Aris's eyes fluttered open. He felt bandages covering his bare chest, as well as one wrapped around his forehead. He rose to a seated position, looking around.

Filo was in her Filolial form on one end of the room, with Ness, Cloud, Sora, and Loretta all napping against her feathers. Raphtalia slept in a chair next to the bed in which Aris sat.

"Everyone?" he said. "I'm...I'm awake now."

Everyone's heads lifted, their faces lighting up at the sight of their awoken friend.

"Papa!" Filo immediately shifted to her human form, jumping onto the bed and tackling her surrogate father in a hug.

"Heh, took you long enough," said Ness. "Welcome back to the land of the living."

"What...What happened?" asked Aris.

"You got hit by that blast from your finishing move against Jafar," Sora explained. You were...really badly burned. Barely breathing. The queen had you brought to a royal clinic."

"How long have I been unconscious?" asked Aris.

"Hmm..." Cloud thought for a moment. "Three days. Give or take a few hours."

"And...how long am I going to be in here?" Aris questioned.

Loretta sighed. "I knew this question would come up. The queen..."

"She said you'd be in here for about a month," Raphtalia finished.

Aris gasped. His eyes widened to the size of saucers. "A month!? But...my wounds are completely healed."

"The flames from the explosion did more than just burn you," said Raphtalia. "Time is the only treatment for the full extent of the damage."

A nurse entered the room. "We're here to change the bandages on the Swordsman Shield Hero, I daresay," she explained.

"Wait," said Ness. "Someone just did that not long before he woke up."

"You're not a nurse." Aris pointed to her. "You're one of the queen's spies."

As if on cue, the queen herself walked in, clad in a regal gown, her mouth covered by a hand fan. "I came as fast as I could the moment I was informed of your awakening," she said. The queen closed her fan. "I'm relieved your life is no longer in danger."

She walked into the room. "Allow me to reintroduce myself, since...you weren't entirely conscious the first time. I am Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc, sovereign ruler of this land."

"There was...another part, was there not?" said Aris.

The queen nodded. "Correct. I am also..." She held out her hand, summoning a familiar weapon. "...a Keyblade Master." The Keyblade disappeared from her hand.

"Y-Your Majesty..." Raphtalia bowed, "you saved Aris's life. I...I can't thank you enough."

Queen Mirellia smiled at the Demi-Human. "Well, I couldn't just let him die. After all, he is a Cardinal Hero who protects this world."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty," said Aris, "...your people don't seem to appreciate me as much as you do. Ever since I was summoned, I've been framed and blamed for everything."

"Indeed," agreed the queen, "and I owe you an explanation. Come onto the balcony with me. Your friends may follow."

Everyone joined Queen Mirellia on the balcony adjacent Aris's room.

"I was far away from Melromarc at a summit with the other world leaders to determine the best course of action against the coming Waves when things took a turn for the worse," she explained. "At this summit, it was decided that the four major nations - Melromarc, Zeltoble, Shieldfreeden, and Siltvelt - would all summon one Cardinal Hero each. With that, all four of us would be able to work together to combat the Waves." Her hand clenched the railing of the balcony. "But by the time that decision was reached, Melromarc's temporary leadership - my husband - had already elected to summon all four Cardinal Heroes here. This...made the other nations furious. I was forced to travel the world to extinguish the proverbial flames."

"So, your garbage heap of a husband and whore of an elder daughter summoned us here all on their own?" asked Aris.

Queen Mirellia nodded. "They were not even supposed to be able to make such a decision. I tried my hardest to keep things under control by leaving control of the kingdom in the hands of a trustworthy lord while I was away, but...he was killed in the first Wave. He was the kind and just lord of the Sayette province."

"Sayette..." Aris recognized the name. "That would explain a lot." He glanced at Raphtalia, who looked rather crestfallen.

Queen Mirellia spoke to Aris as he looked at Raphtalia. "You...seem rather concerned for her. Is there, perhaps...something going on between the two of you?"

Both Aris and Raphtalia turned bright red. "N-Nothing!" they exclaimed in unison.

The queen giggled. "I'm sure that will soon change."

"A-Anyway," said Aris, hurriedly changing the subject, "why was I the only one who was subjected to that?"

