CREDITS

{*~~~ Yen Sid's Tower ~~~*}

xXx

GLISTEN!

Holding the treasured Lock of Light that had just been handed to him, by his Majesty Mickey. Yen Sid was doing one thing he rarely did, smile. As finally he could say, "At last, we're at the beginning of a true unification."

With that, he placed the precious treasure gently within the confines of a sacred vault that was located within the deepest depths of his tower. Doing this, he wrapped it within a magical purple covering that would keep it safe and warm, within his mystical domain. Then doing this act, he stroked it briefly with his hands before he closed the doors, concealing it from sight.

This done, he moved to return to his study. As he did, he couldn't help but muse, "I wonder what those young ones are up to now?" For he definitely needed to keep an eye on them, for they would be the ones to Unlock a new hopeful future for them all...

{*~~~ Bamboo Town ~~~*}

xXx

"Here are the funds and remaining items from your Guardian."

Nodding, Nozomi replied, "Okay, thank you." With that she handed over the keys to the Dojo. Then in return, she was given paperwork and a bag that held various important items, that Auron had left behind for her, if it was discovered what had ever become of him.

As one of the Council men took them, she heard him say with a bow, "Many thanks to you, for your contribution."

Nozomi returned the same gesture, however she decided to ask, "Um, the burial grounds and gardens are still available for me to come and visit right?"

Turning to look at her, one of the men then replied, "Of course, they are in the public domain now, you can enter them anytime you wish."

She brightened and then said, "Alright, that's good to know, thank you again!" With that she bowed once more, and the council man was on his way with his colleagues...

As the silence returned, Nozomi looking at the Dojo that was once her home, then said, "Okay, let's say goodbye." With that she walked into the gateway and made her way to one particular special spot.

Making it to the grave markers that had been created for her parents, Nozomi knelt down and putting her hand to the tall scared grey stones, she told them, "Well this is it, Mama, Papa... I'm going to be staying in my new home now!" Then smiling sadly, she hoped they could hear her, from wherever they were. Then gripping her hand, she told them, "I found great new friends and a foster family, who are going to be looking after me, you'd love it if you could see them and the Island! The beaches, the blue sky! It's so amazing, you wouldn't believe it!"
Feeling warmth in her Heart spread, thinking of the Destiny Islands, she wanted to reassure them though and said, "But don't worry! I will come back to visit now and again, because I never wanna forget either of you." Then reaching her hand to the side, she added, "And I never wanna forget about you, Master Auron!" With that she picked up another item she'd brought with her.

Looking on, she saw the last grey marker that had recently been created. Which was for him, placing what she brought with her before it, she then told him and her parents, "I love you all so much... I hope you're happy and together again now."

With that she stroked her hand on the new marker and thinking of Auron, with her parents, she couldn't help but release a few tears. Then as she did, she stayed still for a few lingering moments, before finally lifting herself up. With that taking in a deep breath, she went to leave when-!

SHINE...

The Sun shone through the clouds, as it did it blinded her for a a few moments. But in that brief time, she felt something like warm comforting arms all around her, that held her gently. Baffled, she opened her eyes when it was safe for her to do so, however... there was only herself standing there.

Had she imagined it? However seeing the sunlight that shone down behind her onto the markers, she realised maybe it wasn't? Then with a smile, she bowed her head to the markers and said, "Goodbye..." with that she walked on her way, as the bouquet of Cherry Blossoms she left behind, fluttered gently in the wind...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Waiting on the outskirts of the town amongst the tall shoots of Bamboo, Nozomi then saw the person she'd come to love. Smiling as she approached, Riku came over to her and asked, "Are you alright, Nozomi? Is everything sorted now?"

Nodding, she replied, "Yeah! I got the school transfer papers, and I've handed the Dojo over to the council, so I no longer have any reason to stick around now."

Hearing this, Riku revealed a small smile and replied, "Okay," with that he took her hand, and they were both on their way to return to the Gummi Ship that was deeper in the woods.

As they walked on, Nozomi asked, "So is Wairu back at the ship?"
"Not quite, his mother is on board and waiting, he said he just needed to get a few more things and he'd meet up with us." Riku explained to her.

"Oh, okay?" Then a little worried, she couldn't help but say, "I hope its not too much for him? Maybe I should go and check on-!"

"You don't need to babysit me anymore!"

It was then, appearing from behind a particular long set of bamboo trees, was Wairu with a big purple carpet bag at his side. He smiled, as he saw Nozomi and Riku approach him, then as they made it over, he added, "I can shrink down and move whatever I want to now!"

Blinking in surprise as he said this, Nozomi then couldn't help but laugh, "Wow! That's convenient!"

"Sure is!" Riku agreed, and with that the trio were on their way to get back to the Gummi Ship. As they travelled on, the white-haired Keyblade Master couldn't help but say, "I never imagined we'd be using the Gummi Ship like a moving van."

"Maybe that could be a new venture for you guys, if the Heartless don't appear too often anymore?" Wairu mused.

"I'm not gonna be stuck in a dull job like that!" Riku complained.

Nozomi only laughed, she was glad they were getting along now. But as she heard the talk of jobs, she couldn't help but wonder. What were they all going to be doing in the future, from now on?

"Hey! Ya deadbeats!"

Stopping fast in their tracks, Nozomi turned with Riku and Wairu. There they saw of all people, the individuals they never really cared to see again. Bitter in seconds, Nozomi complained, "Oh, not you idiots!"

For there arriving on the scene, were their school bullies, Reno, Rude, Rufus and lastly the reluctant nervous Elena.

Seeing them, Nozomi couldn't believe they had nerve to show up there of all times! Annoyed, she asked, "What're you guys doing here?"
"Heard yer now on the run! You do somethin' yer not supposed to, huh?" Reno mocked her.

With an annoyed sigh, Wairu replied, "Who the heck told you that?"
"Heard word from the principal, Elena's dad! Came to check if it was for real or not!" Rude revealed to them.

Riku staring at them, then said with a glare as realisation came to him, "Let me guess? These are the morons who gave you guys a hard time growing up, right?"
"A small pack of them," Wairu confirmed.

"You don't have the right to call us morons!" Rufus declared, and with that, he walked straight up towards them. With a smug grin on his face, he told Riku invading his personal space, "Outsiders like you, don't have any right to interfere in our affairs!"

Angry, Nozomi told him, "Get lost Rufus! Don't talk to Riku like that!"
The rude blonde-haired young man, looked over to her but before he could speak-!

"I got a better one!"

Then Wairu stepping forwards, getting the leading bully's attention. As he did, he smirked and told him, "Rufus, why don't you and your toady's, hop off!"

"What?" However the bully wasn't given another chance to speak as-!

POOF!

Wairu moved his right hand fast, and released some green magical dust into Rufus's face and-!

"Qwark-qwark!"

Nozomi and Riku stepping back from the sudden spell, were startled as now on the floor, Rufus had been turned into a green toad!?

"Whoa!?" Riku cried out amazed.

"The Heck!?" This had happened so fast, Nozomi couldn't believe her eyes! But then-!

"BOSS!?"

Reno and Rufus were horrified, Elena was wide eyed too as the small toad looked up at them bewildered.

Smirking, seeing their reaction, Wairu then asked them, "How do you like my new upgrade in magic?"
"What did you do!?" Rude cried outraged.

"What it looks like I did!" Wairu replied, then smiling still he added, "Not too bright are you?"
"You punk!" Reno cried out mad, with that he took out his long plastic sword and moving fast he went to strike Wairu, when-!

CLASH!

He was stopped in seconds by Nozomi who barred his way with her Keyblade!

"Get out of my way!" Reno told her mad, with that he went to turn and kick her when-!

GRAB!

His foot was quickly grabbed by Riku, who told him mad, "Not on my watch!"
Surprised, Nozomi then smiled in happy relief, when-!

"You've croaked!"

POOF!

Quickly Reno too was turned into a toad!

"Qwark-qwark!"

As he looked up to them, he shivered in terror as did Rufus! It was clear they were no match for him!

Then as Rude looked on with Elena beside him, they heard the Apprentice Wizard ask, "Now? Why don't you all hop along, unless you wanna be in the same state with shades on, Rude?"

There was no hesitation and quickly the shade wearing boy, ran away with his two toad pals hopping fast behind him, all of them scared witless!

Elena seeing them leave was nervous in her demeanour, however gulping. She asked hesitantly, "Um? That's not permanent...is it?"
Surprised she was being brave enough to stay behind, Nozomi quietly stared at her.

Wairu sighed and then replied, "You don't have to worry about that!" Quickly, Elena looked surprised as he said, "It's a temporary affliction, it'll wear off after a few hours."

Elena then quickly looked full of relief, as she put a hand to her chest and said, "Oh, thank goodness!"
"Though..." The blonde-haired looked back up to him again quick and as she did, Wairu added smiling, "If you want them to change back fast, just give them a kiss each, that usually breaks most spells!" To which he tapped his lips cheekily.

Elena looked immediately uneasy and replied, "Uh... I dunno, if I wanna try that!"

Chuckling, Nozomi replied, "I don't blame you!" Then with that, she said, "C'mon guys we should go now!"

Wairu and Riku both nodded to her request, and they all turned to go, but-!

"Nozomi!"

Her attention drawn back to Elena, she saw her suddenly bow and say, "I'm really sorry!"

Blinking puzzled, Nozomi didn't understand. Until she heard Elena say, "...That I couldn't stop the bullying, when I could growing up! That I wasn't brave enough to stay friends with you, I'm so sorry, I just had to tell you that before you left!"

Hearing her say this, Nozomi looked really surprised to hear this. Then looking down, thinking of when they used to play when they were really young, she was quiet... then with a sigh, she told her, "Well, its a little late now, so..."

GRIP

Looking to her right, she saw Riku had a hand to her shoulder. As he did, she looked up to him surprised as and heard him say, "You don't owe her anything, don't feel you have to be nice if it truly hurt you, okay?"

Amazed as he said this, Nozomi was quiet. Then brightening at his touch, she nodded and then looking back to her past friend, she began again, "...So, Elena?"
She stared at her quietly, waiting for her response.

"Honestly, we'll never have the friendship that we did... its too late for that, and I don't think I'll be coming back here enough to start anything new with you." Nozomi explained to her.

Saddened hearing this, Elena looked down and nodding, she replied, "Yeah, that makes sense... everyone was mean to you and Wairu, I didn't help. So I can't blame you for that."
"Yeah," Nozomi replied. However taking in a deep breath, she then told her, "But, I'll always appreciate the memories we did make, when we were young, they were fun times we got to share together."
Surprised as she heard this, Elena then uttered, "Nozomi..."
The female Keyblade Master simply smiled sadly, then she told her, "I hope you can be happy Elena, and that Bamboo Town will become a better place someday, for those who are different."

Tears came to Elena's eyes and she nodded to this, then she told her, "So do I! I hope you both will be happy!"

Nozomi nodded, and then Wairu spoke for her saying, "Thanks Elena!"

