A/N: hey guys, sorry i haven't been updating so i decided to make this chapter extra long. This is my first chapter to have +4,000 words which is a record for me. I added some elements from the Megaman X series and put in the different Armors X uses. This chapter will initialize as follows: Hints of CP( Cappy and Penelope), Hints of SP (Stan and Pashmina), OP (Oxnard and Pepper), SM (Sandy and Maxwell), and last, but not least HB (Hamtaro and Bijou). Hope you enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hamtaro, elements of Kingdom Hearts, or Megaman X. They belong to their owners of Capcom, Square-Enix, and Osamu Nabeshima.

The Light Bringer

Chapter 4: Arrival of Darkness

The Ham-Hams have made it to the mall and everywhere they looked seemed very much lively. The mall was pretty big, almost as big as the King of Prussia mall in PA. The mall was divided into two sections; the second section was the bigger part so they decided to go to the second section first and end it half-way through the first. They all had their partners and decided to split up and meet in the food court which was located in the second section. Everyone agreed to meet there in about 2-4 hours and then would leave. Everyone split up and went to their designated area.

Cappy and Penelope

The younger Ham-Hams decided to go to the toy stores to check out the latest in toy ware. Penelope always liked to play with her many dolls and doll houses they would have. Cappy would always go to the section of costumes because there would always be hats to try out. It was never because his pan hat was old; he just wanted to try something different for a change. Sometimes he would poise for Penelope to survey if his hat was a good choice or not. She was always helpful with picking out the best hat out of all.

"Hey Penelope, what about this one?" asked Cappy. All she did was smile of her approval.

"Thanks, now all I need is a hat bigger then my head…" while Cappy browsed over the hats, Penelope could not help, but to see how cute Cappy looked with all his hats. The very thought made her blush a little, but Cappy being Cappy was oblivious to the fact.

Howdy and Dexter

Howdy and Dexter were looking for something that would impress Pashmina which is something they have tried to succeed in, but time and time again have failed, however, where they fail, they can grow stronger and better…or so they thought. Every time they failed, they try to come up with a better gift then before, but even then they still were not successful. If anything, they have not moved from just being friends with her, but something was amiss. They noticed that Stan has been hanging out with her, very often as well. At first they thought it was just a friendly get together, but then she would always become flustered and nervous around him. Every time he would come to close contact with her, she would always show signs of a pink shade on her face. They thought it looked cute, yes, but why was it always when he was around? Something had to be up.

"Alright, I think its time we put our differences aside and found out whats going on between Stan and Pashmina" proposed Dexter.

"That's fine, I am suspicious myself. Stan is becoming to close with her…" speculated Howdy

"First we find an appropriate gift for my beloved Pashmina and then we go and follow Pashmina and Stan" said Dexter

"Yes, let us go get a gift for your Pashmina and…wait a second…" trailed off Howdy

"What? What no-" Dexter was interrupted

"OBJECTION!" yelled Howdy as Dexter stepped back in shock

"Yes, Howdy…?"

"I was thinking about something to say while I objected to you…I didn't come up with anything" sweat dropped Howdy.

"Oh…very well, then –" Dexter was interrupted again.

"OBJECTION!" yelled Howdy again.

"What now?" asked an angry Dexter

"You said 'you're Pashmina'. How is she your? She is mine" retorted Howdy.

"Oh, please. Why you? I have a way better chance then you do" countered Dexter

"Oh yeah!" yelled Howdy

"Yeah!" responded Dexter

"Oh yeah!"

"Yeah!"

"Oh yeah!"

"Yeah!"

"Oh yeah!"

"Yeah!"

Yeah, let's move on now.

Oxnard and Pepper

Oxnard and Pepper decided to go to the food court since both of them were "coincidently" hungry and wanted to grab a quick bite to eat before they continue. The food court had many selections from Burger Ham King (Burger King), McHams (McDonalds), Hamway (Subway), Papa Hams (Papa Johns), Chinese King Ham Buffet (Chinese King Buffet), and Taco Ham (Taco Bell).

