(Chapter 3: The Arrival of Light Part 1)

It was late into the night as King Mickey made one of his nightly checks on the CornerStone of Light. Having finished this, he was now trying to ponder more the many different mysteries throughout the worlds that had him baffled for so long as he put his gloved hand under his chin in thought.

Sitting at his desk within the royal library, he scratched one of his big round ears. For something was bothering him after dealing with the threat that was Xemnas and remembering all the chaos he had created, for Ansem the Wise's words still bothered him. What had his former apprentice's previous incarnation been seeking? Also, Xehanort's Heartless forms obsession with darkness; how did the two meet? What was the true goal of the original evil man? He felt something he forgot could be the answer to this, but what that was eluded him.

"Oh, what was it… what was it?" He asked himself, removing his hand from his chin. He tried to write his thoughts down upon the piece of parchment that lay before him with a quill.

Pluto, who had been watching his master, quietly blinked sleepily and let out a yawn as he made a stretch. Then suddenly he sensed something in the air! His ears pricked up, and his fur bristled!

Mickey though was still caught in his curious thoughts and hadn't noticed Pluto's change. As he asked aloud, "What was it Xehanort truly wanted? If I could only just-!"

"RWARF! RWARF! RWARF! RWARF!"

"Whoa!"

Spooked out of his thoughts, Mickey hadn't expected this at all. Looking to his side, he saw his canine pal look very worried somehow. Puzzled, he asked, "Pluto, what's wrong, boy?"

"RWARF! RWARF!"

Pluto barked once more and then circled around before running towards the library door. As he did, he looked back at his master before leaving the room altogether!

Sensing something was happening, Mickey cried out, "Hey! Wait up, boy! Pluto!" He chased after him to see what had caused this reaction.

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Following Pluto all the way towards the audience chamber, his pal had brought him straight back to the Hall of the Cornerstone of Light, which had somehow opened up on its own from beneath the throne!

Puzzled by this, as his loyal hound proceeded towards the sacred spectacle cautiously, Mickey didn't understand and told him, "Pluto, we already made our checks here; there's no reason for us to-!"

SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE!

Suddenly, many small glowing orbs of blue light began to materialise in the air around the stone! Seeing this odd phenomenon, Mickey was puzzled and asked, "Those are-!"

Then immediately, the sparkling orbs all gathered together into one space, and as they did, they spun around and around almost excitedly like dancing fireflies when-!

SHINE!

"GGGRRR!"

Pluto was agitated as he growled at the phenomenon, as the orbs seemed to have called down a tall pillar of light from above! As it shone brightly, Mickey was practically blinded by the strange phenomenon!
"What's happening!?" He didn't understand! What was causing this? But before he could think anymore-!

"RWARF! RWARF! RWARF! RWARF!"

His pal released more of his barks, these were agitated. Clearly outraged at this strange light that was invading their domain!

Though trying his best to shield his eyes, Mickey saw the pillar of light formed somehow a turquoise blue Roman Numerals in the air before it!

VII

"Seven?" He asked with wide eyes.

GLOW...

Finally, the pillar of light died away with a soft glitter, and the strange number faded.

Lowering his left arm, Mickey finally saw what had arrived. A glowing light blue figure was before the Cornerstone of Light. Getting closer, he saw then that they were a young teenage girl. She was unconscious, lying face up on her back, with dark hair and dressed in a long-sleeved blue and purple stripy-sleeved turtle neck top. Then as he looked at her, he saw her long blue trousers and there on either side of her feet were a pair of white wings that quickly faded away too!

He couldn't believe it!? Then he saw somehow in the person's right hand, clenched in her fingers, was a Keyblade!

Looking at her and thinking of what he had just witnessed, he remembered something! "Could she be?"
With that, he went to touch her, but-!

FLASH!

The Cornerstone behind her flashed with an intense light, almost like a warning! Mickey backed away quickly! As he saw the fierce radiance drop and looked at the girl, he thought back to what he remembered. As he did, he decided, "I gotta go check up about this in the library!" With that, he left the chamber, calling out, "Pluto! C'mon, boy!"

Immediately the yellow dog obeyed, though it was clear he was still tense as he looked back at the mysterious girl with wary eyes.

Mickey patted him to reassure him before he looked at the girl again quietly. Hoping that what he remembered wasn't what he thought it was. With that-!

