Kingdom Hearts: What We Once Were

Chapter 3- Awakening

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(POV's are being written by the same people they were written by in the previous two chapters)

~Nellie POV~

I walked towards the castle, its warped sight still seeming rather unfamiliar to me. I had been working there for only two days, well my first day was hardly real work, but my second day was still cleaning…"Well, it looks… interesting…." Chrissie murmured.

"It looks a bit better inside," I remarked as we walked towards the entrance; the blue mountains of Radiant Garden curling up along the passage.

"Oh, It's fine, with a little work it could be beautiful," Chrissie decided cheerfully as we entered the castle. I laughed a little; leave it to my sister to keep up her ever positive attitude.

"Well, I really don't know what you'll find here; most of the information stored on the computer was corrupted…" I remarked as I crossed my arms.

"Maybe, I'll find something, you don't know unless you try, right?" Chrissie giggled as she clasped her hands together.

I rolled my eyes, "Of course…" suddenly I heard voices coming from a nearby room. I raised my hand slightly to shush Chrissie before she said anything. I walked over to the room, making sure to be quiet. I hated how confusing the corridors were, this door, however, wasn't very far into it so I could at least easily get back to the main entrance. "Shhh, "I whispered as I raised my finger to my lips, Chrissie nodded as we huddled next to the door, which was luckily slightly ajar.

"That's Leon, I heard about him, he's the leader of the Restoration Committee," Chrissie murmured; gesturing slightly to a man with brown hair who was wearing a black jacket lined with a sort of faux, at least I assumed it was faux, fur.

"Listen, the last time there was a heartless problem in Radiant Garden this lab was the reason for it," The man named Leon remarked. He was talking to a man with long, spiky red hair.

"So you think it is now?" the redhead murmured as he crossed his arms and lazily leaned back against the wall.

"Listen, I don't know if it is or not, I just know that I had an ally of mine killed." Leon remarked, probably a bit too harshly.

"Oh?" the red head murmured as he raised his eyebrows, as though this death was surprising.

"Yeah, a girl only guarding around twenty people who managed to sneak into Radiant Garden from Traverse Town. Not really a huge target, plus we only got notice of a few heartless," Leon muttered as he sat down in a nearby chair.

"I heard the heartless attacks are very bad in Traverse Town… But, back to the girl, if she was killed by heartless you don't think she's a nobody, do you?" The redhead pondered out loud.

Leon sighed, "It's a possibility. She was a very strong willed person, especially when other people were at risk. But I just don't know..."

"I believe I may be able to answer that for you," Ienzo remarked as he entered the room from another door. I sighed in relief, glad that he hadn't entered through this door and seen me and Chrissie. I'm sure he wouldn't approve of my eavesdropping. Leon looked a little surprised as Ienzo continued, "Recently, I detected a very strong scent, I was interested in who it belonged to, however when it was at its strongest, and when I first took notice of it, lasted for a very short period then at the exact time of the incident in which this girl was killed, it completely disappeared. I, myself, was quite surprised by this-"

"Ienzo," The red head remarked, "You can get to the point any time now."

"Alright, since Lea can't handle my explanation, the scent has recently resurfaced. Although it is quite faint," Ienzo remarked as he crossed his arms.

"That's impossible; we saw the wreckage of the safe house. It was destroyed, she couldn't have survived that," Leon argued.

"Oh, of course she didn't survive," Ienzo remarked with the wave of his hand, "I'm only strongly suggesting that she is indeed a nobody. If so, Lea, you must find where she is and train her."

"Wait, what?" Lea, the redhead, gaped.

"We don't need an unstable group of nobodies forming again, but still since she is a nobody it is only right that we offer her some form of guidance. Until, of course, we find a solution to change her back. Nobody's are dangerous, we must deal with this now," Ienzo explained.

"I don't like it, any of this," Leon muttered as he stood up.

"Well, I guess I'll go take care of our new nobody," Lea sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, "I always get stuck with the icky jobs… oh, wait, Leon, what was her name?"

"Ria Nevaeh. I'm going now," Leon remarked as he frowned. Clearly conflicted on the prospect of his ally having become a nobody. Of course, there wasn't absolute certainty that she was, but I had a feeling Ienzo knew what he was talking about, unlike Lea's wild speculation. "I have more pressing things to deal with than this," Leon stormed out, only problem, he picked to storm out of the door Chrissie and I were leaning against. Chrissie bumped into me as we both jumped backwards. Leon stopped dead in his tracks, looking very stunned to see us.