"Well, what would like to eat, I have no preferences" asked Oxnard

"Well, what is a good place to eat at?" asked Pepper

"Well, I have been to Burger Ham King a lot of times since it is an awesome place to have burgers, but Hamway is the best place to eat a lot, and maintain your diet. Chinese Ham King Buffet has a wide selection of Chinese foods, Taco Ham makes some good Tacos and Papa Hams makes the world's greatest Pizza, while McHams is ok, but not as good as Burger Ham King" Oxnard was surprised he could be so descriptive, but then again it was food so it makes sense.

"Anything you like, I only came here to spend time with you" she said innocently while Oxnard blushed deep red when she said that, more so because her innocent voice sounds very cute.

"Well, let's go to the Chinese Ham King Buffet" said Oxnard as he led Pepper to some good ol' Chinese Food.

Stan and Pashmina

Stan and Pashmina were hanging out at the Aquarium near the center spot in the second section of the mall. They have been talking about anything that came to mind, but one subject that stuck out was the problem Pashmina was currently trying to deal with and that was the feud between Howdy and Dexter. They have tried countless times to try and get her attention, but right now she is not really focused on any relationships. Stan understood completely and tried to help out in her situation.

"Hey I got an idea, why don't I 'pretend' to be your boyfriend and trick Howdy and Dexter into thinking that you were already in a relationship, but did not want to hurt them by showing it?" proposed Stan.

"I don't know, won't that be like we are a couple?" asked a skeptic Pashmina.

"That's the thing, it's only pretend. Once they give up on you, we will pretend to break-up even though we never went out, what do you say?" asked Stan.

"…I guess there is no way to avoid it…I'm in"

"Great, when will you like to start?"

"Tomorrow when all the Ham-Hams arrive"

"Great, this should be interesting"

Pashmina had not noticed, but deep down inside she was extremely excited to do this, though part of her wished this "pretend" dating thing was real. Maybe some day she will have the chance and she would take it without a second thought.

Maxwell and Sandy

Maxwell and Sandy went off to the book store to find some books for Maxwell and as well as finding books that have to do with any new gymnastic tricks that Sandy can try out. Throughout the searching, the two Ham-Hams where talking about everyday life and well certain interests. Sandy briefly mentioned about spending more time with Maxwell and maybe even going out with him.

"Well, that depends, are you ready to be in a relationship?" asked Maxwell.

"That's the thing, I am not so sure myself" said Sandy.

"Tell me, is this what you want?" asked Maxwell going closer to her.

"…I would want nothing more then to make it happen" she said as she looked up to meet Maxwell's face.

"So you wish it, so let it be so" he said and he planted a soft kiss on her waiting lips for a brief moment while Sandy relished the; oh so lovely feeling of being loved back by the one you love.

Panda and Boss

Panda and Boss where wondering around the mall looking for a something to impress Bijou with. Panda was starting to get bored because Boss was so indecisive that it took all the time it had just to choose a darn gift.

"Come on Boss, just choose something" said an annoyed Panda

"Keep your sunflower seeds, it takes time to find a beautiful present for a beautiful girl like my Bijou" said a confidant Boss.

"Since when was she yours?"

"Since she has been in the club of the Ham-Hams!" countered Boss

"But you did not even ask her out yet, and if I were you, I would do it soon or someone like Stan might beat you to it or worse, she will fall for someone else" explained Panda.

"She wouldn't do that, I know her too well. Who will she fall for other then me? Hamtaro? Hahahaha…that is a good one. He is my best friend and he would never turn on me" spoke Boss.

"It could be anyone and if you don't act soon she will be taken"

"No worries, I will get to her before you know it" and with that the two friends went to find a present for the next few minutes…hopefully finding an idea for a gift anytime soon or at least till they leave.

Panda was having a hard time trying to figure out how Boss was going to get with Bijou. Now that he thought back, Boss never really had almost no romantic moments at all with her. Sure he tried (but failed if it wasn't for Hamtaro) to sing a song the first time the two meet and when Boss had invited Bijou to join the clubhouse to which he actually cleaned it so it wasn't dirty for her which she was eternally grateful for. He tried to remember more, but could not think about any other moment.

