For those of you who had noticed the edits, sorry for that. But I have here a treat: the newest chapter (in a long while) and the conclusion to how our boy Sora ended up on the world.

For those of you expecting Sora to meet Samael this chapter, you're sorely mistaken. He won't be meeting the demon as of yet. Because they technically DID fulfill their own bargain and went through the cathedral. Sora WILL be meeting someone else however.

To make up for being inactive for...six years(?), I hope you enjoy this. Both sides would be getting an exposition.

(A bit of a warning of there being a slight dehumanizing thoughts towards humanity.)

It was still raining outside of the cathedral, the rain lightly hitting the roof. One of the rooms looks to be an altar. A place of worship. The candles, like the rest within the cathedral, had long since burned out or had melted completely.

The door to the room slightly opened, with Sora peeking in. He looked around a bit, seeing that the only windows in the room were high, and barred. He gave a nod before he opened it fully. "I guess this place would do for now," he said, walking in.

As the boy does so, War slightly stepped in. He looked around a bit, at the dust and cobwebs that covered the room. He ignored the boy as he fiddled with a few things in the room. Feels like an ideal place to at least rest. It would at least take a few days for the boy to learn and adjust to finding a safe place to sleep.

Still…it's a wonder on how he had managed to convince him to take a rest. The Horseman could still remember the conversation from earlier.

Earlier…

In a flash of blue, the man and boy appeared…in the hallway of the building from where they had entered earlier. The boy looked around the hallway. "We're back in the hallway we entered through," he noted.

The Watcher appeared with a look. "What do you take me for? I'm not a miracle worker," it said.

"I never said you are," Sora said back with a look.

"Knock it off," War held out his left hand to stop their argument before it started. "We're just off the mark. And a few steps won't kill us."

The boy slowly nodded, looking tired. "Right…" he said before he yawned. "How long have we been in here?"

"Perhaps a few hours," War guessed, looking to the ceiling. "It's still nighttime when we were up there."

"Yeah…I couldn't hear anything while I was hanging back there, with the bell ringing and all," Sora admitted, rubbing his ear a little. "I'm just glad that I wasn't rendered deaf back there. But…who knew there's a clock somewhere in this place?"

"Does it matter on what time it is?" War asked him. "It'll only be a few more hours until the sun comes up."

Sora looked at him. "Well…aren't you tired?" The boy asked him. "You've been fighting for a while. Shouldn't you rest?"

War narrowed his eyes at him. "I've spent a century resting."

Sora noted it. His eyes shifted a bit, thinking. "Well…what about mentally?" Sora then suggested. "I mean, sure, you're a Horseman and all, but…" he lightly pointed out the Nephilim's side. "Even you aren't immortal. You can still die."

The Horseman's face slowly changed, glancing at where his wound was. The boy had brought up a point. He could still get injured…and if he isn't careful, or not thinking straight, it would end with his death. And as it stands, the Council wouldn't care if he had died or not. He had committed a crime, and if (and when) he dies, his sentence that they would have intended is carried out.

And for a boy to point that out…

(Reminds him more of-)

Perhaps he is mentally exhausted.

After a while of deliberation…the Nephilim sighed. "You brought up a point."

Samael can afford to wait. Would be a waste if his 'key' to freedom was dead. And the demon knows that.

Sora was surprised to see that War had agreed, before he slowly nodded, a small smile forming. "Okay." He walks to where his backpack is still hanging, gently taking it. "Let's find a place to rest for tonight, then we can figure out how to leave in the morning."

Now…

War placed Chaoseater to lean against the wall next to him before he loosens parts of his armor on him then slowly sits on the floor. He leans against the wall, idly watching the boy as he milled about, checking around. The door had been closed and barricaded, to prevent wondering demons from sneaking in. A bang against the wooden door would instantly alert them if there's something amiss. And with Chaoseater in reach, he would be able to quickly deal with what threats would come into the room.

Soon enough though, the boy had found a place to sleep. Near him but away from the door. As Sora places the Keyblade on the floor, his hand wavered for a bit, as if considering something. "Hey…can I ask you something?" Sora asked the man.

War raised an eyebrow. As a matter of fact, he has a question of his own. May as well address it now. "Funny, I have a question of my own to ask of you," he said.

