What, where am I? Why am I floating?

Something felt as if it was reaching out to her. What was it? She saw a man, an older man with silver blonde hair and blue eyes. Eyes that had seen a lifetime.

Become one with your destiny. Wield the key.

"Wield a key?"

Yes to preserve the light.

What light? . . .

Rex was frustrated. Trying to find Rena is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It was no mystery to him. He knew Rena likes to wonder.

"Rex!" shouted a voice "Rex over here!"

Rena was calling from afar running towards him. There was still so much she needed to learn, so much to do. She definitely understood that Rex was who she needed on her journey, even with Kairi not telling her she needed him.

"Where did you run off to?" he questioned. She stopped to take a breath.

"Listen to me, you have to believe me with what I am about to tell you" she replied. It took mere minutes to explain the story to him. He didn't seem confused but more so of wanting the point. What exactly happened to this world?

"Did Kairi ever give you an explanation to how this world became this way?".

"She told me that the world was taken over by darkness. That's why all of the names are different and why there is no one around anymore".

They both took a glance at the city's remnants.

"Let's go Rex. I- we, have quite the journey to go on".

Luckily the duo was able to find a bit of food and supplies for their journey. Now where to go, was the question. Rena took out a map of the area that she found back in Crossing Hollow. Conveniently it was located in an old inn. The screws on one of the doors were loose and the place was made out of metal. They were very grateful.

There was no transportation anywhere within Crossing Hollow they could get their hands on. Rex and Rena went down the path set north, so it said on the map. The road was dirt for miles, until a forest had come into view. It was precarious and wild looking. The grass looked tall, a mild green, and the tree's looked pretty much dead. This place with its dead endeavors had a peculiar sound.

This song, it sounds so familiar. . . if I could only place my finger on it.

She began to sing the tune again.

"I hear something" spoke Rena.

"It's coming from over there!" she ran towards the sound, the familiar lullaby that she heard earlier when Kairi had appeared. The feeling she got from the song as well was something peculiar, something that reminded her of her. She was off to explore the wood to see where this song was coming from.

Hmmm. Odd, there's a sign.

"Those who hear the tune are strong at heart.

Will you be able to walk this land,

And search what is special to you ahead?"

This sign, these familiar feelings, Rena had thought. They were getting closer to her now, so close she could touch them. Rex bowed his head and was back-first to a tree with one of his legs touching the stump of a tree.

"That saying can't be too hard to figure out, right?" his eyes were closed as he spoke.

He even read the sign too, but what Rena spoke to him about Kairi; what she said to her about destiny doing what only she could do was crucial. He figured if she had a mission at hand, then surely he was with her for this very reason. To help her on her journey. It seemed to make more sense. As she looked around, Rena gave an ensured look to Rex that it was okay for him to explore as well to see what could be found.

After hours of searching for fruit and nature's supplements, the duo decided to take a break and sit down to engorge on their new findings. She closed her eyes and remembered everything her and Kairi had talked about, even remembered the embraced hug. She felt such warmth from her. Just like a grandmother as she had felt.

The reminiscing of thoughts was coming to an end however; In the midst of the forest stood a black creature with a weird physical embodiment to it. It happens to catch Rena's eye at the last second. It was hard for her to see, the being of black stood too far away. Like a lightning bolt it vanished into thin air. There wasn't enough time for Rena to figure out exactly what it was. She knew that if it wasn't human, or at least an animal, that it was bad news. This only intrigued her more and perked up her curiosity.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" Rex looked at her as he spoke in a weird sort of curious manner. Rena was clearly dumbfounded.

"Oh it was nothing" she replied. She nudged her hat back and forth a little to break the awkwardness of her dumbfounding.

"Let's keep moving" she wore an embarrassed look on her face now.

She had her doubts about the black figure. She sensed awful feelings from it, as she processed that, she could almost figure out what it might have looked like. The outcomes were endless in her mind though. As the two started again they made it out of the forest; out of harm's way without seeing anything too creepy. The duo breathed easily now that the mysterious being of black was no longer larking the woods. Soon they entered Abyss Falls. This world was not as bad as Crossing Hollow. The monuments of the square were still intact. What looked like a market place still held its own grown, but all the Shoppe's were vacant and old.

"It looks deserted".

"Yeah".

A figure from above the castle was staring down at them. His back was turned and he held a golden ball in his hand. He tossed it up and down. And began smiling.

They've arrived. .

Rena began to wonder and started to yell aloud to see if there were any signs of life around.

"Hello? – is anyone there?"

There was more disappointment in the moment, no one was showing themselves to the duo. Perhaps everyone disappeared like in Crossing Hollow.

No there has to be a sign of life here, it hurt me enough to see that there was no life in Twilight Town. To see this breaks my heart as well. But please, if you are really in me Namine. Show me… show me a sign of life.

