The Road to Dawn
By Ariana Aislinn
Chapter 24: An Anticipated Reunion

I think I kind of bowled people over with my four-chapter update the other day. I actually ended up writing four more chapters the following day, but I figured I'd give everyone a break - besides, they needed some serious editing. Anyway, many thanks to Koorino Megumi and DooMGazE for beta reading this chapter for me. I'm really pleased with it - it was awfully fun to write.

Standard disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts and its characters are the property of Square-Enix and Disney, not me.

"Concentrate. Feel the light welling up within you, direct it…no, direct it outwards, Kairi. That's better. You know how to heal yourself; we are now working on extending that power to others."

Kairi gritted her teeth and directed the flow of magic out towards DiZ, where it bathed his exposed forearm in a soft, golden-green light, healing a small, red cut across his skin. "Look, DiZ," she panted, "can we please stop now? I'm not so sure I'm really…comfortable with this."

DiZ shrugged and, with a flicker of his fingers, tucked the small knife he'd been holding back into his robes. "As you wish. Healing is much easier to practice with a real wound present, however."

"I know, it's just…it's awfully creepy."

DiZ allowed himself a brief smile. "It makes you uncomfortable, yes…but Kairi, you must be ready for injuries in battle. They will come whether you are ready for them or not, and whether you think they are 'creepy' or not. You are not the sort of girl who faints at the sight of blood…"

Kairi shook her head. "No, but it's just…the thought of someone being hurt that sets my teeth on edge."

DiZ laid a hand kindly on her shoulder, looking down at her from his great height. "That is part of what makes you who you are. Your compassion is a deeply rooted part of your personality, and it is one of the traits of a princess of heart. Sadly, it can also be a liability. Your sensitivity allows you to feel things more deeply than others - both joys and hurts. It is something you will have to learn to master, just as you master other skills."

Kairi nodded. "So…are we done for now? We've been at this almost since dawn." She bit her lip, realizing she was complaining, but it had been a long morning.

DiZ sighed and glanced toward the tall windows at the end of the entry hall, where sunlight streamed in. A blue-violet vortex swirled in the center of the middle window, where it had been since DiZ woke her and brought her down to work on healing magic. "It is past time, and we need something to eat. Kairi, wait here and watch the portal, please. I will fetch us a light lunch." He shook his head as he left the room, muttering to himself, "Roxas, hurry…"

When DiZ returned with some simple ham sandwiches, Roxas had still not returned. They sat on the stairs and ate in silence, both of them chewing thoughtfully.

"DiZ," Kairi asked, "you said that you sent Roxas to find help, someone to send to the Destiny Islands. Right?"

The man nodded. "I did indeed…among other things."

"But…you're teaching me magic. Are you sure I couldn't go with you? If the islands are in danger, I want to help! You said you couldn't do it by yourself, but what if you had me along?"

DiZ chuckled. "I'm afraid, Kairi, that less than twenty-four hours of magical instruction is not sufficient in this case. I appreciate your resolve, but I need someone who is a bit more…shall we say, battle-hardened? But worry not. Your islands will be in good hands…provided Roxas returns soon. I gave him two jobs to perform, and it remains to be seen how much success he has had with either…aha, here he comes now!"

Indeed, the dark colors of the vortex parted as Roxas stepped through, his features temporarily muted from the twilight powers he had wrapped around himself. As he let his twilight magic fade, he came into clearer focus, stuffing his hands in his pockets and walking across the hall to join DiZ and Kairi.

"Were you successful, my friend?"

Roxas shrugged. "Well…yes and no."

"Were you able to pass on my message, then?"

"No, unfortunately." Roxas shook his head in frustration. "I couldn't find him anywhere, at least, not in the parts of the castle I can easily get to. I wasn't about to go looking elsewhere and get caught - too many questions to answer, and it would have taken a lot of time we don't have. So I gave up and went to find Naminé instead." He sat down on the steps next to Kairi and grabbed one of the uneaten sandwiches.

"And how about her…was she easily found? Were you able to complete the preparation?"

The boy sighed. "I guess. I did find her, yeah…she was in her room, drawing, as usual. But…" He shook his head again. "We're just going to have to hope it was enough. She's about as receptive as she's gonna get, I think. Besides, we're running out of time, DiZ - you said so yourself. We're just going to have to take Kairi back there this afternoon and hope for the best."

"Hey, do you two mind explaining a little?" Kairi waved her half-eaten sandwich at them. "I'm right here, you know! Who are we going to see? What's this all about?"

