A/N: While writing this chapter, I had noticed that I forgot to include the story's staple opening and ending narrations for the previous two chapters. So I went back and added them, so feel free to look back if you were curious to Kai and Kairi's thoughts for the chapters.

Also Happy Valentines Day everybody!

Dreams

KAIRI: It's strange when you feel a connection to something but don't have the memories to explain it. Even stranger when the source of that connection comes from your dreams. And yet, somehow I found it easy to just accept these without questioning them.

Little Kairi found herself running through the forest in fright. She didn't know how she got here, but she couldn't dwell on that as she was being chased by a horde of shadowy creatures. She kept running and running until she had the misfortune of running into a wall at the bottom a cliff.

She now had her back against the wall as she saw the shadows surround her. One that stood out was a reptilian humanoid that seemed to have a scary smile on its face. She was terrified. "G-go away! L-leave me alone!"

The creatures slowly crept up toward her when suddenly a loud howl sounded from above, stopping them in their tracks. Kairi looked up to see a large, black, scary-looking wolf standing on top of the cliff. The beast's glowing red eyes looked down at the girl for a moment before leaping off the cliff and pouncing on top of one of the shadows.

What followed was a savage slaughter. The shadows swarmed the wolf, who slashed its claws and bit its teeth at them. It dispatched them one by one, turning each shadow into dust, but the shadow were able to injure the wolf too. It especially dueled with the lizard man. However, no matter how injured the beast looked, it just kept going and going, until finally all the shadow dispersed, and the lizard man fled.

Kairi watched as the beast stood tall for a moment, letting out another howl, before collapsing on the ground. Worried for her savior's wellbeing, she slowly approached the injured wolf. As she got closer, the wolf looked at her, eyes now blue instead of red, and let out a whimper of both pain...and fear. Looking at its eyes, she could tell it was afraid. It was at bit jarring to see such a big and scary-looking creature be afraid itself. It even looked like it wanted to run away, but couldn't move.

The little girl soon slowly reach out her hand to the large wolf's head. It shut its eyes for a moment, but opened them back up with the hand just gently petted its head. "Good doggy!" she said playfully but with a hint of sadness. "Thank you...for saving me."

The wolf looked perplexed at the child's words. After a moment, it gave the kids face a lick, cause her to let out a giggle. She then gave it hug, causing it to let out a content moan.

Suddenly, Kairi herself began to glow, and her light coated the beast, healing its wounds. Soon, the wolf found strength to stand once again. The girl grew happy that the big dog was all better. The wolf soon nuzzled it head on her, making her giggle, before turning and crouching down as if wanting her to get on its back. She got the hint and hopped on.

She then rode the large wolf into the forest, laughing happily.

Kairi woke up in her room, one of the guest rooms in Mayor Hitomi's house.

It had been a few weeks since she arrived on the islands. She was no longer sick, and had been having fun hanging out with Sora and Riku. Their dads had been searching the sea for her family, but so far turned up nothing. Not that she believed they'd find anything. Hitomi has been a great host, taking care of her quite well, and even got her a psychologist to help her adjust.

And the last few nights, Kairi had been having these dreams that she remembers very vividly. While she didn't fully understand them, these dreams had been sparking her imagination. She got up, grabbed a sketch book and crayons on the desk next to her bed and started drawing on it.

After a few minutes, Hitomi walked into the room. "Oh, you're awake! Breakfast is almost ready!"

"Kay!"

The mayor noticed her drawing and got curious. "What are you drawing?"

"I'm drawing my Giant Guard Dog! See?" The girl shows the picture, depicting a scary looking black wolf, well as scary as a five-year-old's drawing can be.

Hitomi found herself a little unsettled that a sweet little girl would draw such a thing. "O-Oh! Um, it looks...intimidating..."

Kairi giggled. "I know he looks scary, but he's really a good boy. He'd only ever hurt monsters that try to hurt me."

"I-I...see..." The mayor says with concern.

"I have other friends that I've been drawing. Like my Lucky Fairy!" Kairi then showed her a picture of a green figure with butterfly wings.

"Oh! That's nice!" Hitomi couldn't help but smile at this one.

"Isn't she pretty?"

"Yes, she is! So where did they come from?"

"From my dreams! They protect me, play with me, and take care of me. I'm never alone when I have them."

Oh boy, thought the mayor. I really hope that isn't a sign that she's unhappy here. She then takes the girl's hand. "Why don't you tell me more about them while we eat?"

Kairi smiled brightly "Okay!"

