Kingdom Hearts: Re:chain of Days

Chapter 16

Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts.

Warning: Spoilers for Birth by Sleep and Re: Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days.

Note: I'm cutting the rest 100 Acre Wood in half because that is mostly a filler world. (Not that the other weren't but this was a time waster) and on another note, with the Castle Oblivion Arch soon coming to a close, I would like to hear some ideas and or suggestions for What Aqua, should do in the rest of the Days arch.

The foursome return from Atlantica. And come out into the eighth exit hall. Sora sees Riku and gasps. He then runs to Riku but before Sora could even speak. " can't you even take the hint. I told you to go home." Said Riku.

Sora shook his head, "No, not until I rescue you 'n Naminé." He declared. Riku gave Sora a mean expression, "I don't remember ever asking you to rescue me."

Sora's blue eyes widening "Did you forget? Kairi's there back at the islands waiting for us all to come home" Sora gesturing to Riku and Aqua.

Riku sighed, "No, you're the one who forgot. I told you at Kingdom Hearts when we closed the door... "Take care of Kairi." and did you do that, no you didn't" Sora gasps and looks down. "Give it up. I'm not going back to the islands, for anything." Riku then said.

"Come on Sora, you know it in your heart that is isn't Riku" Aqua speaking in her mind.

Sora shook his head 'no' "It's not just for Kairi! What about the rest?" he asked Riku. Riku merely shrugging his shoulders "You can have those losers. I already forgot 'em."

Sora held a fist, "That's enough!" he shouted out. Sora summons his Keyblade.

Riku laughed, "What about you, Sora? Do you actually remember what they all look like?" "Of course I remember..." cutting himself off trying to think of his family and friends back home but he couldn't. Sora looks down, Riku laughs again "Don't feel bad. That's what this castle does to you" he then said.

Aqua kept her eyes on the imposter, it was a time like this that she wished she wasn't playing the memory mixed-up mentor. She wanted a one on one with this fake.

"after a while. It's good. You forget all the useless stuff and remember for the first time what really matters. I remembered it, Sora. I now know the one thing that is most important to me. Protecting Naminé. Nothing else matters; Not a thing." Riku finishing talking.

Sora looks at Riku and remembers when the two of them used to fight using wooden swords.

Sora looking to his best friend "Hey...Riku... I think I'll jog your memory." He told him. Sora readies his Keyblade. Riku snickers and summons his Soul Eater. "Go ahead and try." Replied the silver haired boy.

Donald and Goofy tried to join the battle but Aqua had stopped them, She told them, this was something Sora needed to do and see for himself.

Sora and Riku battle. After the battle, Riku lays on foot on the ground, defeated. He uses his weapon to get up. "Hmph. Too bad, Sora. You can fight me all you want, but I still won't remember a thing."

"Which is even more proof that you're not Riku" Aqua again speaking in her head. "C'mon Riku, Let's quit fighting and go help Naminé". Pleaded Sora.

Riku gave Sora another odd mean facial expression. "Together right. So like you Sora, you're always trying to worm your way into my heart!" spoke Riku as he held his weapon to Sora's neck. again Aqua held Donald and Goofy back.

Sora was confused "Hold on! When did I ever do that?"he asked Riku. "Hmph, you forgot that, too? You never cared. It never mattered to you!" Riku runs away into the next floor.

"You won't push us away, Riku" declared Sora.

The foursome leaves the Exit Hall.

Axel coming into the white room, using the corridor of darkness. He see's Naminé and smirks as he goes over to her.

"Does it hurt, Naminé? Watching your two childhood friends fight all because of you? You have my sympathies. From the heart."

Naminé picks her head up and looks angrily at Axel. "But don't waste your time. We Nobodies can never hope to be somebodies."

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy enter the Ninth Floor. Sora has his head down and Donald and Goofy look at each other, worried. Sora began talking "I don't get it. Riku and I; we both want the same thing. Both of us want to help Naminé out. How come we're fighting each other? I mean, Riku and I have argued about stuff in the past, but..."

"Sora, it maybe Riku is just so confused over everything. Don't forget Sora what nearly happened to him with Ansem-Xehanort. And being in this castle isn't working so well with him mentally that is," Aqua lied to Sora. she knew that wasn't the true Riku, she felt it in her heart but a white lie sometimes ease's the worriment Sora was dealing with. Sora didn't reply back to that. "Just think on it Sora, it'll do you a world of good." She then said.

"Could be 'cause ya care what happens to each other." Goofy then said. Donald nods in agreement.

"Hm... I really thought so, too, but...maybe Riku doesn't..." concluded Sora.

"You can't give up. You're friends, tied together. Sora, Riku, and... And... What was her name?" Goofy thinks but comes up with nothing.

"Hm. It seems our memories are fading mighty fast. Sora, we gotta hurry. Bet Riku will come around if you just talk to him." Said Jiminy as he popped out.

"You're right. We three were never apart. Me 'n Riku and Naminé."

"And Kairi, she's waiting for all of you," Aqua reminding Sora of the red head. "two can play this game." Decided Aqua.

"yeah, Kairi too, and all four us will be together again."

Sora holds up the 100 Acre Wood card to the door, as the foursome enter.

"Wait, where are Donald and Goofy?" Sora asked Aqua, "Sora, they weren't with us when we went to 100 Acre Wood." she replied. "it's like that hooded man said back in traverse town." She added.