With the goodbyes done, the Keybladers and Apprentice Wizard were on their way to get on the Gummi Ship, while Elena returned to go back to the town, where she could calm things down and wait for the gang she hung out with, to turn back to normal.

{*~~~ Disney Castle~~~*}

xXx

Scribbling away on some parchment, Mickey was smiling happily to himself, as he sat at his writing desk.

"What're you writing, Mickey?"

Surprised he turned and looked to his side and replied with a smile, "Oh, hi Minnie!" She smiled in reply, and walking closer to him, as she did, he explained, "I've just finished sendin' out letters to all the pals we met along the way. And I'm now writin' a letter to Master Yen Sid. I'm lettin' him know that Nozomi's moved to the Destiny Islands, fully now. And that her pal, Wairu is gonna be stayin' in the Radiant Gardens with his mother!"
"Oh, that's sweet!" Minnie smiled, then thinking of who he was talking about, she decided to ask, "So, are they both doing well?"

Mickey nodded and replied, "Yeah! They're doin' real swell!" Then getting some more ink on the tip of his feathery quill, he continued, "Nozomi's startin' High School with Sora and everyone real soon." Then dabbing away the excess black, he finished telling her, "Plus Wairu's settlin' in real well with Merlin, he's teachin' him everything he can, while they research the ancient library they found a while back, under the Radiant Gardens."
"My goodness, an ancient library?" Her husband nodded his reply, as he did. She wondered, "I wonder who constructed it? Do you think it was Ansem the Wise or Xehanort when he took over?"
Shaking his head, Mickey replied, "I dunno?" However thinking of that place, he said, "But I do know, that Merlin and Wairu are gonna be doin' research in there to help us, so that we might find us a way to open the Door of Light without sacrificin' anyone!"

"That's quite a big goal to reach!" Minnie admitted.

"It is!" Mickey agreed, however feeling confident. He turned to her and said with a smile, "But I'm sure, that me and the fella's will find it one day! We've got a lot of hope and time now!"

"I'm glad!" She replied, but before they could speak more-!

"Your Majesty!"

"Hey, Mick!"

"RWARF! RWARF! RWARF! RWARF!"

There coming through the door to his study were his pals, Donald, Goofy and his trusty hound Pluto. As they did, he asked them, "Hey, fella's?"
As they made it inside, Donald saluted and said, "The royal tea party is all decked out and ready!"
Surprised, Mickey asked, "A tea party?"
Nodding, happily, Minnine told him, "That's right, I thought you could do with a break! And we haven't had a tea party in so long, so I decided to invite everyone in the castle to it!"

Amazed, he asked her, "Really?" To which he was given a happy nod in reply. Seeing it, Mickey quickly smiled again and said, "Awww shucks! That's real sweet of ya, thanks Minnie!"

His wife smiled lovingly at his words, but before she could say a word more-!

"Cookies are done!"

It was then standing in the doorway, it was none other than Daisy who told them, "You all better come on down before they all get cold!" With that she led the way for everyone and quickly-!

"Wait for me, Daisy!"

Donald cried out. With that, he followed after his girlfriend with Goofy chuckling as he followed after him.

Quiet for a moment, Mickey then smiled as they left and-!

"Well, shall we go?"

His attention was quickly drawn back to Minnie. There he saw his wife was reaching her hand out for him to take.

Then with no hesitation on his part, he took her offer and both of them were on their way to enjoy a nice tea time together, with their friends and Pluto following happily along beside them...

{*~~~ Topsy Turvy Land~~~*}

xXx

SHLICK! SHLICK! SHLICK!

Using his carpentering knife, Quasimodo concentrated hard and after a few moments he smiled and declared, "That's it! Its done!" He had finished his latest model. Putting it down, he put into the small town square he designed with the rest of the city's inhabitants.

In the centre of the square was his own model, with Esmeralda, Pheobus. Then looking down warmly at them, he looked to the other friendly figures who had aided him, in helping him join the realms of the outside world.

Standing with smiles on their faces, were the Princess Oralee who he helped with Cait Sith by her side, along with the Keybladers, Nozomi, Riku and finally Mickey. Looking down at them all warmly, he said, "There, now I'll never forget you guys again!" Then looking to the letter, he received from the Mouse King, he said reading it once more, "I'm so glad they rescued you, Oralee!" Then looking again at Nozomi and the others, he said with a smile, "I hope you all are doing well!" Then-!

"Quasi!"

It was then that Esmeralda appeared with Pheobus. The bell ringer, heard her ask him, "You ready to join the festivities downstairs?"
With a nod, he told her, "Absolutely!" His friends smiled at him, and with that, he went to join them down in the grounds of Paris, where he would tell them all about what he learned in the letter...

{*~~~ Twilight Town~~~*}

xXx

"Okay!" Nice and easy now! With that direction, Araxne moved to Pence's instruction and quickly the certain item was placed and-!

GLOW!

"Wow!" Saria cried out amazed, then smiling brightly she said, "This chandelier is so beautiful!"

"I know right!" Olette replied, then looking to her friend, she told her, "We got good taste!"
"Yeah!" Saria agreed happily.

"Urgh!"

Hearing this bitter sigh, the girls turned to look back and there they saw looking irritated was none other than, Ori.

Seeing him react this way, Pence asked him, "What's your problem?"

"We've just been decorating this place with just the stuff the girl's like! When am I gonna pitch in a choice for anything around here!" Ori complained mad.

Everyone was quiet, however Pence had to say, "Well, Ori your taste in stuff is... a bit too dark for the entry hall, we can't decorate everything with black and red streaks, y'know?"
"Who says so!" Ori complained mad, then with his hands behind his head, he added, "It can look cool! Besides, its not like as if we're entertainin' anyone royal around here! Its our pad, we can do what we want with it!"

"True, I guess..." Pence agreed, it was clear he wasn't sure how to calm him down. When-!

"Well we can always make the kitchen have unique colours?"

It was then walking in, with Scriptium at his side with Heyner following after him, it was none other than the leader of the Nobodies, Odyeux.

Surprised, Ori asked him, "Wait? You'd be willing to have my colour choices in the kitchen?"
Smiling, Ody nodded saying, "Why not?" Then looking to their spider Dusk Master, he added, "Besides, Araxne has mentioned that she'd like the kitchen to have a Gothic feel and red, along with black would do it wonders!"
Surprised, Saria then realised, "Yeah, that's true!"

"Yeah, plus we can make it crazy as we want! Cause its not gonna be anywhere guests wanna be, so... I think we can definitely make that work!" Olette smiled.

Ody was pleased by this reaction, however Ori proclaimed, "Oh, I'm not gonna let you guys choose the decorations this time, its gonna be me now!" Then running to the entry way of the house, he added with a sinister mischievous grin, "I'm gonna make sure we have some big cool lookin' knives and skulls and stuff! Creep people right out if they get in there!" With that he was straight out of the mansion!
"Ori! Don't make it look sinister!" Saria cried out distressed.

With a sigh, Olette said, "Looks like we got no choice! Let's get him girls!"

"Agreed!" Araxne concurred, with that they were on their way to chase after Ori, to make sure he didn't go overboard!

"Hey! Wait for me you guys!" Pence cried out, and chasing after them all!

Scratching the back of his head as they left, Heyner said, "Um, they do realise we don't have the Munny together to get that kind of stuff right?"
"Obviously not!" Ody laughed, smiling as Scriptium nuzzled into him happily.

Heyner was quiet, then looking around he asked, "Hm, where's Meixeng?"

"Oh, she's on her way to Atlantis right now! She's gonna visit the Princess she left behind, Kida along with Milo. For the big celebration they're having!" Ody explained.

Quiet, Heyner then replied, "Atlantis, huh?" With some thought, he continued and said, "Sounds cool, maybe we should go there someday?"

"I'd like that!" Then thinking about a letter he'd received recently, Ody said, "Who knows? We might get to all see kinds of other worlds out there, since Raiyana's staying with Balthier and his group, we might have to go to retrieve Nobodies she finds, who are lost and alone out there like us."

"That'd be ace!" Heyner grinned, then he added wiping his nose, "I'd like more chances to see more worlds! It can be boring just staying here all the time."

"I suppose?" Ody answered, but then he continued and said looking at the mansion's progress, "But, everyone's still having fun here. Making this place our home and working to make it nice for ourselves, it really does fill up something in here." To which he finished with a hand on his chest.

Heyner hearing him was quiet, then he asked, "You feel something?"
"I'm not sure..." Ody replied. Then taking in a deep breath, he replied smiling warmly to him, "I mean, Nobodies aren't supposed to have Hearts, but even though we lack them... just by being around each other right now, along with you Heyner, and your friends, I like to believe that a small light has been born in each of us, from the friendship we've all grown together that makes up for them."

Quiet as he heard this, Heyner didn't know what to say. However he told him, "I'm not really smart enough to confirm something like that!"
This made Ody chuckle. Heyner relaxed, and with his arms behind his head, he walked ahead and said, "But hey? With you guys around, you all definitely make life more fun for us too! And if friendship can help Nobodies, find fulfilment without having to sacrifice anyone's Hearts, then that's gotta be a big win for us, right?" To which he smiled as he looked back to the Leader.

Ody was quiet, then he smiled warmly again and replied, "Yeah, I hope it is!" Then quickly-!

WRAP! WRAP! WRAP!

"Hey!"

Quickly Ody's Dusk moved forwards and hugged into Heyner tightly with affection, he cried out, "Hey! Scriptium get off! This is no time for hugs!"
Ody just laughed heartily again at this, then he moved to assist Heyner. Then eventually they would move on to join the others, as the warm rays of Twilight Town continued to shine down on them all...

{*~~~ Radiant Gardens~~~*}

xXx

"Haa! Haa! Haa!"

Breathing in and out hard, Jona was tired and placing herself on a bench in the Radiant Gardens, she couldn't help but complain, "I'm pooped out! Whoever thought I'd have to work this hard!"
For after everything had settled down, Jona had now been appointed to help in the re-construction of the wrecked town, which she sadly helped in the destruction of when helping Maleficent and becoming apart of the King-Blade. Though annoyed, she couldn't help but complain saying, "They're just using me to heck and back because of my strength!"

Then she remembered the words her little brother had told her, "Oh, I love you Sis! But you're not making this up for just being with Maleficent, you're doing this to make amends with me! Fix the town and I'll forgive you for knocking my lights out, capiche?"

Remembering that one little fact, she then said bowing her head back and closing her eyes, "It's tough being an older sibling!"

"Oh, is it?"

Surprised, she moved forwards up fast and saw, "Wai-honey?"

The Apprentice Wizard seeing he got her attention, told her with a smile, "You can't take the workout?"
Sighing she told him miserable, "They're working me to the bone!" Then clicking her shoulders, she added, "They're too tough on a poor little flower like me!"
Wairu laughed and replied, "Yeah I bet!" Then-!

"NEIGH!"

Turning they looked up, and then Wairu smiled and said, "Oh, Peter, hey!"