DiZ smiled. "Remember yesterday, when I said we would be introducing you to someone who could help you complete your own task? That is Naminé." He turned to look at Roxas.

The boy nodded. "Right. We think…she should be able to help return your memory to you. That is, we hope so…once her own memory is returned."

Kairi frowned, confused. "But you said yourself that the memories I lost were from when I was very little, and I might have forgotten a lot of it anyway. You don't remember much from when you were three or four years old, do you? Besides, who's going to return Naminé's memory to her, if that's the case?"

Roxas held up his hands, grinning. "Whoa, slow down. I'll try to explain. Look, I told you DiZ helps me control and develop my powers, right? Well, I can unlock memories, and restore memories that have been forgotten. I've had this talent ever since I was a baby. It isn't really uncommon here, but not everyone has these powers. It kinda runs in my family, though."

"All right. So why can't you restore my memories?"

"It's not that easy, in your case. Yours were deliberately erased, not just forgotten. When that happens, the person who did the erasing is the one who has to restore the memories. That's why Naminé has to do it."

"But…Naminé erased my memories?" Kairi blinked. "Why would she do that?"

Roxas sighed. "It's…an awfully long story. Let's just say…someone asked her to. Someone who didn't want you to remember some…pretty painful stuff. I'm actually really sorry we have to return those memories to you, Kairi, but you need to know this. Besides, you won't be able to do what you have to do until your heart is whole…meaning you need the memories that were taken from you."

"Yes," agreed DiZ. "Naminé holds part of what you are, and only she can return it to you."

"But…she can't do that until her own memories are restored, right?" Kairi frowned. "Then who is Naminé? And who erased her memories?"

DiZ glanced at Roxas and cleared his throat. "I think that perhaps we do not have time to hear the entire story right now. If you have finished eating, Roxas, we must return to Disney Castle."

"Disney Castle? I think I know that name." Kairi frowned.

DiZ stood and offered her a hand to help her up. "You may have heard it during your travels, yes. It is the home of Sora's companions, Donald and Goofy, and it is the world ruled over by their sovereign, King Mickey."

"Oh! Now I remember!" Kairi grinned as she stood. "But…wait, so Naminé is there now?"

Roxas nodded, jumping to his feet and dusting bread crumbs off his jacket. "Yep. DiZ took her there to keep her safe from Darkside, who'd been holding her prisoner in Castle Oblivion. Come on." He held out his hand to Kairi. "You ready? It's time to go meet some new friends…and maybe an old one or two."

DiZ frowned. "Leave off your tantalizing hints, boy, and don't forget the twilight magic. It wouldn't do to try to take our young friend through the portal unprotected."

Roxas flushed. "Oh yeah, right." He briefly touched his fingers to Kairi's forehead, dropping a mist over her eyes as before. He then grasped her hand and gently pulled her toward the portal. "Let's do this!"

Kairi smiled a little and followed him, taking a deep breath before she was pulled into the swirling colors of the twilight portal.

They tumbled out into the middle of a deserted promenade, which looked out onto a carefully tended courtyard filled with all manner of elaborate topiary. DiZ followed through the portal, walking regally past Kairi and Roxas. "Come on now, children," he told them as the portal winked out of existence.

Roxas and Kairi, sprawled in a tangle of arms and legs, looked at each other. "'Children'?" Kairi made a face, then struggled to her feet, noticing as she did so that the mist over her eyes vanished once more. She and Roxas hurried to catch up with DiZ.

They stopped in front of an arched doorway halfway along the promenade, which opened onto a wide hallway. A thick, red carpet was laid on the floor, and at the end of the hall was the largest doorway Kairi had ever seen. She craned her neck upwards to look at it, wondering how one was supposed to open it…when suddenly a much smaller, approximately human-sized doorway opened at the base of one of the double doors. The guard started in surprise when he saw the trio, nearly dropping his ceremonial spear.

"Oh, DiZ," the strange, humanoid steer sputtered. "I didn't know you were here! Did you want to see the King?"

DiZ smiled, nodding an affirmative. "If it's not too much trouble. I don't suppose his friend is anywhere nearby, is he?"

"Oh, no, they're both in the library. I think they've been in there all day, researching. I can take you there, if you like."

"Please." DiZ gestured, and the steer took the lead, showing them down the hall and back out to the promenade.

Kairi leaned over to Roxas as they walked and whispered, "Well, I can tell we're in the right place. This has to be Donald and Goofy's world, all right."