Queen Mirellia retained her seriousness. "Aultcray already had his own reasons for despising the Shield. The Church took advantage of that while under their hypnosis. Malty made things worse by attempting to ensnare you the way she did...as well as conspiring with the forces of evil - that is, Maleficent."

"Hold on," Sora interjected, "how do you know about Maleficent?"

"My spies are everywhere," replied the queen.

"In any case," said Aris, "I would wager things would have played out differently if another country had summoned me."

"Indeed," agreed the queen. "Especially if you had been summoned into Siltvelt. Demi-Humans rule there, and the Shield Hero is worshipped like a god."

Aris winced. "I don't like the idea of being worshipped. But...perhaps traveling to a kingdom in which people actually find favor in me would be beneficial."

"If you do choose to leave," said Queen Mirellia, "Melromarc has no right to stop you. But first...I promise that I shall clear your name and put an end to the humiliation to which you have been subjugated. You have been a social pariah in my kingdom for far too long. And, of course, as a reward for fighting against the Waves and sealing Jafar, we shall offer you the greatest reward we have, as well as a financial bonus of five hundred gold coins."

"Yes!" Ness cheered. "We'll be makin' it rain!"

"Lastly, Aris," said the queen, "there is...something I wish to speak to you about. Alone."

Aris turned to his friends. "If you all would?"

Raphtalia nodded. She and the others went back inside.

"What do you think?" asked the queen once the others had left. "Is this reward sufficient?"

"It is," said Aris, "but I have an inkling that there's a catch you intentionally neglected to mention."

"You're perceptive," the queen commended. "At this point, without your help, Melromarc has almost no hope of surviving our uncertain future."

"I'm afraid I can't stay in this country," said Aris. "From this point onward, I'm going to go wherever the Waves and Maleficent's minions go, so that I can fight them properly. I believe that this is the best way to fight them off and protect the world from destruction."

The queen lowered her head. "...Understood. With that taken care of, how are you faring in terms of recovery?"

"I feel quite a bit better," replied Aris.

"Splendid," said the queen. "Would you be willing to consider a visit to the castle tomorrow?"

"Why?' asked Aris.

"For the opportunity to clear your name," she answered. "Besides, King Aultcray and Princess Malty..."

The wind howled around them, drowning out Queen Mirellia's voice to any but Aris.

"...aside from myself," said the queen, "you are the only one aware of this. And...regardless of whether or not you stay here, their fates will not change."

Aris's eyes widened at her. "Your Majesty..." he said. "I...Look, as much as I'd love to see that happen to them, they're...they're your husband and daughter."

Queen Mirellia looked out over the capital city. "As much as I loathe to do this," she said, "their actions must have consequences. Their sins and crimes are so grave that not even I can save them. Anyway, all the other people know is that an important announcement will be made tomorrow. They have been instructed to gather outside the castle if they wish to hear it firsthand. And...to be frank, your presence would be useful, if not essential. Of course, I do understand that this is hardly adequate enough recompense for your horrid treatment. But...please."

She bowed at the waist before him.


"Ha! Scissors! I win!" FIlo cheered.

Sora slumped over in mock sadness. "Noooo!"

Meanwhile, Aris sat in bed with Raphtalia at his side. "What did Her Majesty want to talk to you about?" asked the Demi-Human.

"Nothing terribly important," replied Aris. "She said she wanted me to visit the castle tomorrow so she can clear my name before the people."

"Really!?" Raphtalia was overjoyed. "That's...That's wonderful!" Raphtalia tenderly gripped Aris's hand in both of hers.

"Ah...yeah." Aris blushed at the sudden contact.

"Now everyone in Melromarc will know just how wonderful you really are," said Raphtalia. Jubilant tears welled up in her eyes as she tightened her grip on Aris's hand. "I'm...I'm just...so happy..."

"As am I." Aris smiled at her, placing his hand atop hers.


The masses jeered and chanted, demanding to see the execution of two familiar public figures. Aris knew them well - the two people who had wronged him to the point of forcing him into hiding.

But the voices of the crowd were almost muffled, as though they were behind some transparent wall Aris could not see.

