A/N: Wahh, this is so overdue. I'm so sorry for the long wait, but thankfully, we're finishing Kalos here and now, then head back to Kingdom Hearts worlds. Please accept this 17 page chapter as my apology for procrastinating. Also, if you guys are still interested in reading the backstories of Chise and Arashi's arrival before Hikari, please let me know and I'll post them.

Please, no flames!

Riku's POV

"There's no end to these things," Riku said in frustration, eliminating another Bruiser. Although he had dealt with far stronger opponents in the past, the sheer number and endless source was beginning to wear down the Keyblade Master. I need to end this soon, or else the Organization will try and take advantage, he thought to himself.

"Stop!"

Riku turned to see Hikari chase after someone and disappear behind a house, though he didn't see who she was pursuing. Realizing that she may have caught sight of the Organization member behind this, the teen tried to follow, but several Jellyshades and Archravens blocked his path.

"Ugh, I don't have time for this!" Riku got ready to fight once more, but his body was starting to ache and his breathing was slightly labored.

Suddenly, several shots in the shape of stars collided with the swarm, causing the creatures to vanish.

Riku's eyes went in the direction of where the attack had come from, surprised when he found Aki, rushing out of the forest. Just behind the Sylveon, Yami and - to the teen's shock- Ash, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie exited the forest thicket.

"What are you all doing here!?" Riku exclaimed. "Hikari and I told you to take Alexis to her father and stay there until we dealt with the Unversed."

"We did, or at least, the part about taking Alexis to her dad," Clemont stated, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.

Bonnie sighed as she placed a hand on her forehead and shook her head.

"We couldn't just stand by and let you and Hikari take on this darkness alone," Ash explained. "This is our world and we'll do what whatever we can to protect it."

"It's too dangerous here," Riku insisted. "Even if you wanted to help, your Pokémon alone just aren't strong enough."

"Which is why we brought reinforcements," Serena said with a smile.

Just then, several Pokéballs came flying out of the forest, beams of light flooding out of them. Among the Pokémon called out was a Steelix, Gurdurr, Machamp, Golem, Medicham, Donphan, Rhydon, Magneton and Magnemite. A group of men of varying ages stepped out of the forest as well, catching the Pokéballs they had thrown.

"Defend the village!" They cried out, charging forward with their Pokémon.

Following the commands of their trainers, the combination of Fighting, Rock, Ground, Steel, Psychic and Electric-types began to attack the Unversed, throwing rocks, lifting them high into the air, charging head-on, and electrocuting them.

"Ash."

Riku and his friends turned as a young man perhaps in his late 20s came running up to the group, a Gallade at his side. His hair was a messy cascade of a dirty-blonde shade, falling down just short of his shoulders. His eyes were a deep dark-grey, but still seemed to hold a fiery spirit. His well-toned muscles and torso that could be seen under his black and red plaid shirt and dark denim work jeans that were covered in dirt and sawdust showed he was a hard worker.

Serena turned back to Riku as she introduced the man. "This is Allister; Alexis' father and the leader of the village."

Allister nodded in greeting and offered a hand. "You must be Riku. I can't thank you enough for saving my daughter from those creatures and defending our home."

Riku took the offered hand and shook it. "There's no need for thanks. I'm just glad that Alexis made it back to you safely."

"Hey, where's Hikari?" Bonnie inquired.

The silver-haired teen flinched, realizing he had all but completely forgotten about his partner. "I saw her chasing after someone, but I lost sight of her. She must have gone after a member of the Organization we're after."

"You better go and assist her then. We'll deal with these beasts." Allister turned to his Gallade and pulled back his left sleeve, revealing a thick silver bracelet, a familiar rainbow-colored gem imbedded in it. "Ready, Gallade?"

"Gallade," The Blade Pokémon replied.

Allister smiled as he pressed against the gem, causing it and Gallade to glow in a blinding light. When it faded, Gallade had Mega Evolved just as Riku had as an Absol. The Fighting/Psychic-type had changed slightly in color, gaining a cape of white and aquamarine and the blades on its arms having grown in length.

The duo ran into the fray, Allister voicing commands and Gallade enacting them with lightning speed.

