Bloodbath Kingdom

by SpringBorn

Sora, Donald and Goofy crash land into a world that is unknown to them. They soon meet Lanna Scarlet Kennedy, a young agent sent to the old village in Spain to save her parents. OcXSora Is being rewritten. Other characters include Jake, Sherry, Chris and Jill. Finished

4. Chapter 3

Bloodbath Kingdom

Author: Springborn

Co Author: Warrior of Six Blades

Chapter Three

(Wesker and Maleficent 3rd POV)

Wesker frowned, thinking. Lanna and the others were proving more bothersome than he thought. He looked at the people that had been a hindrance to Leon. He saw Salazar, Luis, and Krauser on the list and folded his arms. Luis was a native to these parts and had worked on the plagas before he was killed by Saddler, remembering how the Spaniard tried to leave. Salazar was loyal to the old man and smirked a bit. Krauser had worked for him before and it would be nice to have someone that worked with him before around.

He looked up to see Maleficent enter the room from an eruption of black flames. "And how are our guests?" he asked.

"Hoping for a rescue and cursing our names." Maleficent told him with a cold smile at the mention of the prisoners. She loved seeing those shits squirm, before it was only out of keeping her end of the deal. Now it was partly because she wanted to see them suffer herself. She could see why Wesker wanted those ingrates dead at his feet in given time.

"I wish to speak with you about something that has been on my mind though. If you can spare the time that is." Maleficent said not wanting to interrupt his very valuable research time on those viruses.

Wesker looked up and nodded. 'What is it?" he asked. It was a bit rare for the witch to ask him that but did not comment on it. "Something to do with how the battles are going?" He turned to look at her from his seat.

"Partly, but more of our cause. I was thinking we could use some extra pieces on our board to keep those fools busy and possibly play a part in their suffering. Is there anyone in mind that you would like me to revive for our purposes?" Maleficent proposes to Wesker wondering if he knew anyone that could be of use to them. Now she wasn't expecting these fools to live too long, but long enough to make their plans come to fruition.

Wesker seem to smile coldly at that. "As a matter of fact, I do," he said and motioned her to look at the images on the screen. "Luis Sera, Ramon Salazar, and Jack Krauser. Krauser used to work for me before he got killed off. Luis knows more about the plaga than some of the people that opened the mines. And the midget is the owner of the castle that we've been using."

He might have difficulty with controlling Salazar and Luis, but they had few people they trusted back then too due to betrayal. Teaching them that control is what they need and control wasn't hard to accomplish for them. But if they managed to put a collar on them. They could keep those two in check from doing anything stupid.

"I see, This Luis sounds the most useful doing the research to reduce the labor we need and I'm sure you have your reasons for wanting Krauser back, but that only leaves Salazar. I guess having him around could be useful for a distraction to buy us time for the egg to hatch." Maleficent said pondering the suggestions before smirking at Wesker as she was really liking the ideas.

"I admit these three should prove useful, but I feel the need to ask what guarantee you have to ensure they don't try to rebel? I know you must have something as I can tell you aren't the careless type." Maleficent says wondering what Wesker had up his sleeves, she loved how ruthless and cunning he is. A perfect ally to have for her plans and a part of her wondered how powerful he would become once he masters using darkness.

Wesker nodded, knowing she would ask. "That is when the darkness will come in and I will need your help in making the collars for them" he said. "The collars will only show up if they think of rebelling and shock them. If they do resist the darkness will take over, making them move to our orders. They can't resist than." He was confident in Maleficent's abilities but he was still slightly skeptical about the heartless due to his scientific mind.

"What do you think?" he asked, his hands behind his back as he wondered what she thought about a darkness collar that would react to the person if they resisted. If they managed to resist the darkness they would die or mutate.

"I think you're onto something, Wesker, I think I'll leave introductions to you as I revive and collar are new pawns." Maleficent said as a sickly green aura surrounded her being as her eyes closed to focus on the souls she was calling for.

"Salazar, Luis, Krauser. Hear my call and rise once more to the land of the living! " Maleficent shouts as she slams the staff to the floor as green and black fire bursts in front of her. Three humanoid figures starting to rise, but Maleficent noticed one of them had transformed to a degree, not that it bothered her at the moment. Instead focusing on creating the collars from darkness around their necks as they all gasp in shock feeling something on their necks.

"Bend to the will of your masters, for that is your fate. Any rebellion shall be punished first with a warning shock, but further attempts will leave you in ruin!" Maleficent chanted her spell as the collars took on a solid tangible form with wisps of darkness drifting off of the collars. Mainly black in color with a heartless symbol on the front.

It was at this moment the flames vanish to reveal the three knelling and collared forms of the souls she had called.

Krauser was the first to look up, panting softly as his blond hair was a bit messed up and matted down to his head, his blue eyes looking around till he saw Wesker standing in front of them. His lips twitched a bit in a smirk, his scars a bit more defined on his face. He was very muscular and almost as tall as Wesker. He wore his black muscle shirt and army fatigues with his tactical belt.

Luis swore in Spanish, not understanding how he was alive again and looked at his chest, making sure the hole wasn't' still there. His chest and clothes were in tact. He had short black hair that ended just above his shoulders and had a slimmer built, like a runner's build as he wore his trade mark clothing and jewelry. His dark eyes scanned and gasped as he saw the witch, backing away slowly.

Salazar was still a midget but looked more the like monster he had molded with before he was killed by Leon. His skin was pasty white with splashes of pink but in some places the skin looked stringy. He was a bit more muscular but it only made him look like he was a mutant on steroids. His hair looked greasy and had skin particles melted in between strands.

"Welcome to the realm of the living, I am Maleficent and I've called your souls to the living for one purpose. To aid Wesker and myself, in our goals." Maleficent says with a commanding presence that would make lesser men tremble or feel their blood run cold. Wesker merely smirks seeing her take command of those she summoned so quickly. Of course the collars would also ensure they don't try anything stupid.

"Consider it done." Krauser said, having no problems with serving Wesker, but he wasn't too sure of the witch. Luis lowered his head, cursing the witch. He had been free in death, but now he was back in a living hell. Did Leon defeat Saddler? He wasn't sure how much time had passed since he died. Salazar grunted and nodded slowly.

"Very well..." Salazar grumbled a bit. "Who do we fight?"

"We have a small group of targets and I believe two of you will enjoy fighting a certain someone among them." Maleficent says nodding to Wesker as he brings up footage of the group passing through the village on their security cameras earlier. "Your targets are as follows. Jake Muller, a known mercenary who specializes in hand to hand combat and defeated Mendez in one on one combat earlier today. Mendez lives, despite falling off a cliff, but will be handling a different task." Maleficent starts off letting them absorb the information about this foe before mentioning the others.

Krauser grunted, knowing the bug man as he had met him a few times when he was supposedly working for the old man. He frowned, thinking the boy looked like Wesker but said nothing.

Salazar raised a brow. "He...beat Mendez...? That's impressive." He said, wheezing a bit due to his mutation. It muffled his voice, making sound like he was having an asthma attack. Luis said nothing as he watched the video feed.

"Indeed and he is to be taken seriously as one of your primary targets. Due to his experience in fighting B.O.W.s in Edonia, China, and in the middle east. Now moving on to the next targets I will include the King's fools. A mage known as Donald and the knight known as Goofy. Both tend to stick together for a basic principle of covering each others weaknesses. Goofy has no magical talent whatsoever and Donald is pathetic at close quarters. Dealing with them will be easy once you get them separated, but working together as a big group allows them to be quite the annoyance. Often acting as decoys to draw attention away from the main fighters of the group. So feel free to eliminate them in anyway you deem fit, but remember they aren't a primary concern." Maleficent explains giving a look of annoyance as the picture shows them supporting Sora in his earlier fight alongside Jake and Lanna.

Krauser smirked. 'They'll be easy to get rid of," he said, confident that he could take down the dog and duck easily as they looked weak. He and the others watched the video feed of the group's fighting. He saw Sora and a girl fighting with them but couldn't make out her features out.

Luis watched with interest, seeing the group.

"The next target to mention will one of your primary ones and this one I think two of you will enjoy being up against. Lanna Kennedy. She shows some training in firearms and hand to hand, but lacks experience compared to the others." Maleficent said showing Lanna fighting alongside Jake against the ganados and one of the chainsaw women.

Luis gasped while Salazar sneered. "So the American bastard had a child. It will be my pleasure to take her out." He growled, his eyes flashing darkly as he saw some resemblance to Leon.

Krauser chuckled. "I see...she looks just like him. Given time, she would be a strong fighter, but she will not be given a chance." He said enjoying the thought of torturing her in front of Leon.

"I knew you would, but keep in mind to get to her, you'll have to separate her from her two guardians. One of them being Jake who knocked Mendez off a cliff in rage for attacking Lanna, but the other is the last and most dangerous primary target. Don't let his looks fool you, as it did to many others including myself in the past. His name is Sora, like myself he too uses magic, but focuses on light with a variety of other elements at his command. His main weapon is the keyblade. A nearly indestructible sword that can cut when focusing light from within himself to add cutting abilities to his blade or use it to unlock or lock away any lock in existence. Worse it amplifies his magic, but despite all of these things Sora has going in his favor. He has one crippling flaw that I believe you will all find quite ironic." Maleficent explains as the image shows Sora to the rest of them. She could see the disbelieving looks at first and along time ago she was the same. That was why she took the time to explain things in detail, much like with Wesker, before getting to his weakness.

The amazed and hopeful look in Luis's eyes when explaining his powers had him wondering how serious she was at first. But still held a small bit of hope for a possible ally to kill her off somehow, only now it held a tone of worry hearing of a crippling weakness that was somehow ironic.

"Tsk, it will be the end of him in time." Krauser said, wanting to get at Lanna.

Salazar smirked. "Yes, it shouldn't be too hard to get them away from her." He said.

Wesker smirked and used another video feed to show a perfect image of Claire in a tube with greenish liquid. "This will help in our plans. But please, continue, Maleficent."

"Of course, now the weakness he has is his reluctance to kill humans or human based enemies like the chainsaw woman in this video." Maleficent says showing Sora's fight with her and how his face twisted in guilt and regret, despite doing it to save Goofy's life. "Also, in this video of a mock battle Wesker had with Sora, you may notice the boy goes out of his way to avoid kill blows." Maleficent says showing them the footage, the boy had strength and speed to hold his ground true enough. But they all could see how the witch's words were true about his obvious attempt to go for knock out blows or trying to reason with Wesker.

"A boy his age with that power and he doesn't kill? He is weak." Salazar said smirking. Krauser watched the footage, not wanting to take him seriously, but the video proved to be useful. He kept an eye on his movements, his attacks, his form as a fighter. "He may prove to be a bit of a problem."

Luis was silent as he watched the fight. He had to do something...

"You are right about that, Krauser, and that is why I tell you all to take him seriously from the start should you confront him. That said, isolating the others from him would be most preferable to pick off his friends without interruptions." Maleficent says as a video shows a gigante fighting the group as a whole to show how deadly the group is as one. "Together they are a force to be reckoned with, but separate them, and the group will fall in time." Maleficent says as the screen goes back to the research notes Wesker was running through and turns her attention to him.

"Is there anything you wish to add, Wesker, or have I covered everything they need to know?"

"You have done well in explaining it" Wesker said as he looked at the new additions. "They are making their way to the castle now. Salazar, you are to meet them in your home."

Salazar smirked and nodded. "Very well," he said. "And what of the clone?" Wesker smirked cruelly. "I'll not say for now. Now go."

Salazar did as told and made his way to the castle, the other two waiting for their own orders. While silently Luis was desperately trying to think of someway to help Lanna and the others.

"Do let me know when you intend to use the clone Wesker. It'd be great to get reaction videos out of our "guests"." Maleficent said with a cold smile as she mentioned their guests. Not quite sure she wants to share knowledge of their prisoners to the two additions yet. Krauser she could see was worthy of trust, but Luis would be someone she kept an eye on.

"Oh I plan too. Lanna will break, giving the plaga some extra 'motivation' to hatch." Wesker said and looked at the clone. "She is waiting to be awaken." He smirked. "Yes...our 'guests' will be in the shock for their lives. They do have front row seats after all." He looked at Krauser. "Krauser, your to keep an eye on Luis while he works here for now."

This causes Luis to internally cuss out his rotten luck and Wesker seeing he had zero chances of slipping away now. Maleficent nods in agreement with this set up for their extra hands. "Glad to hear it, but I wonder...would you like me to do anything or lend some heartless before I check on Pete. Got to stay on top of things after all and I am always open to such an ally as yourself." Maleficent says not wanting to leave Pete without checking in at least once in a while, but also wanting to be sure Wesker had all the pieces he needs for his game.

Wesker nodded. "Some heartless would be good. I feel the group will need some fun before they reach the castle. Maybe we can use the cabin?" he suggested, nodding to the image on the screen that Leon had fought Mendez in order to get the eyeball for the retinal scanner for the gate that led to the castle." He was thinking of a way to separate one of the members from the group.

"Done, just make sure they get there and I'll have the heartless ready for your plan." Maleficent said disappearing in green and black flames. Ready to help Wesker with his plan, but first going to check up on Pete for a quick inspection. She wouldn't tolerate the buffoon messing things up this time.

(Scene change: Claire, Leon, and Pete 3rd P.O.V.)

Leon watches as Lanna and her group now make their way to the castle with Kairi as their new edition. Though it seems Lanna got a sniper rifle recently making Leon chuckle. "Looks like Lanna finally got to have a sniper rifle after all." Leon said amused as he remembered his precious daughter pleading to them both for one.

Claire chuckled a bit. "Yes. She was hooked on one since training," she said, watching Lanna's reaction to the gun. "Though...I'm sensing a cat fight in gonna be happening soon." They had seen how Lanna's temper and manners changed a bit when Kairi spoke. She found it a bit amusing. As Lanna hardly acted like that unless there was a boy she liked involved, even if she didn't realize it yet. She rubbed her large stomach gently. "I guess after this, we can't treat her like a kid anymore." She looked at her husband, smiling.

