Chapter 52: Call of the Divine

Later, once most of the Shepherds retired, Sora and his friends escorted Chrom (carrying Robin), Fredrick, Lissa, and Lucina back to the castle. Robin was taken to a private quarter – accompanied by Chrom – to receive medical attention. His body and mind had been tainted by an elongated, contaminated nail of Validar's influence. He needed time to rest; to be purged of any repulsive desires that swam through his head like slithering eels.

Chrom allowed Sora, Lucina, Luigi, and Yoshi to wait in his royal study. To Luigi, it wasn't as massive as Peach's, but made up for size with a sense of coziness. The walls were painted with a warm, carmine red. Placed on the floor was a large light green carpet. Spread out throughout the room were ornate chairs. Resting on top of the carpet was a woodgrain table, which carried lanterns on its stalwart back.

Candles were hung with meticulous care throughout the room, but walls filled with colorful books brightened the area. A fireplace pleasantly hummed to itself on the opposite side of the bookshelves. Despite its inviting appearance, a smear of worry obtruded itself throughout the room. Lucina sat in one of the chairs, leaning forward, resting her chin on folded hands.

The others sat in chairs, too, almost as restless. Sora tried keeping himself entertained by reading a book, but the language confined to its pages were of old English – something that had been lost to time on his island.

"Father's been gone for a while," Lucina said, with a hint of shaken breath. "I hope Robin's alright."

Sora sat back in his chair. "Chrom mentioned that he's a really close friend."

"You have no idea," Lucina said. "Practically family to us. He served as my father's tactician. Who knows how our battles in the past would have turned out had it not been for his guidance and wisdom."

The room took another gasp of silence. Sora knew what it was like to have such a loyal friend. At least, he did. So much had happened today; he had forgotten about his encounter with Riku and Kairi earlier. It was upsetting. Returning to that halcyon life seemed to grow harder by the day. They meant so much to him. He couldn't even fathom the thought of losing them forever. In fact, he started feeling sick just from considering the idea.

"Here's hoping for the best, then," Luigi said, breaking the uncomfortable, dour mood.

"Thank you." Lucina's eyes lowed towards the ground from the great weight of guilt. "By the way, I want to apologize."

"For what?" Sora asked.

Lucina lifted her head. "If at any point I came across as not trusting of you three, know that it was never my intention. I was overprotected of my father. In the future, he…he…"

"Oh, I see," Luigi said in a solemn tone. He then smiled. "There's no need to explain yourself. You were given a second chance to protect him. An opportunity like that is one in a million."

"So don't sweat it," Sora said, grinning. "I'd probably do the same thing if I knew beforehand about my friends. Moments like those make you realize how important someone is to you."

"I appreciate your kindness," Lucina said, feeling somewhat uplifted. "And I also can't thank you enough for your help in this battle."

Yoshi walked over and gave her a tender lick on the cheek. "You welcome."

Soon, the doors opened, and Lissa walked in, arms crossed, cheeks expanded in aggravation. "I can't sand waiting! It's harder than knowing!"

"Not even my past self could keep your mind off things?" Lucina asked in surprise.

"No!" Lissa said, on the verge of throwing a fit. "That's what makes it worse! I keep walking up and down the halls! Even when he's not around, Chrom always finds away make my feet sore!"

"Aunt Lissa," Lucina said with a chuckle. "Will you ever stop your litany of complaints about your feet?"

Lissa ruminated this question, and then responded with a strident, "Never!"

"Guess I should've known better than to ask something inconsequential," Lucina said, chuckling again.

Sora hurried to his feet upon looking behind Lissa. "Chrom!"

Everyone turned to see the exalt enter the room with two of his guards, and the group swarmed him like vultures, hungry for answers.

"Easy! Easy!" Chrom said, holding up his hands, trying to quell the cacophony of voices. "Too many questions!" Once the room was hushed, he said, "Good news is that Robin's going to be fine."

Tensions tapered off towards a horizon of relief. Even the study seemed to be in a brighter, jovial mood.

"Yes!" Lissa said with an eager grin. "I can't wait to show Robin how much Lucina's grown!"

