Crystalmaiden62 had cake out as Anna and Blair ate.

Crystal: Well, we've made it. We're at the last chapter people. Hard to believe we made it so far since January.

Anna: And it gets a little happier.

Blair: Then goes straight back to depressing again.

Anna: Don't remind me.

Crystal: Anyway, onto the disclaimers!

Disclaimers: I don't own Kingdom Hearts or Disney. I only own Anna, Lunar, and Anna's younger cousins Amy and Amanda. Well, hope you enjoy it and please; no flames.

Chapter 14: Promise

"Anna, come on wake up!" I heard my cousin, Amy yelled as her younger sister, Amanda shake me awake.

"Guys, it's the weekend. Let me sleep in."

"Please, we need help in beating Ansem." Amanda pleaded as I got up.

"How'd you even find my game anyway?"

"We know all your hiding places." Amanda grinned as I sighed. I really need to change my hiding spots.

"You know I'm not playing Kingdom Hearts anymore." I said as Amanda and Amy looked sad.

"But you used to love it." Amy argued.

"Please, Anna?"

"Sorry, I need to get changed." The two girls looked sad and they left my bedroom. It's been three weeks and Christmas is really close. I've stopped playing Kingdom Hearts and I've started ignoring Lunar Wish as best as possible. I haven't taken out my Wayfinder or my pendant from its tin in my drawer. For a while, my mom helps baby-sit my two cousins.

Amy is nine and she's a bit of a bookworm but she likes playing video games with her younger sister, Amanda who is six. Amanda just loves video games in general and drawing characters from her favorite things. They love Kingdom Hearts since the moment I introduced it to them and when they heard I stopped loving it, they've been working hard to get my love back for the game series. Sadly, right now I don't really want to thin about Ven and the others. I still feel guilt and Lunar's presence still made me angry. I still haven't forgotten how she didn't tell me the truth about the limitations of my powers. Maybe my boycott on Kingdom Hearts is just stupid.

"Anna help!" I heard Amy scream. I instantly rushed to the playroom where they were playing to see Amy struggling with the PS2 controller as Amanda watched the screen.

"Really?" I asked, staring at them.

"Anna, help! We're losing!" Amanda cried as Amy paused the battle to look at me.

"Please."

"Alright." I said, taking the controller. It felt good playing the game again after avoiding it for three weeks. I honestly started enjoying playing the game, even though I'm beating up Xehanort's Heartless as Sora. That reminds me; won't I have to return some day to Kingdom Hearts?

Yes you will. I rolled my eyes as I heard Lunar's voice. You know you'll have to talk to me some time. I said I was sorry. I ignored her and finished the battle.

"Wow, you beat him so easily!" Amanda cheered as she hugged me.

"Why did you even stop playing Kingdom Hearts anyway?" Amy asked, as I handed her the controller.

"It's kind of hard to explain." I said getting up and leaving the room to go to my desk, but left the door open to keep an eye on the two kids. "Anyway, what do you want for Christmas? I've only got two more weeks for shopping."

"Can we get that good luck charm Kairi made?" Amanda asked as I stared at them.

"You do realize how hard it is to get that?" I asked, as they looked disappointed.

"Please?" Amanda begged as Amy pouted a little. Oh god, a double pout! I can't resist!

"Alright." I sighed and they squealed. Yeah, those two really are like my sisters if I ever had any. Really, they're nice and I do love them as family but how am I gonna get a good-looking Thalassa shell charm without spending much money? I'm already low on cash thanks to already shopping for my parents, my brother, and my friends.

I can take you back for a bit if you'd like. Lunar offered as I stared at my homework.

"You can do that?" I whispered, Amy and Amanda are near by after all.

Just this once, okay? I think she was smiling as she said this and I nodded.

"Alright, you can send me when Amy and Amanda leave for the library." Yes, the two spend their weekend mornings here to play my games then go to the library to check out books to help them with project or just to read and return back to my place before getting picture up by my aunt and uncle. They usually stay there for an hour or two so maybe I can find some shells. Wait, aren't those shells hard to find? Oh, whatever. Once Amy and Amanda left with my mom, it was the prefect time to go back.

You ready?