Pete grunted. "Kairi is a meanie..." he said having his tail singed by her once.

"I guess we can't, but we can always treat her as our daughter and let her know we have her back." Leon said putting a supportive arm around Claire. Though chuckling quietly when Pete mentioned Kairi being a 'meanie'. Obviously those two had history as well...

Their attention shifts to a green and black flame appearing and vanishing as Maleficent appears. Her eyes focused on Pete once she spots him and the prisoners still in their cages just as she hoped. "Pete, I'm here to inform you that we've gained more pieces on our side of the board and to be ready for when we need to show our dear guests a little show. It wouldn't do to bore them to death before Wesker gets what he wants." Maleficent said informing Pete of their new allies and to be ready for anytime they will be doing another recording. She doubts his presence will be needed around them, but with Salazar in the castle it was best he knew to avoid a pointless spat between the two.

Pete nodded. "Yes your majesty!" Pete said as he listened to her plans that she made with Wesker. He blinked when he heard about the castle. He never heard of those people till now.

Claire leaned against her husband, listening to the witch and grew confused. 'New pieces?' she thought, thinking that whoever or whatever it was, it wasn't good... "What show?" she asked, remembering the last 'show' they had to watch. It didn't settle well and it made her worry as the baby kicked badly. She could only guess at what the new show would be.

"Just a few surprises we had to make considering Jake's skill level and Sora's power. Clearly we was being too lenient with them, so we decided to give them proper opponents. True, Wesker would be enough, but Wesker and I are busy people. We can't be wasting time with them just yet, too many things need preparation and a careful eye to keep track of progress." Maleficent told them with a smirk that sent chills down their spines, before turning to Pete.

"Pete, remember to not cause Salazar trouble for his plans, but to NOT let these two out of their cage or be killed until Wesker or myself give our permission." Maleficent orders sternly, knowing Salazar might try it early, but making plans to ensure the two lives only as long as Wesker wishes it.

Pete nodded at that. "Yes ma'am!" he said quickly, not wanting to get on the bad side of her. He didn't enjoy getting blasted or have his tail on fire...

Claire shivered as she felt a pit her stomach at the smirk. This witch scared the hell out of her and could see why Sora had so much trouble with her. She looked at Leon, biting her lower lip. She gripped Leon's shirt lightly. "Who did you get?" She was almost scared of the answer.

Maleficent mentally pondered if she should humor the redhead or make her squirm in anxiety, before deciding to leave a hint instead. Nothing too obvious, but enough to make them ponder on it with uncertainty. "Let's just say some people from your husband's past is coming to test Lanna's resolve and skill." Maleficent says as she vanishes into her flames once more to head out to the cabin. She had heartless to summon and prepare for their trap after all.

Claire looked at Leon, confused and nervous. "Leon..." she said, wondering what the witch had in mind for their daughter. "Who would they use for Lanna?"" She knew her husband had fought a lot of people in his past as an agent. She gripped his hand as she couldn't think of anyone in particular they would use.

"I don't know...but seeing Mendez was already revived. I feel someone I met on my mission here might be the most likely candidates for their traps." Leon said with an uneasy feeling in his gut as watched Lanna and her group progress further down the path to the fork in the road.

(Scene change: Ada and Riku 3rd P.O.V.)

Riku sighs quietly as they evade yet another patrol of ganados. Ada made it all too clear earlier they were to avoid attracting too much attention to themselves. Mainly because she wants to rescue Leon and Claire without resistance from the new rulers of the castle. Which meant the fights they got into were scare, not that he minded, but was worried for Sora and his new friends having to fight them instead.

Ada did fight but if they could avoid attention to themselves she would do it. She looked at Riku. "How you holding up?" she asked they neared the castle. They had to go over the bridge but stopped when she saw Ganado's guarding the bridge. She looked around, looking for something to distract them. She had explosive arrows but they caused too much noise. She saw her normal arrows and grunted. 'That would have to do..." She would have to be careful due to her new companion.

She loaded up an arrow on her crossbow, aiming and fired. The arrow hit one ganado square in the head, somehow not alerting the second one. Ada loaded up another arrow and took out the second one.

"I'm fine, like I said...I've learned my lesson about having to kill in certain situations." Riku said as they moved toward the bridge to the other side quickly. Neither wanting to be caught by any patrols or any heartless that Riku informed her of on the way here. She was skeptical, for obvious reasons, but Riku resolved to protect her when they showed up. He knew they were here in this world somewhere, he could smell their scent of darkness in this land. Thankfully not close, but they were obviously here and he was keeping an eye out for any signs of them.

"Good," Ada said nodding as they walked over the bridge and enter the courtyard of the castle. She noticed a couple of barrels and slashed them open, taking herbs and ammo. She looked around and saw the stairs that led up to the first floor. She grabbed her grappling gun and wrapped her arm around Riku's waist and shot her hook at the wall. Once it snagged, it raised them both into the air and landed on their feet.

"There, we're inside." she said and headed to the door, pulling out her gun. Riku nodded summoning his keyblade and readying himself into his stance as he approached the door. Opening it they found it clear of enemies so far, but Riku knew it wouldn't stay like that forever.

Ada looked around, keeping silent as their footsteps echoed in the room. She looked up at the stairs and made towards them. "This heads to a room that would head to the basement" she said as she started up the stairs and stepped on the landing. She swore as she saw a Zealot in the corner. She got behind a pillar, watching and saw another. "There's two of them" she said to Riku.

The zealots hadn't seen them yet but she noticed dark spots on the floor that kept moving around. This left her confused, not sure what it was. She narrowed her eyes, trying to get a closer look.

Riku noticing the moving shadows narrows his eyes seeing the unmistakable shapes of Shadow heartless. Thankfully there was only four, but he knew a dragged out fight with heartless meant trouble. "Ada, focus on the zealots. I'll deal with the shadows." Riku said getting a confused look from her and decides to clarify. "Those shadows are not as harmless as they look, you'll see why soon. Just be ready to cover me while I deal with them." Riku said before rushing out toward the shadows. A simple Shadow heartless or even a pack of them would be too easy for Riku, but he needed Ada to see them for herself and this was the best way to do it. Plus while he eliminates the heartless, she can take out the zealots if they see him.

Ada watched Riku go in with his blade as she saw a black bunny type shadow monster pop from the ground. She looked up and frowned as the Zealots heard them. They pointed at the two of them and ran at them. Ada lunged forward, shooting at the Zealots while Riku took care of the Heartless, watching him. She took one down and ducked under the second one. She tripped the second one and stabbed it in the head.

"Riku, behind you!" she called out, seeing another heartless.

Riku sensing the heartless behind him and hearing Ada's warning reacts by back flipping over the heartless as it lunges out. Cutting it down as he lands, before spinning to cut the last two heartless he was fighting in half. They died dispersing into wisps of smoke made out of darkness. Seeing no enemies are coming and no alarms are being made, he waits for Ada to ask the questions he knows she must have in mind.

Ada looked at him. "What was that?" she asked as she looked over the walls and pressed her hand against a stone that didn't look like the rest and a door opened, revealing a long corridor. She flashed her flashlight down into it, not seeing the torches lit. She had a lot of questions for the young man. Once she figured out that the hallway was clear she motioned him to follow her. "This will lead to the upper level we need to get to, but it will cut past the zealots upstairs."

She kept her flashlight on as she kept walking. There was cobwebs from the ceiling as it was clear that this hadn't been used in a long time. Cool air greets them as Riku decides to answer her while it's safe to talk. "Those were the heartless I told you about, they are creatures made from the darkness in people's hearts once consumed by it or when another heartless steals your heart." Riku says deciding to start with the basics.

"Heartless...what created them?" she asked as they walked through the corridor. "And why do they steal hearts?" She wanted to learn about this new threat as she walked, not thinking if they would disappear or not once Riku and the others were gone. If they didn't disappear for good than it would be a big waste of bullets on them.

"Like I said, they are created from the darkness within people's hearts. For as long as darkness itself exists, so do the heartless. However, the heartless are only creatures of instinct and have limited intelligence. They steal hearts out of a basic instinct to reclaim what they lost, but in the end are mindlessly collecting other people's hearts trying to fill the void of what they lost due to their lack of reasoning. However, there is another purpose to claiming hearts, it gives them greater power. The more hearts they collect, the stronger they become as they go from pure blood heartless to a type known as Emblem type heartless. These ones have multiple forms of a far greater variety compared to the pure bloods who have only a few different forms. The stronger the form for pure blood types means the more darkness the person had once turned. However, the more stronger an emblem heartless is, the more hearts they have collected from others and taken for themselves. In a way, their are like a virus of a magical and supernatural nature." Riku explains telling her what he learned in his time with DiZ.

Ada hummed a bit as she took in what he had told her. She frowned a bit and looked at him from over her shoulder. "How does the keyblade fit into this? You said it releases the hearts. Does that mean my bullets or arrow's won't do the same?" The thought of losing her heart made her feel a bit uneasy. She'd rather stay a human and not some messed up rabbit with claws and glowing yellow eyes. It still seemed unreal but after seeing the things she was more willing to believe they were real and just as dangerous as a B.O.W.

"The keyblade releases the captive hearts yes and with it comes a weakness. Hence why I am dismissing my keyblade until I need to draw it again." Riku says as the keyblade vanishes, much to her confusion, but keeps silent to hear Riku's reasons. "The heartless have an instinctual fear and hatred for the keyblade because it's their only weakness that can cause a heartless to permanently die. While they can die by your guns, arrows, and even bombs. It won't release the captive hearts inside them or make them die permanently, only the keyblade can do that. Which is why they learned to sense when the keyblade, especially if someone is holding it in their hands for too long or using it's powers for extended periods of time. Inside my heart or out of my hands, they have a harder time tracking or sensing it." Riku explains further narrowing his eyes as he mentioned how they can track wielders. It's been a constant pain for Sora and himself with those creatures as a constant threat to not only themselves, but everyone in general. Regardless of what world they are on, the heartless always seek more hearts to consume.

Ada nodded as she listened to him talk. She found the information very useful as she pushed opened the door and stepped into the room. Jutting from the wall was a balcony and under that was a stairwell. "It's all very interesting" she said, intrigued by what she had learned so far. She wondered if it was only certain people could wield the blade. She hated to find out if that blade, as powerful as it was, what would happen if it fell into the wrong hands.

"Riku, what type of people can wield the keyblade?" she asked. "Can anyone take it from you?" If the world was messed up now with the B.O.W's, it would mean something far worse if Wesker or the witch get their hand's on the key.

"Only those with strong hearts can wield them, but it takes more than that. What else it is, very few know. Even I barely understand how the keyblade chose me, but strength of heart is one of the requirements. As for stealing it, not likely. Only a keyblade wielder can even hold a keyblade long enough to use it in battle. Let me show you, hold my keyblade and see how long it stays in your hand." Riku explains before holding out his keyblade for her to grasp the handle.

Ada looked at the keyblade like it would bite before slowly reaching for the handle and holding it. It was light, but had a great balance. Ada blinked as wisps of darkness surrounded the blade and disappeared from her hand. Her eyes widened a bit, stunned. "Oh..." she said as she looked at Riku's hand as the keyblade reappeared there with the wisps of darkness but noticed mixed in with the wisps were slivers of light mixed in. She looked up at Riku and nodded. "That's impressive," she said and she meant it.

"Thanks, I'm glad you are willing to see how serious this situation is and are willing to accept what I'm telling you is the truth. I wouldn't want you getting hurt or turned into a heartless because of some stubbornness to avoid believing it." Riku said happy Ada seems open to learning about the keyblade and what he knew about the heartless. She wasn't ready to learn about other worlds yet, but he knew the subject would come up sooner or later.

"I've been fighting for a long time, Riku" Ada said and ruffled his hair. "I know when to take a new threat serious and when to back off." She did, she wasn't stupid. She would be doing this type of work till she no longer could physically. Ada had survived this long by gathering information, being sneaky and staying in the shadow's as much as she could. When that didn't work, she resorted to fighting. She hated being toyed with and being used but didn't mind using others...ironic.

"Anything else I need to know?"

"Well, the heartless can be commanded by others who have a lot of darkness in their hearts, but it's personally not recommended to ever learn or try. They let you think you're in control, but really, they're just waiting for that one moment when you are weak or careless so they can consume the heart of the one controlling them. Sure, they follow your commands as long as your heart stays strong and not using darkness to much, but that fine line is sometimes hard to see for those addicted to it's powers." Riku mentions figuring it best she knows that controlling the heartless does come with a risk.

Ada nodded as she listened. "I would have guessed as much. There is always a price to pay when it comes to gaining power," she said. She didn't want to control the little things anyway but it was nice to know what would happened to the person who wielded them. "It's similar to the plaga." For some odd reason, her mind went to Lanna. Did she miss something? The girl was acting weird when she mentioned the machine. Her eyes narrowed.

"She's infected..."

"Who is and with what?" Riku asks wondering what was on Ada's mind. From the look on her face, he knew it couldn't be anything good.

"Lanna, the redhead. She's the daughter of an old friend and if I am right. She doesn't have long to live. She's infected with the Las Plagas, the same parasite that are infecting the villagers, the Zealots and the monsters that we will most likely face. In a few hours the egg inside of her will hatch and she will start to feel the affects from coughing up blood, feeling her mind go and the urge to kill and serve the one that set free the plaga." She explains to Riku with a grim expression on her face. Knowing from experience how bad this could get. "If it doesn't get removed before it's an adult, the only way to save her is to kill her."

Ada remembered how Leon was when he was infected. He had nearly choked her to death when the plaga started to control his mind. "And I know your friend is attached to her."

"How long does she have and how can we help her?" Riku asks wonder how they could help her, not only for her sake, but for Sora's too. He too could see Sora was close to her in a way, but he wasn't sure how close yet.

