The Grey Ancient

by Ancient2

This is the Kingdom Hearts storyline through Riku's point of view. It's a take on who he is, where did he come from, and 'what' he is. Neither of the Light, nor the Darkness. So then where does he belong?

12. Chapter 12

Author's Response: Actually, Abialla, I wasn't even thinking about the Prince of Egypt when I started this story. But I won't lie, the moment after reading your review I pulled out my old VHS player and watched the Prince of Egypt -yes, that's right, I went old school- and I have to thank you for it. I had nearly forgotten how much I loved the Prince of Egypt. It was a beautiful masterpiece and one of the first movies I ever watched in theaters as a child. I'm flattered that my chapter made you connect my style to The Prince of Egypt; that is quite the compliment. I hope you enjoy more of my work.

But for everyone else, I'm so sorry for the very late chapter update. I felt out of touch with the Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, and didn't remember enough to properly connect my Riku-storyline with the game's storyline. So I went back to my PS3 and played the game again. Yes the original 358/2 Days, not the Remix. I want to keep the story as much to the original work as possible, not that extra-crap-nobody-needs remix stuff. The same goes for Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, I used the GameBoy game storyline. That took a little longer cause I took notes to. But I'm back on the flow again, and we can finally get this story rolling to Kingdom Hearts 2.

The Repentance and the Consequences

... Day 51 ...

Riku was falling. Down, down he went into the rabbit hole that seemed to go on forever. And what a strange rabbit hole it was, he continued to fall down the hole and yet he did not fear when he would finally reach the bottom. In fact, it didn't truly feel like he was falling, more like floating. As he went further down the rabbit hole would change from natural dirt to more bazaar. Furniture would stick out off or on the hole's wall and clocks would float in place, all of which seemed to be broken as their clock hands went everywhere.

Further down he went, and with its depth came oddly more light. The dirt wall soon turned to a homey plaster. He could see the bottom now. It was a tiled floor, with soft house lights around its circular wall. Riku landed with a soft touch down.

Where was he?

He had come to this world as his first stop on his search for the pieces of Sora's memories based on the intel that Naminé gave him. But he had no recollection of ever coming here himself.

Looking around, he could see that the only way out of this cylinder room was through the thin hallway ahead of him that lead to a door. Unless he wanted to venture climbing up the rabbit hole again. But his arms wouldn't make the trip. Inside he joked to himself about if it had to come to that option at least if he got tired there were plenty of beds and sofas to rest on along the way up.

'But let's hope it doesn't come to that.' Riku thought to himself. 'I'll open up a dark corridor before I do that.'

"Look out below!" Came the gentle warning call from above him.

"?!" Looking up to where the sound was coming from, he had to tilt his head in a stump for a second to what looked to be a talking white and blue parasol coming down at him. For a parasol, its black handle oddly look like it was two handles. But as the parasol came closer he realized that those weren't the handle, that was the bottom of tiny shoes. And that wasn't parasol's cover... that was a skirt. "!"

Instantly his head went down to the side and he moved out of the way to give whomever they were room for a clear landing. He was embarrassed for unknowingly looking up a girl's skirt. His only comfort being that from his angle she really did look like an umbrella; and he didn't see anything passed her shoes. It was then, when she finally came close to his head level that he noticed the set of gold hair, accompanied by a tiny form.

"!" He couldn't believe it. He didn't think he'd ever see her again. "Alice?"

"Oh, I beg your pardon sir- !" Alice first started out, padding down her skirt back in place, apologizing for nearly landing on the fellow. But then she noticed that the man had called her by her name. Alarmed, Alice halted in action, instantly looking up to face this suspicious stranger who hid behind a hooded cloak. She couldn't sense his light or darkness, it was like it was covered. This made her unable to identify whom this person was mostly affiliated to, which made her nervous. From his voice and size, she concluded that this person was not yet a man, but still considerably a boy. And that voice was oddly familiar. It had put her at ease. "Riku? Riku! It's so lovely to see you again."

"How did you know it was me?" Riku questioned, pulling his hood down out of curtesy to his tiny acquaintance.

"Your voice gave you away."

"Figures." That would be what gives him away, not some faulting in the cloak. Riku looked down at his cloak, placing a hand over it by his chest. "Well, at least I know that the cloak still works."

"Is that what's keeping me from telling what or whom you are?" Alice asked, tilting to the side to get a good look up at Riku's wear.

"Yeah. It covers my scent of darkness from others of darkness."

"And your light." Alice added in as a pointer, grabbing the end of his cloak's sleeve to give it a better look. "I could barely see a flicker past this thing."

"I'm surprise there's even any light in there." Riku joked with a small chuckle, not even realizing that there was some subconscious truth to his words.

"Of course there is." Alice gasped in shocked appall that he would even think that, looking back up at him. "The light never truly goes out inside us. It may be smothered by the vastness of darkness at times, but it's still there. Shinning bright like a far off beckon."

"..."

"Oh goodness me, here I am rambling on again when there are better things to do." Alice gently chastised to herself, placing a hand on her cheek as she shook her head at her action. Taking a step back to give Riku his space, she addressed him again. "So what brings you here, Riku?"

"Where is 'here' exactly?"

"You don't know where you are? Aww, and here I thought you came all this way to visit me."

"Sorry, I was planning to visit you eventually. But I'm looking for something right now. Something that is lost."

"Oh dear. That's a pity. This is not a good place to lose things," Alice pointed out in concern before she began to get lost in her own thoughts as she placed a finger over her mount in ponder. "Although, this is a good place for lost things."

"What do you mean?"

"Everybody is lost here. They can't even seem to find their own minds. If what you're searching for is here, I'm afraid you'll be having a hard time finding it."

"What is this place?"

"Welcome to Wonderland, Riku." Alice gestured to the place with open arms.

'Heh, so this place does have a name.'

Wonderland

"That's a strange name for a world." Riku commented, giving the place a look over again.

"You'll find that the name suits this place quite well."

"Oh?"

"All in good time, I suppose. But in the mean time, why don't I help you search for that thing you are looking for."

"Huh?"

"I can be of great help to you, since I know this place so well. And two set of eyes are better than one. Hmm, well, unless those set of eyes are blind-"

"That's very kind of you, Alice." Riku said, interrupting before Alice wondered off into her thoughts. "But I couldn't ask you to trouble yourself."

"Nonsense. We both could use the sane company. This place will eat away at your sanity if you leave yourself alone with it for too long." Alice reasoned, holding her hands behind her back as she rolled forward and back on the ball of her heel. "And besides, I enjoy your company, Riku. I've been wanting to see you again."

"..." How strange. Her words felt so refreshing, like a gentle breeze in his heart. He felt lighter... "All right then. I appreciate your help, Alice. Let's go explore this world together."

"Yes." Alice said with a happy cheer and tiny clap, before skipping a little ahead of Riku. "Onward to Wonderland."

"Heh, that excitement of yours is almost contagious."

"Oh my. I hope the symptoms aren't too serious." Alice teased along as she opened the door into the next room.

It seemed to lead to a brightly colored living area where the furniture seemed to flatten into the wall. All except for the fireplace, wall bookshelves, chandelier, and the pedestal table in the center of the room.

"There's nowhere else for us to go." Said Riku as he looked around to see no other doors leading on.

"Of course there is. It's right down there." Alice pointed to the ground towards the wall in front of them.

Riku looked down to see a tiny, little door that looked so odd.

"In there? But we'll never fit through there."

"I'll say."

"!" Riku's eyes widened in alarm. Did that door just talk?

No, not the door, the doorknob. Cause it just yawned.

"(Yawn) Quiet down. Why are you so loud?" The doorknob complained with a yawn. He looked up and noticed Alice, along with her other companion. "Oh it's you again. And you brought another loud one with you. Can't you let a guy get some sleep around here?"

"'Tis the middle of the day, and you're always sleeping." Alice huffed down at the doorknob in a pout with her fists on her hips.

"We need to get out of this room." Riku explained to the door, deciding to roll with it. If this place was such a wonderland as Alice had said then he shouldn't be so surprised by a talking doorknob. Maybe he could help them.

"Then why not try opening me up to get to the other side." Suggested the doorknob.

"Going through you? But you're too small."

"No. You're just too big." Huffed the doorknob in offense to his words. Then he leaned a little to the side to look up and over Riku at the pedestal table. "Why don't you try that bottle over there."

"?" Riku looked back at the table, noticing an appetizer cake with a tiny card by it that said 'Eat Me' and a bottle with the label 'Drink Me' on it, before looking back at the doorknob. "Why? What will it do?"

"This his first time?" The doorknob asked over to Alice.

"Yes it is."

"(Chuckle) Then he's in for a trip."

"?" Riku pondered what the two of them were talking about. Not liking that it was about him and he had no idea what they meant.

"Don't worry Riku. It's not poison, it should sit well with you." Alice assured to him. "Mind you, don't drink too much. Too much of anything will not sit well at all."

"Just drink this, huh..." Riku looked down at the bottle as he picked it up from the table. He had no idea what was inside its contained liquid or what it was. But after all the things he's been through since he left the island, he had learned to trust his friends. If Alice said it was safe, he would trust her judgement. "Well, bottoms up."

Riku took a tiny sip of the bottle.

"Hmm, it's oddly sweet." Riku commented, taking another sip. He didn't notice that he shrunk to the size of Alice, and that he had shrunk more with his second sip. "Now it's tart."

He took another sip, a little bigger than the others, trying to decipher the flavor.

"Strange. Is this thing changing flavors? Whoa!" Alarmed, with that bigger sip Riku noticed and felt the shrinking as the catalyst sip quicken the process. He was smaller, barely bigger than Alice's shoe, startled by the sudden change as he struggled to hold the now giant bottle.

"Careful. That's why I said don't drink too much." Alice said down to him with a soft voice so as not to unsettle his tiny ears. She bent down to take the bottle from Riku, lifting the heavy weight from him, and rose upright again. "Now my turn."

From experience, Alice knew just the amount she needed to drink in order to be the right size. With one swig, she shrunk instantly to what seemed like their regular size in Riku's eyes but miniature form. Before she shrank, she had placed the bottle down back on the table, so it would be there for them the next time around. Always refilled somehow.

"There. That's better." Alice said, patting her dress down again from her fluster.

"Alright we're the right size." Riku said over to the doorknob after seeing that Alice was fine, as he reached for the doorknob's thumb latch and lever. "Now will you let us in?"

But the doorknob leaned away from his hand.

"No can do. I forgot to mention, (Chuckle) I'm locked." The door laughed at the stupefied look on Riku's face.

"What?! Then why didn't you tell us?" Riku was aghast and frustrated.

"(Laughing) You didn't ask."

"Is there anyway to unlock you?"

"You'll need a key." The doorknob said in dismayed as if he was astonishment that Riku would even need an answer to that question.

"Well then, where is the key?" He didn't notice a key around the table or anywhere else in the room. And at this point, with their size, it wouldn't matter. They wouldn't be able to reach it, and it would take forever for them to climb up.

"It's gone, along with its holder." The doorknob snickered as if to its own inner joke.

"Rrr," this was the first time Riku ever felt the need to punch a door.

"Leave him be, Riku. He's always like this." Alice tried to ease to him. "This place tries to incite your temper. You mustn't let it, or him, get to you."

"Rrrah, this place is already testing my patience and we're not even outside yet."

"Rest assured, my friend. He's not the only door out of here." Alice said, pointing over to the wall to the left of them where there was a mouse hole. At first Riku didn't notice because it was so small, but now with the size they were currently it was huge.

"Geez, is the mouse as big as this hole?" He sure hoped not. That would be one heck of a fight at their size, if it so chose to see them as a threat for trespassing.

"I haven't noticed one so far. The only mouse I've met was no bigger than my hand as we are."

"(Sigh) Good. That's a relief. So this hole is most likely abandoned."

"I believe so; but, let's not dally. We have a search to commence."

"Right." Riku nodded in agreement, heading off into the mouse hole with Alice. Preferring to keep close to her in the dark, just to keep her safe. This mouse hole may be abandoned, but who knows what else lies in the darkness.

"Bye you two!" Called out the doorknob to them in farewell as they started to head in. "Mind that temper, young man!"

"'You' mind my temper! I can always come back!" Riku huffed back at the doorknob, twirling back around to face him at the last part, lifting his fist at the doorknob to imply the hidden threat. Riku had it up to here with that doorknob.

The doorknob tried to hide his nervous sweat until Riku disappeared into the mouse hole along with Alice, only then did he release a sigh of relief.

As they walked along in the dark Riku kept close to Alice to protect her.

"As I said before, it's good to see you again, Riku. It's been long since that time in Hollow Bastion Castle, how have you been?"

"A lot of things have happen since then. I fell into the darkness and was separated from my friends again. But with the help of a good friend I was able to find my way out. However, in my time in the Realm of Darkness a dear friend of mine had fallen into a deep sleep, and the only way for him to wake up again is for me to recover what he had lost..."

"That's terrible, Riku. I'm sorry to hear that. Is that what you are searching for here?"

"Yes. It's suppose to be scattered in many worlds. I have a long journey ahead of me."

"You're strong, Riku. I know you will find all the pieces. And I'm here to help you find a piece if it's here."

"Thanks, Alice. But how have you been? I haven't seen you since you were put into a sleep with the other Princesses of Heart, and I had no idea what happened to you after I fell into the Realm of Darkness. I was worried about you ever since."

"Oh I'm quite fine. I was returned home to my elder sister and Dinah when the door leading to the Realm of Light was closed. The other Princesses of Heart inside the castle were returned to their worlds as well."

"Wait, then what are you doing here?"

"Oh I come and go from Wonderland as I please whenever I am bored. The closing of the door has not changed that. It truly is a wondrous place. Even if it is sometimes complete nonsense."

"Still... are you alright...?"

"I'm fine, Riku. Not a scratch on me." Alice assured to him. "Once our hearts were returned to us and we were awakened from our sleep, we were saved by someone. All but one Princesses of Heart stayed behind to contained the door to the Realm of Heartless that Ansem and Maleficent had opened. It was hard, and keeping the Heartless back was straining, but we were saved by a boy who closed the door. It's so strange, that boy has done so much for us, and yet I can't remember who he was. Or is it that he doesn't remember who we are?"

"..." Alice might be on to something.

"I know that he's real. And I know that I've met him. But... no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to put a face or even a voice to him. It's rather frustrating."

"I know it is. That boy that you mentioned is the friend I'm trying to wake up."

"!"

"Some things happened. Bad guys tampered with his memories along with the other people whose memories related to him. And now they're scattered, and until I've recovered them all he'll remain asleep."

"Then we have to help him, Riku." Alice insisted to Riku in the dark, placing a hand over her heart. "I may not remember him, but... my heart tells me that he's a good person."

"He is. And we will help him, I promise you that." Riku assured to her with determination when a light started to shine in the darkness. "Huh?"

"Oh look. We're at the end of the hole." Alice said with excitement. "Wonderland is just right outside."

"No need to run off, Alice. We're almost there." Riku called over to Alice as she ran off ahead in the darkness towards the light.

At last they were out of the mouse hole.

"This is Wonderland, Riku. What do you think?"

"..." Riku looked around to get a view of Wonderland. So far all he could see was that they were in a forest with ridiculously large flowers and lily stools. There were many thin dirt pathways that seemed to go all over the place. And he may have thought he was seeing things, but he could have sworn he saw a tiny rocking horse with dragonfly wings just fly by, along with a butterfly which wings looked like buttered toast. If Alice had heard what he was thinking she would have told him they were called bread-and-butterfly, and that when a horde of them came together they made a loaf of bread. Moving on, Riku looked far off beyond the trees on one of the pathways he could see a castle with many heart shapes on it bordered by a bush labyrinth. "It's... defiantly not what I expected."

"Hmm what did you expect from Wonderland? Slices of bread?"

"?!" Riku immediately looked to the side of him in alert at the sudden presences of a new appearance. What startled him was the fact that he didn't even feel their presence until just then. It was like they had just appeared out of nowhere. Looking up towards where the voice had come from, he had found a purple cat with pink stripes and a giant grin on his face on top of a tree branch. The cats colors alone weren't strange enough it seemed, this cat was leaning on the tree on one paw with its hind legs crossed as it stood upright. "Did... did that cat just talk?"

"Just a cat?! Good sir, I am more than just a 'cat'." The cat said down to Riku, offended. But the moment of frustration was instantly gone as the cat broke out in a chuckle as his head popped off his body and started to roll around over it.

"!"

"Oh it's Cheshire Cat." Alice pointed out.

"(Chuckle) Why if it isn't Alice. I see you still have your head on." Cheshire Cat said down to her, rolling his head along his shoulders and arms while still keeping eye contact with her. "Well that's a pity. It's rather fun seeing the world in a different perspective."

"!"

"What do you mean by that?" Riku said, getting in front of Alice protectively as he stared up at the cat in warning.

"Oh our dear Alice here had a run with the Queen of these lands and almost had lost her head." Cheshire Cat said casually said as if it were nothing special. "Lucky for her, Sora and his friends came just in time to save her."

"!" "!" Both of them widened their eyes in shock at that, Alice coming from behind Riku. Alice for the fact she did remember that happening but couldn't put a face or a name on the boy that save her. Riku for the fact that there was someone in the Realm of Light other than an Ancient that truly remembered Sora.

"How do you know about Sora?" Riku demanded. "No, how do you still have memory of Sora? I was informed that anyone affiliated with Sora had their memories of him taken away."

"To have something taken away would imply that it was there in the first place." Cheshire Cat corrected.

"What?"

"To take someone's memories means you have to take from their mind; but, you can't take from the mind if it's not there to begin with. My memories can't be taken because my mind has been lost for ages. And you will find the same to be true for the rest of the residence of this world." Cheshire Cat explained, his head reattaching to his body.

"W-what?! But that's-"

"We're all mad here." Cheshire Cat began to laugh with an hysteric, his tongue wagging out as he started to disappear. His giant grin being the last thing seen.