Now with Hamtaro; the first time was when Hamtaro had saved Boss by coming up with a last minute song for Bijou, sure she gave Boss, Hamtaro, and Oxnard some sunflower seeds, but when Boss was slightly distracted, Hamtaro looked over to Bijou and she winked at him, signaling a crush has been developed. Another time occurred when Boss was trying to invite her over; it took all the courage of Hamtaro that had finally convinced Bijou to even consider going with him and his friends, afterwards he complimented Bijou's ribbons saying that they make her stand out of the rest. When Panda heard this, he never once saw Bijou forget her ribbons ever again. The last recent thing he remembered was when Hamtaro had accidently borrowed Bijou's ribbons with out permission and had deeply upset her. Hamtaro then resolved to find some acorns for Bijou to make up for it. Unfortunately he ended up hurting himself to which Bijou conveniently came to the rescue and used one of her now "prized" ribbons to patch up his hurt foot. Afterwards the two Hams walked back home, hand-in-hand no less. Now that Panda thought of it; many of the moments Boss had with Bijou would have unlikely happened if it wasn't for Hamtaro and it also had been rewarding to him. The reasons he thought of explains why Boss must hurry up and get this over with soon. It wasn't that it was impossible by this point for Boss to get with Bijou, it's just that looking at it logically: Hamtaro has a huge advantage that completely out-weighs Boss's chances; the only thing he could do is hope for the best.

Hamtaro and Bijou (At last)

Hamtaro and Bijou where at the gift shop looking at the greatly decorated ribbons; Hamtaro had known Bijou enough to know that she is a big fan of ribbons and thought about buying one for her. He did not know why, but he was more then willing to get her anything, including the ribbons that where on sell. He decided to browse the selection and try and choose one for her even though he was not one for doing this kind of thing. He was more of a brave soul with the purpose to protect his friends; he could not stress that enough and found out that he has a knack on fighting with opponents his size or maybe even bigger.

As they were looking for decent ribbons, Hamtaro came across a blue one with orange strips.

"Hey Bijou, how does this one look?" asked Hamtaro

"Oh, it looks very beautiful, I zon't have preferences except zhat they must be colorful and it makes it hard to choose" said Bijou as she went to remove her blue ribbons and try on the ones Hamtaro selected. After she was done she asked Hamtaro how they looked.

"I think they look great. I mean your blue ones look good, but these also have their own way to make people notice you and make you stand out" commented Hamtaro which caused Bijou's face so have a shade of pink.

"Thank you, it means a lot too me. Zince you think they look good, I will buy zhem"

"Hey anything looks good on you" this only made Bijou's face to become redder. After they bought the new ribbons, they decided to take a rest on a bench in front of a huge water fountain. They have been having fun and talking about many things until Hamtaro decided to bring up what he said he would tell her in private.

"Listen Bijou, remember I said I wanted to talk about something with you in private" said Hamtaro a tad nervously.

"Oh yes, what was it you wanted to tell me?" asked Bijou.

"Well, I am trying to find a good way to put it. It's just that, ever since I got these new powers, I have been seeing the world in a different view, one that is matured and easier to understand. I also have vowed to be more trustful to my heart" said Hamtaro as he reached for his heart. Bijou was listening intently through his speech.

"What are you trying to say Hamtaro?" asked Bijou as she went to face directly at him.

"Well, when I am near you, I have these feelings that I have never experienced before, they are not bad feelings and I welcome the feeling. You make me feel like there is nothing else I need in this world. I feel like I can do just about anything when you are near me, and this makes me develop more bravery. I also get flustered when I try to talk with you and become overwhelmed by nervousness" said Hamtaro practically pouring his heart out to her. Listening to his proclamation, Bijou slightly started to tear of all the good things he was revealing to her.

"…Hamtaro…are you saying…?" she trailed off as she wanted him to finish her answer.

"What I am trying to say is…Bijou …I…" Hamtaro started.

"Yes…?" she urged him to go on.

"Bijou…I…l-l-o…I…" Hamtaro was having much more trouble then he thought and this was nerve wrecking for him.

"Hamtaro just say it…" he was so close, just a little more of pushing. Hamtaro took a huge breath in and out and went to hold both of Bijou's hands signaling he was prepared.

"Bijou, I lo-"

"Hey guys whats up?" interrupted a voice which caused Hamtaro to jump back in surprise and feel on his back comically.

"What was that?" asked Hamtaro rubbing the back of his head as he looked up and saw Oxnard and Pepper.

"Sorry if we interrupted something" said the both of them.

'Actually you DID interrupt something' both Hamtaro and Bijou screamed mentally and with forced smiles.

"No trouble at all Oxnard, why what's wrong?" asked Hamtaro trying to calm himself down, Bijou having no different results.

