Riku's POV

Hikari didn't have to say anything to let Riku know that they had to tell Ash and the others everything. Riku knew that as keepers of the Keyblade, they had a duty of protecting the world order by keeping the existence of other worlds secret, but after that battle, they were too far down the path of no return. Realizing this, he let out a heavy sigh and scratched his head, trying to remember where they had left off and how best to continue.

Luckily for him, Bonnie broke the awkward silence by asking -by any child's standard- an honest question. "So are you guys like sorcerers or something?"

Hikari was the first to crack when her small giggles broke into a fit of pure laughter to the point of crying, bringing all eyes to her. Riku couldn't help but chuckle along as well, reminded of the times when Sora would ask the stupidest questions as a kid.

"W-Well," Hikari began once she got her laughing under control. "I might use more magic than other wielders would, but I'm no way near the rank of sorcerer; that's Master territory."

Riku joined Hikari at her side and added "That's what we were about to tell you before those Unversed showed up." He summoned his Keyblade and held it out vertically from his body. "These weapons are known as Keyblades. Hikari and I travel to different worlds using the Keyblades to protect the Light from being corrupted by Darkness."

"And to answer what Serena asked earlier, the Darkness isn't really 'alien', but more alternative or parallel world-based, like Riku and myself," Hikari continued. "Don't get the wrong idea; Riku and I are very much human, but come from two different worlds that are quite similar to this one."

The group was silent for a few moments, trying to process this new information. Eventually, Clemont stepped forward.

"So let me see if I understand this right," he started, pushing his glasses closer to his face. "What you're saying is that you two follow this 'Darkness' wherever it strikes, using your swords to destroy them and protect the 'Light' present in each world, correct?"

Riku nodded.

"But then, how do you get from world to world?" Bonnie chimed in.

"That depends," Hikari answered. "If we've been to that world in the past, we can usually use our Keyblades to open a path that takes us directly there. However, if we've never been there before, we have to use what is known as The Lanes Between, which is basically a roadway that connects several different worlds."

"Are you saying that there are more than just our world and the worlds you guys come from?" Ash questioned.

"Yes," Riku replied. "Our master, a former Keyblade Master, has been watching over The Lanes Between for a very long time, but admits he knows only but a fraction of the worlds that are believed to exist. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, are thought to exist somewhere, a legend saying that each star represents the Light of another world."

The kids eyes all grew wide and fell silent once more.

"I think we broke them," Hikari whispered to the silver-haired teen, who couldn't help but laugh and nod.

However, they were both taken aback when Clemont suddenly broke the silence.

"That is so AMAZING!" The blond's eyes shined like a child who had just discovered chocolate. "What you've just told us completely blows away what scientists have believed to be pure fact for centuries! Truly spectacular!"

The others seemed to snap out of their stupor and join in their friend's excitement.

"That's so awesome!" Ash exclaimed.

"You must have been on many adventures!" Serena chimed in.

"Real super heroes!" Bonnie cheered, bouncing up and down.

"Are you really super heroes?"

Riku and Hikari looked down to see the young child looking back at them with hopeful eyes.

Hikari kneeled down and placed a hand on the girl's head, smiling sweetly. "We are as what others see us; so if you think that we fit that title, then we are super heroes."

The child's eyes only grew bigger as a giant smile graced her face. "If you really are super heroes, then please? Help my mommy and the other villagers!"

Everyone's smiles vanished at the desperate plea.

Riku kneeled beside Hikari, his eyes now level with the little girl's. "Why don't we slow down a little. I don't believe we ever got your name."

"My name is Alexis," she replied.

"That's a very pretty name," Riku stated, causing Alexis to giggle and blush. "My name is Riku," he then motioned to Hikari before adding "and this is my friend, Hikari. Can you tell us what happened to your mom and village?"

Alexis started to appear a little sad, but tried to act brave as she told her story. "About three days ago, these weird Pokémon showed up in our village. Some of the older villagers tried to fight them off, but no one was strong enough. Everyone was forced to stay in their homes when the monsters started to attack without warning. Then this man in a black coat came and took away everyone's Pokémon. He could even control the monsters."

Riku and Hikari looked at one another, silently agreeing with their suspicions; The Organization was definitely involved.

"So then how did you escape?" Hikari asked.

Alexis looked down, the fear now starting to show as she trembled slightly. "Mommy told me that I had to be brave and go find Daddy, who's working in the next town. Daddy had left his Sandslash's Pokéball with us in a secret spot, so Mommy took it out and had Sandslash dig a tunnel out of the house and to the edge of the village. Sandslash and I made it as far as the edge of the forest before those monsters found us." She started to cry. "S-Sandslash tried to fight them off so I could get away, but they… they kept chasing me."

Hikari pulled Alexis close as the child fully released her tears. The Keyblader softly tried to comfort Alexis, shushing her and petting her long auburn hair in a motherly fashion. "It's alright now. I promise; we're gonna save your mom and the other villagers," Hikari said soothingly.

Riku stood up, his hands forming into fists at his sides. He had let the Organization come this far, but that was going to change here and now.

XXXXX

Hikari's POV

After Alexis had calmed down and fallen asleep in my arms, we all headed back to camp. However, while Ash and the others went ahead, Riku and I had a quick conversation about our next move. So, after we got Alexis comfortable with Aki and Yami acting as cushions and told everyone what we had planned, they weren't exactly happy about it.

"Stay here!?" Ash exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" Serena questioned, clearly as upset as everyone else.

"Listen guys," I said before sighing. "This isn't like your Pokémon battles; the Unversed are extremely dangerous and far too powerful. If you or your Pokémon were to get hurt, no medicine or Nurse Joy could heal you. Even my healing magic is extremely limited and we just can't take that risk."

"Even we aren't sure of what to expect," Riku pointed out. "Based on what Alexis told us, that group we encountered was but a fraction of what is at the village in terms of numbers. There's also the matter of the person believed to be controlling the Unversed. If he's working for the group we're trying to stop, then you guys will only be in more danger if you come."

They clearly weren't happy with our choice; even Pikachu seemed a little disappointed.

"But there is one thing we need your help with," I stated, peeking their curiosity.

"What is it?" Bonnie eagerly asked.

"Due to the light within Alexis' heart, she can't stay exposed out here or the Unversed will surely come after her," I explained, looking at the sleeping youth. "That's why we need you all to take her to the next town and find her father."

"But what if those Unversed find us?" Clemont inquired. "You just said we can't win against them, so how can we possibly fight back?"

"That's why Aki and Yami will be going with you," Riku stated. "Since they share some of our powers, they should be able to protect you all if the Unversed do come after you."

"I still don't like this," Ash said with a sort of pout.

I couldn't help but sigh. "I know you guys feel that we don't believe in your strength, but believe me when I say you all are amazing trainers."

"Hikari and I wouldn't entrust you with Alexis' safety if we thought you weren't capable." Riku smiled. "We have faith in you, so please have faith in us."

They all looked at one another silently before all nodding in agreement, albeit with reluctant expressions.

I sighed in relief, glad we were able to convince them. "Thank you."