"Hi," Chrissie offered up with a small wave.

"Um, hey," Leon muttered, "Wait! You're Chrissie, right?" Chrissie nodded so he continued, "I've heard that you're an exceptional medic… listen something happened on my last mission, a woman got hurt, it's not too bad but I'd appreciate it if you could take a look," Leon explained.

"Oh, sure," Chrissie exclaimed with a smile, "But there's something I need to do real quick here, but I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Alright, that's fine, again it's not too bad," Leon reassured her before he walked away. Huh, he didn't even ask for my name. But I guess I didn't ask for his either.

Then Ienzo walked out of the door, not looking very surprised to see us, "Hello, Ms. Dawson, oh, who is this?" Ienzo asked, taking notice of my sister.

"I'm Christina Dawson but I go by Chrissie," My sister said with a giggle as she shook his hand, "And you must be Ienzo. Nellie's mentioned a lot about you." I felt a hot blush spread across my cheeks. I didn't really know why, only that It seemed odd for Ienzo to know that I had been talking about him.

"Oh?" Ienzo murmured as he raised his eyebrow in my direction. I mustered up a slight smile. "Well, then, is there anything I can help you with, Ms. Christina?" Ienzo asked, obviously deciding it would be best to address my sister by her full name instead of our shared last name.

"This is a bit of a long shot, but you wouldn't have happened to kind of stumbled upon any data that seems odd, have you?" Chrissie asked awkwardly, even she seemed to be confused as to what she was looking for.

"That is quite vague, however, Even managed to recover some data just last night. It isn't of much substance, however, you're welcome to look at it," Ienzo replied as he guided us down the long corridor to the old study. Upon entering the study Ienzo lead us to another door out of the study into the giant lab area.

"Wow," Chrissie murmured as she looked around the wide blue colored room. The bright blue lights were spread around the room like the veins on someone's arm. Ienzo walked over to the computer and easily pulled up the newly acquired files.

"There you go, I doubt they will be of much interest to you, however they don't exactly fit with most of the research done at this lab," he murmured as he stepped back, allowing Chrissie to go over to the computer. Ienzo looked at me; I shook my head, signaling that I really had no interest in the data. Ienzo hadn't told me about it before now, and he had let my sister he'd never met see it so it couldn't exactly be critical information.

Ienzo walked over to where I stood, "Ms. Dawson, if I may ask, you were present for the conversation I had with Lea and Leon earlier, correct?"

"Um… Yes…" I whispered rather lamely, he'd known that I was there the whole time.

"That is what I thought," He replied. Not really elaborating past that.

"You said that you could… smell people?" I whispered, my eyebrows furrowing.

"Yes, it's not the 'smell' you are thinking of, however. It is more like a… energy." Ienzo replied, "Recently I believed that I had lost the ability to do so; however, I have not."

"Oh," I whispered. I guess that it made sense. I felt like my knowledge of events that were happening in, not only this but other worlds, was so small compared to what there actually was. If it wasn't for my father having been a Keybearer I never would have known any of it. How long could people go on living in such ignorance?

"I think… I may have actually found what I needed," Chrissie giggled as she walked over.

"I'm glad that the information was useful to you," Ienzo replied.

"Thank you so much for showing it to me." Chrissie remarked with a smile as Ienzo led us out of the lab.

"You're welcome," Ienzo politely replied. We were silent as we walked back to the entrance.

"I don't know how you manage to find your way in here," Chrissie laughed when we reached the entrance.

"It becomes easier," Ienzo replied.

"So, Chris, what did you find anyway?" I asked as I crossed my arms.

"Oh, it's a secret," She giggled with a wink. I snorted a bit. She walked out of the door. I rolled my eyes. Leave it to my little sister.

"If you would like, Ms. Dawson, I can tell you the contents of the file," Ienzo offered.

"Oh, no," I laughed with a wave of my hand, "Let her have her secret."

"Oh, there the two of you are!" Even huffed as he walked over, "I hope it isn't too much to ask, Cornelia, but would you mind going out and finding another broom? Unfortunately all of ours but two have been broken…" Even sighed.

"How did that happen?" Ienzo asked, looking surprised.