Roxas chuckled. "From what I've heard about them, you're right. Not that I've talked to anyone here, but from what I've seen, they're all really friendly. DiZ sort of knows King Mickey, which is why we can walk around without suspicion. I can't get away with that when I'm here on my own, though."

At the end of the promenade, they entered a bit smaller door, which led into a warm and inviting library. A fire burned in the grate, and books lined the strangely skewed shelving. A small, humanoid mouse sat at the desk in the center of the room, dressed in somewhat regal-looking clothing of red, white, and gold as he pored intently over a book. A tall stack of books sat next to him on the desk, threatening to spill over at any moment.

The mouse looked up and exclaimed, "Ah, DiZ!" Sure enough, three books slid off the top of the stack and hit him on the head before tumbling to the floor. Mickey scowled and rubbed his head, then turned to his guests and smiled. "What brings you here today?"

The guard who had escorted them saluted and left the room, closing the door behind him. The sleeves of DiZ's robes drooped to obscure his hands, clasped in front of him, as he made a slight bow to the small king. "Greetings, King Mickey. As a matter of fact, I have come to see your young friend today. Is he about?"

Mickey nodded. "He was here a little while ago, but I think he went to go train in the gardens. He should be back soon." He cocked his head at the other two and smiled. "Who are your friends?"

"Ah, forgive my manners." DiZ gestured to Roxas. "The boy is…I suppose you might call him my apprentice. His name is Roxas, and he has come to see Naminé, if it is all right."

"Of course, DiZ. After all, you're the one who brought her to us, so I'm sure it's fine with me if you think it's safe."

DiZ nodded. "Thank you. We will go to see her after we finish our business here. And this…is Kairi." He indicated the girl, who smiled shyly.

Mickey brightened visibly. "Oh, of course! I should have recognized you sooner. I sure have heard a lot about you, Kairi." He jumped out of his seat and came over to shake her hand eagerly.

Kairi gave him a small smile. "Oh, you have? From who?"

The door to the library creaked open, and a new figure entered - this one dressed in a familiar long coat of black leather. Kairi stiffened, her hands clenching at the sight.

"Hey, Mickey? I was wondering if you'd had a chance to look over the book I-" The new arrival looked up, took in the sight of the three visitors, and froze. His mouth worked in silence for a moment, and then he whirled around, flipping his hood up and over his face.

"W-wait!" Kairi stepped forward, her hand outstretched. Despite her initial reaction, this was not Axel, nor any other member of the Organization she'd met before. He wore a black blindfold tied securely over his eyes, but…the voice, the soft, feathery, silver hair… He'd also grown much taller, and his voice was slightly deeper, but Kairi thought she would have recognized him anywhere. "Riku…? Is that…really you?"

The voice that came from beneath the hood was gruff. "No."

Kairi scowled, then grabbed his hand and pulled him around to face her. She reached up and yanked down his hood, and he reflexively held an arm up to shield his face. Kairi took hold of his forearm and pulled, gently but firmly, until his face was visible.

Riku sighed reluctantly. "Hi, Kairi."

Tears stung her eyes. "Riku, why are you trying to hide from me? All this time I've been worrying about you, and…oh!" She stamped her foot angrily, then wrapped her arms around him, squeezing her eyes shut until her cheeks were moist with a trace of tears. Riku looked around helplessly as Kairi buried her face in his coat. Mickey just grinned at him, and DiZ stood there with his typically neutral expression. Riku frowned when he noticed Roxas, standing there with his hands clasped behind his head and whistling innocently to himself. "What are you all looking at?" he muttered.

Kairi took a step back, releasing Riku from her embrace but holding him at arm's length. She looked up at his face and cocked her head. "You've gotten really tall."

Riku smiled waveringly at her. "I…guess I have. But, Kairi-"

Kairi touched the blindfold softly. "And what's with this?"

"A long story." He shook his head. "Look, I don't know what you remember, but a lot has happened, and I-"

Kairi smiled. "DiZ told me a little. Not much, but look, you don't have to explain yourself to me. Not till you're ready."

Riku sighed. "Kairi…I'm sorry. For everything."

She grabbed his hands and clasped them in her own, swinging them a little. A giggle escaped her lips. "I know you are. Look, it doesn't matter right now. I'm just so glad to see you again! I-" She dropped his hands and covered her mouth, her eyes going wide. "Oh no! Riku, the real reason we're here…the Destiny Islands are under attack!"