Ada frowned, thinking. "Leon...took some pills to help slow the process down but that's all it did. And it would only work once the egg has hatched" she said. "If we can find the pills, it will give Lanna extra time." She looked at Riku. "But I don't know where they would be kept. A lab, maybe. I remember lightly seeing one in one of the secrete rooms." She remembered Luis talking about it in an email to a friend. The pills would give the host some extra time to get to the machine but it would be cutting it close.

"It may be their only shot. Can we spare some time to grab some for them along the way?" Riku asks hoping to help stall Lanna time to cure herself. Surely any time they can buy is worth taking a detour.

Ada nodded. "Yes, we can" she said. She wasn't fond of the kid but she didn't want the girl to die. No parent should outlive their children. "We'll have to take another detour once we get to the stairs and inside. But we have to keep quiet. It's been a few years and there are differences here that I don't remember"

She started up the stairs, motioning for Riku to follow her. She pushed opened the doors, seeing a thrown room. The chair itself had been freshly polished and sparkling. "Someone's been busy..."

"More like someone has too much time on their hands or think themselves a king." Riku said seeing the fancy detailing someone went into when the throne was created. This thing must cost a lot and to be this clean in this castle only shows how one views himself. You can learn somethings about people by how their homes are set up and what condition it's kept.

"This castle has been in the Salazar family for generations. The seventh generation was killed years ago by Leon." Ada said looking around the place and looked at the trap door in the floor. She bypassed it and found another door at the end of the hallway. She pulled out her map and looked it over. "We should be close. Just another few hallways." She looked at the paintings, seeing how the regal they were. "Tsk...too fancy for my taste." She liked nice things but this was a bit too much, even for her.

"Too think I use to joke with Sora and Kairi as kids about living a castle. Pretending to be knights rescuing a princess and slaying dragons. Now I feel like I can never look at castles the same way ever again." Riku said not liking the feel he was getting from the castle, the smell of plaga infected people and heartless made it less inviting to him than before.

"I think a lot of kids were like that." Ada said as she walked. "But yeah, this place can ruin that image." She pushed opened the door and jumped back when an ax passed the door way, nearly cutting her face off. "That's a new one." The ax slammed into the wall and stayed there. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a marble and tossed it down the hallway. As it hit the floor another ax came out from the walls and fire shot up from the floor.

Ada sweatdropped. "...They also like their booby traps..." she said.

"Talk about overkill. They must REALLY want to keep us out of there, but why? I mean finding the lab would be good for us, but isn't this a bit much for just a lab?" Riku asks feeling like the lab can't be the only thing they are protecting down this path. At least now he knew why he couldn't sense any heartless here. If the heartless were wandering these halls. They would set off every trap given enough time...

Ada nodded. "There has to be something to turn them off" she said. "Like a console or operations room." She pulled out the map again and sighed a bit. "There is but it's a bit away from here. It's near the maze." She looked at him. "Feel up for another side mission?" She had a feeling that it wouldn't be too easy to get to the pills but time was ticking. They had to get to them quick.

"Like we have a choice? Just tell me where we are going and I'll help you fight off whatever comes our way." Riku says with a smirk feeling comfortable around Ada. He may not know her that well, but she was alright by his book.

"Thank you." Ada said smirk in return as she started down the stairs and out the door. She headed to the side door on the right, leading Riku through the hallway. She liked the kid. It was different having a partner as she rarely worked with anyone on her missions. It was a good change. She looked to her left, seeing the blue door but ignored it. She remembered what was in there. "This way." She was determined to get the pills.

"Right." Riku said following her silently keeping a vigilant eye out for trouble. While he could tell Ada knew where she was going, he was still new and had to be ready for anything

(Scene Change: Lanna's group 3rd POV)

"Wait...you're telling me that no mater what road we take, that we will have to go through an enemy? " Kairi demanded once Lanna explained it. Lanna nodded. "Yup. Dad had a choice between going against another giant OR going against villagers and two chainsaw wielders." She said. "And from what we've seen so far...we may be up against them again, depending on what we chose."

Kairi groaned heavily, rubbing her temples. "Great..." she said. Donald and Goofy didn't look too happy either with the prospect. Going against those monsters were hard before but to go against them again? It was suicide.

"There isn't another way?" Donald asked. Lanna looked sympathetic and shook her head. "I'm afraid not," she said. They had gone through the cabin and gathered what they could from it and the old type writer her father used to log his progress was there. But that was it. "I'm sorry guys..." Lanna said, feeling bad.

"Don't be, we'll just face the giant and get it over with. we beat one before as a team, we'll do it again!" Sora said eager to fight the monster and preferably avoid the villagers. Jake nods in agreement as he weighs the options.

"I have to go with spikes on this one, one giant is easier than an army, Lanna. We need to be careful with ammo." Jake says offering his two cents on the matter.

Lanna nodded. "Okay," she said and grabbed the lever, pulling it to the right where the giant was. There was clanking sound as the door started to raise up, revealing a small downward hill. Donald and Goofy followed after her. Lanna opened the door, revealing an open hallway, revealing small cabins, along with another door chained shut and most likely locked at the end of the walkway.

"Creepy..." Kairi said, rubbing her arms.

"Keep your guard up, the giant could be anywhere." Jake warns as he takes point with Sora next to him.

"Why do they have small cabins in here?" Sora asks feeling confused at little cabins being in the same place as a giant is supposed to be.

"Donald, Goofy, take Kairi and go through the cabins for anything useful, gold, ammo, herbs and a key." Lanna said, pulling her gun out. Donald and Goofy nodded as they took Kairi to check through the cabins. Lanna looked at Sora. "Because...we'll be having company soon and we're gonna have to run." She remembered what her dad said about this section. "We have to get the chains off the door before he gets here.'

CRASH!

Lanna gasped and looked behind her, seeing the large monster. "Oh crap..."

"Well look who's come out to play." Jake says as Sora smirks getting into his battle stance. "You know what they say, Lanna, Jake. The bigger they are..." Sora trails in hopes of raising their spirits ready to fight.

"The harder they fall" Lanna said smirking a bit as she got ready. "Donald, Goofy! Get Kairi to safety. Get through the door!" They heard Donald give a yell back as they finished the first shack and started on the second one.

"Too bad we don't have a rocket launcher." Lanna said as it would've done some major damage to the monster, maybe even kill it as they did have to be careful with their ammo. The gigante roared in anger and hatred, glaring at the three of them.

Sora rushes ahead with his keyblade charged with magic. "Cover me guys! I'll try to weaken him down with some of my magic!" Sora shouts evading a stomp as he slips behind the gigante. Raising his keyblade toward the giant's legs. "Freeze!" Sora shouts firing a Blizzaga ice chunk into the creature's right leg and freezing it in place.

"Roger!" Lanna said as the gigante growled in irritation, swiping at Sora's head but yanked his hand away when Lanna shot at it. The monster growled and clawed at it's leg where the ice was, trying to get it off. "Jake, look!" Lanna pointed at the boulder that was on the ledge that was being held back with a stick.

"I see it." Jake says with a dark smirk on his face that promised nothing but death. "Lanna, I'll lure the plaga out and you shoot it with your strongest gun, got it?!" Jake shouts aiming at the stick with his AK47.

Lanna nodded as she looked around and spotted a tree house like building and climbed it. She pulled out her sniper rifle and aimed. "Ready!" She called out.

The giant roared and broke through the ice and stomped around. It had been a bit weakened from Sora's spells and stumbled a bit. He roared in pain when Jake started to shoot at him. He stumbled and held his head as a bulge appeared in his back where the plaga was trying to push out but didn't succeed yet.

"Now!" Jake roars pulling out his Elephant Killer and unloading all six of his shoots quickly into the plaga as it flailed.

"Thundaga!" Sora shouts focusing his magic into his keyblade as a powerful Thunder magic slammed into the plaga. Unseen by Jake and Lanna, Sora started panting feeling how low his magic is right now. "Dang..I hope we finish this soon, should've asked Donald for an ether or something..."

Lanna got the plaga in sight and fired. The bullet whizzed through the air as it headed to the plaga and hit it's mark. The plaga screeched as green blood splattered the wall and soon exploded as a second bullet went through it. The giant roared in pain as it struggled and soon dropped to the ground, missing Sora and Jake. A large bag of money fell to the side of it, glowing blue.

"Is everyone alright?" Lanna called out from her spot, looking down at Sora and Jake.

"I'm fine!" Sora says quickly hoping to keep them from worrying with a thumbs up gesture and an assuring smile. Jake smiles in relief as he waves a hand to show Lanna he is fine. "I told you little red, I'm built like a tank!"

Lanna smiled and nodded, waving back. "Good," she said as she climbed down and landed on her feet. She looked at the giant and picked up the gold. "Well this will help with more upgrades and health." She looked up to see Donald and the others coming back.

"We have the key!" Kairi said as she held up the key. Donald and Goofy had a small bag of gold and some ammo.

"Great then let's get moving!" Sora said happy to hear the news and rushing ahead. Much to Jake's amusement, this kid really can't stay still for too long once he has a chance doesn't he?

Lanna chuckled softly as she walked with Jake. She couldn't stay tired with the boy's enthusiasm. "How can he have so much energy?" she wondered.

Donald and Goofy were waiting for them to join them while Kairi was a little ways away from them, talking to Sora and giggled from something he said. Lanna bit back an inner groan, seeing the girl lightly flirt with Sora but the boy was obvious to it.

Jake seeing this had an eyebrow rise up. "Looks like you got competition for keyboy's heart, little red." Jake teased slightly with a wink making sure only she could hear him.

Lanna flushed heavily and looked away. "I don't know what you mean" she said but it did irk her to see Kairi flirt with Sora, even if he didn't know it. Plus she didn't know Sora that well and it was obvious he had been friends with Kairi and Riku for years. She didn't have no claim to him. But it did make her feel weird.

"Sure you don't Lanna, but I don't think she has any claim on him yet. So he is still free if you, oh I don't know, decide to see how he feels for you." Jake said trying to support her without pushing her too much as he pats her shoulder. Then walks ahead to the gate as Sora destroyed the chains blocking the door and Kairi opens the lock.

Lanna blinked at the light push and pat. Before she could even think of that, she wasn't sure how she felt about Sora. She liked him and he was a good friend but was it more? She looked at Sora as he talked to the others and sighed a bit.

"You coming Lanna?" Goofy called out. Lanna looked up and nodded. "Yeah...coming." she said as she jogged over to the others. She would have to figure out her feelings afterwards but she couldn't push out the words that Jake said out of her head.

"Let's move on to the next part of this shitty village shall we?" Jake says opening the door and moves ahead at point with his gun out. Happy to see no hostiles to his right, left, or above. The area looking very quiet, but he knew as nice as it was. That only meant trouble would come sooner or later. So he kept his guard up as he motioned everyone to follow him.

Sora moves in first among them to see the place looking like empty like a ghost town. "What's with the infected people leaving things looking empty and haunted?" Sora questions looking around and not seeing or hearing any signs of anyone here.

Lanna saw the medium shed and the stairs that led to to the lift. "Who knows," she said walking passed Sora and headed to shed, opening the door and looked around to see if there was something of value. She stepped back and headed towards the stairs. "Maybe they're hoping for trick or treaters for Halloween."

"You have Halloween here?" Goofy asked following after her. Lanna nodded as she could hear the rest of them following. "Yup. We have Halloween, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's day and a few others." She said in a Scottish accent pretty good. She had met her great grandfather who had a heavy accent and taught her how to talk the language.

Kairi blinked. 'What accent is that?" she asked.

"Scottish, man those boys love to drink and fight." Jake said having some fond memories of brawls he got into in the past. Claire wasn't as amused as Jake was about it though...He swears that woman is such a mother hen.

"Don't forget their hard hardheadedness and their strength!" Lanna said grinning as she seen men throw logs over their heads. She saw the lift but it wasn't moving. She put a hand on her hip."I thought as much..." She looked at the control room and jumped through the window. She growled in irritation. "Dammit...the key is gone!"

"Don't worry, Lanna! We'll find it" Donald said hearing the red head. "It couldn't be too far." Lanna sighed and nodded. "I know...but just once I would have liked not to chase after a damn key." She pulled out the map and looked it over. "The only other place to check is the blood offering shrine and the 'Correction' barn."

"Correction barn? Blood shrine?" Kairi asked weakly.

"Oh you'll love it!" Jake says sarcastically with a shit eating grin on his face. "Correction barn is where they go to correct any...rebels among their group and spies are taken to be tortured for information. The Blood Offering Shrine, as expected, is a sacrificial shrine where they kill people to appease their "god". Needless to say they are not places foreigners like us want to be taken to if captured. Unless your a bad ass like me." Jake explains before finishing with a cocky smirk and his chest puffed up a bit. He didn't know why, but he loved messing with Sora, Lanna, and Kairi now. It's like having little siblings to tease and mess with for small amusement.

Kairi paled heavily at that. Lanna shook her head and smacked his arm. "Oi vey," she said and looked at Kairi. "But he's not wrong in a sense. Dad's been to both. He fought Mendez in the Correction barn." She frowned and rubbed her neck, almost on instinct now. She breathed slowly. "Anyway, let's head to the shrine. Maybe we can find something there."

'Anything to get my mind off this' she thought sourly and walked passed the others and taking a right, heading up the stairs.

Sora and Jake follows Lanna close behind. Jake frowning in worry as he noticed how often she's been rubbing her neck and hating how powerless he is to help her right now. Unless they get to the machine Kennedy used to cure himself, they can't do anything for her. Sora however was keeping close to Lanna watching his surroundings carefully, something Jake was glad to see. Both for Lanna's safety and he could tell Lanna likes having Sora around her more than she admits.

'Ah young love, it really is a wonder and so much fun to tease them about.' Jake thought with a teasing grin on his face, keeping silent for now for their sake. Though later on he'd be teasing her without mercy once all was said and done...