The convicts' heads were forced into the guillotines - one for each of them.

One of the convicts - an older man - looked at Aris with fury in his eyes.

Why are you looking at me like that? Aris thought. You brought this upon yourself.

And YOU... Aris looked at the other convict - a redheaded woman. You deserve much worse than death for what you've done.

A soldier cut the ropes of the guillotines.

The blades fell.


Aris shot up to a seated position with a gasp. He remained in bed; the bandages remained on his body.

"...A dream?" he said between pants of exhaustion.

"Ngh...Aris?" Raphtalia lifted her head with groggy eyes, seated in the chair next to Aris's bed. "Why are you up...? Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine," Aris replied.

"A-Are you sure?"

"We have to be awake fairly early tomorrow," Aris told her. "Sleep."

"Okay..." Raphtalia fell back into her slumber.


That morning, a massive crowd had gathered at the gates of Melromarc Castle.

A burly, mustachioed knight from Itsuki's party voiced his confusion and - to an extent - anger. "Hey, what's the big idea!?" he shouted. "The Shield Hero and his gang can get in, so why can't we!?"

A green-haired girl tried to soothe his anger. "P-Please calm down, Sir Mald!"

"Shut up!" Mald shouted at her.

Up on one of the nearby rooftops, three masked figures stood vigilant.

"Eugh..." said one of them - a male with black hair. "Something about mister burly mustache down there rubs me the wrong way."

"Do you think he might have a Palace, senpai?" asked his companion - a short girl with a red ponytail.

"Possible," replied the first.

"If he does, we may have to infiltrate," said the third masked figure - a small, bipedal, cat-like being with an unusually large head. "It's our job, after all."

"Think it could be a Jail?" asked the redhead.

"That might also be the case. Or he might not have one at all," said the cat being. "Only way to find out is to get closer to him and do some more recon."


"Quite the crowd outside," Loretta remarked.

"Hey, guys," said Filo. "We still haven't told the queen about what happened to Mel...do you think she'll be mad?"

"I mean, if her spies are as widespread as they seem," said Sora, "there's a chance she might already know."

"Well, once we finish doing whatever we have to do here," said Aris, "the first thing we're going to prioritize is looking for Melty."

He and his party ascended a flight of stairs to find Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki waiting for them.

"Aris!" said Itsuki. "Good to see you on your feet."

"I guess that exploding moon didn't take as much out of you as it seemed, huh?" Ren mused.

"Oh, I'm still somewhat sick," said Aris. "But I can move - and likely fight - just fine."

Motoyasu looked a little glum.

"Motoyasu?" asked Aris. "Is something wrong?"

"Yeah, Myne's been missing for almost a month now," replied the Spear Hero. "And...well, since this is her home, I started feeling worried about her again. I don't like it...I have this feeling that something bad's about to happen to her."

An old man in a suit - the royal advisor - approached. "Ah, the Cardinal Heroes have arrived," he said. "Please, come in. Her Majesty awaits you."

The Heroes - plus Aris's party - followed the advisor into the throne room, all standing together.

"The Four Cardinal Heroes, together at last," said the queen. "I thank you all for coming."

"Myne's still not here..." Motoyasu whispered to himself. "I thought she'd have returned to the castle or something."

"And I don't see the king, either," Itsuki pointed out.

The queen turned to two soldiers stationed at a door on the nearby wall. "Bring them in."

The soldiers opened the door to reveal Aultcray Melromarc XXXII and his daughter Malty - who, of course, was also known as Myne - in chains.

"Myne!" Motoyasu cried.

"S-Sir Motoyasu!" she sobbed.

"They have the king in chains," Ren noticed. "What's happening?"

"It should be obvious," the queen stated. "These two are criminals. Now, then. The trial of the foolish King Consort and the First Princess begins now."

"Mama, please!" Malty sobbed through fake tears. "Why...Why are you being so cruel!?"

"This is madness, I say!" Aultcray exclaimed. "My queen, what cause have you to do such a thing!?"

"With the Four Cardinal Heroes present, this trial seeks to bring punishment to those who shake this country to its core," Queen Mirellia declared. "As queen, I shall serve as judge."