As they walked toward the kitchen, Hitomi had another thought. Perhaps I should have Dr Summers talk to her about these pictures. It could be nothing, but I guess a professional opinion couldn't hurt.

Kairi sat in a room with a child psychologist, Dr Kristen Summers. When the girl first arrived, she was uncomfortable around doctors in general for reasons she couldn't remember. Fortunately, she was able to warm up to Dr Summers thanks to her sincere kindness. The two have come to enjoy their talks with each other.

"So, Kairi," the doctor said, "the mayor showed me these drawings you've done. I'm very curious, so I was wondering if you'd like to tell me about them."

"Sure!" answered the girl.

"Alright! Let's start with this one." Dr Summers pulled up a drawing depicting a figure with blue hair and holding a large key. "Who is this?"

Kairi smiled. "That's the Key Witch!"

"Key Witch?"

"Yeah, she's a witch with a magic key. She uses it to scare monsters away, and open magic doors to take me somewhere safe."

"I see," Kristen says as she takes notes. "And what is she like?"

"She's nice, and brave, and really cool! She's like a super hero!"

"Is that so? And how did you come up with her?"

"She came to me in my dreams!"

"Really? Did the rest of these drawings come from your dreams?"

"Mmhmm!"

"Alright then!" The doctor then pulled up another drawing, depicting a woman with white wings, surrounded by stacks of books. "How about this one... who is this?"

"My Angel Grandma! She's kind and caring, and loves to tell me stories. There's one that I really love!"

"Is that so? Can you tell me about it?"

"Sure!" Kairi cleared her throat. "Long ago, people lived in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light. Then people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep it for themselves, and darkness was born in there hearts. The darkness spread, swallowing the light and many peoples hearts. It covered everything, and the world disappeared. But small fragments of light survived in the hearts of children. With these fragments of light, children rebuilt the lost world. It's the world we live in now. But the true light sleeps, deep within the darkness. That's why the worlds are still scattered, divided from each other. But someday a door to the inner most darkness will open, and the true light will return. So listen, child... Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a light to guide you. Believe in the light, and the darkness will never defeat you. You heart will shine with its power and push the darkness away. I really love that story!"

Kristen had written that whole story in her notes. "I can see why! A tale of hope in the midst of despair!" What she didn't mention was that story sounded similar to the old myths she had heard about other worlds. It also didn't sound like the kind of story a child could make up on the spot, so she concluded that this dream might've come from something Kairi had actually heard before, but doesn't remember where. It made the doctor wonder if this Angel Grandma could've been a projection of the girl's forgotten memories of her actual grandmother.

The doctor then pulled up a picture of the fairy. "And this one?"

"My Lucky Fairy! She's really, really nice! She feeds me! She comforts me when I'm scared! She does everything she can to make me feel better! Oh, and she has a special fairy dust that can put people to sleep! She's almost like a big sister!

"I see! You must really be fond of her."

"Yeah!" Kairi then frowned. "Though she can be sad sometimes because she doesn't think she's pretty. She's lonely because she doesn't think people like what she looks like. But I know she's pretty, and I have to tell her that so she can be happy again."

"Interesting! So you're giving her as much support as she gives you. That's so sweet of you!"

"Of course! A nice fairy like her deserves to be happy!"

Dr Summers then pulled up the drawing of the black wolf. "What about this?"

"My Giant Guard Dog!"

"Giant Guard Dog you say? It looks kinda scary for a dog."

The girl giggled at that. "I know he looks scary, and he's easy to get mad, but he's actually really nice! He comes to my rescue when I'm in danger! He protects me from monsters! I feel safe when I'm around him!" She frowned again. "But I guess his scariness is why he doesn't have any friends. He doesn't seem to think a monster deserves friends. Poor doggy... I just can't help but wanna play with him to show him that I'm not scared of him, that I know he's good inside... That he's not the monster he thinks he is."

"Wow!" Kristen found that surprisingly mature for someone so young. "I guess it goes to show that just because something is strange looking, doesn't mean its bad."

"Of course!"

"Now what about this one?" The doctor holds up a picture depicting a figure in a white coat, whose head is covered by black scribbles.

Little Kairi immediately shivered in fear at the site of that figure.

Kristen noticed. "Oh... Not happy about this one...are you?"

The girl shook her head. "The Creepy Doctor... He...always looks at me funny... He pokes me with a needle to take my blood... He does strange things with my chest...making some light come out of it... He talks about...my heart...and my light...I don't really understand what he says... Then he...puts me in box...and drops me into the dark..." She looks down as she shivers harder.