"Lea decided it would be a good idea to use them as firewood," Even sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Of course he did," Ienzo muttered, "Even, perhaps you should just go out and purchase them yourself?"

"Oh, no, I'm fine doing it, assuming that you have the munny," I remarked. I wasn't particularly happy to have to run chores but considering I was the youngest member here I suppose it was only fair.

"Of course," Even replied as he handed me some munny, it was probably more than enough to buy a few brooms.

"I guess I'll be seeing you later then," I remarked as I walked out with a wave. "Hello, Aeleus," I remarked as I walked past him, I shot him a small smile.

He grunted, "Hello." At least he was starting to say a bit more to me. That was an improvement. I headed down into the restoration site and got to the marketplace. My thoughts had only drifted for a moment when I bumped into him.

"Oh! Excuse me. I apologize, I-" I didn't finish as I realized who he was. I'm sure complete and total awe must have washed over my face. I could never forget his sharp blue eyes, his silver hair seemed rather short, and he was much taller and more muscular than I remembered. "Riku," I exclaimed, my hand shooting up to cover my mouth. Hoping he hadn't heard me say his name.

"Wait, do I know you?" He asked, seeming equally surprised. Probably because I had just said his name.

"I…" I couldn't think. Mentally, I felt like I was flailing around frantically, just like a fish out of water. "I need to go…" I stammered before I turned and ran off, my white lab coat blowing around my ankles as I ducked behind a building.

"Wait," was the only thing I had heard him softly call. I leaned against the building, out of his sight, my hand on my chest. I was ready to start bawling. Maybe my world was okay. Riku was. It was more than I had ever hoped. He was alive, and he looked well. This was all I needed. But still, after these few years, he still didn't know who I was. How could he? How could I expect him to? Especially after how I had just acted. I shook my head as I headed back to the castle. Upon arriving there I realized that I didn't have the broom.

"Where's the broom?" Ienzo asked, surprised to see me empty handed.

"Would you believe me if I said they were sold out?" I muttered as I handed him back the munny, his hand brushed against mine as he took it.

"No, I wouldn't. But Even will," he assured me with a small smile.

"Oh, good, I need… time to think…" I whispered as I crossed my arms.

"Did something happen?" Ienzo asked slowly.

"Um, kind of. Actually, no, not really," I stammered, I brushed my dark brown hair out of my eyes. The truth was so exceptionally bizarre. I hadn't exactly lied to anyone here, I just withheld information they hadn't asked about. I was sure that they'd probably done the same to me. "I think I'm going to go on a short walk…" I muttered.

"If you'd like I could accompany you?" Ienzo offered with a smile.

"I…I would like that," I whispered with a small smile. We ended up walking through the beginning of a garden near the back of the castle. "This area seems like it was once very beautiful…"

"I don't remember much of this place from when I was younger; but what I do remember is, mostly, very nice," Ienzo murmured. I couldn't help but feel that maybe something weird had happened to him too. Probably not exactly like what happened to me. But even quietly knowing that someone else had as screwed up of a past as mine was nice. Suddenly I saw a black creature charging towards us. I let out a soft cry. I was knocked to the ground, only then did I see the heavy book whap into the creature, giving me time to get to my feet as two more of the shadowy creatures joined their companion.

"Are you alright, Ms. Dawson?" He asked, holding a large book in his hands; I believed it was a lexicon.

"Yes, how about you?" I remarked, not taking my eyes off the creatures that had begun to circle us.

"Oh, I'm quite alright," Ienzo replied. When one of the heartless charged at us I lifted my hand, a burst of gravity repelling the creature back. When one of the creatures got closer only then did Ienzo again hit it with the book. Definitely not the most effective strategy, but I had a feeling that book served a greater purpose. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere Aeleus appeared with a giant weapon and easily dispatched our foes with a few well placed swings.

"Are you two okay?" Aeleus asked as he looked at us.

"Of course," Ienzo murmured, his hand came to his chin, "Why were heartless out in broad daylight?"

"I don't know," Aeleus replied, "But one of those creatures was an Unversed."

"A… what?" I asked as I tilted my head.

"It's a creature we had around here a long time ago," Aeleus replied with a shrug.

"These events just keep getting stranger…" Ienzo muttered, his hand not moving from his chin as he pondered the events.