"What!?" Aultcray yelled. "Don't tell me...has the Devil of Hyrule brainwashed you!?"

The queen summoned Permafrost. "Blizzaga."

A bolt of ice shot at Aultcray's feet, forming a prison around his body.

"The Swordsman Shield Hero has no such ability, and you know that," Queen Mirellia said firmly. "I can't believe I would even need to say such a thing."

A man in a robe stepped forward, carrying a bottle and some paintbrushes.

"To ensure a fair and honest trial," said the queen, "both defendants will be given a temporary Slave Crest."

Slave Crest...? Aris was confused for a moment before he remembered. That was what Raphtalia had when I first met her, wasn't it?

"How can you do that!?" Motoyasu yelled at the queen. "She's your daughter."

"And my daughter is also a pathological liar," the queen chided.

"No! No, I'm not!" Malty screamed, attempting and failing to resist her restraints. "I-I'm a good, honest girl! Please, mama!"

The robed man stepped toward Malty, who once again failed to resist. She received her Slave Crest without delay.

Aultcray, too, received one, though he offered no resistance.

"Let us officially begin the trial now," said Queen Mirellia. "Be advised - your crimes are clear for all to see. You cannot lie your way out of this."

"You can't convict them of squat without explanation!" Motoyasu interjected. "Besides, what 'crimes' are you claiming they committed?"

"I will start with a recent event," said the queen. "Under the hypnosis of a dark wizard by the name of Jafar, Pope Biscas T. Balmus of the former Three Heroes Church attempted to assassinate the Cardinal Heroes and frame the Swordsman Shield Hero for the deed, but was ultimately killed by Jafar himself in the attempt. Jafar was then bested in combat by the Heroes. We are rounding up the remnants of the former Three Heroes Church as we speak, offering them therapy and rehabilitation after the trauma of their deeds."

"What's that gotta do with anything!?" Motoyasu demanded.

"Appallingly," said the queen, "the King Consort and the First Princess colluded with the Church to murder the Swordsman Shield Hero. Are there any objections to this charge?"

"What reason would I have to collude with the Three Heroes Church!?" Malty yelled.

Nothing happened.

"Ha! Checkmate!" Motoyasu cheered. "She's innocent."

"Hm...alright, then," said the queen. "What of the dark wizard, Jafar? You colluded with him, did you not?"

"I don't even know anyone named-NGAAAAAHHHHH!" Malty's denial was cut off when her Slave Crest erupted in purple lightning, shocking her body.

Aris gasped. That must be what Slave Crests do when the person bearing one disobeys...

He admittedly wanted to rub his victory in Malty's face, but held back to keep up a somewhat professional front.

"To think the First Princess herself would try to overthrow the state..." said Queen Mirellia. "How appalling."

"I-I wouldn't!" Malty cried. "Forget the Shield! Jafar and the Church tried to kill the other three Heroes, too! They even kidnapped my dear little sister!"

The queen's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Melty. She remained composed, however.

Malty's Slave Crest did not shock her.

"See?" said Motoyasu. "She's innocent there."

"But what of your plan to hand Melty over to the witch Maleficent?" the queen prodded. "I am told that Maleficent wanted Melty for one reason or another. I'm sure you would have been happy to have her out of the way."

"Wh-What!?" Malty cried. "I-I didn't-GAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

Once more, her body erupted with purple lightning.

"M-Malty!" Aultcray was shocked - in the figurative sense. "Tell me...Tell me you didn't!"

"I-I didn't, papa!" Malty sobbed. "I-I'd never-AAAAAHHHHHAHAHAHAHAAAA!"

Her Slave Crest lit her up yet again.

"You conspired with forces of darkness and attempted to have Melty kidnapped," Queen Mirellia stated, "so that you could take her place as heir to the throne. When that failed, you falsely accused the Swordsman Shield Hero of abducting her and set fire to the forest in which she was hiding. Any objections?"

Malty attempted to deny it, but her Slave Crest lit up with more lightning than ever.

Aris almost pitied the First Princess - almost.

"Well..." said Ren, "it certainly looked like she didn't have the best intentions for her sister...wherever her sister may be right now."

"We were there, remember?" Itsuki pointed out. "We saw the whole thing."