"W-wait, Cheshire!" Alice beckoned to the cat whom had disappeared but could still be heard laughing in the echo around them. "We're looking for something that Sora has apparently lost. Do you know where it is?"

"Hmm, that's a tough question to answer." Cheshire Cat responded, appearing again in the place he was before, his grin coming visible first as his head danced around before reattaching to his fading in body. He pondered her question with his paw thoughtfully under his chin. "Is it truly lost, or did it simply walk away."

"?" "?" Alice and Riku had to tilt their head in confusion at his words.

"Now, about which way to go. You can go this way." Cheshire Cat said, changing the subject entirely. He pointed to the left with his with his right paw, then crossed over it with his left paw to point right. "Or this way."

"That does not answer my question."

"Oh but it does." Cheshire Cat's grin grew wider. "You can either go the Mad Hatter's way, or the Queen's way."

He said the last part in a deep voice as his paw pulled his fur back to look like a bun on top of his head as he took on a mad smirk. Alice knew that he was mimicking the Queen.

"No thank you. I'd rather not have to deal with that pompous Queen, or end up stuck painting her roses red." Alice huffed with a pout, crossing her arms and looking away with her cheeks puffed out.

"Either way could be the right way, or not at all. It's up to you to find out for yourself." Cheshire Cat replied to her before he began to laugh again to himself as if at some inside joke. He laughed and laughed, and started to sing some strange song that made no sense as he disappeared again. His grin being the last thing again; but unlike the last time, Riku truly felt that the cat was no longer in the area.

"Hey, Alice... Let's try both ways." Riku suggested.

"What? But Riku, I don't want to have to see that awful, mad Queen. She frightens me." Alice turned away at the last part, as if ashamed to admit such weakness.

"Hey," Riku waited until she looked back up at him again. "I won't let anything happen to you. I promise that while I'm here she will not touch you."

"..." Alice was awed by the seriousness and determination in his eyes. It made her fears go away. "Okay."

"Tell you what. Before we have do deal with 'her majesty,'" Riku said the last part sarcastically as a light joke. "Why don't we deal with the Mad Hatter first?"

"All right. He should be a refreshing sense of madness before we have to deal with the real thing." Alice said with a smile and a small nod in agreement.

"So this Mad Hatter isn't just mad in name alone?" Riku asked, starting up a conversation as they headed down the left path towards the apparent direction of the Mad Hatter's place.

"No, he is mad. Whether it's from the chemicals from all the hats he's mad, or simply from this world. He is mad as a clock with a few gears short."

"Hrmm, I'd rather not have to deal with a mad person."

"That can't be helped here, Riku." Alice said in pity for him. "Because Cheshire Cat wasn't lying when he said that everyone was mad here."

"Ugh."

"Oh don't worry. They're a harmless mad. Well, unless you're a pocket watch."

"Huh?"

"Don't ask." Alice sighed at the memory of the White Rabbit's pocket watch.

"Fine. But geez, these flowers are huge." Riku commented, poking one of the flowers which opened up on contact, releasing bubbles and a Potion. It surprised him a little.

"At least they're not the talking flowers. They sing so lovely, but they're so rude. And they called me a common weed." Alice pouted at the memory.

"They called you a common weed?" Riku said in appall at such mean flowers. Who could be mean to someone as nice as Alice? But he guessed not all things with a lovely fragrance are nice. "I'm surprised they didn't mistake you for a Calla Lily, or a Yellow Tulip."

"I'm surprised you didn't add Dandelion in there." Alice pouted with puffy cheeks.

"No, your hair is too bright for that."

"!" Alice was caught by surprise. That was such a nice thing to say, she couldn't help but smile at him. "Thank you, Riku."

"Hm," nodded in confirmation at her gratitude. But then came back into attention as an opening in the woods lead the path to a weird looking house with a wooden gate and bush fence surrounding it. He could hear strange singing coming from beyond its gate. "I think we're here."

"Hm?" Alice looked forward to see what he was referring to, confirming his theory. "Yes, this is the place."

Riku opened the wooden gate and went in. Alice following right behind him, closing the gate after herself. The yard was practically covered in steam as the whistling of teapots sounded like singing steam pipes as two strange fellows continue singing along with the teapots, something about a very merry unbirthday, swinging teacups in their hand. As they got closer Riku realized that the teapots weren't just steaming, they were whistling on their own will. The steam was so thick, the two of them could barely see the man in a green suit with a top hat and a blue bowtie. He was singing along with a Hare the size of him, in a red suit with a green top hat, and a mouse in a purple suit whom would sometimes pop his head out of the teapot he was staying in to the rhythm of their beat. Alice waited until their song seemed to be done before she called for their attention.

"Good Afternoon Mad Hatter, Mr. March Hare."

They startled suddenly in a fluster at the notice that she was there, let alone that Riku was there.

"No, No-no, No." They both waved off, rushing to shoo the two of them away. Hopping over each other like some hyped-up hopscotch or leap frog with top hats. "This is a Private Party. No Room. No Room."

"No room? There are chairs everywhere." Riku huffed as he looked at the practically empty long table with many unfilled chairs, none of them matching, all of them looking like they should be indoor furniture.

"Aah, but it's very rude to invite yourself to a party without permission." March Hare pointed out to Riku, literally with a wagging finger while leaning too close into Riku personal space.

"Obviously rude." Mad Hatter agreed with his own pointing finger. Before crossing his arms and turning away with a huff. "It's very, Very rude indeed."

"Very rude indeed." Said the sleepy mouse in the teapot.

"Wait, Mad Hatter. It's me, it's me." Alice waved trying to get his attention.

"Me? Who's Me?" He turned back around to see whom else came to his party uninvited.

"Not Me. Alice."

"Alice! Well why didn't you say so in the first place." Mad Hatter said, suddenly pulling a 180. Practically dragging Alice and Riku to sit in one of the many chairs along with the help of March Hare. "What a pleasant surprise to see you today, delightful child."

"Splendid to have you drop by, Alice." March Hare added in, rushing back to his previous seat with admirable speed.

"And who is this strapping young lad you brought with you today?" Mad Hatter asked, leaning his head in his hands with his elbows on the table. One of his elbows landed into a cup of tea, but he didn't seem to mind. "You two simply must have a cup of tea."

"Ah yes, the tea. You must have a cup of tea." March Hare offered pouring tea in what seemed to be a saucer, but in turn was a flat teacup on a saucer that filled out when it was given tea. Two lumps of sugar came out of the teapot as well.

"Uh, thanks..." Riku awkwardly said as he took the strange cup of tea handed to him out of courtesy. "I'm sorry we ruined your birthday party."

Alice face palmed herself as she shook her head with closed eyes while the Mad Hatter and March Hare looked at Riku in offense.

"Birthday Party! My good sir, this is Not a Birthday Party." March Hare corrected, slamming the teapot in his hand down on the table as he place his fists on his hips.

"Of course not." Mad Hatter waved Riku's comment off with a laugh. "This is an Unbirthday Party."

"An Unbirthday Party? What in the world is that?" Riku asked too late at seeing Alice shaking her head at him and waving her hands at him in a silent 'no, don't ask.' But it was too late, he knew he was in for something when she rested her arms and head on the table in exasperation.

"(Laugh) Why he doesn't know what an unbirthday." March Hare said to no one in particular, but was looking off as if he was, before looking back at Riku. "Where in the world have 'you' been?"

"How silly." Mad Hatter laughed as he was literally letting out tea bubbles from his mouth. "I shall explain."

The two of them started to sing. Mad Hatter and the March Hare switching from verse to verse.

"Statistically it's proven that you have one birthday.

Only one every year.

But there are three hundred and sixty-four unbirthdays.

Which is exactly why we come to cheer."

"Wait, so basically you're saying you two have a party everyday?" That was insane. Nobody would be able to stand such repetition without losing their minds. But Riku was beginning to think that these two never had their minds to begin with. "And by that logic unbirthdays would lose their specialty individually because it's everybody's unbirthday, even mine."

"It is?" Mad Hatter turned to him in surprise, along with March Hare.

"It is?!"

"Wait, uh..." These two were getting out of hand, they pulled him out of his seat and started dancing around Riku in a circle. The Mad Hatter pulled out a cake from his hat that wasn't there before and handed it to Riku.

"A very merry unbirthday to you.

To you.

A very merry unbirthday for you.

For you.

Now blow the candle out my lad and make your wish come true.

A very merry unbirthday to you!"

Riku had no idea what to do. He felt like any sudden movement would make the people circling around him explode. Nervously looking back and forth between the two of them with his eyes, he awkwardly blew out the candle on the cake that exploded off like a rocket into fireworks in the air that turned into confetti on the way down.

That wasn't too bad.

BOOM

"..." Until the cake exploded in his face. Now he was covered in frosting. Silently he was fuming. But he sat down and played nice as he wiped the frosting off of him. "Thanks. That was nice."

"You're quite welcome, my boy." Mad Hatter replied, the sarcasm in Riku's voice going over his head as he dunked his saucer into his tea and took a bite like it was a biscuit. "Now, I do believe that we haven't gotten your name yet, my lad."

"This is Riku." Alice introduced Riku for him. "We're looking for something that has been lost."

"Clean cup, clean cup! Move down!" Mad Hatter suddenly interrupted, dragging them out of their chairs to move them down further into the next like some weird musical chairs. Neither of the two of them even touched their first cup of tea as Mad Hatter and March Hare poured them another. "Here, have a cup of tea. Now, you were saying?"

"Start at the beginning." March Hare suggested.

"Yes, and when you come to the end, Stop."

"Well," if they wanted from the beginning then she would start from the beginning. "It all started when a brave boy saved the worlds."

"Verrry Interesting." March Hare exaggerated the 'very.' "Who is this brave boy?"

"I don't know." Alice answered.

"You don't know?"

"Then how do you know he saved worlds if you don't know?" Mad Hatter added in.

"Well I just do-"

"And what, prey tell, did he save the worlds from?" Insisted the Mad Hatter.

"Oh well, I can't say-"

"You can't say? Why those are the things that upset me." Mad Hatter interrupted again, getting in a fit.

"If you don't think, you shouldn't talk." March Hare pointed out. Riku found the two of them to be very rude. And if they were getting upset, he was getting angry.

"But I-"

"Clean cup! Clean cup! Move Down, move down, Move down." March Hare and Mad Hatter said, moving the two of them around again before they could even drink their new cup. And as such handed them a new cup of tea.

"Now, my dear, as you were saying?"

"She was saying that we're looking for our friend, Sora's-" Riku said, frustrated with these two antics.

"Sora?!" Mad Hatter gasped in surprise at the name. "You mean the fine young lad who got rid of those nasty Heartless for us?"

"Terrible things, terrible things indeed." March Hare agreed.

"They just ruined our Unbirthday Party."

"Well, that may be, but that's not the point-"

"I have an excellent idea!" March Hare loudly announced, pulling a hammer out of nowhere and cutting Alice off. "Let's change the subject."

"Oh but I can't change the subject. That's the whole reason why we're here." Alice tried to protest, but the March Hare and the Mad Hatter would hear nothing of it.

"Ah, but if you can't make polite conversation than you shouldn't speak at all." March Hare lectured.

"We're trying to seek information here." Riku insisted, trying to come to Alice's aid. But it was hard to help when you're dealing with people with tea for brains.

"All information comes with time." Mad Hatter replied as if he were giving wise words for the youth.

"Yes, but we don't have the time to wait. Sora's memories could be wondering around anywhere." Riku sighed, mentally exhausted with this whole conversation.

"(Spit-take of tea) I beg your pardon?" Mad Hatter ask Riku to say again, as if not believing what he had just heard.

"Alice and I are trying to find Sora's lost memories." Riku repeated himself. "We were hoping that you two might have seen something."

"Sora's what?!" Mad Hatter shouted with a startle, backing as far away from Riku and Alice as his chair would allow. "Memories don't just grow legs and wonder off from their owner!"

"Careful. They're stark raving mad." March Hare said with a fright, shaking like a leaf as he clung on to the Mad Hatter's hat, pointing at the two of them accusingly.

"What?!" Riku couldn't believe what he was hearing. The kookiest people at the table were calling 'them' mad.

"Now, now don't get upset." Mad Hatter insisted, trying to calm them down -mostly Riku- while also keeping them away with his chair.

"How about a nice cup of tea." March Hat offered a cup of tea from the inside of Mad Hatter's hat, still shaking like a leaf.

"..." Riku was fuming. The two of them behaving like he was some wild animal, they had the nerve. And to bunch Alice in this too, they must be mad. That's when it clicked to him... they were mad. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself, rising from his chair slow and steady. "You know what... I think I'm good on tea. Come on, Alice. This was a waste of time."

"Hmph, indeed." Alice agreed, rising up to follow after Riku.

Mad Hatter and the March Hare were still shaking from behind the chair as they made their way to the yard gate. They were starting to relax now that the mad people were leaving and they could go back to their unbirthday party. Just as Riku opened the gate to let Alice pass through first, he turned back around to face the two of them with a snarky smirk on his face.

"We should've never listened to that cat."

"CAT!"

As if on cue, the mouse in the teapot went wild with a fright. He ran all along the table, knocking over teacups, teapots and crashing through cake. The Mad Hatter and the March Hare running after him to try calming him down, doing as much if not more damage than the mouse was. They were shouting about putting jam on the mouse's nose, but Riku didn't care, he found it all hilarious. He was trying to hold in a laugh as he left through the gate as well to join Alice back in the woods. Alice, seeing it all, was stomping her foot in impatience and crossed her arms in disappointment.

"Well that wasn't very nice at all." She lectured to Riku.

"Eh, they deserved it." Riku shrugged his shoulders, putting his hands in his pockets as he leaned more to Alice's level. "You can't say you didn't find that funny."

"..." Alice tried to remain stern, but her laughter was getting the best of her. She couldn't hold it in as a smile started to crack on her face and a light laugh broke out. "No, I suppose I can't."

"Heh," Riku smirked, knowing that he had won that battle, and started to laugh with her. He held his sides as his ribs started to hurt from the burst.

"So, what do we do now?" Alice asked as their laughter started to quiet down to a stop.

"Now, I guess we go see the Queen."

"The Queen of Hearts... Oh I do not believe I'm looking forward to that meeting."

"Come on, Alice. The day is still young. Let's at least give the lead the time."

"No, no, no, no. No time, no time. Hello, Goodbye. I'm late, I'm late, I'm late." Came the outburst cry of a white rabbit in a red waste coat, periodically looking at the time on his pocket watch as he rushed passed the two of them further into the woods.

"What on earth was that?!" Riku said with a start at the sudden intrusion that came and gone like a flash.

"Why it's the White Rabbit!" Alice said with excitement, giving chase to the rabbit as fast as her dainty feet would take her, waving after the rabbit. "Mr. Rabbit, wait!"

"Wait?! No time to wait! I'm so late. I'm so very late!" White Rabbit said in a worry, looking at his pocket watch.

"Alice! Where are you going?!" Called out Riku, chasing after her as she went further and further into the woods after White Rabbit. Or the Tulgey Wood, if Riku was reading the sign in the tree they had rushed by correctly.

"Following the White Rabbit!" Alice called over her shoulder to Riku. "He'll take us to the castle!"

"Please don't make this a habit." Riku pleaded with worrying while he ran after Alice, hoping that she wouldn't start chasing after things into dangerous places as a pastime.

"No promises!" Alice chimed back.

Suddenly as they gave chase to the rabbit, all of them found themselves surrounded by Heartless.

"Oh dear!" White Rabbit said, curling up into himself with a fright, his tail sticking up.

"Oh my goodness." Alice gasped out in fear.

"I'll take care of this!" Riku assured to the two of them, summoning his Soul Eater to action. He slashed through the Heartless before they could reach the other two as they started to close in on them. "Like that? Take this!"

Before the two of them knew it, Riku had fought away all of the Heartless.

"My word..." Alice said in awe as she looked around at Riku's work, impressed.

"Goodness me. A fine work, my lad, you took care of all those buggers in no time!" White Rabbit praised to Riku, but at the mention of time he looked to his watch and started the run all over again. "Ah but no time to stop, I'm late. I'm late! The Queen will have my head for sure!"

"His head?" Riku questioned as they gave chase after the rabbit again.

"I hope you're ready to meet the Queen." Alice chimed, hinting to something but saying nothing.

"Please, no more nonsense." Riku groaned as the foliage started to break and make to an opening. The castle laid just outside the trees now.

"I can't make that promise, Riku."

They had chased White Rabbit into the labyrinth bush gardens of the castle, making them cut through corners and corners. Riku was glad that they had decided to follow after the rabbit now. They would have been lost in this maze of greenery without a guide.

Riku and Alice had to sneak passed a guard every now and then to avoid trouble with the palace security. But it had come to a surprise to Riku that the guards were Heart of Cards, or the occasional Spade.

"Playing Cards?!" Riku whispered loudly in alarm.

"But of course." Alice whispered back in reply. "What else would you expect from a Queen of Hearts?"

"..." Riku was going to leave that one alone.

From over the bush wall they were running by came a blob of red paint that they barely avoid hitting their clothes.

"What the...?" Where in the world did that paint come from? There was an opening towards were the paint had come from, and Riku wanted to investigate. He leaned out to look from the cover of the hedge, only to see cards merrily whistling as they sang while painting pale white roses red. "Alice... why are they painting the roses red..."

"... Let's keep moving." Alice insisted, grabbing Riku hand as she lead him along after White Rabbit. "We don't have time for that nonsense."

"What exactly is that nonsense?"

"The Queen of Hearts likes red roses." Alice explained, gripping at her neck from the memory alone. "They must have planted white ones by mistake again. So they either paint the roses red or it's off with their heads."

"She wouldn't chop their heads off over something as silly as that, would she?"

"Those aren't the last Card Gardeners that I remember being dragged away for painting the roses red."

"..."

