Hi everyone, Singing Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays and Happy New Years! I got around to finishing this during this break. Last time I worked on this story, I got distracted with a whole new idea. If you're curious, it's the last chapter in my work, Place Of Forming Ideas. It's called Adventures Of The Gummi Blocks, just a oneshot.

So today we continue with the second part to the Treasure Hunt mentioned in the last Chapter. Enjoying the last bit of fun before night one of the festival ends.

Okay, enjoy the chapter!

*NOTE/SPOILER WARNING: It takes place AFTER KHIII*

NOTE 2: Lots of retelling of the experience of "Player" in KHUX, but in Sora's View

NOTE 3: Sora is NOT Player, he's just got similar experiences. Player exists somewhere doing the main story, but they don't cross paths... I Think...

DATE: December 24, 2021

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Chapter 6: Treasure Hunt, Treasured Friends

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The race to find items around town started the moment they did the countdown following the clock that was placed on the stage, "… five, four, three, two, one, start! You have one hour, be back by 19:00 or your stuff won't count. Goooo!"

A majority of wielders raced off into the town, running wild to get their list of items completed. The few stragglers were left behind in their dust, including Sora and [Insert Name Here]. They may have had a slow start, but both of them were picking up speed as they helped one another with their lists. A water yoyo, a Chirithy mask, cotton candy shaped into a star, they picked up all that and more. Some of the items were easy to get as they could just get them from the vendors, but others, they had to play games to get.

Currently, they were playing a game where you had to scoop a goldfish with a thin paper fan, the winner got to keep the fish. But the ones who scooped up the white fishes would win a grand prize of their choice. One of which was a giant blue duck and brown dog plushie, an item on [Insert Name Here]'s list. Sora was already on his 3rd attempt while [Insert Name Here] had been on her 7th. He offered to help since he noticed her frustration. This was for one of the things she needed to complete her list, but it was locked behind a game she was repeatedly failing. So here they were, working together.

"Ooohh, I'm either too slow or too fast." She scooped more water on her 8th try, this time accidentally splashing Sora. "Whoops! Sorry!"

"It's okay, don't worry, we'll get it. Also, like I said, if I get the white fish first, I'll give you the prize." He smiled while focusing on the pool of fish. The few white fishes that were there decided to hide under all the golden-orange and black ones. He saw his target and scoops again, this time getting a fish, but it's the wrong one. It was a pure orange one that decided to swim toward him at the last second. A small bell was wrung as Sora scooped up the fish and the boy manning this game announced, "Winner, congratulations!" Sora was handed the fish in a small tank and was given an additional small prize of chocolate. He'd save these for later.

"Nice job Sora! You did it!"

"Thanks!" He smiles and places the tank down ready to try again. This was now her 10th try. Closing her eyes, she breathed in, held it for a second, and exhaled. She then focused on the pond, watching as the fish swam, eyeing their erratic movements as they attempted to flee the other children who were playing next to her. Then she saw it, the white one she needed for the plush prize. Then she scooped! She nearly did it, but as she went to lift the fan toward the bowl, the paper dissolved. She thought it was over until she saw Sora had placed his own bowl underneath.

'He saved it!' She thought with glee!

Again, the bells rang, this time longer with the boy shouting, "Grand prize winner! Congratulations!" She was handed the big plush and he got the white fish. Sora exchanged the white fish for her plush, deciding to carry it for her. They smiled and began to walk away, the boy manning the booth saying, "Thank you for playing!"

They looked at him and nodded their heads then continued on their merry way.

"Look Sora, now Orange won't be lonely since we won White."

"Is that what you're naming the fish?"

"Maybe?" she sheepishly laughed, "I can't think up good names. So they're Orange and White until I think of something better."

Sora laughed and she joined in too. Now they were so close to finishing the list, which had ten items each. Between the two of them, they were able to get eighteen total. Quite an accomplishment, and it was only about the half hour mark according to the street clocks. They were making good time!

"Okay, so we got all the food ones, the toys, the clothing accessories, and the plush for you. What's the last thing we both need?" Sora looked at the list, and read the final items aloud, "An Orb of Sunshine for me and an Orb of Moonlight for you. Huh?"

