Marie's Casual wear:
www.swirl3y.deviantart.com/art/I-bring-you-peace-214094964?q=gallery%3Aswirl3y%2F29599925&qo=5

Ryan:
www.swirl3y.deviantart.com/art/That-s-his-name-286861562

A\N:
As I've said before, both Ryan and the necklace have been changed up. Ryan won't be with the gang anymore after a while, but he'll go out with a bang and help a huge chunk of Marie's memory! The same goes for the fake Marie, who will provide Marie with a valuable self-esteem boost. The necklace also helps with memory, but in a very subtle, sub-conscious way.

Chapter Thirty-Two

ȶ

The power of loyalty

After having some fun on the steam boat, we returned the cornerstone of light to it's place, and headed to the door. Donald was still thinking about changing the future, but Goofy and Sora dragged him out of the past. As much as anyone wanted to change the past, would they be strong enough to? I don't think I would change it, despite everything that happened. Who knows if I would even be here today.

"Welcome back!" we heard Queen Minnie say as we walked through the door. We all stood and stared at her, who smiled widely at us. "Because of your bravery, the castle is safe and protected again."

Merlin expressed his concern whether if we did anything reckless, and Donald immediately denied it. Goofy and Sora laughed, and I chuckled along. Donald abruptly turned around, and called out a woman named Daisy. We all turned to face the woman, and she was stunning! Her dress and her stance made her seem like royalty. Donald ran towards her, and told her that she was back. Sora raised his eyebrow, and looked at Goofy, who explained. "Daisy is Donald's very special sweetheart."

I blushed when he said sweetheart, and I think Sora did too. He chuckled, and quickly raised his arms behind his head. We continued to stare at them, until Daisy suddenly had her hands on her hips.

"Donald, you forgot about our date again!" she scolded him. "You'd better have a good excuse this time!"

Donald cowered in fear, and tried to explain. Daisy knew we were on an important mission, but I think she felt pretty much neglected about him forgetting their dates. Donald quickly looked around, and noticed the door. Merlin was quick to remind him about not doing anything, but Donald kept running until daisy caught up. Everyone watched as she chased after him, and it brought out a good laugh. We stopped laughing once Sora's Keyblade started to glow, and we all looked at the cornerstone of light. We knew where this was going, and we watched as Sora unlocked a path to a new world. I was a little sad that I couldn't help Sora with this, but I felt like it was his job, not mine. When he was done, Sora told Daisy that we needed Donald for a little longer and tried to make her feel assured that he would come back. Daisy still wasn't convinced, but Donald assured her himself that he would be back. I smiled at the two, it was definitely cute to see them together.

We said our farewells to the rest of the group, and made our way towards the gummi ship. Before Sora and I got on, I grabbed his hand, and led him towards a more secluded area. He looked confused, but I really wanted to know what he knew of me. We stopped, and Sora looked at me as he questioned about it.

"What's wrong?" he asked. I looked away for a bit, trying to compose and figure out how I was going to word what I wanted to ask. I took a deep breath, and looked at him.

"I wanna remember all that I forgot these past few years," I told him. I took a big gulp before continuing on. "But at the moment, I wanna figure out what I forgot about you. It seems like everyone knows something that I don't."

I looked at Sora, who gave me a sympathetic look. I didn't know why, but it was bugging me that I forgot mostly everything involving Sora. I tried keeping it to myself, but too much is too much, and I wanted to know what the deal was. He kept staring at me, and it seemed like he was trying to figure out what to say in response. I held my breath, and bit the lower part of my lip. When he sighed, he spoke. "...We like each other a lot."

I wasn't exactly sure what he meant by that, but he continued on.

"We had something special," he said. I got why he said 'had' instead of 'have' since I couldn't remember anything, and couldn't return any feelings. He continued. "We had a lot of fun, and we understood each other so well. I promised myself I would never leave your side, since your memory was bad last year, too."

