"If the portal's gone, how am I going to get back home?" Akira asked, beginning to panic. "They need me there!"

"It's going to be fine." Hinata assured her, placing her hand on Akira's shoulder. "We'll figure something out. Right, Riku?" She turned to look at him with worry plain on her face.

Riku frowned at the girls in front of him and rubbed the back of his neck before stammering. "Yeah, I'll figure it out."

Reaching into one of the pockets in his long coat he pulled out a square black device. He walked out of the alley way and lifted it in front of him. The small screen on the front of the device flickered before showing DiZ. His one good golden eye stared out at Riku without emotion.

"Riku…" DiZ acknowledged in a deep voice. "What do you have to report?"

"It's hard to explain." Riku admitted, glancing back at Akira. "Hinata and I were walking through an alley in Sunset Terrence when this girl just came through the wall. Like some sort of portal."

DiZ nodded, "Is she still with you?"

Riku nodded, "Yeah, some Heartless followed her through, but we took care of them. The thing is though, we can't get her back. The portal closed somehow."

"Who is she?" He asked.

"She said her name was Akira." Riku told him.

DiZ's eye widened when he heard her name. "But that's impossible…" He said under his breath, before looking back at Riku. "Bring her to the mansion immediately."

He cut the call before Riku could respond. Riku sighed and placed the device back in his pocket as he walked back down the alley; approaching the girls as Akira was beginning to calm down.

"DiZ says to bring her." Riku told Hinata.

"Really?" Hinata asked in surprise. "Well alright." She smiled at Akira and Kitigin. "He'll definitely know what to do."

"Who's DiZ?" Kitigin asked, walking onto Akira's shoulder.

"We don't really know ourselves, to be honest." Hinata admitted, walking out of the alleyway.

They walked through the streets, back to the train station. The town was beginning to bustle with people as they realized the Heartless were gone. Riku led the way, weaving through the forming crowds with ease until they reached the stairway that led to the train. They were just in time as the whistle alerting its arrival blew through the calm air. The three of them rushed up the steps and grabbed their tickets before climbing aboard. Akira rubbed her hands uncomfortably along her arms as she sat down on a cushioned seat next to Hinata.

Once the train began to move, Hinata glanced over at Akira. "Are you alright?"

Akira smiled uneasily, before admitting. "Yeah, I just hate being in large crowds."

Hinata smirked and whispered. "You and me both. Don't worry, it's a pretty short ride. I always try to sit by a window so I can look out of it and ignore everyone else." She motioned her head beside her to the large glass window that overlooked Twilight Town whizzing by.

Looking out, Akira smiled. The sun was high in the sky, setting a golden hue over the miles of rooftops throughout the town. Before she knew it, the train was whistling, alerting them that they had reached their destination. As they got up and rushed out with the multitude of people, Hinata glanced down at Akira's hands with a confused look.

"I just realized that you don't have your weapon." She noted, looking back up at Akira's blue eyes. "Do you have a weapon like Riku; that you can summon?"

Waiting until they were out of the fray of the crowd, Akira held out her hand and with a bright flash of light her sword appeared in her hand. Hinata crossed her arms and let out a sigh when she saw the blade appear, while Riku walked forward interested.

"Why does everyone else get magic weapons and I'm stuck being resourceful?" Hinata complained, shaking her head.

Akira chuckled, before explaining. "It's called Dreams Will. It feeds off my energy and enhances my magic."

Riku summoned Soul Eater and held it up beside Dreams Will, noting. "They're similar in design. I wonder if they are somehow related."

"Does your blade have similar powers?" Akira asked, dissipating Dreams Will.

Riku looked down at Soul Eater before making it disappear. He avoided Akira's gaze and muttered, "Something like that. It feeds off darkness."

"You must be pretty dark then." Kitigin noted, getting a scowl from Akira. "You were kicking butt against that Heartless!"

Turning around, Riku began walking out of the train station and called behind him. "Come on, we need to get to the mansion."

"Should I not have said that?" Kitigin asked as they followed Riku.

Hinata half-smiled and shook her head, assuring the small cat. "It's sort of a soft spot for him right now. Don't worry."