"Orbs of Sunlight and Moonlight? We can catch their light in a ball?" She looked bewildered.

"I don't think that's what it meant."

"Then what does it mean, Sora?"

"I'm not sure, but maybe if we keep exploring the grounds, we'll find someone who has them at their booth."

So walk they did, for ten whole minutes, they walked around. Neither one of them could find these items. It wasn't the name of a dessert nor was it a type of toy or prize, it wasn't even a custom made art piece or jewelry accessory. They both wondered what in the world it could be.

It was now 18:42 when they stopped to take a short break. They saw others from the event running around back and forth in a frenzy. Sora guessed that maybe they were the only ones who were on the last item, since a lot of them were scrambling between one booth or the other grabbing different items as they rushed through the street. Or they could have been speed shopping. But now, the two were still no closer to finding the last item, what in the world could it be?

[Insert Name Here] tapped Sora's shoulder, grabbing his attention. He looked her way, "Hey Sora, I just noticed that Mr. Moogle's shop is open. Shouldn't all the shops be closed today?"

"Yeah, I think they're suppose to be. Maybe he forgot something and that's why all the lights are on?"

"Hmm, maybe. But I kinda want to check on him, just in case. He may need help with something." Sora nodded in agreement and the two set off for the little Shop. The little bell rang and the Moogle welcomed them, "Hi you two, what can I get you today?"

"Hey Moogle, we saw you inside and wondered why your shop was open? Aren't stores suppose to be closed during the festival?"

Moogle punched his chest in confidence, "Normally yes kupo, but who could turn down the chance for a good profit when the streets are full of customers?"

"But no one's in here." Both Sora and [Insert Name Here] replied at the same time.

"You two are though, kupo." his eyes looking a little sly. "So is there anything I can help you with?"

"Not unless you can give us some orbs with some sunshine and moonlight for the treasure hunt. Other than that, I didn't bring enough munny for some upgrade materials or jewels for cards."

"Funny you should mention that, kupo. Cause I just happened to get a box of gems in from the festival committee. They said to give them to the list holders, like you two, kupo."

"Wait, what?!" Both of them were shocked.

"Yep, they said something about testing the newbies ability to be observant or something, kupo. I don't know, but my shop is open for them, which by the way, you're the first ones. As for non-participants, I'm still keeping open to sell my stuff, kupo. You know, profit and big business." Moogle got the Sun & Moon Gems out of the box and placed them in the bags they were using to hold all their items.

"Wow! Thank you Mr. Moogle!" She greeted politely.

"Please, just Moogle, kupo. We're all friendly here." She nods.

"Thanks Moogle! We'll make sure to come back when we need our upgrades!"

Moogle waved good-bye as they walked out, Sora and [Insert Name Here] were so ecstatic. Knowing that they were the first ones to come in, but they couldn't relax yet. It was already 18:51, they had nine minutes to get to the park and hurry. They speed walked their way to the park while making sure not to shake the tanks of fish. They were going to be first and second place!

[19 Minutes Later]

"Congratulations to the final winners of the Scavenger Hunt! Let's give everyone a big round of applause!" One of the girls in charge announced.

Apparently, Sora and [Insert Name Here] weren't first, but still made it to top three. A boy that was probably as old as Sora had gotten there first. He happened to have the special gem on his list. It was in his pocket that was awarded through one of his missions the day prior and he had forgotten about it, until today. So he never needed to go visit Moogle. That was very fortunate.

"Now all nine winners come up on stage and claim your promised reward, your prize meal vouchers!" The winning boys and girls all eyed them excitedly. One of the girls mumbling something along the lines of "Free desserts, mmmm!"

