It's Always Heartless in Philadelphia

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fan fiction and a playful crossover between two vastly different universes: "Kingdom Hearts" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

"Kingdom Hearts" is owned by Disney and Square Enix, and the characters and elements from this franchise are used with respect to their creators. No copyright infringement is intended, and this story is created solely for the enjoyment of fans.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is created by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day, and it is produced by RCG Productions, with FX Productions also involved in the production. The characters and settings from the show are portrayed in a lighthearted and comedic manner, blending the two worlds in a fun and imaginative way.

This on-going crossover is a work of fiction and is not officially endorsed by the creators or copyright holders of either franchise. It is meant to be a humorous and entertaining exploration of what might happen when these two very different worlds collide.

I hope you enjoy this unconventional journey as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Chapter 2: Terra, Aqua & Ventus - Welcome to the Chaos

It was a Saturday morning in the heart of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center was buzzing with energy. The clock struck 9 am, and the doors swung open, ushering in a flood of excited fans, eager to immerse themselves in a world of comics, video games, and all things nerdy. The atmosphere was electric as enthusiasts from all corners of the fictional universe converged for the Comic and Video Game Convention.

The convention floor was a riot of colors and costumes, a spectacle that could rival any grand masquerade ball. Fans had poured their creativity and dedication into their outfits, transforming themselves into beloved characters from a myriad of franchises. Iron Man strode alongside Bayonetta, while Star Troopers posed for photographs with Wonder Woman. It was a kaleidoscope of fandoms, a celebration of the fantastical.

The sound of laughter and excited chatter filled the air, punctuated by the occasional whoosh of lightsabers and the clank of armor-clad cosplayers. Booths lined the vast expanse of the convention hall, each one a portal to a different dimension of imagination. Vendors hawked comic books, action figures, and merchandise galore, while artists showcased their talents through intricate illustrations and colorful prints.

As the convention-goers flooded into the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the scene shifted to the far end of the vast hall where The Gang was setting up their shoddy and broken-down stand. It was a sight to behold, a stark contrast to the dazzling costumes and meticulously designed booths that surrounded them.

Charlie, dressed as Sora from Kingdom Hearts, looked surprisingly well put-together in his costume. His wild hair was spiked up in the characteristic Sora style, and he wielded a homemade Kingdom Key with pride. He wore a confident grin as he arranged a display of Kingdom Hearts merchandise on the rickety table.

Next to him was Mac, who had donned a Riku costume that, while not as impressive as Charlie's, still carried a sense of earnestness. His silver wig wobbled slightly as he adjusted a poster of Riku's Keyblade, trying to make it stand upright. Mac's enthusiasm for the convention was evident in his excited chatter.

Dee Reynolds, adorned in a Maleficent costume, was positively radiant. She twirled in her dark robe and horned headdress, feeling a strange sense of empowerment. Dee relished the chance to embrace the character's wickedness, and she couldn't help but revel in the attention her costume garnered.

Dennis, however, was less thrilled with his situation. His Donald Duck costume—chosen begrudgingly due to a lost Goofy outfit—left him feeling disgruntled. The oversized, sailor-style outfit clashed with his usual sense of style, and he grumbled as he adjusted his blue sailor hat.

The location of their booth was less than ideal, tucked away at the end of the convention hall. The foot traffic was sparse, and the broken-down appearance of their stand did little to attract attention.

As they set up shop amidst the commotion of the convention, The Gang engaged in a spirited conversation, their banter filled with trademark quips and bickering.

Charlie, his enthusiasm unshakable, turned to Mac. "Mac, check it out! We're like the real deal, right in the middle of Comic Con! People are gonna love our shit!"

Mac nodded eagerly, though he couldn't help but eye the impressive booths nearby. "Yeah, dude! We're right here, in the heart of all the action. This is where the fans are gonna flock!"

Dee, savoring the Maleficent persona, chimed in, "You know, I'm really feeling this costume, guys. I might just stay in character all day. Watch out, world, Maleficent is here!"

Dennis, still fiddling with the oversized Donald Duck hat, couldn't hide his discontent. He muttered, "I should be Goofy, the lovable, carefree character. Instead, I'm stuck being a sailor duck with anger management issues."

Charlie, ever the optimist and always prepared to lighten the mood, ducked under the not-so-well-put-together booth and emerged with a couple of beers in hand. He offered one to Dennis with a grin. "Come on, Dennis! Embrace it! You can be the coolest, most sophisticated duck at this whole convention!"

Dennis raised an eyebrow but accepted the beer, taking a sip. "Sophisticated, huh? Well, I suppose I can make Donald look good. At least I've got the charm to pull it off."