For there coming to meet them, was the small black and white baby Pegasus, that quickly fluttered by Wairu's right shoulder. As he did, Jona saw he was holding something in his mouth, a red and white gingham decorated cloth bundle.

Puzzled by this, she heard Wairu say, "Thanks for fetching this for me." With that, he stroked into his head and told him, "You're a great little assistant!"
Peter nodded and he let the wizard he adore, take the bundle out of his mouth.

As he did this, Jona was quiet before she heard him say, "Here its for you."
With that the red bundle was placed in her lap! Amazed by this, she asked him, "For me?"

Nodding, Wairu told her, "Yeah, for you helping me and my Mom move into our new place! She says she's more than happy to make you her special curry, whenever you like."

Blinking she asked, "Your Mom made this curry, just for me?"

"That's what I said!" Then Wairu added with a smile, "I also added in a few meatballs with it that I cooked, they're my speciality!"

Jona became starstruck as she gazed at him, then quickly putting the lunch to one side, she moved and-!

MWAH!

She landed a kiss straight on his cheek, saying loudly for the world to hear as she held him tight, "You really are the best honey! I LOVE YOU!"

"Jona!?" Wairu cried out, he become unbalanced and-!

"Whoa!"

They both fell to the floor, and Peter was left to watch over them both baffled, as Jona smothered him in love...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Urgh...!" Disgusted seeing the sappy scene playing out in the distance, Pete complained saying, "Those dumb mutts! Its daylight hours, this ain't no time to go all gooey over each other!"

"I guess?" Kagi agreed, then removing the spectacles he had on. As he read over the plans they'd been working on together, he said, "But if they're having fun and not destroying stuff, then that gives us less to worry about, right?"

Pete simply nodded, then looking over at his Apprentice he told him, "Ya know, with that new haircut yer sportin,' yer lookin' to be quite the little scholar!" Then rubbing his head, ruffling his green hair, he told him, "No-one gonna be mistakin' ya for a girl anytime again soon, huh?"
Looking annoyed, Kagi told him, "Don't remind me!" Then batting his hand away, he said, "Anyway, from my calculations, I think these will be the best pieces we need to make our ideal ship, Captain Pete!"

"Let's have a see!" With that, Pete looked over all the instructions and notes Kagi had made on the blue prints... then after a bit, his ears lowered and he uttered, "That's all gonna be heck of an expense!"
"Yeah, sadly," then shrugging his shoulders, Kagi said, "But travelling the worlds takes Munny, unless you already have the luck of being blessed by royalty, like Sora and co!"

"I know right!" Pete agreed, then chuckling he couldn't help but add, "Makes me tempted to go to Yen Sid's tower and steal that old Lock of Light! We'd be rollin' in the dough before ya know it!"
Feeling awkward as he said that, Kagi told him, "Ha, ha... yeah, its best you not do that!"

"Indeed!"

Spooked turning around, both Pete and Kagi saw, "Hari!?"
For there now in a more soft red and pink uniformed shirt and skirt, with long brown boots making her less intimidating, was the former servant to Maleficent. As she looked at them both, she said with her arms folded, "I have only just started working with Lightning, Vincent and Hope as a part of the Guard Patrol of this town, I do not need my role to be compromised by any seedy behaviour!"

"Uh...!" Pete hearing her stern tone then replied, "No! No, Hari! It was only a joke, I ain't really gonna do anythin' that nuts!" Then looking for support from his Apprentice he asked him, "Right there, Kagi?"

Laughing and putting his glasses back on, the green-haired boy said, "Yeah!" Then moving over to his beloved, he told her, "Don't worry, Hari! I'll make sure that Pete doesn't do anything crazy!"
Annoyed by this, the former lackey complained, "Hey! Yer not in charge of me!"
Kagi laughed again at this.

Hari hearing this sighed simply and said, "Very good then." With that, she moved and quickly, she placed a gentle kiss on Kagi's right cheek!
Surprised by this, as he put a hand to his cheek, she then said to him with a small smile, "A little luck I wished to bestow to you, I hope you both make great progress today!"

Blushing as she said this, Kagi then nodded happily and replied, "Yeah, I'm sure we will! Thanks, Hari!"
Shocked by this act of affection, Pete didn't know at first what to think! But quickly annoyed, he said, "Hey! Yer not supposed to get any smooches till the day is done! Ya can't-!"

HUG!

Then quickly, Hari put her arms around Pete's middle! As she did and he looked down to her wide-eyed in surprise, he heard her say, "And here's my good luck to you too, Pete!" Then as she looked up to him, she added with a warm loving smile, "I'll be looking forward to having dinner with you and Kagi later, at the Scrooge and Crumble!"
Pete seeing her act like this, became bright red! Then steam seemed to escape out of his ears, before he looked away... after a little bit, he patted her on the head and said, "Yeah, I'll be lookin' forward to that too!"

Kagi smiled warmly at this scene and then after a few moments, Hari let go of him and was on her way to meet with the rest of the members of the Guard Patrol. But before she got too far-!

"Hari!"

Pete had called out to her, she looked back puzzled and heard him say, "I love ya loads!" Then as he said this, blushing clearly unused to being affectionate like this, he added, "Have a good day, kay?"

After a moment, the long brown-haired pony tail girl smiled happily with a blush. Then nodding to him, she was on her way to work!

"Awww! That was so sweet!" Kagi smiled.

Annoyed, Pete replied, "Don't go on about it!" Then he told him, "Now c'mon! Ya gonna help me work, to make this ship or what?"
Kagi was quiet, but immediately he replied, "Of course I will!" Then he added with a salute, "The sooner I help you make this ship, Captain Pete, the sooner I can visit my old home and have my family meet you and Hari!" Grinning he added, "I bet they'll all love you!"
Annoyed, Pete grumbled, "I'll excuse yer sappy words, since ya called me Captain! But don't go on about that anymore today, ya got that?"

"Absolutely!" Kagi replied, then he and Pete got to work in helping fix the Radiant Gardens, so they might earn the funds they'd need to start venturing to other worlds...

{*~~~ The World of Toys~~~*}

xXx

"Wow!" Woody looking over his letter, couldn't help but continue to say, "Those guys have sure have been up to a lot!" Smiling as he learned all the information, he closed his eyes and said, "I'm glad they're all settlin' well!"

Then looking to the window, and thinking of what they'd been through. Getting used to the new home they were in, and what they'd been through to get there... it was all a miracle.

Then he couldn't help but say, gripping his hand, "We gotta make sure no one gets forgotten or left behind like before, I never wanna have it happen on the scale they all had to go through!"

"Hey, Woody!"

The cowboy doll, hearing this call looked down and saw, "What's up Buzz?"

The astronaut toy informed him, "Sarge has some new info he says we need to all know about, you want to help me gather everyone for a meeting?"
"Sure! I'll be right down!" With that, Woody hopped off the top of the bed and joining Buzz, he walked with him to gather everyone.

"So what were you reading up there partner?" Buzz asked him.

"You won't believe it!" Woody smiled.
"Try me!" Then Woody informed him, about what he learned in the letter. Recounting what the Keybladers had been up to, with Araxne and his idea that he'd share with Buzz. So that the two could always make sure they'd always be there for all their toy pals...

{*~~~ Baker Street~~~*}

xXx

"By jove!" Reading the letter that had been handed to him in a hurry by Basil, Watson couldn't believe it, "Those are some amazing feats our dear chaps have got up to!"

"Indeed!"

Hearing Basil cry this out, Watson turned and saw that his business partner was placing something up on the wall with a hammer and a nail. As he did, heard him say, "It is most fascinating! And if our associate Mickey is in need of assistance in investigating mysteries, we must be ready when they come to call!"

"Oh, but of course!" Watson smiled, then walking over he said, "After all, we helped Olivia be reunited with her father, and I'm sure we will be more than capable to help our friends when they need us."

"Well said Doctor!" With that, Basil stepped back and putting the hammer and nails to one side, he added with a grin, "And we'll make sure we never forget the fascinating exploits we got up to together!"

The two of them then looked at the photograph that Basil had put up in a frame, which revealed the moment that he and Nozomi had rescued everyone from the Heartless in Rattigan's lair, with the esteemed Detective holding onto Olivia, Mickey along with Watson. While the female Keyblader was shown holding Riku, who all looked on baffled, aside from Basil himself who grinned triumphantly.

{*~~~ The Coliseum~~~*}

xXx

"Ha! Ha! I see so that's where Vincent's ended up!" Hercules smiled, then reading what everyone had gotten up to, he couldn't help but be impressed and say, "Those guys really have gained strength!" Then looking up into the night sky, and seeing the twinkling constellations in the sky, where Sora, Donald and Goofy were.

He couldn't help but wonder, "Maybe Dad might add Nozomi, Riku, Mickey and Cait Sith up there one day?"

"Hey, wonder boy!"

Turning around, Hercules then saw who had appeared. He smiled and said, "Hey, Meg!"
For there before the doors of the coliseum was his beloved, with a lilac veil around her shoulders, she asked him, "You ready to head to the theatre?"

"Always!" He smiled, then he offered her his arm and immediately she took hold of it. With that, they started to walk forwards to enjoy a night out on the town, when-!

"Hey, Herc!"

Turning around, he saw Phil with Pegasus and he heard him say, "Five words! Don't. You. Stay. Out. Too. Late, I need you up and at 'em first thing!"

Counting the words in his head, Hercules smiled as his trainer was up to his usual miscalculations, but he told him, "Don't worry Phil, I won't!" With that he left with Meg to enjoy a great date night together, telling his friends, "Later guys!"

"NEIGH!"

As Pegasus called back to him, Hercules smiled more and the loving pair were on their way, as they entered the city of Athens...

{*~~~ The Groovin' Empire~~~*}

xXx

"Ha! Boom baby!"

Kicking the door open of his new holiday hut and making his grand entrance dressed in red swimming trunks, Kuzco was ready to enjoy a good time, when-!

"Ha! Boom baby!"

Pacha came out wearing a longer pair of yellow trunks, doing the same act appearing from his own hut! Then quickly he and the Emperor ran down their respective hills and quickly sped down to make it to the water pool!

Jumping and riding down a waterfall, Kuzo splashed in swimming with Pacha's kids, along with a few of their friends when-!

SPLASH!

Pacha landed making a huge wave as he cannonballed, that sent him and the kids sailing back with laughter! Then as he made it to the shore, wiping his face with a green towel that was hanging on a nearby branch, he couldn't help but say remembering the contents of the letter he received, "Man those guys are missing out!" Then thinking of Nozomi and her friends, he added with a smile, "I hope they come to visit at some stage, cause they gotta see these hills that sing!"

Then he saw Pacha's wife come along with a new green poncho for him. As he did, he could feel another great song coming on, that was he gonna be more than happy to join in, with his new friends...

{*~~~ Atlantis~~~*}

xXx

Finishing the carving of the new sacred stone marker, Milo looked to his right where Kida was standing ready with her crystal to initiate the next rite of the ceremony. She looked sad and nervous and didn't know what to say, when-

GRIP!