I only stared at him as he continued. He told he that I was always hugging him, and how I made him feel. He was even scared at one point thinking that I would forget about him, and thus made me the necklace that I have on. I really wanted to cry, because it sounded like the Marie last year was so much more lively than the one now. I was too serious for my own good, but I figured it was because I had to. I looked at Sora, and gave him a small smile as he continued on. When he noticed, he stopped and smiled back. I sighed as I spoke, "I wish I could see that Marie."

"She's still here," he said, grabbing hold of my hands. "I think she's just lost, but I'll help anyway I can because I really care about you."

I didn't back away or take my hands out of his. Instead, I held his hands tightly. I don't think I have ever heard Sora say that he cared about me from his own mouth. He has hugged me, kissed my knee, and did a lot of lovey dovey stuff. At first I was really creeped out by it, but now I seem to understand. I did grow to sort of like his caring ways, but him saying it... it made my stomach flutter. He started chuckling, and I asked him what was up, and his smile grew wider.

"I remember back in Pooh's world we had a talk," he said. "You were so scared about your memory. You were remembering a lot, and you were scared that since you forgot about them once, you would forget about them again. This reminds me of back then."

I smiled along with him. It certainly felt really nice telling him about my concerns, and it made me feel special when he said he cared for me, and that he'll stay by my side. I just wish I could remember. I really do. I voiced this to Sora, and he hugged me, telling me he'll help me get my memory back. I didn't return the hug, since I am still getting used to his lovey ways, but I am grateful for his help.

He let go of the hug, and we returned to the ship. Everyone was already seated and ready for departure. Sora ran and jumped to his seat, and I took a seat next to Ryan, who was overlooking the weaponry of the ship. Sora started up the ship, and we were already on our way to the new world.

ȶ

After fighting off the space heartless, we took a look at the world before us, which was named Port Royal. I was curious as to what kind of world it was, and I think Sora, Donald and Goofy were too. Ryan was going to come along, and I was glad to know that he was excited about it. He was kept inside when we went to Timeless River, so he's finally getting to leave and explore. We landed the ship, and quickly got off. Port Royal looked pretty gloomy, and we walked around for a bit. There wasn't a person in sight. We made it to an open-view area, and Sora crossed his arms as the other two looked around.

"This place is...," Sora started, looking around before Goofy finished his sentence. "Kinda different."

I looked around and noticed it was pretty much an island surrounded by water. Nothing like Neverland, but somehow it felt a bit similar. I scratched my head. "I wonder if there are people around here."

Not long after I spoke we heard people screaming... well, I guess we found them! We quickly made our way towards the sound, and looked over a bridge. Sora scouted the area before determining something was up.

"Organization XIII?" Goofy asked. Donald added that it could have been the heartless. There was only one way to find out, and Sora agreed to it. Ryan was awfully quiet, but I figured he was scouting out the area like we were.

ȶ

Pete

Staring at a couple of strange men, Pete found out that these pirates were—as they called it—not among the living nor the dead. He was pretty intrigued how they looked like regular men, but when the moonlight shined on them they were nothing but cloth and bones. He also figured that he would take the time to warn them about Sora.

"Well, if you see two doofuses and two brats holdin' a Keyblade, steer clear," he warned. "They got a kinda magic that don't belong in this world, see? Nobody knows what this magic will do to ya. 'Specially when the moon's showing whatcha really are."

"A match for Barbossa, you say?" the leader pirate, whose name is Barbossa said. In about a matter of seconds, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Marie and Ryan appeared. Three of them with weapons in hand. Pete scoffed and pointed them as the 'punks' he was talking about. Sora growled, and raised his Keyblade.

"Who're you calling punks?" shouted Sora, who told them their names and to not forget it. The pirates all looked at them, and smirked.

"That we won't. And we'll engrave it on your tombstone, to be sure," Barbossa said. Pete laughed a bit, and Barbossa ordered half his men to fight and the other to look for a medallion.

"Aw, we only get to stomp on a few of you?" Sora said, provoking the pirate leader and his men. Barbossa only laughed, and walked off as the rest of his men went to look for the medallion.

