Chapter 19: The Real Oracle

It was in the afternoon, close the the evening. A cool breeze blew off the cooling sea waters as the day turned to dusk then dusk to dark. The night took on a calming atmosphere as the stars appeared in the dark blue sky. The waves slowly rolled in and out as if the full moon was tugging and and pushing the waters itself. The white sand layed untouched even after the hot day that proceeded this serene setting. Off the beach and more inland, mothers tuck children into their cribs and beds as fathers sat down in a rocking chair near the little ones' beds and open up a big book of bed time stories. After a story or two, the fathers would turn out the lights and turn on the night lights or leave the door open a crack so the children will have a night light to chase away any night terror that dares to capture their dreams.

But, there was one child that still stood on that white sand, the night breeze playing with her hair. A child that didn't have a mother to tuck her in at night, a child that stands there waiting for her father to return. Word was sent a fort night that he would return home soon, but soon has past. "Papa..." her voice was whispered to the wind...

"Are we almost there?! C'mon! I wanna see that little ankle-biter!" Charlie joyfully chimed.

"We'll be there in three minutes, keep your shirt on!" Josh commanded in a fatherly tone. He pressed a few buttons, the landing sequence running through the ship's mainframe.

Riza walked out her her room, Ren close behind. His afflicted sense of being seemed to be gone or, at least, well-hidden. The male ninja took on a tranquil appearance, calmly sitting down buckling up for landing, as did the females of the crew. "So, who's this Cherushi you wanna see?"

"She's a dragon," Riza replied plainly like it was every day that a seemingly ten year old girl can turn into a dragon.

Ren nodded then shook his head, "Wait, what?! This 'ankle-biter' is a dragon?" Ren leaned forward, surprise evident on his face.

"Yeah. Never seen a dragon before?" Josh commented, eyes still on the computer screen and controls.

"Can't say I have."

"You're in for a treat!" Riza smiled.

The gummi ship deployed it's water landing gear and skidded across the water's surface. Seven yards away, on an old, wooden fishing ship was an old fisher, reeling in his latest catch. The waves from the gummi's wake rocked the ship, making the man nearly fall over board. "Damn hooligans! Watch it!"

The gummi stopped as the hull reached the shore, digging in deep. Riza was the first out, landing softly on the sand. She took a deep breath, taking in the sea air, "Ah! It's good to be back!" The teen hollered. She turned around to watch her crew mates exit as well. Not a second after she turned, something small crashed into her, knocking her to the ground.

"Ri-za!!!"

"Well what d'ya know!" Charlie said as she landed on the sandy beach, "It's out favorite ankle-biter!" Indeed, Cherushi had attached herself to the midsection of the silver haired girl.

"Hey Cherushi..." Riza gasped, trying not to eat sand. "Could you get off?"

The little girl nodded and unlatched herself from the younger Ukaizr. "I missed you all!" Cherushi stared at the the three recognizable faces and then the one not-so recognizable. "Who are you?"

"I'm Ukaizr Ren, Riza's older brother. You must be Cherushi," Ren extended his hand.

Cherushi grabbed it, "Hi-ya! Hey! You're the silver-haired guy in my vision that was gonna betray Riza! Did that happen? Huh? Did it come true? Did you betray her?" She jumped up and down, with vigor.

Ren looked at her with a confused face, "...Not...exactly..."

The girl looked defeated, "Aw..." They looked at the girl with an odd look. "I'm sad because it didn't come true."

"So what's up? What's been happening?" Riza asked, patting the girl's shoulder. Cherushi's child-like demeanor disappeared and became sullen.

Tears welled up in the little eyes, "Horrible..." The four looked unsettled at the youngster.

"What happened?" Charlie inquired.

Cherushi replied that her father hasn't returned from his trip to help the fight between two warring whale pods. He was suppose to return a week later, but it's been three weeks now and no sign of papa. Cherushi latched on to Riza once again, more out of need then excitement. "It's ok. C'mon let's get you something to eat." Riza held the girl's hand.