Mac, who had been quietly scanning the convention floor, suddenly perked up. "Guys, check it out! There's a whole Kingdom Hearts section over there! I see posters, figurines, and some amazing Keyblade replicas."

Dee, still relishing her Maleficent persona, joined the conversation. "Well, that's perfect, isn't it? We're in Kingdom Hearts costumes! We should go check it out later and maybe get some ideas for our booth."

Charlie nodded enthusiastically, taking another swig of his beer. "Absolutely! And, you know, we should totally invite those Kingdom Hearts fans over here. They'll love our stuff. Maybe even buy some."

Dennis, ever the one to spot an opportunity, chimed in, "That's not a bad idea, actually. We might make a few bucks from those fans. And if there's one thing I know how to do, it's sell stuff."

The Gang continued to discuss their Comic Con strategy as they sipped their beers, their conversation weaving in and out of topics ranging from potential profits to the quirks of convention-goers. They watched as attendees in a dazzling array of costumes strolled past their booth.

Charlie couldn't help but admire a group of cosplayers dressed as Final Fantasy characters. "You know, I've always wanted to cosplay as Cloud Strife. That guy's a legend."

Mac, the eternal fanboy, chimed in, "Oh, man! I'd totally rock a Sephiroth costume. He's, like, the ultimate villain."

Dee leaned into her Maleficent role, a wicked glint in her eye. "Well, villains can be pretty awesome too. But you know who I'd love to cosplay as? Harley Quinn. She's got that perfect mix of crazy and charismatic."

Dennis, still nursing his beer and his Donald Duck costume, couldn't resist the opportunity to tease. "You'd make a great Harley, Dee. Crazy and charismatic in spades."

Dee rolled her eyes at Dennis's comment, her Maleficent persona momentarily replaced by an exasperated sister. Banter had always been the glue that held The Gang together, even in the oddest of situations.

Charlie, always the one to keep an eye on the bigger picture, glanced around their makeshift booth and furrowed his brow. "Hey, guys, where's Frank? He's been gone for a while."

Just as Charlie voiced his concern, Frank Reynolds emerged from seemingly out of nowhere, grumbling and fidgeting in his Shadow Heartless morph suit. Frank draped in his Shadow Heartless morph suit, cut a comically bizarre figure amidst the convention's colorful chaos. The tight, black material clung to his form with a tenacity that suggested it might burst at any moment. Frank's round belly seemed to strain against the constraints of the suit, causing it to bunch up in awkward places, like an oversized, misshapen raisin.

The suit was intended to mimic the Heartless creatures from the Kingdom Hearts video game, but Frank's interpretation veered into the realm of unintentional absurdity. His head, sporting a wig of disheveled gray hair, protruded oddly from the suit's neck hole, resembling a gourd that had been forced into a too-small container. The suit's arms and legs twisted and contorted as Frank moved, creating the impression of a wobbly inflatable tube man at a used car dealership.

Frank's costume was a testament to his peculiar imagination and his penchant for embracing the bizarre with unbridled enthusiasm. Despite the questionable aesthetics, Frank was clearly having a blast, undeterred by the impracticality of his attire.

Charlie and Mac, who were no strangers to Frank's wild antics, couldn't help but laugh uproariously at the sight of their friend in the ridiculous getup. They exchanged amused glances, finding humor in Frank's commitment to the unconventional.

Dee and Dennis, on the other hand, couldn't resist poking fun at Frank's appearance. Dee quipped, "Frank, you look like a cross between a deflated balloon and a raisin that's seen better days."

Dennis, sipping his beer and still adjusting his oversized Donald Duck costume, added, "I've seen some bizarre costumes in my time, but this takes the cake."

Frank simply shrugged off the teasing with a grin, his beady eyes glinting with mischief. To him, the costume was just another eccentric adventure in a long history of outrageous exploits.

"So, how's the booth coming along, huh? Any customers yet?" Asked Frank, trying to make himself comfortable in his costume.

Dee shrugged and glanced around, "We just opened, Frank. Give it some time. People will come."

Frank grumbled something under his breath and then had a revelation. He reached for a stack of Comic Con After Party flyers, the corner of his mouth curling into a mischievous grin.

"You know what we need? We need to get the word out, make this party a hit for tonight. I'm gonna head out and hand these flyers to every nerd and geek in this place."

Charlie, always one to embrace Frank's hairbrained schemes, clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit, Frank! We'll make this party legendary!"