The boy blinked. "Really? Uh…okay…" he mumbled. "So…you have a question and I have one." The boy looked at him. "So…who's going first?" War just gave him a look. Sora raised his hands. "Okay…you go ahead and ask."

The Nephilim gave a grunt. "Very well. How is it that you managed to get here?"

"Huh?" The boy blinked.

War raised his hand. "How did you manage to pass the barrier, keeping this realm and others apart from the rest of the universe?"

The boy had a bewildered expression. "Uh…was I not supposed to?" Sora asked slowly, as if wanting to verify what he had just heard. At that, the Horseman can see that the expression is genuine.

…It looks like he did get here on accident. War shifted so that he could have his hand on top of his knee. "When the pact was forged eons ago, that the End-War would occur on this planet, the barrier is formed," he explained. "It's made that way so that not even the forces of hell nor heaven would try to branch out to others. It's to keep them from interacting or meddling with what's happening, as well as to make sure that neither side would try to take advantage of those worlds. Such as setting outposts, trying to gather materials from there that they can use. It's mostly to keep things fair between the two Kingdoms."

War regarded the boy with a look. "Lastly, there can't be any outside interference. Not even the Keyblade – in the hands of a novice, or even a master – can puncture the barrier. You're basically the first one ever to do something like that. What I want to know…" he narrowed his eyes, "is how."

Sora gave a surprised look at that information. Not even the Keyblade could…?

…Actually, now that he had pointed that out, that IS strange. How did he even manage to get through? Was it just…sheer dumb luck, or…?

"I…I honestly don't know," Sora admitted. "I just crash landed here a few days ago."

"You crash landed?" War repeated with a look.

"Yeah! We were on our way to a world when we got attacked," Sora explained. "Our ship was really damaged, and we had to evacuate. But…in the chaos, I got separated. My friends got sent away in another direction…and what I was in must have flew in this direction."

The Nephilim raised a brow. "…So, you honestly don't know."

"Yeah. I'm honestly just as confused as you are, since you brought it up," Sora admitted, scratching his head. "If even the Keyblade can't go through it, then…" The boy trailed off in thought before he vigorously rubbed his head. "Ugh! Thinking about it will just give me a headache!"

…Well, he's right about one thing. Thinking too much about it won't lead them any closer to the truth. It will just raise more questions than answers.

"Very well, let's move on," War said with a bit of a sigh.

Sora looked at him. "…Right. So…I guess it's my turn to ask a question," he said, lowering his hands. He looked at him. "So... what ARE you? Like…you're not a human. You look like one, but you obviously aren't."

War looked over at him. He chose now to ask that?

Sora waited in anticipation. Would he tell him about what the Nephilim are? Or not?...

War lifted his hand. "What do you know of 'Nephilim'?" He asked.

The boy blinked. "Uh…" he thought about it. "Umm…not…much. But…I think I heard that they're half angel half…something."

War gave a hum. "Interesting on how we're interpreted…" he muttered.

"Huh?" Sora tilted his head.

"You're half right," War admits, "about Nephilim being half Angel…but the other half is Demon." The boy looked surprised. "The First Nephilim were created from the dust of angel and demon alike and woven together with powerful magic. The rest were conceived naturally." War looks at the boy. "The Nephilim were a race that is a cursed union of Angel and Demon…and as a result were rejected by both Heaven and Hell. Outcasts that no one wanted, so they had each other. All had to be strong, to be fierce. We were once proud warriors."

"…Were?" Sora asked about the past tense.

"Because we were outcasts, we scoured the entire realm for a home. One where we Nephilim can live in. Yet the methods that we went about…wasn't good. Some had to be taken by force. Eventually, the world, too, rejects us and we had to move on. Yet with time, the Nephilim began to lose themselves, to power and to bloodlust. They had to be stopped. Myself and three others, my eldest siblings, grew weary of it all…"

Several flashes of memory from back then flashed through the Nephilim's mind.

"We made a truce with the Charred Council, that we would serve them in exchange for power. Our first job when we became the Four Horsemen…was to slaughter our own kin." Sora let out a shocked gasp. "We slaughtered them all, every single one. All of their souls had been gathered and are to be destroyed."