"Hey!" Josh summoned his staff, "I know what'll cheer you up!" Josh went into his summoning ritual, summoning forth the mighty Mr.Bubbles. But in this case, it was the mini Mr.Bubbles. His bowl appeared as well as some water. he plopped in and the bowl was in Cherushi's small hands.

"Mr.Bubbles!" She hugged the bowl as Bubbles hugged the inside. "Jawsh this makes me feel better, t'ank you!"

The six left the beach to search for some food. They couldn't remember the last time they really ate. The instant noodles on board weren't filling enough. They found a little vendor selling stew and soup. Cherushi ordered the clam chowder, Riza ordered shrimp and noodles, Charlie ordered salmon stew, Ren had trout with broth and Josh went for the beef and noddles, Cherushi pulled out some fishy-flakes for her scaly friend.

With their bellies full and taste buds in heaven the six departed, Josh was suck with the bill. "Jerks..."

Cherushi was enjoying the ride she got on Riza's shoulders, Mr. Bubbles' bowl resting on Riza's head, "So, Cherushi, have you seen anything suspicious happening after we left?"

"No. Nothing."

"Hmm..."

"Well, if it ain't my first mate," the gruff voice aged by the weather surprised Riza. She turned to see Old Man Flippers, the dolphin-man that helped with her fight against Eau.

"Old Man Flippers!" Riza cheered.

"Old Man Flippers?" Ren looked at Josh with a look of pure confusion.

"He's a friend. Helped us out in a fight against Troup Grimm when we were last here."

"What are you doing around these waters again?" Flippers asked.

"Heartless," Riza said without missing a beat.

"Hmm...I thought as much. A week ago, while fishin', I caught a glimpse of that serpent beast that attacked us when you were here. My catchin' hasn't been the same. I was hopin' you know what's up?"

Riza nodded, "Definitely Heartless. We'll stop'em Old Man. You can count on me!"

"I know. Now, it's gettin' late. Let me take you whippersnappers back to my place so can catch some shut eye."

"So they return..." a shadowed figure whispered as the group past his line of view. He pulled out a small communicator. A flip of a switch and the small red light went on, "Sir Eau, they've returned. Should I have the Heartless attack?"

Wait for tomorrow. Let them rest,Tsunami. Hah...hahahaha...hahahahhahaha! Eau's crackle cut out was his subordinate, Tsunami shut off the communicator.

"Why wait? They're vulnerable now."

On the other communicator was Eau. His laughter died down, and his plan fell through his mind. "One, I capture Panlong from that world, I'll have unlimited control over water and power beyond belief. Just maybe, next to the princes power, we could use his power to open the Final Door." Eau chuckled more while sitting on the edge of the pool that was the size of four Olympic swimming pools.

Tonnerre stood at the door, Eau's back turned to her. Even though they were just host bodies to the elements they house, she still felt she had some kind of feelings toward the water martial artist. "Eau..." Maybe this will be the time to tell him. She might not get another chance...

Morning of next, Cherushi was standing on Old Man Flipper's porch, the sun was peeking over, turning the dark of night to the light of morn. "Papa...Come home." The ten year old's whispers were taken by the wind. The light breeze kicked up dust and played with her long pig tails. In her hands was Mr. Bubbles, who contently swam in a small circles in the clear bowl. The small shark noticed a slight ripple on the surface of his bowl. Tilting his head up, he saw, though the distorted water, that his friend was quietly crying. How he wished he was an animal of the land so he could comfort her physically. Mr. Bubbles did his best to comfort her mentally, but there was just so much he could do.

"Cherushi?" It was Ren. He came around the corner of the house to see Cherushi staring out into the sea, a sad look on her face; the same when she was talking about her missing father. "There you are," Ren smiled at the girl, putting his arm around Cherushi's shoulders. "How you doin', kiddo?"

"I could be better. Ren?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you...did you lose your dad?" She look at him hesitantly, not sure that the question was welcomed.