Lanna was glad for the company and felt calm with Sora near and walked over the makeshift ramp that lead to the shrine. She saw ladder and stopped, seeing two Ganado's at the entrance, standing next to a torch and a gas barrel. Leveling her gun, Lanna aimed at the barrel and fired. The explosion killed the two easily.

"What was that?" Kairi asked, hearing the explosion.

"Two ganado's" Lanna said and jumped over piled up sandbags easily and headed towards the ladder. She started climbing and reached the landing as she gagged, the smell of blood hitting her hard. She looked at the shrine, seeing fresh blood. It made her queasy and covered her nose, trying not to breath it in. She saw what was on the slab and groaned.

"Don't let Kairi up here" she called out, seeing the body of child that looked no more than ten. It was a little girl that had been so pure and full of life. "Those...bastards..." Tears prickled at her eyes.

"Oh God..." Sora said is shock and horror while Jake's eyes narrow in disgust and sympathy. To Jake's adding horror and suspicions. He noticed not just new blood on the slab, but signs of old blood too. 'So they've been active for a while and been doing their 'glorious' sacrifices for probably a month at least judging by all of the blood old and new.' Jake thought analyzing the scene before him. Before turning to Goofy and Donald down below.

"Goofy! Donald! You two protect Kairi and stay down there you hear me! It's for the best this way and I expect you to wait for us to get back, we should only take a few minutes at most!"" Jake calls to the two wanting to be sure they weren't exposed to this themselves. He may not have been a huge Disney fan, but he knew Donald and Goofy never seen such gory sacrifices before and didn't want to expose them to it.

Lanna coughed and looked away, spotting a chest and opened it. "I can't believe it..." she said, fighting tears as she had her back turned towards them. She picked up the red herb and turned towards the slab. She walked towards it and looked at the child. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out the emergency blanket and laid it over her, covering the grisly sight but it had been burned into the minds of all three. Tears ran down her cheeks, not bothering to wipe them away.

"I promise...I will make them pay," she whispered. "They will rot in hell."

Sora however was looking completely horrified and pale white as he fought to keep his lunch in his stomach. A battle he was losing as his cheeks bulged and he ran out like a bat out of hell. Jake frowned in understanding as he saw Sora vomiting up whatever he had last eaten. Goofy, Donald, and Kairi crowding nearby in worry for their friend. "I'll keep the three off Sora, so you can talk to him okay?" Jake offers knowing the last thing Sora needed was to be bombarded with questions. What he needs is comfort and a good talk to help him understand this was the type of thing they had to prevent. Otherwise more of those sacrifices and worse would most likely happen on a global scale.

Lanna watched Sora run and looked at Jake, nodding. "Yeah," she said. She pulled out a water bottle and headed after Sora, hearing him throw up. She felt bad for him, she really did. She could understand how he felt. She placed her hand onto his back gently, rubbing it. "Sora...I'm sorry you had to see that..." she murmured softly, feeling his body shake under her hand. The dead child bugged her greatly and hoped to have never had to see it but she did, they all did.

"I'm here," she murmured, hoping to comfort him. She could hear Jake keeping the others away and was grateful to him.

"I-I just can't believe anyone wou-would do...that! What's wrong with these people?!" Sora said trying to settle his upset stomach and troubled conscience. He seen some troubling deaths since getting here, but what he saw in there...He wouldn't wish on his worst enemies past or present. No one deserved to suffer in such ways and he knew that sight would haunt his nightmares, despite how he hoped he wouldn't have nightmares after this mess.

Lanna sighed, watching him. "Sora...this...this is hard but there are people like that here," she said softly. "People who are cruel and don't care who they hurt, even if they are children." She handed him the water bottle. "I told you before, this war started long before I was born and even than, the sights...it was a living nightmare. It's why the BSSA exists and a few other companies that strive to protect this world, so it won't happen." Her hand stroked his hair gently. "My parents fight to protect it as do as my aunt and uncle, Jake, Sherry...and me. We don't want this to happen but it does."

She looked at him. "It's people like us, you and me, that strive to help others, to remind them that no matter how bad it gets, there is always light at the end of the tunnel." Her hand automatically touched his cheek. "This world, your world and all the others, they need us to show them that."

Sora absorbed everything he was being told and taking it to heart, even though it chilled him to the core to think others would do such vile things to other people. But it was when she touched his cheek so gentle and caring that caused his heart to feel warm and fuzzy. That made him feel so special and wanting to be by her side. Listening as she explained it was people like them that were needed to show there is light at the end of the tunnel. How the worlds needed them and Sora couldn't help feeling she was right. If they didn't stand and fight for the innocent, then more people would suffer. He wouldn't let the heartless harm others and he wouldn't turn a blind eye to this either.

"Lanna...You're right and I'm sorry for acting so weak. I promised you to help you save your parents and I will, regardless whatever comes our way. I-I may not be used to this world and how dark it is, but I know there is a light even in the deepest darkness shining through as a beacon of hope. I can't turn a blind eye to this, so I'll have your back and save your parents, Elly's parents, my friends, Jake, Goofy, Donald, and you from whatever Wesker and Maleficent are scheming!" Sora said in determination as he wiped off his mouth from the puke and saliva that was on it.

Lanna smiled a bit as she listened to him and nodded. "I'm glad. Your not alone, Sora. We're here for you. I will always be by your side," she said. "Till I can't walk or fight anymore, I will be there. If your scared or nervous, you can come to me or Jake, alright?" She pulled her hand away, watching him. She wanted to be there for him and remembered Jake's words. She did like Sora and felt her own heart grow warm from being near him and she felt comfortable.

"I believe in you, Sora."

"Thank you, Lanna, I won't let you down. No matter what I'll protect us, our friends, Elly's family, and your family. That's a promise." Sora vows with conviction holding her hands in his own on instinct. Looking into her eyes as he made that vow with absolute certainty and resolve to do what he promises.

Lanna blushed softly when he held her hands and looked at him. Her heart rate sped up a bit and swallowed. "Sora..." she murmured, looking back at him. She squeezed his hands gently. She wanted to say something but she couldn't at the moment as she just didn't want this moment to end and forgot the others for a few moments.

Sora only smiled gently at her as his own heart sped up. He couldn't help feeling so...right with her like this. Even if they met under circumstances neither would call preferable, he was glad he did. She's someone he really wanted to get to know better and be with more often. For now though, she is someone he will protect from the darkness and evil in this world.

Jake on the other hand, chanced a glance toward Lanna and Sora's direction to see how much more time she needs to comfort him. Only to find the surprising sight of Lanna hands being held by Sora. Both of them caught in their own silence and just content with each other, making him smile at the sight. Reminding him of when he and Sherry were like that as he started dating her before their marriage, how right he felt around her. Even though Leon and Claire gave their fair share of warnings to treat her right or else. He saw it all as worth it to be with his super girl. So now he'd do her a solid and keep them from noticing this until they realized their positions themselves. It'd be in poor taste to let the other redhead see this and interfere in a matter of heart or cause a cat fight.

Last thing they needed was drama.

'You owe me one, sis.' Jake thinks as he makes sure their vision is kept on him alone. "I know you guys want to help him, but right now he just needs a minute. So for now you guys are helping me check out the lift area for any useful items." Jake said herding them away from the two and keeping them out of Goofy, Donald, and Kairi's sight.

"But..." Kairi protested, wanting to make sure Sora was alright. She saw Lanna go after him and it irked her, as she was with him instead of her but was herded off. Donald and Goofy sighed as they left Sora with Lanna, hoping he was alright. They were worried and wondered what had been seen up there.

Lanna smiled lightly and blushed a bit as she realized that Sora was still holding her hands. She enjoyed the warmth of them around her own and felt comforted, forgetting the virus in her and the horror's they were in. She bit her lower lip, staring at Sora.

Sora too smiled as he felt content and that special feeling grow stronger as he stared into her eyes and feeling himself being sucked into her gaze. 'Am I...falling for her? Is what I feel for Lanna...love?' Sora thinks looking at her and noticing she was leaning in a bit as he did too. His heart racing more in his chest as he was subconsciously leaning into her too.

'She so special...I want to see, no, I want to be by your side, Lanna. I think I'm really falling for you.' Sora thought as their noses touched and he could see her blushing and feel the warmth of his cheeks. Yet, it did nothing to stop them as they were lost in their own world.

Lanna smiled softly as she had the same thought as him. 'Is this love? Sora...I think I love you' she thought, feeling their noses touch and the warmth that came with it. She never felt this close to someone that she hardly knew and yet it felt...right. She wanted to know him better and be by his side. Her lips hovered over his, hesitating slightly. Did she want to do this? But her body pushed her forward till her lips touched his lightly. It was simple and gentle but it felt like the world stopped spinning then.

How was it that one boy made her want to believe that despite the darkness and the pain, she could trust and love with all her heart, fight for those she care about and her will to love all that much stronger grow in a few hours?

Soon they both pressed their lips innocently against each other.

Lanna soon pulled away, her face bright red from the kiss. She stared at Sora and swallowed. "D-Did...that really happen?" she asked, her chest tight and fluttery. That had been her first kiss. She couldn't believe it had happened but she wasn't complaining as it felt nice and it made her feel special. She smiled shyly as Sora bushed a beet red shyly too.

"Y-Yeah...I'm sorry for well doing that so suddenly, it's just..." Sora said trying to find the words for what he did, but felt tongue tied. "I just...really like you and...it just felt so...right." Sora said barely managing to get out some of the poor boy's feelings that were begging to be known to the girl who he was falling for.

"I like you too, Sora." Lanna admitted, finding him tongue tied and shy made him cute to her. "I...like you a lot, I really do. That...was my first kiss and I'm happy it was with you." She looked at him nervously and shyly. "I never...felt this way before. I'm scared and...nervous, but excited as to...where this will lead us." She was being honest about it or as much as she could. She squeezed his hands. "I...want...to be by...your side." Now she was being tongue tied!

Sora gave a happy and loving smile seeing she feels the same as he does for her. Maybe...Maybe it can work. "I'd like that, I'm sorry if it sounds cheesy, but...I really am falling for you and want to be with you. So...when this is all said and done...Maybe you can give me a chance?" Sora asks seeing her eyes light up and what he was suggesting with a shy smile. "I know I'm not from here and have much to learn, but...I'd like it if I learned from you during our...date. If you want to?" Sora asks shy of the beautiful glow in her eyes and the smile on her face made his heart feel so at peace with her.

"I'd be happy to." Lanna said softly and giggled. "It's cheesy, but it works." She twinned their fingers together gently. "I want to give us a chance." She couldn't believe it. A date with Sora? She never felt so happy. She whispered in his ear, "I'm falling for you, Sora. I can't help it. And I'm holding you to that promise." She pecked his cheek gently and pulled away.

She wanted to stay in this moment forever, but reality was forcing the two love birds back to earth, reminding them of the dangers and their mission. Lanna sighed and gave a small smile. "But before our date, we have to do some saving." she said and squeezed his hands gently. "We have to get back to the others. They'll be worried." She pulled something out of her pocket and slid it into his hand. "It's my lucky coin. Keep it for me?"

"You bet, Lanna. Anything for you." Sora said honestly smiling at her lovingly and feeling his heart soar with her acceptance for their date. To give THEM a chance once everything was said and done with their rescue mission.

Lanna smiled and nodded. "Thank you," she said as she held his hand gently. "Let's go." She started walking, heading back to the others with him at her side.

Sora smiled as he held her hand lovingly and honestly felt he was on cloud nine. But kept his guard up for both of their sake as they made their way to the lift where Jake, Donald, Goofy, and Kairi were all at. "Lanna, did you find the key while you and Jake were up there? It doesn't look like it's working still." Sora asks walking with Lanna to the lift.

Lanna shook her head. "No. So the last place to look is the barn." she said, feeling dread fill her. She didn't like the idea of going there because she remembered her dad nearly died there.

"Oh yay..." Donald said groaning, not yet noticing the two.

"Cheer up, Donald, we're all going together. So we can take care of each other and lessen chances of getting killed in an ambush." Sora and Lanna hear Jake explain to the three. Turning around the corner to see them, they see all three REALLY don't like the idea Jake is suggesting.

Lanna blinked. "Jake, what's going on?" she asked as they neared the group. The looks on their faces made her nervous and knowing Jake it was something that would most likely work but would be really dangerous as well.

"Lanna, Jake has a crazy idea." Goofy said turned towards them and blinked.

"I was suggesting we all head to the barn to look for the key, but they're kinda scared to go there without you two." Jake explains not seeing it completely crazy. Yes, they would be safer with Lanna and Sora, but he didn't want them interrupted. Plus considering Lanna was infected with what could possibly be a plaga and Sora's own reaction to the dead baby...They just need a break in his mind.

Lanna looked at Sora, worried about him. "Not bad but I'm not too keen about splitting up either" she said. "What do you think Sora? You gonna be alright to head to the barn?" She wouldn't push him if he wanted to wait outside of the barn while the others searched. She felt fine but she knew Jake was worried about her being infected.

"I'll be fine, Lanna, it's better if I'm with you and Jake to ensure that you two will be protected. In case Wesker shows up again or you run into heartless. I think we should all stick together if possible, though Kairi needs to stay close to Donald and Goofy for her own safety." Sora says as he assures them he is fine and adds in his own idea to ensure Kairi's safety. He didn't doubt her ability, but she was still too inexperienced for really strong enemies and was clearly more hesitant to killing than he was.

Donald nodded in understanding. "Agreed." He said, knowing the redhead wouldn't be able to deal with the stronger opponents yet. He looked at Sora and Lanna and smiled.

"Alright," Lanna said and looked at Sora, smiling. "Let's go get the key."

"Alright, than let's head to the correction barn." Jake said checking his guns, grimacing to find he only had six Elephant Killer bullets left and two clips for his AK47, so he pulled out his Samurai Edge. Which had seven clips of ammo thankfully...