In surprise, she felt a hand on her left shoulder and turning around surprised. She saw, "Hey! Didn't miss too much, did I?"
"Meixeng!" She cried out happily, giving her a quick hug, then looking at her as she moved back, she asked her, "You only just arrived?"
Annoyed, the white haired Nobody told her, "Well, yeah! You left your badge all the way back in your room! Why else do you think I took so long to get here?"

Quiet, Kida then laughed and said, "Oh, my apologies!" Then-!

"Eeek!" "Eeek!"

Two other familiar characters came along and hugged onto Kida, laughing happily at being reunited with their old playmate!

"Fuma, Uma!" Kida laughed, with that she patted them on their heads and told them, "I missed you both!"

Smiling, Meixeng said ,"I bet you did!" Then coughing into her hand, she said, "Now come along, Kida needs to finish!" With that she clapped her hands, and immediately both her adorable white monkeys came to sit on her shoulders again.

Laughing at this, Milo asked her, "Still in control as always, huh?"

Hearing his voice, Meixeng winked to him and said, "Of course, honey!"

Kida smiled at this, however remembering what she needed to do now. She turned back to the marker, and blowing gently on her crystal, making it glow with light. She moved it to one of its dark lines and-!

GLOW!

It ignited into life, and quickly floated up to join the rest of the markers that circled around the mysterious and powerful Heart of Atlantis that now stood over the ancient land!

Seeing it go, Kida told them, "Milo, Meixeng, let's ascend!" With that she grabbed the arm of her cherished linguist and she pulled her with him, to climb a particular tower. So they may watch together!

Hearing them go, Meixeng told them, "Hey! Wait up for me you lovebirds!"

"No can do!" Milo laughed, then he decided to ask her, "What have you been up to Meixeng? Can you fill us in? Mickey's letter I think left some stuff out."
"Oh, I sure can do that!" Then grinning she added, "But you won't probably believe half of it!" With that, the trio made it to the top of the tower and standing with them, as they saw the image of the old king join all their ancestors. Meixeng explained what had happened in the final battle with Xehanort and why they might have incurred damage upon their Kingdom...

{*~~~ Radiant Gardens~~~*}

xXx

"Man, talk about a headache!" Grimacing, a tall young man with long spiky red hair walked forwards into the streets of the Radiant Gardens. Dressed in a black jacket with a yellow neck scarf, dark trousers and a grey and black chequered shirt along with laced dark boots. Looking about, he couldn't tell where he was, or more importantly, where he should even go?

Shaking his head, he uttered, "It'd be nice to have a clue of where to-?"
Then he stopped fast as he saw a yellow sign ahead of him on a wall, that had something written on it. Looking at it, he recited, "If you're having memory problems, head to the cafe Scoop and Crumble, help is waiting for you."
Puzzled as he read this, he paused and then said, "Funny name?" However there was in no doubt he was suffering badly from memory issues. So shaking his head, he said, "Well its a better place to go to then nowhere!" With that he was on his way!

Stopping in front of what he hoped was the right building, he asked, "Is this the right place?"

"Are you lost?"

Turning, he then saw a girl at a flower stall who was staring at him with curiosity. She had long blonde hair and golden eyes, with flowers braided into her long curvy blonde locks.

Looking at her, he didn't know what to think at first. But then he asked, "Um? Is this the Scrooge and Crumble? I was told to come here by some sign, if I was having memory problems."
"Oh, yes you're in the right spot!" Then looking to her shoulder, she said, "Ruby, if you'd please!"

"Of course, Hanahime!" With that quickly, arriving in front of the red-haired young man was a small red robin and in his beak was, a green twig of some kind with some small purple flowers on it.

Staring at it, as he took it from the bird. He asked the girl, "What's this?"

"Rosemary!" The girl smiled to him, then she informed in, "Others who have the same condition as you, all have been given these, so someone can easily find you in the cafe and give you assistance."

"Oh? So like a decorative badge, huh?" he asked her.

"Yes, also it's my way of wishing you good luck and a speedy recovery!" She smiled to him, as her bird sat on her shoulder again.

Not expecting this, he replied, "Wow, um thanks!" Then with that he went to the door of the cafe and opened it, making his way in.

TING! TING!

"Order up!"

Looking within the cafe, the red-haired young man was greeted by an odd sight to say the least! The place was filled with penguins who were serving guests with platters of baked goods and pots of tea, and there was also-!

"Greetings!"

Before him, he saw a blonde-haired pink clad maid with the right side of her face hidden away by long silky strands, as her single purple eye looked up to him, she smiled and asked, "Are you ready to be served?"
"Um? Something like that," he replied, then pulling out the Rosemary, he said, "I was given this outside by-?"

"Oh? Hanahime!" The girl said, then looking from the flower and back to him, she asked, "So you're a restored Heart then?"

Perplexed he repeated, "A restored Heart?"

With a nod she told him, "Yes, one who was rescued from the darkness! There have been a lot of you who've appeared recently," then turning around, she began to walk in a certain direction and said indicating to the space, "We've prepared special tables for you all, where you can wait to be spoken to by our local Mages and the Restoration Committee. Here they can help you restore your identity that was lost."

Amazed, the red-haired young man asked, "That's what's happened to me!?"

"I believe so, if you're suffering from memory loss. That's usually a tell tale sign," the girl advised him.

Quiet as he heard this, the young man replied after a moment, "Well, I definitely am suffering from that, so..." It was clear he wasn't sure what to do in these circumstances, and so scratching his head said, "Well I guess it doesn't hurt to take a seat."
"Indeed," the girl smiled. With that she led him to an special empty table that was coated in a gentle red table cloth, as her guest sat down, she asked him, "So, do you remember your name at all, if you don't mind me asking?"
"My name?" He repeated, then as the blonde maid nodded, he thought to himself for a moment before replying, "...It's Lea, I remember that at least."
"Lea, that's a nice name!" She smiled, then getting out an order book, she told him, "Restored people when they come to these tables, are automatically given a free meal, so is there anything in particular you'd like?"
"Anything I'd like?" Then as Lea thought to himself, he didn't know at first. But then as he considered and thought, one thing did come to mind, but he didn't know why? "Um, well it might be an odd thing to ask for, but do you guys have any Sea-salt Ice Cream?"
Surprised, the maid asked, "Sea-salt flavour?" She was quiet as she thought to herself, with a pen to her lips. Then after a moment of deep thought, she replied, "I think we should, I'll check! Would you like tea as well?"

"Yeah that'd be great!"

"Very good." With that writing down his choices, the maid told him, "I'll go fetch them for you now!" Then she was on her way.

Seeing her go, Lea was quiet. But staring at her, he couldn't help but comment, "I'm pretty lucky to be served by someone so cute!"

"Yeah, but you remember this! She's taken buddy!"

"Whoa!" Spooked, Lea turned around fast and there he saw, "A... pink cat boy!?"

For that indeed was what he was looking at, for the young man in question looked at him annoyed, with a pair of green and yellow coloured irises, as his pink ended tail wavered to and throw behind him.

"I'm a Sphynx, I'll have you know!" Then standing aside he told him, "Anyway, I got a buddy you can sit with."

Blinking not understanding him, Lea asked, "A buddy?"

"Of all people, I never thought I'd be seeing you again like this."

Surprised then, looking on with recognition as it quickly came back to him. Lea cried out, "Isa!?"

For there indeed was his old friend, his long blue hair combed back in the stylish slick style he preferred. Dressed in his recognisable black and purple lined tracksuit with a crescent moon on the left of his chest.

Seeing he recognised him, the young man replied, "Looks like I really can't forget you can I?" With that, he sat himself down opposite Lea on the chair that was there.

Staring at him in disbelief, Lea just couldn't believe it! Then as he stared at him, he heard the cat boy say, "Well, glad you're off to a good start at least!" Then with a wave of his clawed hand, he told them as he left, "All the best in your recovery!"

Staring at him for a moment more, Lea looked back to his old friend and asked, "Hey? Do you know what's going on around here?"

Shaking his head, Isa replied, "No clue." However looking over to Lea seriously, he said, "But whatever happened to us, it must have been terrible to the point we had to be restored, with our memories left fractured."
Quiet as he heard this, Lea then replied, "Yeah must be!" With that putting his arms behind his head, leaning back in the chair, he said, "Well! Let's just hope these Mage guys or this Restoration group whatever can help us out!"

"That would be fortunate," Isa replied, with that he then spied with his green eyes the maid that was coming back with Lea's order.

The red-haired young man in question, couldn't help but groan, "Man, I hope I don't have to do too much memorising to get back up to speed! Things are crazy enough as it is!"
"Indeed." Isa replied, and with that the maid arrived with the ice-cream Lea had ordered and in turn, he would next make his request to their blonde waitress.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Walking over to his own table, Timbre spied Zidane and he saw his friend smile to him and say, "That was really altruistic of you!"

Timbre clearly wasn't in the mood and replied, "Hey! I had to step in before I had another love rival to deal with!" Then as he sat down next to his friend-!

"We've arrived yer highness!"

Coming through the door, Timbre spied one person in particular who walked in. Now dressed in something less knightly, that looked like a dark blue business suit with a document bag at his side, was the Knight to the Princess the Sphynx adored, Reeve with his faithful companion on his left shoulder, Cait Sith.

Annoyed, he couldn't help but say, "Speaking of which."

Looking on, both of them saw Oralee finish recording the newcomers next request, and as she did, she ran straight over to her Knight and Cait sith. She greeted them both with a happy smile saying, "Hello Reeve, Cait Sith! Have you come to stop by?"
"Of course we have yer highness! Yer latte is the only thing that can keep this moron from puttering out!" The crowned cat announced, patting his ride on the side of the head.

With a sigh, Reeve then told him, "You're encouraging as ever, aren't you. Cait Sith?"

"Oh, I try mate!" The crowned cat grinned.

Oralee smiled and then said, "Well, I have your usual table ready, I'll fetch your latte for you in a moment."

Looking to her, the Knight then said, "Thank you, that's very sweet of you, Oralee."

She simply nodded, then quickly Cait Sith hopped onto her shoulder. With that the two of them were on their way, as Reeve moved himself to a table that had been set aside for him.

Annoyed seeing this interaction, Timbre watched him sit a table away from them. As he did, the Knight in question made a simple bow of his head in quiet greeting to him with a smile, before he brought out some papers to look over from his bag.

Staring at them, Zidane asked him, "Seriously!? You're jealous of Reeve!"

Looking back to his friend, Timbre told him, "How can I not be!?" Then circling one of his claws over the white table cloth, he continued to say, "I mean whenever she looks at him, there's always this dreamy look in her eyes... it gets on my nerves!"
Staring at his friend sceptically, Zidane asked him smirking, "Is that all?"
"No it's not, cause-!"

"Ah! Hello there Vincent mate!"

Annoyed even more, Timbre then grumbled and said, "I've got number two to deal with as well!"
Blinking, Zidane was quiet, as they then saw the maid clad Princess, run over with Cait Sith again to meet the new arrival.