"Go, Riku," Ash stated, bring said teen's attention back to the group. "We've got this covered."

The silverette nodded in thanks before turning to Aki and Yami. "Stay here and help where you can."

The two Pokémon nodded in acceptance before heading after Ash and the others.

His path finally cleared, Riku rushed off in the direction of where he had last seen Hikari. "Just hang in there, Hikari. I'll be there soon."

Hikari's POV

I couldn't move. Couldn't think. I had always played in my mind how I would confront Genji when we eventually met up; where he had been, if he really was working for The Organization, if he knew where Arashi, Mom and Dad were. However, his sudden appearance had caught me completely off guard.

Eventually though, I lowered my Keyblade and casted it away. With my right hand free, I began to lift it towards Genji's cheek, words slowly following. "Is it really you… Genji? It is you… right? You have no idea how worried-"

I stopped mid-sentence when Genji slapped my hand away, his eyes somehow becoming even colder than they were before. "Don't pretend as though you care," he hissed.

His cold statement caused me to freeze, my chest once again aching. Was he still mad about the fight we had before our home was attacked? I took a deep breath, easing my heart somewhat, before I replied "If this is about that fight we had, I'm sorry. To be honest, my memory is kinda fuzzy and I can't really remember what we fought about, but if I hurt you in some way-"

I was cut off once again when, to my utter horror, Genji began to laugh. However, his laugh was not that filled with happiness, but something dark, much like how a villain would. "You honestly think I care about that?" He closed his eyes, a smirk on his face as he shook his head. "Same old Hikari; completely ignorant of others." His statement stung, but before I could reply, he opened his eyes, glaring at me with a hateful gaze. "Don't act as though you were looking for me. I know you've only been searching for that Keyblader with your knight in shining armor while I've been making sure our family stays safe."

I was taken aback by that last statement. How did he know that Riku and I were searching for Sora and besides that; did he know where our parents and Arashi were?

"Hikari!"

I looked over my shoulder and saw Riku rushing up to me, Keyblade in hand. His eyes met mine for a moment, then turned to Genji. Even when he was standing beside me, his gaze was set on my brother, an unsettling coldness coming off of him.

"I take it you're the one behind the Unversed attacking?" He raised The Way to Dawn, ready to strike. "I won't let you or The Organization get away with the pain you've caused this world."

"Riku, stop!" I quickly stepped in front of the silverette, arms extended outward as I acted like a shield. "Don't hurt him, please; he's my brother!"

Riku stared in utter disbelief, stunned being quite the understatement for this moment.

However, before anyone could say another word, a new voice joined in, coming from just beyond the hillside.

"Genji!" I turned to see a young male, no older than 13, with dirty blond hair came running up the hill, a giant grin on his face and a basket full of what appeared to be different Berries in his arms. Running at his side was a Gible, voicing its own excitement as it nibbled on an Oran Berry.

My fear of Riku attacking Genji vanished as I laid my eyes upon the youth, my heart feeling as though it would fly right out of my chest. "Arashi?"

The young teen stopped and tilted his head, his sapphire-blue orbs growing wide and lighting up like a Christmas tree when he saw me. "Hikari!" He dropped his basket and rushed up to me, nearly tackling me to ground. "You're here! I can't believe it!" He let out a happy laugh, the same one that he had had since he was a baby.

I pulled my little brother close, letting a few tears escape, but fighting the urge to completely break down. For a brief moment, the world melted around us and I completely forgot about what was going on.

However, Arashi cut the moment short by pulling away, only for him to smile brightly. "Don't cry, Hikari. I'm here, aren't I? Safe and sound."

I let out a small laugh and wiped the tears from eyes before placing a hand on Arashi's head. "Yeah, you're right, kiddo. I'm just so happy to see you."

Arashi let out his own laugh and nodded. "It's all thanks to Lord Arceus that I'm here."

I stared at my little brother, not quite sure if I had heard him right. It took me a moment before I found my voice again. "Arashi, did you just say… Arceus?"

The blond nodded again. "Yeah; It happened a little over a week ago. I was drifting off in this black void and Lord Arceus came to me in my dreams. He and Mew pulled me into the light and I woke up in a town not far from here." Looking down at the Gible, he picked up the Dragon-type and added "That's where I met Gible here."