Sora looked shocked. They're the last…because they had willingly killed their own kind…? "…You would…willingly…?"

The Nephilim leveled his gaze at the boy. "They had to be stopped," he said. "Killing them is the only way."

"But…couldn't you have just reasoned with them?" Sora implored. "There could have been other ways!"

(Strife had said something similar back then.)

"A lot of them have crossed the boundaries. It was impossible to reason with them anymore," War stated. "Even if you can…there are others that just won't stop. That they CAN'T," he stressed, "be stopped. If left alone they could have done worse. To stop them for good, you have to put an end to them."

"…" Sora lowered his head, averting his eyes. Even so…it…doesn't make it right.

"Had we not become enforcers, humans wouldn't have existed for long," War continued, "The Nephilim would have claimed Eden. They would have conquered Heaven and Hell. They would have overthrown the Charred Council. And they would continue, across the worlds beyond our realm. We had to do what we had to do, to prevent that from happening."

Sora's eyes went wide in shock. His heart felt conflicted, and yet his mind flashed back to some of the people he had fought…some he had a hand in slaying himself. He…who was he to talk? He had…did the same himself, didn't he…? He had to stop the members of Organization XIII before they hurt any more people. To do that, he… But no. They don't- they don't have hearts. They may have human forms, but…

(Was he any better at the end of the day?)

The boy bit his lip before looking at the man. "…Do you regret it? Killing your own kind?"

The man just stared at him. Sora fidgeted on the spot. That…blank stare is creeping him out.

War then looks away, allowing Sora to relax. "When you've lived to be as old as I am…it comes and goes," the man answered. "I don't necessarily like to kill all that much…but if I have to, I must. Not only to survive…but also as an act of duty. For the greater good." That's how it was for him. (Or what he convinces himself.) He isn't sure how humans would deal with it.

Sora pursed his lips a bit. Duty huh? While there are…a few things he can understand about that…it doesn't make it okay though.

…Though, a part of him pointed out that, if it hadn't been for the fact that Riku was possessed by Xehanort's Heartless back then…if it hadn't been for the fact that Riku was fooled by Maleficent… he would have killed his own best friend. (And he can't even imagine doing that. Trying to do so…gave him chills.) Even if they're of different races…they're no different from each other.

…What does that make Angels and Demons, though…?

He recalled what Ulthane had said a while back, before he left the giant man's place. That even Angels can be bad.

The boy heaved a sigh. "Well…thanks for telling me," he said. He lays down, using the bag as a pillow. "Well…night, I guess…" The boy closed his eyes, though sleep may not come easy for him.

The Nephilim looked over at the boy before he glanced at the door. He soon closed his eyes himself.

In the silence that followed, undaunted by the rain that hit the roof above, the two rested.

However, the Watcher emerged from War's artificial hand, narrowing its eyes at the boy.

How ridiculously naïve is that boy? At times, reason enough wouldn't be able to change the minds of every living being. If they can't be swayed, it's only fair to kill them. To silence them, and to put the others in control. To have them abandon what plans they have and be complacent. Are all humans like this? Or just like this boy? Thinking that words alone would be enough. But humans have also been fickle themselves. Easily swayed, especially to those with more power to them. That was how they had been easily 'shaped' by both demons and angels. The Council had always been aware of their interference with Humanity but did nothing to stop them from doing so. Such…disgusting, putrid creatures. They're the ones chosen to represent the balance the best, and yet look at them. Unable to decide for themselves. No different from the rest of creation.

How utterly pathetic that species. The Creator is a fool for creating this race.

It soon regarded the boy, sleeping well. Perhaps because there's another, strong protector nearby, the boy could sleep peacefully. Humans seem to have a proclivity of trusting others rather easily.

How foolish. As it looked over at the boy…a thought formed in its head. The Watcher noticed that it can be very easy to put an end to his life, with him vulnerable right now. Just a pinch…and it'll be like the boy had died in his sleep. No one would be none the wiser.