Kitigin's black ears flattened against her head as she curled up on Akira's shoulder and Akira asked. "Is he always this, I don't know… gloomy?"

Shaking her head, Hinata assured her. "No, it's just been rough on us these past several months. There's a lot on his mind."

Akira looked at Riku worried as he walked ahead of them. "I'm sorry."

"We'll be alright." Hinata smiled as she talked, but her eyes were filled with uncertainty. "Together we can make it through anything." When Akira only nodded in return, Hinata pointed forwards, "Um, I'm going to check on him." She jogged forward until she caught up with Riku and interlocked her arm in his. "Are you alright?" She asked once she was beside him.

"Yeah," He admitted.

Hinata glanced behind them at Akira and Kitigin. They were a few steps behind them, glancing back and forth at the town around them in amazement. Turning back around, Hinata whispered. "Some date this turned out to be."

"I'll make it up to you." Riku assured her, placing his hand on her arm.

"Don't worry about it." She told him, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I'm just glad to be with you again; no matter what we're doing."

Riku glanced behind them and sighed. "If Akira wasn't here I would kiss you for saying that."

Hinata giggled, nudging him with her shoulder as her cheeks dusted pink.

"So how far away is this mansion or yours?" Akira asked, jogging up next to them.

Unlinking their arms, Riku and Hinata separated before Riku told her. "It's not too far off now; just past these shops and through the forest."

"Forest?" Akira repeated in confusion, looking around. "Where could a forest be around here?"

They continued to chat as they walked towards a tall brick wall with a hole in the base. It was surrounded by old papers and trash; making it nearly unnoticeable. As they approached it, Riku and Hinata began moving away some of the clutter so they could get through. Once it was clear they bent over and walked through the opening. Akira glanced uncertain at Kitigin but reluctantly followed. Making her way under the wall, she emerged into a thick forest. Her mouth was agape as she turned in place and looked up at the towering trees.

"Weird to think that there is an entire forest behind the walls." She muttered under her breath.

"Wait until you see the mansion." Hinata told her, motioning her head forward.

Akira followed them through the trees and they soon reached a tall black two doored gate. Riku pushed it open to reveal the two story building that seemed to be decaying with old-age. She arched an eyebrow at the decrepit home that seemed to be a mere husk of its former elegance.

"You guys live in this?" She asked, poorly hiding the distaste in her voice.

"Akira…" Kitigin scolded softly, swatting Akira's cheek with her paw.

Hinata chuckled. "Yeah, we know it's not much; but its home."

"It just… wasn't what I was expecting I guess." She admitted.

Akira gave one last stare at the place before shrugging and following the others inside. Riku pushed open the large brown doors and a loud creak echoed through the halls inside. They walked into the mostly empty building and Akira was becoming more uneasy by the second. Various pieces of wood and metal were scattered along the edge of the floor as if someone poorly attempted to hide the clutter. They walked up one of the two sets of stairs that led to the second floor. There were two doors, one on either side of the floor and Riku walked to the far right door; pulling it open. They entered what seemed to be a library along one wall and then a set of stairs leading down into a metal hall. Following the steps, the once rickety surroundings blended into something akin to a sci-fi film. The metal walls were covered with various lights and the sliver doors slid open with a mechanical whir. Akira's eyes were widened with confused wonderment as she entered a dimly lit room where a man wearing dark robes sat in front of a large computer with multiple screens. Riku and Hinata walked in silently and stood against the back wall as Akira entered the room. Kitigin hid slightly behind Akira's hair, her ears flat against her head. The man was typing away on one of the many computers, momentarily pausing when he heard the door to the room slide open.

Walking further into the room, Akira waited for the man to acknowledge her, but when nothing was said she spoke up. "Um… I take it your DiZ?"

The man paused for a moment, before chuckling in a deep voice. "You needn't sound so frightened child." He stopped his typing and turned his chair around to face the others. His one good eye looked over Akira, before he nodded to himself. "I didn't think it was possible, but here you are."

Akira arched an eyebrow at DiZ. "You know who I am?"

"Not you specifically, no," He told her. "But I do know a version of you."

"You're not making sense." Akira crossed her arms while Hinata and Riku exchanged confused glances.