"Gible," The Land Shark Pokémon greeted, swallowing the rest of its Oran Berry.

So Genji didn't bring the Unversed to this world to break my bond with Arashi, but instead save him? While the thought was somewhat relieving, the fact that he had brought the dark creatures of negative emotions to begin with was concerning. Him also being able to control the beasts was also troubling and I was scared to find out how he had acquired the power to do so.

"Well; isn't this a nice little family reunion?"

My head swerved towards the direction of the new voice just as a man in an Organization XIII coat stepped out of a Corridor of Darkness. He was older looking, with white and gray-streaked hair tied back in a ponytail, a jagged scar running up his left cheek and an eye-patch over his right eye. The Darkness leaking off him was almost suffocating and his cold golden eye sent shivers down my spine.

I summoned my Keyblade once more and prepared for an attack from the newcomer. However, the man didn't bother to even summon his own weapon, but instead chose to walk up to Genji, though he kept an eye on me, seeming to study to me while smirking all the while, creeping me out even more.

Genji didn't seem pleased to see the man, for he was glaring at him with a cold expression. "What are you doing here, Xigbar? I don't need any help."

Xigbar chuckled. "You think I came here to help a squirt like you? As if. The old coot just wants to see you."

Something seemed to change within Genji as he straightened up and nodded. "Alright." He looked back to me and Arashi and, in one quick motion, pulled our little brother away with one hand, opening a Corridor of Darkness with the other. "It's time to go, Arashi."

The young teen was clearly confused as he was pulled towards the portal, dropping Gible in the process. "Wait a minute, Genji! Isn't Hikari coming with us?"

Genji spun around to look at Arashi fully and seemed to radiate more darkness. "I'm taking you away from her so she can't hurt you or any other member of our family."

I felt a pain in my chest upon hearing those words, but ignored it and tried to confront Genji. "What the heck are you talking about?"

"Yeah, Genji. You're not making any sense." Arashi tried to loosen the grip on his arm but was clearly failing.

"I didn't know it at first, but I know now that Hikari's the reason why our world was destroyed and our family separated!" Genji spat harshly.

"Who told you that?" Riku questioned, stepping in front of me slightly as though expecting my oldest brother to attack me. "Xehanort? He's just manipulating you so he can pit you against Hikari."

"Master Xehanort saved me," Genji retorted. "He taught me about the comforts of Darkness and led me to the truth. Now let's go, Arashi."

I started to bolt forward to stop him, but Arashi's new Pokémon friend beat me to the punch as it leaped forward to try and tackle Genji. However, an invisible force sent the little Dragon flying back and I had to jump high into the air to catch it. I quickly checked to make sure the little Gible was alright and, seeing that he was uninjured, looked back at my brothers. "Wait! Genji!"

He ignored my calls and stepped into the portal, pulling a thrashing Arashi behind him. Just as the Corridor began to close, however, a small flash of blue rushed past me. Before I could react, Riolu leaped into the dark gate, right before it vanished.

"Well, it looks like I should take my leave." Xigbar chuckled as I turned to him just as he bowed mockingly and disappeared as well, though Riku tried to land a blow before he escaped.

"Damn," the silverette muttered, though I had barely heard him.

I looked back down at the Gible in my arms, my heart aching. Genji; what happened to you?

Riku's POV

As they headed down the hill back to the village, Riku noticed how Hikari was being extremely quiet. Perhaps she was dreading what they would find, as well as having to break the news to Alexis and her parents that Riolu had gone after her brothers to who knows where. For as young a child Alexis was, it probably was gonna end with tears.

When they reached the village, Riku was relieved to see that it hadn't suffered too much damage and that no one was seriously injured. The Unversed were nowhere to be seen, but that most likely was due to the fact that the Organization had left. The villagers were celebrating their victory, the individuals who had come with Allister happily reuniting with their loved ones. The two Keybladers found Alexis and her family - along with Ash, Clemont, Bonnie, Serena, Yami and Aki- at their cottage, seeming to be waiting for them.

