Chapter Two

For the second time that night, Riku awoke in a strange place. However, his new location appeared to be more comforting and luxurious. As Riku sat up in bed, a mysterious stranger walked into the room.

"Who are you?" questioned Riku.

"My name is Zack" answered the stranger.

"Well, who are you and what do you want with me?" demanded Riku.

"Hey relax, chill out and I'll explain this" said Zack.

"First off, where am I?" asked Riku.

"Midgar, home to Shinra Electric Power Company for which I'm a member of an elite squad called SOILDER" explained Zack" I basically supply physical duties too big for regular people".

"Regular people?" asked Riku.

"You see, SOLDIER members are infused with mako energy, which gives them a strength boost and a glow in their eyes which is referred to as "mako eyes" replied Zack.

"Okay, second, what were you doing at that place?" asked Riku.

"I was on a mission, but instead, I found you" said Zack.

"What mission?" asked Riku.

"Heh, sorry, can't reveal any info on work" said Zack.

"Oh, okay, lastly, what happened back there?" asked Riku. Zack stood there for a moment with a solemn look on his face, staring at the floor.

"Your home…is lost in darkness" said Zack.

"What did you say?" asked Riku.

The Heartless, those shadow creatures you fought, they hunt hearts, take them into the darkness…and then more appear" said Zack.

"Are you saying my home had a heart? That's crazy" said Riku.

"I know it sounds strange, but it's true. All the worlds have hearts, and when the Heartless takes that heart, the world disappears" said Zack.

"And that's what happened to my home?" asked Riku.

"Yeah" said Zack.

"Wait, what about Sora and Kairi? Did you see any one else!" questioned Riku.

"No, sorry" replied Zack. Riku looked to the ground in deep sorrow for the disappearance of his friends.

"But, they could still be out there" said Zack.

"You think!" said Riku.

"Sure, but you need to search for them. I know, go search around the city and see if you can find them, it's worth a shot" suggested Zack.

"Ok, I'll do that." decided Riku.

"Alright then, when you're done, meet me at that building out there" said Zack as he pointed out the window. Riku walked over to the window and saw a large building that towered over the city.

"That's Shinra's HQ" explained Zack.

"Ok, I'll meet up with you later" said Riku as he headed out the door.