DiZ stared at Akira for a moment, deciding his next words carefully. "This may be unsettling to hear, but when you walked through that portal you did not simply enter a distant world."

"What do you mean?" She asked, getting impatient.

"You entered another dimension." DiZ told her simply.

"What?" Hinata cried out, pushing away from the wall. "How is that even possible?"

"Wait, another dimension?" Akira asked in disbelief, "Are you crazy? A portal I just happened to find on my world led to another dimension?" She flew her hands in the air exasperated. "I've heard enough. Kitigin and I will find our own way back, thank you."

"There is already another Akira in this universe." DiZ told her, stopping Akira in her tracks. "She's older than you and is following a very different path."

Akira stopped walking and glanced behind her at DiZ. "How do you know all this?"

"I am uncertain of how the portal came to fruition on your world or why it led to this town in particular, but it is not the first I have ever seen of its kind." DiZ told them, ignoring Akira's question.

"Is there a way we can get her back to her… universe?" Hinata asked.

Akira stayed silent, trying to wrap her mind around everything happening as they continued to talk.

DiZ nodded, "There is, but it is not on this world."

Hinata groaned, "Great, another road trip." She placed a hand on her hip and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Where do we need to go?"

"A world called San Fransokyo." He told her. "Years ago there was a man named Professor Robert Callaghan that I worked closely with on creating a device that would allow people to travel freely between dimensions; or what he preferred to call parallel universes. Our work was cut short due to us missing a key ingredient to the process; however, after all these years I believe I have finally found that missing piece."

"What is it?" Riku asked, finally speaking up.

"A powerful relic I acquired called a Star Shard." He told them, reaching into his sleeve and pulling out a bright blue gummi shaped like a star with neon green veins running through it. "This piece can take its wielder anywhere in the universe; and hypothetically, harnessed with the correct equipment, to other dimensions."

"You really think it will work?" Hinata asked, stepping forward to examine the shard.

"And what makes you think this Callaghan would even be willing to help us?" Riku asked, walking up beside Hinata.

"You two and your endless questions…" DiZ complained under his breath. "Professor Callaghan worked endlessly on that portal until the day we lost contact. If he knows that this shard is the key, he will aid you." He looked over at Hinata. "This is a very powerful relic, if there is anything in this galaxy that can create a cross-dimensional rift, this is the piece."

Hinata nodded her head after DiZ finished. "Alright then, if you think it will work, then who am I to argue." She placed her hands down at her side and glanced over at Akira, who was still standing silently with her chin to her chest. "How far away is this planet? Do we need to ready the ship?"

DiZ turned his chair around and brought up a galaxy map on the computer screens. "San Fransokyo is about two planets away from us. It should be close enough for Riku to make a pathway."

"Alright, let's go." Riku nodded, holding out his hand.

"Is anyone going to ask what I want to do?" Akira finally spoke up. "I'm still trying to accept that I'm not even in my universe anymore!"

"What if the portal doesn't work?" Kitigin asked. "What then?"

Hinata walked up to Akira and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Look, I get that this is a lot to take in. I was stranded on an uninhabited planet a few months back and I had no idea if I would ever find a way to get off; let alone if I would ever see Riku or another living being again. The important thing to remember is to stay calm and don't lose hope." She put her hand back down to her side and smiled reassuringly. "We are going to get you home; one way or another."

Akira swallowed a lump forming in her throat and nodded. "You're right. Sorry, I shouldn't have freaked out."

"Really it's fine." Hinata told her with a laugh. "You handled it a lot better than I did."

"Were you really stuck on an uninhabited planet?" Kitigin asked, cocking her furry head to the side.

Hinata nodded and chuckled, "Yeah, it's a little hard to believe. Thankfully I was only there for a month before I got out."

"A whole month?" Akira asked, "How did you get out?"

"That's a long story." Hinata rubbed the back of her neck before looking at Riku. "I'm going to grab my weapons before we go. I might even see if Jack wants to tag along."

Riku nodded in response and Hinata walked to leave the room. Akira jogged up beside her and walked along with her. "Who's Jack?" She asked once they entered the main foyer of the mansion.