The boy who won the scavenger hunt talked to himself quietly saying, "Yes, now I can save my money for that sweet sea-salt ice cream." Sora had heard him and that made him think about his friends again, particularly about Roxas. He wondered if he was happy now, if he was getting to eat his ice cream bars with Axel and Xion just like before. Then he remembered Kairi, on their final outing before he disappeared, they had the treat. She had liked it a lot, but to Sora, a fudge bar was more his preference. The salt reminded him one too many times of his dreams of being swallowed by the ocean waves, only to swallow quite a bit salt water when he got out. The memory of those dreams just ruined the taste, he focused more on the salt content over how sweet it made the cream. Maybe he could get use to it before he got back home. They sold them here in Daybreak town, so may as well learn how to get use to the taste. Sora then shook himself out of his thoughts, seeing that a boy had taken the cone and was about to speak.

"Alright everyone, this is almost the end of the night. But like we promised, we have one last special reward for you all! As you all know, you were to collect your items around the town and bring them here. But tonight, we're giving them all back to you! They're yours to keep, along with some extra special goodies!" The boy pointed to two tables that were covered by a single giant cloth. The girls who were at the tables worked together to throw it off and reveal the reward. They saw giant identical starlight patterned tote bags filled to the brim with items sitting neatly on the tables.

"Each of you get your very own grab bag care package! Complete with food and other necessary things for your dorm! But while they all look the same on the surface, each bag is stuffed with a few random prizes inside, all provided by the festival committee!" All the children looked excitedly at the bags.

"Before we dismiss you all, let's all give a clap to one another. To our new friends and fellow allies! Welcome to Daybreak Town, keyblade wielders! May your hearts be your guiding key!" Everyone clapped and cheered, some giving high fives or fist bumps to their neighbors.

Then soon, many walked over toward the tables, the girls behind asked everyone to line up as they prepared to give the giant bags of goods. Meanwhile, on the stage, the boys in charge asked the arriving band to prepare their pieces since people would soon come to dance in the park. The band then prepared by cleaning or playing scales on their instruments to ready themselves for the long night of music ahead. Sora stayed behind, just watching them prepare up there on the stage. He wanted to wait a bit before picking up his grab bag since it was still a pretty long line. His time in Shibuya taught him that long lines were no joke when it came to to a Fukubukuro [Lucky Bag] at a new year sale. Yes, he experienced a new year sale in the other world, then all of a sudden he's experiencing the end of summer in Daybreak Town. Time really worked differently among the different worlds.

[Insert Name Here] came up to Sora with a giant tote in one hand and the bag filled with the treasure hunt items in the other. "Hey Sora, these bags are heavier than I thought. I might just go to my room first and drop them off."

"That sounds like a good plan!" He then noticed she was struggling a bit, "Oh hey, want me to help you?"

"Oh, uh, it's okay Sora. You got your own bags to carry too, don't you?"

"It's alright, I trained with my friend Herc before. It helped me learn to lift heavy things. So it won't be a problem."

"Oh, well, then thank you, Sora." She looked down and away, not sure how to face him.

"Oh hey, the line's letting up, I'll be right back then we'll drop these off at your place." She nods meekly as he waves, running off to the tables.

[15 Minutes Later]

They already entered her dorm room as Sora placed down her bags. He was looking around at her room and noticed a few things. For one, it was much closer to the clock tower than his place was, also, her room was much smaller. The windows were narrow and tall, they also had a few planter boxes with some pretty flowers growing in them. Her walls were a sky blue with little clouds painted all around the walls. Her bed was full size with a light brown wooden frame and a white blanket covering the whole of the bed. Over on the wall with no windows, he saw a little light yellow kitchenette with a stainless steel sink and off to the corner wall was a small table stacked with pots, pans, mixing bowls and other cooking utensils. Near that was a door, probably for the bathroom. On the other wall opposite her bed were two bookshelves, but they only had a couple of clothes and three books on one shelf, one of which looked like a notebook. Overall, the place wasn't really filled, just simple furniture and nothing too much to tell him about her personality.

"Yeah it's a bit empty. I've only been here, I think a month now? I lost track. Mostly been spending on food and practicing how to cook other meals. But since we won the vouchers, I could probably get a few more things to fill the space."

"It's a nice spot. Mine's pretty empty too since I've only been here a few weeks. These will really will help me out too." He reassured with a smile bright on his face.