RUMBLE! RMBLE! RUMBLE!

The chamber was sealed to make sure no one else would come upon her...

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Deep darkness…

A world of nothingness…

Hands flexed slightly, though weightlessly, as they were lifted to the surface…

Lilac eyes wearily opened as they stared tiredly ahead into the bright shining light that seemed to beckon on. "Where am I?" She whispered as her consciousness gradually awakened.

Then looking ahead tiredly, she saw the shimmering of the watery surface and saw a reflection of herself looking back at her with the same drowsy eyes. Her black hair swayed to and throw, creating a dark halo. Breathing in deeply, she and her reflection became one, breaking through quickly; a feeling of warmth and awareness took over her all at once as water droplets spread about.

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It had now been over a month since Riku and Sora returned home safely, along with Kairi, to the Destiny Islands. Everything had been so quiet since they had returned; though the goodbye they had given to the king and the others was a little saddening, it was not so bad because they could still meet with one another again in the future.

They had now enrolled with their old friends at Destiny High school, where Tidus Wakka and Selphie were all surprised and delighted at their return as they all reminisced on old memories. Even seeing their parents again was a feeling not to be undermined. Though gradually over the weeks, the excitement had died down, and all that was left was the quietness of familiarity.

Now it was the weekend, and everyone enjoyed the eternal sunshine surrounding the islands. Sora, Kairi, and Riku had all made their way to the lodge, where they sat and played around, laughing and joking as they always did.

It was now later in the afternoon, and everything was quiet. Sora, a little bored, went to seek out Riku, generally just for conversation. He then found him sitting on the Paopu fruit tree at his usual spot. Seeing him, he ran over, jumping over the tree and getting comfortable. He leaned against the trunk, and after a small moment of peace, Riku started to talk first, sensing his friend's reason for coming over, "Nothing's changed, huh?" He asked as he continued to gaze ahead into the sunlight.

"Nope, nothing will," Sora replied as he looked at the light, much like Riku was doing.

Again, there was a tiny pause as they continued to gaze on, but Riku spoke again, voicing his thoughts, "What a small world," he retorted, perhaps a little disappointed.

But Sora added, justifying why it was this small, "But part of one that's much bigger."

Riku agreed as he made a slight nod, "Yeah."

There was another pause as Sora tried to think of something else to talk about, and then suddenly, it struck him as he asked, "Hey Riku… what do you think it was, the door to the light?"
Riku hopped off the tree as he laughed a little, then pointed to the answer right under Sora's nose "This." He finished as he pointed to his chest, where his heart was.

Sora looked baffled as he looked down at where Riku had pointed to and touched the space," This?" He asked as he looked down.

Then as Sora looked up, Riku continued, "Yeah, it's always closer than you think."

Sora looked and took in the answer as he smiled in agreement and understanding.

Suddenly, "Sora! Riku!" It was Kairi as she came running up to them, a bottle in her hand as she approached them both.

Sora, baffled as to why she was carrying it, asked her, "What's up?"

She then slowed down to catch her breath as she said, "Look." With that, she revealed the bottle to them, showing inside there was a rolled-up white parchment letter with the king's seal upon it.

"From the King?" He asked, surprised, and then he took the bottle from her hand. Opening it quickly, he made the letter come out curious to know what had been sent to them.

Sora then began to read it, his face a little concerned while Riku looked on with intrigue while Kairi, too looked on in wonder.

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Dear Sora, Riku and Kairi

I know writing to you all may come as a surprise, but a strange event has happened recently. There has been a strange arrival in the castle, and I think I might have discovered something about them that might lead us to what the original Xehanort's true goal was.

It would be best if you all came here to see for yourselves what I've found out.

Donald and Goofy will be on their way to collect you all soon.

Expecting you with great haste,

Mickey.

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Finishing the letter, Sora held it in his hand as he looked bewildered and asked, "A strange arrival...? What could that mean?"

Kairi looked at this letter uncertainly and worried about what this could mean for them all.

However, Riku looked up to the sky and saw the familiar shape of the Gummi ship flying down quickly for its landing!

"Well, I guess we're just going to have to go and find out," Riku spoke as the ship-!

SPLASH!

Landed in the water, some distance before them, sending spray left and right as both Donald and Goofy came out waving a happy greeting to them all from the opened door of the colourful astral vehicle.