"He's my dog." Hinata told her with a smile, walking down the stairs to the main level and heading towards a glass door that led outside. Opening the door to an overgrown garden, she called. "Jack! Are you out here?"

A faint happy bark was heard in the distance and within seconds a floating white creature came bounding towards them. Its hollow eyes were widened and its pink tongue stuck out of its mouth as it barreled towards them. Reaching Hinata, the dog-like creature began speckling Hinata's cheeks with tiny licks and she laughed while trying to wave him away.

"Jack, Jack!" Hinata laughed, "I was only gone for a few hours, calm down!"

Jack, backed away and panted while his bony tail wagged behind him. Akira stared wide-eyed at him while Kitigin on her shoulder let out a low growl.

"That's… your dog?" Akira asked, Kitigin's growl turning into a hiss.

"Not what you were expecting?" Hinata teased. "Yeah, he was a gift I got a while back. He's great, he doesn't need to eat and he can even go through solid matter."

Jack wagged his tail at the praise he was receiving until he heard the hiss coming from Kitigin. His pointy ears flattened against his head as he growled back at the cat.

"Calm down, Jack." Hinata warned him. "She's a friend."

"Yeah Kitigin," Akira scolded, "He won't hurt you."

Kitigin's hiss fell silent, but she still eyed the dog uneasily. Hinata scratched Jack behind the ears as he went back to normal and explained. "We are about to head to another world, did you want to come along?" Jack looked up at Hinata as his tail fell and she added, "I know, we just got back from a mission yesterday, this sort of came up. You don't have to come along. You could keep Namine company; she's probably in the white room upstairs."

Jack wagged his tail and immediately rushed past Hinata to head up the stairs to the white room. Hinata put her hands down to her side and sighed. "Well I guess that means he doesn't want to come along."

"Why is he like a ghost?" Akira asked, "Where did you get him?"

Hinata began to walk away from the glass door towards another door across the foyer before answering. "You're probably not going to believe this, but I got him from Santa Clause."

Akira scoffed. "Yeah right."

"No I'm serious!" Hinata laughed, "I found myself in this place called Christmas Town and I met Santa there. He gave me eight different gifts and one of them ended up being Jack."

"Wow," Akira said under her breath. "Who would have thought that guy was actually real?"

"I know," Hinata agreed, pushing open the door once they reached it. They entered the hallway it led into and she told Akira. "I just need to pick up my weapons from my room. Then we can get going."

"You really have to carry your weapons with you everywhere?" Akira asked. "Doesn't that get tiring?"

"Yes," She admitted. "Especially since everyone I run into on my journey keeps having these magical weapons that appear at will; but I manage." She glanced over at Akira and asked. "How did you get Dreams Will anyways?"

"From me!" Kitigin spoke up proudly. "It used to belong to my master until… well, until they died." Her black ears solemnly went down on her head as she explained. "But after they were gone I was entrusted to find a new wielder and that's when I met Akira."

"So you're like the guardian of it?" Hinata asked, opening a door that led to her and Riku's room. She smiled and nodded, "That's pretty cool." Lightly pushing on Akira's shoulder, she told her, "Congrats, I guess."

Akira smirked, "Yeah, I don't know why she chose me, but I'm thankful to have it." She stopped walking and looked around the bedroom. It seemed to be just as decayed as the rest of the mansion and dusty books were scattered across the floor. "Do you guys just not clean around here?"

Hinata walked to her bedside table and grabbed her gauntlets, slipping them onto her hands. She looked around the room before answering. "Well, this place isn't exactly ours. We're just sort of using it as a base if you will."

"Who are you guys?" Akira asked, crossing her arms. "The longer I'm here the more confused I get."

Nodding, Hinata turned back around and admitted, "Yeah, and it only gets worse if you actually live here. I don't understand half the things DiZ tells us to do. I just do what I'm told."

"Just like that?" Akira asked, "You blindly follow orders?"

"I guess I made it sound like that." Hinata admitted before explaining, "But no, we don't follow blindly. We make sure that the missions aren't going to harm anyone innocent, but other than that… we trust DiZ enough to know that he has our best interest in mind."