As Frank shuffled away in his uncomfortable Heartless suit, clutching a stack of flyers, the rest of The Gang returned to their booth preparations, the banter continuing as they tried to attract the attention of convention-goers. Little did they know that Frank's flyer-distributing escapade would lead to unexpected consequences and a new layer of chaos in their already chaotic day at the convention.

***OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTRE***

Outside the bustling Pennsylvania Convention Center, a diverse array of fans dressed as their favorite characters from video games, anime and comics made their way toward the entrance. The excitement in the air was palpable as they anticipated a day filled with adventure, imagination, and a healthy dose of fandom.

As the crowd approached the convention center, a spectacle unlike any other unfolded before their eyes. A massive portal, radiant and shimmering with otherworldly energy, materialized in the midst of the crowd. It was a breathtaking display of special effects, one that seemed perfectly in line with the Comic Con experience.

Gasps of awe and amazement rippled through the onlookers as they marveled at the portal's grandeur. Some attendees cheered, believing it to be an extraordinary part of the convention's immersive atmosphere.

"It's like something out of a blockbuster movie!" one fan exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "The special effects this year are off the charts!"

Others took out their phones to capture the mesmerizing sight, eager to share it on social media. Hashtags like #ComicConPortal and #EpicEntrance began trending in real-time as attendees shared their experiences.

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, who had just stepped through the portal, looked around in a mixture of astonishment and confusion. The crowd's reactions were not what they had expected.

A young cosplayer dressed as Spider-Man approached them, his enthusiasm contagious. "Hey, awesome entrance, guys! Your costumes are fricking amazing!"

Terra exchanged a bewildered glance with Aqua and Ventus, still trying to make sense of their surroundings. "Costumes? Entrance?"

Another fan, dressed as Link from The Legend of Zelda, chimed in, "Yeah, seriously! You guys nailed it with the whole portal thing! I've never seen anything like it."

Ventus leaned in close to Terra and Aqua, whispering, "Where are we? This place is unlike anything we've ever seen before."

Aqua nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd. "I'm not sure, Ventus, but one thing is certain—we need to find out if Sora is here. If this is a world of fiction, there's a chance he might be trapped somewhere within it."

As more cosplayers approached, offering compliments and asking about their "costumes," the three Keyblade wielders couldn't help but feel increasingly bewildered. They were in a world that seemed like a blend of fantasy and reality, where fiction melded seamlessly with the tangible.

Terra finally mustered a response to the enthusiastic fans. "Uh, thanks."

The crowd cheered in response, clearly pleased with their commitment to the convention experience.

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchanged glances, finding some solace in the fact that their own costumes seemed to fit right in with this peculiar gathering of cosplayers.

Terra quipped, "At least we don't stand out too much here."

Approaching a group of cosplayers decked out as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Wario, the trio politely greeted them. Aqua ventured, "Excuse us, but we're a bit disoriented. Can you tell us where we are and what's happening here?"

Mario, his mustache perfectly in place, chuckled and replied, "Well, you're at Comic Con, of course! It's the biggest gathering of fans, geeks, and nerds from all over. We dress up as our favorite characters and have a blast!"

Luigi, adjusting his green cap, chimed in, "Yeah, it's all about celebrating our love for comics, video games, and pop culture. And your costumes, by the way, are pretty spot on!"

Ventus seized the opportunity to inquire about their missing friend. "Have any of you seen our friend Sora? He's got spiky hair, a black jacket, and a Keyblade."

Mario, adopting a playful tone, retorted, "Oh, you mean the guy with the big shoes, baggy pants, and a thing for oversized keys? Yeah, we've seen about a dozen of 'em already!"

Luigi joined in with a grin. "Yeah, lots of Soras running around. You won't have any trouble finding him."

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchanged puzzled glances once again, realizing that the situation was even more convoluted than they had initially thought.

The Princess Peach cosplayer couldn't resist complimenting the Wayfinder Trio once more, saying, "Your costumes are amazing! You look like you just jumped right out of 'Birth by Sleep.'"

Terra exchanged baffled looks with Aqua and Ventus. "Birth by what?"

"Ummm, it's a video game." Replied the Luigi cosplayer, looking in bewilderment at the three's behavior.

Aqua, equally puzzled, echoed Terra's sentiment. "Video game? What are you talking about?"

The Wario cosplayer, now growing slightly concerned, asked, "Are you three high or something? You're literally dressed as video game characters from the Kingdom Hearts series—Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, the Wayfinder Trio."

"Surely you have to be fans right, if you're dressed like that." Mario cosplayer responded, also looking rather concerned.

It was like a punch to the gut, and the trio's confusion reached an all-time high. They stared at each other, their minds racing to comprehend the absurdity of the situation. Terra muttered, "Video game characters... in a world of fiction?"