Traveling amongst the cliff tops where the castle corridor is Rena could sense a being's energy, even its emotions.

This is weird, how am I able to do this?

Because I have the ability to feel those who are connected to him. . .

What do you mean?

Namine's voice buzzed in my head. She then disappeared again.

"I'm not going to hurt you. You can come out from there" spoke a voice.

Rena's face showed a different emotion rather than what she was feeling in her heart at that moment. Her face looked bewildered while her heart had confusion written on it. Glimpses of her dream came to view, and she had put two and two together. This man was the man from her dream. In fact I don't think there was any one else better qualified or who'd be able to fit the description other than this man that she was staring at.

"The names Roxas" he half smiled.

"You're the man from my dream".

"I know. I have been looking forward to meeting you Rena. Did you know it was me who found you in a dream?" –there was a pause- "anyway how long did it take you to get here?".

"A week just about. We have been rationing our food and supplies but we're starting to get low"

Roxas could see that both of them were tired, and that sleeping outside in the worlds was dangerous. He couldn't ignore the imagery these two showed off of their faces.

"I see. . . It can be difficult to find the ruins of Radiant Garden, but that town is a mystery now. You're looking at Abyss Falls. Come with me".

Remember, it is you who is the only one that can do this, believe in him, and trust in him. He is one of the wielders. He will help guide you, and so will more to come.

Those were the last words Namine spoke to her that night. Rena figured such a fate would come, meeting the man from her dream. She was embracing her feelings more and the mission she is bestowed with. Maybe that's how Namine was able to connect with her. Or maybe, it was the fact that they share the same body, mind, and spirit?

Rena was actually glad to have someone be a part of her. She didn't feel lonely as much as before, excluding Rex.

"I need you to understand that this world is just as unsafe as Crossing Hollow. Please stay here for the time being so I can figure a way to get you to the next world." Roxas spoke diligently. Rena speculated him to be around his eighties like Kairi, but he did not look as old as she did. She also didn't understand at all when Namine mentioned a weilder.

She looked at Roxas hesitantly before he left. As so she wanted to be noticed by him so that she would answer a question she had.

"what is it?"

"um, well, I don't know If you know Roxas, but, I met an old woman named Kairi. Do you know her?"

"Of course I know her. She is a dear friend of mine".

Rena's face lit up as if to start asking more questions.

"So, I'm guessing you guys have known each other for a long time?"

With that statement Roxas only stare at the amber headed girl.

"Rena, let me tell you a story. Maybe it will help clear up some of the confusion you have."

Rena nodded and listened to the silver blonde.

"long ago, when the lands were in peril the last of the key-blade wielders to ever exist created a pack to serve the light forever. This found organization is called The Key Forge. I myself am a member of this organization. Today, we all live in different worlds, never realizing that such a greater evil could exist. But we were foolish to think this couldn't happen. After all this time, it had seem supercilious to even try and remain together since there was no oppressing darkness. But this darkness if far greater than that of the nobody's and of the heartless".

Heartless? Nobodies? This…this is so confusing to me. And to top it off, he is explaining a forge? Of some key? I thought keys were used for locked doors?!

"Um, what exactly is this key you speak about?" a crossed look between anxiety, and curiosity came on her face.

Roxas was forming something around his hand. Rena didn't quite understand what he was doing. In a few seconds a light shined from right to left emitting an aura. As the light shined a new look crossed her face. Bewilderment.

"This weapon is served for the light. It was given to me at birth. It is called a key-blade. Now, although before I said it is served for the light there are others that wish to use its power for their darkest desires and deeds. A key-blade is no ordinary weapon though, Rena. The Key must choose a master; one that it feels can wield it. What Kairi didn't tell you is that she is one of the members of the forge. She wields a key-blade as do I and many more. And soon, you too will learn to wield a key-blade."

"What about me?" questioned Rex? He felt left out of this conversation. Roxas glanced over to him.

"You . . . well, I am unsure; the legend tells that a girl will save all worlds from the darkness. That girl Is Rena, and you play a vital role too but I am unsure. You must understand, it is because you are not one of the chosen masters." Roxas was sincere, but looked away.

It's okay, I know I am meant for something on this journey. Rex thought.

Rena looked at her friend. She grabbed both her hands into one of his.

"Rex, you are important to me, I won't let anything happen to you".

The boy smiled, having the comfort of his friend made him feel better.

"Rena, since you are the chosen one, you must stay with me. For I am the one to train you".

Rena nodded in reply to Roxas.

This part of the mission is going to be a bit hard.

The next morning the trio got up to work on their training skills. But seeing how Rex doesn't have a weapon Roxas was going to have to teach them different fighting techniques.