The silver haired youth stared at the ocean, silent for a few moments. Cherushi looked down, feeling she over stepped a line. "Yes." Her head shot up. "He was...killed in the line of duty. When I twenty-three, three years ago, I was on a mission with him, along with other ninja from my village. The mission was a trap and he was killed by the enemy. I left the village after that. I thought I was alone, just a shadow floating in and out of the world. That was until I found Riza. I now feel I have a purpose, a reason to live," He shook his head and knelt down, putting his gloved hands on Cherushi's shoulders, staring into her golden eyes, "Enough about me. Cherushi, you're father will return. I'll make sure of it."

Cherushi broke from the contact and put Mr.Bubbles down to her left. She embraced Ren, tears spilling slightly form her tawny orbs, "T'ank you, Broder Ren!" Her thanks muffled by his shoulder.

Ren hugged her back, "No problem," his face took a somber look. it was the right choice to tell her the watered down version than the truth.

Mr.Bubbles smiled a toothy grin She has friends. That's good.

"Breakfast!" Old Man Flippers called from the house, the smell of pancakes making there way to the nostrils of the two outside.

Ren stood up, "C'mon let's go eat." Cherushi nodded and gathered up Mr.Bubbles into her arms. Before she turned inside, She looked the ocean.

Soon Papa...Soon. With their help, I'll find you.

Deep in a cave, a dragon's roar echoed out, shaking some stalactites from the ceiling above. "You won't get away with this! Do yo uknow who I am! I'm the mightiest dragon alive! I.."

"Shut yer yap, fish-breath!" Tsunami cut off the ranting reptile. "I know exactly who you are, Panlong. That's why you are in this cave with your claws in shackles and you neck bound with a pretty steel collar. Now, if you would so kindly shut that over-sized trap of your's, I can contact my master." With a few keystrokes, Tsunami contacted Eau. When the water master's face came on the screen, Tsunami began to speak. But before he could utter a word, a powerful jet of water destroyed the computer screen as well as damaging the entire machine. "Son of a bitch!" The shackles unsnapped and the collar opened, freeing the mighty dragon. "Get back here!"

Panlong muttered something in a dracoian language, possibly a curse. He was gone, under the water that was just yards away from the computer.

"Damn it...Damn it!!" Tsunami slammed his fist against the destroyed computer.

I'm coming, Cherushi! In the water, Panlong extended to his full length, five houses. he felt better after being in that small, cramp cave for over two weeks.

"Wow!" Riza burped, "Excuse me. That was awesome! You know how to cook Old Man!" Riza leaned back on the wooden chair.

"You better fill up, Riza. We need you at full strength when we go to rescue..." Ren began.

"Cherushi!" a voice from outside called, deep and masculine.

"Yes, Cherushi's..."

"Papa!!" Cherushi finished.

"Can I finish my own sentence, please?!" Ren growled as Cherushi ran out of the house toward the sea. She was soon followed by the rest.

She leaped over the porch railings, landing on the sandy path running towards the beach. Standing there, the waves lapping at his heels was Panlong, Cherushi's lost father, soaking wet and human. She leaped when she made it to the beach, landing in his arms, sending them both into the mud and small waves.

"Hey, little wave," Panlong smiled as he stood. He was still in slight pain and was exhausted, but just being near his beloved daughter was enough to give strength; even if it was just to say hello. "Cause any commotion while your old man was gone? Huh?" He raised an eyebrow, then settled into a smile. Cherushi was too overcome with emotion to answer. "Let's get you inside." The elder dragon carried his weeping child into Old Man Flippers house, laying her down on the bed. She cried herself to sleep.

"So," Ren walked in as Panlong was tucking his little wave in, "You're her father?" he asked in a relieved tone.

"I am. You are? Sorry I walked by without an introduction," Panlong bowed his head.

"Ukaizr Ren. She's a sweet kid," Ren walked over to stand by the small bed. "I'm just glad that she didn't lose you." Ren walked out, leaving Panlong somewhat confused by the youth.

Panlong entered the dinning room/kitchen in Flippers house. Riza, Charlie, and Flippers were sitting at the table, sipping a cool drink. Josh was sitting on a stool near a window and Ren was resting against the door frame that lead from the bedrooms to the dinning room kitchen combo. Panlong stood in the doorway, the side of his eye looking at Ren. His head was down and eyes were closed, arms crossed over his chest.