The sound of trumpets could be heard being blown just ahead of them. The bush maze had opened up to the royal courtyard. Where a row of cards had lined up, by order of number, to make a path for a large woman in a black and red dress with a subtle hint of white and yellow. She was wearing a royal crown with her hair in a bun that had a smaller bun on it. She had a red scepter in her hand which had a heart as its tip. The rabbit had rushed his way onto a podium, or a pedal stool as Riku liked to call it, blowing his horn.

"Presenting Her Imperial Highness, Her Grace, Her Excellency, Her Royal Majesty the Queen of Hearts." White Rabbit announced, causing the cards to uproar with cheers. A tiny man in a royal red fur coat, standing behind the Queen, kept tapping White Rabbit with his royal heart scepter, attempting to get his attention. With less pizzazz, White Rabbit announced the tiny man. "And the king."

The poor man only got one tiny 'Hurray.'

"Whom dares to enter my gardens?!" The Queen of Hearts demanded, looking around to seeing something was afoot in her palace. Something was there where it shouldn't be.

"Oh please, it's only me, Your Grace, and my friend-" Alice instantly bowed with a fright at being discovered.

"Why if it isn't Alice." The Queen said warmly, happy to see her it seems.

"Yes, Your Majesty-" Alice was starting to relax until the Queen started shouting demands.

"Look up! And don't twiddle your fingers!" Alice instantly obeyed to avoid trouble. "Turn out your toes. Curtsy. Open your mouth a little wider. And always say, 'Yes, Your Majesty!'"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Alice repeated.

"..." Riku was looking over at Alice from the corner of his eyes, not knowing what to think about all this. "What kind of curtsy is that?"

"!" Alice looked over to him with a fright at what his words might cause, the cards seemed to be doing the same.

"Who is this?!" Demanded the Queen, pointing a finger at Riku whom just looked at it. "And what is he doing here?!"

"His name is Riku, Your Majesty." Alice instantly replied, covering for Riku. "He was looking looking for a way to recover the memories of his friend, Sora. And was wondering if you've seen any-"

"I'll be the one asking the questions!" Insisted the Queen, interrupting Alice with her loud voice. But then she suddenly turned it soft again. "Now, how have you been, my dear girl? How did you like my garden?"

"Oh it was lovely, Your Majesty." Alice answered with a small bow. "And the maze was extra confusing. We nearly got lost."

"Ah-HA! Excellent!" Cheered the Queen in her own praise. "That aught to keep those pesky creatures out. Nasty little things, trying to steal my heart."

"The Heartless?" Riku said aloud to himself before addressing the Queen. "Please, Your Grace, do you know anything about Sora?"

"I'M The One Asking The Questions!" Roared the Queen. "And what's this Sora? There's no such thing!"

"What do you- Of course he exist! He's a real person!"

"I know nothing of him. Therefore, he doesn't exist!"

"I was informed that you've even met him once!" Riku retorted, starting to fume at the Queen's arrogance. Poor Alice didn't know what to do.

"I remember no such thing, so it never happened!"

"It never happened, Sora's not real. By order of the king. You heard what she said." Added in the tiny king, his comments were of no imports to the court.

"That's not how things work-"

"All things work MY way!" Shouted the Queen at Riku, her eyes burning mad as her hair went wild and she fumed. "You Dare to challenge MY way?!"

"Lady, your way is bonkers."

"!" The whole court went silent, their eyes widened with fear.

"Somebody's head will roll for this." Fumed the Queen. Then she pointed a finger at Riku, accusingly. "You! You're conspiring against me! I bet you're even working with those nasty creatures! Yes, you brought them here!"

"!"

"Oh please, Your Majesty, he didn't-" Alice tried to stand up for Riku, but the queen wasn't having it.

"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!"

"Off with their heads, off with their heads. By order of the king. You heard what she said." Ordered the king, but it went under deaf ears as the Card Guards instantly began to follow the Queens orders with a roar. Closing in on the two of them as they charged.

"Oh no!" Gasp Alice in alarm with a hand over her mouth.

"Time to go Alice!" Riku said, grabbing her other hand and ran. Poor Alice could barely keep up with Riku's faster pace, his hand being the only thing keeping her from falling behind.

The Cards chased after, running into the maze without pause. Riku zigzagged with Alice from one turn to the next, until he lost the Card Guards in the bush labyrinth.

"Alice... what the Queen said, do you think it's true...?"

"No. The Heartless have started to return to Wonderland long before you even came here."

"!" Riku's eyes widened in alarm. "I thought the Heartless were sealed off from this world when Sora closed the gate."

"That's the thing, they were gone for a time but then they came back. Something has been luring them out. Something I can't sense, but I can feel that it's... dark."

The Card Guards could be heard in the distance, and so they continued to run. However, he didn't stop running until they were safely in the woods again.

"Seriously, what is up with that Queen?" Riku huffed in outrage, while still catching his breath.

"Didn't I tell you, 'she'll be mad to see you'?" Chimed the Cheshire Cat with a chuckle as he reappeared in the tree above them, his grin coming in first.

"No. You didn't."

"Whoops. Must have slipped my mind." Chuckled the Cheshire Cat as his head popped off to roll down his shoulder and arm back up to attach to his neck again.

"A lot of things seem to slip your mind." Riku sneered in annoyance. "You said that we could find clues of Sora's memories if we went to see the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts."

"I didn't say that. I said 'either way could be the right way or not at all.'" Cheshire Cat corrected. "And I did lead you the right way. It just so happens you weren't looking hard enough to see it."

He had disappeared leaving only his eyes and grin behind to emphasize his point.

"You lie. There was nothing there." Riku protested. "All we got from those two were headaches and more questions."

"Oh? Like how in the world did the Heartless return to this place?" Cheshire Cat pointed out as he turned visible again. "Or, perhaps you'd like to know how the Queen doesn't remember Sora yet the other people of this world do?"

"She denied knowing Sora the whole way. She even threatened to chop our heads off for saying otherwise."

"Ah that's nothing new. The Queen has always had a short memory. Anything that the Queen can't remember can't exist in her eyes." Cheshire Cat waved off like it was nothing.

"What?! That's- that's insane!"

"(Chuckle) Yes, very."

"But, that still doesn't help with those clues you said we missed."

"Oh but they were everywhere. Didn't you notice the Heartless?"

"?"

"What Alice said before was correct. Something, or 'Somebody' is luring Heartless back to this place." Cheshire Cat cryptically explained. "Beings that defy the rules of the World Borders because they aren't suppose to exist."

"Nobodies..."

"Poor wretches without a heart, trying to seek what is not there yet is there all along."

"You're not making any sense."

"None of this makes any sense." Cheshire Cat replied with a grin. "Regardless of the matter, you'll find the answer that you're looking for is more likely with them than with us."

... Day 55 ...

Riku had spent a few days in the world of Wonderland with Alice, looking for clues and just spending time with Alice. He had even gone to a World close by to Wonderland that was like a giant jungle with a few gorillas in it, but he found nothing there. Not even Heartless, to his relief, so this world was safe from the Nobodies. But once his search had run empty, he figured it was time to head back and regroup for info.

Once again Riku had found himself opening a Dark Corridor to Twilight Town and heading for the Old Mansion to see Naminé. He found her in her room on the left side of the second floor. Naminé was sitting by her long table in the center of the room, drawing in her sketch book things that Riku didn't quite get as most of them graced her bleach walls with color.

"Good to see you again, Riku." Naminé greeted him with a soft smile. She halted what she was doing, placing her drawing utensils down as she gave Riku her attention.

"Likewise," Riku responded back with a nod, before taking a seat at the table in the chair across from hers. "Listen, I've got a question."

"(Soft giggle) I believe I've got a few answers."

"I came to one of the worlds where Sora has been to before. And aside from a few handful, most of the residence seemed to remember Sora."

"Aaah, I see." Naminé sighed out with a smile. "So our progress must be working."

"That's the thing. I don't think they lost their memories at all." Riku tried to explain. "The world of Wonderland and its people have some screws loose; but all in all, they weren't affected by your power."

"Oh..." Naminé place one of her hands where her heart would be and the other rested under her chin while she thought. "I should have expected as much..."

"?" She wasn't making any sense. "What?"

"I remember Wonderland... I remember seeing it as I was going through Sora's memories in Castle Oblivion..." Naminé replied, placing both of her hands back on her drawing pad as she looked at Riku again. "It was a wondrous place, full of things and people I could hardly believe. But even as I pulled on the chains that connected from Sora to them, I knew I could feel them pulling back. Like as if they had known I was there... as if they were trying to mess with me..."

"..."

"There were some cases where I couldn't change memories even with my power over Sora's memories. Like Wonderland... I could pull memories even create new memories of Wonderland for Sora with copies of the originals. But I couldn't effect the originals... Alice was a breeze; the Queen of Hearts wasn't too hard; but the cat..."

"?" Was she talking about whom he thought she was talking about?

"The Cheshire Cat alluded me. He had me going around in circles, never really grasping what was him. I didn't make his copy in Sora's memories in Castle Oblivion, 'he' made it..." Naminé tried to explain, still flabbergast about it all, looking down at her drawing pad. "Through it all, he was the one in control. Not me."

"Don't be too hard on yourself. The residence of Wonderland had lost their minds to begin with, so there wasn't much for you to work with from the start." Riku replied, in his own way to ease her possibly deflating ego.

"It wasn't just Wonderland." Naminé said, shaking her head. "There were others..."

"..." Riku stayed quiet in wait for her to continue.

"Like... the flowergirl from Radiant Garden."

"!" Riku knew she had worked to altar the memories of all whom had been acquainted with Sora. He even remember hearing his mother saying something about said attempt before. But it still comes as a shocker that she had tried to mess with his mom.

"Aeris... Aeris, I believe her name was."

"You tried to mess with my mother's memories?!" He slid out of his seat to stand at the table.

"No, No. I had tried to, but she had pushed me back." Naminé frantically tried to explain herself to Riku, holding her hands up in defense from Riku's outburst.

"Right... Sorry, Naminé." Riku apologized, calming down as he took his seat again. He held a hand over half his face as he slowly shook off the remaining frustration. "I know you meant no harm and was forced to tamper with the memories. But, that's still my mom..."

"I understand, Riku. And I am truly sorry about that." Naminé tried to be as sincere as she could with him, placing a hand over her heart. Or at least it would be over her heart if it was there. But Riku could see that she was genuine. "If it makes it any better, she did attack back."

"?"

"I had tried to pull at her memories' chains. She was one of the first I had tried to re-chain memories, along with the others from Radiant Garden. However, she resisted... and fought back. I was able to make a copy of her from Sora's memories alone, but she was the one that took full control of it. It unnerved me, seeing it happen for the first time, knowing that my power was not unstoppable."

"..."

"She had nearly given me away to Sora from the very first floor of Castle Oblivion. Unfortunately for Sora, he was too stubborn, and wouldn't take her words to mind, let alone his heart. If he had, he would have realized that something was wrong."

"That's Sora for you. He doesn't listen to advice when he thinks it's too harsh or cruel. But then again... I'm not one to talk."

"It scared me, knowing that there were others that could resist my powers. I thought I was going to be punished by Marluxia for it."

"Marluxia?"

"He was the one in Organization XIII that was in charge of Castle Oblivion. Sora had defeated him before going to sleep."

"I see..." So that was the immense dark power Riku felt that one time he was going down Castle Oblivion's basement floors. "Please continue."

"... I was rattled for a little while as I continued to work through the chains of memories, but had gotten over it eventually and wasn't as startled when I noticed others that could resist me as well."

"I know it's times like this when I should say 'good for you', but I won't."

"I know, and I don't blame you for it..." Naminé replied, bowing her head a little in shame of her past actions, even if they were beyond her control.

"Were there others?" Riku asked, trying to change the conversation from its dreary pause.

"Yes." Naminé said, raising her head once again to face Riku. "It had come from the last place I would have expected."

"Hm?"

"The little, lovable characters from the world of Hundred Acre Wood."

"Pooh? And the others?"

"Yes," Naminé giggled at the memory as it brought a smile to her face. "The silly old bear stuffed with fluff named Winnie the Pooh that couldn't forget his dear friend, Sora."

"But, how? I had been to the world of Hundred Acre Wood and none of them could truly remember Sora."

"Oh but they did. I remember nearly jumping out of my own skin as Sora's memories were almost completely changed when suddenly Pooh, the copy of a memory, fully greeted Sora in recognition and Sora did the same. Both of them had completely remembered each other in full tact. Can you imagine how shocked I was when Pooh said 'Hello Sora' instead of 'Hello Somebody-I-Don't-Know, who are you?' And Sora instead of responding 'I'm Sora, who are you?' says 'Hi Pooh'." Naminé laughed as she explained with a light smile on her face, bringing a smile to Riku's face as well. But just as sudden the smile was wiped off. "It was then that I realized that my powers have no effect on memories that have been written in words. My influence could not touch a world residing in a book. Once Marluxia had found out about this, he had immediately sent the Dusk Nobodies to retrieve the book..."

"Dusk?"

"I believe you have seen them before. They look like walking grey jumpsuits."

"I have seen... images of them before." Riku admitted, crossing his arms. "But never had an actually encounter. So you guys were the ones that shacked Merlin's place."

"I'm afraid so..." Naminé sadly admitted, reaching into her drawing pad to pull out torn and damaged pages. "He must have put up quite a fight. Because fewer than the amount of Dusk sent out came back, and only returned with a few ripped out pages. They had given them to me to alter. But... I couldn't bare to do it."

Naminé looked to the pages sadly before holding them out for Riku whom got up from the table to take them.

"Pooh's memories..."

"They should all be there. But... I don't know how many pages the Dusk lost along the way. And I don't know how the damage done to them will effect your friends from the Hundred Acre Woods... But, they should remember Sora with this."

"Thank you, Naminé." Riku sincerely thanked her. "Pooh and the others will be really happy to have these memories returned back to them..."

... Later at early Evening in Radiant Garden ...

"Riku. Welcome home." Aeris greeted him as he came through a Dark Corridor into her Living Room. She had sensed him coming before his Corridor even appeared, leaving the task in her Kitchen to greet him. Aeris was just grateful that he had decided to travel through the worlds in the privacy of home instead of outside- that would have terrified the neighbors.

"Hi Mom... I'm home." The response felt so foreign to him, but at the same time it felt so... warm.

Aeris smiled at his words, overjoyed to see the warmth and soft glow that came to his eyes at the notice. Even though the moment was eye watering and she was glad to see him, her Mother Tendency began to kick in.

"Have you finished your homework?" She asked, crossing her arms expectingly for one answer.

"(Sigh)..." Riku let out a exasperated breath at the thought of his homework. Reaching into his black coat he pulled out the papers that he had to set time out of his search to do. It wasn't that he didn't get the problems or the knowledge was too confusing, it all just seemed like a minor priority compared to other things he had to do.

"Good." Aeris gave a small grin, pleased to see that he delivered on time. Taking the papers from him with one hand before crossing her arms again. She walked over to the coffee table by the couch, placing the papers down as she grabbed another small stack. "Here's your homework for next week. I expect you to read Chapters 16 through 18 of your Geometry book, and Chapters 14 and 15 of your Biology book to answer the questions. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Now, are you hungry?"

"I could eat..." Riku dismally took the new stack of papers from his mother as she handed them to him, not looking forward to more homework.

"Dinner will be ready shortly. In the mean time, I'll look over your work." Aeris said as she already started reading through the papers, grading them as she went.

"... Actually, Mom, I have a question... outside of schoolwork."

"Yes?" Aeris looked up from what she was doing to eye Riku, letting him know that he had her full attention. She was patient with him and assured him with her soft gaze that there was no rush, but he seemed to struggle with finding the words to say.

"I went to the world of Twilight Town, where DiZ and Naminé are keeping Sora and the others." Riku said, trying to explain himself.

"And?"

"It would seem that Sora's memories are scattered across the worlds. And he can't wake up without them. I believe that they're trying to find their way back through the bonds Sora had with the people through the memories. So I've started searching through the worlds that Sora has come across, trying to find the pieces. But... I believe theirs more to it."

"Oh? More how?"

"Like... I went to Wonderland." Riku tried using the first world he visited as an example to try and explain what he means. "Aside from a handful, everyone there had lost their minds before their memories were trifled with and yet somehow could still remember Sora."

"Well I'm not too surprised. You can't take from what's not there." Aeris commented with a cheerful chime, a soft chuckle slipped from her lips at the thought.

"One of the residents there, Cheshire Cat, said something that I... can't get out of my mind..."

"Ahh, Cheshire Cat. I've had encounters with him before. Do not take his words lightly." Aeris advised, remembering how Cheshire Cat would give you all that you ask and yet nothing. He made it where you had to read into his words, to think, never just giving a straight answer. "So what did he say to you?"

"Two things, actually. He implied that Nobodies were luring Heartless into the worlds again."

"Nobodies?"

"Yeah. Apparently that's what they're calling those things we saw in the photos that broke into Merlin's house. Husk of beings whose hearts were taken from them, never truly existing. Oh! That reminds me." Riku explained when he suddenly remembered what he had gotten from Naminé. Reaching into the other side of his coat, Riku pulled out the lost Pages from the Book of Hundred Acre Wood. "These are for you."

"(Gasp)! Pooh's memories!" Aeris cried out in joy with her soft voice, eyes sparkling at the sight of the pages. "How did you get them back?"

"Husk Nobodies took them at the command of one of the Organization XIII members, handing them to Naminé in Castle Oblivion so she could alter their memories. Naminé's had them all along."

"Organization XIII. Again their name shows up." Aeris said in slight detest. She looked down at the papers, analyzing their condition, saddened by the results. "Those brutes, they didn't even return all the pages. Three of them are missing."

"Three pages." Riku responded back in concerned alarm.

"Don't worry. You'll get them back." Aeris assured to him with a soft smile. "They were most likely drawn to the worlds most closes to their bond once dropped."

"Hm," Riku nodded in confirm that he will find the pages again as his mother said he would. "That aside, you don't seem too concerned that I said that Heartless are being lured into the worlds again."