April ran up to the duo and, to Hikari and Riku's surprise, hugged both of them by the neck, pulling them close. "Arceus bless you two. You not only protected my daughter but saved our town. Thank you so much." Her voice began to crack as she seemed to fight back tears. However, she seemed to keep her demeanor and slowly stepped back, though she wiped her watering eyes as she smiled kindly.

"You kids are simply extraordinary," Allister stated as he stepped down from the porch, Alexis in his arms. "Whatever it is you did on that hill, those creatures disappeared in an instant. Our village is safe thanks to you."

Hikari shook her head, still seeming distracted. "We didn't do much. The ones responsible just ended up retreating, taking the Unversed with them."

"But we couldn't have possibly been able to catch up to them in the first place if you hadn't shown up and fought off the Unversed," Riku added. "We were clearly outmatched until you arrived, so you had just as big a part in saving your home as we did."

"Will those things or that man come back?" Alexis asked worriedly.

Hikari seemed to push her worries aside and fully returned to the conversation. "I don't believe so, no. Though we don't know where they headed, I'm pretty sure they won't bother you or your village anymore."

The little girl nodded and laughed cheerfully.

"Does that mean that you're leaving?" Ash questioned.

Riku turned to Hikari and they both nodded. "It appears so," he replied. "The Unversed are gone, so we need to get moving and go after the people responsible for invading your home in the first place."

"You will most certainly be missed," Allistair stated. "Know that you are always welcome here."

"Will we see you again?" Bonnie inquired.

Hikari nodded. "I certainly hope so." She looked up to the sky before turning back to Riku. "We better get going."

The silverette nodded and the two called for Aki and Yami, who joined their sides. The Keybladers waved goodbye as they left the village and headed back towards the lake, where they would say their farewells to Mew.

However, they had hardly entered the forest when a familiar voice caused them to stop and turn around.

"Alexis?" Hikari asked, clearly just as surprised as Riku was. "Is something wrong?"

The young girl walked up to the two of them before looking up at them with an unreadable expression. "I know my mommy and daddy didn't say anything because they were worried it'd make me sad, but I want to know; Did you see Riolu when you went to fight those bad guys?"

Hikari and Riku looked at one another for a moment, not quite sure what to say. Riku had had a feeling that if April and Allister hadn't brought up the fact that Riolu was missing, Alexis was gonna come after them looking for answers. Even so, it wasn't going to be easy.

Hikari sighed heavily. "We did… My brothers were with the people responsible for the Unversed attacking."

Hikari.

"They took my brothers, but Riolu went after them before I could stop them," she continued. "We're not even sure as to where they were taken. I'm sorry, Alexis."

Riku had expected Alexis to break down into tears or at the very least get teary-eyed, but the young girl surprised both him and Hikari when she smiled and nodded in understanding.

"I had a feeling that's what happened. To be honest, I kinda knew that things wouldn't work out between me and Riolu," she stated.

"What do you mean?" Hikari inquired.

"Well, I learned in a book that Riolu evolve into Lucario through high levels of friendship with their trainer," she explained. "Though Riolu and I got along okay, we didn't share that special bond like my daddy and Gallade have, which helps Gallade Mega Evolve. Before Riolu took off, I saw this look in his eyes and I just had this feeling that he might not come back. Even though it made me sad, I knew that someone needed him more and I'm happy."

Riku couldn't help but smile a little. "That's a very grown-up thing to do, Alexis."

"I agree," Hikari added. She looked down at the Gible in her arms, her eyes lighting up as she seemed to get an idea. "You know, Gible here was with my younger brother, but got left behind. I think what Gible needs is a friend, since it can't come with us. Do you think you could take care of Gible for us?"

Alexis' eyes grew wide with surprise. "You… you would trust me with Gible?"

Hikari nodded and set down The Land Shark Pokémon, who excitedly ran up to Alexis, jumping up and down eagerly. "Dragon-types are a lot to handle, so I'm counting on you to train Gible well; alright?"