"I guess I should explain." Everyone's eyes were on the elder dragon. He took a breath, "It started two weeks ago, when I was suppose to return home from the peace treaty between two feuding whale pods. Well, it ended earlier than expected, both coming to terms quite easily. Well, was I was en route back here, I sensed a deep darkness. As protector of these waters, I went to investigate. The next thing I knew, darkness surrounded me. Even my strongest technique couldn't break through it. I was captured."

Riza watched the man. His garb was that of a high priest or oracle. He looked to the group, his eyes held a battle-worn soul but nevertheless looking for peace. He had a look of someone you could depend on. Riza was glad Cherushi had her dad back. It makes her wish she could go home to her's. "The important thing is that your back, Lord Panlong," Riza smiled.

"I must thank you all for being so nice to my daughter in my extended absence."

"No problem!" Riza gave him a thumbs up.

"I want to do something for you, all of you. But how about an introduction so my gift is appropriate."

"I'm Kuzumakii Charlie. A swordswoman from the Heart Kingdom with a sword that controls the elements."

"I'm Itoh Josh. A sage from the Hearte Kingdom as well, my staff holds the powers of the elements, too. Charlie and I are seeking our monarchs. We're cousins."

"Ukazir Ren. A swordsman of the night element. I'm also known as the Brave Lion."

"I'm Ukaizr Riza. I'm Ren's little sister. I was chosen by the Keyblade to be its wielder."

Panlong froze. The keybearer! "You are hunted by the Troup Grimm," Panlong said. More of a statement than a question.

"I am. When you were captured, did they mention me?"

Panlong nodded, "Numerous times. They say you are a thorn in their side. How old are you that you are causing so much trouble?"

"Sixteen."

Panlong laughed, "My word! Quite the youngster! Are you all around the same age?" Charlie said she was eighteen, Josh mentioned he was twenty and Ren fished off by saying he was twenty-six. "Such youth to be fighting the evils of the Troup Grimm."

"It comes with the job," Charlie joked.

"Let's head outside." They went to the beach. Panlong brought Cherushi who was awake and back to her energized child-self again. Mr. Bubbles in her arms. "Now! I'll start with you, Mr. Ukazir." Panlong took out a small orb, which started to glow a bright light. He held it in his right hand. The orb started to levitate.

"Ren," he said as he stood in front of the oracle.

"Of course," Panlong chuckled. "I give you the Ring of Pride," the orb shot a beam of light onto Ren's left index finger. "The wearer will inherit the power of the lion. With it, your speed, strength, and defense will increase hundred fold." the small steel ring with a lion's head took form as it fitted perfectly to Ren's finger. The ring seemed made for him. He could feel his power growing to new heights.

"Thank you," he bowed.

"Now, Itoh Josh." Josh stepped in front of the oracle. "For you, the Sage of Hearte, I bestow upon you the Staff of Dragons. You now have control over every element, the wisdom of the dragons before me, and their power. Use it well," From the orb, another brought light shot before Josh. The formless light took shap of a long staff with a western dragon's head on top, it's mouth agape, its eyes were two blue gems. The staff itself was a tough steel, but light. From the dragon's neck to a quarter down. it was lined with a single blade, decorated to look like dracoian spikes. The end of the staff coiled into the end of the the dragon's tail.

"Thank you, Lord Panlong. I was also wondering if you could unlock this stone?" Josh took out the summoning gem they found.

"Hmm...Let's see." Panlong held the gem as the orb floated above it. With a flash, the gem was glowing brightly, floating up high. In a burst, the gem shattered, producing a winged horse.

"I don't believe it!" Josh cried.

"What is it?" Riza asked.

"That's Pegasus. He is Hercules' winged steed. But they must be over a thousand years old. They fought alongside Sora. Why is he a summon? I bet the Troup Grimm is behind this."

"Well, this makes everything easier, Pegasus dismissed." The horse turned into a ball of light, making residence within the Keyblade.