She smiled back, then remembered something, "Oh Sora! Before you get off to your dorm for the night, I wanted to thank you and well, give you this!" She took out the plush with the blue duck and brown dog, handing it to Sora. "It's to say thank you for helping me win the fish game."

Sora was stunned a bit by the action. He was about to decline her gift but she stopped him, "I want you to have it. Call it an exchange. I'll be taking care of both fishes and you get the dog and duck."

He laughed a bit seeing how serious she looked about giving him the toy, "Alright, thank you then! I'll see you, [Insert Name Here]!"

She nods, "Alright! See you later, Sora!"

As he leaves, she hears a poof, it was her Chirithy. "Ooooh, giving a gift? How forward of you!"

"I know Chirithy, it was a bit much. But I wanted to say thank you, and I thought a trade was the best way."

Chirithy cooed as her wielder's cheeks blushed while having the biggest grin on her face, "You really like him, don't you?"

"Of course! He's great friend! He was so helpful today! I really hope we can be even better friends soon." Her grin became even toothier as she said this.

Chirithy nearly fell off her shoulder muttering something like, "Oh boy… Still young… she'll learn…" [Insert Name Here] didn't really catch all the words, but she didn't pay them any mind. She was just happy to have a good friend like Sora.

[Back With Sora]

Sora had made it back to his room closer to the edge of town. It was quiet, quieter than the square or park. His room was illuminated only by pale light of the moon as well as the fires of the street lamps below. He placed the bags down and put the plushie he was given on the bed. When he first saw it at the fish scoop game he couldnt' help but stare. It reminded him so much of his friends, Donald and Goofy. They would have enjoyed the festival had they been here. Donald would have probably dumped all the water in frustration and Goofy would have patted his back saying something like, "You'll get 'em next time." Boy he missed them. Maybe she had given the plush because he kept staring at it so much. But then again, she was more focused on scooping a fish, so it was probably just by chance.

Chance huh? Luxord's card came back to mind. It had been several weeks already, and he was still no closer to finding the reason for why he was here and how that "Wild Card" even brought him to this place. When he was in other worlds, there always ended up being a mission other than the eliminating the heartless. Maybe, this world needed him here for something only he could do. If that was so, how much longer would it take to get back home? How long would he stay here? A few more weeks? Months? Another year? Oh, he missed home.

As he looked at the plush, he talked to it as if they were there listening to him, "Hey Donald, Goofy. Just wait a little longer for me. I'm somewhere or somewhen far away, but I'm doing my best. I'll be home soon." Sora got up and went off to the bathroom to prepare for a night of rest, he didn't feel like going back out again.

Over in the corner, Chirithy had observed her wielder's actions. She knew wherever he first came from, he was really missing home. She may not understand everything quite yet, but as his Chirithy, it was her job to guide him and be there for him. So as soon as he got out of the bathroom, she went up to Sora.

"Oh hey there Chirithy! Just came back?"

"Mmm, yep! Us Chirithy had a great time. How was your day?"

"Oh it was fun! The park was decorated so cool and we played…"

For the remainder of the evening, Sora told Chirithy of his adventures of the evening and in turn she exchanged stories of her own until she noticed him yawn. He was falling asleep hugging the Dog and Duck plush as well as Chirithy. She didn't mind this, if was to help her wielder, she'd comfort him through this hug. She ended up falling asleep too, smiling.

TBC

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Well, Sora has now had a good time today, still thinking about his friends in a longing way. It will be a long while before you get home though Sora. As for the OC, who I've yet to name, again, no ships here. She just wants a true friendship, Sora is definitely the friend for her. Still, her Chirithy likes teasing her about it. I'm not sure why. As for Sora's Chirithy, she's more of a sensitive one, attentive but still not knowing the full scope of what he feels. She'll learn more eventually, not sure when.

Yep, that may be it from me for this story this year, unless inspiration strikes within the remaining time! Hope you enjoyed Sora's Daybreak. If you have any ideas, suggestions, questions, or any comments, feel free to let me know. Thanks again for reading! Write you again sometime soon or in the New Year! :D