ȶ

Marie

I guess Neverland and Port Royal are pretty similar, especially with the pirates! I remember Sora telling me about pirates in Neverland, but since I never got to really explore I didn't see them. I remember trying to help Riku help Kairi, but after that is a bit of a blur. Well, we prepared for battle, and almost instantly the pirates started attacking. Sora and Donald started getting offensive, while Goofy charged at some and I healed. Ryan was standing close by, and I had my eye on him. After a while, I noticed Sora and Donald were getting confused, and I looked at them.

"It's no use!" Sora shouted. "We can't beat them!"

I ran up to Sora and Donald, and the pirates just laughed. We looked up to see the cloud moving, and the moon appeared. We looked at the pirates, and they all started to transform! My eyes widened, and it was really creepy seeing these guys go from flesh to bones. Everyone else gasped, and the pirates laughed yet again. Pete came back, and warned them about our magic. The pirates asked him why, and Pete sighed about having to repeat himself. Sora looked at us, and we all nodded, knowing that magic would help against them. He also thanked Pete, who grew pretty angry with having spilled the beans. Sora attacked the closest pirate, and soon everyone else followed. We went back to our positions, and as I was healing I saw a pirate chasing after Ryan. I furrowed my eyebrows together, since there is no way a pirate is going to try and hurt my cousin. I healed the gang one last time before looking for Ryan.

ȶ

Sora

After fighting off the last round of pirates, Pete told them it wasn't over before running off. Sora put his Keyblade away, and told Donald and Goofy that they had work to do if Pete was present. They were also curious about the pirate captain, and Sora wouldn't be too thrilled about having him turn into a heartless. He looked over to the docks, and tuned to Donald and Goofy.

"Hey, maybe we can take a pirate ship out for a spin!" he suggested. He was really into pirates after all. He noticed the look on Donald and Goofy, and laughed as he joked about it. "Weren't those guys headed into town?"

"Yeah, I think they were looking for treasure," Goofy said. Sora nodded, and turned around to Marie, only... she wasn't in sight. Neither was Ryan for that matter. He was sure they got rid of all the pirates in the area, but he was getting worried nonetheless.

"Maybe she went into town?" Donald asked. Sora hoped so, and soon started running towards there. When they did, however, they saw a man being surrounded by heartless. Donald quickly got out his weapon, and both Sora and Goofy did the same. They ran in front of the man, and told him to take cover. He had shoulder length brown hair and had an outfit with a color scheme of brown, black and white. He was a little hesitant to leave, but did so nonetheless. Luckily, the heartless in question were only shadows, so they were pretty easy for Sora, Donald and Goofy. Once they were finished fighting, the man who took cover came back and complimented their skills.

"You really think we're that good?" Sora asked, placing his hands behind his head. Goofy noticed prior to fighting the heartless that the man's friend was being taken away, and asked if he found her.

"I was too late," he said, lowering his head. "But I must rescue her! Will you help me?"

Although Sora wanted to find Marie, he couldn't turn down the offer to help someone in need. The world wasn't a big place, so he had high hopes that he would find her along the way, and she wasn't alone either. He introduced himself, Donald and Goofy to the man.

"I'm William Turner, but call me Will," the man said, shaking each of their hands. They were in a hurry, and quickly headed towards the docks.

ȶ

Marie

"I think we lost him," Ryan said as he bent down to catch his breath. I sighed, and was a little frustrated how we were pretty far from Sora. Well, that and that I think we were lost. I tried fighting off the pirate, but we just ran for it instead. Ryan caught his breath, and we looked around. We saw the docks nearby, but I didn't want to take any chances since, you know... pirates and all. They probably had their pirate ships docked their.

"You know, I think it's the only place that's here," Ryan mentioned. I sighed, and figured he was right.

"Okay, let's make our way there," I said as we started walking. "Let's just stay on guard."

We walked towards the harbor slowly, and made sure no one was around to attack us or something. This place was really gloomy, and I couldn't see one speck of bright color anywhere. We were close by, and I noticed that there were no ships in sight, and I sighed out of relief. We did hear people talking, and Ryan was able to point out Donald and Goofy. I was so glad to hear that. We walked along the path towards the docks, and I was able to see Sora, Donald and Goofy. We also saw another man, but it was safe to assume he was good.