Dr Summers couldn't help but feel unsettled by this particular figment of the girl's dream. This definitely had to be a projection of someone she knew and feared before her memory loss. "I'm so sorry... Is he the reason why you always seem uncomfortable around doctors?"

"Maybe... I know that the doctors here aren't bad... but..." Kairi pauses as if trying to find the right words.

"It's hard not to be reminded of the Creepy Doctor, right?" Kristen guessed as the girl nodded in response. "I see..." Feeling a need to reassure her patient, she then stood up and approached her, placing her hand on her shoulder. "Kairi please try to remember that this man is not here. He can't harm you anymore. And even if he does show up, the mayor and I won't let him take you. You're safe from him."

Kairi didn't seem too sure about that, but she managed a smile in appreciation. "Thank you."

"You're welcome! Now then, let's move away from scary stuff and talk about something happy."

"What do you make of these?" asked Hitomi.

"I have reason to believe that these are more than figments of her imagination," Dr Summers replied. "It is possible that they are based on people she knew in the past."

"How so?"

"Well I'll start with the most iffy of the bunch." She then gestures to the Key Witch. "For this one she speak of her like a hero that she looks up to. Maybe someone she aspires to be someday. But I can't say much more beyond that. Whether she's based on someone Kairi has actually met, or just a child fantasy, I couldn't say for sure."

"I see."

Kristen then gestures to both the Lucky Fairy and Giant Guard Dog. "These two are interesting to say the least. One being a fairy and the other being a giant wolf, both represented as nonhuman. Kairi speaks very fondly of them both, as if she's very close to them. It's like they're her guardians, they take care of her and protect her. Their similar plights are also fascinating, one believing she's ugly, and the other believing he too much of a monster to have friends. And she has to assure them both that they're wrong, almost like they need her just as much as she needs them. On one hand, they could both just be imaginary friends projected as a result of a sense of loneliness deep down. On the other hand, the Lucky Fairy might be based on someone who has low self-esteem while the Giant Guard Dog might be based on someone who has a...dark side that he's ashamed of."

Hitomi thought for a second. "If they are just imaginary then... Am I not doing a good enough job making sure she doesn't feel lonely?"

The doctor shook her head. "I don't think it's fair to blame yourself. It's not easy for any child to fully adjust to an unfamiliar environment. It'll take time for that sense of not belonging here to leave her mind."

"But then if they are based on real people... I can't help but wonder what happened to them... Assuming they're even alive, how do they feel without her? Will we ever get to see them?"

"Honestly who can say? While so far the pictures are a bit iffy on whether or not they're based on real people, these next two stood out most to me in that regard." The doctor gestures to the Angel Grandma picture. "The story this woman tells her doesn't seem like the kind of story a child could just conjure up in a dream out of nowhere. I think she has heard it before but doesn't remember where." She then handed her notes to Hitomi allowing her to read the story.

"Wow... I can see why she'd enjoy it."

"And I find it a likely possibility that the Angel Grandma herself may be based on her actual grandmother. Though I can't help but think about how she's represented as an angel, as there are two ways to interpret that: It could be a reference to her kindness, but it could also mean-"

"Her grandmother is dead..." the mayor guessed.

"Precisely... But I can't really say for sure." Kristen then gestures to the Creepy Doctor. "This one however has me more concerned. I have no doubt that he's the reason she's uncomfortable around doctors. I'm sure she'll get over that discomfort as she gets older, but that's not the part that concerns me. The way she describes him... Taking her blood, probing her heart to make it glow, putting her in a box and dropping her into darkness..." That last one made Hitomi think of that container Genma found. "Her fear of this man seems too real for this to have just been her imagination."

"My goodness..." Hitomi shuddered to think if this man was real and came here for the little girl. "If he's real, I really hope he doesn't come anywhere near this place."

"As do I... But regardless, a child Kairi's age doesn't need such an ominous figure haunting her dreams."

The mayor was very concerned. The girl seemed happy enough for the most part, and seemed to enjoy her time here on the islands, but she has noticed times where she'd stare off into space with a melancholy look on her face. And now she's hearing about a hidden loneliness hinted at by these dream figures, and a haunting figure in her nightmares. Now she really wanted to help her. "What should I do, Dr Summers?"

The doctor thought for a second. "The best thing to do for her is to show her that she's welcome here, that we're all here for her, and that we won't let anything happen to her. And above all else, give her exactly what a lost, little girl like her needs: Love."

"Love..." Hitomi looked down depressed. "Is that something a widow like me can even give to an orphan?"