"Yes." I closed my eyes and waited for Lunar to return me back. I felt for a second I was floating before I landed softly onto the ground as the sound of the waves hitting the sandy shores and the sound of the wind making some trees rustle. I opened my eyes to find myself on the small island I was gazing at only three weeks ago. The sun was shining and giving a nice warm feeling against my face that had been so used to the cold winter wind. I couldn't feel my glasses on my face and I felt my hair to find it was short again. I was back in the same clothes I left this world three weeks ago. I wonder how many years have passed since I left in this world?

"Come on Riku, Kairi!" I turned to see Sora, Kairi and Riku running from the dock to the secret place at the base of the large tree at the center of the island. With Kairi here, the darkness hit Radiant Garden but they looked older now: maybe seven or eight now. 'Well, at least they're happy.' I thought smiling at them. 'Maybe it was a good thing I ran away from Terra.' I sighed and shook my head.

"That still doesn't make me feel much better!" I ended up screaming out loud and I looked to see a part of aquamarine eyes staring at me. Kairi and Riku had already gone inside the secret place and he stared me. I blushed and ran off. God that was embarrassing! I need to focus: I'm only here to get the shells to make that charm for Amy and Amanda. 'Still, Riku looks so cute as a kid!' I mentally squealed. 'When he get older, he'll….'

Anna, focus! Lunar yelled at me as I winced.

"Your right, how much time do I have before I have to go home?"

About three hours.

"That's prefect, I'll hopefully have enough by then." I said confidently. Sadly, within only an hour, all I could find was one shell out of the ten Thalassa shells I need to make two charms. "I need a lot of luck to get the rest now."

"Are you okay?" I turned to see Kairi standing there. She was wearing a similar dress to that of when she was in Radiant Garden but her hair was a little longer now.

"I just need to find more Thalassa shells." I said as Kairi came to see the only shell I was able to collect.

"Oh so you're making a Thalassa Good Luck Charm then?" Kairi asked as I nodded.

"I'm gonna make two of hem but I'm not good at looking for shells."

"I can help you if you'd like." Kairi said, grinning. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find it." She then ran off leaving me confused.

"What was that all about?" I asked but shook my head. "I don't have time for this. I have less than two hours to find nine more shells." Still even another hour, I check the whole beach and even got into the water to look for the shells on both sides of the island and I couldn't find any. "Man, this sucks. Lunar, can I come back and search some more tomorrow?"

Sorry, I can only give you one trip. Lunar said and I sighed. Yeah, should've guessed. Maybe if I find another shell I can make a necklace for them. I hope they'll be okay with that.

"Hey." I turned to see Riku standing behind me holding a small pouch. "You needed these, right?"

"Huh?" I took it and opened it to see a lot of Thalassa shells. "How did you…?"

"Kairi said you needed them." Riku said looking straight at me. In the dark night as well as my red puffy eyes then; I guess I didn't really couldn't see Riku's aquamarine eyes. They're really pretty, like the ocean waters and just as bright when the sun hits them. "Are you okay?"

"Um… Yeah." I said, turning away with a small blush. I always did like Riku's eyes.

"You're Anna, right?" I stared at him, as he looked serious.

"You remember me?"

"You asked me not to." He said with a nod. "How could I forget? That night, you were crying and you looked really hurt. But you smiled a little and said Sora and I would have an adventure."

"Yeah I did." I sat down on the warm sand looking up at that blue sky that connected every world, even mine. 'Even though we're apart, we're still connected. Right, Ven?' I thought, moving to feel my pocket but sat up.

"What's wrong?"

"My Wayfinder's gone!" I checked my pockets before remembering. I left my Wayfinder in the tin. "That's right, I left it behind."

"At least you know where it is." Riku said as I nodded but I felt bad.

"I'm so stupid." I said hitting myself on the head. Bad idea since it hurts. "I was so angry at myself and something else that I completely forgot something important. And it took me coming back to realize it."

"What's that?"

"Even though my friends are apart: I'm still connected if I think about them." I said, looking at him. "I'm still a little mad at myself but that's not gonna help me get my friends back someday. I did make them a promise to help bring us back together again."

"That reminds me, you didn't say if you'd be with us on our adventure to the outside world." Riku said as I nodded.

"Yeah, I didn't get to finish that day." I said getting up to look at him. "Well, I'll finish it then. I promise I'll come back and join you, Sora, and Kairi on your adventure."

Forty-five more minutes, Anna. Lunar chimed and I jumped a little. Only forty-five minute? And I was just enjoying myself.