"Oh, I get it, now" Sora then said. He and Aqua come to Winnie the Pooh's house, and they find Pooh bear sitting on a log. "What's wrong, little fella?" asked Aqua.

"I'm looking for my friends." Responded the honey loving bear. Sora raised an eyebrow "Are they around here? It looks like nobody's here." He said.

Pooh looking around "Oh. Then perhaps I'm looking for nobody."

Aqua was little puzzled, "You're looking for nobody?" "Figures, even the Winnie in this world is just as confusing." Thought Aqua despite the fact a tiny smile crept it's way on to Aqua's face.

Pooh looking to Aqua "I suppose I must be. But, they don't seem to be anywhere." The small bear starts rubbing his tummy. "And all this searching is making my tummy rumble. Hmm...I wonder if there's any honey about. Oh, but if I stop to eat, I shall first have to stop searching." Said Winnie the pooh.

"Same old Pooh bear," Aqua muttered to herself.

"Why don't we look for your friends together?" Sora suggested to the honey obsessed bear. "For nobody, you mean?" said Winnie.

Sora sits down on the log next to Winnie the Pooh. "No, for your friends. They might be around here. Let's find them together." said Sora. Aqua could really see what those encounters with the fake Riku were doing to Sora. it made Aqua feel like she failed as his Master and friend, a feeling she knew all too well.

"Oh, are you looking for my friends, too?" asked Pooh Bear. Sora shook his head."No, but I'm looking for some friends of my own." Sora mentioned to Winnie.

Pooh then Asking Sora "And are they friends who know my friends?"

Sora gave a small smile to the bear "I'm not sure, Pooh". Sora gets up from the log "But I know what it's like to miss your friends. So why don't we look for them together?" Sora said to him.

"Sora, I'm sorry having to put you through this" Aqua whispered to herself.

"I'd like that, Sora." smiled Winnie the Pooh. Sora walks behind Pooh's house. Sora notices something on the ground. "Huh?" went Sora.

Piglet is hiding behind one of the bushes. When he looks out he sees Sora and is scared. When Sora notices him and walks to him, he runs behind another bush. Sora finds Piglet behind one of the bushes.

"Ooooh! Oh no! Oh, dear! Don't mind me." Spoke the scared out of his mind, piglet.

"Are you friend of Pooh?" Aqua asked the shaking piglet. The small pink creature didn't answer her. "So you're not Pooh's friend?" Sora then said.

The small animal began to speak but he was so shaken "Well, I... Um... I mean, I'm not-not Pooh's friend... I'm..." Pooh walks over to them. "Why, hello there, Piglet." Sora looked at his master for a moment. "yes, there friends" she told Sora; while he me an 'Oh' expression.

Piglet seemed to have calmed down once he saw Winnie the pooh. "Oh! It's you, Pooh! I'm so relieved... I finally found someone!" but he was still talking like a nervous wreck. "I got separated from the others. And I was so worried, I didn't know what to do." Spoke Piglet

Sora leaning over to Aqua and Whispered "That doesn't explain why he's still so fidgety." Aqua elbowing Sora into his side to 'keep quiet' Sora muttering a muffled "Ow, what are you the bionic woman?" she ignored him.

Pooh and Piglet were oblivious to what occurred "Piglet, why don't you come with us to look for the rest of our friends?" Again Piglet was ball of nervousness."What? Oh my, I don't know... Ohh... What should I do..." Piglet asking either himself or Winnie the pooh.

Sora shrugging his shoulders "Guess he doesn't want to come." Said the island boy. Aqua, Sora and Pooh start to walk away.

"Wait! Please!" Piglet cried out, Winnie turning around to face his small pink friend. "Have you decided to join us, Piglet?" asking his small friend.

"Well, no. I'm... I'm still thinking" answered the stuttering Piglet "But before you got here, I found something strange in the shrubs... I thought it might help you to find everyone else..." Sora remembers the Confuse spell.

Afterword; Aqua, Sora and Pooh go through Rabbit's garden and are about to leave when a pumpkin rolls down the path.

"Watch out!" screamed Sora; Sora jumps out of the way as Aqua double jumps into the air to avoid the pumpkin but the pumpkin hits Pooh, and he rolls back through the gate. Pooh gets up and Sora walks to the gate.

"That was close! Are you okay, Pooh?" Sora asked the bear. Aqua lands on the ground nearly stumbling on her two feet.

Pooh nodding his head "Yes...I seem to be." "So where did that pumpkin come from?" Sora asked. Aqua whom was looking around the area, she spots a running figure. "I think we're about to find out."

"Yoo-hoo!" Rabbit appears from the end of the path, and he walks over to Sora, Aqua and Pooh are.

"Hello, Rabbit." Greeted Winnie the pooh. "Oh Pooh, I'm glad you're here! Would you help me sort the vegetables from my garden?" spoke Rabbit, not even giving Pooh, a hello.

"So the pumpkin was yours.." Sora said to Rabbit, Sora talks to Rabbit, While Aqua is merely walking around the area. It gave her the temptation of sitting by the tree and taking a ling nap. Aqua yawned, "I'm so tired" she muttered to herself. it didn't matter how many cure spells or potions she used, they really couldn't replenish her completely the keyblade master felt drained physically, mentally and emotionally. Aqua could actually feel the weight of the bags under her eyes, that's how tired she was.

"Do you want to help sort the vegetables?" asked Rabbit.