Chrissie POV

I sat down on the ground slightly outside of the lab contemplating the information I had just uncovered. First, it had all been recorded by someone named Ansem, which was ominous enough; as I'd never even heard of him. Then, of course, there had been the more tragic piece of information in the certain journal section I'd read. It focused on three friends, Aqua, Terra, and Ventus, and it had dampened my spirits… I knew that, of course, there must have been a way to help them…if they weren't dead…but…. I most likely wouldn't be able to do it alone; that didn't mean that I still wouldn't try. The journal had been very vague about the details but… I'd figure something out…. Though, not now, I knew Leon needed me to take a look at some women they'd found. I was just keeping my fingers crossed that I wasn't too late; and, of course, that it would be a minor injury. As I approached Merlin's house I was greeted by a dreadful sight, everyone looked heartbroken. I knew why…of course…Ria… Though, I didn't really know her, her death hung heavily upon all of us. The attacks were becoming more and more frequent, and I was treating more and more patients. It was all so distressing…

"Hi, Chrissie, she's inside," Yuffie said. I could tell she was trying to be enthusiastic and happy, like usual, but she just couldn't quite muster it today.

"Thanks, I'll go right in," I stated, making a small smile she quickly returned. I stepped inside to see a young woman, on a ratty couch in the corner of the room.

"Glad you got here, her condition is getting worse," Leon said. He lifted his hand up and rubbed the back of his neck; he looked super stressed… I don't think Ria's death had really sunk in yet.

"I'm happy to help," I replied with a smile hoping to get him to relax a little…it didn't work. I kneeled down beside the couch as I looked at my new patient. She had the most beautiful ebony hair with glimmers of violet streaks in it; it complimented her olive skin nicely. It was right then, that I noticed Leon might have been staring a little too much.

"So… Should I try a basic cure spell first?" I asked him. I had a feeling she was only dehydrated; so, a basic spell should have been sufficient. He gave me a quick nod in reply; so, I closed my eyes slightly and lifted my hands up. It was then that I felt a small surge of power in my fingertips as I cast the spell. I opened my eyes as I watched the glowing green outline of branches form across her skin; it slowly faded away as her eyes fluttered open.

"WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?" She screamed, with a wild look in her eyes. She looked around frantically as her eyes landed on Leon. She glared at him as she brusquely stood up; knocking me slightly backwards; though, luckily, I was still on my knees.

"We healed you…" I mumbled still in shock. Leon looked just as confused as I did. This is definitely not what anyone expected.

"Yeah right," she growled as she pushed past Leon and raced out the door.

"Is that normal?" Leon asked still staring shocked at the door our guest had just departed from.

"No, that is definitely not normal," I mumbled, still stunned.

"Well… thanks for your help," Leon said, still staring at the door, his mouth slightly ajar. We both needed a long time to get over the shock of this…event…

"No problem," I tried to say without my voice wavering. He held out his hand which I gratefully took. "I... guess… I'll see all you guys later?" I offered up with a strained smile, my insides still paralyzed.

"Yes, of course," He said shaking his head a little in disbelief. I quickly left trying to calm myself, today had been quite the adventure. I desperately wanted to find a quiet place where I could think… mostly about the three friends, whose story I had only uncovered only a short time ago.

"So, did you find anything interesting at that lab?" I heard a familiar voice ask. Immediately my eyes snapped to where he was, partially concealed in the shadows of a nearby building. He had the same spiky black hair and striking yellow eyes… And I was keeping my fingers crossed that he wouldn't delivery me more vague information.

"Perhaps, I… what was I supposed to find?" I said as I cleared my voice a little. I'm not sure what it was about him that made me so…uneasy… but there was also something more; another nagging feeling I had to keep pushing away.

"Well did you find anything or not?" He stated rather bluntly as he stepped closer towards me.

"I did… but, first, might I ask, what is it to you?" I said, as I glanced up and held his gaze.

"Now I don't see why that is relevant information to you. Think of me more off as a guide, nudging you in the direction you should go," He said with a slight smirk, an evil glint flashed in his eyes. Somehow, I knew I should run away and never ever speak to him again but… He captivated me, and... why was this information even relevant…? if he could help me save them… let's just say I needed all the help I could get.

"I... found something… about a… Ventus, Terra and Aqua… but, it was way too vague to make much sense of…" I stated rubbing the back of my neck. He stared at me with an intriguing look, as if he was analyzing me.

