Happy New Year:D

Time for an extremely long and probably unnecessary A/N. XD

2008 comes with a few bits of news from me. Firstly, and most importantly, I have started an account on fictionpress! I wanted to get some original, non-fic work out there. My pen name is the same, and I am in SERIOUS need of some fans over there. The first story I'm posting is about a boy named Sora, whose name was not taken from KH Sora... but there's a longer explanation of how that came to be his name posted with the story. I have many, many, MANY other things I'm planning on posting over there, so be sure to go and give it a read!

This story has reached a huge milestone--51 favorites and 150 reviews. You have know idea how pleased I am, haha. My mind recently cooked up a few more wacky twists for this story, and starting now, I will be posting deadline dates for myself and for you on my profile--dates that I will FOR CERTAIN be updated by, because it's time to really get this one going. For example, the date currently posted on there is tomorrow, the 5th. How wonderful, I'm a day early. If you're wondering when I'll be updating, the date will always be there for you to check.

Thank you to my 6 reviewers last chapter. Remember to send one my way this chapter, I have cookies. :D Don't ask what kind; they're just delicious. So I guess that's what kind they are. Okay, now read. I apologize. XD

"I think we should keep moving," Naminé announced into the silence in the cave. Her strong command quietly echoed back at her.

Sora, who was sprawled on the ground, glanced up at her incredulously. "No way, you can't be serious!"

"The faster we get there, the faster we can go home," Naminé reasoned. "I feel like something is just not right back at the castle."

Kairi looked skeptical, as well. "You said Riku would contact us, if something went wrong…"

"But what if they don't know what it is yet?" Roxas immediately came to Naminé's defense. "What if they're in trouble, but they don't know it?"

She looked uncertain, but said nothing. Sora put his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, having been suddenly convinced by Roxas and Naminé. "I'm tired, but… I don't want anything to happen to Riku, or to Yuri. Let's move," Sora said, standing and helping Kairi up.

Naminé took off without a look of thanks in Roxas' direction, running as fast as her feet would carry her. Try as she might, she could never escape the truth—Roxas knew everything that was written in her diary. Had he deduced all she had written about him, or was he still clueless? She stared blankly at the ground, watching for dips and rocks. At this pace, they would reach the Dark Depths before dawn… what a difference an empty plain made! If the Adherence had been there, the journey would have taken more than twice as long.

She turned to her right, where Kairi was making pace with her almost precisely, looking absolutely exhilarated as the cool air whipped her face—so much for not wanting to continue. She noticed Naminé's expectant glance, and her pupils expanded, turning her irises completely black. Moments later, they phased back to normal. She gave Naminé a thumbs up.

The Adherence guarding the exit were asleep. Disarming their magic would be too easy, and from the exit of the Great Maw, the Dark Depths were one more mile down the road. Naminé estimated that they were running around a five minute mile, if not less. Tension mounted as they drew closer and closer to the Adherence's camp, until it was within normal eyesight…

The night at the castle had been an eventful one. Decorations of white ribbons and lace could be found all over the place, and the gardens were set up to host the royal wedding. Several rows of white chairs were organized facing a small white podium that had been erected in front of an archway of red rose bushes. Though there wouldn't be many guests due to the violence in the land, the kitchen had been bustling all night erecting and enormous cake and preparing an extravagant feast.

"I just… I don't know what to do," Yuri said quietly to Riku as a maid pinned in her veil. "Should I marry him?"

"Your board of advisors already made that decision for you," Riku reminded her disdainfully. "I really don't know what we're going to do. We need a plan…"

Yuri stared off into space, ignoring the countless ladies pinning and prodding her, fluffing her many layers of lace until they looked just right. "His coronation, assuming he has one, won't be till tomorrow."

Riku bit his lip. "Right. And, what exactly was your plan for that?"

Yuri frowned, eyes still slipping away from reality. "You know, I'm not sure."

He touched the back of her hand gently. "Yuri?"