Aqua's eyes widened as realization dawned on her. "Wait a minute! We're in a dimension where we're not real, but fictional characters from a video game!"

Ventus blinked in disbelief, still trying to process the revelation. "So, we're... not real?"

Mario, apparently unfazed by their existential crisis, casually suggested, "You might want to lay off the drugs and get inside. Experience the wonders of the convention for yourselves."

As the Mario group disappeared into the colorful sea of convention-goers, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus remained rooted to the spot, their minds whirling with confusion and uncertainty. The revelation that they were now part of a "video game" world, a dimension of fiction, left them feeling disoriented and adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Terra scratched his head, his expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "I never thought I'd live to see the day when I'd question my own existence."

Aqua, always the pragmatic one, took a deep breath and said, "We need to find Sora. That's our top priority. Maybe once we're inside, we can find answers about this 'video game' world."

Ventus, still coming to terms with the bizarre twist of fate, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's not get distracted. Sora could be in here somewhere, and we can't afford to waste any time."

With a shared determination to unravel the mysteries of this unconventional dimension and locate their missing friend, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus made their way toward the entrance of the convention center. Inside those doors lay a world of wonders, where the lines between fiction and reality were blurred, and where the next chapter of their peculiar journey awaited.

As they reached the front door, a burly security guard towered before them, arms crossed and a hint of skepticism in his eyes. He looked at the trio and raised an eyebrow. "Tickets, folks. You need tickets to enter.

Terra scratched his head in genuine confusion. "Tickets? We don't have tickets. How much are they?"

The security guard's voice dripped with sarcasm as he replied, "Well, tickets are forty bucks each, and twenty for the kid," he said, pointing at Ventus.

Aqua furrowed her brow, her patience wearing thin. "We have munny. Does that count?"

The security guard let out a hearty laugh that echoed through the grand entrance. "Munny? Seriously? We don't take munny here, folks. It's cash or nothing."

Ventus, who had remained relatively quiet during the exchange, couldn't help but feel slighted by the guard's dismissive tone. He muttered, "Is there anything else we can do to get inside?"

The security guard leaned in closer, his sarcastic grin growing wider. "Well, you could try wishing upon a star or looking for a magic carpet ride, but I doubt that'll work either. So, are you gonna buy tickets or just stand there looking confused?"

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchanged resigned glances, understanding that their appearance as characters from a video game had led to the security guard's assumption that they were simply cosplayers. Ventus couldn't help but express their sense of urgency once more.

"But, we need to find our friend, Sora, who could be inside."

The security guard, still in a sarcastic mood, rolled his eyes and waved them off dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, good luck with that. Now beat it, you're holding up the line."

As Terra, Aqua, and Ventus moved away from the entrance, their determination to find Sora burning brighter than ever, Ventus couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief.

"This is insane. We need to find Sora, not deal with sarcastic security guards." Ventus said, looking at Terra and Aqua.

Terra shared Ventus's frustration but maintained a level head. "We can't let this setback deter us. We have to find another way inside. Let's look around for any other entrances or opportunities to get in."

Aqua nodded in agreement, scanning the area for any potential solutions. "And remember, if anyone asks about our costumes, just play along. We need to blend in until we find Sora."

The trio started their exploration of the convention center's perimeter, their eyes scanning for any signs of an alternative entrance. Ventus, with his sharp instincts, suddenly pointed toward a cracked-open fire exit door. It was a fortunate find, with a convention worker standing outside, taking a cigarette break with his back turned to the door. He was grumbling audibly about having to work today and his less-than-favorable opinion of his boss.

Terra and Aqua exchanged impressed glances before praising Ventus for his keen observation. "Nice find, Ven," Terra whispered. "Let's take this opportunity to slip inside before someone spots us."

Ventus grinned, pleased with his discovery, and the three of them approached the fire exit door with caution. The disgruntled worker continued to mutter profanities under his breath, oblivious to their presence. His colorful language included phrases like "boss is a dipshit" and "working today sucks."

Aqua, overhearing the worker's complaints, couldn't help but comment to her companions, "That's some rather colorful vocabulary he's got there."

Ventus, ever the inquisitive one, turned to Terra and asked, "What's a 'dipshit,' Terra?"

Terra smirked and chuckled softly, leaning in to reply, "I'll explain it to you when you're a bit older, Ven."

With that, the trio silently slipped through the partially open fire exit door and entered the bustling heart of the convention center, ready to find Sora and learn more about this world they are in.

***INSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTRE***

As Terra, Aqua, and Ventus slipped through the partially open fire exit door, they were instantly engulfed by the spectacular chaos of the convention center's interior. The sight that greeted them was unlike anything they had ever experienced in all their travels through various worlds.

The convention was a riot of color and creativity, with fans and cosplayers in extravagant costumes representing their favorite characters from video games, comics, and movies. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a palpable sense of devotion to the art of fandom.

Ventus's eyes widened in awe as he took in the spectacle. "This is incredible!" he exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it!"

Terra and Aqua couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer commitment and attention to detail of the convention-goers. "It's like they've stepped right out of the worlds they love," Aqua marveled.

Just as they were admiring a group of cosplayers dressed as iconic Storm Troopers from the Star Wars universe, one of the Storm Troopers playfully approached the Wayfinder Trio. His voice was muffled by the helmet, but his enthusiasm was unmistakable.

"Hey there, fellow travelers of the multiverse!" The Storm Trooper greeted them, his comrades nodding in agreement. "Nice costumes you got there! You guys must be new here."

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchanged amused glances and played along, knowing that blending in was key to their mission. Terra nodded and replied, "Yeah, we just arrived. It's our first time at a convention like this."

The Storm Trooper removed his helmet, revealing a friendly smile underneath. "Well, you're in for a treat! This place is a treasure trove of fandom. You'll find characters from every corner of the galaxy here. Who are you guys cosplaying as?"

Aqua gestured to their costumes, answering, "We're Terra, Aqua, and Ventus from the Kingdom Hearts series."

The Storm Trooper and his companions exchanged knowing nods. "Ah, Kingdom Hearts fans! Good choice. We've seen a bunch of Soras running around today. You'll fit right in."

Ventus perked up at the mention of Sora, his eagerness shining through his eyes. "You've seen Sora? Where is he? Our friend is here, and we need to find him."

One of the Stormtroopers leaned in and shared a helpful tip. "You might want to head over to the Square Enix stand. It's the publisher behind Kingdom Hearts, so you might have some luck finding your friend there."

Aqua nodded appreciatively. "Thank you. We'll check it out."

Another Stormtrooper chimed in with an intriguing offer. "By the way, you guys should enter the best costume contest. The prize is a thousand bucks and a meet and greet with Mark Hamill himself!"

Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchanged excited glances at the prospect of winning the contest. "That sounds interesting! Where do we sign up?" Terra asked.

The Stormtroopers handed them a map of the convention venue, pointing to a designated registration booth on the paper. "Right there. Good luck, and may the best costume win!"

With the map in Aqua's hand and a newfound sense of purpose, the Wayfinder Trio discussed their next steps. Ventus, still buzzing with excitement, couldn't help but wonder aloud about the mysterious Mark Hamill.

"Who is this Mark Hamill? He must be really popular if they're offering a meet and greet with him as a prize." Ventus quipped, with excitement in his voice.

Aqua nodded in agreement, intrigued by the prospect. "We'll have to find out more about him later. But for now, let's get moving. We should sign up for the costume contest and then make our way to the Square Enix stand to inquire about Sora."

Terra, always the pragmatist, added, "And remember, we need to blend in and act like we belong here. We don't want to draw any unnecessary attention."

With their plan set and a sense of anticipation in the air, the Wayfinder Trio set off deeper into the convention center. As they weaved through the throngs of enthusiastic fans and cosplayers, they couldn't help but feel a growing excitement about the adventures and surprises that lay ahead in this unconventional world of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

***FRANK'S MISSION***

Frank, dressed in his uncomfortably tight Shadow Heartless morph suit, had embarked on his mission to promote the after party at Paddy's Pub. As he wandered through the convention floor, his discomfort was evident from the way he constantly shifted and adjusted the ill-fitting costume.

People couldn't help but chuckle and point at Frank as he passed by. One cosplayer dressed as a giant Chocobo even let out a mocking "kweh" as Frank lumbered past. Frank shot the Chocobo cosplayer a dirty look, muttering to himself about his costume choice.

"Why the hell did I go for this stupid Heartless thing?" he grumbled under his breath. "I should've picked something cooler, like a Jedi or a superhero."

As he handed out flyers for the Paddy's Pub after party, Frank's annoyance grew with every chaffed step. One convention-goer took a leaflet and asked, "Is the party at that dive downtown?"

Frank's eyes narrowed, and he couldn't let the comment slide. "Dive?" he snapped, his irritation reaching its peak. Without warning, he swung his foot and delivered a swift kick to the guy's shin.

The recipient of Frank's wrath winced in pain, clutching his leg. "Hey, what the fuck? What is your problem, man?"