"Greetings, Oralee," the red clad warrior said, as he saw her approach.

"Hello, Vincent! Have you come for the usual orders?" She asked him.

With a single nod, he told her, "Correct, I'm here to fetch the food supplies for the Guard Patrol, to feed ourselves and the rest to distribute to the townsfolk who haven't been able to purchase anything."

"Alright, give me a moment!" With that, Oralee quickly went behind the counter where Serah was serving at the cash resister. Then gathering everything that was in a couple of big picnic hampers, she arrived back and handed them over to him saying, "Here you are, I hope this is enough for you all!"

"Very good," then as Vincent held them, he looked to her and said, "Your baking skills have also improved, I was able to taste that in the last batch of goods you gave us."
"I'm glad!" Oralee told him, then she added, "If my aid can help you all in looking after the town, and in you trying to locate Lucretia, then its definitely worth it."

Vincent simply nodded his reply with a rare small smile, then he was out the door and on his way to see the rest of the members of the patrol.

Watching this interaction occur, Zidane saw Timbre's fur bristle. As he did, he couldn't help but laugh saying, "Yeah I can see it now! You really do have it tough!"
Looking back to him, Timbre told him, "I know right!" Then looking down at the table mad, he said, "Who knew there would be so many guys around here that would fit the label of tall dark and handsome! It's not fair!"
Zidane hearing this, stared at his friend and then told him his honest thoughts, "You gotta be careful there buddy."

"Huh?"
As he looked to him, Zidane told him, "It's not good for you to get obsessive and jealous like this, otherwise you might fall to the darkness! You don't wanna end up like that creep Xehanort, do you?"

Timbre instantly looked appalled, and then cried out, "Oh c'mon! I'm not that bad!" But as Zidane looked at him sceptically, the pink-haired Sphynx became worried and asked, "Am I?"
"You're teetering," Zidane replied. Then he took a swig of his drink, finishing it he added, "Y'know girls don't like that kind of thing right?"
"Urgh!" Annoyed, Timbre bowed his head and hid it in his arms, as he lay over the table. Scratching his head and looking to Oralee who was smiling happily as she made the ordered latte, he confessed, "I can't help it y'now? I really like her... I just wanna have a good chance with her!"

Then as a small moment came between them, Zidane stared on at his friend and heard him say, "But with all these handsome guys around, I just feel like I'll miss out somehow, plus I'm not human and..." with that he hid his head away again, looking depressed.

Zidane was quiet again, but smiling he then told him, "Its okay bud, I get it!"
Looking to him, Timbre asked, "You do?"

Nodding, Zidane replied, "Totally!" With that reaching over and patting his shoulder he told him, "I'll support you however I can, I'll make sure you don't fall off the edge!" Then he added, "Besides, You still have a good chance, cause she loves cats right? So you have a charm those guys never will!" With that he ended with an encouraging wink.

Amazed in seconds, Timbre looked quickly revitalised and he perked up replying, "Hey! You're right, thanks Zidane!" Then he added, "And sorry, I'm such a mess when it comes to love!"

"Aren't we all?" Zidane laughed, then they talked more, and began to discuss strategies of what was the best way to get to a girl's heart!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Here you are, Reeve!" Oralee had returned with his favourite latte.

"Oh, thank you." As the beverage was placed beside him, he then noticed, "You're getting much better at your latte art, this a lovely heart."

"Thank you..." She smiled blushing, clearly pleased with the compliment. However before she could say a word more-!

"Oralee! You're needed for another batch of orders!"

Distracted, she turned and saw one of the penguins calling for her. As she did, she called back, "Oh, yes! Sorry I'll be right there!"

Then looking back to her Knight, she told him, "I'm sorry, Reeve, I need to get back to work now."

"Its alright," he smiled to her, then he added, "You do what you need to, I'll see you at a later time."

Oralee nodded happily at this, and with that she was off, with Cait Sith staying with her. Then on her way back to the counter, a certain someone passed her way who said, "Ah! Reeve, nice to see ya there!"

Seeing the top hatted entrepreneur duck, approaching him, Reeve smiled and said, "Ah, Mr Scrooge, I take it you're having a good day?"
"Always am lad!" Then looking at the paperwork that was on his table, he asked him, "So I take it the contracts are all in order there?"

"Should be!" Reeve smiled, then looking over all the documents again, he said, "I think your business will do wonders with these companies, and with her Highness promoting them in her and Serah's music group, we should get a high return when they next do a performance."

"Marvellous!" Scrooge replied, then sitting at his table, he told him, "Ya know, instead of a Knight, ya should stay in the business world! Ya'd make a really killin'!"
Laughing awkwardly Reeve replied, "Please don't joke about that! I don't want the skills I learned go to waste, Beatrix would never forgive me."

Scrooge chuckled, then he asked, "So? Will we have the honour of that lass joinin' yourself and Oralee at some stage?"

With a nod, Reeve replied, "I hope so! I've sent the letter recently, the palace should receive it any day now." Then looking over to Oralee who was serving others in the cafe, he said, "I'm sure it will warm her heart to see our highness grow as much as she has, but I'm sure that she'll be outraged to see her as a maid."
"Well at least she's only donned in the best of the best lad, she won't be able to complain too much then!" Scrooge replied with a chuckle.

"Oh, I'm sure she'll try," with that the two concentrated on business, so that it might grow and he could support his Princess in the new way he could.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"There all delivered!" Oralee said with a tired sigh, then she sat on the stool next to Serah. As she did this, she said, "Hopefully we can have a little bit of quiet time for a while."

"That'd be good!" Her pink-haired friend replied. Then eyeing Reeve in the distance, she said, "So? He's the one you've been improving your skills for, huh?"

Surprised, Oralee asked her, "You noticed?"

Chuckling, Serah replied, "How couldn't I? He's the only one you ever do heart art for in your lattes."

Blushing madly red, Oralee looked down. Clearly caught out.

Sighing, Cait Sith then said, "Lost cause here, I'm tellin' ya!"
Serah smiled, however she had to ask, "But hey, Cait Sith?"
"Hm?"

As the crowned cat looked over to her, Serah asked, "Aren't you and Reeve linked through magic? Does he-?"

"Nope!"
Baffled as he answered the question before she could finish it, she repeated, "Nope?"
"Reeve's feelin's are his own, along with mine! I ain't a shadow of him, ya know!" Then hugging Oralee around the neck, he added, "Sides, I ain't sharin' me highness with anybody, not even him! She's always been mine first!"
Quiet for a moment, Serah then laughed and said, "I see!"

Oralee only looked saddened as she looked off to the side dislodging him from her. As she did this, Serah asked, "You've liked Reeve for a long time, haven't you, Oralee?"
The Princess at first didn't answer, however after a moment she explained, "Yes, I mean... it was only in the last year or so, that these feelings have grown in me." Then with a hand to her sad heart, she revealed, "But, I know this... he doesn't see me that way, in his mind when he looks at me, he just sees his lost little sister."

"His sister?" Serah asked her surprised.

Nodding, Oralee continued, "Yes, that's what he sees me as... and, I'm still too young, he'll never turn his gaze my way, even if I hope for it right now."
Serah was quiet as she heard this. However looking to the gentle man as he discussed things with Scrooge, she said, "Well, what you said is true, maybe he can't see you that way right now." But looking to her friend, she told her, "However in the future maybe things will change?"
Surprised, Oralee repeated, "Change?"
With a nod, Serah explained, "Yeah! Cause maybe when you get a little older and become a beautiful woman, the image of his sister might not fit onto you anymore, and you'll have a chance then!" Also on a brighter note, nudging her to look in a certain direction, she added, "Or maybe someone else here might steal your heart away in that time!"

Puzzled as she said this, Oralee turned her eyes to look. There she saw Timbre chatting with Zidane, then she saw that she'd caught his eye. In seconds he brightened and waved at her happily, pleased that she'd looked his way.

Seeing him do this so enthusiastically, she couldn't help but admit it to herself. He looked cute doing that, then with a small blush on her cheeks, she replied with a smile, "Yes, that could be a possibility!"

"I won't make it easy for either of them, ya know!" Cait Sith declared.

"Huh?" She uttered looking to him.

"Cause I love ya the most yer highness, as I've said! I'm all ya need!" With that he hugged his arms around her neck again, proving the point.

Feeling him do this, Oralee was quiet. But smiling, she replied, "Yes I know, thank you, Cait Sith!" With that she stroked his back, showing she was grateful for his support.

"And I'm not gonna let anyone steal you away from me either!" Serah announced, with that hugging her around her shoulders, she told her, "You and I have got an awesome music career waiting for us! I'm not gonna let anyone get in the way of that!"
Silent, Oralee was perplexed as first, but then she laughed and replied, "Indeed!" For the future definitely was going to be an interesting one for the maid clad Princess!

{*~~~The Pride Lands~~~*}

xXx

Running through the great wide and open wild planes of the Pride Lands, Kovu and Kiara were enjoying the sunshine that was gracing their world.

Looking behind, the dark mane lion called back with a smile, "C'mon Kiara! You can do better can't you?"

Puzzled she asked him, "What?"

"At running! Riku, Nozomi and the others were faster than this, you don't want to be left in the dust do you?" He smirked to her.

Hearing this challenge, the princess of the Pridelands replied, "Oh, I'll show you!" With that feeling a burst of energy, she chased straight after him to prove the point!

Raifiki observing from the distance in his tree smiled brightly, then turning to the illustration he was working on before him, he was finishing the last details of it. As he drew the image of the group of Keyblader friends together with Kovu and Kiara over them, in loving unity watching over them. Demonstrating the strength of the bond the group shared together, that helped to save the Pridelands from darkness. He was pleased with his work when-!

"Whoa!?"

He heard a new cry, and quickly looking back out. He then saw that Kiara had caught up to Kovu and had pounced on him, making him fall to the floor. They stared at each other quietly for a moment before-!

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Warm laughter broke out between them, as the two enjoyed the peace, happiness and love they could finally share together in the land that had been united...

{*~~~Radiant Gardens~~~*}

xXx

"Phew!" Sighing as he walked forwards, Wairu couldn't help but say, "Man! Jona really does take it out of you when she gets going!"

"NEIGH!"

Hearing him, Wairu turned to his right and quickly he felt Peter trying to give him a boost, by licking into his cheek affectionately!

Chuckling as he felt this, the wizard apprentice said with a smile, "Thanks for the encouragement, Peter." With that he walked into a certain building. Walking through the door, he was then greeted by-!

"Howdy there, Wairu!"

"Kweh!"

Inside were the law enforcement of the town, Bonkers and his trusty stead and sidekick Coco, the Chocobo!

Seeing them there, Wairu replied, "Hey, guys!" Walking further inside, with them travelling beside him, he asked, "So have the other ARCS turned up yet?"

"Oh, Shirma's here already at HQ! Everyone's still gotta make it in for the briefing!" Bonkers reported.