Her eyes came back into focus, and she slowly turned to look at him. Behind her brave face, Riku could see the fear trembling—he could hear it rattling her mind relentlessly, but tried to stay out of her thoughts for the moment out of politeness. Besides, he didn't even have to listen in on her brain to know each and every thing she was thinking. "I know you're afraid," he said quietly, catching her gaze with his. "Don't deny it—you are, and that's understandable. But I want you to know that no matter what happens today, I'll never stop watching you. Nothing is going to happen to you. I won't let it."

"Don't talk like that," her voice quivered as she squeezed her eyes shut tightly, golden eye makeup shimmering in the light. "At least, not now. I don't know how I can possibly thank you for everything you've done for me."

Riku smiled weakly. Her presence was thanks enough. "You look beautiful," he offered, touching her hand again. She opened her eyes, and the fear was gone.

"You're such an idiot, Riku," she teased, swatting away all the maids. "You've prodded enough already, right? I look fine!" They scattered.

Riku put his hands on his hips. "And why am I an idiot?" he asked, not managing to subdue a smile. "I think we both know that I'm more intelligent than you, even on your best day."

She laughed softly. "That all depends on the subject."

"Careful, I may just accidentally step on that mile-long train of yours!" Riku threatened jokingly.

She gasped theatrically. "You wouldn't!"

Riku gave her an intense, heart-stopping stare. "Oh, I would."

The sound of her laughter again was comforting to them both. "Yeah, Riku, you do, and I'll nail you with the best spell I can think of. So, if I were you, I wouldn't."

"Okay, okay," he relented, smiling. "Just so we're clear, you're the one who decided to marry a guy bent on destroying a planet that all of our families live on."

Yuri's mouth dropped open. "Hey, didn't we already blame my advisors for that?"

Riku stuck his tongue out at her, but didn't comment.

"You're so immature," she scoffed.

"Better that than married to a lunatic."

Yuri rolled her eyes. "So much for making me feel better. Let's get this show on the road!"

"I'll be watching," Riku called after her as she was led from the room by other members of the wedding party.

Yuri suddenly froze. "One minute," she told the woman at her side. She whirled around, and nearly dashed back towards Riku. In one swift motion, she wrapped her arms completely around him, enveloping him in the biggest hug she ever had.

"Thank you," she breathed in his ear. "If you're wondering why I never asked you to give me away… it's because I don't want you to give me away at all."

"I was wondering," he sighed, taking care not to touch her curled and styled hair. "Maybe now, I can force myself to sit through this without objecting."

"Oh, Riku, the priest isn't going to ask if anybody does," Yuri said sadly. When she released him, he realized that her eyes were once again brimming with tears.

"I…" her voice got caught in her throat.

"I know." With great effort, Riku managed to look encouraging, but couldn't coax a smile from his suddenly unruly mouth. "Go, or you'll be late."

She looked at him, pained. "I don't want to leave you here."

His gaze fell to the ground. "It's okay. I understand."

"No, I don't think you ever will…"

"Stop it. We'll talk about this later. Just try not to trip." The corners of his mouth twitched, despite how melancholy he was feeling.

"Oh, thanks, Riku," she said sarcastically, sniffling. She gave him another quick hug, and hurriedly left the room, the feel of her hand still burning against Riku's fingertips.

"This is terrible," he sighed inwardly. "How I will ever explain…"

"Almost finished," Naminé whispered so quietly it was nearly inaudible. She had disarmed almost all of the magical traps the Adherence had erected, and they were still stiff as boards in their tents, sleeping as though nothing was happening.

"How they could be this confident," Kairi chuckled quietly, watching them carefully to make sure they didn't wake up.

"Done," Naminé murmured. "Let's move."

She lead, as was custom, and the others followed quickly in her wake.