The young girl's eyes glistened as she looked at Gible, then back at Riku and Hikari. "I will, I promise. Oh, and take this in case you run into your brothers." She pulled a necklace out form under her shirt and slipped it over her head before handing it to Hikari. On a gorgeous chain was a silver pendent with an empty slot in the center. "If Riolu evolves, they'll need that pendent and a Key Stone to help Riolu Mega-Evolve. Riolu has the Lucarionite he needs on a chain around his neck, so they just need to find an Key Stone."

Hikari wrapped her fingers around the necklace before kneeling down and running her hand on top of Alexis' head. "Thank you. I'll make sure they get it."

Alexis nodded and let a sweet laugh, before backing away. "I better get back to the village. I hope you guys come and see us again soon. Bye bye." The red-head waved goodbye as she and Gible left together, Gible mimicking the youth as they disappeared into the trees.

When they were no longer in sight, Riku turned to Hikari, noticing that she was fitting the Key Stone that was in her necklace into the pendent. "You alright?" He asked.

"Huh?" Hikari looked up at Riku and, seeing his concerned expression, gave a reassuring smile, though it almost seemed forced. "I'm okay. Come on; we better go tell Mew the good news."

Hikari's POV

It wasn't hard to see that Riku was worried about me, especially after what had happened back at the village. Although the thought that he was concerned for me was sweet, I didn't want him to fret over me; it made me feel weak and I couldn't afford to be like that with my family and Sora still missing. I could only hope that Genji would protect Arashi. Even though I knew Genji wouldn't do anything to endanger our little brother, I was concerned that the Organization members might see him as an opportunity to get to me, hurting Arashi in the process.

Upon returning to the lake, Mew appeared from the ripples of a wave, a giant smile on her face. "I'm so glad to see you all back safe and sound," she stated.

"We're just glad that we were able to help," Riku replied.

Mew nodded. "And my dad and I really appreciate it. Speaking of which, he wanted to talk to the two of you before you left."

Wait, what? "Isn't Arceus still trapped in that pocket dimension?" I asked.

"He is, but I'm able to send one's spiritual form inside it, the same way he can watch over everyone here from his prison," she explained.

I looked to Riku, who nodded with a light smile. "Let's go see a God," he said nonchalantly.

"Okay, hang on." Mew's eyes slowly began to glow a light blue, followed by a flash of white.

The sudden light forced me to shield my eyes from being blinded, but it quickly faded and when I lowered my arms, my breathe was taken away.

Towering before us was a being of white, gold and gray. Its face was dark, but its red eyes were bright and intimidating. The golden x-shaped ring around its abdomen shined brightly, the power emanating from it easily felt.

Acting on instinct, I got to one knee and bowed my head, my hearts pounding in my chest.

"Rise, young Keyblade wielder," a powerful, telepathic male voice spoke.

I got to my feet and slowly lifted my eyes to the Pokémon God once more, still speechless.

Though he had no true facial features, something seemed to change within Arceus as his eyes studied me curiously, tilting his head as he did so. "Have… we met before, child?"

The question surprised me. How could I have possibly met the Pokémon God if I had never been to this world before? It could have been something as simple as me looking like an individual he knew in the past, but usually, my bright-blue eyes set me apart from others. For Arceus to believe that we had met before was truly strange and - to be frank- a little ominous.

Still, I shook my head and replied "No, Lord Arceus. I'm certain we haven't."

The Alpha Pokémon kept his eyes on me for several more moments, seeming not to be convinced, before sighing and dropping his gaze, shaking his head to clear it. Now looking at Riku as well as me, his eyes became soft. "No words can say how grateful I am of you both, Master Riku, young Hikari," Arceus began. "Even with all the power I possess, I was unable to keep the members of Organization XIII and the Unversed from trespassing into our home. The worlds are lucky to have such skilled Keyblade wielders like yourselves."

Riku nodded beside me. "Like we had said to Mew, we're glad that we were able to help and that no one got hurt."

My mind went back at that moment to when we had met up with my brothers, the hurtful words Genji had said making my heart ache all over again. I clutched the front of my vest and lowered my eyes to the floor, trying my best not to cry.

"Hikari?"

I looked back up at Arceus and saw that he as well as Mew had concerned expressions in their eyes.

"You're worried about Genji and Arashi, aren't you?" Mew's remark was a statement, not a question.