"I have already sensed the build in the Darkness activity. And just as well, I have sensed the sudden squelching of it soon after."

"The Heartless are being taken care of?" Riku said in surprise.

"Hm-mph." Aeris nodded.

"Is it Mickey?"

"I think not." Aeris looked down at Riku's papers again, returning to grading his work.

"..." Riku didn't know what to make of that answer. "So the Heartless are being lured in by the Nobodies. Do you think that this is the Organization XIII's doing?"

"It is no longer a question of 'whom' is doing it, Riku. It is a question of 'why' they're doing it."

"..." Riku could only stare as Aeris continued her grading, not finding the words to say at her statement. The question that she brought up disturbed him. It was a question that he did not have an answer for. But, somehow, he got a feeling in his heart that he would need to find the answer soon. But for now, he had other questions that needed answers. "Cheshire said that we'd have better lucking finding the answer with the Nobodies than with those on his world. That information alone was disturbing enough, but it was the second thing that Cheshire Cat said that really unnerved me. Well, technically, it was the first thing he said but I'm out of order."

"What was it, dear?"

"He said something along the lines of Sora's memories walking away..."

"..."

"What he said doesn't make any sense. But I can't seem to let it go, nor can I wrap my mind around it." Riku combed his hand through his hair, his mind still battled at the memory as if he was missing a crucial piece.

"I'm sorry, Riku. I don't have an answer for you." Aeris sadly admitted. "However, Cheshire is right. You won't find the answer on one world. Perhaps visiting the other worlds will add pieces to the puzzle to reveal the picture you're trying to find."

"I... I think you're right."

"Seems like you have something else on your mind too, Riku." Aeris commented not even having to look up at him to see it, she could feel the nerves shift in his heart.

"!" Riku was shocked that she noticed.

"Don't be so surprised. I'm an Ancient too, you know."

"..." It was true, his mother could practically read him like a book. He wanted to ask for her advice about it, but... just didn't know how she would respond. He couldn't even understand why he was so nervous about it. "It's just... while I was in Wonderland I met Alice again."

"Ahh, I see that you've had an encounter with the youngest of the seven Princesses of Heart before."

"Yeah, it was back when the Dark Council still had control over Hollow Bastion Castle." Riku explained, getting nervous and self-conscious as he was going along. His hand slowly grabbed his arm in insecurity. "I befriended her there. And at the same time... I let Maleficent take her heart there..."

"..."

"I did nothing as her heart was used to open the Keyhole to Kingdom Hearts and her body went into dormant along with the other princesses. I ignored the pain of my actions because I thought it was for the greater good. I needed the power to save Sora and Kairi, I kept telling myself that I had no choice. Easing my pain by saying that 'I'll give her heart back once this was over', that 'things will go back to normal once this was all over' for her and me. But... deep down... I knew that what I had done was wrong... It weighed down on my Heart."

"..." Aeris remained silent, listing to her son's woes as she looked back up at him again. She remained nonjudgmental as he opened himself up to her, silently comforting him in his vulnerable moment.

"And it still did weigh me down for the longest time. But... after meeting her again, I feel lighter..."

"..."

"Like my heart had lost some weight after all that dilly-dallying we did together in Wonderland." Riku slightly chuckled with a subtle smile at the memories.

"Did you ever tell her these things, Riku...?"

"In a way, yes. I apologized to her for all the things I did, or for better word didn't do, to her in Hollow Bastion Castle. But... she never blamed me. She... she was actually glad to see me." The smile started to return to Riku's face. "It made me... warm. I actually had fun during the time I spent with her in Wonderland. My heart actually feels lighter from the experience. What does... what does this all mean?"

"..." Aeris closed her eyes, taking a soft deep breath through her nose before reopening her eyes as she answered his question. "It means that you've truly forgiven yourself, Riku."

"?"

"You've always felt bad about your time in the Darkness. You alone have been more hard on yourself than anybody else in the worlds." Aeris explained to him. "It weighs you down and holds your heart back. From its and your true potential as you hold on to the guilt."

"Guilt...? Is that what that heavy feeling was...?"

"Yes, among other things. You can't seem to forgive yourself until you know that you've made peace with those you have and believe you have wronged."

"Is that- is this a bad thing?"

"No. I think that it's a great thing." A warm smile began to grace Aeris's face. "Continue to travel the worlds; meet the people of your past; confront them; make peace with them. There you will not only make peace with yourself, but you'll find the answers within."

"..."

"You will feel much lighter, Riku. I promise..."

"... Okay." The determination entered his eyes. "I'll try to make peace with my past. Not only for myself, but for you."

"Thank you, Riku..." Aeris's eyes began to water, but the papers in her peripheral helped keep them dry. "On another good note, you got 95 percent on your homework! Great job, Riku! You'll be sure to do fine on the test next week."

"A test next week, how is that any good new?!" Riku groaned, sliding down into a chair in vex.

... Day 56 ...

Riku had no idea where he was. He had followed his heart to the first step on the process of his self-healing and it had lead him to a world he has never been to before. This was the farthest he had ever travelled through a Dark Corridor; it had really taken a number out on him. Riku bent down, holding a hand to his knee while his other arm rested on a wall as he caught his breath. As he started to recover, still slightly shaken, he got a look around this new world. As he looked to the wall he was resting on, he noticed that it belong to a house. One of many houses lined up in a row which mirrored on the other side too.

Riku nevered believed he would get the chance to visit a world like this. If he was being honest with himself, it felt like he had gone back in time a bit. The houses were old, but Riku guessed that the fact that they were made of stone and plaster added to their age as well. Night lights stood tall along the stone road, still unlit in the afternoon's light. The air smelt of the sea; drying laundry hung on laundry lines in between the houses; and, a bell could be heard in the distance. He could see the ocean from his place higher up in the port town, and it reminded him of home.

This was all very nice. But Riku wouldn't get anything done by just standing there. His heart had lead him to this place, and he needed to find out what for. In the distance he could hear the mumbling of people, the sound of a wagon as a horse clomps, and stand owners trying to sell their wares. Riku could guess that further down towards the Docks was where this town's Center and Market Place was. Perhaps he could get more information by questioning one of the locals. So without further delay he took the first step.

But he was wobbly, Riku was still tired from the Corridor Jump. He decided to take it slow. One step at a time. And what to his luck, two locals where heading his way. It was a tall, humanoid, red fox in a raggedy waistcoat and pants, wearing a top hat and gloves with holes. The fox was being followed by a smaller, humanoid cat whose clothes were in just as a ragged state as the fox's. The cat followed close behind the fox whom was twirling his cane while whistling a tune.

"Hey, excuse me." Riku called out to them, gaining their attention. They looked kinda shady, but he learned not to judge a character by his looks. "Can you tell me where I am?"

"Where you are?!" The fox shouted dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Why you're in a small pocket of Italy, my boy!"

"Italy?" That still didn't really answer Riku's question, but at least he got a name for this place.

"He doesn't even know where Italy is." The fox loudly whispered down to his cat companion behind his hand, slyly mocking Riku. The cat snickered into his hand while Riku fumed inside. Then the fox stood tall again to look back at Riku. "You're not from around here are you, my boy?"

"Yeah," Riku admitted while not giving away the full truth to protect the secret of the World Borders. "I'm just here on a visit."

The fox began to get a conniving grin on his face. There was something about these two that felt wrong to Riku. His heart didn't sit well around them. 'Never judge a character by their looks' but 'always follow your heart.' Or was it 'follow your nose?' Well, either way would be right to Riku. Now that he had recovered enough to smell them they reeked of darkness.

"Well then you've come to the right people, my boy!" The fox proclaimed, placing a hand over his heart to introduce himself. "I am John Worthington Foulfellow. But people around these parts call me Honest John. And my feline companion here is Gideon."

"..." Riku gave them no name in return, but allowed Gideon the Cat to energetically shake his hand. The cat never said a word. He was a mute with a side hiccup fit. It appears that Honest John did all the talking for the duo.

"But this place is rather dull for your time out on the town." Riku reluctantly allowed Honest John to place an arm around his shoulders as he pointed to the Docks with his cane. "Let me take you to Pleasure Island! A paradise where all your wishes and dreams come true. A fun place with no parents, no school, and no rules! You can do whatever you want! And it's just for boys."

"Just for boys?" Riku questions with a quirked eyebrow.

"Quite right, just for boys." Honest John answered while popping Gideon on the head with his cane to stop Gideon's enthusiastic nods.

"No thanks." Riku instantly refused, smacking Honest John's arm off his shoulder with the hand closes to it, regaining the distance again. Two strangers trying to lure boys to an island with no adults. This place sounded terrible. Aside from his father, he loved his mother and adoptive dad and he really had nothing against school so he didn't really see a reason to run away from them. Besides, he had already followed the first slightly shady character he had come across in a new world, he didn't care to repeat that again. Also... he rather liked girls, Riku wasn't interested in things that excluded them. That didn't sound like fun at all. "Not interested."

"W-wha?" Honest John was flabbergast, shocked to have actually been rejected. "But, my boy, you're missing the chance of a life time."

"Doesn't seem that fun to me."

"Ahh but it is." Honest John insisted, trying to win Riku over. And if you want to win somebody over you tell them what you think they'd like. "Think about it? There are no rules. You have a Sweet Tooth? You can have all the candy you want there. Your Old Man won't let you try some of his drink or Cigar? Well on Pleasure Island you can drink and smoke as much as you want. Got an itch to destroy things? You can break or brawl with whatever and whomever you want without getting into a lick of trouble."

"So what you're saying is you take boys away from loving homes, caring families, a good education, and a wholesome character build to a place where none of that exist and so that they convert to a darker instinctual bases like animals?!"

"W-wh-what? Don't be silly. Nobody said anything about animals, especially not donkeys." Honest John nervously said, wiping his forehead with the handkerchief from his pocket as he broke into a nervous sweat.

Pleasure Island wasn't a terrible place as Riku had expected. It was a nightmare. Such a place was a breeding ground for the darkness that could attract the Heartless. This whole world would be swallowed up, and these two were leading boys down this dark path. Riku was no longer fuming, he was enraged.

"You shouldn't be leading others down the path to darkness. It will attracted the Heartless and consume this world in darkness as it has done many others. No heart in this world would be safe, yours especially."

"Wh- huh?" Honest John was tongue tied. He had no idea what Riku was talking about, but he could feel that it was something dangerous. And if he were to go by the massive-aggression-spewing hooded boy in a black coat, he could tell that Riku knew what they were doing. As a swindler he knew when the jig was up.

"You guys should stop while it's not too late, before your hearts are completely consumed. You two reek of darkness. You should just..." Riku slowly lifted his hand to point a gloved finger at Honest John. "Take a bath!"

A small concentrated Fire shot out from Riku's fingertip, lighting the tail-end of Honest John's waist coat on fire.

"AHH Hot! Hot, hot, hot!" Honest John shouted, flapping around and fanning at the flame to put it out only to fuel it more. He ran with a jump from the flames to the nearest source of water that he could find. Gideon the cat running soon after him, leaving Riku to watch as the duo escaped.

"I should really report those two to this world's authorities." Riku thought aloud to himself when he heard the sound of the bells ringing again soon to be followed by the cheers and laughter of children.

The School bell had rung, signalling the end of school for the day. Children marched and ran home with their friends to play before the sun went down, forgetting about the worries of homework due the next day. Riku smiled as children passed him by, their laughter and light was refreshing to him, it got the stench of darkness out of his nose. Riku couldn't believe that somebody would try to destroy such innocent hearts.

But that's when he felt a heart that he recognized. A light that he bumped into before...

A boy skipping a little off from the other groups was making his way to Riku. He was humming to himself while swinging his books by the blue ribbon in his hands that he had tied them together with. Riku recognized that blue bowtie with the black vest and yellow short sleeved shirt. He knew those red shorts and brown shoes, he even recognized that yellow hat. But this... this couldn't be the same puppet, no boy...

"Pinocchio...?"

"Riku?" Pinocchio looked up at the sound of his name. He had recognized the voice, and was glad to see that it was Riku. "Riku!"

"So that is you- Uhf!" Riku had the breath knocked out of him as Pinocchio charged at him for a hug. The boy barely made it to Riku's waist and he had nearly clobbered him over.

"Riku, it's so good to see you! How did you escape Monstro?! Where have you been?! Did you miss me, did you miss me?!"

"(Chuckle) Slow down there, buddy." Riku grinned, Pinocchio's excitement was happily contagious. "First off, it's good to see you too. Second, I have my ways. Third, I've been all over the place. And yes, I've missed you too, Pinocchio."

"I was so worried when you suddenly disappeared in Monstro. Father and I got out but I was scared that you where still in there." Pinocchio confessed, tearing up and his nose starting to run.

"Whoa, hold off the waterworks, Pinocc. I'm here, I'm fine, see." Riku comforted from his spot having to look down to Pinocchio as Pinocchio had to tilt his head up.

"(Sniffle) Yeah..." Pinocchio wiped away his tears in relief. "I'm so glad you're okay Riku."

"Thanks. I'm glad you're okay too. You are a little... different than when I last saw you."

"I'm a real boy now!" Pinocchio said proudly.

"I can see that. And that's great, Pinocchio. But... how?"

"The Blue Fairy showed me the way."

"The Blue Fairy?"

"Yeah. She's the one who answered Father's wish and brought me to life."

"..." So there was an entity- and possibly more out there- other than Kingdom Hearts that could give Hearts. Riku found the thought fascinating, like all these little worlds created something bigger than he could possibly imagine. He could spend all of his long Ancient life trying to uncover and still wouldn't scratch a corner of it.

"She said that if I prove myself brave, truthful, and unselfish that I will become a real boy." Pinocchio continued, drawing Riku out of his thoughts again.

"And you did." Riku could happily see for himself. But Pinocchio had already proven that he was brave and truthful to Riku back in Monstro.

Yup!" Pinocchio happily nodded. "My heart showed me the way."

"Hm, yes. I'm starting to get that. I just started listening to mine again. My heart is still showing me the way."

"That's good, Riku. (Gasp) Oh no!"

"What?!"

"Riku you're shaking."

"I am? Still?"

"Are you cold? Hungry?" Pinocchio quizzed up to him in worry, taking a big step back out of the hug to look Riku over.

"Hmm, the coat actually keeps me pretty warm."

"Then you must be hungry. I'd give you my apply, but I already gave it to my teacher." Pinocchio sadly confessed that last part with a pout.

"Hey, no worries, Pinocc. That's what you're suppose to do with apples." Riku assured to Pinocchio, patting Pinocchio on the head and getting him to smile again.

"(Laughter) Oh, I know! Why don't I take you home with me." Pinocchio's eyes sparkled with his great idea.

"Uhh..."

"Father is having a small feast prepared to celebrate my first day of school at the return of our world. You should come, I'm sure Father will be happy to see you!"

"..." Riku highly doubted that. But... if he wanted to make amends, he would have to seek it out. "Sure. Let's go see how your old man is doing."

"Okay!" Pinocchio took Riku's hand and ran the rest of the way home. Even with his arm extended out Riku had to bend down for Pinocchio to reach his hand. It was uncomfortable, but Riku didn't mind. Pinocchio was so excited, who was he to spoil his fun.

Pinocchio ran until he came to the shop of a wood carpenter, or better known as Geppetto's Toy Shop. Pinocchio burst through the door, dragging Riku around with him. While Riku had a moment he took a look around. The most fantastic clocks he ever laid his eyes on took up the walls, all of them carved out of wood. Cute looking music boxes graced the counters, each one individually crafted and a work of art. And there was shelves after shelves of toys and toys. At the table was one seat and three booster sets. One holding up a black and white cat to the table with a plate of cooked salmon with lemons and another with a goldfish in a fish bowl ready to partake from a slice of cake from the yellow chocolate cake on the table. A roasted chicken, a bowl of fruit, and a fresh cup of tea graced the table, prepared for a small celebration.

"I'm home, Father!" Pinocchio happily announced.

"Welcome home, son." Geppetto greeted him, coming in from the kitchen with a porcelain pot of mashed potatoes. "And how was your day a school? Oh my, is that who I think it is?"

"..." Riku nervously change weight on his feet as Geppetto noticed him, worried about what his reaction would be.

"It's Riku, Father! I found on my way from School."

"So you did, I see." There wasn't any judgement in his tone, but Riku couldn't leave things as they were.

"Mr. Geppetto, about last time... I... I just want you to know that..." Riku was so nervous, tripping on his own words. But he knew the only way to get it off his chest was to let it out. So bowing his head in penance and shame, he let it out. "I'm so sorry!"

"Oh you were just a curious child. No harm done." Geppetto said to him with ease, placing the pot down on the table.

"But I..."

"Children always have a rebelliousous stage at one time or another. But it's the good children that find their way back. You still protected and played with Pinocchio while we were trapped in Monstro, making Pinocchio feel happy and safe in such a hard time and that's all I could ask for."

"..." Riku couldn't believe that he was forgiven so easily. He felt lighter again. "You're a good Dad, Mr. Geppetto."

"Thanks." Geppetto smiled to his mustache. "You're a good friend too. Pinocchio can't stop talking about how you guys played tag in Monstro. Please, come and join us, we were just about to sit down to eat."

"Yay! So Riku can join us for dinner, Father?" Pinocchio happily asked with cheer in his eyes.

"Of course." Geppetto replied, pulling up another chair. "He is your friend after all, and this is your celebration. The more, the merrier."

"Thank you Geppetto. I would love to join you guys."

"Oh boy, I wish Jiminy could be here too. He would love this." Pinocchio said, climbing up into his booster seat.

"Hey, about Monstro, do you guys remember anyone else being in there as well?" Riku asked as he took his seat.

"Hmm, it's funny you should mention that." Geppetto said, scratching his chin as he looked up in thought. "I remember Figaro staying on the ship because he was such a scaredy cat, and Cleo stayed close by in her fish bowl. But I do remember three others being there, though I can't quite recall their faces. All I know is that the boy was our friend..."