"Now then, Kuzumakii Charlie, Warrior of Heart."

"Sire," Charlie bowed.

"I give you the Demigod Chain."

"Demigod Chain?" Charile inquired as a beam of light from the small orb shot at her belt. The beam whipped around to her back. As the light subsided, a chain attached to her belt loops appeared.

"Yes. The Demigod Chain is a partner piece to the Element Blade of the Gods you wield. It powers up the blade's abilities, giving the elemental magic a phenomenal boost."

"Thank you, sire," Charlie bowed again and stepped to the side.

"Ukaizr Riza. Step forth."

"Lord Panlong," Riza nodded her head.

"Hmm...Curious, the orb is telling my to tell you to bring out your Keyblade. The Key of the Ukaizr."

Riza did as instructed. She withdrew her Keyblade switching the keychains. In her hand was her first Keyblade, the one she believed her father helped her acquire. When she faced Uso the first time when he was a Heartless, it seemed her father's spirit helped her in that tight squeeze. So, her father's favorite blade was now part of the Keyblade.

"Good." The orb glowed brightly, shooting a beam at the keychain. When finished, the keychain changed slightly. Behind the fox crest was the Roman numerals for two in an 'x'. The Keyblade then changed. It was enveloped in light, slowly changing. After a minute, the blade emerged. It was the Key of the Ukaizr, Mark II. The blade was her father's with a curled foxtail for the key's teeth. The guard was a simple grey rounded rectangle with the sword's handle. The hilt connecting the blade to the guard was a fox head, with the sword's blade coming out it's mouth. "Now, the blade's special ability..."

Riza was too wrapped up in the Keyblade's appearance. "How cool!! This is amazing!"

"Ahem!" Panlong coughed into her hand.

Riza straightened up, "Sorry, sir!"

"It's quite alright. Now, the special ability. Next to your natural abilities being increased, this Keybalde can take your elemental magic and add it to your normal attacks. It also unlocks the techniques of your family's style of fighting."

"How do you know about my family's style?"

"The forest demon your ancestor helped is an old friend of mine. He told my about your family over the time as he watched from his forest."

"No way! So I know all the Ukaizr-Kyuubi techniques?! Awesome!" Riza ran far from the group, but close enough were they can see her. She turned to the see and lifted her Keyblade, "Spinning Shinobi Slam! Ice!" She began to spin the blade and ice crystals began to form around it. She threw the blade across the waves, freezing the water under the blade. "Nice!!" She held her hand out the call back the Keyblade. With a bright flash, the Keyblade was back in her grasp.

Cherushi smiled. Her life was back to normal. Next to her, though, a dark shadow appeared.

"Cherushi! Look out!" Riza ran toward the girl, but a trident wielding Heartless knocked her back. Before Panlong could get a hold of her, a ninja in a dark blue outfit scoped her up and disappeared. The next they saw of the dark blue ninja, he was on top of a Heartless head. The same Heartless that Eau controlled.

"Want your daughter back, Panlong? Forfeit your dracoian powers to me!" The ninja held out Cherushi by the collar of her dress, the girl dangling over the sea water, one hundred feet in the air, her arms bound with rope. He was a quick ninja.

"Cherushi! You want my powers!" Panlong grabbed the orb and put it in his sleeve, "Here they are!" Panlong transformed into a mighty dragon, as long as five houses.

"Wrong answer!" The ninja laughed. He dropped Cherushi. Riza, who just finished off the Heartless that stopped her, rushed toward the sea.

"Pegasus!" Riza summoned the horse and jumped on his back and caught Cherushi just in time. Pegasus swooped high after Riza caught the girl. "You ok, kiddo?" Cherushi nodded. "Good." Riza untied he ropes, freeing the girl's limbs.

"Damn keybearer..." Tsunami muttered. He turned the dragon in front of him. "Looks like you lucked out Panlong. Lucky for you, the keyblader was here or your precious daughter would have torn apart by the sharks." Tsunami lept off the beast's head and landed on the sandy shore.