"I understand that the events you have experienced in this world have left you shaken and uncertain, but know that you don't need to keep it all bottled up," the Pokémon God assured.

I sighed heavily. "So you saw what happened, huh? I'm… I'm just so confused, Lord Arceus. What would possess Genji to believe there was the possibility that I was the reason our world was attacked by the Heartless? We may not have been on the best of terms lately, but he's a smart kid." The pain was too much and tears began to pour out. "Genji was always the logical one of my siblings, so why would that suddenly change now?!"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Riku with a sad, yet sympathetic look in his aquamarine eyes.

"I fear that Xehanort's influence is not the only reason for the sudden change within your brother," Arceus voiced.

I managed to wipe the tears from my eyes before returning my gaze to Arceus. "W-What do you mean?"

The Alpha Pokémon stared into the distance, though what he saw beyond the starlit void was beyond me. "Though I only sensed it for a brief moment, the presence of a very dark individual was there, lingering within Genji's heart."

I felt my heart nearly stop, fear quickly settling within it. Had Xehanort already begun to place a shard of his heart within my brother, making him the thirteenth member of Darkness?

However-" Arceus continued, "-how this being came to be within young Genji is trulyconcerning, for he was thought to have vanished over a decade ago."

"Wait; if Xehanort's not the one beginning to take control of Genji through a shard of his heart, then who is?" Riku questioned.

"If it isthe one I believe to be responsible for setting doubt within Genji and having him side with Organization XIII, it would also explain as to how the Unversed still exist and invaded our world."

"…Vanitas," Riku said with realization, the name seeming like vile on his tongue.

I, however, was completely clueless. "Who's Vanitas?"

"Vanitas was created by Xehanort from the Darkness within Ventus a little over twelve years ago," the silverette explained. "Xehanort tried to have the two fight so he could reforge the X-Blade, which first shattered during the huge war eons ago."

"Although Ventus was victorious in stopping his dark half, when his heart fell into sleep after their battle, the dark power of Vanitas remained, though dormant," Arceus added. "Whether waiting for the moment he would be free of Ventus's control, or for Xehanort to find the dark being a new host, it seems the latter has come to pass. However, it appears that only a partial piece of Vanitas lies within Genji, slowly snuffing out the Light within your brother's heart."

This news truly was a blow and I almost thought my heart had dropped to the pit of my stomach. It was just as the girl from my dream nearly two years before had warned me; Genji would turn to Darkness and I had no way of controlling it.

However, I wasn't going to let it get to me. Whether I would be able to prevent Vanitas from taking full control of my brother or I died trying, there would be no way of knowing if I gave up now. With this in mind, I pushed my doubts aside and stood a little taller. "Even if it's true, I won't let the Organization have their way with Genji's heart. I'll stop them before Vanitas takes full control or fall to Darkness trying."

Riku smiled and nodded, while Mew giggled and Arceus nodded as well.

"The road before you may be filled with obstacles and tough choices, but I know that the power of your heart and Keyblade will guide you," Arceus stated. "Which brings us to one final matter. Young Sylveon. Young Absol. What will you do now that the Keyblade wielders have finished what they came to accomplish here?"

Aki and Yami, who had both remained silent the entire time, looked up at their God with determination. Perhaps it was that we shared a bond, maybe that we were in a spiritual form in a different dimension, or even they always were able to but chose only now, but they spoke telepathically their response.

"We wish to continue traveling with them, Lord Arceus," Yami replied.

"Their Light gave us life and we feel that we must continue to support them until their true goal is reached," Aki chimed.

Riku and I looked at one another in disbelief before turning to our Pokémon counterparts.

"Is this truly what you want?" Riku asked.

"Even though it means leaving your home world?" I added. "You may never be able to come back."

Aki and Yami looked at each other and nodded.

"We want to stay by your sides," Yami stated.

"We are a part of the two of you and therefore your mission is ours as well," Aki pointed out. "That is, if you are willing to take us with you."

My eyes met Riku's and he seemed to think the same thing that I was, for he smiled and nodded. I smiled as well and looked back at the two Pokémon. "Of course. We would most certainly appreciate your help."