"Why are you guys working for him?" Akira asked, crossing her arms.

Hinata opened her mouth to answer, but quickly shut it and shook her head. "Look, it's a long story and we have to get going." Lifting her hand in front of her she clenched her fist and out the front of her gauntlet appeared a bright blue laser that formed into a sharp blade.

Akira and Kitigin's mouths were agape as they saw the blade appear. "What in the world is that?" Akira asked.

With a smirk, Hinata unclenched her hand to make the blade disappear. She lifted her other hand and did the same motion as she answered. "Pretty nifty huh? I was on this planet called Montressor for a few months and while I was there I got these made. I already had the gauntlets, but I just sort of upgraded them." She grinned and held her hands down at her side, "So it's sort of my way to be able to summon my own weapons." Heading out of the room she motioned her head. "Now come on, we have a portal to make."

Akira followed close behind and they made their way back to the computer room where Riku was waiting for them. In Riku's hand was the star shard as well as an envelope. Hinata walked up to him, eyeing the letter.

"You ready?" Riku asked once they entered the room.

Both of them nodded and DiZ turned around in his seat to watch them leave. Riku placed the items in his pocket and held out one of his hands. Within seconds a black portal appeared out of the ground. Akira took a couple steps back when it appeared, her eyes widening. Without reacting, Riku and Hinata walked into the blackness and Akira reluctantly followed. Once through, she found herself in the Corridor of Darkness. A gray haze surrounded them, leading to a bright light at the end of the walkway.

Akira was about to ask where they were when Hinata explained. "It's called a Corridor of Darkness. If you have the power of darkness you can create these portals to get you quickly from one world to the next."

Hinata jogged forward to be beside Riku as Akira looked down at her hands. "I have the power of darkness…" She whispered to Kitigin. "Can I make these portals?"

"We'll have to find out once we get home." Kitigin told her. "Let's focus on getting back to our universe right now."

"Right…" Akira nodded, looking back up. She caught sight of Hinata interlacing her fingers in Riku's and shook her head. "It's a little nauseating how cutesy they are. Riku's like a different person around her."

Kitigin giggled in response and nuzzled into her cheek. "I bet you'll be like them someday." She told her.

She scoffed, "I better not. I have enough going on without having to worry about some boy."

"You'll change your mind once you find the right guy." Kitigin assured her with a purr.

"Maybe…" Akira admitted, looking up as they got close to the light. Raising her voice so the others could hear her, she asked, "So we just walk through this and we'll be on another world?"

"Yep!" Hinata called behind her. "It's pretty amazing!"

Akira shielded her eyes as she walked into the blinding light and when she reopened them she was taken aback by her surroundings. The sun was high in the sky, overlooking the metropolis they found themselves in. Cars whizzed around them and buildings with pointy roofs lined the busy streets. Round, colorful blimps spotted the bright sky, with screens along the sides advertising various products. Trees with dark brown trunks and pink flowers blossoming along the branches lined the sidewalks. They stood on a street corner in front of what appeared to be a café.

"This is amazing!" Akira beamed, turning around and taking everything in. "I've never seen anything like this before!"

"Did DiZ tell you where to find the Professor?" Hinata asked Riku, barely fazed by their new surroundings.

Riku nodded, "Yeah, The Institute of Technology. But I have no idea where to find it…"

"Well, we're in front of a café, let's see if anyone in there knows." Hinata suggested, opening the door to the café and walking inside.

The inside was a quaint area with green walls encasing the multiple windows. Booths and tables were scattered through the tiled room in front of a large counter with two glass cases stuffed with various baked goods. As they entered, Hinata's stomach rumbled with hunger and she immediately brought her hands over her waist, embarrassed.

"Welcome!" A cheery woman's voice greeted them. They all looked forward to see a thin brunette woman standing in front of them with a bright smile. She balanced a tray of food on her palm and placed plates onto the nearby table. Once it was empty, she put the tray under her arm and brushed her hands on her white apron. "My name's Cass, what can I get for you kids today?"

Hinata smiled and stepped forward, "Hi, we were just wondering where we could find the Institute of Technology?"