Kristen smiled. "I don't see why not. And who says you haven't given her some already? Kairi has nothing but nice things to say about you. She's growing quite fond of you. I wouldn't be surprised if she sees you as a mother."

"M-mother?" Hitomi paused at that word. It reminded her of how she was expecting a child of her own, and how excited she was at the idea of being a mother before the miscarriage. It then reminded her of her husband, and how losing him had left a hole in her heart. Thinking about it, little Kairi had been such a joy to be around, and has really kept her household from feeling lonely. Dare she say it, if Kairi were to ever leave, she'd greatly miss her. Still, her anxieties made her hesitant. "I...I don't know if I can be the mother she needs...after what I've been through..."

Kristen's smile grew more sympathetic. "Mayor Hitomi, she needs someone she can call family to help fill the void in her heart, and I believe you do too, to help heal the wounds left by your losses. The way I see it...you both need each other."

Hitomi saw her point, but was still unsure. She needed time to think about this.

Kairi sat down as she watched Sora and Riku swinging at each other with their toy swords.

The two looked like they were having fun, and she was tempted to join, but was unsure if it was her thing. However, every time she saw them, an image would appear in her mind at least once. It was a figure who's face was obscured in shadow swinging a sword around. From what she could tell, it was a boy much older than her. And a sentence would also play in her head: I'll use this to protect what I cherish.

Sora soon found himself knocked onto the ground. "Aww... How do you keep winning Riku?"

The silver head held out his hand. "You just need to practice more. You're getting better though."

The brunette took his hand and got pulled up to his feet. "I'm not giving up! I'll beat you next time!" The boys then laughed.

Meanwhile, Kairi thought for a moment. She's had her hesitation, but today she decided to finally ask. She stood up and approached them. "Um... Can I try?"

The boys were both surprised by this request. "Are...you sure?" asked Riku.

"Yeah! I wanna try sword fighting too."

"Really?" asked Sora. "I didn't think girls even liked swords."

The girl gave a cute pout. "And why not?"

The spiky boy raised his hands defensively. "N-no reason!"

"We just didn't expect it, that's all," said Riku. "We don't find anything wrong with it."

"Here!" Sora held out his sword. "You can used mine!"

"Yay!" She happily took the sword and faced the other boy.

Kairi sparred with Riku. Sadly, the girl didn't last more than a minute before being knocked down.

"Aww..." Kairi groaned.

Riku rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Sorry Kairi. Maybe sword fighting isn't for you."

The girl's response was to look down in disappoint.

Seeing this, Sora decided to cheer her up. "Hey, don't feel bad! Riku is just that good. I still haven't beaten him yet. I'm sure you could get better if you keep trying."

The girl wasn't so sure. "You really think so?"

"Of course! But hey, even if you don't wanna fight anymore, you don't have to worry! Because I'll protect you!"

That seemed to catch her by surprise. "W-What?"

"I'll always protect you, Kairi! That's a promise!"

Kairi blushed at those words. They sounded so familiar to her. But with her memory loss, she couldn't figure out why. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but smile, touched by this boy's kindness.

"Hey, don't leave me out!" said Riku as he turn. "Cause I'm gonna be protecting you both! Can't let a loser like Sora get hurt fighting more than he can handle."

"Hey!" Sora playfully snapped. "Say that again to my face!"

Kairi giggled at their antics. These two were sure fun to be around, and Sora in particular had always made her laugh. She then looked down at the wooden sword in her hand, as she contemplated on whether or not she really wanted to sword fight.

Dear Journal,

Hi! It's me, Lucky! Well... it's been weeks now since the disaster that struck my home. The town of Radiant Garden has been reduced to nothing now. All that's left is the castle, which the sorceress, Maleficent, has been slowly transforming. She and Dhampir have starting calling this place Hollow Bastion now. Heh, I guess that name kinda suits a place that just feels so empty now. *sigh* I'm really not sure if I made the right choice. Maleficent's promise of a place to belong, where I wouldn't be judged for my appearance was very tempting, but what she plans to do...makes me very uneasy. Honestly...the main reason I chose to join was because of Kai. He was enticed by the idea of getting stronger and seeking revenge for his sister.

*sigh* I really miss Kairi. I hadn't known her for long, but she was like a little sister to me too. How easily she accepted me despite my appearance, even calling me a fairy. She was the best thing that happened after Xehanort experimented on me, the only one who made me feel better about my situation. And now she's gone. I can't tell you how much it hurts me, but I can only imagine how much her brother must be hurting. He...hasn't really spoken to me since offering me her room. His eyes have been red a lot lately as oppose to their normal blue. He seems to be constantly agitated about something, clutching his head in pain. I'm worried about him. I feel like I have to help him somehow. I owe Kairi that much, and that's why I felt I should go wherever he went. But...I really don't know what to do. Sometimes I wonder if he's just tolerating me...if I'm nothing but a burden to him...