"And you, King Aultcray," proclaimed Queen Mirellia. "You too conspired with the Church - though not indirectly as Malty did. You conspired directly with them to summon all four Cardinal Heroes to Melromarc while I was away."

"I only did that because we needed the Heroes in order to counter the upcoming Waves of Calamity!" Aultcray cried. "And on their second night here, the Devil of Hyrule subjected Malty to unspeakable acts of depravity!"

"That's right!" Motoyasu agreed. "Aris assaulted her!"

"Then let's ask her about that, shall we?" said the queen. "Malty. Did the Swordsman Shield Hero truly assault you that night?"

"Ye-AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Motoyasu looked horrified. "That's impossible!" he shouted.

"Well, Spear Hero," said the queen. "If you truly disagree with the truth? Why not form a temporary slave pact with her and find out for yourself?"

Motoyasu did so, having Malty's Slave Crest repainted onto her body for him.

"Myne," he said gently. "That night, you were assaulted by Aris, but you managed to escape and came to me for help, right?"

"Y-Yes!" Malty sobbed. "I-I was so scared, Motoyasu! A-And you were the only-NGAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

The trial went on for several more minutes. Aris tuned it all out.

Strangely, however, despite the fact that his name was being cleared, none of it felt any better.

Is it because I know what happens next? he thought, remembering his dream from the night before.

He hated death. He hated seeing people die. He had already seen enough of it.

And despite how much Malty and Aultcray had dragged him through the mud, he dreaded having to witness their heads inside the guillotines. The thought of it made him want to vomit.


The queen pointed with Permafrost at the king and the First Princess. "Hopefully you understand now," she said to the audience. "Despite their royal status, they resorted to underhanded schemes and collusions in their depraved attempts to eliminate their opposition. They are concerned only with obtaining more power for themselves - no consideration for the nation they are supposed to serve."

"N-No...I didn't-AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Malty made the mistake of denying her crimes yet again.

King Aultcray sighed. "I admit, my actions were certainly unbecoming of royalty. But I swear, I did it all for the sake of my beloved country and my family! That is the only reason I tried to eliminate the Shield. He is the Devil! Surely his presence will bring about the calamity that wrought my family in the past! I can't let that happen again!"

Queen Mirellia took a breath. "It is time to deliver the final verdict. I hereby find Aultcray Melromarc XXXII and Malty Melromarc...guilty of high treason. I hereby strip them of their royal status, effective immediately. They have been sentenced...to death."

Malty began sobbing.

"Your job was to protect our people," declared the queen, "but all you did was waste your time on a meaningless power struggle. The execution will begin at once! Send these sinners to their deaths before all those they have wronged!"


Just like my dream, Aris thought as he saw the masses demand to see Malty and the king executed in the courtyard.

"These criminals shall now be beheaded!" Queen Mirellia announced. "Such is the fate of those who turn against their country and their people. Especially those of royal status. We will prove that right here and right now!"

Soldiers forced the heads of Aultcray and Malty into the guillotines, ignoring the latter's begging and sobbing as they locked the top pieces in place, keeping their heads where they rested.

Is this really right...? Aris pondered.

"Help me, please!" Malty cried. "S-Sir Motoyasu! Sir Motoyasu!"

The Spear Hero turned his head away. He couldn't bear to look at his dear Myne after what she had done.

The queen raised her arm. The soldiers raised their swords in tandem. They were ready to sever both the ropes of the guillotines and the heads of the criminals sentenced to them.

Time slowed around Aris. He knew his worst enemies were about to receive their comeuppance. But the knowledge of that did nothing to make him feel any less sick.

Malty did something then that Aris never expected.

"A-Aris..." she said through a breaking voice. "Aris! Please! Help me!"

Her Slave Crest didn't react. She was truly begging for his mercy.

"Hold on!" he suddenly interjected.

Everyone gasped, even the queen herself. All eyes were on the Swordsman Shield Hero.

The crowd wanted to see Malty and the king punished. Aris knew that. But that didn't mean Aris wanted them dead.

So instead, he decided to improvise.