"Sure, I'll help!" said Sora, turning to his master wanting to see if she wanted to help too. She gave him a look that said 'No'

So only Sora and Pooh helps Rabbit sort his vegetables, which took quite some time, While Aqua was laying her back against a tree, getting some much needed rest.

"Thank you for the help. Please take this, won't you?" said a grateful Rabbit. Sora re-learns Cross-slash+. Eventually Sora and Pooh leave the Garden, Sora goes over to Aqua to see if she's ready to go but however the bluenette master was out like a light. The longer Sora looked at his mentor, the more he didn't want to disturb her.

"She's already done so much for me in this castle, and to thank her, I'll help this world myself" thought Sora. "Don't worry, Master Aqua. I got this one" Sora said to a sleeping Aqua.

Sora spent most of his time helping Winnie the pooh and his friend and in return he remembered more magic spells and fighting tactics along the way. and now Sora found himself , in front of his sleeping Master. With a hand on her shoulder he slightly shook her. "Master Aqua, wake up!" Said Sora, the bluenette finally stirring awake.

Aqua woke up, the first thing she saw was Sora's face up-close, which caused her to lean back. "I fell asleep, didn't I?" she asked Sora. "Yeah, but it's okay, I took care of everything, nothing dramatic happened, no heartless or anything" Sora told her.

Aqua groaned, "Still, I feel bad about it." Sora shook his head, "Don't be, you needed rest, you work your self too hard, Master protecting and taking care of everyone" said Sora. Aqua couldn't reply to that because it was true. "it's time someone take care of you" Sora then spoke.

Despite the current circumstances, Aqua smiled her real smile, "When did you grow up?" she asked Sora. "I don't know" he replied before turning his attention back to Winnie. Aqua getting up from her position. She groaned as she moved her still sleeping muscles. Aqua actually feeling much better then she was before.

Pooh sits down on the grass "Whew... I've walked so far, I think I need a little rest. If only I had a honey pot to keep me company" "... Well, we'd better be going." Sora told Pooh Bear.

Pooh looking at the duo "Where to?"

Sora answering with "To look for my friends".

Pooh looked like he was about to get up "Then I shall help you look for them, too."

Sora smiled "That's okay, Pooh. You should stay here."

Pooh looked a little stunned "You mean...this is goodbye?"

Sora replying" No way! I'll always know where to find you." Sora then thought "If I don't forget..."

Pooh gets up "Don't worry, Sora. You can count on me. Even if you forget Winnie the Pooh, I won't forget you."

"Thanks, Pooh."

Sora receives a Bambi card from Pooh. Aqua and Sora leaves the 100 Acre Wood. Aqua Sora, Donald, and Goofy are reunited and enter the ninth Floor Exit Hall.

They look around for Riku but he isn't there "Where'd Riku go?" asked Donald. "Good question" Aqua responded.

Goofy to Sora "Guess he must've finally got tired of fighting' with ya."

Sora sighed "I sure hope so."

They leave the Exit Hall.

Axel, Larxene and Vexen, watching the foursome from the crystal ball, the room it's self becoming the official meeting room of the topside organization members. Larxene wasn't looking happy, which wasn't new to the others but this time it was more than usual "So what's going on, Vexen? Your Riku was supposed to counter Sora. What's he waiting for? Where is he?" Larxene started screaming at mad scientist.

Vexen gets angry "He's hiding somewhere to lure Sora deeper into the castle, right? I suppose we should just leave it at that, you know." Axel said to Larxene with a clear intent of mocking in his voice.

Larxene catching to Axel, she smiles "A-ha! Oh, I see now! I would have never guessed that. So sorry, Vexen." Vexen gave a glare to the younger nobodies "Silence!"

Larxene crossing her arms over her chest, her head held high "Predictable response. Forget it. Men without hearts are so boring." She said.

Vexen looked to the blonde "You're one to talk. As if you have such a heart to speak of yourself."

"That's enough." The hooded man from earlier on appears in the room. "Marluxia!" Vexen said, with a clear disgust in his tone. The man takes his hood off and reveals his pink hair. "Vexen, the simple fact is that your project was a failure. You'd best not disappoint us again." Spoke Marluxia

Vexen snapping back at the pink haired man. "Disappoint YOU? You go too far! In this Organization, you're No. 11! I'm No. 4 and I will not have you..." Marluxia points his scythe at Vexen. He gasps. "I've been entrusted this castle and Naminé by our leader. Defying me will be seen as treason against the Organization."

"Traitors are eliminated." I believe that's what the rules say." quoted Axel. Larxene smiles at this "Who needs a half-baked good-for-nothing, anyway?" Vexen releasing an angry like growl

Marluxia with his scythe still in hand, "Vexen, you cannot win against Sora." he told Number Four.

Axel kept his emerald green eyes on the two, "Not to mention. The woman will Vexen before he could even think a putting a hand on Sora" thought the red head.

Vexen quirked an eyebrow "Pity to be so ignorant. As you're only able to see the surface of things, I should not expect you to appreciate my true might." Boasted Vexen.

"Oh?" said Marluxia. Marluxia sheathes his scythe "Then let us watch as you prove it". spoke Number Eleven.

"What?" said Vexen knowing his bluff was called on, Vexen and everyone in the organization knew Vexen was the weakest fighter of the group; Demyx being the second weakest but even that coward had some skill that Vexen didn't possess but whatever fighting skill he lacked he made up for it with his intelligence.