Lanna checked her ammo and saw she had two clips for Glock, one for her shotgun and two for her sniper. "Hm...this will have to do." she said, frowning a bit and checked their herbs. She mixed up two cans of green and red.

Jake seeing she was ready turns on the lift system and watches the carrying carts go up and down the track. Everyone, get ready to hop on the next cart that comes." Jake said walking up to the loading/dismounting area before spying ganados waiting on the poles down the track. 'Oh, that's the game they want to play...' Jake says with a dark grin on his face before turning his attention to his friends.

"Wait guys! Just a few seconds to let Lanna pick off some wanna be hitchhikers. Lanna, ready to test your sniping skill?" Jake says gesturing for her to check out on top of the poles.

Lanna smirked and nodded. "Oh yeah," she said as she got her sniper rifle out and got to the fence. She lifted the scope up to her eye, turning the dial to bring up the first one on the pole. "Hm...peek-a-boo...I see you." She breathed slowly as she got leveled with the head and pulled the trigger, hitting the villager dead on as his head exploded. She turned to the second one and got him in sight and sent another bullet, hitting the second one and sent him flying down below.

Goofy blinked, eyes wide. "Holy!" he said surprised as Lanna reloaded her gun. "Nice shooting!" Lanna grinned. "Thanks." And looked through the scope again, not seeing anymore.

"Sorry for the wait folks, but I HATE hitchhikers. Especially when they try to stab or shoot you, talk about ungrateful." Jake says with smart ass grin on his face strolling to the loading dock.

Lanna held her sniper rifle out and stepped on a lift with the others behind her. She looked through her scope and smirked. "Well now. Looks like we'll have more visitors along the way." she said as she got ready.

"What? More?" Kairi asked, surprised.

"I see them." Jake says walking up next to Lanna to see them riding a cart.

Lanna shifted the power as she got the villagers in sight and looked at the bottom half of the lift. "I count twelve" she said and frowned as she aimed and fired, hitting the first group and got ready for the second. She kept shooting as the lift lowered them to the landing as she took down the villagers and soon finished the last group.

"Phew..." she said as she reloaded her gun and wiped her brow. "That was intense. I'm glad I took the training for it." She remembered Piers Nivans, a partner of her uncles one time who had died giving Chris a chance to survive. He had been the top sniper in the BSSA and had left an impression on everyone. She wanted to be the best like he had been and it was the main reason for joining the class. Their lift soon reached the landing and stepped on it with the others.

Riding the lift down, Sora looked out to the sky around them admiring the view. 'Sor-...sta-...-cused.'

"Huh?" Sora asks himself hearing the voice again and looking around only to see his friends and Lanna looking at him curious. Was he the only one to hear it again?

"Are you alright?" Kairi asked, looking at him. She had a brow raised as she was worried. "You're not getting sick are you?"

Lanna looked concern as she had seen him act like this before. Was he still affected by what had happened? She tilted her head.

"No, I just...thought I heard something, I know it." Sora said unsure what to make of it, before trying to play it off with a determined look. "It's probably nothing though, maybe I'm getting paranoid."

"It's not hard to do here," Lanna said but didn't think he was paranoid. She rubbed his back. "Come on, the sooner we get through this we can start towards the castle."

"Hopefully it won't be like Castle Oblivion." Goofy said as they walked.

"Let's hope so, I don't need anymore people screwing with my memories." Sora said a bit upset he STILL doesn't know what happened to him and neither did Goofy or Donald. They only know about their trip there thanks to Riku, but the story he told them left them confused and a bit sad they couldn't remember Namine. Who sacrificed her presence in their memories to repair the damage done to their memories and help them awaken.

Lanna looked confused as did Jake but seeing the look on Sora's face they decided not to ask, not wanting to make the boy feel even more down than he had been.

The group made their way down a flight of stairs and down another dirt path that led to a large gated door. The merchant was there again, waiting for them.

"Do we need to make a pit stop?" Kairi asked Jake and Lanna, seeing as they were the ones who go to him for upgrades. Jake thought on it for a moment.

"I don't know...I might need ammo, but I should be good on guns for now. How about you, Lanna?" Jake asks after considering the amount of bullets he has and his guns themselves.

"I'm good on guns but ammo wouldn't be a bad idea" Lanna said looking at him. "We don't know what's gonna be waiting for us at the barn." She stretched a bit as her stomach growled a bit. "Oops..."

Kairi sweatdropped. 'How can you be hungry in a time like this?" she asked, not understanding how anyone could think of food in this type of situation. Lanna looked at Kairi. "We haven't eaten since we've got here, princess." She said, not knowing of her past but she wasn't being mean about the nickname. "And we have been here since lunch and it's past 8 pm now." She checked the clock on her phone, feeling a light headache pounding at her temples.

"Plus I've been up since four in the morning preparing for this trip." Jake says walking to the Merchant's table. "Kinda wishing I brought more bullets and guns knowing what I do now." Jake said knowing the heartless, Maleficent, Wesker, and Mendez all threw any plans he had for a loop. Granted, Sora and his friends being here on their side helps. It's just Jake doesn't like being unprepared because then you need to start adapting as fast as you can in order to survive. Not the easiest thing to do in life or death situations, but he knew Lanna and himself would manage it somehow.

"Think the Merchant sells bullets?" Jake asks Lanna curious if they could buy bullets or not.

"He didn't when dad was here but maybe he updated his stoke?" She said hopefully and grunted, pulling out a water bottle from her bag and took a sip. "Water anyone? It's best not to get dehydrated right now."

Donald took the bottle and took a sip. "Thanks." Lanna nodded and looked at the merchant, hoping he did.

"Sorry, strangers, but I heard your little problem from here. I don't sell bullets, but you are welcome to my guns and first aid spray if you like." The Merchant said hoping to offer some services to them, for the right price of course.

"Well, I guess we could use some sprays. Give me three of them." Jake says putting down the money needed to pay and the Merchant happily gave the first aid spray to the mercenary. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Lanna nodded and headed to the door. "Alright" she said. She hoped they would find some ammo soon as they would run out if not and then they would be in trouble. She pushed opened the door, seeing the path that led to barn. "Come on." She started down the path with the others behind her. The barn was decent sized and the wood looked old and grainy. She looked to the left and grinned as she spotted something in the hay and picked it up. "Hey, Jake! Need ammo for your Elephant gun?"

"Better believe it, little red." Jake said happily pocketing the ammo to use for his favorite gun.

"So the key we need is in there?" Sora asks feeling a familiar feeling of darkness around the barn, but couldn't see any signs of heartless yet.

Lanna grinned and looked at Sora. "Yeah," she said and placed her hand onto door handle and blinked, feeling something was off. "Something is wrong..." She pressed her ear against the door and frowned, hearing something creak and growl. She pushed opened the door and the scent of darkness crashed against her as well as the others.

"What the hell...?" Lanna asked, holding her head.

"Get back!" Sora shouts pulling Lanna safely back and keeping her close to Jake. "Jake, Lanna, back me up. The heartless are here." Sora said standing between them and the door with his keyblade raised. Watching the doors warily as they opened slowly with a heavy groan from the rusted hinges.

A few heartless stormed out and came a voice that they all knew too well. "So...you're still alive. I'm surprised." It was Mendez and he was alive. His eyes landed on Lanna and smirked, raising a finger at her. "Soon...you will join us and our cause."

Lanna glared at him. "Over my dead body!" she said, holding her gun. Donald and Goofy got in front of Kairi, summoning their weapons. "Stay behind us!" Kairi looked at the giant. "What is he?" she asked.

"Trouble." Lanna said coldly.

"How the hell did you survive?" Jake asks coldly stepping past Sora, much to his protest, before standing next to Jake ready to protect him and Lanna from the heartless.

Mendez smirked. "A gift," he said as the heartless swarm forward and soon Mendez lunged at Jake, reaching for his throat. Lanna ducked and kicked a heartless into a tree, wincing as she got scratched. Donald sent an ice spell at one. Kairi summoned her keyblade and slashed at another. Goofy threw his shield, knocking another back.

Sora quickly intercepts the heartless lunging for Lanna and strikes down three heartless before standing next to her protectively.

"You should've just stayed dead, Mendez, now I'm gonna have to find another cliff to knock you down." Jake said with a scowl as he deflects one of Mendez's arms and gives a hard punch to his solar plexus. Knocking the wind out of him, before giving an uppercut to his chin to make him stumble back. Jake crouches low under a lunge as Medez's eyes widen in alarm. Before Jake thrusts his palm at Mendez.

Lanna looked at Sora and nodded. "Thanks," she said as she saw a few more heartless show up, holding her gun. She looked up to see Mendez get knocked to the ground from the attack. The man grunted and stood up slowly, coughing as he held his ribs. His back arched as four long appendage like claws ripped from his back.

"Ew..." Kairi said, watching this as her face grew pale and dodged an attack from a heartless. "Sora! We'll take care of the heartless! You take care of him!"

Lanna looked up and shot Mendez in the forehead, seeing him go after Jake again but knocked him back. "Careful!"

"Alright!" Sora shouts as he magic dashes toward Mendez. Who blocks the keyblade with his bone like appendages that was covered in darkness. grunting in pain from the blow as Mendez struggles against Sora for dominance. Sora tries to keep him back, but limits just enough to avoid killing. It irritates him that he was hesitating to go for the kill, but at least he was holding him away from Lanna and Jake for now.

"I take it Maleficent is teaching you and Wesker how to use darkness now, huh?" Sora asks despite knowing the answer.

Mendez smirked. "Smart boy," he said as he ripped off his jacket. His body snapped and cracked, ripping along his stomach as he seemed to grow into a centipede type monster, claws growing from his finger tips. "The new master and mistress have many plans for you and your friends. Specially for Kennedy."

Lanna glared. "Do I have the plaga inside of me?" she demanded. Mendez gives a chilling smile that gave the answer. Lanna's face turned stark white as blood drained from her face. Anger surged through her and she ran at him. She jumped up and slammed her foot into his face, knocking him backwards. "You...!" She growled, landing on her feet and sent out another kick but Mendez caught her foot and flipped her onto her back. He raised his foot, ready to slam it down on her but she rolled away.

"Lanna!" Donald cried out, seeing the woman run at him.

Mendez tried to keep on her, but Jake ran up and grabbed her to pull her to safety.

"Strike Raid!" Sora shouts as he threw his keyblade forcing Mendez to stop and lean back. Watching it sail past and look back at Sora with a smirk, before it came back spinning like a buzzsaw slamming into his head. Making Mendez growl from the unexpected hit as Sora ran up to Mendez forcing him to block Sora's keyblade with his appendages again.

"You want them? You have to get through ME first!" Sora said shoving Mendez back with a show of force making skid to a stop five feet back. Mendez growled in anger, his eyes flashing darkly. The darkness seemed to grow more around him as he grew more. "This isn't over! I will not be beaten by a boy!" He lunged forward with lightning speed, slashing at Sora.

"Sora!" Kairi and Lanna cried out, seeing Sora block it barely and pushed him back. Donald and Goofy held Kairi back, feeling the redhead struggle against them. Lanna watched as Mendez slashed at Sora again with his claws.

Lanna bit her lower lip, worried about him as she gripped the ground. "Jake...we have to do something!"

Jake himself was unsure how they could. Mendez was moving faster than before, almost inhumanly so, but Sora seems to be keeping up just fine. 'How do we help...There has to be something. Come on, Jake, think!' Jake thought to himself furiously as he tried thinking of someway they could give Sora an edge.

Sora grunted as they exchanged blows, he had to admit Mendez was not making it easy on him. At the moment Mendez went for an attack with his claws. Sora flipped over him seeing a spot on the back of his neck he could hit. 'There!' Sora thought about to strike, but hesitates again. Much to his anger as he instead slashes across Mendez's back making him stumble.

'Damn it! Not again!' Sora thought furious at his own hesitation. Why couldn't he strike him down?! He knew he had to damn it! So why?!

'Focus Sor-!' The oddly familiar voice shouts in his head snapping Sora out of his thoughts. Barely ducking an appendage swinging for his neck. Before back flipping and kicking Mendez in the chin, making him growl as his head snaps back to see Sora's keyblade aiming at him. The tip glowing fiery red with heat coming off of it. "Firaga!" Sora shouts as a giant fireball hits Mendez and swallows his body in fire.

BOOM!

The explosion sends Mendez tumbling backwards from the explosive force. While Sora pants a bit feeling his magic running lower than he was comfortable with. "Donald! I need an ether!" Sora calls as he watches Mendez warily.

"Sora, catch!" Donald said as he tossed him the blue cube, watching him catch it. At the same time, Mendez came at Sora, but stumbled backwards as one hole appeared in his chest and another and another.

"Don't you fucking touch him!" Lanna snarled, shooting at the monster, just to give Sora time to use the contents of the cube to recharge his magic. She knew it wouldn't be enough considering how Mendez was now, but even just an opening would help. Mendez growled in irritation, eyes flashing again like that of a heartless as his spider leg appendages grew sharp.

'This is it...I have to finish this with Ars Arcanum!' Sora thinks absorbing the magic energy the cube was made of into himself. Before rushing up and charging his keyblade with the light from his heart. The keyblade gaining an aura of light around it. He quickly closed the distance between Mendez and himself in a magic dash. Surprising Mendez to see Sora up close with his blade raised. "Ars Arcanum!"

Sora shouts unleashing a high speed assault of slashes that look like blurs of light and Sora too became a blur of movement. Between Sora's slashing and at times spinning like a buzzsaw, Mendez was in too much pain to counter attack from the hits.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh!" Sora roars as he continues to rain one blow after another. Breaking every bone Mendez had as the appendages snapped under the strain.. His bones all becoming badly damaged, if not broken, before Sora finishes with one final slash on his head knocking Mendez down into a crater from the force of the blow. Seemingly dead as Sora barely stays standing panting in exhaustion from that last Ars Arcanum.

Turning to his friends, Sora slowly makes his way to them giving his trademark smile. "You guys okay?"