Lucina smirked. "Think you might be too late on that one."

Lissa responded by placing a hand on her hip, giving Lucina a nettled look.

"Afraid that will have to wait," Chrom said, shaking his head with a good-natured smile. "He is asleep, recuperating. It's best to leave our friend undisturbed until then." The levity in his eyes was encased in a stone of sincerity. "Unfortunately, peace is not within our grasp yet."

"Whatdaya mean?" Yoshi asked.

Chrom turned to his guards. "Please retrieve the real Emblem." He then faced Sora, with urgency being carved into that slab of that stone. "There's one more task we must complete before I, and the rest of my people, can awaken from this prolonged nightmare."

"You can count on me," Sora said, nodding; for he knew, without being tentative, what must be done. He was the key that put the darkness to rest.

Far beyond the city, if keen eyes stared out into the distance, they could see Mount Prism, standing tall and important before the vast fields of Ylisse. It was where the divine dragon Naga resided; her spirit was insulated within the mountain's thick skin. Those who were of royal blood pilgrimage to awaken the benevolent dragon from her slumber in times of peril.

If their heart were deemed righteous and true, she'd bless them with her ethereal power. It was unrivaled; corrupted souls would, in an instant, wish to weep within the empathetic arms of mercy. Chrom, along with Sora and his friends, were escorted by some Pegasus Knights to the mountain's peak.

There, they saw its scalp covered with lush green grass; white flowers were scattered throughout the field, resting on top of long strains like large, sparkling snowflakes. Everyone received an uproarious welcome from the constant downpour of a nearby waterfall. To the left, they saw a cobblestone path that led to a wide staircase; they were guarded by two giant columns on each side of it.

At the top of the stairs was a cavern, which lead to an alter where the Awakening was performed. As the group landed on the mountain's surface, Sora and his friends took a moment to admire the beautiful vicinity. It was peaceful; far removed from the tumultuous, stressful clamoring of everyday life. As usual, Sora just wanted to lay in the grass, unloading his troubles onto the soil, and watch the clouds migrate on an endless voyage around the world.

"It's incredible," Luigi said, staring in awe.

"The divine dragon's power flows through every blade of grass here," Chrom said, feeling a sense of importance from being in its presence. "Her energy contributes to its majesty."

Yoshi gasped in surprise. "Wait, so me stepping on her right now?"

He jumped into Sora's back.

"She's not literally in every grass blade," Sora said, groaning from the dinosaur's weight.

Yoshi let out a sheepish grin, blushing. "Oh. Heheh, sorry."

Welding both the Fire Emblem and the Falchion with ironclad determination, Chrom lead Sora and his friends through the cavern, until they arrived at the sanctuary, which was just as breathtaking as the mountain itself. Despite being indoors, the room was well lit; the walls were painted with strokes of light purples and blues. A pair of archways were parallel to the left and right walls.

The floor had a green reflective shine that added to the mysterious, elegant presence of the room. In the center was a dragon statue; faceless, the creature raised its wings, as if prepared to unleash a ferocious wind that struck at mortals with the lethal velocity of arrows. Below the dragon was the alter that housed the shield.

"Wait here," Chrom said.

After Chrom placed the gems within the shield, they started glowing, brightening the room with an array of flashing colors. He faced the altar, pausing for a moment, allowing his mind to prepare for what the ritual entails. It wasn't going to be pleasant. But that didn't matter to him: he could endure a few moments of pain, not a lifetime of regret for failing to save his people.

Chrom took a deep breath, placed the Emblem on the altar, and pressed the Falchion against his chest. "Naga, hear my call! I bear proof of our sacred covenant! In the name of the exalted blood, I ask for the divine dragon's power! Baptize me in fire, that I may become your true son!"

His last words echoed throughout the sanctuary, eventually eroding into silence. Everything remained still, as if each word was being processed within the walls. Sora's breath was sealed away in a canister of suspense. He had never met a dragon before, having only viewed them through the untouchable glass of his imagination.