Marluxia giving a fake smile to the older man "None of us wish to be suspicious of a comrade." He told Vexen.

Vexen could pick on the empty statement "Your insincerity is comforting." Vexen said, despite him knowing it was all bullshit.

Vexen then opens a dark corridor and disappears into it.

Axel crossing his arms and taking his usual stance "You give a challenge like that to Vexen and he'll seriously want to eliminate Sora." said the red head.

"That would be an unfortunate denouement." He replied. Marluxia walks over to Naminé and places his hand on her shoulder. "What to do? Your hero is soon to be wiped from existence. But I believe there is a certain promise that he made you. Isn't that right, Naminé?" Marluxia then said.

Naminé looking down to the floor "...Yes." she answered him in a weak voice.

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy enter the Tenth Floor.

"WOW! The tenth floor... We've gotten up pretty high." Mused Donald.

"And that must mean we've lost ten whole floors' worth of our memories. Sora, it's still not too late. Don't you think we should turn back?" Jiminy said to the island boy as he the cricket stood on the boy's shoulder.

Sora shook his head "I Can't do it because...that would break an old promise that I made." He told the cricket.

Aqua falling behind the group so the she was behind them, "Yeah, he made a promise alright but it was to Kairi" Aqua recalling that moment between Kairi and Sora in that underground cave back in Traverse Town. That she unintentionally eavesdropped.

"An old promise? What would that be?" asked Jiminy

"On the islands, I promised Naminé that I'd keep her safe, no matter what. But I forgot it... I didn't remember until I started forgetting everything else! A promise between the two of us... That's why I can't leave.

Now that I remember the promise, I have to keep it." declared Sora.

"Of course. We understand, Sora." said Jiminy while Goofy and Donald nodded in agreement while an unnoticed frown crept on to Aqua's face. Sora holds up the Hollow Bastion card to the door, and the group enters through the doors.

After entering through the doors the foursome began to some voices and that sounded like they were in an argument of some kind. "I'm hearing' voices! I wonder who it is." Said Goofy while he scratched his head.

"Hollow Bastion" thought Aqua, a place this key wielder will never forget, "Great and now to put up with the witch that isn't ding-dong dead in this version" Aqua then said in her mind. Aqua could never forget Maleficent from the horrible things she said about Terra and then what did to Riku and encouraging it.

Jiminy hops down and starts hopping closer to where the voices are "Shh! I think something's wrong!" he said to the foursome. The voices came in more clearer, "I know those voices, our new friend beast and one of the princess' of Heart, Belle" Aqua muttered to herself.

Belle and the Beast are talking nearby "But Belle, I don't understand! I came here to rescue you!" spoke the beast.

Belle sighing "Beast... I did not ask you to come. And it doesn't matter anyway. I'm not going back with you, so you're wasting your time." Said the brunette wearing the golden dress.

Beast looking confused at the princess of heart. "Belle? Do you know what you're saying? How can you stay here with that witch?" Belle not looking beast eyes. " I've nothing more to say. Now leave, before she finds you". Belle leaves to the castle entrance.

Aqua and company walk to Beast. Beast looking down to the stone ground. "Belle...why?" he said.

Sora being the first one to speak to the ill tempered beast. "I'm not sure what's going on, but...is everything okay?" Asked Sora, Donald crossing his arms as he joined Sora in comforting the beast. "Don't feel bad. There must be a reason she said those things." said the duck.

Beast then growling at Sora and Donald. "Keep your sympathy. No one could ever care for a beast like me." He roared. Beast leaves.

"Poor guy. Sure wish there was something' we could do for him." Said Goofy. Aqua looking at her animal friend, "I'm sure there is a way to help but my memory tells me we have a much bigger thing to worry about then Beast's love life" Spoke Aqua as she began to walk ahead. They run to the castle entrance.

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy find Belle in the castle library.

Belle gasping at the site of the foursome. "Who are you? Were you kidnapped, too?" she asked us.

Sora gave a nervous smile "Uh...not exactly. It's a long story. Wait! So you've been kidnapped? You don't want to be here, right?" he answered her. "way to keep it cool, Sora." Aqua thought sarcastically.

Belle lowering her head. "Yes. No, I don't really want to be here but that witch forced me to come here. I have no one to talk to. Books are all I have to ease my loneliness. And then there's him... Oh, I've missed him so much." Belle said.

Goofy picking up his head "You mean the Beast? Then why were you so mean to him before?" Belle gave the foursome an expression that said 'How did you?'

"We saw you two earlier, outside of castle...talking" Aqua then told Belle. The brunette beauty then making an 'o' expression on her lips. "Yeah. You really hurt his feelings." Sora told Belle.

Belle sighing sadly "You don't understand. I can't let him see how I really feel."

Sora and Aqua were confused by this "Why not?" Aqua asking the young woman.

Belle shaking her head "It's just that..." The sound of a door opening is heard. "Oh no, she's coming! Hide, quickly!" Belle beginning to talk faster and in hushed voice. "There's no time to explain. Quick. Hide!"

They run away and hide. The bookcases toward the wall slide open and Maleficent walks out into the room. Belle looking right at the dark witch "Oh, Hello, what do I owe this visit?" Belle informally greeting Maleficent.

Maleficent, not bothered by this "He was here, yes? He risked his life to come and save you. Why do you reject him?" the witch asked her.