Lanna smiled in relief after seeing Sora beat Mendez. "Yeah, we're fine," she said as she stood up. Kairi laughed and hugged him tightly. Donald and Goofy joined the hug, glad that their friend was fine. It was nice to know that one bad guy was taken down finally and it was a relief to have one less enemy. The crater smoked from the attack and all seemed quiet and at peace. Lanna walked towards the group and hugged Sora, sighing. "You had us worried..."

She looked at him, smiling. Jake smiled at Sora and ruffled his hair, murmuring to him. Donald grinned. "We have one less bad guy now!" He said jumping up and down excitedly. Goofy grinned as he joined his friend. 'Woohoo!" Goofy cheers. Kairi laughed, watching the two goof around as they were celebrating as the group was unaware of something sinister shifting in the crater. They were too busy congratulating Sora on defeating Mendez. Lanna wanted to hug and kiss him right there but she was a little shy too as she knew Jake would tease them and Kairi would be mad. Her ear twitched and looked up, her eyes widening in horror. The look on her face had alerted Jake and the others to look up and see what she was staring at.

"No..." The word escaped Donald's beak and looked at Sora.

"Sora, behind you!"

Mendez climbed out of the crater, his body broken and bleeding heavily as blood seeped from his multiple wounds. He glares at the brunette. "DIE!" he roared as he pushed himself into the air with his claws extended out and lunged at Sora. To Lanna and the others time seem to go slow as Mendez went after Sora, intent on killing him...

(Sora's P.O.V.)

Sora hearing the cries and Mendez shout spins on reflex and summons his keyblade slashing down as he sees Mendez trying to skewer him, but suffers a slash wound on his shoulder as he does so. Mendez sailing past Sora in two halves with a surprised expression before crashing into the ground dead with yellow and red blood staining the floor around him. Sora himself is panting from what he did as his actions finally caught up to his mind.

He killed him, in self defense, but he killed him.

Why was he shaking?

Why couldn't he hear everyone around him properly? He could sense they were near him now, but he felt the world spinning.

'I think it's time we had a talk, Sora.' The familiar voice says as Sora finally realizes who is speaking to him as his vision goes dark.

'Roxas...?' Sora thinks as unconsciousness takes him, the last thing he sees is everyone's worried faces and Lanna's eyes watering in worry.

(Lanna and the group: 3rd P.O.V.)

"Sora! You alright?!" Jake shouts about to check on the kid seeing his shoulder was hurt and that was what he could see with Sora's back to him. He was surprised to see a blur of red pass him and see Lanna by his side with Kairi close behind. Much to his and everyone else's surprise and horror. Sora started leaning back like he was about to fall before Lanna and Kairi caught him.

"Sora!" Lanna cried as she saw the wound on his shoulder and checked his pulse, tears running down her cheeks. "Sora, wake up! Please!" She begged.

Kairi was on the other side of Sora, worried. "No, Sora!" she said. "He's bleeding! Donald, help!" Donald ran up to the group with Goofy right behind him and raised his staffed as he uttered a healing spell over the wound. The green leaves twisted themselves around the wound as they healed it instantly.

'Please Sora...' Lanna thought, her tears landing on his cheek. 'Please...wake up...' "He's breathing...but..." Her voice cracked. Kairi buried her face into her hands, crying.

'No...' Jake thought worried as he checked Sora's vitals quickly. His heartbeat was good, his breathing was healthy, and his shoulder didn't appear infected before or after the healing. What could be wrong with him? That was the question on everyone's minds as they fretted over Sora. Looking at Mendez's disappearing body. Only his eye remained which Jake walked over and picked up. 'I'll need this to get in the castle, but we need to get Sora to safety first.' Jake thought as he walks back to the group and pats Goofy shoulder.

"Goofy, I need you to carry Sora as we take him back to the cabins in the empty village. We can't stay here and risk him getting hurt by any enemies coming around looking for a fight." Jake orders the dog hoping he'll understand the seriousness of the situation.

Goofy nodded, looking grim as he picked up Sora gently, being careful with him. Donald stayed close by with Kairi. Lanna didn't even bother to wipe her face as she heard Jake saying they had to move Sora into safety. She breathed slowly. "Let's go..." she said and looked at Jake. "What...did you find the eye for the scanner?" She was worried out of her mind, unaware of what was going on and why he wasn't waking up. She felt sick but slowly made her way up the hill with Jake in the lead.

"Yeah, I did, but let's focus on getting to the village first and rest. I think we all need it, plus we have to make sure Sora is okay." Jake says sternly as he opened the doors and everyone moved quickly to the lift.

(Leon, Claire, Pete, and Maleficent: 3rd P.O.V.)

Leon watched shocked to see it all play out before his eyes the way it had. Lanna and her group coming to the correction barn, the heartless appearing at Mendez's side. Jake holding his ground at first until Mendez started using his virus to transform, while empowered by the darkness Maleficent taught him.

That tidbit earned the witch a glare and some cursing from both parents that Maleficent ignored, deeming them lower than insects to her.

So they continued watching in hopes they would survive, both feeling proud and thankful to Sora for standing between Mendez and Lanna's group. Both fighting at high speeds, but Leon couldn't help feeling more and more worried as he noticed Sora hesitating to go for the kill blow for a while. Thankfully, that high speed barrage of sword slashes and movement Sora called 'Ars Arcanum' proved too much for him and nearly killed Mendez.

That was when, to both Claire and his own horror, they made a mistake. Sora got complacent and turned his back without checking if he was alive or not. A few seconds later, Mendez lunges for Sora and the boy spins around faster than humanly possible. Cutting Mendez in half while suffering a nasty looking slash on his shoulder. Lanna rushing to the boy before he collapses into her and Kairi's arms. Crying and begging him to awaken, before Jake takes the eye and moves everyone to head back to the lift.

"Ahahahahaha!" The Witch cackled like she had been told the funniest joke of her life. "H-How wonderful, honestly I never thought the boy would just fall unconscious like that so easily! I must remember to thank Wesker for suggesting to revive that fool Mendez in the first place!" Maleficent said enjoying the shocked look on Sora's face before falling unconscious, most likely from shock she would guess.

Claire watched, seeing the group carry Sora back to the village. She saw the grim faces on the group. Her heart ached for them. Sora had brought light to them all in such a short time but seeing him go unconscious like that, it was surprising and unnerving. Had the boy pushed himself too much from the fight?

"Lanna..." She said, seeing how their daughter acted. Her mother instincts were going into overdrive, just wanting to hug them all to try and comfort them. She didn't like to see the looks on their faces. She looked at the witch and glared at her hatefully. She wanted to wipe that smirk off her face!

Leon was seething as he tried to control his rage, mainly for his wife's sake. But that fucking bitch of a witch! How can she delight in their suffering like this?! "You'll burn for this, one way or another you will burn for all the suffering you have caused." Leon swore wanting nothing more than to burn Maleficent the same way they did in the dark ages. true, he hated the barbaric acts that happened to innocent people falsely accused of being a witch, but this witch deserves to burn on a stake.

"Not likely, Kennedy, for I shall over the universe as the queen of darkness itself!" Maleficent said with a chilling smile that made the parents blood run cold.

Claire bit back a whimper of fear and winced, holding her stomach. "Ah..." she groaned weakly as the baby kicked as if reacting to her parents fear and anger. She was worried. "Sh...sh..." she said, wincing.

Pete giggled laughed as he had seen Sora go down and the worried faces of the group. "We're getting closer now!" he cheered Claire glared at the cat, wanting this to be over.

"Ah, as much as I'd love to talk. I do believe I need to get back to training Wesker on mastering his darkness. The man has made remarkable progress and should be a force to be reckoned with soon. Pete, I'm leaving you in charge of these two prisoners again, make sure they behave and to alert me or Wesker if the baby is coming. I'm sure Wesker would love a new soldier to raise or maybe a new B.O.W. test subject...So many possibilities." Maleficent says much to the parents horror and rage.

"You leave Matthew out of this you bitch!" Leon roared only for Maleficent's magic to surround his body and slam him against the cage painfully. "Mind your tongue, prisoner, it's a wonder you ever got married."

Claire gasped and shifted over to her husband. 'Leon!" she said. "Are you okay?" She glared at the witch hatefully. "You will not get away with this! Lanna and the others will kill you for what you and Wesker have done. You will pay!" She stayed near her husband, a protective arm around her stomach and another over her husband. She did believe in their daughter and their friends, knowing they would find them.

Maleficent only smirked at the enraged wife and husband. "Not this time, for I am the one holding all the cards in my favor, but feel free to hope and watch your wanna be saviors suffer. Then we shall see if they can even come close to saving you before they die." Maleficent says as she disappears in green and black flames.

(Chris, Jill, and Wesker: 3rd P.O.V.)

"Sora..." Chris said worried about the kid, he had to admit the kid was probably the strongest and fastest person he's ever seen in a fight. He'd go as far as to say he is probably faster than Wesker is and maybe stronger when serious, as shown against Mendez. When the fight was on he and Jill felt hopeful as the boy stood up to Mendez for Lanna and Jake. Especially when he used that 'Ars Arcanum' attack of his that made Sora a blur of movement and light. But when Sora and the others got careless, Mendez almost killed him and Sora barely managed to cut him in half. Suffering a shoulder wound in the process as Mendez crashed against the ground finally dead.

To Chris and Jill's horror, Sora collapsed soon after. Now they watched Jake escorting Lanna's group to the safety of the empty village as Goofy carefully carried Sora's unconscious form in his arms.

"The wound doesn't look deep...maybe he just exhausted himself." Jill said but saw the look on Lanna's and Kairi's faces, filled with worry and fear for the boy. She looked at her husband. "Chris..." She stopped and glared when Wesker stepped into the room, watching the video feed of the fight and smirked.

"So the boy finally got what he deserved" he said and looked towards the caged couple. "It's so good to see you again, Chris." He spat out the name as if it was a poison. "As you can see, your saviors are a bit thrown off track."

"Don't count them out yet, Wesker. We've hit a few bumps in our past too and we still beat you back then. Just as I know they will too," Chris said refusing to back down to Wesker in any shape or form. He does believe they would beat Wesker in the end. He may not know what's wrong with Sora, but the wound wasn't serious enough to kill him and he clearly wasn't infected. So in time Sora should be back on his feet, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Wesker smirked cruelly. "Yes, but the time he does wake up, his hardest battle will come from one of those closest to him," he said, knowing the plaga would hatch soon. "Makes one wonder...will he fight the one he sworn to protect?" He had seen his promise to the girl and it made him sick. "What do you say Chris? Is young love enough to win it all?" He taunted.

Jill glared at him and looked at the feed on the tv. "What is he talking about? Wesker, that darkness is getting to your head," she said.

Chris pondered the words for a moment, before remembering something in the fight. His eyes widening as his mind was catching on to what they had planned. Before narrowing in anger toward Wesker who merely smirked back seeing Chris understand. "You monster... You're gonna try to force Lanna to fight Sora? You know for a fact Lanna wouldn't stand a chance and the kid wouldn't have it in him to kill her!" Chris shouted in rage at the twisted scheme they were setting up.

"So the fool can be taught, who knew?" Came Maleficent's voice as she appears before them all smirking coldly at Chris and Jill. "Enjoying the show? I know I did." Maleficent says with a cold smile on her face.

Jill gripped the bars, glaring. "How can you?" she demanded. "They're just kids!" She gripped the bars and slammed into it, glaring.

Wesker laughed. "Yes," he said. "But can they be really called that when Lanna and Sora killed?" He taunted them. He looked at the feed. "We're getting closer now. Once with you out of the way..." He stopped and smirked cruelly and turned to look at them. "Maleficent? If Sora can't kill her...maybe her family will."

"An interesting idea, but I have one of my own to suggest. With Sora unconscious and time running short for Lanna. Jake over there appears anxious," Maleficent says as the feed shows Jake tapping his foot and looking quite troubled. "It wouldn't surprise me if he decides to head for the castle looking for some means to cure her. So why not have Krauser stretch his legs some with a good sparring partner? Lanna wouldn't be able to take both Sora and Jake suffering I bet." Maleficent suggests with a grin that made Chris and Jill's blood run cold. "One can only imagine what would happen if Jake were to die."

Wesker smirked. "Yes...Oh poor Lanna," he said. "Losing the love of her life and soon the man she considers a brother." He looked at Chris and Jill. "What do you think? Ready to see the poor girl break?" He looked at Maleficent. "Let's spice up the fun. The suffering will affect the egg and make her change more quickly, if not enough to leave."

Jill slammed her shoulder against the bars. "Wesker, leave them alone, dammit," she said. "Lanna won't kill them. She's not like that!"

"Loss can do terrible things to one's soul. For the closer they are to you, the deeper the wound it leaves. Sometimes turning saints into monsters." Maleficent said knowing the pain loss can do, such a dark thing it does to one's soul and heart. "If you are ready, Wesker. We must proceed with furthering your mastery over your darkness and prepare Krauser for his own mission." Maleficent suggests to Wesker ready to prepare their next move for when Jake and the others make their way to the castle.

Wesker smirked and nodded. "Let us go," he said and looked at Chris. "Have fun watching your niece suffer, Chris. Maybe her parents shouldn't have tried to raise another hero." He headed towards the witch and two disappeared in green fire.

Jill gripped the bars and lowered her head, sighing. "Chris...what do we do...?" she asked, feeling at a loss.

"I don't know Jill, if I could break out I would, but for now...all we can do is hope...and pray." Chris said hoping the others would pull through somehow.

(Scene change Lanna's group: 3rd P.O.V.)

Jake had been through many shitty positions in his line of work as a mercenary. From getting betrayed by someone he saw as a father figure and his whole team being killed except himself and the traitor, to urban warfare in Edonia getting chased by fucking Ustanak because of the blood he carries. All in all, he seen some real shit and it taught him many hard lessons about combat. Shit happens being one of them and there was nothing you could do to change it.