Right now, though, nothing was happening. An uncomfortable pang of concern floundered around in Sora's stomach. Then, the gems shined a blinding bright blue upon the group. Chrom felt an intense heat cradle the soles of his feet. He knew what was about to happen, and braced himself. Sora and his friends watched in absolute horror as Chrom was engulfed by giant, blue, pulsating flames

Chrom gritted his teeth, fighting through the raging fire that scratched against his skin like burning nails. But he kept his mind open like a book, allowing the divine dragon to scrutinize every thought, searching for a small obtrusive, impure tear on the pages. Basic instinct tried kicking Sora forward to help Chrom, but rationalization restrained it, knowing that inferring may have dire consequences.

After what felt like forever, the flames vanished, and reappeared right in front of Chrom. They conflated into a singular, massive flame, and it started ascending into the air. Chrom's body trembled from the sweltering pain, but, as usual, he wouldn't give his pleading receptors even an ounce of attention. Sora called out to him in concern.

"I'm…fine," Chrom said, with a shred of weakness in his voice.

Luigi just stared at the scene, stunned by what he witnessed. "So you get burned alive from performing the ritual? Mama-mia! Between that and Peach's frequent kidnappings, I'm humbled to be a plumber instead of royalty."

The flame expanded until it exploded in a flash of brilliant light. Once the brightness was tolerable, everyone opened their eyes. Sora and his friends' jaws dropped in shock upon what they saw. Floating above them was Naga herself. Except she wasn't a dragon. In fact, she took on the form of a beautiful, elven woman.

Her long, flowing green hair reached down to her backside. She wore a pink dress that was a mixture of light and dark tones. Wrapped around her arms were a plethora of green bands. Tranquil blue fire wrapped around her body like a graceful shawl, complimenting her outfit. The only thing warmer than the flames was her compassionate smile.

"Is that her?" Sora asked, blinking his eyes, as if they needed confirmation.

"Yes," Chrom said. "The divine dragon appears before us in a form that isn't intimating. Something relatable to human mortals such as we."

Luigi placed both hands in his pockets, appearing bothered by something. "Why can't the boos be more like that?"

"Me no think Daisy would like that," Yoshi said in a singsong voice.

Luigi glared at him. "Well, she's not here right now, so let's forget about it. Drop that noise tube of yours from an eleven to a zero." Yoshi responded with a blank stare, perplexed. Frustrated, Luigi said, "It means be quiet!"

Sora hushed the two, and Luigi covered his mouth, blushing in embarrassment.

"Be welcome, Awakener," Naga said, as her pleasant voice swam throughout the room with graceful strokes. "Your heart has been tested and deemed worthy. Cleaned in my fire, your desire has proven to be stronger."

Chrom bowed before the Divine Dragon. "Milady, I ask of you a request seldom uttered by an exalt. My strength cannot penetrate the dark power that threatens the peace of our land. We need your guidance to locate a keyhole that serves as a passageway for the otherworldly creatures to invade."

"Yes," Naga said, clasping both hands over her chest. "I can sense the suffering these creatures are brining upon this world's heart. Each passing second it grows frailer. I shall use my power to unveil for you. Raise your sword, noble exalt."

Chrom did as instructed, and a veil of flames wrapped themselves around the Falchion, imbuing it with her limitless energy. A small beam of light emerged the tip, firing east towards a wall, which made the keyhole appear in an instant.

"That's my cue," Sora said, summoning the Keyblade. And upon releasing a beam of light into the keyhole, it parted from this world, letting out a final gasp in the form a locking sound.

A Labo block leaped out from the keyhole, landing in Luigi's hands. Yoshi hovered over to have a better view of it.

"Hey, haven't seen one of these in a while!" Luigi said.

"Think Cid can install this thing?" Yoshi asked.

Luigi shrugged. "Don't see why not."

"Once again," Chrom said with a grateful bow, "we're in your debt."

"Thanks is not warranted," Naga said with a warm smile. "Without your incredible initiative to keep this kingdom safe, our world may have perished. Farewell, Chrom. May you and the people of this land continue to prosper in everlasting peace."

But a loud, irrational (maybe hopeful) thought managed to escape Sora's mouth. "Wait, Naga!"

"Sora!" Luigi said.