"Rena, in order to find a key-blade that best fits you, you must first understand how you feel, be sure to pick the right emotions, feelings, and understandings within you. This will help your key-blade choose you. Remember, key-blades have feelings of their own as I told you, and they have the strength to find a new wielder throughout the worlds. Concentrate very hard so that the key-blade meant for you can find you" Roxas was very diligent. He spoke with anticipation, giving Rena the instructions she needed.

This process requires all of my energy. I have to focus!

Rena shut her eyes. She let nature take her mind away. She was listening to the birds, and felt the wind blow through her hair. She smelled certain mixtures of cement and stone. She was ready to officially begin.

"I want you to dig deep inside yourself, relax, and find your center".

Rena sensed her Aura. She felt as if the world was her and she was the world.

"Huh? Where am I?" nothing seemed to be around Rena now. She vividly saw colors smashing at every corner she saw. Bright streaks filled her skies, and there was a reflection in every movement she mad. She floated, and walked on what appeared to be air. For every step she took, a ripple crossed the ground. Or did she happen to touch a ground at all?

This is what's meant to happen. I can finally meet you now.

"Is that you Namine?". . .

An echo of the lullaby again. Only this time, it was fainter now. Rena found a light that shown, dragging her out farther than where she was. It was then the light rose to the air, and a person took form.

Yes Rena, it's me.

Like a prayer that has been answered, she wanted nothing more than to be with Namine. It just felt so natural for Rena that she considered her like a sister.

"You don't look old"

That's because I am a part of you Rena.

"Namine. What am I supposed to be searching for?

Search the light in your heart. Find it, and find who you are.

The floor began to manifest itself. Stained glass showed forming a figure. No wait, two figures.

Rena was staring down at herself, and even Namine in the stained glass. Rena faced upside up as Namine was showing upside down. Both were holding a charm in the middle, but the stained glass looked black.

Rena's feet caught the floor. She saw that her sky had now looked like space. Brilliant colors surfaced and looked like multiple galaxy's. Namine was waiting for her. Her back turned for the time being.

"This picture, it's of me and – you"

Yes, it is.

"Why?"

Because this is your – I mean – our heart.

"I can feel your kindness, your warmth – Namine".

It's been a long time since I was able to find such a pure spirit like yours, with all the evil, and darkness. I couldn't live on the material plain anymore. That's why you exist. That's why I needed to take form in the worlds again. This is why you are here talking to me right now. You are important Rena. You always were. Now you must find the piece of our heart. The piece that has been missing. The Key-blade.

With her eyes close and trying to find the answers. She could actually visualize the key-blade that was destined for her. It was beautiful. The key had a crown as the handle, the top of the key bore half a heart going one way colored sapphire pink, and another half heart going the opposite direction in ivory white. The key's head was in the shape of diamonds and in the handle was a crescent moon colored sapphire pink as well. The feel of her key-blade felt so real. In fact. . .

Rena, it's time to wake up.

Rena?

Hello?

"Rena- Rena wake up!" Roxas shook her a little bit.

As she started to wake Rena's Key-blade appeared in her hands. A perfect grip.

"Whoa" Rex exasperated.

Roxas smiled and looked at her.

"You did it kiddo".

She was mesmerized with her key-blade still. But she found what she was looking for within herself. Courage.

"Now the rest of your training can begin".

The silver blonde laughed a little under his breath and looked at the duo.

"Your first task is to destroy something of the darkness. If you go to the terrace where the castle stands you will find the darkness there. And it is there that you will resonate as one with your Key-blade" spoke the silver blonde. Rena nodded in agreement. Seeing how she has to walk a little bit to get there. Rex insisted that he went with her, however, the silver blond explained that she is to go alone, and that he was to stay there and learn hand to hand combat.

Be careful Rena.

Rena had shut her eyes, and for the moment she could hear the wisp of the wind, feel it blowing through her hair. Looking in every direction, she saw that the corridor of the castle was of a black color. A door that once looked beautiful was now tarnished in rust and corrosion same as the window frames and the roof. Rena knows that looks are deceiving. When she entered it was not the same. There was crown molding everywhere she looked, and it was wooden interior. In fact it looked untouched for almost a hundred years. There was a layer of dust everywhere. It was a thin layer, as Rena speculated. Her movements were soft keeping herself intact and not breathing in heavy. She maneuvered her scarf to act as a mask. On the first floor she found nothing but empty shelves in the kitchen and old furniture in the living room. There was a fireplace too, and it was in stone. There was a marking in the stone though.

"R + H" was what read in the stone, and there was a heart underneath it.

What were these letters? What did they symbolize? Rena thought to herself.

Rena walked up stairs; she didn't take her eyes off of the fire place while doing so. The fireplace then vanished as she approached the second floor. A long corridor was what she found. The downstairs didn't look nearly as big as the second, but from speculation outside Rena remembered that it was oddly shaped. This castle was pretty old, so it looked on the outside.

I remember now. . .