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Drip...drop...drip...drop...

Opening her eyes again, she felt the water drip off her body from the water she'd gently broken through. Looking down, she saw the pool she'd come from, glittering and shining with a light blue. She was soaking, but with her clothes on, she didn't feel cold, only strangely warm. It was as though she'd emerged from a nice bath.

Looking away from the water and around herself, she could see only endless black surrounding her. There was seemingly neither distance nor difference in this empty space. Seeing this as odd, she gained a better grasp of wakefulness and lifted herself out of the water.

SHINE!

A reaction occurred immediately, as the water flowed away and the colourful floor was revealed underneath her; it seemed to have burst forth from this light!

Flutter! Flutter! Flutter! Flutter!

Quickly all around, countless butterflies glimmering shades of light blue and lilac appeared as they circled all around her before flying away into the darkness surrounding her.

She stared in utter disbelief at all this marvel. Then looking down to the floor, she saw the colourful image on the floor that had been revealed. To her astonishment, it was a giant stained glass image of purple, green and red mainly in colour; upon which was the shape of an enormous shadowed image of a blade, but unusually it seemed to resemble that of a key to her. Green glass vines were draped around it, as the blade was old and rusted. On the outer circle, within three smaller circles, were the dark side silhouettes of three knights, who stood ready with their own blades in hand.

Looking at this image strangely, she blinked and then rubbed her eyes to check if this was for real? Then from within, she heard a mysterious whisper come, saying, "Come step forward… do not be afraid."

As the sentence finished, a spotlight appeared in front of her from above. It made some distance before stopping, showing where she needed to go. Uncertain as to what was going on, after a moment, she nodded her reply, feeling neither afraid nor nervous. But only a silent wonder as she ambled forwards and entered the light.

SHINE!

Again another reaction occurred! The rusty key sword tightly bound in vines was released from its bindings; it was now shining with golden light!

In awe, staring at this golden light, she heard the silent voice again.

"All fates are not coincidence," it spoke to her and-!

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

Feeling the stained glass floor shake and rumble, she turned about startled, wondering what was happening!?

Then looking around, she saw that emerging from the floor were now three white marble pedestals, where the three knight silhouettes had been. Upon each of these mysterious structures were weapons. A sword, shield and a wand.

"Choose the form your power should take…" the voice said again as the spotlight surrounding her finally vanished, and she looked around at the weapons displayed.

Puzzled, she looked at each pedestal, wondering what this could mean? But feeling a strange compulsion, she stopped in thought before each pedestal to make her decision about what would be best to use. Then after deciding finally, she reached her hand out to make her choices…

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Meanwhile…

Within the castle that once housed the members of Organization XIII, it had been taken over by another. Maleficent stared in quiet happiness of victory as she looked at her swarms of Heartless. They all stood tall and fast to attention as they all waited for her command. However, she closed her eyes, as behind her-!

VOOM...!

A dark portal emerged, and from within it, a girl appeared. Her metallic wings electrified for a moment with dangerous red power; these folded themselves in as they disappeared beneath her black cloak; her entry point too vanished at the exact moment.

Her long brown pony-tailed hair swayed behind her as she walked up to her master. Then bowing, she revealed her allegiance, "I have returned my lady Maleficent."

Turning around and looking at her servant, she said with a pleased smile, "Indeed you have."

With her eyes closed, the girl reported her progress, "I have done as you have instructed; the Vessels are now scattered throughout the worlds. They will activate and grow in power until they are ready to be acquired at the appointed time by your wish."

Maleficent's smile increased as she walked closer to her servant, and taking one of her long red-nailed hands, she lifted her servant's head up, "You have done well… I am pleased to see that."

She was silent for a moment, then her servant finally opened her eyes and revealed her wondrous green irises. Doing this, she asked, "But you still have not given me a name of which to call you?"

With her empty eyes, the girl gazing up at her replied, "The name of which I was bestowed was that of Hari."

Maleficent replied, "Hari then… very well... now since you have started this fine operation and gained me a castle, I wish for it that you obey my words and mine alone." However-!

"Uh, hiya!"

Annoyed, Maleficent turned, and she saw lumbering down the stairs behind them; it was Pete. It was clear he was still a little nervous being near the new girl; his ears were down as he waved a cautious hello and gradually walked over to them.