"It's okay," Chrom said. "He can speak freely to her."

Naga hovered over to the boy, landing right in front of him – her understanding smile didn't budge in inch. There was a strange sense of security from her presence; it was warm, like a mother's gentle kiss. Nothing bad could happen. You could speak your mind without pause for reflection.

"What is it you ask of me, young one?" Naga asked. Sora explained the situation with Kairi, and wondered if she could locate her heart. But, much to his disappointment, her bright eyes were smeared with remorseful tint. "As much as I sympathize with you over your predicament, my power cannot spread beyond this world's boundaries. My sincerest apologies."

Sora lowered his head, plaintive. "No, don't worry about it. I'll think of something else."

After saying good-bye, Naga was engulfed in a giant flame, which then burst into smaller ones that hit the ground like light rain drops. Chrom let out an audible exhale that tickled the lackadaisical air. The war with Validar was over. Every negative emotion had been grinded into grains of tranquil sand.

To him, the world felt lighter, as if dropping a belt of burden from his waist. His people were safe; they could walk the streets of Ylisstol again without keeping a paranoid eye open. Things were normal again.

Chrom turned to see Sora staring off into the distance, in thought, trying to process everything that occurred. His blue eyes lacked the usual happy-go-lucky flicker; they were stagnant from sadness. Luigi and Yoshi stood behind him, idle, struggling to compile even a sentence of helpful advice. But guilt radiated from every pour on their faces.

"Are you okay?" Chrom asked, approaching the boy.

Sora stared towards ground again, meeting with his own reflection. For a moment, he remained quiet, still wandering through a cornfield of contemplation. Then, to everyone's surprise, he lifted his head, forming a smile.

"You know what?" he said. "That was neat meeting a dragon. Never thought I'd see something like that in my lifetime. Along with storming a castle and battling a wizard!?" He was now energetic, clenching his fists together. "This is the adventure we dreamed of!"

Chrom chuckled. "Guess this was a unique experience for you."

"In a way," Sora said. He crossed his arms, disappointed. "And Kairi slept through the whole thing. Wonder if she'll believe any of this?" His tone went dour again. "Probably not."

"Not unless you show her," Chrom said with encouragement. "You're always welcomed back. Especially after all you've done."

Sora turned to him with a beaming smile. It dried up the damp mood. "Really? That's great! I can't wait!"

"You suddenly seem chipper," Luigi said.

"It's like Chrom said: always look for that tiny hope spot. He never gave up, and he found his friend. The odds were incredible. So, I'm not giving up on Kairi, either. I'll find her. Can't wait to tell her about everything that's happened."

Chrom smiled. He was glad that fog cleared into an optimistic ray of sunlight. "Good to hear. Just know that if you ever need assistance, I'll be here."

"Absolutely!" Sora said.

"Sora," Chrom said, "I'll never forget everything you and your friends have done for us." He held out his hand. "Thank you."

And the two exchanged a firm handshake. Sora appreciated Chrom's help, too. It gave him a newfound confidence to continue reaching out to Riku. There was a massive wound that divided them, and although stitching it back together wouldn't be easy, he knew it could be mended. Same for Kairi – even though he had no clue where to find her heart.

But that was okay. He had connections to so many other hearts – the people he met on his journey. They were tethered together like wire; wherever Sora went, he could always feel their presence give a light tug, encouraging him to never quit.

He was never alone.

"Hey, Sora?"

"Hm?"

"When we grow up, let's get off this island. We'll go on real adventures, not this kid stuff!"

"Yeah! Then we can fight all the monsters we want! Give me the ugliest one!"

"Keep being you, buddy."

The two friends started to leave the Secret Place, already constructing a storyboard of ideas for new adventures.

"So, what should we do until then?" Sora asked. His shoulders slumped in annoyance. "Growing up is gonna take forever!" He browsed through a catalogue of their usual mundane activities. Everything they've done already. Except for one. "Hey, you know the new girl at the mayor's house? Maybe we could hang out with her."

"I heard a rumor she appeared on the night of the meteor shower," Riku said.

Sora turned to him with a smirk. "Now who's the one with an overactive imagination?"

