Lake, then you must allow me to accompany you. There are many dangers out there and you will need a sturdy heart like mine."

"Thank you, Brannon, but leave us alone. This is my battle, and I don't need anyone else involved. Stay here, please."

"But-"

"Promise me, Brannon."

"I'll stay if you wish it, Sir Furyslayer," he sighed dejectedly.

"Good," Sora replied, though softer this time, the knight's sad, rejected expression melting him slightly. When Brannon had left, he turned back to his friends.

"I'm sorry, but he's useless with a sword, and against Sashiro, he's as good as dead. And we'll meet her today; I know we will." His eyes narrowed dangerously, and the two companions nodded silently in acknowledgment. The three ate in silence as well, mentally preparing themselves. As they left, Sora approached the high table, bowing low to the royals before him.

"We thank you for your hospitality, your majesties, but we must be going. I am on an urgent mission and time is of the essence. Perhaps in the future we may again enjoy each other's company, but for now, we must take leave."

"Well, you've improved," Donald muttered to Sora, who winked quickly at him. The king and the queen both nodded and smiled benignly, but Juliana rose.

"Sir Furyslayer, I wish you luck on your journey. Please, be careful."

"I will, princess, thank you," Sora assured her, a pink tinge rising once more to his cheeks. He bowed again and the three left the hall, attendants already scurrying to bring them horses from the stables.

"Yes, we must be ever so careful, Furyslayer," Donald jibed.

"You wanna get smacked again?" Sora spat.

They stepped from the hall and into the entryway, three horses being led towards the gates, fully saddled and provisioned. Sora jumped up onto a sturdy buckskin, Goofy straddled a lanky-looking white mare, and Donald again was hoisted onto the irritable mustang from the day before. They each eyed each other with animosity as the duck plunked down onto the saddle.

"Come on, let's go." Sora pulled his pendant out to hang openly on his chest, and he started the buckskin off to the northern hills and Sashiro. Goofy followed after, his mare walking with the same amiable, strolling gait as he would, and Donald began muttering a long string of what Sora assumed to be swear words at the mustang before finally achieving a grudging walk. Sora's deep blue eyes gazed up at the morning sun, marking its position in the sky. Time was ticking, and Sashiro was waiting.

(Scene 6)

In the darkness of the forest lake, Sashiro watched the surface of the water, completely smooth and undisturbed.

"He comes closer, Rumor, my dear."

Her hand, pale as death, stroked the ebony fur of the purring panther, and her crimson lips cracked into a wicked smile.

"He comes closer, and my trap grows more deadly. Who do you think will win this round?"

The cat purred affectionately at her, rubbing into her palm, and she cackled.

"Yes, I agree. Let us retire to a more hidden spot."

The shadowy duo rose and faded into the blackness in the dense trees to watch and to wait.

(Scene 7)

Sora's sapphire eyes marked the sun again, its glowing form now low in the west to his right. The pendant was now shining with an unmatched intensity, pulling him towards the thicket of woods before him as if magnetically drawn there. Something evil lurked in those trees around the lake, Sora could sense it. Even the horses could feel it, for they were all three silent and Donald's feisty mustang stood quiet at the edge. Dismounting, the companions continued along on foot, wary of sudden attack and keeping a keen eye for a glimpse of the stray shard. Through the murky shadows of the thicket they traveled, and quite soon reached the edge of a large, dark lake.

"Let's spread out," Sora suggested.

"Mm-hmm," both agreed.

They searched along the edges of the wood, under roots and inside gullies, everywhere, high and low. Sora dejectedly leaned against a tree, unsure of where to search next. His gaze wandered the clearing and across the lake's surface, then he started. There was a girl at the banks. No, not just a girl; the silver-haired girl from before. She stood in the water, though her feet seemed completely dry, and when he looked directly at the girl, Sora almost thought he could see the trees through her body. Her pure black eyes looked straight at his, her face completely blank, yet somehow urging as well. She seemed to be trying to tell him something. One graceful, olive-tan hand gestured at the inky surface of the lake, and she gazed at him once more. Sora blinked for a few moments, and then it hit him. The shard is in the lake! He looked up to thank the girl, but she was gone just as suddenly as the day before. He blinked again in surprise, then rushed to the water's edge.

"I know where it is! The shard's in the lake!"

Donald and Goofy rushed over to his side, peering with him into its depths.

