Chapter 2

After explaining things to Janet and James Scott about the situation and what Alex was setting out to do, Riku feared he and Mickey would be leaving without her. The Scott's reaction was less then pleased and he had feared that her adoptive parents would put their proverbial feet down and say she couldn't go. Fortunately she was able to convince them, with her great Uncle George's help ( she had called him all the way in Scotland for back up), and he offered to be a cover story for Alex's absence. He could tell that they were worried but seeing Alex's desire to help in finding Master Aqua, Terra and Ven, they couldn't say no. Alex packed a small bag, that was mostly packed full of snacks and water, well Janet insisted they all stay for dinner.

When they finally left and made their way back the Master Yen Sid's tower Alex became nervous as she had heard much of the old master from Riku over the past few years. Riku made sure to reassure her that everything would be fine as he opened the door to Yen Sid's office. Mickey and Riku went on to explain not only about Alex being the Keeper of Light, the Light Shard's guardian but also how she and Riku knew each other. Alex wondered if the old master ever showed any sign of emotion as he looked her over and seemed deep in thought about something. Master Yen Sid didn't share his thoughts as he informed Alex of what they hoped the Light Shard would do for the search to find Master Aqua. "From my research on the Light Shard I have found very little save that it can locate those in need of aid by connecting to their hearts."

"I have used the ability many times, long before I became a ranger myself when Rita or Zed kidnaped someone. That along with its healing abilities are ones I can use without tiring myself out unmorphed." Alex explained, feeling a bit more at ease talking about something she knew very well.

Master Yen Sid hummed thoughtfully. "If I may inquire, what else is the Light Shard capable of?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that Master Yen Sid." Alex seemed to stand a little straighter and with a bit more confidence. "I have, I guess you could say taken a vow of secrecy when it comes to the secrets of both the Light Shard and the full understanding of the power of the Morphing Grid."

For the first time since she had walked in the room and met this great master her gave her the smallest of smirks which took away any nervousness Alex had. "Very well. I do hope that with your added help Alex that the efforts of locating Master Aqua and her friends will greatly improve. I would suggest that before you leave to continue the search, pay the good fairies a visit as you will require proper vestments to be made. For protection from both the Heartless, Dusks and Organization XIII. Such things do take time but you should far well for now."

With that decided the three had left and thanks to leads Riku and Mickey had already had and Mickey's keyblade of darkness they soon found themselves in the Realm of Darkness. Alex, Riku and Mickey were walking along what appeared to be a path were not sure where it would lead them. Despite this being her first time there Alex felt at ease, as the Light Shard was giving off a soft glow as she fallowed what they hoped was Aqua's trail. The moment they had entered this dark world, Alex had concentrated as Mickey had described Master Aqua to her. Not just what she looked like but of what he could remember of her personality, strong quality's, etc. This gave Alex what she needed to focus on Aqua's life force, as well as her heart and soon she had felt a presence that was touched by light. This feeling was what they were fallowing well Mickey soon picked up Aqua's trail as well as they came closer, or so they were hoping.

As they were walking a long Riku suddenly stopped walking, which didn't go unnoticed by either of his friends. "What's wrong Riku? Are you tired, do you need a break? We can stop." Mickey asked and offered helpfully well Alex stopped focusing on the connection to listen to his majesty and Riku's conversation.

"No just- I've been here, I should know this place, but that all seems like another life." Riku pointed out as he looked at the dark area around them.

"Well gee, think of all you've seen." Mickey offered hoping to be helpful. "All the feelings you've felt. Why you've done years of growing in almost no time at all."

"I remember my first time here, I was so scared but now my doubts and fears are gone. If anything I feel exhilarated. And it's not because there's darkness in me, I know too well what that rush is like." He looked at Alex with sad eyes and a guilty expression, which she returned with a kind, understanding smile. "This is different, and it's not adrenaline either. I know Aqua needs us but I'm ready. I'm in control now. Maybe it's because you and Alex are with me this time."

Mickey shook his head. "It's not me or Alex. I think it's because you finally found inside you that special strength to protect what matters."

"What?"