Belle standing her ground with the mistress of evil "I won't ask for his help."

"Oh, and why is that?" spoke Maleficent in a mocking tone. "You know very well why. I'm not going to fall into your trap!" declared Belle as she practically told the witch off.

Maleficent wasn't looking to happy, not that she ever was but with a motion of her arms "Then I have no choice but to make you BEG for his help!" she shouted as Maleficent and Belle disappear in a puff of darkness and green fire. Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy run to where they once were

From her hidden position, Aqua kept her eyes on the evil being. Waiting for her to make an attack on Belle, her eyes widen once she saw Maleficent vastly moving her arms and the two then vanishing. Aqua, Sora, Donald and Goofy ran out from the hiding place.

"No! She got away!" said Sora.

"What should we do?" asked Goofy,

"We find them!" shouted Aqua, as she summoned her keyblade. Sora adding in his two cents. "And then help her, of course! What else?"

They run to find Maleficent and Belle.

Belle and Maleficent are talking by a fountain in the castle's Entrance Hall. "What are you waiting for? Call to him!" Demanded Maleficent.

Belle confronting the witch, "No! I won't let you hurt him!" Belle yelling in the Maleficent's face "Then I shall make you scream! The fool will come running the moment he hears your cries."

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy enter the scene.

"Enough!" Sora screams. They ready their weapons "The Beast won't be the only one you have to deal with." Said Aqua, as she held her keyblade at the ready. Aqua knew this wasn't real Maleficent but it didn't help that this memory was bringing out all this pent up rage and aggression she held towards the witch.

Maleficent glaring at the "Be gone, intruders. You have no business here. Unless, of course, you wish to join in the screaming! This is perfect. When that brute hears your shrieks of terror, he'll come right to me!

"Don't trouble yourself." Entered Beast's ruff voice. Beast jumps off from the upper level onto the floor.

Belle shaking her head side to side while trying to hold her tears, "You're here! No! You mustn't! I told you to leave this place! Leave me alone! I never want to see your face again!" she screamed, as she was trying to protect Beast.

Beast looked practically heartbroken after hearing Belle's harsh words. "Belle..."

"What an awful thing to say!" said Jiminy as he popped out for a moment to glance at the foursome's current situation.

Beast picking up his head, "All right. If that's how you feel, I understand. My hideousness is punishment for being selfish and unable to love. I was made into a monster, loved by no one...and I only became more selfish. That is... Until I met you, Belle. You're the only person who accepted me. Little by little, you warmed my cold, selfish heart. The memories of our days together are my most precious. I won't cast them aside. So I'm sorry, but I can't leave you here...even if you hate me for it. Consider it my final selfish act."

Belle could feel the silent tears beginning to run down her face "Oh, Beast..." she said in a whisper.

Maleficent smiling "Well, well. I never dreamed such ugliness could hide so beautiful a heart. This calls for a change of plan. Beast, I shall claim your heart instead of Belle's!" Maleficent starts casting a spell, and is surrounded by darkness and green fire. "No! Please!" Belle screamed.

At the same time, Maleficent summoned her strongest Heartless to keep the foursome occupied, just so they couldn't interfere. Maleficent casts a fireball at the Beast. Belle runs to Beast and takes the hit from the spell, causing her to vanish and her heart to be released.

Aqua defeats the remaining heartless with her Collision Magnet, technique, her keyblade creating an energy like rope and attaching it's self to a heartless while Aqua would then move the keyblade of hers around, having the attached heartless take out its own kind.

After the heartless were gone, the foursome turned its attention back to Maleficent, they turned in time to see Belle's body vanish as her heart was only remaining.

Maleficent grinning evil written all over her face "Well, so much for the change of plan. Belle's heart it is, after all. It seems her cold words spoke little of her true feelings." The mistress of evil laughing maliciously at the beast, "she loves you, Beast! I can feel it shining in her heart!"

The Beast feeling his rage building up, to the point he released that rage into roar. "You fiend! Release Belle's heart at once!" he growled at the witch. The Beast dives toward Maleficent, but she disappears before he reaches her. "Where are you?" he then shouted with the full capacity of his lungs.

Aqua and Sora both watching the shadows Maleficent made as she made her exit. "you're not getting away with this you, Bitch!" thought Aqua. her eyes glaring at the shadow. Even the mere memory of Maleficent was bringing out the worst in Aqua.

Sora points to where she went, "She went that way! That's the way the shadows fled." Sora said to the beast.

Beast moving his attention to the foursome. "What are you doing here?" snapped the beast. "There's no time to talking now!" Said Aqua, as she held her master's keyblade "We gotta go after them right now!" spoke a determined keyblade master.

Beast almost looked stunned at these strangers. "You'd help me?" Goofy nodding his head, "You bet! After what you just said, we GOTTA help you!" he told the beast.

Sora holding his kingdom keyblade up high, "Let's go get Belle's heart back!" he said.

"Right!"

Aqua, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Beast find Maleficent in the Castle Chapel. They ready their weapons.

Maleficent quirking an eye brow. "You've done well to make it this far, Beast. As your reward, I'll tell you why Belle rejected you. My dark magic requires hearts of utmost beauty. Belle was perfect. Deep in her heart, her love for you shone with uncommon radiance. But she guessed my plans. By denying her love for you, she put her heart beyond my reach." Explained Maleficent

Beast shaking his head from side to side, "But she saved me! She protected me!"