"It's true!" Riku said, nettled.

Sora responded with a teasing laugh and ran out of the cave, leaving Riku behind to endure the encore from his echo.

Riku shook his head, and then called out, "Don't forget: that sandcastle ain't rebuilding itself."

He started to follow, but was stopped by a strange howling sound; and they were unsettling, to say the least. It didn't sound like the wind, but rather, someone, or something, crying out in pain. Worst of all, the sound wasn't coming from outside; it was coming from behind him. Riku felt like someone wiped his neck with a cold cloth; he was afraid.

And yet, the inquisitive side of him craved the unknown, undaunted by potential danger. It wouldn't be satisfied without taking a gander. No matter how much he protested, Riku couldn't persuade his curiosity from conceding. So, filling his chest with courageous air, he turned around, and saw the strange door.

Now, there was a keyhole engraved in the center. The howling became louder. It started squirming into Riku's ears, banging against his head. He covered his ears, hoping the noise would cease, but it just kept growing. The Secret Place grew colder; fear had woven him into an inescapable cocoon. He fell onto his knees; all he could do was clutch his ears tighter. Between each howl was high rapid, shaken breath.

And then, everything went white.

He was back in the present, in the dark hallway of the mysterious castle. Why he had that recollection remained unclear. But it was immaterial. He was alive, having fought through the darkness to return home (although he wasn't fond of referring to this miserable place as his "home"). It wasn't easy, though. He was on his hands and knees, taking hard breathes.

Strains of sweat dropped from his silver hair like dew on grass. His chest was heavy like a boulder. Even while staring at the floor, it took some time for his vision to return. Looking to his left, he saw Kairi's body. He closed his eyes, relieved that she arrived in one piece. For a moment, the sound of his own breathing kept him company.

But then, the ground started to shake. A putrid smell of fumes contaminated the fresh air. Soon, he could hear low, subtle growling in his ears. Regaining his strength, he looked up to see Bowser's orange eyes as specs of ominous light in the darkness. And they were anything but pleased.

"Can't I get one moment without having to see your overgrown nostrils in my face?" Riku asked.

"After you decided to simulate stupid and come back here without a vessel?" Bowser said, frowning. "Sorry. Afraid you're gonna be gazing for a while. Relying too heavily on the dark powers comes at a price, kid. Wanna save this chick? Not gonna happen if your own heart is taken. And you won't be fortunate enough to be a lifeless zombie like her."

Riku stood up, scavenging any vestiges of energy he could find. "It's not a problem. We'll just stay here."

"You can never man-up to your mistakes, can ya?" Bowser asked, snorting in annoyance. He then heard Kammy Koop let out a fake cough, and shot a glance at her

"O-Oh, dear," Kammy said, trying to feign innocence (with no success). "A fly inadvertently flew into my windpipe."

"That so?" Bowser asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought it was the sound of me inadvertently ripping up your paycheck."

"Y-Yes, sir," Kammy said. She cleared her throat, regaining composure. "I hate to interrupt, but there's been reports of that fox on the premise."

Bowser moaned. "Great. Can't people take the hint when they see an abandoned castle?"

"Well, in his defense, we have someone that's important to him," Kammy said.

"I know, I know," Bowser said, waving an irritable hand. "Stubborn little pup. Even though his world perished, his heart didn't."

"Who are you talking about?" Riku asked.

"Remember that vixen we asked you to kidnap?" Bowser said. "Yeah. Turns out her boyfriend wasn't having any of that. He followed her here through sheer force of will." He grinned. "No problem. I'll let you deal with him. You're in great shape, after all."

Riku's expression narrowed. "Glad to see you're looking out for me."

"Stop being such a buzzkill," Bowser said, with a small growl. "There's nothing to worry about. It's not like he can touch you. Your power is far greater than his."

"My power?" Riku asked, with a sudden trickle of perplexation.

"Of course," Bowser said, grinning. "That untapped power inside of you. Perhaps it's time I awaken it."

Riku was taken aback. "A-Are you kidding? Why didn't you do that before?"