Frank didn't bother responding. He simply continued on his way, muttering to himself about the audacity of some people. His quest to promote the after party had taken an unexpected turn, but Frank was determined to see it through, no matter how uncomfortable or absurd his costume might be.

In the midst of his growing discomfort, Frank suddenly stopped in his tracks and announced, "I need to go change. This is getting unbearable, and I can feel this suit riding up my ass."

As Frank turned to leave, grumbling about the impracticality of his costume, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus observed from a distance. They had noticed the Heartless-like figure from afar, and now, up close, it appeared different from the Heartless they were familiar with.

Ventus pointed out the peculiar Heartless-like figure as Frank grumbled and shuffled away. "Guys, check that out. Why does that Heartless look so... round and lumpy?"

Terra squinted, his brows furrowing. "You're right. It doesn't look like any Heartless I've seen before."

Aqua, always attentive to detail, added, "And it's acting strangely, too. Heartless are usually aggressive and menacing, but that one just seems... lost."

The trio exchanged baffled glances, and their conversation took on a comically puzzled tone as they tried to make sense of the situation.

Ventus scratched his head beneath his Wayfinder hood. "Maybe it's a special, non-aggressive Heartless cosplay?"

Aqua raised an eyebrow. "A cosplay... of a Heartless? That's a bit bizarre, even for this world."

Terra chimed in, "Maybe it's trying to blend in with the convention-goers. You know, like we are."

Aqua nodded slowly. "But why would someone dress up as a Heartless at a convention? It doesn't make sense."

As they continued to speculate, the Heartless in question waddled off, its awkward gait causing it to bump into a cardboard cutout of a popular video game character. The cutout teetered dangerously, and the trio watched in surprise as the Heartless clumsily steadied it.

Ventus couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, this is officially the weirdest Heartless encounter ever. It just saved a cardboard cutout."

Terra chuckled, shaking his head. "I never thought I'd see the day when we'd be puzzled by a Heartless with manners."

Aqua added with a grin, "Well, whether it's a Heartless or not, it doesn't hurt to investigate. We're here to find Sora, after all."

As the Wayfinder Trio approached the Heartless-like figure, they couldn't help but wonder what they had stumbled upon. Were they dealing with a Heartless in an unconventional setting, or was this just another eccentric convention-goer?

Summoning their Keyblades, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus stepped forward, their determination to stop any potential threat evident. "Stop right there!" Terra called out, his Keyblade poised for action.

The Heartless-like figure, in reality, Frank Reynolds struggling in his morph suit, turned around to face them. Upon seeing the trio armed with Keyblades, he was momentarily taken aback.

The surrounding convention-goers, however, seemed unfazed. One person in the crowd even commented, "I love legitimate theater."

Frank, not one to back down from a challenge or an opportunity, took a step forward and addressed the trio with an air of mock malevolence. "You geeks got a problem?"

"Sorry, Mr." Ventus apologized. "We thought you were a real Heartless."

"We apologize sir for the inconvenience." Terra chimed in with regret in his voice.

Frank, however, responded in his usual sarcastic manner, not yet realizing the trio's unique origins. "What are you guys on, crack?"

Aqua couldn't help but roll her eyes, muttering to Terra, "What is this world's obsession with drug references?"

Terra shrugged at the comment, but he too was wondering why this dimension of fiction was obsessed with referencing drugs.

But just as Frank continued to exchange words with them, his eyes locked onto the Keyblades the Wayfinder Trio held. Recognition sparked in his mind as he connected the weapons to that "dumb game" Mac and Charlie were obsessed with.

"Wait a minute," Frank exclaimed, a scheming glint in his eye. "Are you three yahoos part of that 'Hearts of Kingdoms' game?"

Terra, feeling the need to maintain their cover as committed cosplayers, decided to go along with Frank's misconception. "You mean Kingdom Hearts? Yes, that's right."

Frank's mind began to churn with possibilities. If he could somehow get these three cosplayers to visit his stand at the convention, it might draw in more customers and their money. And the prospect of having them attend the party later, believing them to be super committed to their cosplay, seemed like a goldmine.

"Ok, let's see if the intel Mac and Charlie gave me works here". Frank thought, looking at the three Keyblade wielders with interest.

The Wayfinder Trio exchanged perplexed glances as they watched Frank, who was now attempting to channel his inner Heartless with less-than-impressive results. His exaggerated gestures and theatrical menacing were met with raised eyebrows and bemused smirks from the surrounding convention-goers.

Ventus couldn't help but voice his confusion. "What is he doing?"