"Well, don't worry too much about Aqua, a plan is already set in motion, but what do you know of…Ventus?" I thought I detected a bit of spite on the last bit of his words.

"Not a whole lot… Besides, of course, that he's sleeping in Castle Oblivion," I muttered feeling utterly useless…why was someone, like him, asking me for information?

"I already know all that," He snapped looking angrier.

"Look, if you're trying to help them, then I have no problem helping you," I said locking eyes with him, his yellow eyes pierced into my heart so I quickly added, "But, I don't think that's what you want."

"What I want doesn't matter, just find Ventus. When Aqua arrives, she'll know where he is," he ordered this was a shake of his head and a slight smirk.

"Okay…" I mumbled letting my words drift off as I turned around.

"Good luck, Christina," He stated a smirk clearly evident from his voice; my head turned around quickly, but he had already disappeared. As I walked away a new thought dawned on me... I'd never told him my name.

"Xanaya POV"

I continued to run a little farther then what I planned then slowed to a stop. My heart beat fast. I snatched a water bottle from some bin outside and filled it up. As I drank I thought of how that room looked. I shuddered and stretched out my long Faerie wings. I dug in my bag gently avoiding Eithera and pulled out the broken vase picture. I really felt connected to it somehow. I shoved it back in my bag then patted Eithera and zipped it up.

I walked through a dark alley, "If Desiderio wasn't my real father then who was? Where did I come from." I sighed but continued to talk to myself, "Maybe someone can help me."

I saw a buttery happy couple walking and growled. It was sick just sick and pathetic. I took a seat in a semi dark alley and saw a boy and girl there. The girl was walking towards me while continuing to talk to the guy behind her and since she wasn't paying attention she happened to run into me.

"Hey, watch it, freak!" I exclaimed shoving her away from me. Her expression immediately turned into one of concern.

"Oh are you alright!" She asked me. It was sickening, she had too many emotions and it made her weak. Not to mention the stupid girl was decked out in pink, might as well flash a sign over her head saying 'Come kill me now!'

"I don't need your sympathy." I sneered. I started to walk away but a hand on my wrist stopped me. My wings fluttered angrily.

"I don't believe we're finished with you." The guy stated. He, unlike the stupid girl, was slightly more my style since his main colors of choice were black and red, but that didn't mean I would trust him.

"Let go of me you creep! Unless you want to die." I warned him, he just stared back at me in an uncaring sort of way.

"We were just about to head towards food, if you want to come with us Sara here can buy you lunch to repay her stupidity." The guy instructed gesturing towards the one in pink.

"Oh the pink barbie." I growled.

"Yup, that would be the one." The guy assured, stepping back towards the alley slightly. The girl, Sara, seemed to be at a loss of words just looking back and forth nervously, I hated that.

"Is she brain dead or just a mute?" I glance at the girl then noticed the cat. I felt the oddity in the cat. "Is that. . .?" I trailed off and raised my hand up too touch the creepy looking cat.

"Oh! That's my cat Shadow..." She looked like she wanted to say more but something stopped her. She looked down at the cat thing and glared at it. "No Shadow, you can't!" She said seemingly in a strange conversation with said cat.

I poked the cat and then knew what is was. I lifted it up by the scruff of its neck. "I know what you are." I hissed and then dropped it. I looked at the boy. "Fine I'll come too lunch but perky in pink is paying."

"Yeah." said the guy, "There's no way I am."

"How do you know about Shadow?" Perky seemed scared...good! "Only I and Thanos know what he is! Are you some kind of mind reader!" She looked back down at the cat. "No Shadow I'm not stupid!" She said indignantly.

"You better keep that trap of yours shut cat." I glared it threatening to kick it. "If I could read minds you'd be dead already. I only know about the cat because. . . I just have ways." I clenched my teeth and my wings fluttered again making the alley feel a little chilly.

"Well let's get to lunch before someone gets killed." The guy, Thanos said. Although I think he would rather there be a bloodbath killing than a restaurant in store for them in the near future. This guy was beginning to seem better and better, which both nauseated me and made me smile slightly (on the inside of course).

"Fine but one day I don't think she'll make it." I growled a threat and then immediately went to calm mode where my face was just blank and almost emo ish. No expression.

"It'll probably be a blessing to the world..." Thanos said just loud enough that I could pick it up. He sounded like this would be both relieving and, though he probably wouldn't admit it, slightly sad for him. I doubted his 'sadness' would last long when the day comes.