"..." Riku took in their answers for thought. The memories were returning, but ever so slowly.

"Yeah. I think I remember them playing tag with us. Though I can't remember who they were." Pinocchio sadly admitted the last part.

"You will remember them in time. You just have to be patient with it." Riku encouraged.

"Do you think Jiminy is with them?" Pinocchio asked up to Riku.

"I believe he is." Riku honestly answered.

"(Sigh) I wish Jiminy would come back soon. It's hard doing things without your conscious." Pinocchio pouted, resting his elbow on the table and his cheek in his hand.

"You never lost your conscious, Pinocchio. You just thought you did." Riku tried to explain to Pinocchio. "Jiminy was a Guide to your Conscious. Your conscious is that little voice inside your heart that is telling you what's right and what's wrong. It trys to lead you down to a better path so that you can be the best 'you' you can possibly be."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Well that's good. So I have the chance to be good in me all along?"

"That's right"."

Pinocchio smiled at the news. But then saddened at the absence of Jiminy.

"But I still miss Jiminy."

"He'll be back in time. He is your guide after all. He's just helping another lost boy find his way, just like he did for you."

"Oh, then I'll wait as long as it takes."

"Addaboy."

"Oh, but Pinocchio, you never told us how your first day of School was." Geppetto said, suddenly remembering what they were celebrating.

"It was really great, Father!" Pinocchio answered with enthusiasm. "We learned how to count today and spell. The teacher really liked my apple."

"That's great, son." Geppetto smiled, happy to hear that Pinocchio was enjoying learning.

"Oh! And I found this paper that landed on me from the sky!" Pinocchio said, pulling out the piece of paper he had found and safely stashed between his books. But then he saddened a little because he didn't solve the puzzle of the mysterious paper. "But I don't know most of the words so I couldn't really read it."

"!" Riku noticed the light coming from the paper. It felt familiar too. "May I see that paper for a second, Pinocchio?"

"Sure." Pinocchio obliged, handing the paper over to Riku.

Riku looked the torn page over, and it was just as he happily thought.

"This is one of the torn pages from the book of Winnie the Pooh!"

"Oh?!" Pinocchio got excited with Riku, not really knowing why but happy to be apart of it.

"It is a Children's book, so it must have been drawn to the hearts of children once it was taken from the book and lost from the pile. Can I have this, Pinocchio? I'd like to return this to its rightful place. It would make a tiny little world full of people very happy."

"Sure! If you know where the page belongs then please return it to its owner. That is the right thing to do!"

"Your conscious told you that, didn't it?"

"Yup!"

... Day 71 ...

Riku had stayed a little longer than planned in Pinocchio's world. There was a darkness in this world, and if he left it as it is this world would be consumed by darkness again. True to his word, he had told Geppetto about Honest John and Gideon, whom in turn pointed Riku towards the right authorities. The Town's Guard took this matter very seriously, as a good five dozen boys were missing, some of which were the guard's own kin.

Honest John and Gideon the cat were apprehended immediately. Although, to Riku's surprise, Honest John seemed relieved to have been caught. Like a darkness was finally over. Riku believe that it was the light of his conscious telling him that he has gone too far and that this was for the best. If that were true, then there was hope for Honest John yet.

Honest John didn't give away any true names. Just that they were payed to gather and lure boys on a coach wagon to a boat that took them to Pleasure Island, a place that was banned and sealed off by the law. And for good reasons, acts of darkness done there never allowed one to come back the same. They said their targets were mostly stupid and disobedient boys so that the process could go by faster for their employer. That part didn't go well with the Guards or Riku for that matter of insult. Still they wouldn't give them much, only that their employer went by the name Coachman.

But still they had a lead. Armed and ready they took one of their Coastguard boats to Pleasure Island. They had round up a lot of rugged henchmen, all six of them put up a fight. But with the help of Soul Eater they went down with little trouble. Clonked good on their heads and contained, they would face trial at the town's court for their actions. They looked all over the place but found no signs of the Coachman or the boys. All they found were... Donkeys...

Why were there so many donkeys gathered in one place? Why did they have so much emotions in their eyes. It was almost like they were pleading.

The henchmen laughed at their find, refusing to talk. That's when Riku noticed the sad scared light coming from the hearts of the donkeys. These weren't scared animals, they were boys...

The guards didn't have to believe Riku when he told them, they could feel it in their hearts that it was true. So with a heavy heart they gathered all the donkeys back onto the ship and headed back to town. The families were at the Docks, waiting at their return in the hopes that they had brought their boys back home to them. They were heartbroken when all that was brought back to them were donkeys that recognized them and they too in turn. Both parties were crying, the donkeys at finally being home and never taking their family for granted again, and the families for the fact they got their boys back but they would never be the same again.

Riku wanted to helped them, he remembered what his mother taught him how the light and the darkness of Magic based on emotions worked. It was almost like a curse. It could be broken if you do the opposite of the deed that caused it enough with genuine action. So Riku told them that there was a way to turn the donkeys back into boys. It would take some hard work, they would have to do many good deeds to earn the privilege.

The families taking whatever hope they could get followed Riku's instructions, the donkeys especially. But Riku didn't leave them to go through it alone, he stayed on the world camping out in the woods or on top of rooftops as all the donkeys turned back into boys. The town was so grateful to him for giving them their boys back. They had all started calling him Riku the Witch, which was a great compliment and status on this superstitious world. Riku didn't really know how to take being known as a witch. He wondered if his mother came here would she be called the same?

Even though all the donkeys turned back into boys, there was still one last thing that needed to be done. He had to find the Coachman. If he left the man in charge of this crime still roaming about the guy would just do the same thing again. Although much more sneaky and worst. But the man was sly, hiding in all the nooks-and-krannies of this world, eluding the guards.

Riku had had enough of this. He was tired of playing chase with this guy. So when the sun went down and most of the town was asleep in their homes, Riku had opened his Senses to darkness and went into Dark Mode. The night enhancing his power. Much to his disgust, Riku ended up sniffing him out to a shady place called Red Lobster Inn. The place was dark and the air was fogged with cigar smoke making it hard to breath. But the smoke smelt great compared to the lone man in the place. He was the only one there, sitting at the table with the one lit candle in the place. He was a plump, old man in a red coachman's coat and gray hat. Riku could see where he got the name Coachman. And although he had a face that looked like he should have been jolly, he had a darkness to him that put half of the Dark Council to shame.

"I finally found you, Old Man." Riku said, the venom trying to come out his throat.

"So you have." Coachman shrugged as a mocking grin came over his face. "Out of curiosity, how did you find me, boy?"

"Simple. You really stink."

"You need to watch your mouth, boy. Hadn't your mother teach you any manners?"

"More than yours. How could you have done what you did?"

"Heh, I did society a favor. I took useless, stupid, disobedient boys and turned them into a working force that was worth something. If it added a little extra coins in my pocket that's just a bonus due to me."

"You're a monster."

"Quiet! Those boys had their fun, now they had to pay for it!"

"You took advantage of their innocence!"

"No. I took advantage of their selfishness and greed." Coachman said as his sly grin turned into a sadistic smile. But then he started to boil red with rage. "Their stupidity could have made me a profit, now it's ruined just because of you. All of my men incarcerated, all of my stock gone, my investments ruined, my profit lost because of your meddling! I love my Munny, I need my MUNNY!"

"..." Riku watched as the Coachman was consumed by darkness and turned into a Large Body Heartless with a red coachman's coat and a grey hat. "So in the end this is what you are..."

No wonder why the Coachman surrounded himself with henchmen, this guy was really weak. All Riku had to do was dash, strike, dodge, jump, launch one Dark Blizzard, and one last strike and the guy was down. His heart released into the sky while his body was burnt away by dark flames whose ashes forever stained the floor.

"You will taint this world no longer with your darkness."

... Day 73 ...

All was well in Pinocchio and Geppetto's world, so it was time for Riku to say farewell. Pinocchio was sad to see him go, but Riku assured him that he still had so much to do and that they would meet again someday. So with fond goodbyes and a lighter load on his chest than before, Riku opened a Dark Corridor and went on his way.

There was no way he was making a long trip like from between Pinocchio's world and Twilight Town again, so he bargained with himself to go half the distance. And this worked out for him. He could hear the cry of a pure heart calling for help on a world near his midway point. So by the time he opened the other side of his Corridor it was already nightfall. As he looked around, he could see that he was in yet another world he hasn't been to before.

He seemed to be on the balcony of a beautiful castle that had a slight haunted, magical looked to it. The statutes that bordered the castle and its courtyards were gargoyle-design but the roses that took over the place had a lovely health to them. This place was eerie, but at the same time beautiful.

"The master can be stubborn. But, really, his heart's in the right place."

"I know he means well, but I'm worried. I just don't know what to do about him- oh!" Riku turned at the feeling of the light of two hearts coming towards him before he heard the ladies' voices. To his surprise, one of them was a girl, and the other was... a wardrobe. This was impossible, but he has seen even more impossible things before, they appeared to be happening every day for him. But his questions would have to wait, he recognized the girl. Both as the heart that had called for help and from his past. She may have replaced her yellow ballroom dress for a common blue and white dress, but he still recollected that pretty face.

"Princess of Heart?"

"Who are you? What are you doing in my room?" She asked in defense and alarm.

"!" Riku became embarrassed, above all else he was a gentleman at heart. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm. My Corridor just opened where it did, I had no idea this was your room."

"Oh," his answer made the girl relax a little, but the wardrobe was still on guard. "Then... What are you doing here?"

"I heard your heart while I was travelling through the worlds. You were calling for help."

"!" The girl was startle to find another so perceptive of hearts, let alone her own. This boy must have been special. "How did you know I was a Princess of Heart?"

"..." Riku looked away in shame for a moment, hesitating to answer. "We've met before, but not really, back in Hollow Bastion Castle."

"!" The girl grew alarmed at the mention of Hollow Bastion. The only thing she could recall mostly there in Hollow Bastion were beings of darkness. "Where you working with Maleficent?"

"I was..." Riku sadly admitted.

"Are you here to take me back?"

"No! I..." Riku tried to calm himself to prove to her he was no longer an enemy, but he couldn't get rid of the pleading in his eyes. "I wanted to make amends for the things I had done back in Hallow Bastion. If I could help the people I have wronged in anyway then I would do my best with everything I have. Please, believe me, I just want to see what's wrong."

"..."

"We should call the master, dear. This boy is too shady."

"No, it's alright." The girl eased, she didn't know why but there was something in his eyes that made her believe. His eyes reminded her of the Beast's: sad and lonely, eyes that beyond anything wanted forgiveness and to be reached out to. How could she distrust such vulnerable eyes. "I'm afraid I don't really recall you from my time in Hollow Bastion."

"You were already in dormant by the time I arrived. Though that doesn't excuse me for doing nothing about it and ignoring it."

"I honestly think there was nothing you could have done at the time. There was no way for you to return our hearts to us without a Keyblade."

"I helped Maleficent. I still opened the Keyhole."

"But it's closed now." The girl tried to comfort for him. He was too hard on himself than anyone else.

"Yes. Thanks to the wielder of the Keyblade and his friends." Suddenly a thought came to Riku. "About that. Can you remember who they were?"

"?!" The girl looked through her memories and was surprised and slightly alarmed that she couldn't recall any features. "No. I can't remember who they were. I look back at my memories, but they always come up as a blur. I can't recognize any features or anything. And if I was completely honest, not too long ago I had forgotten everything about them."

"..."

"It's so strange..."

"Not really strange, more like magic."

"Magic?"

"Yeah. The Keyblade wielder was my friend. But... some things happened and his memories were scattered in the process. Now he rests. And now I try to find the pieces so he can wake up again."

"So any memory relating to him is scattered as well?"

"Yes..."

"Oh I see... I hope that you find them all, for everyone's sake. I get the feeling that a lot of people on so many worlds care about you two very much. I hope that he wakes up soon."

"!" Riku was surprised, such kind words. She was really pure of heart to have such genuine care for nearly a stranger who had indirectly wronged her. "Thank you... Thank you so much. That really does mean a lot to me, uhhh."

"It's Belle."

"Belle. Well that's a pretty name. I'm Riku."

"Riku, huh. (Gentle laughter) It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Riku."

"Likewise." Riku gave her a small bow in greeting, tipping his hood to her. Now that the pleasantries were out of the way, it was time to address the reason why he's here. "So, Belle... Can you tell me what's wrong."

(Gasp)!" Belle had gone quiet, remembering why he was here. She was a little embarressed with herself for calling out for help like that, let alone that someone had reached out from it. But the gesture was kind, and Riku really did mean well. It was nice to talk to someone outside the Castle about it. "... It's Beast."

"!" Riku remembered Beast, the one who had made it to Hollow Bastion through his heart alone to find Belle. He had been especially cruel to him, and he was not proud of it at all. "I remember Beast. Is there something wrong with him?"

"He's been working himself too hard." Belle said with worry, looking down and clasping her fingers together in sadness. "The Heartless are more numerous in this world than usual. They have been acting up and Beast has been protecting the Castle from them nonstop."

"Without any help?" His actions did sound concerning to Riku. He couldn't go on like this forever, eventually Beast would tire out and he could get his heart taken by the Heartless.

"No, he won't let anyone help him, no matter how much I ask him."

"Hmm, I could help with the Heartless infestation. But that would only be a temporary answer." Riku stated as he said his thoughts aloud, clasping a hand under his chin. "This is just like the other worlds I've been to so far. Something is luring the Heartless out to here. I can help Beast find the source and take care of it. That should help with the Heartless problem on its own."

"Really?" Belle looked back up at Riku with hope in her eyes. If what Riku said was true, then this could all be finally over and Beast would stop pushing himself.

"Yes. I'd be happy to help. We can't leave this as it is. I don't want this world to fall into darkness again."

"Thank you Riku. I-"

Roar!

"!" "!" "!" A roar broke out, alarming everyone in the room. Beast had burst in, rushing over once he felt an unfamiliar presence enter his Castle. Even more furious and concerned that they were in Belle's room.

"Belle!"

"Beast." Belle was about to tell Beast that everything was alright when the Beast saw Riku and growled viciously, frightening her to silence along with the wardrobe.

"(Growl)! You!" He recognized Riku, all his cruelty and his hate for him. "Get away from her!"

"Beast, what's come over you?" Belle asked in concerned, still frightened but worried.

"He's evil, Belle. He cannot be trusted!" Beast insisted, not taking his eyes off Riku as he kept his guard up. His fangs still out and ready, along with his claws.

"I was a different person. I've changed from what I was before." Riku insisted to him with a plea for Beast to hear him out. "Beast, I'm sorry."

"Sorry Isn't Going To Cut It!" Beast growled.

"I-I know. But I still am sorry, trully I am. The number of Heartless is growing too rapidly. I want to help you."

"I don't need your help. I don't WANT your help!"

"Please Beast."

"You toyed with us!" Roared at Riku, not forgiving what he had done to him, but especially how he used Belle. He would never forgive him for that. "You toyed with Belle's and mine's plight as if it meant NOTHING!"

"!" It was true. At the time, Riku didn't really noticing the suffering of others around him through his actions. Sadly, the him back then didn't care, all he cared about was rescuing his friends and his own plight. He was petty. He was selfish. He was... heartless. "I'm truly sorry. You don't have to forgive me. I can't even forgive myself. But, please... just let me help you."

"I'll never forgive you for what you have done!" Beast practically barked, smashing the small, wooden table in the center of Belle's room in rage.

"!" "!" "!" Riku was startled by the raw rage and hate that came in Beast's action towards him. Not only could he feel it in Beast's heart, he could practically taste it. Belle and the wardrobe were just startled by his enraged outburst. The wardrobe coward as far as she could to the wall by the door away from Beast. Belle just backed into the fireplace, away from the spray of shattered wood.

"Please, stop!" Belle begged him, but Beast wouldn't listen.

"Get Out!" He roared, smacking away the shattered table towards the side with Belle's bed, rushing at Riku.

"!"

"No." Belle pleaded with Beast as he slashed at Riku with his claws. Riku didn't want to hurt him, not again, all he could do was dodge Beast's claws as he was backed out of the room onto the balcony again.

"GET OUT!"

"!" Riku was forced to jump off the balcony, opening a Corridor as he fell, forced to retreat-

Beast's Castle

... Day 75 ...

Radiant Garden

Riku had returned to his mother and his homeworld to return the Hundred Acre world Page to its book and his homework to his mother at home. But he didn't have the enthusiasm at the achievements like he usually would. He had spent a whole day moping, and most of this day. Aeris could tell that his downer mood wasn't because of the new homework given to him.

"What's wrong Riku? Why so blue?" Aeris asked down, tilting over from the place she stood to look at him from his spot on the couch. His upper half was practically limp on the couch arm.

"..."

"Did something happen on one of the worlds?" She tried to get an answer out of him.

"..."

"Rikuu."

"... It's just. You know how I've been going to other worlds, right?" Riku finally decided to talk, tilting his head up a little bit to look at his mother but mostly just moved his eyes. "To get information about Sora, and to find peace with myself?"

"Right."

"Well, at first it was going well. I even saved a world in the process. But when I went to the next world, things... didn't go as well."

"How so?"

"I came to help, but I hurt Beast so much in the past that he didn't want my help."

"Beast. Oh, so you've met Beast before. He's such a sweet and kind hearted being besides his large size. So I take it that Beast's and Belle's world has safely returned from the darkness?"

"Yes. But it's beginning to become overrun with Heartless. I tried to help, but... I had toyed with Beast so cruelly back in Hallow Bastion that he wanted nothing to do with me... He wouldn't even accept my apology..."

"..."

"I know I don't deserve his forgiveness, and I get why he doesn't even want to look at me. But I can't leave things the way the are. If I don't do something to help them, they'll be flooded with Heartless and their world consumed by darkness again. I want to help, but I don't want to hurt Beast or Belle anymore than I already have. What should I do, Mom?"