Aqua suppressed a chuckle as she observed Frank's comical attempts at being menacing. "I have no idea, Ven, but it's rather embarrassing."

Their confusion only deepened when a convention-goer dressed as Goku offered his interpretation. "I think that fat guy wants you to play along."

Terra couldn't hide his disbelief. "Seriously?"

Undeterred, Frank pressed on, determined to make the most of this peculiar encounter. With a newfound sense of enthusiasm, he gestured toward the Wayfinder Trio, seemingly challenging them. "Bring it on, you video game nerds! Catch me if you can!"

And with that, Frank darted off into the crowded convention floor, his Heartless act leaving much to be desired. The Wayfinder Trio, still trying to make sense of the situation, watched as Frank weaved his way through the convention-goers.

Ventus turned to his companions, uncertainty in his eyes. "Should we follow him?"

Aqua shrugged, equally uncertain about the course of action. "I'm not sure, but he might be connected to Square Enix somehow. It's worth checking out."

Terra nodded in agreement. "Let's follow him discreetly. We need to get to the bottom of this, and it might lead us closer to finding Sora."

The Wayfinder Trio hurriedly followed the short, round Heartless impersonator, their Keyblades in hand, through the crowded convention floor. They weaved and dodged their way through a sea of convention-goers dressed as characters ranging from Thor to Zelda, to Jill Valentine and Fred Flintsone.

Passersby couldn't help but offer compliments on their intricate costumes, and one enthusiastic Cloud Strife cosplayer even cheered them on, shouting, "Catch that Heartless!"

Despite their best efforts, Frank's surprising agility left the Wayfinder Trio baffled. Terra, somewhat out of breath, quipped, "How the hell is he this fast?"

Aqua, struggling to keep pace, managed a light chuckle. "Perhaps it's a secret Heartless ability."

The chase led them through the bustling convention, with humorous encounters at every turn. A Star Wars fan in a Chewbacca costume tried to give Terra a bear hug, Deadpool challenged Ventus to a dance-off, and an overly enthusiastic Batman fan took a selfie with Aqua, exclaiming, "You'd make a great Batgirl!"

Amid the laughter and chaos, the Wayfinder Trio found themselves approaching the Paddy's Bar stand. Business at the booth was dreadfully slow, with Charlie idly flipping through a stack of flyers and Mac leaning against the makeshift counter, looking thoroughly bored. Dee and Dennis scrolled on their phones in boredom, with Dennis finding it difficult due to his costume's gigantic Donald Duck hands.

As Frank rushed toward them, his Heartless costume causing quite a scene, Charlie looked up and greeted him with a mischievous grin. "Frank, my man! What's the rush? Are you tripping on something good?"

Frank, still in the midst of his chase, panted heavily but managed to gasp out a response. "No time for that, Charlie. I've got some legit Kingdom Hearts cosplayers coming! We need 'em at the party!"

Mac, intrigued by the mention of Kingdom Hearts cosplayers, straightened up and pushed his Riku wig back. "Wait, seriously? Where are they?"

Just as Mac uttered those words, the Wayfinder Trio emerged from the commotion of the chase, standing before the heartless-costumed Frank. Aqua, Terra, and Ventus exchanged a glance before Terra stepped forward, addressing the man in the peculiar costume.

"What was all that about? Us chasing you?" Terra asked, wanting to know why they had to chase the small man across the busy and chaotic hall.

Ventus, always the curious one, added, "Do you enjoy acting or something?"

Charlie and Mac, who had been avidly discussing Kingdom Hearts just moments ago, now found themselves face to face with their idols, the Wayfinder Trio. Charlie, wide-eyed, nearly dropped the stack of flyers he'd been holding. "Holy shit, it's the Wayfinder Trio."

Mac couldn't contain his enthusiasm, either. "Fucking sweet costumes!"

The Wayfinder Trio, staying in character, nodded appreciatively. "Thanks! We're big fans of Kingdom Hearts," Ventus replied, looking at Charlie and Mac. "You guys must enjoy the game too."

Charlie, still starstruck, could only manage a breathless, "Yeah, we love it!"

"Been a fan for years!" Mac replied in excitement.

Dee and Dennis continued to share bewildered glances as they watched Frank, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus exchange words. Dee couldn't resist muttering, "Where the hell did Frank find them?"

Dennis, equally perplexed, replied, "I have no idea, but they look amazing."

Terra, still a bit puzzled by the whole ordeal, looked down at the heartless-costumed Frank and politely asked, "So, what was the chase about, sir?"

Frank, wearing a mischievous grin, shook his head. "Don't call me 'sir'; call me Frank." He then introduced the gang to the Wayfinder Trio.