"She can handle herself. She has a shark for a pet!" Panlong growled. He dived into the water and popped out. His throat expanding then shrinking as a water blast was fired from his jaws, "Destructive Waters!" Tsunami held out his hand, halting the water, the attack falling harmlessly onto the shore.

"I wasn't talking about your normal sharks, dragon oracle. I was talking about my Heartless Sharks!" Four sharks, the size of two great white sharks, jumped out of the water, making a b-line to Panlong. Their dark colors, black on top purple on bottom stood out in the bright sun. Panlong roared, not hindering the sharks one bit. Panlong dodged the first two shark but grabbed the third and hurled it toward the fourth, destroying them both. The first and second shark made a sharp turn, saliva-drenched jaws opened wide as they connected with the dragon oracle's back. Panlong howled in pain as he flung the sharks off with his whip-like tail.

Watching from Pegasus, Cherushi and Riza watched the exchange, lasting at most a minute. "Papa. Papa! Riza we gotta help him!" Cherushi pleaded while looking at the Keyblade Mistress.

"I agree. OK Cherushi. Can you transform and help him out while I take out Tsunami?"

Cherushi nodded, "Leave it to me!" Cherushi dived in the reappearing in her dragon form, "Let's go!" She growled excitedly.

"Let's go!" Riza raced alongside of her while riding Pegasus, Keyblade in hand. Cherushi sped forth, quickly closing the distance. "You're mine!" Riza leapt off the horse's back and attacked Tsunami. Pegasus disappearing in a ball of light.

Tsunami turned to see a Keyblade aimed for him. "Not good enough keybearer," in a puff of smoke, Tsunami summoned a kunai, blocking Riza's attack.

"You'll be dead soon enough!" Riza pushed harder, the steel of the weapon grinding, sending sparks everywhere.

"What do you hope to achieve? My master will get the dragon's power and use it for his purposes! You can't stop it, keyblader. The end is here and you failed. We've won."

"Never! As long as I wield this Keyblade, you will never win." She jumped back, and fired an Ember Buster spell, which Tsunami canceled out with a ball of water he used fro the sea next to him. Tsunami disappeared in dust cloud of sand appearing behind the teen. Riza dodged his punch and waited for him to land to hooked her right leg with Tsunami's left, then pushed him down, pulling out a kunia to hover dangerously close to his throat. "Just die."

"You first." Tsunami kicked Riza in the gut, danger avoided. The keybearer fell next to the water ninja, clutching her stomach. Riza rolled away, just missing Tsunami's follow-up strike with his three pronged kunai. Riza jumped away as Tsunami got up, drawing the kunai from the ground. "You're dead! Heartless!" Sea-King's Pawns, the trident wielding Heartless, showed up, as well as neo-shadows and Dark Sharks, the shark Heartless that attacked Panlong.

"Damn it. More distractions?!" Riza charged, but was stopped.

"Ixion Giga Spark!" The thunder super-spell destroyed the the beast but only stunned the Dark Sharks. "I got them! Go after Tsunami!" Josh called.

Riza thanked Josh and headed toward Tsunami, noticing that he was engaged in battle with her brother. Ren's sword strikes came swift and strong like a lion's paw. His swipe missed but the force from the swing pushed Tsunami back, making him lose his balance.

This is it! "Icy Daggers!" the small ice blades flew from Riza's Keyblade, freezing Tsunami's feet to the white sand. "Rain of Steel!" Riza threw her blade over Tsunami, "Thunder!" The Keyblade exploded into a thousand kunai and shuriken, enveloped in electricity. All the blade struck the water ninja head-on. Ren dodged just in time before the smoke screen of sand damaged his eyes and the strikes of electrically charged steel.

As the sand settled and every one's eyes are on the spot were Tsunami was struck. Everyone was shocked to see all that was there was slightly charred and glassy sand. "You missed, keybearer. But you were unbelievably close!" Tsunami announced from the air. He dodged the attack! A smug look was on the face of the dark blue ninja.

It looked like he was standing on air, but because of his ability to control water, he was able to stand on the water molecules in the air, blown off from the sea breeze. His communicator bleeped alive. "Damn it, now is not the time!" But he answered it anyway.