Aqua tightening her grip on the keyblade, the keyblade master mentally preparing herself for a battle she knew was coming.

"She couldn't hide how she really felt..." spoke Sora. Beast growling "I've heard enough! Release her heart! NOW! If you don't..." Maleficent mocking the beast's threat. "Hm-Hm..."

"Do not try my patience, witch!" The Beast roars.

Maleficent smiled darkly at Beast and the foursome. "Don't you realize why I am telling you all this? Did you think it was out of kindness? I did it to erase your doubts. Now your heart is beginning to shine with love for Belle. I shall have your heart, too, monster!

"Not if we stop you!"

Maleficent having that look of disbelief on her face. "You dare to challenge me? Pitiful fools!"

"It appears to be that way." Aqua said to the Witch.

Maleficent releases tons of energy, and she transforms into a dragon. The group fights and defeats her.

Belle's heart floats down and her body is restored.

"Belle!" Beast calling out to her. The Beast takes her and holds her "Thank goodness. Your safe now, Belle" said the Beast.

The foursome watching the happy odd couple, "Please forgive me. I had to be so cruel to you. But no matter how I tried, I couldn't hide my true feelings" Belle trying to explain everything to Beast.

Beast shaking his head, "I'm the one who should apologize...for doubting you. I never want to remember feeling that way...so angry, so alone." Belle then smiled to the Beast. "Then don't. Let's replace the sad memories with happier ones. Starting now." She told him.

Aqua whom was listening in on their conversation, Belle's words struck a chord in her, "Doesn't sound like a bad idea," as her thought of Terra and Ven. Her hand going to her and Terra's Wayfinder's.

"Belle..." said Beast.

"Aw, There they go with the mushy stuff, a-hyuck!" said a blushing Goofy.

"Yeah, I think it's time we got on our way." Said Sora as his eyes drifted to his teacher, seeing that she was lost in her private thoughts.

"Good idea! Let's keep moving." Spoke Donald.

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy leave Hollow Bastion

And enter into the 10th Floor Exit Hall. Vexen appears and the group gets ready to fight.

"oh great, another one! Just how many of these assholes are here?" Aqua mentally asked herself as she already re-summoned her keyblade. Aqua keeping eyes on her new found target, studying him carefully, she could tell by his body type that he isn't much of a physical fighter. "But he isn't the hooded man from earlier, that much I can tell." thought Aqua.

"Who are you?" asked Sora.

"I am Vexen. I have come to collect your debt, Sora." spoke the man In the coat.

Goofy looked Confused. "A debt? Sora, do you owe something' to this guy?" he asked the boy.

Sora glancing at Goofy with some disbelief. "Come on, of course not." He said. Aqua wasn't saying anything, she wanted to know what this guy wanted from Sora.

Vexen smirking at the group of four "Oh, but you do. You owe me for reuniting you with your former friend."

Sora dropping his guard "You don't mean?" Vexen smiled "Indeed, I do. I'm the one who brought Riku to you."

"So he's the one that made that imposter! But he would have had to encounter the real Riku to create that...fake" it didn't show on the outside but on the inside Aqua was raving mad, her mind over thinking with what this 'man' could have done to Riku. she glared at the man; she wanted him to pay.

"Aqua!" came Eraqus's voice, "Aqua, I know what you're feeling. Don't let yourself become controlled by this dark feelings" warned Eraqus. "I won't stand aside and do nothing!" Aqua answered back.

Sora then coming to the conclusion "Then...you're the one... You're the one who's been controlling him! What have you done with him?"

Vexen shrugged his shoulders, "I see no need to give you information about where Riku is. After all..." Vexen summons a large blue shield. "Why trouble you in your final hour?"

"Oh, That's funny" interrupted Aqua, "you are a funny guy aren't you, ironically I was going to tell you same thing" she then said.

Aqua and Sora fight Vexen. During the battle Aqua and Sora learned, Vexen had an elemental power of Ice, so Aqua fought in her Firestorm command style, one of many techniques Sora has yet to learn.

"As I expected Sora, you weren't one to die very easily." Vexen sheathes his shield. Aqua was disappointed as she dismissed her keyblade. the fight was end but she knew it wasn't over with Vexen. Just like it was over with Axel, Larxene and the hooded man.

"As if I'd ever lose to you!" Mouthed off Sora.

Vexen laughed as he smiled once again. "I wouldn't be so sure. Did you even notice? I was delving deep into your memory as we fought. And here... Look what I found." Vexen holds up a card of an unknown world.

"A card crafted from all the memories that are locked in the other side of your heart." Vexen tosses the card to Sora and disappears

"Wait!" Sora called out to Vexen. Aqua and Sora run to Vexen but he is gone. He then looks at the card. "Memories...in the other side?"

"Don't worry, Sora. that isn't the last time we'll be seeing him" spoke a determined Aqua.

They leave the Exit Hall.

Axel, Larxene, and Marluxia are around the crystal ball, in their personal meeting room.

"If Sora disappears, that would mess up the Organization's plans; not to mention that the superior will deal with us personally if anything happens" spoke Axel. despite the fact that he, Larxene and Marluxia were planning a hostile takeover of Organization XIII.

Marluxia gave Axel a look which was hard for the red head to read. "I trust that you know what you need to do" spoke Marluxia. Larxene didn't need to speak as she knew where this was going.