"I don't know, looks pretty deep," Donald mused.

"Yeah, and I can't hold my breath too long," Sora sighed.

"I could just turn you into a merman like at Atlantica..." Donald suggested.

"No, that spell would take too long, we're about to lose the daylight, and I can't search in the dark. Maybe if I modified... and tweaked..." Sora began muttering a bit to himself, his brow furrowed in thought. Then he flicked out the Keyblade and thrust it into the air above him.

"Aeroga!"

The air around Sora immediately whirled into a frenzy, swirling up to encompass his head in an air pocket. Sora breathed tentatively, then a bit more freely in the vortex around him. He removed his shoes and waded in waist-deep.

"You two stay here and keep a watch for Sashiro or that stupid cat."

Donald and Goofy nodded, both wearing an expression of worry.

"I hope this works, Sora," Goofy called.

"Me, too," he admitted to himself, then turned to give a thumbs-up.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Here goes nothing!"

Sora dove into the water, feeling the icy sting surround his body, but the modified spell seemed to be doing its job; he could breathe, but the spell would run out soon. He'd have to be quick. Diving down further, all Sora could see was hazy, backlit water and a few small fish swimming away in fear. In less than a minute, the aeroga began to wear down, small droplets dripping down onto his face. Sora cast it again and continued down.

He easily reached the sandy floor, skimming inches above the grimy grit and pebbles. A large outcropping of craggy rocks rose from the sand, and there, nestled in a small nook, glimmered his prize; a memory shard the size of his fist. Sora reached eagerly out for it, kicking his feet to get nearer, but something black loomed out at his side. He turned to look, then wheeled backwards in alarm, a large stream of bubbles rising from his mouth in a strangled yell of surprise. A giant, squid-like creature was pulling itself from a crevice in the rock, multiple long, black tentacles snaking out and around the boulders and towards Sora. The aeroga began to fail again as a tentacle reached out for Sora's leg, and he kicked hard against the lake bed, jetting up and out of reach to the surface. The kraken rose up as well, seemingly filling up half the lake with its monstrous body, gleaming red eyes glinting after its prey. Sora rocketed upwards with the arms closing in.

(Scene 8)

Donald and Goofy watched the surface of the lake with concern, their eyes constantly flicking out to the outlying trees as well, on the lookout for trouble.

"Goofy, do you see that?"

He nodded silently, and both pulled their weapons into position. They turned to face the woods behind them just as a shadow burst from the foliage.

"AHA! It's that woman's panther! Get it!"

Just then, Sora's head broke surface, gasping for air and wild-eyed. The feline leapt between the two and the edge of the lake, snarling and baring its teeth. Its tail flicked back and forth in furious anticipation, and the showdown began in silence. A loud splash echoed, and Sora was gone.

"Ah! Sora!" Goofy cried. Sora reemerged, spluttering, with a long black tentacle wrapped around his neck. He struggled against it, fighting to bring the Keyblade into a position to free himself. The sound of thundering hooves caught all's attention, even the panther's. A bright white stallion came charging through the forest, a gleaming silver knight astride it. The horse reared, and the man called out.

"Sir Furyslayer, I am here to save you!"

"Brannon!" Sora gasped through a mouthful of lake water. "Get out of here!" He managed to bring the Keyblade to bear and slash the arm from around his neck. Hastily, Sora cast aeroga again, and he felt his strength falter. The constant spell casting was draining him; he could only cast a few more before he would be completely empty. Two more arms shot out towards him, and Sora dove for the shard, slashing out at the creature's tendrils as they neared him.

"Do not fear, Sir Brannon to the rescue!"

Brannon clambered off his steed, clumsily charging the black cat who was now locked in a blazing battle with Donald and Goofy. The foolish knight swung his blade crazily at the beast, somehow miraculously slashing its shining fur and leaving a large, bloody gash along its side. The panther roared in pain and anger, whirling around to face Brannon. One giant paw swept out and struck him, knocking him in the lake and the waiting arms of the kraken. Brannon was quickly dragged under.