"What is it?"

"I only have forty-five minutes left before I have to go back." I said with a sigh.

"Then can I show you something?" I looked at him as he walked to the Secret Place. "Come on."

"Oh, okay." I followed him into the Secret Place and it looked nice. There weren't as many little cave sketches done by the trio but I do see the two little heads Kairi and Sora drew together.

"This is our Secret Place but since you're really special you can draw something before you go." Riku said, a faint pink color on his cheek. It's kind of cute.

"Okay, I think I know what I want to draw. Can you help me?"

"Sure, what do you want me to do?"

"Can you draw you and Sora?"

"Sure." I scratched a rock against the rock wall and started drawing me.

"By the way, why do you look the same as 3 years ago?" Riku asked as I looked up from my work.

"Well, that's my secret I'll tell you another time." I said, I said returning back to work. We worked together for a long time and we finally looked at our handy work. We drew us with Sora and Kairi holding hands. "There, when I come back I'll check this picture again. This'll be the mark of my promise to you and the others."

"And I tell Sora and Kairi?" Riku asked as I nodded.

"If you want to. It's up to you."

Two minutes, Anna. Time to say goodbye. I heard Lunar say and I sighed.

"It's time for me to go home now." I said, standing up and making to leave. "Thanks for letting me draw here, Riku. I have something else to look forward to when I come back."

"When will you be coming back?" Riku asked, not looking at me.

"In a few years but don't worry, I'll probably look similar to what I look like now." I said with a smile. "I want to thank you though. While with you, I think I feel much better than I did the last time I was here." With that the light surrounded me again and Riku stepped back. "Don't forget, I'll come back some day. See you later, Riku." With that I was consumed by the light and fell once again.

Did you enjoy your time, Anna?

"Yep, and I'm sorry for being such a jerk to you." I said, closing my eyes. "You probably had good reasons as to why you didn't tell me the truth. But promise me that you'll tell me everything from now on."

Deal. I smile and helped my pouch of Thalassa shells.

"I feel a little better now anyway." I smiled a little. "I feel like I might have done the right thing, even if it still hurts. I have something to do when I get home."

Okay. I snapped my eyes open to find myself standing in my room, same old clothes, glasses, and hair but with a pouch of Thalassa shells. I instantly went to place them in my tin case for safe keeping, to work on later when…

"Hey Anna. What cha got there?" I turned to see Amy and Amanda standing in the doorway of my bedroom. 'Dang it!' I screamed in my head. 'They must've just got home.'

"Nothing." I grinned, hiding the pouch behind my back but Amanda, being the quick one ran and grabbed it.

"Wow, these shells look so real." Amanda cheered as her sister took on and examined it.

"It feels real, where'd you get it? You can't drive."

"It's hard to explain." I said as the two kids stared at me.

"Come on, please." The two pleaded giving me the puppy dog pout. Damn who ever came up with that!

"Okay, I got it from the Destiny Islands." I said, plainly. The two siblings just stared at me before Amy ran to the door.

"Aunty! Anna hi…."

"No!" I quickly covered her mouth. "I'll tell you guys the truth as long as you don't tell anyone. Promise?" The two nodded and I explained to them I'm the Destiny Keeper, that I have my own keyblade, and that I went through the whole Birth by Sleep game. The two just stared at me, looking both worried and skeptically.

"Anna, are you sure you didn't hit your head?" Amanda asked, feeling my head but I shook my head.

"I can prove it to you." I moved to get my tin and hoped to talk to Lunar for a second. 'Can I show you to them? They're good girls.'

Fine, but if they tell anyone you have to deal with them. Lunar said and I nodded as I pulled out my tin.

"Here look at these." I opened my tin and they examined my pendant and my Wayfinder.

"This is so cool!" Amanda cheered as she held my Wayfinder but her older sister still didn't look convinced.

"You could've just bought it online." She pointed out, folding her arms.

"Well, this I couldn't have bought." I held out my hand and I gripped it to summon Lunar Wish into my hand and Amanda squealed in excitement.

"Oh my god! A real keyblade!" She made to touch it but Amy stopped her.

"Can I hold it?"

"Sure." I placed Lunar Wish down and she took it only to have it reappear in my hand again. "See." She stared at me before a huge grin crossed her face.

"What was it like there?"