"I see," he replied. Then he walked into another room and there he discovered-!

"Hi, Wairu!"

There inside already waiting him, was the pink-haired white mage he'd come to know as Shirma. Seeing her, he smiled and said, "Hey!" He then moved to the spot she was at, the meeting table and quickly he got out all his materials that they'd need.

As he fished everything out of his bag, Bonkers left with Coco to go back and wait with the others. Peter quickly sat on the table by his side, while Shirma asked, "So how're you settling?"

Looking to her, Wairu was quiet for a moment and replied, "Quite well actually!" Getting out his pens and a journal, he continued as he sat down, "My Mom's found work already as a chemist in the town, I think she'll be working with Cid."
"Cid really?" Shrima asked surprised.

Nodding, Wairu then continued, "Yeah, and we finally have organised the house and now, I just need to get on with my studies with Merlin, so I can help you guys fix up the town and hopefully assist those who've been restored."
"I'm glad to hear that," Shirma smiled. Then getting her own materials ready, she said, "All those people who are appearing now, we'll need all the help we can get in attending to them! I hope they can all find a place here, and maybe even reunite with those who lost them."

"That would be good," Wairu agreed. Then looking saddened he added, "I need to work hard to make it up to them..." Feeling regret build up inside, he gripped the pen in his hand tightly. But before he could dwell on it-!

"NEIGH!"

Wairu felt Peter nuzzling into him under his chin. Seeing him cheering him up again, Wairu was quiet. Then stroking his head, he said, "Thanks again, Peter. I'm relying on you a bit too much aren't I?"

The black and white Pegasus simply smiled to him, then Shirma said with one of her own, "That's so sweet! He really loves you doesn't he?"

Feeling a little awkward, Wairu replied, "I guess?" Then he confessed, looking down to some papers,"To be honest, animals have always been drawn to me, ever since I was a kid... it could be nuisance though sometimes, especially with dogs!"

Blinking, Shirma asked, "Huh? Why dogs?"
"Cause they'd chase me and Nozomi around!" Annoyed at the memory, he continued and said, "Then she'd have to save me at the worst at times, or I her, depending on the situation, especially when we'd get stuck in trees and-!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Perplexed by her laughter, Wairu heard Shirma tell him, "You know, with the way you described things, you sound like a princess somehow with Nozomi!"
Staring at her blankly, Wairu then told her, "That's not a compliment you know!"

Shirma only chuckled a little more, then with a sigh. Wairu continued on to say, "But you know, speaking of Nozomi?"

"Hm?" Shirma looked at him quietly.

"She's starting her first day of School today, at the Destiny Islands," Wairu informed her.

"Really?"

Nodding to her question, Wairu continued, "Yeah, she's been telling me how nervous she is, and I keep telling her she'll be fine!" Then thinking of all the letters she'd been sending his way, he continued to say, "And that's when she's not pestering me! Asking me how I'm doing, and so on and so forth..." with a sad smile, he continued to say, "Honestly, she's such a worry wart... like a real sister would be."

As he said this so sadly, Shirma looked to him sympathetically. Then she told him with a soft smile, "It's nice though, isn't it?"

"Huh?"

"That you're so loved, despite everything... you've got support!" Then she added, "And not just from Nozomi, all of us are on your side too!" Then with a hand on her heart, she added, "As a member of the ARCS, we'll help you fix the damage that you caused when you went bad, we'll make sure you're not lonely anymore either, so don't worry, Wairu! Okay?"

Hearing her be so impassioned in her words, the Wizard Apprentice was quiet. But then smiling brightly with warmth spreading in his Heart, he told her, "Thanks Shirma, that means a lot!"

She nodded happily with a blush in her cheeks, but before they could speak more-!

"Alright! Break it up!"

It was then, walking in on the scene was the adopted sister to Shirma, "Alania!?"

Quickly the tanned skin Summoner, sat herself beside Shirma and put an arm around her shoulders and said, "That's enough mush talk for now! It's time for business!" Then with those words-!

"Hola, Amigos!"

It was then walking through the door came the gun totting Mariachi member of the group, Juan! As he made it in, he asked them, "You all ready?"

Seeing him come in, Wairu laughed and said, "As I'll ever be!"

"Good to hear!"

It was then the Leader of the ARCS Snow came walking in, clearly in a cheerful mood. Then walking over, he ruffled Wairu's lilac hair and told him, "I'll be lookin' forward to hearing what you've cooked up with Merlin, on how we're gonna fix up the town!"

"Same, Snow dude!"

Then finally finishing the gathering. Came walking in Musashi, with Bonkers and Coco following after him. He added, "We gotta get things fixed up, ASAP! And have another Carnival, maybe find some new members to join us too!"

"Totally!" Wairu smiled, then he added, "And I'll be glad to attend properly this time with everyone!"

The ARCS were all pleased with this, then together with their new member. They all planned next on what it was they would do next. To help fix the town and dream up more wondrous events, that would outdo the previous Carnival they held before...

{*~~~Atlantica~~~*}

xXx

Looking out from her balcony, now able to see the expanse of the sea fully every day without the Wall shutting it away. Was a dream come true for Melody. She smiled as she saw the sunshine and the seagulls fly over head.

However looking down to the gold bracelet on her left wrist, that Nozomi had given to her. She remembered her friends words, "No matter how far apart they are, they're always together within their hearts."

Thinking of her as she looked out to the sea, Melody couldn't help but utter, "Nozomi, I hope you're well..." Then she couldn't help but add, "I want you to come visit again soon."

"Melody?"

Surprised, the dark-haired girl turned around and there she saw it was none other than, "Mom?"

For there walking through her bedroom door, was her mother, her red-hair loose in a green coloured dress. As she came in, she asked, "Are you alright?"

Quiet for a moment, Melody replied, "Ye, yeah! I'm okay, Mom!" With that wiping one of her eyes she said, "I was just thinking about Nozomi again," then looking down, she added with a sad smile, "I'm just hoping she'll come back again, so that we can hang out together and..."

HUG

Surprised feeling her mother's warm arms around her, Melody was quiet as she heard her say, "It's alright, I know waiting can be hard." Then as she pulled back, she added with a gentle smile, "But always know, you and her have a genuine bond and I'm sure wherever she is, she's thinking of you too."

Staring at her mother in wonder, Melody asked her, "You really think so?"

Nodding, Ariel replied, "Of course, I'm sure she'll be coming to see you again, sooner than you know!" Then taking her hand, she told her, "But in the meantime, you can spend more time with me, your dad and your Grandfather, he's visiting us today."
Becoming excited, Melody asked, "Grandfather really?"
Smiling, Ariel replied, "Yes! Also I can introduce my sisters properly to you! You'll get to meet all your Aunts!"

"Wow!" She cried out amazed, then she asked, "Can Tip and Dash hang out with us too?"

"Absolutely! My friend Flounder's going to be with us too, along with Sebastian!" Ariel confirmed positively.

Brightened up immensely by this, Melody couldn't help but say, "I can't wait!"

With a nod, Ariel then asked her, "Shall we go and get breakfast, then get ready?"
"Yeah let's!" Melody agreed, with that she followed her out through the door. For despite missing her friend, she knew that her mother was right. Nozomi was sure to come back one day, and when she did, Melody would tell her about all the wondrous things she'd been getting up to. Meeting and making new friends, who helped to ease her loneliness, and she was looking forward to giving her those swimming lessons she'd promised her!

{*~~~Radiant Gardens~~~*}

xXx

SLASH!

CLASH!

Falling back from a sword slash manoeuvre Lightning had performed, Hari had parried it and had swiftly retreated back. Clenching her Keyblade tightly in her hand, she moved straight back in and-!

"Aeroga!"

Hearing the cry of the attack, Hari moved swiftly back running out of the way of the wind spell. Then she felt something from behind and-!

CLASH!

She immediately parried again, and was able to anticipate Lightning's surprise attack. The two of them stared at each other fiercely for many long tense moments...before finally, with a sigh the pink-haired warrior said, "Alright, that's enough."
She pulled her blade back, and Hari recalled her Keyblade. As she did this, she heard the Leader of the Guard Patrol tell her, "Your technique is good and you move fast, but you'll need work on your blind spots, Hari."

Quiet as she heard this instruction, the brown-haired girl replied making a nod, "Very well, I will endeavour to do so."

"You're still really good, Hari!"

Hearing Hope approach, she was quiet as she saw him smile and say, "To be able to keep up with Lightning like that, not many people can!" Then he added with his arms behind his head, "We're lucky to have you in our group!"

"Thank you for the praise," then looking to her aching right hand. She gripped it tightly and said, "It will take some time though, before I'm fully capable again..." With that thinking of what her Mother put her through, she had to sadly admit, "The Lock made me too reliant upon it, I'm still not entirely in tune with my senses in combat yet."

"Everything takes time," Lightning told her. Then walking past her, she patted her on the shoulder and said, "But you can keep up, and that's enough for now."

Quiet hearing this, Hari looking at her then said with a small smile, "Thank you, Lightning."

Hope brightened, then before he could say anything-!

"Hey, let go!"

Surprised, he and the girls then saw descending from the air. That it was none other than Vincent! And in his hands were-!

"You mangy red bat! Unhand me!"

The irked Irma and her cohort with a huge grudge, Gandrake. Seeing them being held like this, Hope was quiet for a moment... before he realised and said with a sigh, "Urgh... they tried to escape again, didn't they, Vincent?"

"Correct," The red clad mysterious man said.

Annoyed, Irma trying to scratch at him with her long nails told him, "Oh! Just let go already! You have no right to-!"
"Wish granted!" Vincent replied and-!

"Oww!"

"Ooph!"

He let go of them both simultaneously, however before either of them could get up to move-!

"Hold it right there!"

They both looked up, and they saw that both, Lightning and Hari had their weapons pointed at them. With a shiver, they heard the newest member say, "Otherwise you will need to be restrained!" Then she added narrowing her green eyes, "And you will be left more sore than you are now!"
Clearly neither of the villains wanted that, and so with a sigh, Gandrake answered for them grumbling, "Fine, we'll go along quietly!"

"That's good!" Hope smiled, then he added, "You guys can help us out then! We need to help repair the town and distribute food amongst everyone!"

"Eww!" Irma uttered in disgust, then turning her head away. She added, "I hate doing goody work, it ruins my style!"
Vincent looking down at her as he landed, asked, "Why are you so determined to create havoc in your wake?"

"Because I never get noticed otherwise, I don't wanna be another pleb!" Irma replied turning her head away in defiance from him.

Puzzled, Hope asked her, "You wanna be noticed? By who?"

Still defiant, Irma replied, "I'm not telling you her name, its none of your business!"

With a sigh, Lightning said, "Whatever, c'mon we've all got work to do! Now let's move!" The the Guard Patrol started to lead the troublemakers away when-!

"Lady Irma!?" "My lady!?"

"Is it lunchtime!?"

Surprised, the group saw coming quickly to join them. Were the cohort Chocobo's of the mischievous Sorceress, Greeble, Peekaboo and Volg. As they came over, it was gonna take a while still, before they could properly start looking after the town's inhabitants...