"Sora!" I shouted. He cocked his head up, and smiled when he saw me. I waved my hand, and we started walking faster towards them. Soon enough we met up with them, and I smiled at the man who was standing beside Sora.

"Oh yeah, this is Will," Sora introduced. I nodded, told him mine along with Ryan's name, and shook his hand. He seemed pretty polite, and really well mannered. He was about to say something, until he looked ahead.

"You... What are you doing aboard the interceptor? It's off-limits to civilians!" he asked as he walked to where a ship was. I raised my eyebrow, and didn't even notice that ship at all. It blended in with the scenery so well, but I shook my head and followed along with everyone else. The man he was talking too was very...raggedy looking. He had long, braided black hair, and a braided beard. I think he was wearing make-up...and he had a lot of black and white on. He also had a brown bandana, but it was mostly the make-up that caught my attention. Oddly enough, it looked good on him.

"Ah, fortunate that I'm going to commandeer her, then," the braided man said. "She'll make a fine pirate ship."

"A pirate!" I noticed that Sora's eyes grew wide when he said that, and his mouth opened when he heard the word pirate. I wasn't really sure, but I think he's had a fascination for pirates ever since Neverland. I did remember him talking on and on about them last year, and the fact that he could fly around the place. He ran a bit towards the pirate, who stopped doing what he did to look at us.

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please," he said as he continued to stare at us. Sora had a wide smile on his face, and I could tell he was pretty darn excited. Will shook his head, and seemed a bit hesitant. I wondered what was going on, but then he spoke up.

"Take me with you," he finally said, explaining his situation. "Help me hunt down the Black Pearl and save Miss Swann."

He then went on to mention that he got Jack out of the jail cell, so he owed him. Jack told him that he needed to win the girl's heart alone, and I raised my eyebrow. This is a pretty selfish pirate... but then they all kinda are. Sora tried convincing him, but he still wouldn't budge. He placed his finger on his chin, and thought of something. He also mumbled something, though we couldn't tell, and he eventually let us on. Will walked onto the ship and thanked Jack who, in reply, told him it was Captain Jack Sparrow. Sora walked up to him and introduced us all, and he nodded. Will also introduced himself, and hurriedly made his way into the ship.

"Sora, you really wanna be a pirate?" Donald asked, looking at Sora. He smiled, and told him no. maybe he just really liked pirates, but not enough to actually be one. I shook my head, and looked out at the water. Ryan came in after me, and he whistled as he also stared at the sea.

"I can only see water," he said, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Where would those pirates go?"

"Who knows," I said. This was a new world, so we didn't really know much. I've come to realize though that every world has it's little surprises, so we're going to be surprised. "But I bet you never imagined roaming around with pirates."

Ryan chuckled, and leaned against the railing. He was pretty quiet, and I wondered if something was up. The ship started moving, and I looked around. Jack was steering the ship, while Sora watched. Donald and Goofy walked around, and Will merely stood still—probably thinking about Miss Swann. I sighed, and walked a little closer to Ryan and decided to ask him what was wrong.

"Oh, well," he said as he continued to look at the sea. "I dunno, I keep thinking 'bout certain things. I wanna know what happened to my aunt and uncle, and who this Aura chick is. She's been getting on my nerves."

I stared at the water down below, and wondered the same things he did. I had a lot on my mind, but worrying or wondering wasn't going to get me closer to the answers. I wanted to know where my parents were, what ever happened to Stella, and Aura. Organization XIII, my memory and my powers were also among the pile of worries. I was curious about Aura though, and why she got on Ryan's nerves.

"She knows about my anemia," he said, sounding a bit bitter about it. I stared at him with wide eyes—how does she know? I don't even know how the girl looks and she knows something as personal as Ryan's anemia? Ryan just scoffed about it, though. "She even mocked me asking if she should feel sorry for me."

I wasn't really liking the things he was saying, but from what he had said about her, she's also helped him a great bunch. She helped him find me, and she even saved me from being kidnapped. Just who is she and why is she always poking her nose in my business? Not that I don't appreciate it, but she certainly hides in the shadows as she does it.

