"Damn, he's heavy…" I said, rolling Sora off of me. Kairi, who had been staring at the wall, came over to help. I could tell from the look in her eyes that she was worried.

"Kairi?" She looked up at me. "There isn't anything to worry about, okay? Riku, Terra, and King Mickey can take care of themselves."

She looked down at Sora and let out a huge sigh. "You're right," she said. "My focus needs to be on Sora now."

I nodded. There was no time for distractions. Even though the three of them could take care of themselves, Vanitas wasn't an opponent to take lightly. All they would be able to do is hold him off until we awoke Ven.

I stood up and looked around the room. It was just as I remembered it: white walls with an upside-down Nobody-like symbol that was pulsing with energy, starting from the chair in the middle of the room through chains that were imprinted on the floor. Aqua was squatted in front of the chair; a single tear could be seen falling off her cheek as the light pulsed from the floor.

"Aqua?" I asked.

She stood up, whipping the tear away. "Bring Sora over here." Kairi and I each took a side and brought Sora over. "Place him in the chair next to Ven."

We did, and then backed up.

"He looks familiar," Kairi said. "Ven, I mean."

He looks like Roxas, I said to myself. "So, what now?"

"I don't know," Aqua said. "I was hoping something would just happen, but I guess not."

Silence fell over us. What do we do now? I asked myself, over and over. I wonder if… That's when it hit me, and it was a hard hit.

Hey Cosmos, Chaos. What's up?

What the hell were you thinking? Locking us out like that! You bastard! Yep, Chaos was pissed.

I don't normally agree with my brother, but he's right. That was dangerous, closing your mind to us. We are in sync with our Keyblades, or did you forget? Cosmos asked.

And, more importantly, transferring our powers to others, even for a short period of time, is extremely dangerous business. Do NOT do it again, or else, Chaos threatened.

I'm really sorry, I said. And you two can yell at me later, but for now we've got a situation.

Cosmos and Chaos, instead of asking me what was going on, scanned my memories from the time I shut them out to now.

So, Sora is unresponsive, Chaos said.

I bet Vanitas cast a 'Shadow' into Sora's heart, Cosmos said.

A 'Shadow'? What's a 'Shadow'? I asked. Wait, didn't we fight one earlier?

Yeah, we did, Chaos answered. 'Shadows' are the result of one casting a portion of their spirit into another's body, fully taking over and transforming that person into the caster.

It is extremely dark and dangerous magic, Cosmos added. Only a being of the most negative energy can use that ability.

I see… So, what do we do? I was getting aggravated. The others wouldn't be able to hold out very long, and Vanitas was definitely out for blood. If we didn't hurry soon, they might be dead.

Only one who can manipulate the heart of other's can open a portal into Sora's heart, responded Cosmos.

Well, can either of you do that?

Nope, Chaos quickly answered. But, she can…

I looked over at Kairi. She can?

Look beyond, they said in unison.

Look…beyond…? I was beyond puzzled. "Hey, Kairi? You know Sora the best out of the three of us. Any ideas as to how we can somehow help him?"

Kairi looked down at the ground, which told me right then that she did. "I think so…" She drifted off.

"What's wrong?" Aqua asked.

Kairi shook her head. "Nothing… It's just…I've never done this before."

"Done what?" I asked.

"Called to her…"

"Who is 'her'?" Aqua asked.

Kairi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then let it out. Her body began glowing. She took a step forward, and then turned around. The energy that had been surrounding her did not follow. Slowly, the energy began to take form. I couldn't believe my eyes.

Is that…?

Yep, the siblings responded.

"Hello…" Kairi greeted, "…Naminé."

Aqua and I exchanged glances; both of us looked like deer in headlights.

"Hello Kairi," she said. She turned her attention to Aqua and me. "Friends of yours?"

"Introductions later," Kairi said. "Sora's hurt."

Naminé walked past me and Aqua over to Sora and Ven, casting a double look at Ven. I could tell exactly what she was thinking of: Roxas. She placed her hand above Sora's heart. "He's fighting a great darkness that has somehow entered his heart."

"Can we help him?" Kairi asked.

"I can open a portal, but it will take time," Naminé answered. Kairi nodded with approval and Naminé began concentrating on opening a portal.

"So, who is she?" Aqua asked.

"She's my Nobody."

"Nobody?"

"Beings with a strong will and spirit who refuse to fade to darkness after their heart has been taken," I answered.

"You had your heart stolen?" Aqua asked Kairi.

"Well—"

"Kairi, will you come here please?" Naminé interrupted.

"Be right there!" she said, somewhat relieved that she could avoid the question.

Aqua looked at me. "You know, don't you?" I nodded. "Will you tell me?"

"When Destiny Islands was overrun by Heartless, Kairi sealed her heart within Sora to protect it. When Sora released Kairi's heart, he became a Heartless. However, with Kairi's help, Sora was able to return to normal very quickly. However, due to Sora releasing Kairi's heart and opening his up to darkness, he formed two Nobodies: Roxas and Naminé. That is why Naminé has some power over Sora," I said. "I don't think Kairi wanted to say anything cause she partly blames herself for all the troubles Sora's been through."

"I see," Aqua stated. "So, that's how Naminé could open Sora's heart."

I nodded. "You still have more questions."

"Yeah, I do," she sighed. "Ansem told me some things, but wasn't really able to tell me much…"

"I'm surprised he survived the explosion…" I thoughtlessly mumbled.

"What?" Aqua asked. But, before I could respond Kairi waved towards us.

"It's ready!" Kairi shouted. "We can enter into Sora's heart!"