{*~~~Treasure Planet~~~*}

xXx

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Clapping in tune with his mother, experiencing the celebration of the Inn being repaired with all his friends joining together in laughter and joy. A bright smile graced Jim's face.

For he was dressed in white now, a student of the Interstellar academy. His dreams and his future looked bright, however turning away from the celebrations for a brief moment. He looked up to the stars in the night sky, as he did. He couldn't help but feel he could see them all looking down on him from above.

Balthier and his pirate crew, the Keybladers, Nozomi, Riku, Mickey and Cait Sith. But also one bigger figure, who helped him realise the most, the potential he was capable of. The cyborg, John Silver who he saw smiling down at him, along with the rest.

As he did, he couldn't help but say with a smile of his own, "Guys thank you, I hope you're all doing well!" Then-!

"Hey, Jimmy!"

Distracted, he turned and then-!

PULL!

Ben had pulled him over, and as he did, he heard him say brightly, "C'mon! Join us all for the next dance!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Morph laughed loudly in agreement and snuggled into Jim's cheek. How could he refuse? He replied brightly, "Okay, you got it!" With that, he joined again in the celebrations, as the night of happiness continued for many more hours...

{*~~~Radiant Gardens~~~*}

xXx

"Alright!" I think this colour will do quite nicely, Balthier smiled as he looked over the newest draft of what their next ship would look like!

Seeing it, his cherished partner was quiet. Then seeing his treasured partner was being this way, he enquired, "You approve, Fran?"
The rabbit-eared warrior was quiet, before she replied, "It will be adequate."

Smiling, he replied, "Very good!" Then the two walked forwards to join the rest of their party.

Seeing the two of them talk about their ship plans as they passed them by, Yuffie sighed and said sarcastically, "I'm glad our pompous Pirate is so happy!"

"Same!" Aerith laughed, then seeing the space they were taking up to make their new ship, she couldn't help but say, "And he's not exactly being humble with the spacing is he?"
For the planning space of the ship, had taken up nearly three quarters of the zone they were in. With building materials left here there and everywhere, along with crates that contained who knew what!

Staring at this, Yuffie just couldn't help but say, "I just can't believe he's as minted as he is! It's crazy!" Then with annoyance she couldn't help but add, "I just wish he'd spend some of his funds on us!"

Laughing again, Aerith said, "I guess that's just how Pirate's are!"
"Yeah, sadly." Leon replied, as finally appeared on the scene.

"Oh, hey! Leon!" Yuffie smiled, brightening seeing him.

"How's are all the repairs going?" Aerith asked him curious.

"From what I know, we're about halfway done." Leon replied, then standing with them, he continued while watching the Pirate crew, "According to Cid's and Merlin's calculations, we should have everything done hopefully in another four months. If we're lucky!"

"That's good then!" Aerith smiled. With that looking up to the work they'd done so far, and all the town's inhabitants working on the damage that had been caused by the King-Blade, she said, "I hope we can make our town bigger and brighter than before!"

"I'd just like it, if we don't get any more damage from more crazy dark creeps!" Yuffie said annoyed.

"Yeah, our poor town has suffered enough," Leon said in agreement. However he had to add, "Cause anything more crazy like that would-!"

"Hey, boss!"

Turning around, hearing Jona's cry, Leon with the others saw-!

"Whoa!?"

The female Sphynx was holding on her shoulders, two long, long steel bars that could only be lifted by heavy cranes!?

Staring at her perplexed, none of the Restoration group didn't know know what to do! However-!

"Oh, Joanna! Perfect timing, move those to here will you?"

"You got it!" The Sphynx replied brightly, with that she was on her way.

Seeing her move on with these hefty things with no care in the world, Leon couldn't help but ask perplexed, "How strong is she!?"

None of them could know! But with strong help like that, maybe they wouldn't have to wait so long to repair the town after all!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SMASH!

SMASH!

"Oooph!" Dusting her hands off, Jona then said, "There we go, all dropped off!"

"Jona!" Turning, the Sphynx saw Fran look at her disapprovingly, and before she could hear what was wrong. She heard her adoptive parent say, "What have I told you about minding the floor!"

Halting hearing this, the orange-haired Sphynx looked down and then saw to her dread what she meant. For with her just dropping the bars casually, they'd left long winding cracks in the flooring... feeling awkward, she scratched her head and replied, "Oh, uh? Sorry...!"
Fran only sighed in disapproval.

"Well that will cost us some Munny again," Balthier said. Then looking at her, he asked, "I take it you'll earn it back for us?"

"Aren't I always boss?" She replied.

"You got that right you always are!" Noel smiled, however looking at the progress they'd made so far, he said, "But hey, without your strength, we wouldn't even be this far in our progress!"

"That's very true!" Raiyana agreed, then she added with a smile, "I'm looking forward to travelling with you all across the stars, to find more Nobodies like myself for Ody and the others." Then with her hand to her chest, she added, "It will be like when I journeyed with Mr Silver and Morph."

"I bet!" Noel replied, however moving he took hold of her hand and said with a smile, "But you'll have a better time with us, since you'll be with me and Yeul."
Surprised he said, Raiyana then blushed and said smiling more, "Yeah, I'm sure I will!"

"Urgh..." Annoyed, Jona couldn't help but groan saying under her breath, "I wonder when my honey will take my hand like that!"

"Jona!?"

Turning around, the orange-haired Sphynx then saw, "Oh, Yeul!"

For there indeed came running towards her was the youngest member of their pirate crew, then as she came over to her-!

HUG!

She quickly grabbed her around her middle and asked, "Are you done now, can you play with me and Dajh?"

Surprised, she asked her, "You want me to play with you and Dajh, honey?"

Nodding energetically, she said, "Yeah! Me and Dajh love playing with you!"

"You got that right my son does!"

Then walking on over, carrying him in his arms, came Sazh with a big smile on his face. Making his way over to the Pirates, he added, "He hasn't stopped begging me to come see you guys again, that's how much he's loved it!"
"Awww!" Jona cooed, then stroking Dahjh's head, she told him, "Why aren't you a little cutie!"

Dajh laughed happily at this, and with that, Sazh set him down. Then as he did, Jona took both of them by the hand. Looking back to her boss, she asked him, "Can I take a break for a while boss?"
"Aye, you can!" Balthier told her, however he added, "But only until I wrap up my discussions with Sazh! I need expert advice from the best pilot there is, to help us finish our glorious new vessel! It'll be our new stage to dazzle the audience!"
Smiling brightly at him, Jona nodded and replied, "You got it!" With that she went to play with the kids.

Seeing them go, Sazh then said, "Glad she's mixin' in well here!"

"We all are!" Noel smiled, then he asked him, "So, how's our new wizard doing?"
"Oh, that kid Wairu's doin' real well, his Mom's been a real sweetie to us all too!" Then remembering the battle with Xehanort, he couldn't help but say, "Hard to believe that nice kid was so twisted, cause of what Maleficent did to him, and also Jona workin' with her! They're just not the same no more, and that girl, Hari with Pete too!"
"True," Fran replied. However looking at the happy Sphynx as she played with the kids, with Bonkers coming to join them with Coco. She said with a proud small smile, "However, anyone can change if given the chance..." then looking up to the sun, she added, "For the Light will always emerge to shine from behind the dark clouds."
"Eloquently put!" Balthier smiled, then they all began their discussions together on how to build their new ship...

{*~~~Destiny Islands~~~*}

xXx

"Wow! Okay, I'm ready!" Nozomi said, preparing herself for the new day that was coming. Now dressed in the Destiny High School uniform, with a short sleeved white shirt and a stripy blue short skirt. She'd finished tying her tie around her neck, then making sure her navy blue socks were up and her black shoes were on properly, she was good to go as she grabbed her brown book bag.

Opening the door to the house, she now stayed at. Nozomi was ready to start her first day of school, when-!

"Hold it!"

Stopping in her tracks, Nozomi turned around and there she saw holding an important item in her hands, it was none other than, "Quistis?"

For there behind her, was the eldest daughter of the Foster family that Nozomi was now staying with. An older woman in her mid-twenties, she looked stern with her glasses on and her blonde hair tied up.

She was dressed in an orange long sleeved shirt and brown skirt, with dark stockings on and mature black heels. Walking over to her in those same shoes, Nozomi was quiet as she was handed over the item that Quistis had in her hands. Her pink lunch box and white drink bottle!

"Oh, my food!" Then taking it from her, she smiled and told her, "Thanks!"

With a sigh, Quistis then told her, "You better not be a scatterbrain like this everyday! Cause I can't guarantee that I can be there to always hand this to you."
Laughing awkwardly, Nozomi replied, "Yeah, sorry!" To which she scratched the back of her head.

"And you spent so long last night making this all up, I don't want to see your efforts go to waste!" Quistis added, then correcting her glasses she added, "For those poor rice balls, they're too nice to be squandered."
Hearing this, Nozomi was quiet. Then she smiled and asked, "You liked them that much, huh?"
"Very much so!" Quistis admitted, then she asked, "Do you think you could make some for me tonight?"

Nodding energetically, Nozomi replied, "Sure! I'd be more than glad!"
The stern woman softened with a smile and told her, "Alright, thank you!" Then she added, preparing to get into work mode, "Now go on, you need to make it to the morning assembly! I'll be leaving from here soon, and remember, while you're at school, I'm...?"

Hearing this pause, Nozomi then replied, "You're Miss Trepe, my Math teacher!"

"Exactly!" Quistis told her, smiling once again.

Nozomi chuckled and with that, she was off on her way again and told her with a wave, "See you later, Quistis!"

Her teacher waved back to her, and with that she closed the door, as she finished her own preparations for the day.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Running down the road, Nozomi knew she had time. But still she wanted to see them before school started! She wanted-!

"Hey, Nozomi!"

Hearing Sora's greeting, the female Keyblader smiled brightly and waved back and cried out, "Hey guys!"

For there, just a little distance ahead, were Sora, Kairi and Riku. All of them dressed and ready for school too!
Kairi was in a uniform the same as she was wearing, while Sora and Riku were clad in white shirts and blue striped long pants with black shoes on too, with their ties on.

But also the white-haired Keyblader had finally got the haircut he wanted, at the same time as Kagi did. His hair no longer trailed over his shoulders and was instead shorter, and spikier at the back. Making him look refreshing somehow.

Making it quickly over to them, Nozomi asked, "Were you all waiting long?"
"Not too long!" Kairi smiled, though elbowing Riku, she added, "Though old Snowball here was complaining!"

"Shut up! No I wasn't!" He replied mad.

"Oh, really?" Nozomi asked him teasingly as she approached his side.

Then as he saw her look at him this way, he looked away with a grumble and replied, "...Maybe a little?"
Sora chuckled at this and smiled. Then he couldn't help but add, "I could get used to you being on a losing streak like this!"