Yes, if it kills him now…

The Watcher had rose its hand at the boy, its spiny fingers outstretched and curled in…but stopped. It considers it more before shaking its head. No. It's just a human boy. What threat could he possibly have? Still…there's something about this boy…

The Watcher grunted. It'll be better if it kept an eye on him, while keeping his other eyes on War. He had to make sure that the Horseman wouldn't stray from his 'mission' after all.

…They all knew that War would stop at nothing to get his revenge. Even they. (Like a good little soldier that he is. His 'siblings' on the other hand…)

The Watcher gave one more look at the boy before going back into the Horseman's gauntlet.

(It did not notice that it was observed by the Nephilim, who watched its actions intently. And when it decided to retreat into his gauntlet, it was only then did he truly slip his eyes closed.)

~o~

Alarms blared around them as they quickly ran.

"Abandon ship! ! !" Chip screamed as the chipmunk brothers rode on Goofy.

"The place is gonna blow! !" Dale screamed as well, as more explosions rocked the Gummi Ship.

After seeing the large, Heartless warship, they all knew that it was a matter of time before the entire ship is decimated. No amount of dodging is going to save them or the ship from escaping…but something smaller can. At least, they hope it will. The ship is on autopilot, to try to dodge the blasts as best as it could as they make their escape.

They soon got to where the pods were, with Donald frantically pushing buttons to get them to open, as Sora tried to keep himself steady from the shakes. Any minute now, the entire ship would break apart.

"C'mon, hurry up!" Sora urged.

"I'm going as fast as I can!" Donald snapped, his anger nearly making him nearly impossible to understand. "Shut up and let me work!"

Jiminy got out of his hood and jumped over to Donald to look over at his work. Sora tried to calm himself. They had MANY close calls before when their ship was nearly destroyed. Yet they had managed to not only get through it somehow, but they always repair their vessel afterwards. But never had something like THIS happened. And Sora is not an idiot – even he knows that they wouldn't survive long in space without the ship. Without life support.

But…a part of him is fearful. This…can't be the end of their journey, could it? They were so close to the Organization's stronghold. So close to finding a clue on how to get there. He's yet to find Riku…if he dies here, then he wouldn't go back to the islands with his friends! Donald and Goofy would be unable to go back to their own loved ones, with the King! This can't be the end, not yet.

After several tense minutes, the doors to the escape pods slides open. "Okay! They're open!" Donald said before he went into the first one. "Now we just gotta get in and punch the coordinates back to Radiant Garden."

"Why not the castle?" Sora asked.

"For one, Radiant Garden is closer," Donald explained. "As for the second reason, we can't have that ship follow us back!"

Sora can see the logic to that one. A warship as big as the one they had seen; it would have decimated the world if it wanted to.

"Well, if you say so-" Sora said- before the ship shook again. This time, it was hard enough to make them fall and tumble…

…Into two separate escape pods.

Sora tumbled before his elbow hit something. The door to the pod he was in closed on its own, with him surprised. He's alone in a single pod. He ran up to the door to look out through the window. In the other one, he could see the others looking through the window themselves.

"Sora!"

"Sora!" Donald and Goofy exclaimed, though their voices are muffled- before the pod they're in shot out into space.

"Guys!" Sora cried out, planting his hands on the sides of the window- before the pod he was in shot out as well.

Sora could only watch as the other pod went in another direction, as their ship is finally destroyed. He had to cover his eyes from the light…but he could hear nothing. No explosion. Nothing. Just…dead silence.

A long, horrible silence. Sora let his arms slide down the wall, seeing the remains of the ship getting further away. "Guys…" he muttered; his head lowered. He isn't sure where this pod will take him. Would he even survive this long on his own…?

Sora backed away from the door, before curling into himself. He put his arms around his knees and buried his face into them.

It wasn't the first time he was alone. Well…wasn't alone. When he first woke up in Traverse Town, he at least had Cid and a few friendly people to help him. When Donald and Goofy left with Riku when they first got to Hollow Bastion a year ago, he had Beast with him. A few times he was separated, he had someone with him. Jiminy was always there for him as well. But now…

Now he isn't.

Sora is well and truly alone now. All he could do was hope and pray for their safety. And his…

…

…The boy isn't sure on how long he's been there, curled into a ball like that, but he jerked a bit when he felt…something off. "…Huh...?" He mumbled- and he heard something clatter next to him. He looked over, seeing the Kingdom Key lying by him. "The Keyblade?" He picks it up. "Why is it…?" And suddenly the pod shook. "?!"