Axel crossing his arms playing dumb for his backstabbing comrades. "Haven't a clue, really. Maybe you can spell it out for me."

"Vexen has clearly committed a treasonous act against the Organization. You must eliminate the traitor." Spoke Marluxia.

Axel smirked, "No taking that back later." Axel disappears.

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy enter the Eleventh Floor. Sora takes out his new card and looks at it. "A card made outta memories from "The other side of your heart"? Hmm, I wonder what it does." Asked Jiminy as he glanced at the card from Sora's shoulder.

Aqua looked at the card and then she wondered if it could be connected to Ven, as remembered how his voice was talking to her through Sora's heart, how long had he been connected through Sora anyway, Aqua wondered, Aqua's eyes widen at, if this card is connected to Ventus, perhaps this world was a memory of his home world.

"But wait, something isn't making sense here; Ven left Sora's body, when he unlocked his heart back at hollow bastion, how could one of Ven's memories stay behind, if that were the case." Aqua thought to herself. "Something else going on and the enemies know that" she said in her mind. "Sora, just what happened when you unlocked your heart?" Aqua asked herself.

"We'll find out soon enough. It's the only one we have left. No other way to move forward." Sora holds up the card to the door, and they enter Twilight Town.

Goofy looking around the unfamiliar surroundings. "Gawrsh... Where are we, Sora?"

"Hmm... I don't know... I've never been here." Sora shrugging his shoulders. "Me neither." Donald agreeing with them.

"This isn't right ! Up 'til now, the only places we've been are from Sora's memory." Said Aqua.

"Maybe so, but I definitely don't remember this." Said Sora as he looking around the town. Donald suggested to Sora. "You might have forgotten this town just like the other stuff."

"No" said Aqua, "We have never been to this place." She told them though they weren't confident enough to believe it. Jiminy, popping out again "This is terrible. Our memories are practically gone."

Donald and Goofy look down in despair. Sora takes out Naminé's good luck charm. "We'll be okay. See, look at this.." Sora told the group.

"Naminé's good luck charm!" Goofy pointing out the obvious.

"There's a special memory that goes with this. One night, when Naminé and I were little, there was this meteor shower. Naminé started crying. She said, "What if a shooting star hits the islands?" So I said, "If a shooting star comes this way, I'll hit it right back into outer space!" I was swinging this toy sword around the whole time. Naminé just smiled and said, "Thanks." And then she gave me this." Sora finished telling them his memory.

An image of Naminé enters Sora's head. She begins to talk "Sora, I'm so sorry. All this, because of me..." said Naminé's image. The image fades away. Sora keeps talking about the charm.

"Naminé said she had it ever since she was a baby." Sora then said. while Aqua was the only one of the group to buy into the illusion of this girl.

"And she gave it to you? Awww..." said Donald.

"Yeah. So I promised her... From now on, I'll bring you good luck. I'll keep you safe. But then one day, Naminé left the islands...and I forgot about her all this time. I really let her down..." Sora then said as you could hear his tone of voice go from Happy to sad.

Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy come to the entrance to a mansion inside the town. Sora stops and looks around. "Sora, what's wrong?" Aqua noticing Sora's discomfort.

"Something...feels really strange. I'm sure I don't know this place, but it's starting to feel like it's familiar to me..." Sora tried to explain.

Donald looking puzzled as the rest of the group. "You must have come here sometime before." Sora shook his head, "No, and that's what's strange about it" he said.

"It could be like with Naminé. You forgot lots of other stuff and that's why you remember this place now." Explained Goofy. "No... It's different. With Naminé; my memories sort of came drifting back to me, a little piece at a time. But not now. It's not memories just this idea that I must have been here before." Said Sora.

"At least, he knows a difference, not the right one but it's a start I'll admit." thought Aqua.

"So, feeling nostalgic?" Vexen appears. Aqua and Sora hurriedly going on the defensive, summoning their keyblades. "Sora, here's a question for you... Your memories of Naminé or your feelings here; which of the two of these is more real, I wonder." Asked Vexen.

"Of course, he's on this Naminé, plan too but he's demystifying it, why?" thought Aqua while taking her stance. Readying herself for another fighter.

"Naminé, of course! Whatever it is that I'm feeling, I bet it's just another one of your mean little tricks!"

Vexen laughs. "The memory's wiles can be cruel. In its silence, we forget. In its obsession, it binds our hearts."

"Cut the riddles!" shouted Sora.

"I told you. This place was created solely from another side of your memory. It is on the other side of your heart that the memory of this place exists. It is your heart that remembers." Spoke Vexen.

"You're wrong! I don't know this place!"Sora still shouting.

Aqua noted that Vexen was being rather calm about the whole thing, it's like nothing phased him, in fact, she saw this with Axel, Larxene and the hooded man, Aqua then realizing that just maybe these people weren't ordinary humans but perhaps something else.

"If you remain bound by the chain of memories and refuse to believe what is truly found inside your heart then throw it away. You are not a Keyblade master, just a slave to twisted memories. Yes, Exactly like my Riku." Vexen summons his shield, just as before. Keeping her eyes locked on to him, she knew the perfect attack to defeating Vexen quickly.

"Your existence is worth nothing!" said the chilly academic.

"Like YOUR Riku? Worth nothing?"the young boy yelled. Sora is overcome with anger. "That's enough! YOU'RE the one who changed Riku! Every word you've said is a lie! I'd never throw away my heart!" Sora summons his Keyblade.