Several minutes down the road past the Adherence's camp, something suddenly pinged in Roxas' brain—before he knew what he was doing, he grabbed Naminé and covered her mouth, just as she simultaneously shrieked. "Trap," he muttered to her, her eyes wide in sudden comprehension. Sora and Kairi came to a halt, and bent over where Roxas had Naminé cradled in his arms on the ground.

"Don't scream," Roxas insisted seriously. "Calm down."

She began to breathe deeply, the effects of tripping the magical trap wearing off. "I'm going to uncover your mouth, but you have to promise you won't scream," Roxas said quietly. "Can you do that?"

She nodded confidently. He lifted his hand, and immediately, she said, "Thank you!"

He smiled a little. "Even if you hate me, I'll still save you, you know."

"If I had made noise, do you know how much worse things would be right now?"

"I have an idea," he said, nodding. "Anyway, I don't think this is an Adherence trap."

"You're absolutely right," Naminé agreed, hoisting herself back into an upright position. "That was Akiko's trap. She knows we're coming. I can't believe I overlooked it."

"We were moving so fast, and you weren't expecting…" Roxas reminded her.

"True," she almost smiled, which made Roxas feel elated. "And I don't hate you. But we'll talk about that later."

"And I mentioned how sorry I was?"

"You did," she nodded once. "Let's go, she's not going to think that we set off that trap, because normally, we wouldn't be so stupid…"

As they took off down the path, the temperature began to drop, and dusty white snowflakes began to slowly float down upon them. Seconds later, it became a deluge—snow began pelting them so roughly that it was almost impossible to see past the swirling wall of white. The wind picked up to a violent speed, and Naminé found herself being completely thrown around by it, unable to control her movements.

Roxas was struck immediately with an idea. He reached out and linked his arms with Naminé's and Kairi's. Sora popped up and grabbed Kairi's other arm, and with barely a pause, the human chain made their way up the mountain path.

Riku had chosen his favorite spot overlooking the gardens as his perch to observe the disastrous wedding. It would be lucky if Yuri could keep her emotions hidden throughout the ceremony—she seemed extremely prone to random bursts of tears recently, though for good reason. He glared heatedly at Zexion, who waited by the small altar for Yuri to emerge.

"Riku!"

He whirled around, offended that someone had dared follow him here. It seemed everyone knew that he waned to be alone, especially right now, today—

"Hana," he growled. "What the hell…?"

"How I got in isn't important," she immediately dismissed the question she knew he would ask first. "And I'm here because we need to talk."

"And you chose right now?" Riku cocked an enraged eyebrow as acid leaked into his tone. "What were you thinking? You know better than anyone else how I feel right now, today. Or, at least, you think you do."

She rolled her eyes. "When else are you going to be alone?"

He inhaled deeply. "Good point." His face relaxed. "Make sure you duck down below this wall, I don't want Yuri to know I spoke to you."

Of course, protect her, Riku heard in her thoughts. Protect her, like always.

"That's quite enough," he muttered roughly, blocking out her thoughts as best he could. Her mind was the last thing in the universe he wanted to hear.

She ignored his comment. "I went looking for you last night," she began casually, as though there was nothing out of the ordinary about it. She sat down, back against the wall that Riku sat on. He watched Yuri slowly making her way down the aisle, and imagined her annoyed with the train, wishing for Riku to come and rip it off…

"But clearly, you didn't find me," Riku pointed out shortly. "Use your brain, do you really think I would have left her here to go and look for weapons?"

Hana shrugged. "I guess I wasn't thinking. Then again, I never thought you'd leave me here on my own, either."

Riku sighed loudly. "If that's what you came here to talk about, you might as well leave. That's ancient history." Yuri had reached the altar, and the booming voice of the pompous priest was echoing over the small amount of castle dwellers and advisors present.

"Actually, I came here to warn you, but if you're going to take that tone with me, then you're right. I might as well just leave."

"Warn me about…?" Riku said expectantly, watching Yuri frozen next to Zexion, looking more uncomfortable than ever.

"Zexion. Korin. You know, general threats."