"Oh you must be some new transfer students!" She chimed with excitement. Motioning her hand towards an empty booth, she urged. "Sit down for grub! I'll fill you in on the ropes of San Fransokyo!"

"Thanks, but we're in a hurry." Riku spoke up, putting his hand up.

"Actually Riku, I'm really hungry." Hinata told him. "We never got lunch, remember?"

Riku glanced over at Akira who shrugged in response. "Might as well go home with a full stomach," She noted.

"Alright fine," Riku resigned, following Cass to the empty booth and sliding into the cushioned seat.

Hinata slid in next to him while Akira and Kitigin sat across the table. Cass handed them menus and told them. "My nephew, Hiro, should be here any minute. He goes to that University you guys are looking for. I'm sure with some good bribing I can get him to show you around."

"Thanks." Hinata told her with a smile.

"Let me know when you kids are ready to order!" She told them, turning around to aid the other customers.

Akira looked out the window at the surrounding city as Riku and Hinata chatted about what they were going to get to eat. Kitigin hopped off of Akira's shoulder, onto the table and stretched her stiff legs.

"Have they got anything for cats here?" She asked, trotting over to Hinata's menu.

"I'm sure we can find something for you." Hinata chuckled, petting Kitigin's head.

"You really think the professor will still have all the stuff for the portal?" Akira asked, still looking outside.

"There's only one way to find out." Hinata shrugged. "If he doesn't have the plans anymore, at least we know that the materials are in this world. DiZ said they were close to figuring out how the portal worked so I don't see why he would just scrap it."

They sat in silence until Cass came back and took their orders. She glanced uneasily at Kitigin on the table, but then seeing her own cat walk along the floor she shrugged it off and went back to the kitchen to begin their orders. Soon the food was in front of them and Riku and Hinata hungrily ate while Akira poked at her food; letting Kitigin eat most of it.

"Hey man, digging that black coat!" A young man's voice caught their attention. They looked up to see a tall man walking towards them with a teal beanie covering the top of his long brown hair. He gave Riku thumbs up as he approached.

"You like anything that isn't ordinary." A dark skinned man noted. He walked beside the other man, along with four other people. His dread locked hair was held back with a green headband, matching his green sweater.

Hinata examined the group approaching them. Besides the two that had already talked, there were two girls and a young boy. One of the girls was shorter with choppy black hair, chewing on a piece of gum with an uninterested look on her face. The other girl was tall and thin with large plastic glasses and a yellow dress. The youngest of the bunch, a young boy with messy black hair, stood at the front of the group with a big smile on his face.

"Aunt Cass! I'm home!" He called.

Cass rushed out from behind the counter and immediately hugged the young teen. "Oh there's my favorite nephew!" Pulling away she gave a large group hug to the others. "It's great to see all of you. Here for some of those amazing hot wings?"

"You know it Aunt Cass!" The man, wearing the beanie agreed, plopping down in a booth in behind Riku and Hinata. "I for one am looking forward to my face melting off by that hot sauce." Once he was seated he held out his hand between Riku and Hinata. "The name's Fred; pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Riku just stared at the strange man while Hinata reluctantly took Fred's hand and shook it. "I'm Hinata; nice to meet you too."

Fred smiled and looked over at Riku, lightly hitting his hand on his shoulder, "Seriously man, where did you find that awesome coat? Like you've got this dark and mysterious aura about you!"

"Fred, stop bothering the poor guy." The girl with the short choppy hair scolded him, sliding into the booth.

"Oh, come on Go-Go!" Fred defended. "Life is all about making new friends."

"It usually goes better when the people you're talking to actually want to become your friend." The man with the dreadlocks told him, also sitting down.

"Wasabi's right." Go-Go agreed, blowing a bubble with her gum and popping it.

"Oh, you guys are no fun." Fred waved them off, turning back around.

Riku sighed in relief once he was gone and Hinata chuckled.

Cass came up to Fred's table and motioned her hand towards Akira and the others. "They are new students at the University! I was thinking that maybe you guys could show them around?"

"Of course!" Fred jumped up and turned back around, much to Riku's dismay. "See, it's destiny that we become friends!"

"I don't know if I would say that," Akira told him.