Right now, he wishes more than anything he could.

Seeing Sora unconscious as Lanna and Kairi stay near him on two chairs watching over him. Donald and Goofy looking understandably worried for their young friend. And he was busy worrying how all of this was affecting Lanna more than anyone else. She was carrying a plaga egg that could hatch sooner or later and he needed to cure her as soon as possible. At the very least there had to be a way to stall them some extra time to cure her!

"Lanna..." Jake began unsure if she was willing to talk about this. "Do you recall any way that Leon might've kept the egg from hatching or buying himself some time to get to the machine? Like some medicine or something?" Jake asks hoping she knew something, anything at this point to help her.

Lanna felt horrible and scared at that moment, watching Sora stay asleep. The only comfort she and Kairi had as well as Donald and Goofy was that he was breathing and had a steady pulse. She blinked and looked at Jake and frowned. "Medicine...? I...wait..." she said thinking. She blinked and nodded. "Yes! Dad said that a scientist he befriended gave him some pills to slow down the process. The scientist's name was Luis Sera. Dad was a bit hurt by his death. Dad also said that Luis had a hand in the research but didn't know what it was till it was too late. By than he was trying to escape. The pills is something that he made."

She looked at Jake. "Luis's lab could be in the castle," she said.

"Perfect," Jake said nodding with a serious expression. "You stay here and guard the others, I'll be back with the pills," Jake told Lanna as he got off the door frame he was leaning and start walking to the gate. He only had one chance at this and he couldn't afford to wait.

Lanna blinked and ran after him. "Jake, wait!" she said and grabbed his arm, looking up at him worriedly. "You have to promise me that you will come back, okay? I can't stand to lose you too." She hated acting weak, but the thought of losing Jake or him getting hurt like Sora did... It made her feel like she was becoming unhinged. She looked up at him pleadingly. "Please."

"Lanna..." Jake said turning around and holding her by the shoulders making sure she was looking at him square in the eyes. "I promise you, I'll make it back. But for now, I NEED you to focus on staying here and protecting the others. Goofy and Donald could come, but I chose not to ask because someone needs to look after Kairi. Kairi is too inexperienced to ask her and Sora is unconscious. Which is why I'm trusting you to guard the kid while he's out. Plus I don't want to make the plaga egg in you worse than it is. So please understand that is why I am going alone." Jake promises before explaining his reasons for going alone.

Needed, no, but he felt if she knew and understood his reasons. Maybe she'd stay like he's telling her to until he gets back. Plus this way he can investigate the castle and learn it's layout quickly so Lanna and the others won't have a hard time with it.

Lanna looked up at him and nodded, sighing lightly. "Okay," she said as she did understand. She had to get her mind back on track. She had to protect the others. This was her mission right now. Jake could handle himself, she knew that. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as she looked up at him and nodded. "I know and I will look after them."

If she got too emotional who knew how it would affect the egg inside of her. Lanna had to keep reminding herself that getting too emotional in a mission was never a good thing as it could cloud her judgment.

"Good," Jake said as he walked up to the gate holding her hand until he got to the scanner. Using the eye he had it scanned and the door started opening. Seeing it open up before them, Jake places the eye in Lanna's hand. "Keep this on you just in case. I think you'll be safe here, but if anyone comes for you guys. You can still make a run for the castle if needed." Jake said wanting to be sure they had an escape if they needed to. He wouldn't take chances with Lanna's safety, never again.

Lanna took the eye and put it into her pocket. "Alright." She nodded and looked up at Jake. She had to stay strong for him and for the others.

"I'll be back, so please be patient and look after the little hero for me okay? It's going to be fine because no matter what, I won't give up." Jake promises making her smile as Jake walks through the gate quickly as it closes behind him. Jake releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding before checking his handgun. "Okay, Jake. Time to sneak into a castle and look for some magic beans." Jake says humoring himself to keep his cool. Before rushing ahead to the castle, noticing how oddly easy it all was. Not one ganado in sight or any sign of Wesker yet, so he makes it past the bridge and goes into the castle. Admiring the sight for a second before shaking the loose thoughts off.

"Now if I was a secret lab, where would I be in a castle this big?" Jake asks himself moving down the corridor.

It was quiet in the castle except for the crackling sounds of the fire in the sconces and the sounds of his boots clicking on the stone floor. It looked like someone had been keeping it clean, but other than that there had been no sign of anyone living there. As he kept walking, he could hear someone laughing. It was a high pitched giggle at first as Jake walked. But as he got closer to the large room with the balcony, the giggle turned into a full blown laughter as a mutated form stepped forward.

"I was wondering when you would come here...Jake," Salazar said smirking. "I believe you're here for a certain female? Due to being given the gift." He smirked cruelly.

"Who the hell are you? Some bastard child of a troll?" Jake said trying to control his temper around the mutated little man, but couldn't resist getting a shot in on the bastard. Knowing his luck this guy was working for Wesker and Maleficent too.

Salazar laughed and waved his finger at him like a parent would do to a disobedient child. "Ah ah. You are in my home, Jake, as I, Salazar, the 8th Castellan of this castle. I work for Maleficent and Wesker," he said.

'Sometimes I hate being right,' Jake thought seeing his suspicions are correct again.

"Well then, if this is your home. Where do you keep your secret lab for virus research?" Jake asks, knowing the odds of him telling him aren't likely. If he did then it was a trap pure and simple, but either way it would most likely have some traps.

"And what makes you think I'll tell you." He asked, smirking. "I like to make my guests squirm. And...I have a little present for you. Oh I was saving it for Lanna but...you'll do." There was footfalls behind him as a man appeared behind him. "Ah, there you are."

Krauser stood behind him, smirking at the boy and his reaction. "Hello, Jake."

Jake hearing the footfalls spun around to face him ready to reach for his gun or to use his hands for combat. His body loose, but muscles ready to be used for quick movement. Jake studied his opponent carefully and could tell this guy was stronger than he is, but in speed and flexibility he should have the advantage. What got Jake's attention the most and made him inwardly curse was the eyes, they were the eyes of a soldier or mercenary. Someone like him, but there was something else there. He wasn't as cold as Jake used to be only thinking of money, no there was a blood lust in his eyes and a purpose driving him. Jake didn't know what, but he knew a man on a mission when he saw one.

He's one himself right now and he couldn't fall to this mercenary.

"Hey yourself," Jake said watching him carefully as both circled each other, their eyes never leaving each other. "You don't look like you're a part of the villagers like that shitty bug man or the roided out midget up there." Jake said ignoring the midget that he knew was irked. "So what makes you work with someone like Wesker and Maleficent? You know what they intend to do right?"

Krauser smirked, his eyes cold, almost lifeless. He snorted. "Of course I know. They were the ones that brought me back," he said. "Wesker and Maleficent had many plans for this insane world of ours and it all involves with that boy and girl." He lunged, pulling out his knife and slashed at him quickly only for Jake to dodge and duck.

"I worked for Wesker before Leon killed me." He smirked as he let that info drop. He wanted revenge and to resurrect Umbrella.

"Not the first guy I'd ever work with considering all the people he back stabbed." Jake says grabbing his wrist and spinning around to lock Krauser's arm in an arm bar. Twisting his arm to make him drop the knife.

Krauser grunted a bit at this and smirked, dropping the knife. "Tsk, not bad," he said and shifted a bit till he lifted his arm, lifting Jake up and slammed him into the floor. "Wesker and I have the same goals." He yanked his arm back and grabbed the front of Jake's shirt and dragged him along the floor, heading to a pillar.

Jake seeing the pillar quickly shifted his body till he grabbed Krauser's head with his legs and force his body weight to knock Krauser off his feet. Slamming his head to the ground, making Krauser's grip slacken. The instant it did Jake freed himself and rolled backwards onto his feet again to see Krauser get up smirking at him.

"Great, so there's three nut jobs now, counting the witch." Jake said rushing into the offensive. Jabbing twice as Krauser dodges and lashes out before Jake ducks into a crouch. Smirking at the look on Krauser's face to see his stance.

'Got you!' Jake thought lashing out his palm against Krauser's chest full force.

Krauser grunted as he was sent flying and crashed into the wall, dropping to the ground. He coughed and looked up, eyes narrowed as he spat out blood. "You're like him..." he said and lunged forward with his fist pulled back. He aimed a punch at Jake as Salazar said from his perch.

"Do you think you can save them, Jake?" he taunted. "You couldn't stop Sora from getting hurt nor could you help Lanna."

"Just watch me you little shit!" Jake said snapping both at the salt on his wound from mentioning Sora and Lanna's situation. But also Krauser mentioning he is like 'him'. He didn't like thinking they were alike, before it was an answer to why he is the way he is, now it's just an insult. A Dark reminder that he's related to a monster that's causing his sister, in all but blood, and her family so much suffering.

Deflecting the blow and grabbing the arm. Jake pulls Krauser in for three knee strikes to his rib cage, before pushing him off as Krauser tries to hit him with the other arm. Making the swing go wide before Jake goes in for an elbow to his kidney pushing him to the ground from the blow. Jake not wasting time goes for more damage jumping up and slamming his forearm down toward Krauser's head. Only for both to grunt in pain as Jake's forearm meets Krauser's as he spun around to face Jake.

"Another thing...don't EVER compare me to Wesker." Jake says before stomping on Krauser as Krauser kicks Jake in his chest. Knocking Jake back, but wincing in pain from the stomp on his ribs. Both get up ready to fight further as they glared toward one another.

Krauser smirked and chuckled coldly before lunging again and sidestepped to the side, bringing his arm out to deliver a jab at his side. "What? Hit a soft spot kid?" he asked as the jab hit and headbutted Jake, pushing him away as he jumped back and snatched up his blade, wielding it in front of him.

"Wouldn't you like to know..." Jake growled lunging toward Krauser, stopping the arm from stabbing him with the knife and holding it back in a contest of strength. Krauser smirked at first feeling the advantage he had on Jake. But grew confused seeing Jake's scowl turn to a smirk.

"Got ya!" Jake said as he twisted around the arm, bending Krauser's arm at an uncomfortable angle, and threw the mercenary off his feet. Landing on his back, before feeling Jake throw the knife away from Krauser's grip. Looking up he sees Jake about to slam his leg down on his head and rolls out of the way.

Krauser pushed back onto his back, flipping in the air till he landed on his feet, panting lightly as he wiped a smear of blood off his lower lip. "Tsk..." he said. He was stronger than Jake, he knew but the younger man was lighter and quicker on his feet. He will have to be a bit more cautious then. He lunged forward, picking up speed and slammed his shoulder into his gut and back into the wall.

Salazar held onto the wall, watching them. He soon heard someone enter the room and smirked. "Enjoying the show?" he asked the new viewers.

(Scene change: Riku and Ada)

Ada and Riku had found the main console to shut off the traps to the lab, but stopped when she saw something on the video. She frowned as she saw Jake fighting Krauser. "So...he's alive..." she said, surprised as she remembered Leon killing him. "Who else is back from the dead...?" She looked at Riku. "All off. Now we can get the pills."

"Let's hurry and get those pills then." Riku said hoping to get the pills to save Lanna in time. He didn't want Sora to lose a friend to those plagas.

Ada nodded. "Let's go" she said as she watched the fight and frowned before following Riku out the door. "We'll be going near there. Jake will keep Krauser busy while we get the pills." She headed down the hallway, pulling out her gun. "Hopefully we won't meet any 'friends'."

"If they come at you, I'll handle them while you get the pills." Riku said making sure to let Ada lead the way as he didn't know where to go. "Unlike me, you know your way around and I know I can take them." Riku said explaining why he would trust her to grab the pills and he would hold off any enemies they run into.

"Once they know we're here, they will send out more" Ada said nodding at him as they made their way back down the hallway they had taken to get to the console. She took a left and saw no one in the hallway but they could hear the faint grunts of someone fighting. She saw a window and down below was the two fighting with Salazar watching them.

"Hah, he's enjoying it" She said in a calm tone as she made her way to another hallway.

"Bastard... hope that Jake guy will be okay." Riku says a little worried, but puts it to the back of his mind seeing Jake holding his own for now.

"We need to hurry. He'll need help," Ada said as she quickened her steps and pushed opened the door into the room with the fighting. All three were occupied at the moment as the two slipped passed them, staying in the shadows. She saw the traps had been disabled after pushing open the door and motioned for Riku to follow her into the hallway.

The lab was filled with monitors, beakers, shelves with test tubes and other things. Ada turned on the low lights and started to brows the shelves. "It'll be in a brown bottle with red and white capsules.."

"Got it, Riku said looking through the collection of bottles for a few seconds before he found it. "Ada, is this it?" Riku asks quietly getting her attention as he kept a vigilant eye out for anything hostile.

Ada walked towards him and looked at the bottle. "That's the one!" she said, clearly relieved as they heard Krauser crying out from pain, which was odd since he was the one doing the pain to the other. "Jake must be getting the upper hand." She looked at Riku. "Come on, let's go."

She headed towards the hallway as the fighting was getting louder.

Riku follows her quickly feeling the situation was growing more dangerous for Jake. Despite having the upper hand from the sound of things, Riku could smell darkness starting to grow. it was small amounts, but it was definitely in the air. Someone in that room knew how to use darkness, but how long before they start using it?

(Scene change: Leon, Claire, Pete, and Maleficent in 3rd P.O.V.)

Leon was watching the battle nervously as Jake fought against Krauser. Thankfully while Krauser was stronger, Jake was faster and lighter on his feet. An advantage Jake used to his absolute best as he slips around Krauser's strikes and counters with a palm thrust to Krauser's chin, a haymaker to Krauser's head, and an elbow to his gut. Followed up by a axe kick down on the back of Krauser's head making the former comrade/enemy slam into the ground in pain.

"Finish it soon, Jake, don't give him any openings." Leon muttered to himself worried for the kid. He didn't know why, but something felt wrong about this fight. Jake was winning for now and yet he couldn't shake the dread building in his gut.