"Sometimes you care so much for somebody that other feelings disappear and then there no room for fear or doubt." Alex could help but agree with Mickey's reasoning as she knew when Riku had looked at her well talking about his darkness and what it was he was remembering.

Riku looked down at his right hand thoughtfully, remembering when the power of the keyblade was passed to him but that tall brown haired stranger. "Is that it?"

"Does it have to be anything else?" Alex asked him with a smile.

"Strength to protect what matters… it reminds me of a promise I made." Riku shared with them.

"To who?" Mickey asked as he looked to Alex for help but she shook her head no, that it wasn't to her the promise was made.

"Just someone I once met, can't tell." He told both of them with a smile.

"Sounds like a good memory."

"Yeah. Well we're reminiscing, Mickey does any of this look familiar?" Riku asked as he wanted to get them back on track. Mickey told them that it might looked a bit familiar but seemed to have changed since he had travailed in the realm of darkness with Aqua. As Riku agreed with him Alex began to think of why this was. She wondered if it had to do with how the darkness in the realm of light constantly changes as people hearts do. She of course shared this with Mickey and Riku but since they had no hard proof, they couldn't be certain. Mickey told her that he usually fallowed his heart and Aqua would show him the way, much like the Light Shard was helping her to do. Alex couldn't argue with that as they once again continued on their way.

"Alex, Riku- there's something I have been wondering." Mickey asked out of the blue, breaking the silence that had fallen between them again. "I couldn't help but notice that when you were talking about your darkness Riku, that you two looked at each other sadly. Did something happen between the two of you when Ansum had control of you?"

Both Riku and Alex looked at Mickey in surprise before looking at each other. "Um you could say that." Riku said, shame in his eyes, as Alex walked over and put a comforting hand on his back.

"When Riku had told me about his home being swallowed by darkness and ended up with Maleficent I could feel that something had changed in him. I didn't know at the time that Ansum was inside of him, starting to take control and that he had plans to drive us apart." Alex began as they walked along the trail still fallowing Aqua's heart. "I've come to think that Ansum knew that I was a positive influence for Riku."

"No Alex your wrong. You are more than a positive influence in my life." Riku corrected her with a grin well she pushed him away with an eye roll.

"Anyway. One night when I arrived in our dream scape it was in a room I had never seen and Riku was defiantly not himself."

Flashback- Alex's pov

I stood in a dark room that seemed to be some kind of bedroom as there was a bed that was near a window. I walked over and looked out the window to see what looked to be what looked like a castle that was in the middle of a water fall, well heartless patrolling the area. As I frowned in confusion I felt to strong two arms sneak around my waist and pulled my back into someone. I immediately freaked and started to fight against the person's grip, which only tightened as a familiar voice filled my ears. "Calm down Alex it's just me."

"Riku? Where are we?" I asked him as I calmed down some but still tried to pull out of his grasp.

The chuckle I heard come out of him sent unpleasant shivers down my spine as he pulled me flush against him. "This is my room in Hollow Baston, do you like it?" Riku asked as he placed his palm flat on my stomach and he seemed to then smell me, as he ran his nose along my shoulder. "Have I ever told you that you smell so wonderful?"

"Riku-" I tried to keep the fear out of my voice as I tried again to pull out of his grip. "What's gotten into you? Please let go of me."

In a flash he had me turned around and pinned against a wall, my hands above my head, well a shout of pain left my mouth. Riku cut off my shout as his lips sealed against mine, and were ruff as he forced his tongue in my mouth, well he trapped me between himself and the wall. I tried to pull my hands free, push him off or even knee him between the legs but he was so much stronger than me. "Do you realize how wonderful you taste Alexandria?" he said as he pulled away from my mouth and latched onto my neck.

Hearing him say my full name, much the same way that Dick always did, caused me to lose control of the Light Shard's energy and it blasted him back and out of our dream scape. I collapsed on the floor as his weight was gone, tears streaming down my face as I screamed. I then woke up in Aisha's room with her and Kim kneeling next to me well Aisha's parents came running in to see what was wrong. I latched on to Kim, using her as a life line as I had done in the past as she rubbed my back. "It's ok Alex, just breathe. Dick can't hurt you anymore." Hearing her say that just made me cry more.