"Yeah, tell us everything!" Amanda cheered as the two grabbed my arms.

"Amy, Amanda you need to do your homework. Anna you need to finish your homework." My mom called and the two kids frowned.

"Aw, but we want to hear what happened?" Amanda whined as I smiled at them.

"Tell you what, after we finish our homework I'll tell you some of it."

"Okay." With that, the two dashed off.

"Wow, that was quick." I said, following them out as they ran downstairs to do their homework.

Are you feeling better now, Anna? Lunar asked, as I picked up my Wayfinder and put it in my pocket.

"Yep, it's not as bad as it was before but at least the guilt isn't as bad." I muttered, in case my mom came by. "I'll go back to the Kingdom Hearts universe when I feel I'm ready though."

'But I don't know if I'll ever be ready to look at Sora or Riku again; knowing what'll happen to their friendship during the adventure I promised.' I thought as I returned to my homework. Though I doubt Lunar will let me stay home even if I wanted to. I'll jus have to enjoy it as much as I possibly can.

Even if you don't think of them all the time, your friends and promises will always be there in your unlocked heart, Anna.

To be Continued in Hearts of Darkness

Anna: Well, that was a nice ending filled with some promise.

Blair: Hey, what's this bit?

Crystal: An extra. Oh and I'd like to give a shout out of thanks to extra to Anna Crosszeria! She mentioned this idea and it seemed nice. Sadly, to make it fit. I had to put it in a depressing time so sorry for that but it is kind of funny when reading it. So without further ado, here's the extra!

Extra: Terra and Aqua's Reactions

I landed in front of the Mysterious Tower and walked quickly inside. I really need to know this. I really want to see how they reacted. I walked into Yen Sid's Study, as he looked up at me, a little shocked to see me.

"Anna, I thought you left to say your goodbyes."

"I did but I came back. I just need to ask you two favors." I said as I walked to his desk. "I was wondering if you could see things in the past and project them."

"I can, what would you like to see?" Yen Sid asked, as I started playing with my pendant.

"Well, I sent letters to Terra and Aqua back at the Olympus Coliseum. Do you think I can see their reactions?"

"Oh course." He said with a nod as I raised an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Yes, they are your friends and I'm sure you miss them greatly." Yen Sid said, as I nodded.

"I just wanted to know how they took it. I wrote some funny things in them that I hoped they got." I said as Yen Sid smiled a bit.

"Now then, which would you like to see first?"

"Terra, please." I said and Yen Sid summoned his mystical clouds over his desk again and I saw Terra standing in front of a fallen Zack as confetti fell from the skies.

"You gonna make it?" Terra asked as Zack looked up.

"Yeah, I'm finally free." Zack said, looking happy. "Where is…"

"Gone." Terra said, simply.

"Man, how could I let a guy like him control me? I'll never live it down!" Zack growled, hitting the ground with his fist. "But man, Anna could've warned me ahead of time about this."

"Wait, you know Anna?" Terra asked, helping Zack up.

"Yeah, Anna and Ven are my friends." Zack said, grinning. "Anyway, thanks um…."

"Terra." He said simply.

"So you're Terra, Anna was right on that." Zack said as Terra looked a little shocked. "Thanks, Terra. I'm Zack, and Anna wanted me to give this to you." He handed my letter to him and I watched Terra's face carefully. Terra's expression went from serious, to smiling, before turning a little pink with shock before looking at Zack and the letter again.

"Aqua …" He whispered, looking thoughtful.

"Who's Aqua, your girlfriend?" Zack asked as Terra still held the pink on his cheeks as he shook his head. Aw, Terra's embarrassed. "Yup. Definitely. Terra, you're exactly what I pictured a hero would be. Not the way you look…there's something else about you." But Terra turned his back on Zack, confusing the young man.

"Well, I'm not hero; trust me."

"You kidding? Listen to those cheers, man." Zack pointed out as Terra turned back and looked at the crowd. "You don't decide if you're a hero or not. They do. And they've already made up their mind. Whether you like it or not, you're their hero." He then lightly punched to get Terra's attention. "And mine and I'm sure Anna would say the same thing, too." He then looked a little depressed. "It's too bad. I really wanted to fight you fair and square." Terra just smiled and lightly punched Zack's shoulder to get his attention.