He bolted up from where he was sitting to try to get a look, but to his shock, he was already entering the atmosphere of a world. "Wait! What world am I on?" He asked frantically. He got to the dashboard and tried to fiddle with the controls.

Unfortunately, he never learned how to do things like this. After he tried to drive, Donald banned him from touching anything. Doesn't help that there isn't much technology on the islands, making him rather hopeless with computers. Of all times, he could have used anything to help him to survive!

Sweat appeared on his face as his heart thundered in his chest, trying to stay calm. Trying to find out how to work this thing! He lifted his eyes, seeing that he's getting closer…!

Instinct had won over, the boy grabbing his Keyblade and erecting a powerful barrier around him-

Bright light covered his vision, and an explosion was loud in his ears.

~o~

Sora snapped his eyes open, bolting up into a sitting position and looking around. It took a few moments for morning amnesia to wear off before he recognized the area…and saw the Horseman still in the same position he was in.

He's within one of the rooms in the cathedral. They had decided to sleep in this room for the night after dealing with Tiamat. Sora slowly pushed himself up and stretched. He can feel that his mana is back up after having some sleep. The boy looked at the window. The sun is at least shining through, so it's morning at least. Doesn't help to know on what time it is, though…

The boy ran his fingers through his hair. He's been here for a while, his spikes are now going down, becoming tamed…but he grunted a bit when he came upon knots in his hair. Too bad he doesn't have a comb…or hair gel to make his hair remain spikey.

Sora pulled his fingers out. On the other hand, it's probably for the best. It'll be a while until he can find something to wash himself…and his clothes. He feels…grimy. And icky. But you can't have everything. It would even be a miracle to find a bar of soap and scrub himself until he's pink.

The brunette looked over at the Nephilim. Is that even comfortable? The boy slowly walked up to him, crouching down. How should he wake him? Should…should he poke him? Shake his arm?

As his blue eyes looked over at the man before him…an odd thought popped into his head.

'What does he look like under that hood?' He asked himself. The lower half of the man's face is seen, showing tanned skin and a small scar over from the top of his left upper lip. But what about the rest of his face? The glow of his eyes is…well, a bit eerie. White with blue. That sometimes glow with a reddish-orange aura at times. What do his eyes look like, really? And the rest of his hair? Only two long strands are at the front.

Curiosity filled the boy, and he slowly reached for the hood. He didn't even get close before War's massive left arm gripped his arm. The boy yelped out in surprise.

The man raised his head, with those eyes staring into him. "…If you weren't careful, I would have broken your arm or your fingers," War said flatly, before releasing his arm. "Or at worse, snapped your neck."

"Uh…" Sora held up his hands. "Sorry. Um, morning?" He gave a sheepish smile.

The man gave him a flat look before lightly poking him, making Sora fall over to land on his rear. The Nephilim pushed himself up to stand, fastening his armor back before grabbing his weapon to place onto his back. "Let's find a way off this 'island'," he said.

"Uh, right," Sora nodded, pushing himself up. He grabbed his bag, putting it over his shoulders then his Keyblade. "Well, let's go."

The rain had stopped when they stepped outside. But it feels a bit muggy, considering this place is suspended over lava.

"Okay, um…probably better if we split up for a bit," Sora said, looking around. "I'll see if I can check the back."

"Do whatever you want," War said before he walked off.

Sora made a face, hands on his hips. "…You'd think he's an ice king or something," he muttered to himself before he went to check the back.

But, even as he looked around, there wasn't an alternative path. Or even a path to let them cross this lake of magma. And with a few experiments – and considering how heavy the Nephilim is – he couldn't make the ice last long enough for the two of them to cross. So, they're pretty much stuck here.

Sora crossed his arms, frowning. He lightly drummed his fingers against his arm, furrowing his brows in thought. What else could they do…?

No idea came to him.

He gave a sigh, before looking back. "Maybe War found something," he pondered before he heads back.

Sora managed to get back to around the front of the cathedral before finding War looking out at something. The boy hurried over to him. "Hey, War!" He called out. "You found something?" He asked as he got to him.