End of Flashback- end of pov

Mickey looked at Riku and Alex in shock as she patted Riku on the back in reassurance as she said. "I didn't see him again for almost a year, when he was helping to recover Sora's memories and dealing with the former Organization. Of course the moment he saw me Riku apologized to no end, not even letting me get a word in till I gave him a love tap to shut him up."

"You call a punch to the face a love tap?" Riku asked with a bit of resentment.

"I could have punched you harder and in a very different place." Alex said with a shrug as she walked further down the trail, a smug smile on her face. Mickey laughed a bit behind his gloved hand, ignoring Riku's glare, as the two males fallowed her. They walked again in silence and soon Aqua's trail lead them to a familiar beach, for Riku anyway. It was here that both Mickey and Alex felt the trail go dim. It was then that the Light Shard showed her a small vison of Aqua, or at least her back as she was seated on the beach, looking at ease. Alex was surprised to see that there was another figure there sitting on the rock next to Aqua. Alex could see/ feel that they were talking but the connection wasn't strong enough between the two girl's hearts yet for her to hear. "Aqua was here and she wasn't alone but I'm afraid that I can't see where she went next." Alex informed them sadly.

"I've been here too, with Sora." Riku said as he looked around.

"Really?" Mickey asked hopeful and confused at what both of them had shared with him.

"This is where we found our way back to the realm of light." Riku informed them as he remembered and he became hopeful. "Hey maybe Aqua did too."

"Aqua has fallen into an even darker abyss." Mickey said sadly. "Somewhere I can't see her. What about you Alex, can you see her?"

"No the connection isn't strong enough yet." Alex informed them with a shack of her head.

"And I don't think we're equip to dive any deeper then we already are." Mickey's heart dropped at how hopeless he felt to find a dead end in their search for his lost friend.

"So then-" Riku was cut off as Heartless suddenly appeared around them, the boys summoned their keyblades, well Alex her bow, ready for the fight that was now unavoidable. "Be careful. Even the least threatening Heartless are stronger in this realm." Mickey informed them.

"Got it." Both Riku and Alex said at the same tine causing them to share a smile with each other before focusing on the dark creatures in front of them. The Heartless swarmed to create a tornado above their heads before beginning their attack. The three of them took out Heartless left and right, Alex hanging back covering Riku and Mickey, well giving them lots of space to fight. It took some time and a lot of effort but they were able to whittle the swarm down considerably but it was far from over. Suddenly the tornado rose higher before plunging down right towards Alex, who was then pushed out of the way by Riku.

"Riku!" both Alex and Mickey shouted as the swarm swollowed him and they worried for him With new determination and energy the two worked together to take out at least half of the remaining heartless before the Heartless spat Riku out. Alex ran straight to his side and called up the Light Shard's healing power well Mickey kept a watch on the Heartless in case they started attacking again. Turned out he needn't have worried as the swarm soon left, so he went to check on Riku.

He was awed by the strength of light that Alex was calling on to heal Riku but Mickey found his eyes drawn to his young friend's keyblade. It was still clenched in his right hand and half of the blade was gone. "He's coming around." Alex's relived voice drew Mickey's attention as his silver haired friend did start to wake up and Alex called her power back.

"Riku- are you ok?" Mickey asked as Alex helped him to sit up. Riku groaned a little as he not only took in how his body was feeling, but what had just happened in the darkness. He had found it hard to breath but he had heard a voice, a familiar one and the owner being someone he never thought he would never see again. "Where'd the Heartless go?" Riku asked as he regained his bearings.

"Alex and I got half of them and the rest vanished. But they spit you out first." Mickey told him as Riku got to his feet with another groan.

"Thanks, I owe you both." Riku said as he gave his head a shack, but then Alex cuffed him hard on the back of the head. "Owe! Alex- what was that for?"

"Riku, I am more than capable of taking hits aimed at me, I'm a Power Ranger for heaven's sake. So don't put yourself in danger on my account, alright?" Alex's voice was sharp but both Riku and Mickey could see the concern on her face.