Aqua offered a friendly greeting, saying, "Nice to meet you all, but what was with the chase across the convention?"

Frank couldn't help but smile, appreciating their directness. "Well, kids, I wanted you to be part of our stand and our party later. Your costumes and those fancy key weapons are awesome. They'd drive in tons of business."

Terra, while understanding the scheme, couldn't help but point out, "You could have just come up and asked like a normal person."

Dee dressed up as Maleficent chimed in, saying, "Frank is no normal person."

Ventus, who had been listening attentively, spoke up, "We're actually here to find our friend, Sora. Could you guys help us?"

Mac, with a mischievous glint in his eye, pointed to Charlie, who was dressed as Sora and holding his makeshift Keyblade. "Found him."

Charlie raised his prop Keyblade dramatically and declared, "My friends are my power!"

The Wayfinder Trio exchanged amused glances as Charlie's impression of Sora unfolded before them, playing along with his dramatic proclamation. Ventus grinned and said, "It's almost like Sora himself is here."

Mac, still in his Riku costume, leaned in and added, "Yeah, good one, Charlie."

Dennis, dressed as Donald Duck, chimed in, "Honestly, guys, your help would be invaluable for our booth. Business has been shit."

Aqua, always the cautious one, inquired, "And what's going to happen at this party you mentioned?"

Charlie, visibly excited, handed them a flyer and eagerly explained, "Oh, it's going to be amazing! We'll have drinks, karaoke, food, music, and all sorts of collectibles to buy and trade. It's like a nerd's paradise."

Frank, always up for a scheme, chimed in with enthusiasm, "Yeah, you kids in?"

Terra, taking the lead, thought for a moment and said, "It sounds like a lot of fun. But first, we need your help to find our friend. If you can help us with that, we'll gladly attend your party."

"You kids have a deal." Frank said with a smile, looking upwards to Terra.

Frank extended his hand to Terra, sealing the deal with a firm shake. Aqua, always one to stay focused on their mission, reminded the gang about their original goal.

"We were told to attend the Square Enix stand to find our friend Sora," she said. "Do any of you know where it is?"

Charlie, ever enthusiastic, chimed in, "Oh, I know where that is!"

Mac, equally confident, added, "Yeah, follow me, I've got this."

Frank grinned at the pair. "Great! Charlie, Mac, take our new friends to the Square Enix stand. Dee, Dennis, and I will hold down the fort here and make sure to tell our customers that we've got three Keyblade wielders attending the party later."

Ventus, grateful for their assistance, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, we won't let you down."

Dee handed the trio a stack of additional flyers. "Here, take these and give them out to other cosplayers you meet."

Dennis, always eager for an opportunity, chimed in, "Yeah, that's a great idea, Dee."

Frank, ever the showman, declared with a grin, "Perfect! Now go out there and promote our party. May the force be with you!"

The Wayfinder Trio exchanged puzzled glances, and Charlie couldn't resist correcting him,

"Wrong franchise, Frank." Charlie said with embarrassment. "Sorry guys, Frank isn't a Kingdom Heart mega fan like me."

"Just go and promote the hell out of this stand and party, bring us some customers and their money!" Frank quipped, looking to the Gang's new friends.

Charlie and Mac led the Wayfinder Trio through the bustling convention, their enthusiasm for the Kingdom Hearts franchise evident in every step. They chatted animatedly about their favorite moments from the games, with Charlie doing his best Sora impression, much to the amusement of their new friends.

However, lurking in the shadows, an unknown figure in a black coat watched the group closely. The unknown figure stood concealed within the shadows, their presence barely discernible amidst the bustling crowd of convention-goers. Their attire, a long, ominous black coat, seemed out of place in a sea of colorful and flamboyant costumes.

As they observed the Wayfinder Trio and their guides, Charlie and Mac, the figure's lips curled into a sinister smile. Their eyes, shining ominously from within the hood's depths, gleamed with a malevolent intent.

In a voice that carried an eerie, otherworldly quality, they muttered to themselves, "Time to bring a touch of real chaos to this madness."

With a swift, deliberate motion, they raised a gloved hand, fingers adorned with dark, twisted designs. Shadows coalesced around them, forming a swirling vortex of darkness that enveloped their form. In an instant, they were gone, vanished into the abyss of a dark portal.

The ominous presence left behind an air of foreboding, a subtle disturbance in the lively atmosphere of the convention. Unbeknownst to the Wayfinder Trio and their newfound friends, a new player had entered the stage, and their motives remained shrouded in mystery, ready to unleash chaos upon the unconventional world they now inhabited.