Tsunami, retreat.

"What?!! Are you freaking kidding me!! I am just about to end the keybearer's life and you tell me to retreat?"

Yes.

"Well, hell to you!" Tsunami went to shut off the communicator but Eau had other plans. Eau, since he's Tsunami's creator, was able to destroy him. Eau simply began to sap Tsunami's powers, draining him of his water-manipulation ability. Tsunami gasped and gripped his chest, losing the hold over the water molecules holding him up. He began to fall. "Fine! I'll retreat!" as Tsunami fell, Riza threw a kunai, stabbing his right thigh. He let a pained scream and wasn't able to save himself from landing on the glass that Riza created with her thunder Rain of Steel. Ren, while Tsunami was talking to Eau, carved the glass into a spike. "Damn you Eau! Curse you keybe-" Tsunami was cut off abruptly as the spike impaled him through his left lung, slicing his heart. He began to cough blood as it flooded his damaged lung.The blood clogged his throat so he couldn't speak. The Heartless dragon was destroyed by Panlong with a powerful blast. With Tsunami's remaining strength, he summoned the three pronged kunai and threw it at Panlong, who was not paying attention, too tired with his fight with the Heartless. By the time he realized the kunai, it was too late. He was struck awkwardly with the kunai. The blade struck him in to the upper right chest, just above his lung. The dragon grimaced, falling to his left side.

"Papa!!!" Cherushi cried as she ran to her father's side. Tsunami died with a satisfied grin.

"Panlong!" Riza ran to join Cherushi as her father fell back. Cherushi put her father's head on her lap, tear streamed down her cheeks.

"Papa...you can't die. You just got back."

"I'll be fine, my little wave," Panlong winced at the stabbing pain.

"Don't move sire," Riza slid next to him, looking at the wound accessing the best was to proceed. "Do you feel liquid in your lung?"

"No," he whispered. Riza smiled a little.

"Good, that means your lung is unharmed. Josh, let me see your cloak," Riza turned on her knees.

"What for? Hey!" she tugged as Josh yelped, "Hey!" Rip! "Yo! Who said you can take that off?!" Josh looked at he piece, it was at least three feet long; the whole bottom of his cloak. She proceeded to tear a smaller piece off. From her ninja pack, she took out small adhesive strips. She tore his garb, exposing his chest. Blood trickled from the wound, the kunai holding much of it back.

Riza turned back to Panlong, "This might hurt a bit." She gripped the kunai's handle and pulled out quickly. The human growled a low dragon-like growl of pain. The blood began to flow freely and unhindered. She placed a piece of cloth on his wound, then applied the adhesive strips. Good thing Josh's cloak is thick, it'll be a good bandage until we can get him back to Old Man Flippers. Hopefully the captain has some bandage wraps. Riza took the remaining bigger piece and wrapped it over the wound and across his left shoulder, then brought the other half around his back to meet the other end, tying the two ends over his shoulder. "This should hold till we get to Flippers. Ok, Ren and Josh, you two hold under his back, me and Charlie will grab his legs and arms. Char, get his legs." The four quickly acted.

Cherushi walked outside, her father fast asleep, only to see Ren staring out into see; his expression was of deep thought. But before she could utter a word or be noticed by the boy, his expression drastically changed. From deep thought it became one of shock then to anger. She followed his eyes too see a man standing on the beach, several yards away from the house, grey hair and a scar across his throat. Ren hoped over the railing, summoning his Night Steel. "Ren!" But he adolescent's call fell on deaf ears.

"Acier. What do you want?" Ren growled with the ferocity of an angered lion. The mute simply pointed at the twenty-six year old. "Me?" The assassin nodded. "Why?" The steel master scribbled something on a notepad, tearing of the page then throwing it to Ren's feet while attached to a kunai. Ren read the page :You are a Prince. is all it read. "A prince?" Ren looked at the steel-haired fighter. Ren realized what Acier meant. Acier's job was to find all the Princes of Heart. The assassin called him a prince. He's a prince. Prince of Heart. "How?"