"Alright Alex but I can't promise that. You know I always look out for my friends when I can." He told her with a fond smile.

"Yeah I know but I'm here to help not be a liability." Alex said giving him a half-hearted push before she turned away, as a blush covered her checks as she said. "But thank for the save."

"Alex is right, to a point. I know you feel invincible but we're not." Mickey added.

"Are you alright Mickey? Alex?" Riku asked as he looked at Alex and saw some tears in her jeans, shirt and coat.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Alex informed him still a bit sour about being saved and that she had blushed.

"Yeah, thanks to the new gear, but… your Keyblade-" Mickey couldn't bring himself to finish as he looked at it sadly. Riku brought up to take a look and was a bit surprised to see the damage done to it, but shrugged as it happens. "The Heartless here are stronger then what we expected. I guess we probably should have powered up our keyblades before we came in here huh? I think we need to go back to Master Yin Sid's tower so we can regroup."

"That sounds like a plan to me, as I may need to change my cloths." Alex said as she took notice of the state of her cloths.

"But Aqua- still down here alone, facing enemies like that." Riku remained them.

"I know." Mickey agreed sadly.

"What if she's feeling sacred and alone- as I felt the first time I came here?" Riku asked his majesty. "How long are we supposed to keep her waiting in this awful place?"

The three of them looked out over the dark ocean that was in that dark realm, where Aqua's trail had seemed to end. Alex feared that the Master she had only ever seen in a short vison and heard about, had perhaps fallen into those dark waters. There was also something in the back of her mind picking at her since hearing of the blue hair keyblade master and her two friends. Alex couldn't put a name to what it was, save that she was trying to remember something.

-o0o-

The Mysterious Tower

As they arrived outside the tower Alex noticed a strange red and gold ship parked nearby. "Your majesty, Riku, what in the world is that?" she asked pointing it out.

"Oh that's just the Gummie ship that Sora, Donald and Goofy use to travel to different worlds." Mickey answered as he led the way up the stairs and into the tower.

"I guess their back to report to Master Yen Sid as well." Riku said with a grin as he saw the mischievous glint appear in Alex's eye. For the past 4 years both Alex and Sora had been giving each other a hard time or cracking jokes about the other (all through Riku of course). As Sora had never actually seen what Alex really looked like Riku could already see that she was planning something. "All I ask Alex is that you don't embarrass him or yourself too much." He told her as they climbed the steps to the office that was all the way at the top.

"I think can promise that." She answered with a wink that made Riku roll his eyes but smiled all the same. They soon reached Master Yen Sid's office and Riku knocked on the door well Mickey announced that they were back. Riku opened the door letting Mickey and Alex go ahead of him before closing the door behind them

"Whoa, you guys are all here." Mickey said glade to see them all back together.

"We were here before but you didn't wait." Sora whined right before both Donald and Goofy pushed him to the ground in their excitement at seeing their friend and king again. Alex watched as the 4 of them caught up and discussed what they had all been doing, waiting for the right time to bug poor unsuspecting Sora. It came when he sat up, after being pushed again and shouted exasperated. "Come on, can I finally say something?"

"You certainly have the right to do so Sora but I guess being pushed to the floor a few times in others excitement puts a damper on that huh?" Alex asked him as she helped him back onto his feet.

Sora stared at her in confusion as did Donald and Goofy, only now seeing her as Alex stood next to Sora, taking note that she was actually taller than him. "Um- who are you exactly?" Sora asked with a frown.

Alex faked a gasped as she put a hand on her heart. "Why Sora I'm hurt, though not surprised as we have never really meet but I have heard much about you from Riku. All good, save the napping when you were supposed to be working on the raft, goofing off with Kairi instead of doing your homework, waiting till the last minute to get it done and get Riku to help you. How's math treating you by the way? I hope that suggestion I got from Billy helped you out with that test, Goofball."

Sora stared at her a bit for a bit as Alex grinned at him waiting to see if he would figure it out as Riku tried not to laugh. Mickey was smiling as he had heard a bit more of how Riku would pass the silly messages between her and his two dear friends. Sora had a hand on his chine as he thought over her words, still confused but then he remembered and his whole face light up as he looked at her. "It can't be- Alex? The Alex?"