"She kinda seems like she knows a great deal about Organization XIII," he added. I wonder if she knows anyone directly connected to them. There are a lot of things we could benefit if we tracked her down and asked her about them, but it's like shes never there when I am. I sighed, it's not like I had time to hunt her down and ask her these questions, but I do hope I could at least meet and talk to her once. I stopped thinking about that when I heard voices, and I directed my attention towards the wheel. Jack had a compass with him, and I heard Sora ask about it. I walked closer towards them, and Jack was so fixated on it.

"It'll be that she leads us to the Isla de Muerta," he said. He quickly looked up and stared at us. "—Where Barbossa's headed. Savvy?"

Sora asked how he was so sure, and Jack put his compass away and looked at us again. He told us that he and Barbossa had their eyes on a treasure—Aztec gold. It was hidden on the Isla de Muerta, but Barbossa ended up betraying Jack and stole his own ship. As it turned out though, Barbossa already stole the treasure, and the curse that came with it. I was a little confused about having a curse, but maybe it's a 'don't steal what's yours or you'll get it' kind of thing. He told us that he wasn't interested in treasure that came with a defect, but that he only wanted what was originally his—The Black Pearl. The wind grew a bit stronger and I looked out to see that we were about to dock. The ship stopped moving, and we all got off.

"You lads and lass wait here," Jack said as he pointed his finger at us. "Young Turner and I Will rescue the lady."

"Hey! what about us?" Sora protested. Jack smirked and told us that we were going to guard the ship, and I personally didn't mind. Plus, Jack said it was a task given to the bravest of pirates. Buuuut, it was pretty obvious he was just trying to be nice. Sora lowered his eyes, and agreed to it since he didn't want to disobey a pirate.

ȶ

We all lounged around the ship, and I was sitting on the railing. Ryan was still looking out at the sea thinking about what we had been talking about, and Sora leaned against the railing near me with his hands behind his head. Donald and Goofy stood near us, and it was pretty nice just hanging around. It really reminded me of Twilight Town with Hayner, Pence and Olette.

"I think he was just trying to fast-talk us...," I heard Sora say as he looked at us. Donald told him that he was the one who fell for it, and Sora groaned. He wondered what was keeping those two, and even Goofy was concerned about the amount of time they were taking.

"If Pete's hanging around, there must be Heartless here, too," Sora continued. Jack and Will weren't used to fighting Heartless either, so it was kind of worrisome. Even so, we still had to guard the ship. It would suck if someone took it and then we'd be ship-less! And I'm not really interested in swimming all the way from here to the town. I shook my head, and looked at them all.

"Why don't you guys go, and I'll stay here to guard the ship," I suggested. Sora wasn't really for it, and Donald and Goofy were a bit iffy on it as well. They explained that anything could happen if I was left alone, and I puffed my cheeks—so much for the vote of confidence!

"Aw, no, it's not like we don't have confidence in you," Sora assured, giving me a secure smile. "But what if fakey came, or a bunch of those guys from Organization XIII? I just want you close to me."

I smiled when he said that, but I guess I did understand. I'm not at all strong like I was last year, and I know I couldn't stand a chance against fakey or Organization XIII. Even some of the stronger classed heartless would be tough for me to fight on my own. I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment, I guess it wouldn't hurt to leave the ship alone. I looked at them as I nodded, and told them I was going. Of course, with me going along Ryan had to come along as well. He walked over to us, and gave us all a smirk.

"Hey man, with a name like 'Isla de Muerta' it ought to be interesting," he said. I was glad Ryan was getting into it, since seeing him so serious and out of it was a little weird. I looked at everyone, and we all gave an understanding nod and left.

I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I had originally planned to have Marie in a pirate outfit, but I changed that idea because I wasn't really feeling it, plus I don't think Marie is into pirates all that much to begin with.

However, good thing is that Marie is really wanting to remember Sora. Sad thing is that she isn't going to remember until pretty far in the game. It'll take a hit to the head to make her remember, literally.