Riku straightened. "What? When did this happen?"

Kairi shook her head, dropping her hands to her sides. "Last night. Or sometime yesterday. I'm not sure, but…" She looked at DiZ for assistance.

DiZ stepped forward. "We don't have time for many questions, Riku, but Organization Thirteen is holding your home hostage in order to force Kairi's grandmother to tell them what they wish to know. They have a small army of Nobodies there already, with more on the way. I cannot handle this alone, so we have come to ask your help."

Riku set his mouth in a thin line, frowning grimly. "We have no real defenses. The islanders don't stand a chance…" He looked up at DiZ through his blindfold. "Just what is it the Organization wants to know from old Gran? She's just a sweet old lady, right?"

Kairi shook her head. "No, Riku. You forget, she's not from the islands. She's from Hollow Bastion, like me, and they think she knows some old magic secrets that they can use. I don't really understand what it's all about, but I think they're trying to get her to tell them about the Seekers of Wisdom."

"Whoa! Hey, Mickey…remember how we were talking about that not too long ago?"

The mouse nodded. "I sure do, pal! There's definitely a connection here."

"Not only that, but as I was about to say when I walked in, I found a book earlier that I left out for you, and I was wondering if you'd taken a look at it yet. That red one there, on the corner of your desk. The one titled Lost Worlds."

Riku scrubbed a hand through his still-damp hair; he'd just come in from showering after training in the gardens. He gave Kairi a weak smile as he waited for Mickey to excavate the book from the pile spilled across his desk. Kairi returned the smile brightly.

"Aha, here it is!" Mickey waved the book in the air.

"Look in chapter four. There's something in there about a lost Seeker homeworld…where a lot of them went to protect something. I only glanced at it, but if the Seekers are this important to the Organization, I bet we'll find some information in there that could help us figure out what it is they want."

Mickey nodded. "Gotcha, pal. Okay, how's this? I'll stay here and see what I can find out, and you go get ready to accompany DiZ to the islands."

"And I'll take Kairi to go see Naminé," said Roxas, looking up at DiZ for approval.

The tall man nodded. "Yes, that must be done right away. Bring her back here with you when you are ready, and I shall send you back to Twilight Town."

Kairi frowned. "We're going back? But…I want to go to Destiny Islands and help!"

DiZ put a hand on Kairi's shoulder. "Patience, young one. You do not comprehend the import of what you may learn from Naminé, and I am not at all certain you will be able to face the dangers of the Nobodies in that condition. Return to Twilight Town to rest, reflect on what you have learned, and practice your magic. That is your task now. Do you understand?"

Kairi exchanged glances with Riku, who nodded slowly. "Look, Kairi, I don't know everything that's happened to you since we last saw each other, but I think DiZ is right. We can handle this. Will you trust us to take care of the islands?"

Kairi sighed. "I guess so. It's just…I'm sick of being left behind. I want to help!"

Riku grinned and reached out to ruffle her hair. "You already have, silly."

Kairi smiled back uncertainly.

Roxas reached out and grabbed Kairi's hand. "We've got to go, Kairi. Come on."

"Wait a second." Riku took a step towards Roxas. "What exactly is it you want with Naminé? You don't mean her any harm, do you? I swear, if you do anything to hurt her, or Kairi…"

Roxas' expression softened, almost sadly. "That's the very last thing I'd want. Look, I know you don't know me, Riku, but trust me." He grinned at him. "The girls are in good hands!"

Riku frowned, but he nodded. "DiZ appears to trust you, so I guess I've got no choice." He folded his arms. "Go on, then."

Roxas grinned again, waving at him as he pulled Kairi down the hallway. "Bye now! Try not to miss me!"

Riku exchanged glances with DiZ as Roxas practically dragged Kairi out of the library. "Where'd you pick him up?"

DiZ chuckled. "Relax, Riku. He's more like you than you know."

"Hmph." Riku sighed. "That's what bothers me."

A side note to one of my reviewers - Malachite Circle, some months back you offered me fresh-baked cinnamon rolls with extra frosting if I'd bring Riku back. Is there a statute of limitations on that offer? I'd like to collect! (looks cute) Oh, and to all my readers - I have more chapters waiting. Chapter 25 is completed and beta-read, and I just need to upload it. (Chapters 26-28 are also more or less finished, but they'll require a lot of work before I post them.) Please do review if you have questions, comments, suggestions, or angry rantings complete with pitchforks and torches.