Sora was locked in combat as well, striking what seemed like a thousand tentacles, alternately defending himself and keeping the creature from grabbing the shard for itself. He was running out of strength, and he had only one last aeroga left in him. Sora swam as hard as he could toward the nook where the shard glittered, a pinprick of light in the murky depths. The tendrils continued to shoot out after him, and he fought desperately against them. One gigantic arm knocked into him, causing Sora to spin in the water, and he caught sight of Brannon. The knight was caught tight in the tentacles, two of them prying the man from his now crumpled silver armor as if opening a tin can. The arms began to drag him towards the creature's massive body, and Brannon was already weak from lack of air. Sora watched in horror as he neared the kraken's gaping mouth, its red eyes blazing hungrily. Sora cast his last aeroga, his mind reeling. Another arm closed in on the memory shard, and Sora's blood froze.

He had to choose, each arm was a second away from its destination; he had only air enough to save one or the other, Brannon or the memory shard. As his last spell wore off and he took a deep, shuttering breath, his instincts drove him towards the shard, reaching out with his hand to grasp the crystal. But at the last second, his conscience got the best of him, and he swung around and struck the arm holding Brannon, freeing his limp form to sink to the floor.

Sora grabbed the man's body in his arms, and he could only watch as the kraken's long tentacles grasped the shard tightly, pulling it far beyond his reach. Grief flooded his body, and his heart burned again at the thought of losing his memory. He kicked up towards the surface, dragging Brannon with him. As he climbed onto the shore, he practically flung the knight to the ground in anger.

"Sora!"

Donald called out as the panther attacked him again, and Sora turned, blue eyes blazing now. The Keyblade glinted dangerously in the evening sun, and he strode towards them, his body radiating power and rage.

"Come to me, Rumor, my sweet."

Sora stopped dead, and the lithe form of the Crimson Sorceress emerged from the shadows of the forest. Her white face wore a self-satisfied smile, and her grey eyes shone with malice as she surveyed Sora's dripping, soggy body. The panther padded to her side, purring and rubbing into her knees, though limping heavily from its wound.

"Ah, the hero's reward is fitting indeed," Sashiro crowed, motioning at Brannon's crumpled form. Her scarlet lips grinned wider, and she extended her pale hand toward the lake. The surface rippled, and the kraken's enormous black body rose from the water, one arm reaching out and gliding forward to her hand, the memory shard clutched tight. Sashiro took the shard carefully, enveloping it in chains of her dark magic, flicking it out of sight.

"I believe the score is now two to two, Keyblade Master."

Sashiro cackled softly, beginning to fade into the blackness of the forest, the golden sun flaming in the western sky behind the trio. Sora's rage bubbled over, and he yelled out, a wild animal call from the depths of his soul. He hurled the Keyblade with all his might, and it went spinning towards Sashiro, but she merely laughed again, disappearing into the shadows as it reached her. The blade boomeranged back and Sora caught it deftly, breathing heavily in anger. He stormed over to Brannon, who was now kneeling on the banks of the lake, weak and gasping for air.

"You!" Sora screamed. The Keyblade swung out in a blur, stopping dead on the terrified knight's exposed throat, the edge pushing in on his flesh.

"This is your fault! I told you to stay! Now I've lost the shard!"

Sora was yelling in the man's face, he was losing control, the untied emotions boiling over and breaking down the walls of his heart, but he didn't care at the moment. He pushed the Keyblade harder into Brannon's throat.

"Do you understand what you've done? This was not just some mission, that was not just some treasure! Those were my memories! Those were my soul!"

His face was an inch from Brannon's, and the knight turned pale with fear.

"Forgive me, Furyslayer. I only wished to help!" He was stammering, gasping out the words with difficulty. "I had to warn you of the kraken. I thought only to save you. I am truly sorry!"

Brannon gazed at Sora, his own pale green eyes begging for mercy. The rage left Sora, and he lowered the Keyblade. He fell to his knees as well, his grief now flooding through him again. Tears fell silently down his cheeks, and he sat there a moment, lost in his thoughts. After a minute that seemed like eternity, Sora rose, helping Brannon to his feet as well.

"Come on, there's nothing more we can do here."

He walked back to the horses, jumping up onto his buckskin and heading off towards the castle without any further words. The other three followed, forlorn and wary of their friend.

(Scene 9)

The small, sad procession reached the castle gates in the dark, the guards watching with questioning eyes but receiving no answer. The four entered the great hall, and all heads turned towards them.

"Sir Furyslayer! Are you alright?"

Juliana came rushing to Sora's side, worry clearly mirrored on her face. Brannon caught her arm.