"Well, we thought since we were done we would go find the other Ham-Hams and we found you" said Pepper.

'Lucky us' thought Hamtaro and Bijou.

"Well, what know?" asked Oxnard. The four Ham-Ham where at a loss and could not think of anything. Unknown to them a shadow was lingering in the top floor apparently looking for something. He went to the railing and spotted Hamtaro and his friends.

"Oh my god, its Hamtaro, hope he doesn't hear me…" said the shadow.

"Did you hear that?" asked Oxnard.

"Yeah, it sounded like 'oh my god, its Hamtaro'" said Hamtaro.

"Oh man, well at least he can't see me…" said the shadow.

"Hey look, who is that guy wearing that mysterious black cape?" said Hamtaro pointing up to the top floor.

"Oh man" said the shadow as he warped and appeared in front of Hamtaro and his friends.

"Nice try Hamtaro, but you will never get any information from me about a dark organization plotting against you, NEVER!" said the random shadow.

"What a minute, there is a dark organization plotting against me?" asked Hamtaro.

"Ahh! Tricky little beast, you got me to reveal information" whined the caped crusader.

"What are you talking about?" asked Hamtaro, while everyone else sweat-dropped at the situation.

"Well, whatever, you can't catch what you can't see" said the shadow as he disappeared and reappeared somewhere else.

"Hah, another successful evasion. I'd say I have done-" before he could celebrate he actually warped not that far (Only like 6 feet away) from Hamtaro's group. He kept doing his warp about five more times till Hamtaro could not take it anymore.

"Alright, I had about enough of this" he said as he quickly summoned his "Lost Memories" Keyblade and waited till the shadow appeared again. When he did, Hamtaro used all his strength to send him flying out of the mall.

"Much better" said Hamtaro.

"Shouldn't you have questioned him? He would have spilled some information about this 'dark organization'" commented Oxnard.

"Aw man, hey wait, since when did you come up with ideas" asked Hamtaro.

"Hey look it's a butterfly" said Bijou randomly.

"WHERE?" yelled Oxnard as he left to chase it while the others laughed.

When they where all called back to go home, they all meet in the center of the mall to leave.

"Ok guys time to move out, but Bijou I would like to talk to you for a minute" said Boss. Bijou thinking it would be harmless went to Boss.

"Yes Boss, what is it?" asked Bijou.

"Well, there is no easy way to say this, but I got this for you" said Boss. Bijou looked into the gift he bought her; it was a set of brown with light tan ribbons.

"Well…um…thanks Boss…these look great" said Bijou uneasily. They looked a little bit out of fashion and she has more of a colorful preference and never the dull colors.

"There is also something else, Bijou…I…" Boss like Hamtaro before was becoming flustered about asking her out. Before he could however, Hamtaro was having a strange feeling and it was a bad one. He looked around to make sure he was only imagining it, but he could not seem to get rid of this uneasy aura that was filled around him. Finally the feeling hit in a flash when the glass screen from the top of mall had broken through revealing a large cat, but this cat was different from the ones Hamtaro had faced. This one seemed to have black and purple like colors covering it and it had a strange symbol on its chest. The cat itself had some darkness leaking out of its feet.

"Guys get back, I got this" said Hamtaro as he once again summoned his "Lost Memories" Keyblade ready to strike. The cat had charged at Hamtaro at great speeds, but he was able to dodge it with ground dash, but as soon as the he recovered he was being charged at again and again. Hamtaro had almost no time to react and each time the cat charged it was getting faster and faster. Hamtaro was starting to get exhausted until the cat managed to land a hit, the cat spoke.

"So this is the power that the great keyblade wielder has?" asked the cat

"Heh, you seem confident about your power" mused Hamtaro.

"Coming from someone who is losing, I wouldn't be talking. Once I am through with you, your friends are next" to this Hamtaro had a mad face on.

"Don't you even DARE to touch a hair on them" threatened Hamtaro.

"Hah! What are you going to do about it" said the cat as it disappeared and repapered behind him and land a good blow on him. The attack caused some space to be presented between Hamtaro and the dark cat.

"Hmm, maybe I should start with your friends first" said the cat darkly.

"No, stop, this is between you and me, leave them out of this!" yelled Hamtaro.