Riku's eyebrows shot up at the sound of both names. "How does the Adherence know anything about Zexion? He's got his own agenda."

Chuckling quietly, Hana shook her head. "No, Riku, he doesn't. Well, not exactly."

"Explain," he demanded stiffly, aching as the priest put Zexion's hand on top of Yuri's… the same hand he had touched to bring her back to reality not twenty minutes before…

"Zexion wants to destroy the Earth, which I'm sure you've deduced by now, being the extremely intelligent and reasonable person that you are."

"Exactly, he has his own agenda," Riku insisted, cold stare fixated on the back of Zexion's head.

"If you'd stop paying attention to that for one second," Hana complained, "seriously. I'm about to tell you something I'll probably be tortured for divulging. The least you could do is give me your undivided attention."

With difficulty, Riku tore his eyes from Yuri. "What?"

"We have agreed to use our power to destroy the Earth if Zexion helps us get rid of you and the Queen," she said softly.

"It's so freezing!" Kairi shivered, attempting to look at her red, frozen feet. "I really wish we had boots, Naminé!"

"I know," Naminé agreed dismally. "My feet are freezing, too!"

"Can't we magic the snow away?" Sora shouted over the wind, which had suddenly picked up again.

"It's Akiko's magic. I doubt even I could do much good," she shouted back, slipping as she lost her foothold. Roxas steadied her easily, helping her back onto her feet.

"Maybe you should try anyway!" Sora loudly suggested, using his free hand to wring out his soaking hair. "No matter what, we're not going to last much longer out here, Naminé. It's freezing, and our clothes are wet. We'll get hypothermia if we don't move faster or do something."

She sighed worriedly. Certainly, combating Akiko's magic was possible, but she'd need to draw from Hollow Bastion, and last time that had happened, she overdid it, and ended up in the hospital wing in the castle. "I'll try!" she suddenly agreed, closing her eyes momentarily.

Right now was no time to be scared. They were freezing, and something had to be done.

As she tapped in to Hollow Bastion's magic, she could feel Akiko there, manipulating the magic to create the storm. Her eyes snapped open, glowing bright red. She was mainly dragged through the storm with the rest of the group by Roxas—her concentration was far too great for her to move herself. Red light started to flicker at her fingertips, lingering there, waiting for her to make a move. Sora, who was leading the group, began to stumble on the hidden ice beneath them, pulling everyone else down with him. Naminé didn't so much as blink.

Suddenly, she jerked her arm out of Roxas', and raised both arms high into the air, where the red light began to intensify and grow. She snapped her arms forward, releasing the light like a gigantic cannon ball into the storm. Ribbons of the light emerged, and she controlled them like a puppeteer, maneuvering and twisting them, fighting Akiko's magic with her own.

After several minutes, explosions rang out in the sky, red and white sparks sprinkling down upon them. Sora waved his arm, and a clear, bubble-like shield covered the four of them. Little holes in the snow were evidence of where the sparks had fallen and the fire had melted down to the actual ground.

Naminé's eyes faded back to normal. "She knows we're here," Naminé announced proudly. "Thanks to me, anyway."

"You…?" Sora's voice trailed off expectantly. "You beat her?"

"No, Sora," she giggled. "Not quite. I simply let her know, as loudly as I could, that it's us."

"Magically," Roxas hinted, just in case Sora was still lost.

He scowled. "Yeah, thanks, got it, Rox."

"Come on, guys," Kairi called—she and Naminé had already started down the path. "We've got just another mile or so, let's get moving!"

Ha...ha... how much do you hate me for the Riku/Hana cliffhanger? Just remember, COOKIES...

Next chapter, we have a meeting with an immortal witch, the emergence of another KH character that hasn't been in the story yet (can't wait for the guesses on this one, haha), the end of the wedding, and the beginning of a monumental fight! It'll be enormous. Keep your eyes peeled!

Thanks for reading, review!

Lulala