Chapter 8

KAIRI POV:

I followed the ghostball until I entered a dark hallway. Then it disappeared, like a fog. In an instant, I lost my safe feeling, the sense of security I felt when I was with the ghostball. Chills climbed up my spine. For a moment, I felt like I was nailed to the spot; I didn't bother to move. I admit it felt scary to me; being all alone in a dark creepy manor, not knowing where I was, but I knew I had to get keep moving to find the gypsy. It is vital in saving the worlds.

I slowly walked down the hall – more like sneaked – and the distant green light grew brighter. I could hear a woman's deep hollow voice. It sounded like the woman was chanting, to what I did not know. I walked closer until I came to the room. It was rather small and compact a little. There was a roundtable in the center and a tall chair. In the middle of the table, which was covered by a thick tablecloth, was a crystal ball, glowing with a greenish-white light, but the entity inside had a kind of green wisp of smoke floating around. I couldn't find the source of the voice however.

"Who is speaking?"

"I am Madame Leota," The source seemed to be coming from the crystal ball. Something inside the bright ball rotated. A face appeared, it was a pale green and the head had curly auburn hair. Her lips were a bright red. "What would you like to know?"

"What is the source of the darkness?" I asked, feeling suddenly urgent. For some reason – I realized a little bit late – King Mickey didn't know the source. He didn't even know if it was being controlled by anyone. Does that mean even if he talked to Yen Sid, then even Yen Sid doesn't know? Does that mean whoever is controlling the darkness, he is somehow concealing himself? Or maybe it's because the culprit hasn't made an appearance nor has he boasted his power yet. Whatever the reason, I knew that this gypsy, Madame Leota, must know.

"The source is from a man who can control the darkness," replied Madame Leota. Her eyes were in a deep gaze, as if she could read the future in my eyes. "He sided with the darkness and let it overtake him."

"What is the man's name? What does he look like?"

"You do ask a lot of questions," the gypsy said exasperated. I was taken aback.

"Well I'm sorry, but we need information on this guy! Nobody else knows about him!"

"Very well," Madame Leota gave in, "This man is called Xior. He takes many forms but keeps the same name. Most of the time, he is a shadow, hiding in plain sight. Don't worry about how to find him. Roxas and Naminé can sense him. He is a Nobody and Nobodies are somewhat connected. They will feel each other's presence, unless they are in a Corridor of Darkness."

"Okay. Thank you for your time," I stood up. As I turned to depart, Madame Leota stopped me.

"Wait!" she shouted suddenly. I jumped and I felt my heart pounding.

"The ones who can sense Xior's presence the best are the Princesses of heart." I listened attentively. "They have the purest of hearts and therefore can sense any dark presence. Also to defeat him," she continued on as I patiently listened, "You need someone with both light and dark in their heart."

"RIKU!" I turned, ready to leave and tell Sora and the others what I know. They needed to know fast. "Thank you!"

"Wait! There's one more thing I need to tell you."

RIKU POV:

Sora, the King, and I walked down a hallway. We managed to go down another hallway, and we went at a steady pace. I endured this steady pace, even though I felt like I was being watched at the same time. I felt that I had to hurry and get out of the place. The hallway we walked into was long; curtained windows lining the wall to our left. We already turned right where busts sat in half-circle holes in the wall in front of us. Their faces seemed aggravated…at our presence maybe. Their eyebrows were furrowed; they had frowns, and deep wrinkles. After the turn, I looked back; the busts were staring at us still.

This new part of the hallway had paintings and portraits on the wall to the right. I have to admit they were nicely made. To our left, there were some more windows. Don't they have enough windows? I thought. Then some lightning flashed. The light flashed onto the pictures. The pictures became an uncanny sight. One picture of a man riding a horse turned into a picture of them both as skeletons. Chills raced up my spine, which was usually unlike me, but I never had a single good feeling once we walked into this mansion. Staring at the portrait, I bumped into a sturdy figure, which knocked me out of my gaze.

"Are you alright Sora?" He looked as tense as I was.

"Yeah," Sora nearly whispered, "This just feels . . . different." More lightning flashed on the lined-up portraits, accompanied by the low drum beat of thunder. Some other paintings I noticed changed at the flash of lightning.

"Pay no attention to those pictures." ordered King Mickey in his squeaky mouse voice, "We need to find Kairi."

We continued forward and slowly approached a chestnut door. It was strange though. The diamond shaped carving near the bottom seemed to bulge out then in. It was as if it were breathing; airy noises like breathing or something like snoring came from the door, or maybe behind the door. More chills raced up my spine. I tried to ignore it and relax. Sora tentatively reached for the doorknob, then slowly opened the door.