"And what are you going to do about it?" retorted the cat as he prepared his claws to strike the Ham-Hams who where stricken with fear.

"No…no…no…please…don't" said Hamtaro desperately.

"Say goodbye" said the cat as he raised his claw.

"NNNNNOOOOOOO!" yelled Hamtaro as his Keyblade shined a strong light which covered the whole center of the mall and blind the cat rendering it immobile and making the other Hamsters pass out. The light started to dissipate little be little as it formed around Hamtaro with a new look. He was completely covered in an abstract red, yellow, blue and green metal armor.

"Wha-what it this?" asked Hamtaro.

"You have gained a new power developed from your light" said a familiar voice.

"This new armor, what does it do light?" asked Hamtaro.

"It is one of many special armors called the 'Force Armor'. It can increase your special weapons capacity meaning you can fire special charge beams with the buster ability, while also using less energy. You can also 'Air Dash' which is like hovering and double jump. Then there is the 'Plasma Shot' which when fired, if and when it comes into contact with the target it leaves damaging orbs in its wake. Finally there is the all powerful 'Nova Strike' which is a rushing, invincible, damage-inducing attack. The armor itself cuts your damage in half." explained the light. Hamtaro was shell-shocked and could not form words to describe what he feels.

"Go Hamtaro, your friends are waiting" said the light as it disappeared. With that Hamtaro took the battle stance and charged at the cat. The cat smirked as he disappeared and appeared behind Hamtaro, but as the cat landed a hit, Hamtaro as able to catch it and fully swing the cat in a Judo-style flip.

"H-H-How did you do that?" asked the cat clearly shocked.

"This is the power of the heart that wants to save his friends" said Hamtaro as he prepared for the last strike.

"NOVA STRIKE!"

Hamtaro speed through and hit the cat with all he got and it went flying right to the furthest wall and just as the cat hit the wall, he started to fade back to the dark from where it came from. After that he went over to his friends who just woke up.

"Huh, what happened?" they all asked. By then Hamtaro had reverted back to his self again.

"Nothing, say lets go back home" with that they all made it back home, completely ignoring the damage that was done in the mall. After saying their good-byes at the clubhouse, Hamtaro offered to walk Bijou home, she accepted. As they reached Bijou's window, she turned back to Hamtaro.

"Hamtaro, what was it you were going to ask me at the mall?" asked Bijou. Hamtaro had almost forgotten about that, boy did he feel stupid.

"Right, anyway since there is no other way…Bijou I…" oh boy here we go again.

'You can do it Hamtaro' thought Bijou.

"Oh I can't say it" said Hamtaro giving up. Bijou felt highly disappointed.

"Its ok Hamtaro" she said as she turned to go to her cage, she felt something grab her arm…Hamtaro.

"Hamtaro…?" she said as she turned she came in close contact with Hamtaro with their faces merely inches apart.

"Just because I can't say it, doesn't mean I can't show it" he said as he softly pressed his lips against her and a very delicate kiss. This had her completely surprised and totally unprepared, however, because she had a crush on him for awhile now (which the crush had only become stronger to a point of love and admiration) she returned the kiss back to him and juts as strong. They remained locked lip for a few more seconds as they reluctantly separated for some air.

"How was that Bijou?" asked Hamtaro.

"Zhat was the best first kiss I have ever had" she said dreamily as she and Hamtaro leaned in for yet another heated kiss. They separated once again.

"Before I leave I want to tell you something" Hamtaro said in a low voice.

"Yes…?" asked Bijou with the same low tone voice

"…I love you Bijou" said Hamtaro with a passion. This made Bijou's heart flutter and make 10 leaps into the air; this was by far the best day ever for her. The one she had a crush on for all this time, had finally reciprocated her feelings and could not feel better.

"I love you too Hamtaro, oh zo very much, I could not settle for anyone other zhen you" she said with equal passion as they hugged each, after which Hamtaro heading straight home. When he got there he looked up to the moon once again to bask its beauty once more before saying to himself.

"You did good Hamtaro old boy, you did good" he said as he prepared for another eventful day and the first day with him and Bijou together at last.

Well, that concludes the chapter. Trust me it is not over, i know it sounds like an ending, but it is not. There is still the 'dark organization' trying to harm Hamtaro and his friends. Well, hope you liked the chapter. See you soon.