"I believe the death penalty is too...merciful for such heinous criminals," Aris announced. He vaulted over the railing and into the courtyard where the guillotines had been set up. "After all, death is an instant release, is it not? I ask you - do you seriously think such criminals as these should be let off so easily?"

"Malty's Slave Crest didn't react when she was begging me to help her," Aris told the masses. "Which means her skin is thick to the point that she had the audacity to beg me - the one she tried to have killed - for mercy and actually mean it! With skin that thick, I doubt the guillotine would be sharp enough to sever her head!"

That induced a laugh from everyone. Perhaps I should try standup comedy, Aris mused.

"But!" Aris declared. "I have a much more suitable punishment for them. From now on, both the First Princess and the former King Consort should be exiled to beyond Melromarc's borders, with their names changed to 'Bitch' and 'Trash', respectively."

"Wh-What!?" Malty cried. "I refuse to take that name!"

"I advise getting used to it," Aris told her. "Unless you'd rather be executed?"

"By the way," said the queen, "Malty often goes by the alias, Myne, when adventuring. Do you have a replacement for that?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," said Aris. "Whore!"

The crowd howled with laughter. Even Queen Mirellia herself failed to stifle a chuckle. Heh, I really should take up comedy once the Waves are over, Aris thought. He could see himself onstage rousing bar patrons with a good laugh.

The queen composed herself and made a further announcement. "The Swordsman Shield Hero is he who has done the most to set things right," she declared, "and he has graced his enemies with the greatest of mercies. From this day forth, Aultcray Melromarc XXXII will be exiled from Melromarc and be given the name Trash. Malty S. Melromarc will be given the name Bitch, with the adventuring name Whore, and also be exiled. Finally, the Three Heroes Church, which was destroyed with the death of many priests and Pope Biscas T. Balmus at the hands of Jafar, will be rebuilt and rebranded the Four Heroes Church!"

The masses cheered, beginning to throw away their Three Heroes Church rosaries.

"She just single-handedly started a church that no one sees as an enemy," Aris mused. "She's quite a smart lady. I would trust no one else - besides Melty, maybe - with Melromarc's rulership."

He turned and left the courtyard, only to be stopped by the other three Heroes. "Aris," said Motoyasu. "Where are you headed off to?"

"Yeah!" added Itsuki. "The fun's just getting started! Motoyasu, Ren, and I were going to throw a party to celebrate!"

"I take it you haven't changed your mind about leaving?" said the queen as she approached.

"Yes, but...there is something else," Aris told her. "While...While I was in hiding with Melty, she...she was kidnapped by Idol Rabier."

"Idol Rabier..." the queen gasped. "What...What happened to her?"

"Rabier handed Melty over to a pirate named Captain Hook," Aris explained. "Neither me nor any of my friends know where she is now. That's why we intend to find her before we do anything else." He turned to look at Queen Mirellia. "Your Majesty...mark my words - your daughter will come home."

Queen Mirellia nodded. "I understand. Sir Aris...there is none I would trust aside from you and your friends to bring her to safety. I wish you the best of luck."

Aris smiled at her. "Thank you. And again - she will be home, safe and sound. Count on it."

With that, he and his party left.


Later that evening, Queen Mirellia had ensconced herself to her personal chambers, hard at work writing a letter.

King Mickey,

It has been far too long since you wrote to me, so I pray this letter finds you well. Melromarc's uncertain fate is looking brighter at long last. The name of the Swordsman Shield Hero has at last been cleared before the people.

However, there is something I believe you should know. Of course, the punishment for treason such as the treason committed by my former husband and elder daughter is death and death alone. However, I could not bring myself to bring such a fate upon my kin. Even so...I knew it had to be done, so I brought them to the guillotines to be executed.

It was then that the Swordsman Shield Hero, whom I have come to greatly admire, did something nobody - not even I - expected. He spared their lives, offering the punishment of exile - and rather humorous name changes - to both my former husband and elder daughter.

This brought great relief upon my heavy heart, for if the Swordsman Shield Hero had remained silent, my final plan to spare the lives of my kin was to offer my own life as a sacrifice and beg him to spare both of theirs. To me, it was as if he knew that and acted accordingly. He truly is an admirable young man - he almost reminds me of you in our younger days as Keyblade Wielders training under the Master.