Maleficent only sighed; rolling her eyes, she added, "And you can listen to this bumbling imbecile if I am not present."

Hari stared at her as she finally responded, "Understood."

Maleficent then released her hold on her as she turned and started to walk down the hallway. Hari stood up as she looked at her master and waited for her next command.

Pete seeing Maleficent walk away, made his way over to their new acquaintance. Trying to break the ice, he greeted her, "Uh hey…?"

Hari turned silently to look at Pete, her expression indifferent.

Pete gulping slightly, couldn't read her expression at all! Sweating remembering the monstrous release of power she unleashed on the destroyed Kingdom Hearts, he didn't want to get on her bad side! So he tried again and told her, "So I heard yer name is Hari? Well, then, ya oughta know that my name's Pete!" As he pointed to himself, closing his eyes, with his right thumb feigning confidence, with a proud smile to prove it.

Hari only stared at him silently; her face remained unchanging.

Pete opened his eyes. Looking back at her, he saw she hadn't budged an inch. He blinked at her, not knowing how to react now?

Maleficent arriving at her chosen spot, turned around and was about to inform them of her following instructions.

Hari sensing her master's wishes, turned her face away from Pete as she waited for these new orders.

Pete remained puzzled at her behaviour as he turned to look at Maleficent too.

"I want you to go… and bring these Vessels you spoke of to me when they are truly ripe, and do it carefully, do not let anyone know of our intentions… especially that irksome boy," she paused as she remembered bitter memories of past failures, "It t'would be a thorn in my side, if we have him again combat us at every turn."

Pete stared at Maleficent, hearing her instructions. He was about to ask her for clarity, but Hari spoke, "Very well then…." With that, she started to wander down the corridor.

Then stopping, Hari revealed her right hand from under her cloak and quickly-!

VOOM!

She called into being another portal of darkness ready to lead them onto their appointed task.

He blinked as she did this act, then looking back at Maleficent, he heard her tell him, "Now follow her and do not fail me like you have done in the past!"

Hearing the harsh tone in her voice chilled Pete as he replied quickly with nervousness, "I, ah, yes, Maleficent! I, I won't fail ya again this time!" He then started to run after Hari. As he did, he added quickly, "Ya can count on it!"

But as he made it over to where Hari was standing-!

"Ah!"

THUD!

He fell flat on his face! As he made a quake on the floor from his heavyweight, Maleficent looked at him with irritation. While Hari looked on still with cold silent indifference.

Then Pete got up straight away and dusted himself off, trying to maintain some of his dignity; he marched straight on through the portal first! His head held high, while Hari staring on quietly soon followed after him. With that, the two of them disappeared with the portal going with them.

Maleficent was utterly unimpressed, then going in another direction within her castle. She said, " I would rather trust that Vessel than a complete imbecile…."

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SMASH!

After deciding her choices, the world around her suddenly shook and changed as the stained-glass floor she was on shattered into pieces!

She was falling down deep into the darkness. However, she could not scream as she fell silently through a sea of nothingness...

Quickly she fell upon something! Thankfully, she didn't feel any pain though. Then rolling over, she looked down to see what she had dropped upon? It was another stained glass surface; this time, it was in the shape of strange people she had never seen before. This one was mainly blue in colour, featuring a boy with spiky hair and another one of those strange key swords, a duck and an odd dog on either side. Then in two other circles on the lower sides were shadowed silhouettes of a girl and boy.

She slowly got up to try and make out more details about these shapes, but before she could-!

SHINE!

A light appeared before her as her chosen weapon fell into her outstretched right hand.

"You now can fight…."

She blinked hearing this voice, then tried to talk to it, but was cut off as she noticed something behind her! Turning around-!

SLASH!

Suddenly a sharp set of claws rushed at her! It nearly struck her! Jumping back, startled, she stood before a mixture of creatures. The one that had tried to get her was black with strange antenna as it looked at her with haunting glowing yellow eyes. Then the other type was all white with no eyes and had sharp claws, with sharp teeth hidden under a zipped mouth. She looked at the creatures with wide spooked eyes.

"There will be those who will seek power; all of them will take on different forms and shapes… but do not hesitate… for the light inside your heart will guide."

Hearing this, she had no clue what this voice was going on about? But now was not the time to hesitate! Gathering her courage from her shaken state, she had no choice but to fight!

(Art found: www . Deviantart Lrme87)