"... Did you really mean it when you said you were sorry?"

"?" What an odd thing to ask. "Yes, from the bottom of my heart."

"Do you genuinely want to help them?"

"Of course."

"Then do it."

"What?"

"Go help them."

"But Beast-"

"If you're truly sorry about it, then you'll help them, regardless if they've forgiven you or not."

"!"

"Beast will forgive you in time. His heart is just on guard, especially with everyone close to his heart in danger right now. You just have to wait for the walls to come down on their own. But until then, look after them, okay?"

"Hmph." Riku straightened up on the couch and nodded with determination at his mother. "You're right, Mom. I have to do something."

"!" Aeris raised her eyebrows as Riku stood up and started opening a Dark Corridor. "Where are you going? What about dinner?"

"Sorry, Mom, no time. I have to check on Sora and then head back to Beast's Castle."

"Wait!"

"!" Riku stopped in his tracks from entering the Corridor at his mother's request. She ran into the Kitchen and returned with a Soup Pot.

"If you're not going to eat here, then at least take it with you." Aeris insisted, holding out the pot to him. "It's Ansem the Wise's own secret Curry recipe, with Shiitake Mushrooms and everything."

"..." Riku looked at the pot and then back at his mother. She had worked hard on this dish, the lease he could do is try it. So he took the pot's handles from her with gratitude. "Thanks Mom. I'll be sure to share this with Naminé and DiZ as well."

"Good." Aeris smiled at the news, and waved him off in good blessing. "Be careful out there."

"Thanks."

Twilight Town

Riku had opened his Corridor to the Abandon Mansion in Twilight Town, down into it's basement. Walking down the hallway to the room that was housing Sora. DiZ and Naminé were already in there as well.

"Riku." Naminé had turned slightly at his entrance to greet him.

"Hey. How is the process coming along?" Riku had nodded to her in greeting before moving on to the subject at hand.

"Slow..." Naminé honestly admitted, sadden by her own slow process she lowered her head. "Much slower than I predicted."

"We had a few hiccups with a large Heartless prowling around the grounds, getting too close to breaking in." DiZ informed.

"What?!" Riku would have summoned his Soul Eater, but his Senses were not picking up any large Heartless around the area, or anything that would be considered a threat.

"No need to worry about it." DiZ assured to Riku. "The Heartless had been taken care of yesterday. By a mysterious benefactor."

"What? By who?"

"We have no idea. All we know is that the Heartless had been prowling around for 10 days, and then suddenly it was gone." Naminé answered when she noticed the pot in Riku's hands. "Hm? What's that, Riku?"

"Huh? Oh. This is just some Curry my Mom made." Riku answered, suddenly remembering that he had it. "You guys want some? Apparently it's Ansem the Wise's recipe."

"Ansem the Wise, you say...?" For some reason that sparked DiZ's interest.

"Yeah, with Shiitake Mushrooms."

"Hm. Then I would like to partake in your mother's cooking." DiZ had accepted Riku's offer much quicker than Riku had predicted.

"I would like some too." Naminé added as well, happy to try a home-made meal, especially one filled with a mother's love.

... Day 76 ...

The thing with Beast would have to wait. Riku felt like he should give Beast some time to cool down before he went back to Beast's world, at least a day or two. Until then, he still has many more worlds to investigate and much more people to make peace with. And so he opened a Corridor to a new world.

"!"

Unfortunately he went to a world that was underwater.

'Crap! I can't breath!' Riku panicked in his mind, trying to keep himself calm as he kicked in the water. 'I have to think of something, quick! Think, Riku, think!'

Riku puzzled and puzzled about what to do. Trying to make the fact that he was running out of air not trouble him. And then finally it came to him.

'Wait. Mom taught me a spell that might help in this situation. Maybe if I tweak a Transform spell to cater towards my needs, it'll just take a few knit-pickings to make Toad not turn me into a frog.'

Riku closed is eyes, taking a deep breath in his head to clear his mind before chanting the spell with his brainwaves to help the flow of his Magic.

'Hear me, O Heart of this World

Make me fit for your embrace

Change me so that I may walk among your lands

Heed my plea, for it is my Birthright.'

The spell began to take effect as a light glowed from his heart and began to consume his body. The light was blinding so he couldn't see it, but Riku could feel the spell changing his body. It felt kind of weird but at the same time really warm.

Once the heat disappeared so did the light. Riku opened his eyes to see that the spell had worked, he could breathe.

"What the?" His coat was gone, and so was his shirt. All his clothes was gone for that matter, but that wasn't the weirdest thing... He had a tail.

A Beta fishtail to be precise. It was inverted though, so instead of his fins being placed on his front and back directions, but on his sides. The tail started at his waist with the Caudal Peduncle along with his Pelvic Fin acting like a belt tie/sash. His Pectoral Fins still remained on his upper sides, but apparently so was his Anal and Dorsal Fin just below the Caudal Fin. At this moment, he had to thank the Light that his mother was so insistent with his Biology Science. And as he had learned about the world of nature, males are usually more colorful than females in the animal kingdom. But he found that his Dorsal, Anal, and Caudal Fin were breathtakingly beautiful flowing. Its deep Night-blue with its hueing of black at the tips was enchanting, but at the same time embarrassing. As much as being a Siamese Fighting fish sounds manly, visually it was not so much.

"Tch, man, I'm glad nobody I know can see me now. Wait, I can talk. This is strange." Riku said aloud to himself as he investigated his new form, circling around himself also giving himself a chance to get use to swimming in his new form.

"Oh!"

"!" Riku turned in alarm at the sound of a new voice. Turns out that it was a mermaid and a yellow with blue fins flounder. The mermaid had a green fishtail and red hair with blue eyes. Her top was covered by two purple shells. And from the looks of her Riku would guess that she was 15 years old, about the same age as him.

"Who are you?" Asked the mermaid, looking him over with curiosity. "I've never seen you in these waters before."

"Oh I'm new, just visiting to make sure everything's fine in these waters." Riku tried to explain without giving away too much. "I'm Riku."

"Well it's nice to meet you, Riku. My name's Ariel."

"And I'm Flounder."

"You can talk?!" Riku shouted with surprised that the Flounder could actually talk. He knew he should be use to this stuff since he's bumped into so many stranger things on other worlds. But this, this was something on a life changing level. He was an island child who grew up on fish and had a fisherman for a dad. The whole idea that his food could talk on another world made him feel like his childhood was a lie.

"Yeah of course I can talk. Don't the fish talk in the waters you're from?"

"Oh man I have to rethink about my diet." Riku gripped aloud to himself, brushing a hand through his hair.

"What?"

"Never mind." Riku tried to wave off his last statement. "Could you tell me where I am?"

"Oh wow, you must really be new to these parts." Ariel gasped in wonder. "Welcome to the Atlantis, the kingdom capital of my father, King Triton Ruler of the Seas."

Atlantis

Atlantis, so this is the world that Ursula had come from. But from the looks of things she hasn't done this world any harm. There wasn't a speck of Heartless around, and Riku's senses could feel around the whole world so that was saying something. The Keyhole that Sora had closed on this world must have really done its job. And he could only sense a small trace of the darkness, nothing threatening to this world. So all was well on this world.

"Wow, your father's the King. So then I'm speaking to Royalty. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, princess- uh, what are you doing?" Riku said before he got unnerved as Ariel circled around him a little too close in his bubble.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Ariel apologized, realizing that she was too close. "It's just that I've never seen a tail so beautiful like yours before."

"Please don't say that. No guy wants to here that he's beautiful, even if it's just parts." Riku groaned in plea, and embarrassment.

"But it is. Do most of the people from your waters have tails like yours?"

"Not really, I'm just different."

"Oh well that's wonderful. It's great meeting so many different people of the sea, makes you see how big this world truly is."

"This world? You make it sound like there are other worlds out there."

"Oh but there are."

"!" How did she know that?

"There are many worlds out there. So many that we wouldn't be able to visit them all in one lifetime."

"H-how... How do you know all this?"

"My father taught me. It's like a royal family secret." Ariel answered, suddenly covering her mouth with her hand at her own mistake. "Oh! Please don't tell anyone about what I said."

"I won't." Riku instantly consented.

"You promise?"

"I promise."

"Thank you Riku." Ariel smiled as she saw that Riku really meant it. He was a really good guy. "Do you want me to show you around Atlantis?"

"That would be wonderful. Thanks." Riku said, taking her up on her offer. All three began to swim off.

"Wow. Even your swimming is graceful." Ariel complimented as she observed Riku swim. His tail fins moving like a flowing stream.

"Not helping." Riku groaned, earning a giggle from Ariel. Glad to see her so at ease around him, he decided to start up a conversation. "So, other worlds. Ever thought of visiting them?"

"Honestly... yes. I did once, when I was a little younger. I met someone from another world who came here, but I can't seem to remember who they were."

"..."

"But seeing them make it to my world, I thought that one day I would find a way to make it to other worlds too. I was certain of it." Ariel continued with her train of thought. "But then, that's when it hit. I was already apart of many worlds."

"Oh? How so?"

"The sea is only apart of this world. Passed these waters' surface is a whole new world waiting to be discovered. Flounder and I find a new piece of it everyday."

"Yeah. And we have a Seagull friend, Scuttle, who tells us about the things we don't know about it so we're always learning new things." Flounder added in with excitement.

"Right. And someday I'll be a part of that world for myself, and I'll get to experience and see the things the people up there do too. I know I will, someday. My so-called small world is so much bigger than I could possibly imagine."

"..." Riku was so astound by Ariel's view of her world. It had opened his eyes up to the realization of his own world. Destiny Island was a whole lot bigger than just the two islands he had deemed it for. If only he had taken the time to discover its neighboring islands and its waters, he wouldn't have been in such a rush to run off to other worlds. It made him wish that he had the same mentality that Ariel has ages ago. "That's really great, Ariel. You're a really smart and inquisitive young lady. Never stop wondering about the world around you, and never stop dreaming."

"!" Ariel was taken off guard by the sudden real talk from Riku. But she found his genuine words really nice, and sweet... they made her smile. "Thank you Riku. I will."

"Hm, great."

"So do you want a tour of Atlantis City?"

"Sure. I've got all day."

... Day 78 ...

Beast's Castle

Today was the day Riku would finally face Beast again. He felt ready and he had hoped that Beast was feeling a little better. So remembering the coordinates not to go to, Riku had opened the Dark Corridor into Beast's Castle outside of Belle's room. The hallway led to the left, meaning that Belle was placed in the East Wing. And in a nice room at that; Beast and the rest of the Castle must have high regards for her.

Out in the hallway, a walking, talking clock was startled by Riku's appearance.

"Oh good heavens!"

"?!" Remembering the talking wardrobe, Riku was not surprised to see another living home utensil. He could sense a heart in the clock, along with other hearts roaming the castle. These walking furniture were not inanimate objects, or animated for that matter. "Easy there. I'm not here to hurt anyone."

"Hogwash! You came through the darkness like one of those confounded Heartless. And near mademoiselle Belle's room no doubt." The clock said accusingly, curling up its arm-bars into fists and hoping on its legs as if ready for a fight. "Well not while I'm standing watch at the door!"

"..." Riku was trying to hold himself from laughing. Though this clock certainly lacks in size, his jester was still noble. "Look. I'm just here to help out with the number of Heartless. Are there still many?"

"Of course there are numerous! We have an abundance of them!" The clock huffed as if it was the obvious thing. "I can't even take one step out of this hall without one popping up out of the Shadows. The master has been tearing through them nonstop, it's been taking so much of his time that he barely sees mademoiselle Belle these days. And with mademoiselle refusing to have dinner with him, they'll never have chance to make up with each other."

"They're fighting?" Riku was surprised and saddened by the news.

"Yes." The clock admitted with no joy at all. "She has been displeased that the master has been fighting the Heartless all by himself. She had begged him to let others help him, but he refused. Both have been so stubborn about this that they refuse to talk to each other anymore. Neither will bend."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Riku couldn't help but feel this was partially his fault. He wished he could do something to get those two on good terms again.

"And with matters worse, the rose is coming close to its last petal. Time is running out to break the spell." The clock said his woes aloud to himself, resting his clock-half on an up lifted arm-bar like a head resting in a hand.

"Ahh, so this place is under an enchantment." Riku concluded, the clock's last statement proving his theory.

"Enchantment?! Ha hahaha! Who said anything about enchantments?" The clock nervously sweat before fuming. "It was that Candelabra, wasn't it? Confound it, Lumiere!"

"I figured it out for myself."

"Oh!" The clock smacked at his clock-face at the realization that he had given away too much.

"So this rose must be the core of the enchantment. What happens when the last petal falls?"

"We're stuck like this forever. We'll never be human again." The clock groaned in woe.

"!" So these furniture 'were' human. But the condition of the spell didn't sound good. "Forever?"

"Forever means forever!" The clock huffed, jumping in the air a little in anger.

"So then how do you break it?"

"Master and the mademoiselle are the key to breaking the spell. But if the two of them won't even talk to each other they'll never break the spell."

"Maybe I should talk to Belle; see if I can get them to make up again."

"Now just wait a second, wait a second." The clock said, running as best he could to block Riku from Belle's door. "I'm not so sure that's a good idea."

"?" Riku tilted his head down at the clock in confusion.

"You've got to let the master make peace with her on his own, or there'll be no sentiment in it, if you know what I mean."

"Honestly, I don't."

"Oh (Huff)! That's because you're still young. You'll understand when you're older." The clocked waved it off. "It's a bond thing."

"A bond thing..." Riku looked down at his heart and clinched a hand over it before looking back at the clock. "I think I get it. It's better to have people apologize on their own than to have a third party push them into doing it."

"Yes, that's right." The clock smiled in his own strange way. "I'm afraid I didn't get your name yet, young man."

"Riku."

"Well then, it's splendid to meet you, Riku. I am Cogsworth of the Household." Cogsworth gave him a polite bow in greeting.

"I'll just call you Cogs, for short." Cogsworth instantly rose up at that, stiffening.

"Please, reframe from butchering my name, young man."

"Sorry Cogsworth. Like I said before, I'm just here to help with the Heartless."

"And we'll honestly take all the help we can get. The master has been running himself ragged with those things. But can you help?" Cogsworth hardly believed that this still growing boy would be of much help when it came to the Heartless.

"!" As if to test Cogsworth's question, Heartless had revealed themselves from the shadow.

"Oh! Good heavens!" Gasped Cogsworth, shaking where he stood.

"I'll handle this." Riku stated, getting between Cogsworth and the Heartless as he summoned his Soul Eater. These were a special kind of Heartless, one of the kind that catered to their specific world. These one's kinda resembled dogs. They barked as they rushed at Riku. Some nipping at his legs while others jumped to nip at his arms. But Riku would smack them back with his blade. "Ah! Back off!"

He would take out four for four more to take their place. This went on eight more times before the darkness had faded as the Heartless in the area were no more.

"Bad Dog." Riku taunted after it was all over, only to realize through his Sense that 'that' is what the breed of Heartless was actually called.

"My word, you are rather good with the blade." Cogsworth complimented with relief that it was all over.

"Thanks. I train really hard."

"Oh I hope there aren't any more of those nasty scoundrels skulking about the castle."

"Not anymore." Riku commented as he un-summoned Soul Eater. His Sense skill had picked multiple darkness patches with Heartless in them before, but now they were gone. Beast must have taken care of them while he took care of the East Wing, Riku assumed. "The Heartless that I Sensed before all around the castle are gone."

"Oh (Sigh), that's a relief. The master must have taken care of them." Cogsworth sighed in relief, placing an handlebar hand were his heart would be.

"That's what I'm guessing." Riku added in agreement. "Well now that the Heartless numbers are taken care of, I guess I'll check up on you guys later."

"Oh! You're leaving so soon?" Cogsworth was startled as Riku summoned up a dark corridor to make his exit. He had hoped that Riku could stay a little longer so the master could thank him for what he had done for the castle. "I'm sure the master would like to share his gratitude to you."

"No it's fine. I came to help with the Heartless and I did, so I'll be on my way. I don't want to trouble Beast anymore than I have."

And with that, Riku walked through the dark corridor. Closing it's portal behind him. At least he got to walk out, and not jump for his life. That was a start.

... Day 79 ...

Agrabah

The exotic world covered in sand. Oasis and Deserts with no Beaches. It reminded Riku of home, but not at all at the same time. The wind's from the east and the sun's from the west met together to make it dry just right for glass. It was hotter than hot, and the black coat was not helping at all. Riku had never really gotten a chance to truly see this world, outside of the memory room in Castle Oblivion; but, now that he did, he was awestruck. It's beauty was like a genuine desert jewel. A far away land compared to his home islands. These lands were harsh and merciless but these people thrived like a desert rose.

This was even better than how Castle Oblivion depicted it. But... all the same... It did seem rather beaten down.

Buildings were bordered up, Merchant Stalls were destroyed and buried in sand. Lovely carpets, jars, and lamps were sand-bleached damaged. The city of Agrabah looked runned-down, by nature or worse.

"Aladdin? Are you back from patrolling? Oh!" Came a soft voice from around the corner, revealing themselves to be none other then one of the seven princesses of heart. Princess Jasmine of Agrabah. She had looked the same as when Riku had last saw her, and she had recognized him regardless of the coat. She was frightened. "It's you!"

"No, wait! Don't be frightened." Riku pleaded, trying to calm her as she started to run away. "Please, I'm not here to take you away."

"..." She paused in mid action. She could sense the sincerity in his heart. He was different than before. This compelled to at least turn her head back to look at him.

"I'm sorry about before... I was new to the worlds and followed the wrong crowd. I was naive and too trusting, they were the first to find me so I didn't question their actions." Riku honestly admitted. "They took advantage of my vulnerability, but that is no excuse. I still decided to ignore my guts and blocked out the voice in my heart telling me what I was doing for them was wrong. My deeds were my own and they got you involved, and for that I am sorry."