"I'm gonna take you down and save Riku and Naminé. THAT'S what's in my heart!" Sora then yelled.

Goofy and Donald had disappeared and became cards by this point for the battle. But when the fight was over, they stayed cards.

Sora with Aqua along his side, fight Vexen together. this time both master and apprentice stuck with fire based attacks. While Vexen stuck with his same fighting tactics as in the earlier fight. After the fight Vexen lays on the ground and pants in pain. As Aqua figured Vexen was a weak fighter, so it hadn't been an eventual fight, like with Axel.

"Urrgh..." groaned Vexen. "You two have such strength, even at the mercy of your memories" he then said. "Yeah, and how fortunate for you, it must be" Aqua spoke with such mock.

Sora began to sound desperate as he pleaded with Vexen, "None of that matters! Just put Riku back!" said Sora.

Vexen laughs "Just put him back?" He starts to get up. "The Riku you speak of has but one fate, to sink into the darkness and you will share that fate, Sora! If you continue to seek the girl, Naminé, the shackles will tighten, you'll lose your heart...and end up becoming Marluxia's pawn!"

"Marluxia?" muttered Aqua, "Must be the hooded man." Aqua concluded, thinking back to the man that lead her and others here. Back to her home.

Vexen had thrown off Sora. "Marluxia? What does that have to do with Naminé?" Sora asked Vexen.

But before Vexen could even say anything further, Axel's chakram flies past Aqua and Sora, striking Vexen; knocking him back down to the ground. Axel is behind Sora and Aqua. Sora turns around and gasps "Axel!"

"Yo, Sora and Aqua, Did I catch you at a bad time?" spoke Axel as he walked up a bit before stopping altogether.

Vexen starts to get up, "Axel, why...?" asked the chilly academic. Axel crossed his arms and smirked, "I came to stop you from talking too much...by eliminating your existence." Spoke the flurry of dancing flames.

Vexen began to panic by this point. "No... Don't do it!" Aqua kept her attention to Axel as it wouldn't take a genius to realize how dangerous he is.

Axel sighed, "We are just Nobodies who have no one to be, yet we still "are." But now you can be nothing instead of just being a Nobody. You're off the hook."

"Nobodies? What" Aqua asked herself. clearly she couldn't understand this. Perhaps she needed to consult with Master Eraqus on this matter.

"No... Please don't!" pleaded number four of the organization. Vexen cowers. "I don't want to.." "Goodbye." Axel cutting him off, Axel snaps his fingers and Vexen is engulfed in flames. He then fades away into darkness.

Sora watches in horror. While the sudden combustion of Vexen, snaps Aqua out of her thoughts. In time for her to see him, fade away.

Sora turning to Axel "What are you...What ARE you people? He screamed at Axel.

Axel quirked an eyebrow and crossed his arms, while opening an dark corridor behind him. "Hm... Don't know. I wonder about that myself." He said as he turned around, walking into the portal. Axel disappears.

Larxene and Marluxia are in the Organization's meeting room. Axel appears in the room, "Nice work." Said Larxene. "I say good riddance to that blabbermouth." She then said.

Axel turned to Number Eleven, "Marluxia... You used Vexen to test Sora's strength, didn't you?" asked Axel. "Not just Sora's. It was yours, too. We weren't sure if you actually had it in your bones to take out a fellow member." She walks over to Axel, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Larxene smiled, "Well, I guess that you did. It's time to join up. After getting rid of Sora's mommy dearest. Taking over the Organization will be like child's play with the three of us."

Axel picked his head up, "Ah, So that's where Sora comes in." Axel then said. "Of course. He wants to see Naminé, so why don't we just give him what he wants?" spoke Larxene, but you could hear the obvious annoyance in her town.

Marluxia goes over to Naminé; placing a hand on her small shoulder. "Rejoice, Naminé. The time is near for you to meet the hero that you've been longing for."

"I'm...glad." Naminé then said to her 'guardian'

Larxene also goes over to Naminé, "But I'm warning you. You'd better not do anything to betray Sora's feelings. Do you understand me, little one?" Larxene then grabbing Naminé by her chin. Naminé nodded her head at the sadistic blonde. "I understand." Said the young girl.

Marluxia, speaking to Naminé, "All you need do is layer Sora's memories, and bring his heart closer to you." Marluxia and Larxene disappear out of the crystal ball room.

Naminé sighed, Axel turned his head to look at the small young blonde nobody. "Sora... Even if you come for me, what then?"

"Is something troubling you, Lexaeus?" questioned Zexion,

"Vexen is no more." Replied Lexaeus.

Zexion picking up his head from his hand, "Yes, his scent is gone. It was Axel. You know, it's deplorable. Agents of the Organization striking each other down." he said to Number five, though Zexion bared no emotion for his former mentor.

"The bigger problem is Sora. His strength exceeds Vexen's, and yet surely Naminé has subverted him by now. It's only a matter of time before he ends up Marluxia's puppet." Warned Lexaeus.

Zexion thought for a moment. "So what do you propose? Shall we destroy Sora before Marluxia secures him?" questioned Zexion.

Lexaeus held his head high as he crossed his arms, "No. That won't be necessary. If Marluxia is to hold the light, then we will hold the dark." Answered Lexaeus.

"Riku..." Zexion concluded.

End Chapter.