"Yep in the flesh and glade to finally meet you- Goofball." Alex said happily as she offered her hand to him.

He ignored her hand completely as he grabbed Alex in a tight hug and a shout of joy left him as he lifted her off the floor, taking her completely by surprise. Riku couldn't help but laugh at the look of shock on her face as his best friend spun her around before putting Alex back on her feet. Alex pushed him off as she took a few steps back. "Ok Riku you were right, he does seem to have boundless energy, which worries me." Alex said giving Sora an apprehensive look.

"Hey!"

"Ah you know I mean it all in good fun Sora though it's good to see that you've recovered a bit from what happened during your Mark of Mastery Exam." Alex told him as she gave him a gentle shove. "Before you ask I'm here to help Riku and King Mickey in the search for Master Aqua and the others."

"Huh? Why you, how can you help?" it was then explained to Sora, Donald and Goofy (who she finally introduced to and explained who she was to the dog and duck) about Alex being the Keeper of Light, the Light Shard and about what she was doing to help. It was after that the conversation turned back to how they had found then lost Aqua's trail at the same beach Riku and Sora once visited. How she must have fallen into the great abyss under the Realm of Darkness. Some of the feared that it meant that Aqua was lost to them but Riku remained them how he had dove into the darkness after Sora when he had fallen in during his exam. "So I think if we find someone who was really close to Aqua and they make the dive- they can reach her down there." Riku theorised.

"I'm not sure who's even left to ask." Mickey said sadly. "Ventus is hidden, and Aqua, along with the fourth apprentice are the only ones who know where. Pulse no one's seen Terra in ages, Aqua was the last."

"Wait, I remember you mentioning this fourth apprentice back at the command center but never her name, why?" Alex asked confused.

"The forth apprentice that Master Eraqus taught was involved in the events of the past and she along with Aqua hid Ventus away before going into hiding herself. She had an important mission that she alone could attend to and it must be kept a secret." Master Yen Sid explained as he and Mickey exchanged a looked none of them understood. "Aqua would be the only one who would know where she would be."

"What was the mission she had to take care of? Perhaps she has finished it by now and can help us." Riku inquired hopeful but that hope was dashed as Mickey shook his head.

"No, I'm afraid it's not that simple and I'm sorry but we can't tell you more. We can't afforded the Organization learning anything more than they already know about her. Even mentioning her and one of them over hearing will involuntary put any of you in greater danger." He explained and clearly that was all they were going to hear about it.

"So Aqua, she's going to be the key to finding all 4." Riku surmised.

"Yes. Their teacher Master Eraqus would have been another possibility, had Xehanort not mercurially struck him down." Master Yen Sid said bitterly at the memory well he studied Alex, a possible idea coming into his mind and he saw that Mickey was also looking at her. There was a long and sad silence that fallowed after this as all of them trying to think of a solution. Sora placed his hand on his heart as a feeling overcame him.

"I'll save her."

There was a lot of confusion after Sora's little outburst as he was reminded that he needed the power of waking to go after Aqua. Even Sora was confused by why he had said it but Alex got an idea. "Sore did you ever meet Master Aqua?"

"Yeah, Riku and I both did when we were younger and playing together on the play island. Why do you ask?" Sora asked as Alex walked over to him.

"I think when you did meet Aqua your heart may have made a connection with her. May I be allowed to check?" Alex asked.

"Um- sure but how do you check for something like that?" Alex smiled as her eyes were filled with light well she placed a glowing hand on Sora's chest, right over his heart. Instantly she was hit with a ton of memories that Alex was sure weren't Sora's as all she saw were of Aqua, Terra and of Master Eraqus. It confused Alex but she felt the connection between the Light Shard and Aqua grow stronger. She let out a deep breath as she pulled back, both her hand and the Light Shard's power. "That was a bit surprising."

"What was?" Mickey asked confused.

"There was more than a connection but I'm not sure I understand it myself. It did however strengthen my connection to Aqua's heart, a lot actually. It will help me locate her a bit easier, maybe." Alex explained a bit on the thoughtful side.