I pray that one day you will be graced with an opportunity to meet him, and I pray all of those in the Disney Kingdom are experiencing great prosperity.

May your heart be your guiding key, old friend.

Best Regards,
Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc


"You know," said Loretta, "I know I'm going to sound weird for saying this, but...I feel like I'm going to miss being on the run."

"Technically, we still are, to an extent," said Aris. "Though we don't have anything to be on the run from. Instead, we're on the run to find Melty."

Ness nodded. "I just hope she's alright."

"Well, Fitoria said she was!" Filo assured him. "And she's really smart, so that means Melty's okay!"

The psychic boy smiled at her. "I hope that's still true."

As the party ascended to the road leading out of Melromarc, they were greeted by a crowd of people.

"There!" said an onlooker. "Our savior! And his friends!"

The crowd had parted to grant them a passage down the road and out of the capital city.

Up ahead, Melromarc soldiers stood on either side of the street.

"Honor guard for the Swordsman Shield Hero and his friends!" their commander ordered. "All hands, salute!"

Raphtalia's face lit up with a smile as the soldiers held their swords in a salute. Aris recognized his old friend Ake among them.

"Well," said Sora. "That's new."

"And really cool," Cloud added.

The party began walking down the road as people cheered their names.

"You take care now, children!" said the old mage from the magic shop.

"Show those monsters who's boss and bring the Second Princess home!" cheered Elrasla Grilaroc, the elderly martial artist.

Erhard the generous blacksmith flashed Aris a wink and a thumbs-up. "You're always welcome at Heatwaker Armory, kiddos!"

Aris walked through the gates of Melromarc.

The first time he had done that, all of his money and respect had been washed away because of a false accusation.

Though he hadn't quite gotten all of it back, he didn't entirely want to. After all, this land had given him far more than it had taken away.

Wherever the Waves go...and wherever Melty is right now, thought Aris, I'm going to go there, too.


BGM: Deep Anxiety - Kingdom Hearts 2.5 ReMix


Melty clung to the soaking wet mizzenmast of the Black Pearl.

The ship and its hearty crew had been caught in an even heartier storm. Though it was still daytime, darkness had fallen like night, only lit up by flashes of lightning.

"Batten down, men!" Jack Sparrow called out. "We've weathered worse storms before!"

"Aye!" William Turner added. "We can weather this, too!"

"Melty, come on!" Elizabeth held out her hand. "Come below deck, quickly!"

"Not yet!" Melty shouted. "I may be an honorary pirate now, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to help my crew!"

"Then get everyone below deck as fast as ye can, lassie!" Barbossa shouted over the roaring wind and rain.

"Aye!"

Melty staggered over the constantly moving deck of the Black Pearl, struggling but succeeding in helping her crewmates get to safety.

Some, however, had to stay on deck. One crewman, an elderly man named Joshamee Gibbs - Jack Sparrow's First Mate - had elected to stay above deck. "Some unlucky bastard's gotta be in command up here," he said. "Better me than ye, kid."

"Alright, everyone who isn't needed above deck is below deck now!" said Melty.

"Not yet!" Barbossa called out to her. "Yer still here, lassie. Come on!"

"I'm...trying...!" Melty tried to stay standing despite the rocking of the deck.

She failed.

Melty went flying overboard into the cold ocean below.

"Melty!" Elizabeth cried, holding out a hand in vain to rescue her.

Before anyone could throw a rope or anything her way, a massive wave sent Melty beneath the surface.

Melty held her breath. She used her water magic to manipulate the water around her, forming an air bubble around her head. "Okay...so, I'm surprisingly deep underwater now..."

She began swimming for the surface.

Suddenly, she sensed something. Something below her.

Something massive.

She looked down. A humongous, dark shape had come up below her, splaying its maw to swallow her whole.

It got closer. Melty could see it was a whale of some kind. But this whale did not look like it was friendly.

She swam. Using her water magic to propel her through the sea, Melty bolted for the surface.

She leaped from the waves shouting for help.

But the Black Pearl had been swept too far to hear her.

Below Melty, an enormous monster of a whale burst from the ocean and slammed its jaws shut around her.