"Maybe someday, Zack." Terra said before turning to leave. "By the way, if you meet a girl named Aqua, say 'hi' to her for me."

"'Kay. And say 'hi' to Anna and Ven the next time you see them for me." Zack said and the scene vanished. I felt a little bad now. I just saw Zack and he vanished. He'll never get that chance to battle with Terra again. In the end, Terra awakened the darkness inside of him and now Xehanort is possessing his body. No, don't think about that! Happy thought!

"Would you like to see Aqua's encounter now?" Yen Sid asked, a little amused as I shook my head to try and rid my mind of any sad thoughts right now.

"Yes." Yen Sid summoned the clouds again and I saw Aqua and Zack walking out of the Coliseum together. Zack looking a little annoyed and Aqua looking at little happier. Probably because she knew Terra resisted the darkness.

"Stupid Hades… next time, I'll put him in his place." Zack said, looking annoyed before snapping out of it.

"I almost forgot," He pulled out my letter to Aqua and handed it to her, "Anna asked me to give this to you."

"Anna? Anna was here?" Aqua asked, shocked by this news.

"Of course, she, Ven, and I are good pals."

"Wait, Ven is with her?" Aqua asked, before reading her letter. She looked serious though most of this before smiling (I'm guessing she got to the part on Terra), and then turning a little pink. Aww!

"Oh yeah!" Aqua looked up at Zack, losing the pink on her cheeks as she stared at the black haired young man in front of her. "You're he champ, we gotta celebrate!"

"That won't really be necessary." Aqua said politely.

"Hmm…" Zack thought a bit, ignoring Aqua. "Say, are you Terra's girlfriend?"

"What? No!" Aqua gasped, blushing brightly.

"Good, then how about one date?"

"Huh?" Aqua gasped again as her blush deepened but turned instantly red after thinking for a second. She must've been thinking about my little P.S. "Oh! You mean… no… I have to leave right away. Besides, I still have so much training to do…"

"Fair enough. And I'm still a work in progress, after all." Zack said, grinning thinking it was about him. "Well, how 'bout this, I become a hero, then we go on a date." I couldn't help but laugh at Aqua's expression. She was all red in the face making her blue hair really stand out.
"I…I can't make any promises." Still, this didn't stop Zack.

"Yes! Great, it's settled. Hero-hood, here I come!" Zack announced and ran off leaving a blushing Aqua and scene faded. Poor Zack, he doesn't know Aqua isn't interested like that but at least she might have a date if we can find Zack when this all ends. But that's unlikely. And Aqua will be trapped, all alone in the Realm of Darkness with no one to talk to. Oh great, now I'm depressed again!

"Are you alright, Master Anna?"

"Don't call me that. I already said I wouldn't accept that title." I said, before sighing. "But yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Master Yen Sid."

"Your welcome. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in this dimension, Anna." I nodded and left the tower quickly. 'I can't cry now. I still have a few more places to go to.' I thought but I can still feel tears falling down my eyes. I ran out and instantly summoned my armor and glider and flew to the next world for my goodbyes. 'Terra, Aqua, I'm sorry for not helping you guys.'

Anna: Good job, Crystal. You made me depressed again.

Blair: Crystal...

Crystal: Sorry! Oh, Anna good news. I'll be working on your sequel story.

Anna: Hearts of Darkness?

Crystal: Yep, so I'll talk a bit about that. Okay?

Anna: Yeah. Thanks.

Crystal: So yes, here's the summary for the next story.

Seven weeks have passed since Anna left Riku with that single promise and her guilt isn't as bad but still there. She's also determined to avoid returning, not prepared to feel the pain she felt like on her last adventure. After being convinced by Lunar to return, she aims to find away to help Riku with dealing with his darkness. But with only rare meetings, locking keyholes, and battling the Heartless; she has to think of a way to save him without using her powers this time.

Crystal: Well, that's it. I hope to have it up this week. I've already got pictures up for Hearts of Darkness on my DeviantArt account if you'd like to look at them. Now about Anna's theme...

Anna: Wait, you gave me a theme?

Crystal: Of course, I had to give you this theme when I heard it. It fits you.

Anna's theme = Armony's theme (Fullmetal Alchemist: Broken Angel)

Crystal: Okay, I feel like I'm cheating by taking a character theme and giving it to Anna but it fits. Anyway, see you next time in Hearts of Darkness!