KAIRI POV:

I walked down a dark empty hallway, filled with numerous doors on both. It made me a little nervous though because all of the doors had door knockers – which knocked on the doors on their own. I hurriedly rushed through the seemingly endless hallway. To my right, there was another hallway. I got this impression that this house was like a maze, and wondered how anyone could live in a place with so many long hallways. What caught my eye was a single floating candelabra in the middle of the hallway. It seemed strange and mysterious. I gazed at it for a while with curious wonder. I continued my way down the long hallway, not really knowing where I should be going or where this hallway led to.

On my left there was a vast wide window. There were still raindrops on the sill; I guessed the rain had stopped. I stepped up closer to take a look at outside. I just saw dark bare trees and a starless night. Suddenly, I saw someone, a man just fall. I jumped back, mouth open in shock. I heard two thumps, and a loud alarm go off. I looked down out the window and saw a dark man, lying against a black car hood, obviously in pain. I kinda felt bad for him, but I couldn't find a window latch to get out and help so I just continued forward. There wasn't much I could do really if I couldn't find a way out. Finally at the end of the hallway, I came across a large, wooden chestnut door. I noticed a diamond shaped carving near the bottom, which seemed to inflate at times, and then flatten down. It also made these eerie breathing sounds. A little reluctantly, seeing how I have nowhere else to go, I opened the door.

I entered a dark room, the only thing that shone brightness was a single candelabra, that was placed on a small dark table next to a telephone and a full-length mirror. A raven's caw startled me and sent my heart racing. I did calm down quickly once I spotted the raven perched on top of the wooden frame of the mirror. I walked up to inspect the objects that were visible; the candelabra, the telephone, and the mirror. The raven's presence comforted me, even though its eyes were a deep luminescent red. I think any kind of presence comforts me as long as it seems gentle or is some sort of harmless animal. In my mind, thinking about this made me feel somewhat naïve.

As I inspected the telephone, I learned that it was one of those very old-fashioned phones, the kind where you have a circular wheel you needed to spin in order to dial. It startled me once it started to ring. I waited anxiously for the ringing to stop; each ring sent chills flowing like crazy throughout my entire body. When was it going to stop? I hugged myself, and then it finally stopped. I frantically looked around the entirely dark room. I felt as if someone may have come in hearing the phone's ring. I also felt as if the ringing would start again. But instead, I heard the ethereal cry of the raven again. When I looked at it again, its red eyes were very piercing, unlike the last time. I diverted my attention away from the raven and looked at the mirror. Despite the dark dimness of the room, I could see myself clearly. Behind me, the room seemed like a fog fading into pitch blackness.

I got a disturbing feeling; like someone was watching. I felt like I was being intrusive; like someone didn't want me here. I glanced back at the raven. It still looked at me with menacing red eyes; I wondered why it even watched me. Chill continued racing inside my body and I gradually began to feel cold. I kept my gaze on the raven, suspicious of its post. I thought it would swoop down and attack me if I didn't keep watch on it. It suddenly cawed and I jumped with fright. I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. Calm down! I ordered myself. Slowly I brought my gaze back to the mirror. I screamed at the sight. I saw myself, covered with horrible burn scars! My skin looked melted and there were holes where my skin was burned off, revealing blood and bone. There were also lines of blood dripping down from my face. I took a frightened step back.

"Kairi?" I spun around and screamed. I backed up frantically and tripped over my own feet. Instead of the feeling the impact of the hard wooden floor, I felt warm arm catch me and slowly set me down on the floor.

"Don't be afraid," the voice sounded very familiar. "It's me, Sora." A great feeling of catharsis spread throughout my entire body. I hugged him tight as he was kneeling beside me.

"It's ok. I'm here," Sora said warmly as he hugged me back. His words and embrace comforted me.

"Don't forget about us," Riku said, trying to add some humor to make me feel better. I smiled.

"D – don't look through the mirror twice," I warned.

"We wouldn't plan on it," Riku replied calmly. It was typical of him to be calm.

"Did you find the gypsy?" King Mickey asked.

"Yes," Sora and I loosened our embrace, but we were still holding each other, "I followed a ghostball." With it being dark, I couldn't see their expressions much, but I could tell they must be shocked.

"Well, you can tell us what you know later. Let's go," said Riku. I heard him go where I was sitting and Sora was kneeling and grab a candelabra.

"Come on," Riku opened a door and ran, quickly followed by King Mickey. Sora grabbed my hand and helped me up.

"Thanks," I told him.

"No problem," I think I saw him smile. Still holding my hand, he lead me through the door.

FINALLY! I got this chapter up! Sorry it took so long...I've been having writer's block quite often now. It's so annoying. I have also been busy planning what to do in other chapters and where they should go. If you have any world request, like where you would like to see the trio travel, please feel free to request when you review, and I'll change mt plans for whatever i see fits for you. ^_^ And pls review or else...!