"... You've changed." Jasmine finally spoke, at last letting her guard down to him. He was no longer considered a danger. "You're not the same boy as the one that took me to Hallow Bastion. I can still sense the kindness deep in your heart, like I did that day, but you have grown. However, you're still so sad..."

"..." Riku couldn't even deny her words. It was true. "I still feel bad... About all the people I've hurt... All the people I've stepped on for power. And for what? I still nearly lost all the people I was trying to protect and now nothing can be like it was before."

"But is that truly a bad thing?"

"What?" Riku couldn't understand what she was trying to say.

"The worlds are constantly changing, and we are with it. Nothing stays the same. We grow, we learn, and with the happy along with the harsh lessons of the world we become a better us. It's just how the worlds work." Jasmine explained. "You had fallen for the darkness, but with the pain of falling to it you have learned to never succumb to it again. You accept the darkness that is now forever in you, but you do not embrace it as all of you. You acknowledge your actions, the good and the bad, and you take responsibility for them. In a way, I am grateful for the part I had played in your actions in the past, because it is part of the reason you turned out as you are today."

"!"

"Let us put this matter behind us." Jasmine said, forgiving Riku in her own way. "I believe we have suffered from past hurts long enough."

"I-I... I couldn't agree more." Riku finally nodded in consent and relief that another weight was gone. He felt lighter, and it wasn't because of the heat. He couldn't help but let out a small smile. "Good call, Princess Jasmine."

"Please, just call me Jasmine. I would like for us to be friends, um..."

"Riku." He gave her his name, realizing that they had never been properly introduced.

"Riku." Jasmine repeated, trying out his name. "Then let's get along from now on, Riku."

"Hm, right, of course." Riku consented happily with a nod of his head and a small smile. But then he realized that he had three birds with one stone to take care of. "Tell me, Jasmine, do you remembered what happened at Hallow Bastion?"

"Oh," Jasmine gasped as she thought it over. It has been so long that she thought that it just slipped to the back of her mind. But now that she brought it upfront, she realized that there was barely anything there. "I remember the Keyhole being opened... I remember fighting so hard with the other princesses of heart to keep the heartless out. But... I can't remember how it closed... All I know is that it was closed. Just not 'who' closed it."

"I see..."

"I don't understand. It wasn't too long ago. I don't understand why nothing seems to ring a bell."

"Don't worry, Jasmine, the other princesses of heart are going through the same thing."

"Oh no, that is terrible news!"

"Relax, it's alright, I promise that this is only temporary. But for now let's focus on the condition of your world." Riku said, giving Agrabah's bazaar a look over. "What happened here? Did the Heartless do this?"

"... Well... Maybe yes and no. I believe they did."

"What do you mean?"

"The Heartless keep popping out of every corner in Agrabah. We have been hit unusually frequent by sandstorms. But every time they hit us more Heartless appear. The damage just keeps adding up. There's so little time in between the storms that we can't properly rebuild. I don't think they're natural."

"I would say it's a Series of Unfortunate Events, but it's too coincidental to be the case. And besides, I do sense a trace of darkness in the sands that the wind is bringing in. You might be on to something about Heartless interfering. With the constant bombardment building up negativity and dwindling the people's moral it's the perfect ingredients for a Heartless breeding ground."

"Right." Jasmine nodded, glad to see that Riku was agreeing with her. "I asked Aladdin to see if he could get Genie to fixed this. But he says we shouldn't be asking Genie to take care of our problems if they're natural. We can't keep relying on Genie. I know he's right, but still... I'm worried for my people."

"As natural for a noble princess. But who's Aladdin? Who's Genie?" Riku asked, confused at the new names.

"Genie is all-powerful Jinni bound to a lamp to give whomever rubbed it three wishes. That is until Aladdin set him free. Now he's a friend that comes by to visit and lends a helping hand every now and then. And Aladdin is..." Jasmine began to mumble off as her cheeks started to turn pink. At first Riku was worried that the heat was getting to her, but then he felt the little flutters coming from her heart. She wasn't overheating, she was blushing. "He's a boy that I like."

"Oh." Riku couldn't help but smirk at how adorable she was being. It made her blush some more, in embarrassment. She tried to brush off the topic and change the course of their conversation.

"B-but Aladdin is working so hard on the reconstruction of Agrabah. He went outside the city walls to investigate a sandstorm cloud that suddenly up and disappeared yesterday.

"It just vanished?"

"Yes. Aladdin went to go investigate yesterday and then went again today. He doesn't want to be too careful, there are still Heartless roaming around."

"Hm, that's probably wise. Well, I don't think I can help you with your sandstorm numbers. But I can certainly help get your Heartless numbers down."

"Thank you Riku. That would be a really big help to us."

"No problem. I'll just head out to go help Aladdin."

"Are you sure? The desert is a dangerous place for those that don't know their way."

"A lone heart in miles of sand, don't worry, I can find him."

"All right then. But Riku!" Jasmine called out to him before he headed to the city's gate.

"Yeah?"

"Be careful. A person off their guard could fall and fall hard out there on the dunes."

"Okay. Thanks, Jasmine." And Riku thanked all the Blizzard spells that he would cast to make the trip bearable.

... Day 94 ...

Beast's Castle

For the past two weeks Riku had jumped between the world of Agrabah and Beast's Castle to help them with their Heartless overrun. In that time, he got to meet Aladdin and Aboo. Turns out they got along very well. Even in the world of Beast's Castle he got to meet Lumiere and Mrs. Pot and Chip, they easily came to like Riku. Regardless if he helped saved them from Heartless, he was a nice lad to be around. They opened up to him easily, telling him about the happenings of the castle.

Even though Riku had kept coming back to the world of Beast's Castle for days, Riku had yet to run into Beast during his Heartless exterminations. He had to find out from the others that Beast and Belle were still not talking. The news saddened him, but as Cogsworth said before, they needed to sort it out with themselves.

"Oh, you're back." Mrs. Pot greeted Riku as she made her way into the castle's ballroom with Chip.

"Glad to see you!" Chip happily added in with a hop.

"Hey Mrs. Pot. Hey Chip." Riku greeted, turning around all the way to greet them. He was glad they came at this time; he had just got done with taking care of a swarm of Bully Dog Heartless, if they had come any sooner they could've gotten hurt.

"Oh my, taking care of the Heartless? You done a splendid job here." Mrs. Pot complimented as she looked around the ballroom which was spot clean of the darkness.

"Yeah. They seem to be more numerous here out of all the castle for some reason."

"(Sigh) Probably because the master doesn't come here anymore." Mrs. Pot sadly admitted. "He hasn't come here since the castle was put under this spell."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that... This place is very lovely."

"Yes. And it would probably do him some good if he threw a party here sometime."

"Heh, you're probably right."

ROARRR!

"!" All in the ballroom turned towards the door in alarm.

"Oh dear." Mrs. Pot gasped in worry.

"It's the master." Chip said, hiding behind his mother.

"It's coming from the West Wing." Riku deduced, running out of the ballroom to go help Beast. "I'll see what's wrong."

"Be careful." Chip called out to Riku.

"Please, be careful." Mrs. Pot added in agreement.

Riku had taken the main room's left steps up to the West Wing. The moment he came into its halls, Beast was struggling with a dozen Neoshadow Heartless.

"What are these guys doing here? This is not good." Riku said aloud to himself. The sign of Neoshadow Heartless on a world was not a good sign. Their appearance is usually a stepping stone of a world falling to darkness. Radiant Garden was swarming with them, and they were hindering the world's restoration to its former glory.

"What are you doing here?!" Beast's countered to his rhetorical. "I thought I told you not to come back!"

"Well technically you didn't. You said to get out." Riku corrected, coming up to Beast to protect his back. "That demand isn't a solid forever. Looks like you could use some help."

"Speak for yourself. I can handle this myself." Beast gruff, baring his fangs at the Heartless.

"Well that may be. But you shouldn't." Riku put in the last word before rushing at the Heartless.

"This is my Castle. I will not allow you to run amuck it." Beast growled at the Heartless, slashing at it with his claws along with a bit of his stone wall. "Get out!"

"C'mon." Riku grunted as he took out his second Neoshadow Heartless. "Hey Beast, I already took out two."

"Hmph, I'm on four." Beast's bragged with a fangy-grin.

"What? Well you're not out scouring me for long."

Together they had taken care to the Neoshadows in no time. Although Beast had done a real number on his carpet and walls.

"Wow, you're really strong, Beast." Riku complimented his work after the fight was all over.

"..." Beast remained quiet, looking at the carpet instead of Riku. "Thank you."

"It's only the truth."

"No. I mean about before." Beast huffed out with a gruff, struggling to get what he wanted to say out. "Thank you for looking after my castle. I don't know what I would do if any of the Heartless had hurt the residences of the Castle, or if they had gotten through to Belle."

"Oh..." Riku was startled that Beast would even thank him for that. Startled, but not ungrateful. In fact, he actually felt really good inside to get praise from Beast. He actually had to fight back a smile. "Don't mention it."

"..." It was a moment when Beast's guarded walls cracked a little. A moment when Beast had come to his own surmise that suppose Riku wasn't as bad as he thought. That maybe, perhaps, that people can grow and change. It was a bitter sweet and strange feeling learning that he was wrong, and if Riku could change then maybe he could change too.

"(Gasp)!"

"!"

"I sense a few Neoshadows trying to hide in the basement cellar." Riku said, pointing at the door across from the West Wings' hall stairs. His eyes there but at the same time far beyond.

"I'm on it!" Beast rushed after them, opening up to Riku enough to actually trust him a little.

"!" But to Riku's surprise, two of them had already been defeated before Beast had even got there. Either they had an unfortunate accident, or somebody else was in the castle and took them out. But who? Whomever they were, they were very good at hiding their hearts. Or maybe... they didn't really have one.

... Day 98 ...

Riku had spent a few more days in Beast's Castle, trying to find the mysterious stranger or strangers that were taking out the Heartless in the castle. But he came up with nothing. He could sense the light of no foreign hearts whenever he was there, but the Heartless just kept miraculously being taken out. However, when he would rush to investigate the area no one was there. Riku was starting to think that his last thought about them not having any hearts was the right idea. Perhaps he couldn't sense their heart's light because there wasn't any there to sense. And Heartless don't commonly, if rarely, display the practice of cannibalism. So if he wasn't dealing with Heartless, he was most likely dealing with Nobodies.

He had most likely unintentionally stumbled upon members of Organization XIII. But for whatever reason they were taking out Heartless, Riku had no clue.

But he had spent too long in one world when there was another being overrun. He had to go check on Agrabah. Opening up a corridor, Riku made his way there.

Agrabah

"Riku!" Jasmine greeted with cheer at Riku's arrival. She was having a conversation with Aladdin when she turned around at sensing Riku's corridor opening.

"Hey," Riku greeted, looking around the city. "Things look... different."

Things were different. In fact the world seemed lighter. Riku could see a miraculous decrease in Heartless, the darkness had dwindled around this world.

"Things are different now. The sandstorms had stopped and the Heartless have stopped popping up as frequent." Aladdin happily reported.

"Really? Just so suddenly? That's great." Riku was happy that this world was in better shape.

"Well yeah, about that, it's the strangest thing." Aladdin honestly confessed, scratching his head in perplexity. "Turns out there was a really big sandstorm building up, the biggest one so far. We were worried that it was going to do a real number on us when suddenly it just vanished."

"It just vanished? How?"

"We don't know." Jasmine answered. "But with its disappearance so did the numbers of Heartless."

"Well that's great news. But still questioning. I think I'll go give it a look. Where was the sandstorm before?"

"It was about halfway in the desert between Agrabah and the Cave of Wonders." Aladdin pointed out the direction from the open city gate. "You can't miss it, it's by the ruins buried in the sand."

"Got it, thanks."

Some time later

"Whew, this sun is killer. Deep Freeze!" Riku said, casting another Blizzard on himself. He had finally made it to the ruins, it was only about half a day's walk. "This is the place."

He looked and looked around, but he found no traces of a sandstorm or the darkness. This place had been cleared.

"Hmm, there must be something here."

"What are you looking for?"

"!" Riku jumped back in alarm at the sound of a new voice. He was caught off guard when the person behind the voice was so big... and blue. Didn't help much that he was accompanied by a flying carpet. There was magic in the carpet, along with a heart, but not the same as the residence in Beast's Castle. And speaking of magic, there was great power in this blue person.

"Geez, why does everyone keep doing that? I'm not that scaring?" The blue being pouted.

"Anyone would startle if you sneak up on them like that." Riku countered in his defense. "Who are you? I sense great Magic in you."

"Oh well, I could ask you the same thing." The being added back, looking Riku over even lifting his arm to examine him. "It's been a while since I've countered a Cetra. You Ancients haven't been on this world for many millennia."

"(Gasp)! You know what I am?"

"Pfft, of course I do, Silly." The being huffed with a laugh, pinching Riku's cheek with a shake before letting go. "Magical beings can sense each other."

"Wait, really?"

"There are Magical beings all around the scattered worlds and you've never had a chance to notice you naturally sense them?" The blue being retorted in disbelief. "Geez pal, where have you been?"

"Not really getting out much. But I'm learning." Riku rubbed his arm, slightly embarrassed from his lack of knowledge. He felt as an Ancient he should know these things.

"Well, allow us to be one of your first encounters." The blue being encouraged taking a bow before shooting up with fireworks that wrote out his name. "You, my young friend, are looking at the one and only, never duplicated, Genie of the Lamp!"

"Wait, wait, wait. You're Genie."

"That's right. He can be taught!" Genie lightly teased, popping on a magic graduation hat and diploma on Riku that disappeared into smoke soon after, before giving the carpet just as grand of an introduction. "And here's the rug man, with the tassels and the smooth moves that'll knock your feet off the ground, Carpet!"

"Whoa." Carpet circled around Riku in his own form of a hug, and gently rubbed against his cheek before joining back with Genie. "(Chuckle) It's nice to meet you two."

"Oh thank you. Boy, it's nice to have you on our world." Genie magically pulled out a mic as if he was on a talk show then placed it over to Riku like an interview. "Hi, where you from? What's your name?"

"Riku." He had to quirk an eyebrow at Genie's antics.

"Riku. Aww the name is too short to nickname." Genie pouted making his mic poof away into smoke.

"Boy, Aladdin was right about you, Genie. You are very energetic." Riku commented with a friendly smirk.

"You know Al?!"

"Uh yeah." Riku said with slight nervousness as Genie grabbed both his arms and got in his face that their eyes nearly touched.

"Well any friend of Al's is a friend of mine!" Genie cheered, wildly shaking Riku's hand. "Put her there, Pal!"

"Whoa." Riku had to wait for everything to stop spinning after the hand shake. All that shaking made him wobbly and dizzy. "Good arm there."

"So, what brings you to these parts?" Genie asked before conjuring up Palm trees with hammocks that he put them all in, along with a nice cold drink in their hands with little umbrellas and orange wedges. "Are you here on vacation? Though I gotta say, you didn't pick the right spot on this world. There's not even an Oasis around here."

"No, that's not it. I'm here to investigate the big sandstorm that disappeared." Riku corrected.

"Oh that, pfft. Turns out it was a giant Antlion Heartless that was luring in the smaller ones." Genie brushed it off while twirling his drink to stur. "I was wondering whether or not to handle it for Al, since Heartless sandstorms are certainly not Natural. But it turns out those kids in black coats took care of it."

"Wait, what?!" Riku shot upright in his hammock, dropping his drink in the sand. "Kids in black coats?!"

"Yeah, two of them. Their coats look a lot like yours." Genie added on. "One of them reminded Carpet and I of a friend. A funny looking guy with spiky, brown hair."

"Sora?!" Now that news made Riku flip out of his hammock and onto his butt in the sand.

"Yeah that's the guy!" Genie snapped a finger and pointed at Riku as if he helped pieced together a thought. Carpet nodded as well.

"How do you know Sora?"

"Well I met him before." Genie answered, oblivious to Riku's actual question.

"No, I mean, how do you 'remember' Sora?"

"Am I not suppose to?" Now Genie was the one quirking an eyebrow.

"Yes! A being with power over Sora's memories altered their chains and made it where everyone who met Sora forget about him." Riku said, still flabbergasted that he meet someone, or two people, on another world that didn't forget Sora.

"Huh, well that explains why Al hadn't brought up the little guy in a while." Genie thought aloud before answering Riku's inner question. "Magical beings tend to have resistance to powers like that. You'd have to be more powerful, or more likely older, than the being for your powers to actually work."

Suddenly Genie poofed out of his hammock while Carpet flew out of his. Once up again, Genie aged himself to look like a decrepit, old man with a long beard and a red sash belt that didn't fit.

"And I'll tell you something, we're reeeeaaally old." Genie played along until he changed into himself again but overly muscular and buff, flexing his muscles while Carpet looked to be doing the same thing. "But still in our prime!"

"I can see that. So that explains a lot..." That actually accounts for Cheshire Cat in Wonderland, along with his Mom. And probably even Merlin, but he had never taken the time to ask him about Sora, he just assumed that Merlin forgot. But putting that aside to get back to the other thing Genie had said. The only other beings that wear the same black coat as him are king Mickey and members of Organization XIII. And since he said there were two, that rules out Mickey. Not to mention that one of them felt like Sora to them means that Sora has a Nobody running around. "Aw crap."

"Crap is right, Togfoundit."

"!" The grump of a new presence caught all three of them in alarm as they turned to face him. He looked like a giant, black furred, anthropomorphized cat. If Riku didn't know any better he would have though that he was a dog. And judging by his appearance, Riku took a big guest that this character was from the same world as king Mickey- if he had to go by Donald and Goofy's appearance too. He looked to be wearing armor colored in shades blue and purple shirt and pants with suspenders, and large navy blue and white sneakers.

"I see what you mean there, Buddy." Genie loudly whispered to Riku's ear in front of his hand. Finally understanding how it felt the other way around to have someone sneak up on you like that.