"We are fine, but I have caused him to lose something very dear, and for that I am deeply sorry. Can either of you ever forgive me? Juliana, my love, can you ever overlook my mistake?"

He took her hand in his, and she pulled back.

"Brannon, let it go," Sora sighed.

"What?"

"Let it go. She doesn't love you. Just look at her face."

Brannon stared at Juliana, wide-eyed with shock.

"But-"

"Brannon, let it go."

Sora walked away, stopping at the edge of the stairs. He turned to the high table and bowed.

"Your majesties, I beg of you the hospitality of one last night's stay. After that, I must leave, unsuccessful as I am. I bid you good-night."

With that, he headed up the stairs, arms hanging morosely at his sides. Donald and Goofy went after him, catching up by his guestroom door.

"Sora..." Goofy started.

"Please, not now," Sora murmured. His eyes gazed out at them as if from a distance, and both knew what he needed was to be alone. One hand reached up and pushed the door open, the other grasping the pendant tight in a fist. He paused as someone else came around the corner. It was Brannon, and he approached Sora tentatively.

"Sir Furyslayer-"

"Don't call me that."

"Sir - I mean, Sora..." He dropped to his knees at Sora's feet. "I sincerely apologize for your loss. I caused your failure, and am in your debt." He removed a ring from his finger and held it out in his open palms.

"I give this to you, the knight's signet, as a symbol of my debt. If ever you need my services, I shall fulfill it to the best of my abilities. Once again, I am truly sorry."

He cast his eyes down as Sora took the ring and thread it on the chain next to Nova's charm. A gloved hand reached down and grasped Brannon's own.

"I forgive you, Brannon, and accept your token." He smiled wanly and tiredly.

"Friends?"

Brannon smiled weakly as well.

"Friends."

"Then good-night, you three."

Sora walked into his room, closing the door on them, and another small tear fell down his cheek.

(Scene 10)

Sashiro walked through her own great hall, the dank air reeking of her evil. From her tattered crimson robes she withdrew her latest treasure, watching it sparkle and gleam behind its magical bounds.

"Yes, you are mine now, never to see the depths of the Keyblade Master's heart again. Come, join your friend, as all the others are bound to do."

She spoke softly to the shard, but her voice nonetheless echoed around as if she had screamed the words. The shard glowed brighter in response the great hunk of crystal the sorceress already possessed, and the chains of dark magic bound the two pieces together, locked side by side in a glimmering mass.

"Come, Rumor, my pet. There is no time to revel in our victory. We must make use of what little advantage we have gained."

The Crimson Sorceress and the large black panther floated off to unknown parts of the castle to plot their next attack. The memory shards dimmed, almost as if in response to the Keyblade Master's sorrow.

Author's note

Hey, Evil Midget Turtle here, but call me Kame-chan. Sorry for the wait, being sick really sucks. I promise, chapter 5 won't take as long to get out. As this is my first author's note, I'll tell you some extra stuff.

I hope it shows, but I try really hard to keep Sora, Donald and Goofy true to their characters from the game. I also remain adamant on using all OC's (with the obvious exceptions). I feel that way I can truly be creative, and I am not restricted as much. Oh, and I know, I played the game for the third time again recently, and discovered that my memory had played a trick on me. I concede that Kairi's pendant is not blue, but a white-pink. As I don't feel like fixing past chapters, I will fix this in the next chapters. But a guy wearing something that glows pink? I don't think so; it will continue to glow blue, to save Sora's credibility as a man.

In case it isn't clear, the memory shard Sora received from Nova gave him the intangible things; i.e. private jokes, favorite songs, etc. I like to think that the song, which is supposed to be one Sora and Kairi sang together, was " Simple and Clean", but maybe I'm just weird. Oh, and the "Druid Pope" thing is actually an inside joke between me and my best friend Chi-kun! So if you didn't get it, don't worry!

I hope you guys like this story, it's a long way from being over! Sorry to leave you on such a sour note, but real life isn't always perfect. I apologize for the lack of visual aides, but I've never been good at drawing characters from my head, just what I can look at. The original character drawings are Chi-kun's forte, and by that I mean they are GREAT. I love them. In fact, in the next chapter, you'll get to meet some of her characters, and one that is really close to my own heart. Who are these wonderful people? You'll just have to wait and find out. See you in chapter 5!