This guy asks too many questions! Acier rolled his eyes as he dashed forward. Ren snapped out of his trance to ward off the metal mute. Ren swung his blade but it missed as Acier disappeared. He reappeared behind him, grabbing his jacket then throwing him into a dark portal Acier created. Within a second they were both gone. Cherushi ran toward the beach to find nothing but a small slip with numbers and letters. She headed back to the house.

"Riza!" Cherushi cried. Riza ran out of the house upon hearing her name called in such a urgent manner. Riza asked the little girl what happed and Cherushi said that Ren was kidnapped.

"By who?" Riza asked, but she had a feeling she already knew the answer.

"Some guy in a black jacket and grey hair. From what I could see, he had a scar across his neck. He pulled Ren into a black hole looking thing. He left this."

"Acier. Charlie! Josh! We gotta go!" Riza yelled, gripping the paper tightly, trying to keep her emotions in check. She looked down at Cherushi, "Tell your dad and Old Man Flippers thanks for everything."

"Where are you going?" Cherushi asked, her eyes taking on the salty water of tears.

Riza smile a sad smile and kneeled down. She gave Cherushi a warm hug and pushed her back, her gloved hands not leaving Cherushi's shoulders, "I gotta save my brother." Riza smiled a more confident smile. She stood and turned to leave as Charlie and Josh made their way outside.

"Wait," Cherushi put her hands together and summoned a small ball of light. "My gift...to you. Unlimited supply of shurikens, kunai, and smoke bombs." The ball of light floated toward Riza's ninja bag, floating in side, a flash of light and then subsided.

"Thanks," Riza winked then ran to catch up.

"Riza! You'll find Ren! Tell him he's greatest next to you!!" Cherushi waved at her 'older sister'.

Riza, turned and waved, "Will do!" With that, they were gone.

They team was en route to Sunset Suburbia to talk with Nyte and Dae and tell him the latest news. The meeting was brief to save time. Dae found the coordinates for the Troup Grimm's world, the ones that were on the paper Acier left.

Before they could leave, a familar little mage burst through the door, her oversized robes draping over her.

"Pandora...?" Josh looked at the short girl.

"Aye. I came to give you the most powerful weapon against the Troup Grimm and Trinity."

"What?!" the party gasped.

"Aye. Pandora's Box is the weapon that will stop those villains," Pandors produced the very box that Josh studied not too long ago from her robes. "This is the very device that started this. The person that is now the vessel for the leader of the Trinity opened this box to gain ultimate power. He weilds the destructive force of light."

"But I thought we fought for light?" Riza questioned. Was her whole journey in vain?

"This is true, but not correct." The group shared a collective look of utter confusion. "What I mean is that you fight for light, all that is good and true while the Trinity leader is the element of light."

"So, how do we use Pandora's Box?" Josh inquired.

"Defeat the being that is light's vessel. Once he's defeated, 'the one that holds the key will capture light.' So goes the prohesy that comes with that box. I got the note right here."

"I'll open Pandora's Box?" Riza said, drawing her Keyblade. "But I thought opening it is bad."

"It is, when the elements are in the box to began with. Right now, it's no more threating to the universe than a paper weight. Keyblader of Light, you must stop these autrocities. For the hope of all life."

"Hey, that's what I was gonna do," Riza chuckled.

"I'll hold the box untill the time is right," Josh grabbed the box.

"But hold on!" Charlie piped up. "If these things we're fighting just energy, then why are they after the Final Door, as the twins put it?"

"Simple, they want the Final Door to give them a full being. They are only body and energy. They need a heart to be real. And the only door that give that is..."

"Kingdom Hearts," Dae and Nyte uttered, flabbergasted at the revelation.

"Aye. Kingdom Hearts."

"So we gotta stop them before they open the door," Josh mentioned.

"Sounds simple enough," Charlie smirked.

"What are we waiting for?! Let's go!" Riza dashed out the door, yelling thanks to the twins and Pandora. Josh and Charlie followed soon after.

The final clash was upon them.

TBC

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