Riku looked to him annoyed, however before anything could start up between them all-!
"Alright, c'mon guys! We gotta get going!" With that taking Sora's hand, she added to Riku and Nozomi, "We don't wanna be tardy on our first day do we?"
"Nope!" Then taking her cherished person's hand, she told him, "Let's go, Riku!"
As she took hold of him, he was quiet. But then he nodded his answer and revealed a small smile and with that, they were all on their way for the first day of school!

Walking up the path, with the green grass surrounding them and flowers along with other passing students going by now and again. The group was engrossed in conversation, Nozomi asked," Oralee's asked if you want to join their Songstress group?"

"Yeah, I know! Surprising right?" Kairi smiled, then thinking of the letter she received again, she said, "She says Serah thinks it might work better as a trio, and that I look the part to join them."
"Yeah, but that's only if you can sing!" Riku told her, and then he remarked, "Last time I checked, you haven't worked on your vocals in forever Kairi!"

This in turn made the Princess of Heart look at him annoyed, "Well how could you expect me to! We've been too busy lately with everything going on with Xehanort and the Heartless!"
Smiling, Sora replied, "Yeah that's true!" Then thinking of what had happened since then, he said, "I mean they still keep turning up here and there, I thought with Xehanort gone, they'd just go with him!"
"Yeah, same here," Nozomi agreed. Then she couldn't help but ask, "But I guess, that would be too easy wouldn't it?"
"Life's never that easy," Riku reminded them. Then looking up to the sun that was shining on down, he said, "After all, the Heartless are darkness made real, and wherever negative emotions pollute and grow out of control, they'll naturally follow suit."

Everyone became quiet hearing this, there was no doubt about this... however Sora spoke up and said, "Well, we'll just be there to sort it all out, so it never gets out of control like in the past again!" Then smiling to everyone he told them, "Cause we're nearly there now, I'll make sure the Door of Light will open for us all one day!"
His allies were all quiet, but seeing his bright smile, they too couldn't help but reveal the same expression. Then Nozomi told him, "Yeah, you're right, Sora! I know you will, and we'll all be there whenever we're needed in any of the worlds!"

"Well said!" Kairi smiled, then looking to her watch, she realised and said, "And actually... I need to be somewhere too!"

Surprised Sora asked, "You do?"

"Yeah, I need to see if there's a music club or something I can get on board with!" Then grabbing him, she said, "C'mon Sora!"

Shocked he asked, "You want me going too!?"
"Yeah! You sang with a mermaid right, if anyone should join me in a music club its you, now let's go and see if we can find some of the club members!" Kairi told him and with that-!

"Whoa!"

The two of them were off, and as they ran ahead, Nozomi and Riku left behind heard Sora cry back, "See you in class guys!"

Then Kairi added, "Nozomi! Let me try one of your Rice Balls again at lunch!"
"You got it!" She cried back and with that, the loving pair were on their way to see if they could find the right connections!

"Guess we've got a bit of a quiet between us now?" Riku said.

"Looks like it," Nozomi replied. With that they walked on ahead. As they did, still holding his hand, she asked him, "Riku?"

"Yeah?"
As he looked to her, Nozomi then asked, "What would you like to do in the future?"
"The future?" He repeated puzzled, then as she nodded to him, he asked, "What's made you think about that?"

Nozomi was quiet for a moment, then she replied, "Well, since I've moved away now from Bamboo Town, and I'm here now with you guys, a lot of change has happened and I can't help but think about it... what will I do from now on, other than defeating the Heartless?"
Quiet as she made her explanations, Riku closed his eyes and then after a little bit... he had an idea, "Well, put simply what I'd like to do, is to travel the worlds."

Surprised, Nozomi asked, "You want to travel?"

Riku nodded and with that he added, "That was always my goal; in the past I simply wanted to go, to find out where Kairi came from. But since I've seen so much after gaining the Keyblade." With that putting his free hand to his Heart, he added, "I know I want to see more than that now, I want to have as many adventures as I can! To broaden my horizons."
Staring at him in awe, Nozomi then told him, "That sounds great!" Then looking up to the blue sky, she said, "I'd like to do something like that too!"

Looking to her with a smirk, he asked, "You latching onto me that tight, huh?"

Blinking in surprise as she looked back to him, Nozomi was quiet and then she complained blushing red, "No! I don't mean it like that! I just-!"
Riku then laughed at her flustered reaction.

Quiet, Nozomi then looked down and grumbled, "You dumb Snowball!"
Finishing his laugh, he told, "Sorry I couldn't help it." Then becoming more serious in tone, he told her, "But honestly, I'd be glad you came with me."

Amazed, she quickly looked to him, losing her gloom, "You mean it?"
"Of course I do!" Then pulling up her hand that was still held in his, he lay a gentle kiss to it and added with a happy smile, "After all, you and I are entwined forever now, right?"

Blushing again feeling his loving touch, Nozomi then smiled and nodded, saying, "Yeah! We are!"

Then with that, they walked on their way again. As they did, quietly for a little, Nozomi decided to say as she came to her own decision, "But when we travel, I wanna get stronger, Riku."

"Stronger?" He repeated.

"Yeah," then looking to him, she added, "So I can be the reliable person that you and the others can always depend on, when you need me..." then seeing they were almost to the school, she added, "And so that we can save more people, so all of us can be in a world where we're all connected by the Door of Light again, so everyone can be happy."

This time Riku was surprised, but then smiling to her, he said, "That's a good goal." Then reaching his free hand over, he stroked her head and told her, "And don't worry, you're already over half way there! I know you'll achieve it."
Quiet in surprise as he stroked her, Nozomi then couldn't help but ask sadly, "Only half?"
Laughing he told her, "Yeah, otherwise what's the point going on the journey if you've already reached your goal before you start, that's boring isn't it?"
As she heard this, Nozomi then after a moment laughed as she realised, "Yeah, I guess so!"

Smiling at this reaction, Riku took his hand away from her.

Feeling him do this, Nozomi looking to him as they neared closer to the school doors. She couldn't help but want to put her free hand in his wondrous white locks again. However, the shortness of it meant she wouldn't be able to reach him. Realising this, she looked down and said, "I miss your long hair."
Looking down to her, and seeing her reaction, he smiled and said, "I guessed you would! You always did like it." Then he added teasingly, "If I didn't have it, you'd never have fallen in love with me would you?"
Blinking as he said this, Nozomi staring at him then said after a moment, "No...I didn't fall in love with you because of that."

Surprised by this comment, he asked her, "You didn't?"

Shaking her head, Nozomi told him, "No!" Then looking away to the side, she explained, "I mean, I fell in love with you because... you're my ideal."
"Huh?" He was perplexed by this.

Nozomi then continued, looking bashful, "I mean, as I said to you back in the Pride Lands, to me you're so mature... you're more in control of things than I've ever been, I just wish, I could be more the same." Then looking to him, she added, "And also, when I needed it the most, you came for me! You've been there for me, more than anyone else and...how could I not fall in love with someone like that?"

Silent as he heard this, Riku was awestruck by her sincere words. As he was, he then smiled and said, "You really got me there, I could never make fun of something like that."
Becoming annoyed, Nozomi told him, "Why would you want to?"
Smiling more, he told her, "Because I love the reactions you make." Then leaning down, he placed a kiss on her cheek and-!

"Ah!" Becoming more red, Nozomi held her cheek ad he pulled back and looking at him with wide eyes. Chuckling she heard him say, "You see, just like that!"

Quiet still blushing, she asked, "That's why you love me?"

"That's not the only reason!" Then standing still with her, he placed his free hand on her cheek and revealed, "Because its the same as you've said."
"Huh?"
"Because you're there for me when I need it, you give me the boost of laughter and happiness that I don't get from anyone else." Then placing his forehead against hers, he added, "You're my light in the darkness, Nozomi."
Astounded by these words, the female Keyblader. Then smiled and then nodding, she felt tears coming to her eyes. She told him, "Thanks, Riku!" Then laughing awkwardly, "Man, I shouldn't be such a crybaby like this! I'm-!"

"It's okay," Then as Riku gripped her hand gently, he added, "I never hate your tears, you can cry whenever you need to around me, alright?"

Silent hearing this, she replied, "Okay! Thanks again!" Then wiping at her eyes, "I'll be alright, I don't wanna look like a red-eyed rabbit on the first day!"

"You won't!" He smiled, then with that after a few moments. They were both ready.

Walking up to the front doors of the Destiny High School, Riku let go of Nozomi's hand. Then opening it for her, he asked, "You ready to start the future together?"
"Always!" She smiled brightly.

A smile graced his features too and with that, both she and him walked through. To begin their new future, filled with hopeful light where one day everyone together in the same world, could always shine...

{*~~~Fin~~~*}

(Here we are guys, we've finally reached the end, after so many long years. Thank you, all of you. Who have stayed on this wondrous journey with Nozomi, Riku and the others.)

(I hope like me, you've enjoyed being with them, and that they've all left a precious light in all your Hearts.)

(When I began this story years I ago, I wanted to capture the emotions and love that made me cherish the franchise of Kingdom Hearts. As the years have gone by, that love has never died, and has always kept me strong, during some tough and lonely times in my life. It gave me motivation, and something to look forward to working on every week, which nothing else has.)

(Every character in this story, as I stayed with them. They have all kept me company, as great friends. And I hope along the way, they've become friends to all of you too. I'll probably never write something as epically long like this again. But I'm glad I did, for it has left me with many precious moments, and has helped me to become a better writer in time.)

(Thank you everyone again, who have left kind words of encouragement and love. And also for participating in the competitions, I've held over the years, without your participation. I'm sure this tale wouldn't have been nearly as epic.)

(So before I say goodbye to this world and its characters, I want to extend my gratitude to the winners of my competition, and to others who's kind words and presence that meant so much to me.)

(Competition Thanks to:)

Saria

(Created by Tasia'sENDLESSDreams)

Ori

(Created by Darkkitty206)

Alania

(Created by LightAndDarkHeart)

Hanahime

(Created by WingOfHope)

Juan

(Created by Redrojo17)

Raiyana

(Created by TwilightCrown)

(Warm Words of Thanks to Deviant Art Users:)

1drkangel, Angel0507, Azieser, Barnett51, BashfulRomantic, Issycrazygirl, Jhmirda, John7321, Kaafan10, Kristenkhverne, Maimaikawaii29, Megzakuro, Menoesunagirlnormal8, Mudhjfuk, Namine-kitten, Neomidna79, Raiken01, RavenxRiku, Rosenicorn, RoxasLoverforever, Sailor-makie-chan, Sora204, Snowmanandoctopus, Takeru-khoc, Taneizaereus, Tiger155, Tmp1114, Waterdragon1654, Whiteirislady, Wizard-emeraldheart.

(Warm Words of Thanks as well to all the Fanfiction Users who read, reviewed, favourited and followed me! Thank you all so much!)

(This is it now guys, farewell. And once more, I hope you have all enjoyed this epic tale of the Keybladers and the Fragments! May all of our futures always shine brightly, Kirramagic/Lrme87.)