"Those dagnabbit kids ruining my chance of getting my wish from the lamp and now they ruined my chance to build up my Heartless army. Oh why doesn't things run Pete's way on this horrible, desert world?" This so called Pete groaned out the last part. But what he said had alarmed the three of them.

"What are doing building up a Heartless army?" Riku asked suspiciously, putting his guard up.

"I don't have the time nor the need to answer you punks!" Pete huffed, stomping up and down in frustration. Behind him a Dark Corridor opened up. "I've got better things to do! There's still plenty of strong Heartless on other worlds ready to join my ranks. So bye bye, Suckers!"

"Hey, get back here!" Riku shouted to Pete as he laughed in his own shoulder shaking way with his nose in the air. He continuing walking into his corridor, ignoring Riku. Frustrated and with questions Riku ran after him before he disappeared. "Hey!"

But Pete was gone and so was his corridor. Riku had run into nothing that was once where Pete stood. And who knows where he was now.

"Darn! He got away." Riku hissed with regret.

"I wouldn't worry about him too much, Riku." Genie encourage, coming over to Riku along with Carpet.

"Why is that?" Riku asked, turning to the side to look back at them.

"Because that looks to be a chronic bumbler. I don't see him doing any real harm in the future."

"I hope you're right."

... Day 116 ...

After retracing his steps on previously visited worlds for any signs of Organization XIII, or Pete for that matter, Riku had decided to take his search to a new world. He had opened his dark corridor in what appears to be the forest of this world. Passed the trees, in the distance, he could see a city and the massive Coliseum that stood proudly in its center.

Olympus Coliseum

It was a world that he remembered sensing Sora visiting a couple of times. So if Riku played his cards right, maybe he could kill three birds with one stone.

"AHHaahhh!"

"!"

Better make that four.

Riku rushed towards the scream of what sounded like a damsel in distress. Running passed trees and through bushes until he came to an opening where the young woman seemed to run out into too. She seemed tired and out of breath, mostly from running for a long period. Her exhaustion made her trip on her long, pink dress. But she got up on her orange-sandaled feet again to keep running when the Stalward Blade Heartless that was chasing her rushed out as well and pinned her down with its blades.

"Ugh, I swear, you brainless Heartless, let me go or I'll- yeh!" She turned herself over from where she was trapped and upper kicked the Heartless' torso. When it didn't budge she started swinging wild punches at it. It pulled its head back at that, but was getting annoyed with its prey. It lifted up one blade arm to strike. All the woman could do was crawl back on her elbows with her now free space and then tried to block it with her arms when she couldn't get away. "Don't even think about! You-"

"Hey!" Riku roared at the Heartless, drawing both of their attention as he Rushed the Heartless and forced it back with his shoulder. "Back off."

"Huh?" The woman seemed stunned at the sudden help... and a little confused of her rescuer. She looked up at Riku from her spot, sitting upright on her hands. The two purple sashes on her dress were a little rattled by the tussle; especially the one under her bust, the other one on her hips already seemed loose. The orange, spiral pendants holding her dress straps and her hip sash on her right waist reflected in the sunlight. Her magenta eye shadow, that brought out her violet eyes, and her pink lipstick seemed to stay in place. Even her thick hair, tied in a ponytail with a yellow band, that curled at the end seem fine. With the exception of a few strands. Her hair was brown, but had a very faint violet tint. She kinda reminded him of his mother, except for the unbelievably thin waist that held her upper half together with her wide hips. She looked at the misplaced strands in her face and blew them back in annoyance. "I can handle this."

"..." Riku neither corrected her nor agreed. He moved his eyes back to the Heartless and summoned Soul Eater. "Excuse me, ma'am."

The Heartless met him halfway, their blades met. For awhile it was a series of parries. Thinking it had the advantage of two blades was the Heartless' downfall. It had left its torso open, giving Riku the chance to strike. He got in a few combo Cuts in before ending the Heartless with a Deathblow slash. The Heartless was destroyed, and the hearts within it released.

While this was going down, the young woman had gotten on her feet again. Wiping off her dress and straightened it up again. Once the fight was over, she approached him.

"Nice job, Junior." She complimented with a smirk.

"Are you alright, Miss?"

"Megara." The woman introduced herself, giving a quick salute before checking out her nails while resting her other hand on her tilted hip. "My friends call me Meg. At least they would if I had many friends."

"?"

"So," she looked away from her nails back at him. "Do you got a name, kid?"

"Riku."

"Hah, are you always this articulate?" Meg teased at his choice of few words sentences.

"So I've been told."

"Well, Riku, you're an interesting boy." She said while heading over to a tree with uplifted roots to take a seat. "Are you from around here?"

"So how did you get mixed up with the Heartless?" Riku asked, changing the subject.

"The Heartless with blades? Pfft. I came out here to watch Herc train when a bunch of Heartless showed up. He was throwing them around when one of them saw me, and tried to steal my heart. I ran, he chased. I said 'back off', and he thought that my heart was screaming to him 'take me, I'm yours'." Meg said with her arms crossed until the last part when she entwined her fingers together in a fake lovey-dovey jesture.

"?"

"(Sigh) Don't worry, Junior, you'll get the joke when you're older."

"Meg!"

"!" They both turned at the sound of her name. A muscular guy in gladiator armor came rushing out into the opening to them, holding a Cannon Heartless that he crushed in between his hands. The hearts releasing from it as the remains faded away.

"Ah-Are you alright?" He asked in a panicked concern.

"You're just in time, Hercules." Meg smirked, leaning back against the tree trunk. She bent a leg up to rest a hand on, leaving the right leg to dangle, while she used her right hand to point at Riku with her thumb. "I just got saved by Junior here."

"!" Riku was caught off guard at being put in the spotlight.

"Really?! Thank you for saving Meg!" Hercules said, unbashfully pulling Riku up in a bear hug. One that nearly squeezed the life out of Riku, but he would never show it. Riku had to hold back the needed gasp for air when Hercules finally let him go and stepped back to look him over. Man, that guy was strong. "But how did you fight a Stalward Blade on your own like that?"

"The kid's got potential." Meg commented with subtle encouraging praise.

"He certainly does if he took out that caliber of Heartless on his own." Hercules agreed, getting into a hero pose. "Say, why don't I introduce you to Phil. He's a great trainer. He'll help you bring out the best of your potential and unlock the hero within."

'The hero within...' Riku thought to himself. "Phil?"

"He's the trainer of heroes, along with mine, he runs the Olympus Coliseum in Thebes which is not too far from here." Hercules explained. "So what do you say, want to come? We've got great tournament Games that come frequently that'll test your skill."

"!" Riku was not going to lie, he was tempted. A fighting tournament that brought out the best fighters to challenge each other. Now that was his kind of Games- unknown to his knowledge, just like his father. But, he had other things to do. "Sorry. I have other things to take care of."

"That's fine," Herc brushed off Riku delay to his offer with no trouble. "I'll just ask Phil to set up for you and it'll be there whenever you're ready."

"It might take me a while to get there. Are you sure?" Riku said, not finding it in him to politely refuse.

"Of course. The offer still stands." Hercules answered with a nod. "It's the lease I can do after you saved Meg."

"Well, thanks." Riku said in gratitude. "I think I'll be going now."

"Wait. It's dangerous out here, Heartless are still around. Do you want to walk with us back to the city?" Hercules offered in slight concern for Riku.

"Thanks, but that's not the direction I'm going." Riku politely declined. "I've got to head out to take care of some things. Oh! I forgot to ask. Have you guys ever met a boy with a Keyblade?"

"Never heard of a Keyblade before in my life." Meg honestly said, slashing a palm down hand in a zilch jesture.

"Hmm, I think I do remember someone like that. But I can't remember who." Hercules said. Cupping his chin in his hand as he tapped a finger on it in thought. He tried and he tried, but nothing was coming up.

"..." Riku figured as much. It was just like Genie said. There was a great power in Hercules, strong enough to keep this world safe from Heartless. But it was not Magic, more like Strength. It would not protect Hercules from the influence of Naminé's re-chaining of memories. With all that out of the way it was time for Riku to go. He would not visit this world until Sora was back. "Thanks anyway guys. Until later then."

"See you soon!" Hercules waved him off with more strength in his wave than Meg's.

"Bye bye, Junior."

... Day 117 ...

Beast's Castle

Riku had returned to Beast's Castle to help with the Heartless inflation. They still kept coming, and Riku hasn't found the reason why yet. But for now, he could be happy that he cleared them out of the area for the day.

It was now nightfall, and he had just taken out the last Heartless in the front Courtyard of the castle.

"(Sigh) I think that's all of them." Riku said aloud to himself.

"Not quite."

"!" Riku grew alarmed at the sound of Kadaj, turning towards his voice only to have to Block/Counter a Neoshadow Heartless. The Heartless dissipated itself into dark flames at its destruction from Riku. Blowing the remaining dark smoke away with gush of wind from the slash of his blade; Riku looked up to Kadaj standing on the castle's rooftop, resting an arm on one of the gargoyles. But he wasn't alone. "!"

"Look at that. Little brother's trying to be a Good Samaritan." Yazoo smoothly said, the subtle mocking in his words as he smirked at the end. Yazoo was leaning the side of his body on the left side of the gargoyle to the right of Kadaj's, his arms crossed.

"Hmph, a worthless act." Kadaj huff with disapproving disgust, turning his head away at the thought of it. Why would his little brother deny the darkness to play pretend with the light? He was a being of darkness, just like them. It was about time that he accepted it. Or else they would show him. Kadaj smiled at that, turning back to face Riku, he rather liked that idea.

"Hey little brother," Loz shouted down to Riku from his spot, crouched down between the two gargoyles. "You miss us?"

"Of course he doesn't." Yazoo brushed off without a care.

"He's been destroying Heartless all this time he probably wants nothing to do with beings of darkness like us." Kadaj added in.

"Don't cry Loz." Yazoo soothed to him with no sympathy as Loz started to quietly bawl, holding back his tears poorly.

"But he forgets that he's one of us." Kadaj mocked down to Riku, his face starting to turn sadistic. "Beings created from the darkness itself!"

"You're wrong! We all came from the light!" Riku shot back up to them. Hoping that his words would reach them, hoping that they would remember...

"Ha-hahah! You fool..." Kadaj laughed at Riku, the others smirking at Riku's words as well. "You've been playing make-believe in the light for so long that you've forgotten what you really are. Let us remind you. Let us ALL remind you!"

"!" Riku got on guard as all three of his brothers got ready for action.

"It's time to wake up, little brother!" Kadaj taunted before jumping off the roof at Riku. Yazoo and Loz followed suit, Loz jumping down with a silent 'wee'.

"!" Riku had to Dash out of the way as Yazoo and Loz fired dark bullets at him while they dropped. Left and Right before having to bring up Soul Eater to block Kadaj's Souba blades.

"I'm so glad you're putting up more of a fight." Kadaj said with sadistic glee, leaning his head in between their blades to look at him. The force of Kadaj's impact knocked Riku back, but not off his feet. Kadaj supported himself with one foot on Riku's bent knee and the other on his chest.

"I don't want to fight you guys." Riku insisted with a plea for them to decease this conflict.

"Do you hear yourself?! You still play the part as one from the Light! You play it well!" Kadaj laughed at Riku before he got serious and bitter. "But alas, when I look into myself, I think that's what I hate about you most."

"!" Riku was shocked, hurt by his words. But he didn't have time to feel that pain as Yazoo and Loz started to fire again. "Nh!"

Riku was shocked that they would still fire with Kadaj right on top of him. But Kadaj just smirked, using his feet to kick off of Riku's chest and leap back as Loz and Yazoo finally came down. They dropped with a silent and graceful hero-drop, rising from their bent knee to start their attack again.

Yazoo continued to fire from his spot, while Loz Rushed at Riku. Bringing out his shock knuckle as he went in for the punch.

Riku Dodged, moving his body to the side and leaning left and right as he felt the static from the knuckle graze him by. But Loz wasn't just punching, his kicks came to play as a threat, displaying martial arts prowess to Riku. Riku showed his in turn, using his training to alter the flow of direction of his attacks. Only using his blade again when he wanted to regain the distance between them.

"Heh," Loz smirked at Riku in taunt, gesturing with his hand to 'come at him.'

And he did. Only to get a surprise as Loz leaped back and Kadaj took his place.

"Dh!" Riku grunted as he had to block Kadaj's blade. Only for Yazoo to jump in from his side and fire at him at pointblank. Riku crouched down in a duck, leaping up afterwards to try and upper slash Yazoo. But he jumped back, using the dull side of Riku's Soul Eater to propel himself back to the distance he had before, giving Riku a kick along the way for good measures.

The kick knocked Riku back, discombobulating him for a moment as he stepped back and shook the sting out of his jaw. A Courtyard Gargoyle was now right beside him.

"Arhaa!" Loz roared as he jumped in for a Quake powered punch.

"!" The statue made it so Riku couldn't jump back, so he Dashed to the side. A small crater was left where he once stood. "Are you serious?!- !"

But Riku couldn't complain long how Loz's move could've killed him, Loz had instantly Dashed at him afterwards for a gut punch. That landed.

The breath was knocked out of him as the impact threw him back. But they wouldn't give him rest, Kadaj jumped for a kick while he was in midair. Riku was forced to pull himself together and bring up his blade to Block as Kadaj was coming in for a slash as well.

"Ah!" Riku cried out in slight pain as Yazoo shot Soul Eater out of his hand. The blade impaled into the stone, paved ground.

"Darkness!" Both Yazoo and Loz shouted as they shot out a Dark Thundara at Riku. Riku was going to go grab his blade, but instead opted that it would be better to but up a Barrier.

"Defense!" Riku shouted, casting the spell. The Dark Thundaras landed and spread out around the Barrier, leaving smoke in their wake.

"Heh-hehehe." Yazoo chuckled at Riku's attempt of defense, seeing it as a challenge. He marched toward Riku, bombarding his Barrier with bullets to try and break it.

"Heh!" Loz saw the Barrier the same way, Rushing in to bombard the Barrier with his punches.

"Ah," the constant attack was too much strain on Riku to keep the Barrier up for long. So at last, when the break between attacks was timed just right, he let it down. Kicking Loz back while he was open.

Kadaj smirked at the fight Riku had in him. He was much more fun than he was last time.

'Someone has been training.' Kadaj grinned to himself at the thought. Jumping back into the fray Riku met him halfway as their blades clashed once again. "Heh-he."

"Tch." Riku was stomped. He would never beat them like this and he knew it. He had gotten strong. Strong enough to take them all on at the same time and last, but this couldn't go on for long.

"C'mon, little brother." Kadaj taunted at him. "You're so blind to the darkness."

"!" That's it! Riku closed his eyes.

"Gh!" Kadaj grunted in pain and shock that Riku had landed a perfect slash.

His eyes were closed, but he could see. He could see the darkness. The smell of darkness gave the three of them away, but the darkness behind his lids gave their actions away before they even did them. The darkness made Riku see the darkness from them. He could read them. He could win.

"Tst," Kadaj hissed, labeling Riku's last hit as a lucky cut. He Rushed back at Riku, but Riku had Dodged as if he saw him coming a mile away and had a Counter ready before Kadaj's legs even stopped moving. Kadaj took the hit and was forced to jump back.

Yazoo started firing at him, frustrated when Riku Dodged them with more ease. The fact that he did it with his eyes closed really struck a nerve with him, which was a hard thing to accomplish.

Loz came at him with his shock knuckle at his side while Kadaj closed in on the other.

"Burn!" Riku shouted as he shot out a Firaga of both Dark and not all around, knocking all three of them back with damage.

"Tch!" Kadaj was frustrated, he was angry and confused. No one has ever casted a Dark and Light version on the same spell. Such a mix of darkness and light was impossible. "What are you...?"

Battered and bruised his three older brothers were forced to retreat to the Forgotten City on Radiant Garden.

"..." As Riku watched them disappear he couldn't help asking himself the same question. He looked at his hands as if they were strangers to him. The same hands that can use the darkness and the light. "I don't know..."

But one thing was for sure, this fight had taught him a valuable lesson. To see the darkness you have to be in darkness. He would have to tap in to the darkness within him to hone this new discovered skill. But... He couldn't jump head first into this. He would have to do some training, learn some control.

It looks like he won't be using his regular eyes for a while.

*** Author's Notes ***

Time-line for Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and this story... continued: On day 50 Roxas wakes up. Xion is sent on solo missions on her own, as well as Roxas, from days 51-71. In which time Axel returns on day 71, his return delayed due to the fact he was searching for Naminé in Castle Oblivion on the side while focusing on finding the Chamber that the Organization's boss, Xemnas, was looking for called the Chamber of Waking. Both missions had turned out unsuccessful.

Day 74 Axel and Roxas find Xion after she has been missing on mission for over 10 days. Turns out she lost the use of her Keyblade while on a mission to take on a giant Heartless, she'd defeat a Heartless only for another to pop up, making the hearts she gathered from them go to the next Heartless thus not collected for the Organization. So Roxas vouched to collect double the Heartless for her while she stayed close to him during missions until she got the use of her Keyblade back, in order to keep her from seeming useless to the Organization so they wouldn't turn her into a Dusk. And Axel would keep quiet about it all and cover for them- especially on day 96 when Saïx almost had them going on separate missions to both Beast's Castle and Agrabah. But Xion eventually got her Keyblade back while they were in Beast's Castle, which was good since Saïx sent them both on separate missions the next day, leaving Roxas to deal with the giant Heartless in Agrabah.

(Just so you know, only two days are used when Riku is in the same world as Roxas- Beast's Castle. But their both in separate, and cut off areas on Roxas's point, and never met. The other times Riku is visiting worlds the day after, or sometimes before, Roxas. That also applies for Xion too.)

(Also, I kid you not, Red Lobster Inn was literally the name of the establishment that Honest John, Gideon the Cat, and the Coachman met to do their shady business in the Disney Pinocchio movie. I laughed my guts out when I saw this after rewatching the movie again after so many years.)