Claire watched the scene as it appeared to everyone that Jake was winning as Krauser took hit after hit, bleeding. The man wasn't going crazy yet but it felt off somehow... She looked at Leon, hearing him mutter. "Leon, something feels off," she murmured to him as she saw the witch watch the tv's. "It's almost like Krauser is letting him win." But from what Leon had told her, Krauser never went easy on his opponents, no matter if it had been in training or on a mission.

"Don't get cocky Jake..." she said as Wesker walked into the room and looked at the screens and smirked. He knew Krauser and from the sight of it, Krauser was getting ready to unleash his true power.

"Jake will find he won't easily win this" Wesker said as he could feel the darkness building up around the man, seeing his left arm twitch a bit.

Claire looked at the man. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"Keep watching and you'll see, Jake is about to learn there are some fights you can't win with determination alone." Maleficent said watching Jake go into a savage, yet, efficient flow of attacks that left little room to counter. Before Jake crouched back about to use Wesker's palm thrust technique to finish it.

"Die!" Jake shouts thrusting his palm forward with his body weight for added force. Leon and Claire watching with baited breath as Maleficent smirks cruelly to herself knowing this was the moment Krauser mentioned he would wait for.

Krauser smirked as he was hit in the chest, getting knocked back and crashed into the wall. The wall cracked from the force as Krauser's body slid down the wall. His form laid still for a moment, before he could be heard laughing. Hysterically even as he stood slowly. "You know...if I was human, that would have finished me..." He looked up to show his blue eyes had turned black as darkness swirled around him. He lifted his right arm as the skin started to stretch and rip, forming a muscle and tentacle shield for himself. Blood dripped from the arm and looked at Jake, laughing. "Now...prepare for you death, Jake!"

He lunged forward.

Claire screamed in fear, watching this.

Leon felt his blood run cold as his worst fears were realized. Krauser did have the virus and he was using darkness to enhance it even further. He watched in terror as Jake struggled to stay alive and avoid Krauser's attacks. Now having little time to counter and forced into the defensive.

"I must say, Wesker, your suggestion to have Krauser be taught darkness was a very wise move. The way he uses the virus and darkness at the same time is truly remarkable. No wonder you took this one in when he came to you years ago." Maleficent said somewhat impressed at Krauser's skill in using both virus and darkness with such skill.

Wesker chuckled. "Thank you," he said as he watched. "Krauser is a loyal...worker." He watched as Jake struggled against Krauser as Kruaser kept going at the young man again and again. He glanced at another feed and his smirk grew into a full blown cold smile. "The audience has grown I see." He saw Ada and Riku make an appearance.

Claire watched in horror as Wesker and the other's watched the feed as if they were watching a movie at the theater. She felt sick and was happy that Lanna and the others were away in the village, safe, she hoped. None of them new that Lanna and her friends were making their way to the castle.

(Scene change: Station of Awakening in 3rd P.O.V.)

Sora grumbled as he felt himself slowly awaken to see he was in the station of awakening again. What really got his attention though was the stranger wearing a black cloak like Organization XIII used to wear.

"I see you're finally awake, Sora. No wonder Kairi used to call you a lazy bum." The familiar voice said as Sora shot to his feet pointing a finger at the person.

"Roxas...Is that really you?!" Sora asks as the figure chuckles at his question before letting down their hood. Showing a boy with blonde hair in a windswept style and blue eyes.

"Yeah, it's me, but we aren't here to talk about me. We're here to talk about YOU and your problem." Roxas says shocking Sora.

"What? What do you mean my problem?!"

"I mean the fact you hesitate to kill and when you killed Mendez you nearly let yourself get overcome with regret." Roxas states bluntly making Sora flinch. Roxas's eyes narrow at this as he steps closer to Sora now.

"THAT is what I am talking about. You never hesitated or should such remorse when you kill Organization XIII and you damn well know these guys are even more twisted than them! So why are you hesitating?!" Roxas shouts as Sora glares back, despite having an uneasy feeling in his heart.

"I-I just don't like that we have to kill them! They aren't like the heartless or Organization XIII..." Sora states feebly not sure of his own words.

"No, they're worse. Again, you know this," Roxas shoots back without remorse making Sora flinch.

"I-I know...I'm trying, but it's not easy to adjust alright." Sora asks trying to get his nobody to drop the subject, but Roxas wasn't letting him off that easy. Too much was on the line to leave Sora as he is.

"But nothing! When you fought me, you showed no hesitation in killing me or any member of Organization XIII! And we are far more human than those things are by a long shot!" Roxas says making Sora's eyes widen and grit his teeth. Seeing Sora like this made Roxas sigh in exhaustion and frustration.

"Sora...Do you know what I saw the day we faced each other?" Roxas asks making Sora look at him in confusion.

"I-I don't know...what?"

"I saw someone who would risk everything to protect those precious to him. A young man who would put himself through any amount of suffering or pain for the sake of making those close to him smile and be happy. I saw someone who would fight a thousand heartless by himself without fear, I saw someone who'd stand against Organization XIII regardless of how bad things got, and I saw the young man who saved the universe twice." Roxas explains as he grabs Sora by his shirt and lifts him up staring into his eyes with a narrowed gaze. Sora was shocked to see the steely gaze of a warrior in Roxas's eyes right now glaring at him.

"Where is that Sora? The Sora who beat me in one on one combat and protect his friends no matter how strong his foes were? Where is he at inside your heart?" Roxas asks tossing Sora to the other side of the Station making Sora skid to a halt. Looking up to see Roxas summoning Oathkeeper and Oblivion.

"What are you talking about?! I'm right here! I am me and no one else!"

"Really? Then show me your strength and resolve, Sora!" Roxas says shooting toward him and clashing his keyblades against Sora's hastily summoned Kingdom Key. Both keyblade crash against each other viciously as both tried to gain dominance on the other. Before jumping back away from each other and Roxas to crouch spinning his blades into a combat stance Sora recognized. Roxas's keyblades charging up with light. As Sora blocks with his keyblade when Roxas let's the energy loose in a ring of light energy meant to cut everything around him.

Sora grunts as he is pushed back for blocking the attack. Only to widen his eyes as both Roxas and himself stops. Focusing their hearing as they hear voices around the Station of Awakening. Familiar voices echoing through the darkness around them faintly, but loud enough for them to hear.

"Aaaagghhhhh!" Jake's voice shouts in pain.

"Sora, please wake up.." Kairi's voice came through the darkness. It was full of worry and concern.

"Lanna, hold on!" It was Goofy's voice. "She's coughing up blood!"

Lanna coughed and groaned weakly. "Sora...look after him."

A voice that Sora didn't know yet joined the others. "Sora...you have to wake up...Lanna...Kairi...the others need you." It was Claire.

"Sora...please save my daughter and her friends..." This time was Leon, a voice he didn't know, but could feel the concern from them both all too clear.

"Sora, wake up soon," Donald's voice "came next. "We can't do this without you."

"Sora, wake up kid," It was Chris's voice, even though they never met. "We're counting on you."

Jill's voice came. "Sora..." The voices of his friends and those of the family echoed in his mind, reaching him through the darkness.

"Guys..." Sora said feeling how desperate their pleas were to him before glaring at Roxas. "Fine! You want to see me serious, Roxas?! Then let's do this!" Sora says charging toward Roxas who gained a small smile at this. 'Looks like Sora got some of his fire back, now to make it burn brighter and stronger than before.' Roxas thought charging toward Sora in turn.

(Scene change Lanna's group and Krauser: 3rd P.O.V.)

"Aaaaggghhh!" Jake cries bouncing across the floor from a nasty hit. Ignoring the pain, Jake forces himself to his feet glaring at Krauser who only smirks at Jake's struggle.

Krauser smirked as he lunged forward, hitting Jake again and pinned him to the wall and rammed his knee into his stomach and jumped back. On his arm was fresh blood and it wasn't his.

"Think you keep fighting, comrade?" He taunted Jake and lunged again. Behind the fighting the door opened and in came Lanna and the others. Goofy held Sora on his back. Kairi and Donald came in. Lanna gasped as she saw the fight, her eyes wide as she saw how Jake was fairing, looking tired and at his limit. "Jake..."

Salazar looked up and smirked. 'Well now. Looks like we have a much bigger audience..."

"Don't...under...estimate...me...bastard..." Jake said dodging a strike and whipping out his magnum against Krauser's skull. Before firing all six shots making him stumble back from each hit. before cursing as he was forced to eject the empty bullets trying to reload.

Krauser stumbled and dropped to his knees, coughing blood. The wounds in his skull pushed out the bullets slowly and laughed darkly. He smirked. "Heh...time to die!" he lunged forward again, eyes narrowed as he aimed to kill.

Lanna gasped and ran forward. "No!"

Jake's eyes widen seeing Lanna starting to run between them and on instinct rushes toward them. Barely pushing Lanna out of the way and avoiding a fatal blow from Krauser's strike. But getting a nasty gash on his chest for his trouble.

"AAaaagghhh!" Jake cries out as both Lanna and himself get sent flying across the room. "L-Lanna...You okay?" Jake asks shakily forcing himself back to his feet. His left arm holding his chest in pain as his right hand clenches the Elephant Killer he is holding.

Lanna nodded and looked frightened. "Jake!" she said seeing the wound and glared at Krauser. "I'm alright but your hurt, badly."

Krauser smirked and waved a finger. "Such a touching reunion...Lanna the egg has hatched, hasn't it?" He guessed, causing Lanna's face turned pale. "You've been puking up blood. I can smell it on you."

Lanna gripped her hand into a fist, panting. "Jake...you can't keep fighting," she said.

"Like hell I can't," Jake said his glare fierce as he locked his gaze on the monster before him. "We need to find the lab to help you and I'm not leaving without it."

(Scene change Riku and Ada 3rd P.O.V.)

Riku and Ada were shocked to see Jake badly injured, while Krauser was indeed the one using the darkness Riku sensed earlier. Making him internally curse knowing how bad Jake's odds were now.

He had to step in and take over the fight now, especially with Sora out cold still.

"Ada, the moment that guy goes on the attack I'm stepping in. Get the pills to Lanna without being seen. They already know about me, but they don't know about you yet. So trust me to handle this." Riku tells Ada handing her the bottle. Preparing his magic to help him cross the distance between himself and Jake for any sign he needs to.

Ada nodded, taking the bottle. "Alright," she said and looked at Krauser. "You need to be careful."

Krauser laughed as his eyes flashed as he got ready for another attack, lunging at Lanna and Jake. Lanna gripped her gun.

"Go!" Ada urged.

Riku disappeared in a blur of movement, much to Ada's surprise as he appeared in front of a surprised Jake and Lanna. Hands outstretched before a barrier appears before them. Blocking Krauser's attack with ease, despite it looking like the barrier was made of purple hexagonal glass made of darkness.

Krauser growled in irritation as he jumped back, glaring. "Who are you?" He demanded and lunged again, slashing at him. Ada saw this and made her way towards Jake and Lanna. "Jake, Lanna," she said, motioning them over to her. Lanna looked at Ada and moved towards her slowly, keeping Kairi and the others at the corner of her eye.

"What?" Lanna asked, confused till Ada pushed a bottle into her hand. "What is this?" Ada looked at her. "It'll suppress the growth of the parasite. Take one now."

Lanna blinked and smiled at that. "Thank you," she said and started coughing again, dropping to her knees as she puked up blood.

"Name's Riku and I think it's time you learn to how dangerous darkness really is." Riku said summoning his keyblade to block Krauser's attack. Deflecting it in Krauser's surprise and slashing deeply into his chest making him stumble back. Barely raising his blade to stop Riku's as they struggle for power. Only to Krauser's horror, it wasn't easy trying to keep Riku back. Locked in a stalemate as both glared at one another.

"What's wrong, Krauser? Are you starting to understand the gap between us? The experience and power my darkness has over your own?" Riku taunts the man further, making sure his attention is solely focused on him.

Krauser glared and pushed him back. "You won't get the better of me," he growled and lunged again, slashing at Riku. He couldn't believe a kid could best him. He kept attacking while Riku kept blocking his attacks. "Damn you!" Ada helped Lanna get one of the pills into her while Riku handled Krauser. Krauser was fully focused on Riku as the darkness around Krauser only grew more with his frustration and anger. Donald and the others met up with Jake and his group, worried about his wound.

Krauser growled and pushed Riku back, his eyes glowing darkly but smirked as he jumped back. "Hey Salazar! Gonna join in?" he asked. The midget smirked. "I think not. Have fun." He waved as he left. Krauser snorted. "Weakling."

"I think you should be more concerned for yourself than your coward of a comrade." Riku said focusing light and darkness into his keyblade. 'I don't have a lot of practice with this technique, but it should give me a chance to finish this quickly and break his confidence.' Riku thought taking a deep breath and closing his eyes focusing his strength and magic into his next attack.

'Focus all of my senses, prepare to move my body beyond normal limits for one strike.' Riku thought as his keyblade rests to the lower left side. Ready to slash diagonally upward.

Kairi looked up, surprised by what Riku had done. "Riku..." she said. "Go Riku!"

Donald's eyes widen. "What is he doing?" he wondered, seeing the light and darkness building up in his keyblade as he had never seen an attack like that before.

Krauser roared and lunged forward, ready to deliver his final attack. "We'll see about that!" he said as he rushed at the younger man, his infected arm in front of him.

Only for everyone's eyes to widen in surprise to see Riku vanish again, but this time reappearing behind Krauser with his blade now raised like he slashed. Resting over his right shoulder with his arms fully extended and oddly, Krauser couldn't make his body move. Frozen mid charge in wonder before Riku's words cut through the air.

"Zantetsuken." Riku said as Krauser immediately felt the pain caused by Riku's strike. As a deep slash wound made itself known to Krauser's chest going from his right hip to his left shoulder blade. His mind reeling at how he never even saw the kid make the attack or move.