Master Yen Sid seemed happy with that as he brought their attention back to matters. "Sora you must focus on regaining your lost power of waking. Mickey, Alex and Riku, I recall that Master Aqua journeyed to many worlds and connected with others who could be the link we need." He looked at Alex as he said this, to which she nodded in understanding.

"Good plan sir. Riku, Alex and I will retrace her steps and see if we can find any sort of clues to strengthen Alex's connection. But first, we got hit pretty hard in the Realm of Darkness. My keyblade was damaged and the Heartless broke Riku's clean in half. So we're going to need replacements before we can continue." Mickey informed him.

"In that case rendezvous with Kairi and Lea. They are continuing their training under the tutelage of the wizard Merlin." The three agreed and it was then Master Yen Sid produced suitcases that held cloths for Kairi and Lea that he wished for them to deliver well there. He then produced another well looking at Alex. "This one here is for you Alex, as I can see that you are in need of them and are the same I have given the others. Special vestments to shield you from the darkness."

This earned a whine out of Sora as he felt that he was being left out, until Master Yen Sid brought forth another suitcase for him, well Alex had to laugh at how childish Sora could be. This was followed by another gift from Master Yin Sid known as a Heart Binder that was supposed to strengthen Sora's natural gift to connect with others. Of course before they left Jiminy Cricket joined Sora's group, all so he could travel with them and keep track of their journey.

Before Riku, Mickey and Alex left the tower, she went into an unused room and changed into her new cloths and left her old ones in her back pack (which she was leaving there for safekeeping). She was now dressed in a jumper that looked half vest and half short skirt of a burgundy color with gold buttons and a hood. She had on a white and grey plaid shirt under that, the sleeves of the shirt secured on her upper arms, leaving her shoulders exposed. She had on dark blue leggings that matched the belt secured around her waist and knee high heeled leather boots, the same color as her dress. There were now also arm guards that were black that came to a stop on the back of her hands. Her hair was now half up, the bit up was done in braids that became a single braid at the back of her head. Out of habit her communicator was still strapped to her left wrist under the guard. "So how do I look?" Alex asked as she walked down the front steps to join the others, who had all been waiting outside for her.

Riku could only stare, his mouth hanging open a bit well the others all complemented her new cloths, only coming out of his daze as she turned a smiled at him. "You look great Alex." He rushed to say as he turned away to hid a blush that now dusted his cheeks. "Come on we'd better go and see Merlin."

"Alex, it was great to finally meet you." Sora said as the two exchanged a quick hug.

"You too Sora. Be careful not to fall asleep and get captured again." She said continuing to give him a hard time and making both Goofy and Donald laugh a bit behind their hands. "I would hate to stop the search to find Master Aqua and come rescue you, again."

"Oh give it a rest would ya, and be sure to say hi to Kairi for me." Sora said as he gave her a playful push, as she laughed before agreeing. Master Yen Sid watched the exchanged from one of his office windows, a thoughtful expression on his face as he ran his hand along his beard.

"It is good to see that she is so much like her mother." He said to himself as he turned away and went back to his desk. Once there he pulled open a draw and withdrew a photo, one his old friend, Master Eraqus had given him so long ago. It showed Master Eraqus himself, standing proud, his arms crossed over his chest. Terra mirrored him well Aqua stood in front of Terra, Ventus stood front and center of the group. The last person in the photo stood next to Aqua and in front of Eraqus, both her and Aqua each had a hand one Ventus's shoulders.

This was the fourth apprentice, who joined their group around the same time as Ventus had. She was dressed in a tight cap sleeve black shirt with a vest-corset combination that was a dark red. The straps and broach they all wore were dark blue straps crossed over her chest, well the broach was bronze color, secured on her vest, right over her heart. Her armor piece that was a shoulder piece much like Terra's but smaller with a gold and silver color scheme. She looked much like Alex save much older, well her hair was long, red and kept back in a braid. Her eyes, which held much wisdom for her young age, were a vibrant green. "Let us hope she more like you Jessica when it comes to resisting the darkness then her father."