The man glanced at him. "…I think I may have found a way off here," he answered.

"Really?" Sora blinked. "Wow, you actually got better luck than I did."

"If it can be called 'lucky'," War sneered, looking rather displeased.

"Huh?" Sora tilted his head.

"…It's best to show you," the man answered, before he heads off. Sora blinked at him before following him.

When they got there, he noticed…a disc? No…a flat yet circular pedestal? There's an odd marking on the surface. It's white in color, and the markings blue.

Sora looked over at it curiously. "What is it?" He asked.

The answer he got…was not from War. But someone else:

"Well, well, so you're the human."

Sora froze before his eyes slowly moved to the source. He raised his head up…

…Seeing a new demon. It has two big horns, glowing blue eyes with its body lean yet muscular, a cowl over its head, a cloth around its waist with potions, trinkets and other wares on it, with it wearing rings on its bony fingers. Its wings are nubbed with bandages on it…yet it's floating.

The boy raised the Keyblade at it. "Uh… What's this Demon doing here?"

"This demon is Vulgrim," War explained. "He's a merchant."

"A…demon merchant, huh?" Sora asked, disbelieving.

"Why, of course. Not all Demons rely on brute strength," the demon said, its arms out. "After all, knowledge can have its own power. Even over others if used right."

Sora gave an uncertain look. His eyes glanced at the Horseman beside him. Did he seriously trust him…?

…But, on further reflection, War seems displeased earlier…so he doesn't trust this merchant completely himself.

The boy looked back at the demon merchant. "…Right," he said finally. Though, he's still reluctant to trust him.

Sora tensed as the demon looked over at him, moving around him…examining him. The boy squirmed under the demon's gaze.

"Hmm…how very…interesting." The tone in the Demon's voice, Sora did not like.

"Uh…what's… 'interesting'?" Sora nervously asked.

Vulgrim looked over at him, lightly tapping the Keyblade before he got closer. Sora had to admittedly take a step back when he did so looking over at the boy's face with his eyes narrowed a bit. The Demon then lifted his finger and lightly poked the boy on the forehead-

And then his eyes lit up. "Ooooh. Very interesting," he said, backing up.

"…What is…?" Sora hesitantly asked.

The Demon didn't answer, giving a bit of a chuckle as he tapped his fingers together. He had a smirk…as if he knew something. "Now, it won't be fun if I just told you?" He asked. "Just know that… you have untapped potential within you."

Sora looked at him incredulously. "Uh…just…what the heck are you talking about?"

Vulgrim didn't answer, still drumming his fingers together with a knowing smirk. War gave a bit of a sigh. "You won't get much out of him," the man said, sounding a bit frustrated himself. At least he isn't the only one wondering what the demon is talking about.

"But, I must say," Vulgrim suddenly spoke up, looking at War, "You've brought down Tiamat, have you? The Destroyer will not be pleased." That got Sora's attention. Tiamat is connected to the Destroyer? If that's true…then…is War going after the Destroyer? He missed something else that Vulgrim said, with the boy deep in thought.

If Tiamat is connected to the Destroyer, then it's most likely that she is probably one of his generals. If you take down a person of power, less power to the army, right?

But…would that mean that War is really going against the Destroyer? Actually it makes sense. Since the Destroyer is the one who's leading Hell's armies, War, as an enforcer, must defeat them. Though…why have that creature watch him? Why ensure War's loyalty if all he wanted was to defeat the Destroyer?

Sora was jostled out of his thoughts when he was shoved a bit. "Huh? What?" He sputtered, startled.

"We're about to go," War told him, lowering his hand.

"Uh…go where?" The boy asked.

"We're heading to the 'Scalding Gallow'," the man answered. "It's the area where we first…met after all."

"Oh. Uh…okay…? How do we get there?" The man merely gestured at something on the ground. When Sora looked, it's the pedestal…but it now has…a portal? What? He looked up to see Vulgrim at the side, the Demon floating idly to the side. The boy looked back at the portal. "Uh…is…is it safe?"

He waited for him to answer, staring at the portal. It's swirling with blue energy with glyphs around it…yet the 'middle' is black. Is it like…a warp hole?