Namine? Is that you?

Rena's expression turned, her demeanor changed, she was now alert. Focusing on the task the silver blonde had given to her, she had no time to wonder. She focused her energy. A door began to crack open at the end of the hall. Rena walked towards the open door, knowing that she probably shouldn't, her curiosity was getting to her again.

"Hello?" she asked as she approached the door. She saw nothing but darkness. As the thought came to her, Rena remembered she had some matches she found while traveling in Crossing Hollow. For some inexplicable reason, she was so grateful that she had found them. She lit up the lantern located next to the door. Although lit, the darkness still had a hold, forming shadows around the light that danced on the walls. There was something that Rena was feeling, a feeling that she herself was afraid of because it was causing her heart to feel fear. The shadows from the wall crept slowly into a figure which then took form.

It's the same figure as before in the woods.

The atmosphere was dead silent. The figure was now taking a new shape. Molding its darkness into flesh; growing skin, eyes, hair, and many traits to that of a human. Of course with the room being so dark Rena only saw it change instantaneously into a human. A feeling of shock and confusion came over her face, and that's when her key-blade appeared in her hand. Rena's eyes were widened but she her face was now in a form of concentration, her teeth clenched.

The figure standing in front of her was smiling eerily. Rena was having trouble trying to figure out exactly what gender the creature is. A part of the head was shaved and the hair was longer in the front than in the back, and messy too. The eyes of the creature were glowing bright grey. It wore nothing but the colors of black and grey. Rena could tell that this was no ordinary darkness, and for it to take form is even more troublesome. With a swish of the creature's hand it summoned a creature of its own.

"You will suffer" the creatures voice spoke. Rena could hear the distinctness in the creature's voice. She knew now it was a girl. The girl didn't take her eyes off of Rena, until, she vanished swishing a black shroud over her being disappearing completely.

Rena had to act fast, the creatures the girl had summoned were starting to slither towards her feet. In an attempt to dodge them Rena attempted to jump to the other side of the creatures, when she realized she felt like she was gliding on air as she jumped. It was a perfect and soft landing. She did not fully touch the ground though she was away from the floor inches away.

I'm really floating. This feeling, this sensation. . .

It felt too real she thought, and then she realized a second time, that what has happened is real. The slithering black things were now quicker. Rena acted quickly to slay them, and with a swipe at the torso she was able to hit both of them causing them to hit the wall and disappear into dust. It was time for the key-blade wielder to get back to her trainer. Rena was sure he wanted to hear the news she had. She was actually anxious. The experience was a bit frightening for her, and upsetting.

The look on Rex's face washed over with excitement as he ran over to his friend, but that changed when he noticed the cuts and bruises on her. The silver blonde took notice of Rena's injuries.

"Rena, are you, alright?" spoke the brown haired boy. Rex was sincere.

You can't cry. You WONT cry. . .

Trying to show her trainer she had won the battle, the silver blonde knew something was wrong. He went towards her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay Rena, you can cry" he spoke gently. His feelings turned to sympathy, as if, a feeling of regret was washing over him, but at the same time, it was something she had to overcome; she had to master it.

But even though she won the battle she felt defeated inside. Rena grabbed the silver blonde in a need for a hug, while sobbing. The trainer accepted how Rena felt, giving her the comfort she rightfully deserved.

"You're a natural now" Spoke the blonde. Enthusiasm lit Rena's face up. It had been nearly three months since she has gotten use to fighting the darkness, but that girl, she still thinks about her. Rena could still see the face the girl wore, expressionless and almost zombie like. This darkness surely was scary, and worse, it took on the shape of what looked to be an innocent little girl. Only negativity was what Rena sensed from her. She keeps the memory back in her mind. She cannot forget it. Not now, and not ever. She knew that she would have to defeat the girl eventually. So there was no sense forgetting her face at least.

"You are ready to move on to the next part of your journey" Spoke the silver blonde.

"Thank you for teaching me everything. I feel more confident now than when I first showed up" Rena spoke with a little side laugh at the end. Rex was beside her. It made him happy to see her smile which made him smile. They both waved towards the trainer. As Rena started walking she couldn't help but run towards her trainer in an embrace for a hug. He was a new edition to her heart, and maybe it was the part of Namine` that made her cry, not wanting to leave him.

"I hope to see you again Roxas".

"We will meet again soon, don't worry Rena. You can fight on your own now, I have trained you well my pupil. Please, be safe, and make sure to look out for yourself and Rex". Roxas smiled at her and both embraced in a hug.

Kairi, thank you for sending her to me. It was a pleasure getting to see her. And you were right she looks like Namine. I wish I could see you and the others; soon very soon.

He looked at the sun setting from the castle Rena had went to; he smiled. There in his heart, he sensed hope. It brought Roxas joy in his age. A tear dropped from his face for the first time in a long time.