"Then it is settled." We all looked to Arceus, who also had a look of support in his eyes. "Since your forms cannot fully keep shape outside this world, I will transform you both into Summon Gems. Whenever Riku and Hikari are in need of your help, all they must do is focus on your gems and you will be there. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir,"

the duo stated.

"Very well." Arceus's eyes glowed a golden illumination as a powerful light surrounded Aki and Yami and both were lifted into the air.

Riku and I watched in awe as the light grew brighter and brighter before flashing brilliantly once. As the light faded, two crystal-like stones were left where the Pokémon had once been and slowly descended to the ground. We held out hands as the gems landed in our palms, the warmth of the transformation still present. Aki had taken the form of a gray and white butterfly-bow with the silhouette of her head in the center, while Yami took the form of an oval/teardrop-shape with the silhouette of his head in the center.

"May they help you as you continue to save the many worlds beyond," Arceus stated.

I looked up at The Alpha Pokémon and nodded. "Right. Oh, and thank you for saving Arashi a few days ago. I'm sure he enjoyed meeting the God of Pokémon."

Arceus chuckled. "That young boy is a true spirit of light. Now, return to your bodies, so that you may go forth and saved your loved ones."

There was another flash of light and when it faded, we were once more by the lake, Mew still smiling brightly.

"Thank you for everything you've done," she said. "I hope to see you both again some day." With that, she waved goodbye and disappeared.

"Shall we get going then?" Riku asked.

I looked to him and nodded. "Yeah, but can we possibly stop at Radiant Garden? I want to see if Lea can do me a little favor."

In The Castle That Never Was…

Arashi had his knees up against his chest, sitting on the bed in the pure white room Genji had left him in. He was trying to figure out what was wrong with his big brother and what could have possibly happened to him and Hikari.

The Riolu who had somehow managed to follow them back to this strange world looked at the youth with a sad expression. The emotions flowing off of Arashi was almost overwhelming for the Emanation Pokémon, making him want to join the boy.

Suddenly, a presence made the Fighting-type look up, just as a portal of darkness appeared by the open window. A gloved hand quickly placed something on the windowsill before retreating back into the corridor and vanishing, giving Riolu no time to react. Riolu looked at where the portal had been for a few moments, then to the object that had been left behind, before going back to Arashi and placing his paws on the youth's knees, trying to get his attention.

Arashi opened his eyes and looked at the small Pokémon, seeing him pointing something by the window that hadn't been there a moment ago. He slowly got off the bed and walked over to it, realizing it was a small, pine-green colored pouch, a rolled up piece of paper attached to the tie. Curious, he carefully pulled the letter out of the tie and unrolled it, surprised when he instantly recognized Hikari's handwriting.

Hey baby bro,

I'm sorry that we parted ways before I got a chance to explain what's going on. I know you must be really confused and unsure, but I need you to be strong for me. While I wish I could be with you, there are some things that I need to finish before all of us can be together again and return home. I understand that it's a lot to process, but just know that in due time, I'll explain everything. Until then, I need you to do me a big favor; You probably figured out that Genji isn't his normal self, so I need you to watch him and try to remind him of what's truly important. How you do so, I'll leave it up to you, but I have a feeling that your new friend might be able to help. That little Riolu is very special and seems like the Pokémon that wants to do whatever he can to help. Train him to be strong for the both of you, and, if he just so happens to evolve, there's something in the pouch that might help you get through to Genji, since we both know how much he once admired Lucarios. Anyway, know that Chise is safe and once I find Mom and Dad, I'll come get you and Genji and we'll all go back to the lake. Just hang on for a little longer.

Love
Your big sis, Hikari

Arashi set down the letter before turning to the pouch and pulling the drawstring open. He tipped the bag with his other palm out as a silver piece of jewelry landed in it. However, Arashi knew right away that this was no simple accessory. He ran a finger over the rainbow-colored stone with awe before slipping the pendent over his head, allowing the Key Stone to rest against his chest. He then turned to Riolu, finally noticing the amber-red stone that hung on a necklace around the Fighting-type's neck.

The blond smiled. "Shall we start training, Riolu?"

The Emanation Pokémon's grew wide as it smiled and nodded eagerly. "Ri!"