I just shrugged and followed them to go eat. We ended up at a cute little diner not far from the alley we met in. I wasn't sure if Perky had anything to pay with but I didn't care. I could always just run with the food and ditch them. While we sat and ate Eithera was acting up in my bag and making it shake.

"Uh, um..." Perky seemed to be slowly learning how to make words, Thanos should be so proud, "I..uh I like your wings." She finally choked out.

"Mention them again and I'll rip out your eyes and shove them down your throat." My face remained straight and serious. Thanos chuckled probably picturing how lovely it would be. My bag shook violently again and I almost fell out of my chair.

"What's in the bag little miss sunshine?" Thanos asked while mauling his food.

"None of your business goody two shoes." I hissed slightly hitting my backpack. Eithera only acted like this when there was a new stupid nobody coming. I poked at some ketchup with a fry.

"Shut up Shadow!" Sara hissed down under the table where Shadow was hiding.

I saw the waiter come over and look at Perky oddly. I sorta kicked Shadow away from me then glanced at Sara. "You gonna pay Perky? Or talk to your cat like a mental patient?"

"He started it..." She muttered sulkily then brightened as she looked up at the waiter. "One sec!" She pulled out a small wad of cash from a hidden pocket in her dress. She handed the waiter a hundred munny and then tried to quickly hide the rest of her cash. "Keep the change..." She muttered quickly. She may have tried to hide the amount of munny she had from me but I had caught a glimpse. The waiter walked away without another word.

I hit my bag again and propped my legs up on the table. "So where to next Perky?"

"Ria POV"

I felt like I was floating. Falling down into a dark chasm. Everywhere I looked, I saw darkness. I couldn't breath, it was like every breath was a struggle. My memories were swirling around in my head, reminding me of all the times I had let someone down, of all the times I had failed, of all the people I had left behind.

'Where am I?' I couldn't help, but wonder. It was in my nature. I guess some things never change, even after death.

I was pretty sure I was being punished. It was my fault all those people had died. If I had been faster, if I hadn't let that man open the door, if I hadn't been so weak. Maybe if I had spent more time training, I could have killed all the heartless, and unversed; then all those families wouldn't be mourning for their loved ones.

'Heh, that's funny.' I thought, 'An angel in hell.'

Suddenly, I felt something grab my leg; it started to drag me deeper into the darkness. It felt like vines, except cloaked in some kind of dark mass. Soon, I had several vines wrapped around my body! I let out a scream. There was nothing I could do, I tried to wrench myself free, I tried summoning The Fallen Angel, I tried calling for help, nothing worked. I guess I deserve this. At least it will end my suffering, right?

I closed my eyes. Then, I heard a voice. "Hey, wake up. Open your eyes, Ria." Then, a bright light appeared up ahead. The vines immediately let go of me, and I started to fly upward.

I squinted as I got closer to the light. It was so warm, and almost welcoming. I was glad, but then the feeling quickly left me, why?

I opened my eyes to find myself lying on the ground, in the same position I had fallen when I was attacked. I looked over, and found a young man kneeling next to me. He had piercing green eyes, and bright, spiky, red hair. He seemed concerned.

"Are you alright?" he asked, offering me a hand.

I was about to answer but, then I realized I didn't know. I felt so . . . numb. He watched me closely as he helped me up. I was a little off balance.

"Heh, my name's Lea. You're Ria, right?" he asked. I nodded, that was the only thing I could think to do.

"Alright then. That was easier than I thought" he mumbled, "Come with me." he said extending his hand again.

I looked at him. He seemed sincere. 'What have I got to lose?' I thought to myself. I gently took his hand, and he started to pull me towards a dark portal that wasn't there a few minutes ago. I did not want to go back. Whatever had happened to my feelings didn't seem to matter, as long as I didn't go back in there. "Oh right! You don't have a coat yet." he said, pointing towards the long, black cloak he was wearing. "I guess we'll have to walk." he sighed, smirking. Somehow, I thought he was joking about taking me into that dark portal, but it wasn't funny. It wasn't anything to me anymore. We started walking towards the castle that towered over Radiant Garden. Was this what the rest of my life, or whatever this was, going to be like? Emotionless? Numb? No, I couldn't live like that. . . .

Thank you for reading :D, again, please review. Hopefully we'll have the 4th chapter out soon ;)