"Because…I…" Bowser's expression flattered, and he huffed out sweltering, exasperated air from his nose. "Look, do you want to be awesome or not?" My anxiety level is at an all-time high because Mr. Green Stash has all seven star spirits!"

Riku crossed his arms. "Fine."

Bowser held aloft the Star Rod, which flashed in various colors, giving the room a brief respite from being shrouded in a dismal cloak of darkness. Riku was enveloped in a green mist of pure energy, which startled him for a moment. Then, he felt an upsurge of power pump through his veins like gasoline, reigniting the engine with a menacing roar. His senses and awareness were sharp as glass, as if waking from a long, restful slumber.

And yet, he felt calm, as if being nurtured in a hot spring. He was stronger than ever. Every sense of fear and doubt reclined into a cushion of confidence. His eyes met with Kairi's body; no harm would ever come to her again. He was confident in protecting her from everything and everyone.

Including – no, especially, Sora.

Bowser stood with Kammy Koop in the room where he and his former associates tracked Sora's progress. He swayed back and forth with large, nervous emotions. His massive feat made the floor squirm in irritation. Right now, he was watching the group's progress through the magic green circle; they were returning to Ylisstol Castle with Chrom, savoring the succulent aroma of victory.

Everything he worked towards started unraveling around him, collapsing onto the ground as scraps of wasted ideas. It was infuriating. Peach was so close to filtering out the misery that contaminated his life. He refused to lose her again. His started swaying faster, making the ground shake harder.

"Sire, I understand how stressed you are," Kammy said, struggling to keep her balance, "but making the castle shake violently and costing millions in rare artifacts might not be a viable course of action."

Bowser faced her; rage seeped out of every scale. "So what!? Everyone that lived here probably lost their hearts! Let their valuables rot along with them!"

Kammy stared at him with astonished silence. She had never seen him this furious before. It was frightening. And if it continued to grow, every rational sense would be buried beneath an undergrowth of unstoppable rage. It could result in a rampage. Or worse, he may lose his heart. Bowser noticed the distressed look on her face; it made him aware of this potential, harmful outcome.

"Okay," Bowser said, after taking a moment to collect himself. "I didn't mean it like that." He was dejected. "It's just…everything's coming together. The princess, no Mario to stop me – I feel like I'm so close this time. Failure hurts after a while."

"I understand," Kammy said, nodding. "We'll think of something. You have my word."

Bowser looked at her with a hopeful gleam against a bog of doubt. "You mean that?"

"I have no one else, sire," Kammy said with a tender smile. "You've been like a son to me. A mother cannot sit idly by while her son is in despair."

And then, a streak of awkward silence dashed right by them.

"That's the sappiest thing I've ever heard," Bowser said, grimacing. "Where's a pale? I feel sick."

"Relax, sir," Kammy said, adjusting her glasses, almost embarrassed she said that herself. "I've been checking in on Luigi and his friends ever so often. There's something you may find interesting."

"What's that?"

"They've been collecting missing pieces of the paper world. I'm sure you remember the encounter with that flat version of yourself."

Bowser rubbed an intrigued finger across his chin. That was a strange time in the Mushroom Kingdom, when paper versions of themselves roamed the land, fascinated, and little intimidated, by being in a third dimensional space. Trying to corporate with his paper counterpart was no easy feat. He expected answers without defiance. To be treated with the same unconditional praise as his troops.

In the end, working with another version of yourself proved counterproductive, especially when that inner critic was personified, wanting to control every aspect of your life. But the Paper World still intrigued him. Its citizens were barricaded behind a protective, leather partition.

And that's when he was assailed by a battalion brandishing shining spears of inspiration. His smile returned, more robust than ever. "I think we can have some fun with this. Listen up, Kammy!"

He went into detail about his plan, releasing a wild burst of fervent sentences into Kammy's ears.

"A marvelous idea!" Kammy said, after he finished. She, too, was excited. "I'll get right on it!"

She hurried to leave, hopeful that she can ease her master's concerns.

"Hey, Kammy," Bowser said. She stopped and faced him, shocked to see an appreciative look in his eyes. "Thanks for the sappy pep talk."