Lucky sighed.

It's been weeks since their newest arrangement. Everyone's been doing different things. Dhampir had been drilling everyone in combat and discussing things with Maleficent. After the last of the towns resources had been going out, Cyclops had been going off beyond the kingdom or to other worlds to keep the castle's food and supplies up, by any means necessary. Ryu had been as much of a crazy troll to everyone, especially Kai, as he's been since this experimentation. Lightning had been increasingly bitter over her inescapable circumstances while Sarah had been ashamed that her sister is being forced into doing their bidding because of her condition. And Cloud was just training in silence.

And meanwhile she was just hanging in the background as much as she could as she was just too afraid to interact with anyone. Writing in her journal is about the only thing that has kept her sane these days. She was trying to figure out what she should do about Kai when suddenly she heard shouting from outside her room.

Kai was not feeling well right now.

Something that had been slowly eating him since he got the beast was a slight headache caused by a subtle growling in his head. It wasn't as noticeable when Kairi was around, somehow her presence just quieted the growl. It became more prominent when Xehanort had him imprisoned, but sensing his sister's light had always kept him calm.

But now that Kairi was gone, the growl in his head was ever present. Ryu's insistent trolling was only making it worse. He has been trying to resist these primal urges, not wanting to lose his mind before getting his revenge.

And today it was at the worse it had ever been. He was just brooding alone in his room when he suddenly became plagued with a vision. One that involved him watching a cloud of darkness taking his sister away from him and another restraining him from pursuing. He cried out her name as he desperately tried to free himself to no avail, while she cried back for help. Soon the cloud taking her took the shape of Xehanort before they both disappeared from view. He looked to the cloud restraining him in anger only to see that it took the shape of his werewolf form which roared at him. And that was when he snapped out of the vision.

Unfortunately, the beast's roar lingered very vividly, and it was driving him insane. His head was throbbing right now and he couldn't take it. He held his head as he cried out in pain. He stood up and began wandering around as he ran into the walls and furniture back and forth.

It didn't take long for Lucky to burst in after hear his shouts. "K-Kai!" she shouted, greatly concerned for his well being. "Are y-you ok-kay?!"

Her question went unheard, having been drowned out by the growling in his head. Soon his arms spontaneously turned into claws as he start slashing the metal walls, leaving deep gashes. "Shut up!" he shouted. "Get out of my head!"

Lucky stood there trembling in fear. Part of her wanted to step away and not get caught in his blind fury. But she just couldn't leave him like this. He was in pain and she had to do something to help him. Doing the only thing she could think of, she shakily held out her hand and release her pheromone. It was a much subtler dose, not enough to knock him out but hopefully enough to sooth his pain.

As he breathed in the dust, the growl slowly began to quiet, and his migraine began to ease up. Soon he stopped thrashing about and sat back down on his bed, still holding his head as breathed heavily in exhaustion and his hands reverted back to normal.

Lucky slowly approach her roommate. "A-are you okay, K-Kai?"

Kai took a few breaths before replying, "I...I think so..."

"W-what happened?"

The boy gritted his teeth. "This stupid beast...keeps getting inside my head...driving me crazy with its insistent growling."

Lucky sat beside him. "I'm s-so s-sorry." She wanted nothing more than to comfort him, but she couldn't think of any words, knowing that she doesn't know what he's going through. There was only one thing she could think of, though she was worried that he wouldn't accept it, given the foul mood he's been in lately. After a moment, her concern for her roommate won over her nerves, as she put her arms around him in a gentle embrace. He had briefly tensed at the contact, but soon relax. He didn't make any move to return the hug, but he didn't reject her either, much to her relief.

There was a moment of silence before the red head said, "Thank you...for quieting the noise."

"Y-you're w-welcome." The pinkette felt relieved to see that she was able to help him. For once she was thankful for her sedative pheromone. And now that she knew how she could ease his suffering, she would not hesitate to lend it to him whenever he needed it.

KAI: It was the strangest feeling. I barely knew Lucky, and yet...somehow she made me feel better about my situation. I wasn't sure if it was her pheromone or Lucky herself... maybe a mixture of both? All I knew was...I was glad she was with me.

A/N: And that does it for this chapter. I suppose the talk of giving Kairi love, and the small fluff here did kinda give this chapter a sort of Valentine's Day feel.