"You guys are new students?" The young boy turned around from his Aunt Cass. Lifting his hand, he introduced. "I'm Hiro by the way."

Hinata smiled at Hiro and told him. "Something like that. We were just asking your aunt how to find the University. Is it close by?"

"Not too far." He answered her, sticking his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Once we're done eating I'll take you there."

"Thank you, Hiro." Hinata smiled and then remembered. "I'm Hinata by the way, and this is Riku and Akira."

"And Kitigin!" Kitigin chimed in, looking up from Akira's plate.

"Did that cat just talk?" Wasabi leaned back in his seat and pointed at Kitigin.

"Oops…" Kitigin whispered under her breath, before jumping onto Akira's shoulder.

"I wish my cat, Mochi could talk!" Cass commented, turning away from the group to help the other customers.

"Of all the things we've seen lately, a talking cat doesn't seem too farfetched." Go-go shrugged, popping another bubble with her gum.

"We should let them eat in peace, you guys." The girl with the large glasses suggested. "We can get to know them afterwards."

"Considerate as always, Honey Lemon." Wasabi noted, giving an uneasy look at Kitigin before looking down at his menu.

As the group went back to their own table, Akira looked them over. "That was something alright." She whispered to the others, causing Hinata to chuckle.

"Yeah, we always tend to run into interesting characters." Hinata admitted. "Still though, at least they seem nice."

Akira shrugged and finally began eating her food. They ate in silence and once they were done, Cass came over to clear their plates. Hinata got up from her seat and reached into a pocket in her pants, pulling out a blue plastic card. She followed Cass to the register while Akira stared after her confused.

"What is that?" She asked Riku.

"Something DiZ gave us." He told her. "It's like some sort of credit card that works as munny across worlds."

"And it actually works?" She asked, getting up from her seat.

"Somehow." Riku shrugged, also getting up. "It's never given us any trouble."

Akira nodded, watching Hinata as she paid for the food and made her way back to them. "So, off to the University now?" She asked once Hinata was in front of them.

"Yeah," Hinata agreed. "Professor Callaghan should be there and then we can finally get you home."

"That would be nice." Akira smiled.

The entire café around them fell silent as they spoke. They noticed the silence and looked warily around them and saw every person in the building staring.

"You're looking for Callaghan?" Hiro asked, getting up from his seat.

Akira uncomfortably stepped forward and nodded. "Yeah, we were told he could help us with something."

"And who exactly told you that?" Go-go asked; narrowing her eyes at them as she also stood.

"Why?" Riku asked, holding out his hand, ready to summon Soul Eater.

"Callaghan's been in jail for over a year." Honey Lemon spoke up, calmly.

"What?" Hinata asked.

"Man, you guys must really not from around here!" Fred butted in with a laugh. "His story was all over the news!"

"Everyone in San Fransokyo knows about it." Go-go told them, walking up to them with a glare in her eyes. "So how come you guys don't?"

Hinata glanced around and noticed the surrounding customers in the café beginning to get uncomfortable. Clearing her throat she offered. "Okay, look you guys. We'll tell you everything at the University. This isn't the place for this conversation."

Go-go glared up at them unconvinced, until Hiro came up beside her and placed his hand on her shoulder. Her eyes softened as she looked over at him and Hiro spoke up. "Alright, we'll talk more at the University. Come on."

Hiro motioned his head towards the exit and he turned to walk towards it. Go-go narrowed her eyes at the three teens once more before following after him. The rest of his friends got up from their booth and began exiting the building. Watching them leave, Hinata sighed and turned to face Akira.

"We'll figure something out. Maybe we can visit Callaghan in jail and find a way to still have him help us." She tried to assure her.

"But why is he in jail in the first place?" Akira asked. "Why would DiZ send you guys to find a dangerous man?"

"I don't think he knew." Riku spoke up. "They said he has only been in the jail for about a year; we don't know what the guy did." He motioned his head after Hiro, "Come on, we'll find out more at the University."

"This day is turning out to be a lot longer than expected." Akira complained to Kitigin following Riku and Hinata out of the café.

*** Author's Note: Akira and Kitigin belong to Spirit of Writing ***