"So long as you don't leave my side as we go through there," the Nephilim finally answered.

…That doesn't inspire confidence. "Uh…right…" Sora muttered. He looked over at War before he hooked his hand under to lightly grab the man's forearm. "Well, let's go."

He heard the man made a grunt before the two went in…

(He felt himself breaking down before he went off at super speed, faster than his brain could comprehend.)

…And appeared in…a strange world or a sort. War gave Sora a bit of mercy to let him gather himself after experiencing going through the Serpent Hole for the first time. It may be disorientating for humans (that he know of). After a few moments, Sora soon looked around, taking in the area. There are several floating pillars about, parts of it broken down with odd trinkets here and there, and they're on a stone walkway. The sky and the area around them is in different shades of blue, and cloudy.

Still the same as he had gone through these paths the last time, War mused.

"…Whoa…" Sora breathed out, amazed.

But of course, the Nephilim went on – if it hadn't been for the fact that Sora had his hand on the man's forearm, he would have been left behind. The boy still looked around as they walked.

"Do you want to fall?" The man deadpanned, getting the boy's attention. "Keep your eyes on the road."

"Uh…right." That would have been… REALLY embarrassing if he fell to his death in here. He wanted to look around a bit more, but he didn't want to fall. He stuck close to War as they walked their way through.

There are a couple of torches that lit the way, that Sora noticed. But other than those, that's pretty much it. He DID get surprised when it looked like they were heading to a dead end, but slabs of rock appeared, making a path for them. The edges glowed, with runes in the middle of the slabs, as they walked over the 'road'.

Soon enough they reached the end, where the other portal awaits them. They stepped through…

…And reappeared in a different area. Sora shuddered. "Augh…! Hate that!" He complained. Sora soon regained himself before he looked around. He immediately recognized the area as the same place he was looking around at a day ago. The boy let go of the man's forearm before he walked out. "…Huh. Other than going through…that twice, that's actually really convenient." The boy looked back at War- only to see him heading off. "Where are you-?"

"This is where we part ways," the man said, still walking. "Our partnership is done."

Sora blinked. He honestly forgot about that. He honestly didn't expect it to end so quickly. "Uh…right…" he muttered. And something told him that he wouldn't easily convince War to at least accompany him further. They both have their own things to do.

He perked up and dug into his bag, pulling out an apple. "Hey War, catch!" He called out before throwing it.

The Nephilim turned back before he caught it. He stared down at it. "Uh…Consider it breakfast or something!" The boy called out. "We didn't eat before we left. So…uh…see ya. I guess," he finished lamely before he soon heads off. Speaking of breakfast…

The boy pulled out another apple. There's only a few of them left, but they miraculously remain uncrushed or unharmed while he was being slung around and all yesterday. He ate the one he has currently, before throwing it over the cliff to the lava. Right. Better find a new path to continue his search for a way out of the world.

He checked the path blocked by ice again, but…no matter what he does, he can't melt it or smash it. That is some seriously durable ice there. Though, it doesn't seem like there's any other place he can- The boy perked up. Wait… He looked back and headed towards a path that he remembered had the red crystals on it. If he's right…

Once he got there, he saw something on the crystal. An inactive sticky bomb growing on it.

"…Well I feel dumb," the boy muttered to himself. Then again, he didn't think of any of that growth on the crystal. He never noticed that it was out of place until yesterday. Since he knows of its nature now…

The boy gave a grin before he jumped back. He pointed his Keyblade at the bomb. The tip began to glow with fire magic-

(Something soon washed over him, like a heated blanket. A feeling that cannot be ignored.)

"?!" Something…doesn't feel right. He felt…something. A frightening…terrible power. It has nothing but rage…hatred…

This…dark feeling clawed at his mind.

And dragged him under.

(Something began to stir within the back of his mind. Something…old.)

Remember what I said about empathy? In the Kingdom Hearts universe, Empaths are more sensitive to the emotions of others than other people. There were three we know of (so far) but two of them had taken a dark path...how about this one? What sort of secrets do you have within you, boy...?

Oh, but you wouldn't know yourself, would you?

That is chapter ten of this series. Look forward to more...