Kammy was frozen in baffled silence. He had never displayed any sort of gratitude for his troops before. Especially before her. It was a new, enlightening feeling. She was…happy. And would cherish this moment, knowing that it would seldom happen again.

"You're welcome," Kammy said. And she left, determined to make her master happy, just like any parental figure would do for their child.

Family, friends, and loyal subjects gathered in Chrom's throne room, congesting the space with an exultant pressure. Today, the citizens of Ylisstol had been liberated from the shackles of paranoia. No longer would they feel threatened by the presence of Validar or the Heartless. They could return to a normal life: working at their jobs, caring for their families, and just having a casual conversation with neighbors.

And that outcome would've been nothing more than fiction if not for three unusual strangers.

Sora and his friends kneeled before Chrom; he raised the Falchion, and knighted them for their major contribution to Validar's downfall. Pride perched itself on their shoulders like a majestic eagle. Everyone behind them transmitted a positive wave of applause. Sora felt the combined rumbles of their claps saunter through his chest. It was a confident boost he needed, especially after his last encounter with Riku and Kairi.

He never felt so important before; it wasn't every day that your hard work received praise from royalty. He would keep that honor fastened around his waist, never letting it retract through a loop. Once the ceremony concluded, most people left (except for Sora, his friends, Chrom, Lissa, Lucina, and Fredrick), pining for the familiar, protective walls of their homes. And Chrom couldn't blame them. Everyone needed to unwind; to distance themselves from the harrowing past, and lounge in the halcyon hammock of the present.

Unfortunately, Sora and his friends couldn't partake in that luxury. Not until the overcast of shadows dissipated, and they were reunited with their friends under a triumphant light. It was time for them to continue their journey, despite how steep their predicament had become; they would find a way to ascend from it.

Smiling, Chrom pulled out something from his pocket, and handed it to Sora. "I would like you to have this as a token of our appreciation."

Sora felt a familiar pulsation in his hand. The item in question was another summon stone. He couldn't help but be tickled with delight: soon they'd have a new friend to help them in their quest. It was always a plus, Sora thought.

"Think of it as a symbol of our friendship," Chrom said. "Even when we are apart, this stone will keep our bond safely inside. Keep it close."

"I will," Sora said, placing it in his pocket.

"Oh, and one more thing," Lissa said, beaming with excitement.

She signaled for a guard to push out a long food trolly. Resting on top of them were three large, square shaped, cardboard boxes, with the lids open. When the trolly stopped in front of them, the trio's eyes widened upon seeing pies contained within each box: cherry, blueberry, and pumpkin. They were fresh, letting out a warm exhale from their dough-like anatomy.

The aroma floated into the trio's noises, giving each sensor a provocative stroke. Yoshi started salivating in an instant.

"We'd figure out might want to try them," Lissa said.

"This is the best day of Yoshi's life!" Yoshi said, licking his lips in glee. "Nothing comes close!"

"Not even being hatched from an egg?" Luigi asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yoshi mulled over Luigi's question for a moment. "My opinions change on a day-to-day basis."

"Oh, good to know," Luigi said, with a wryly smile.

"Thanks!" Sora said. He started reaching for a pie. "They look tasty."

Yoshi blocked Sora's path with a serious look in his eyes. "No touch them! No even look at them! They too delicate!"

"Okay, okay," Sora said, backing away from him. He placed both hands on his hips, skeptical. "But I think I'll keep my eye on you, Mr. Pie Snatcher."

"What?" Yoshi said, innocent. "Me wasn't going to go behind your back!"

Chrom's group exchanged chuckles. Sora and his friends were still an eccentric bunch. But, layered beneath their quirks was a thick sheet of strength; it was firm, not plagued with any creases. They have proved themselves formidable in battle, but, more importantly, trustworthy. And it's because of their efforts that Chrom's kingdom remains cleansed from the virulent nails of the Heartless.

Not a single word could stack against the mountain of appreciation he had for them; it would stand tall as an everlasting memory. Chrom's thoughts were interrupted as he saw a blurred purple figure standing in the doorway. He blinked, regaining his focus, and was startled, along with everyone else, by this person's presence.

It was Robin.

He stood there, fighting through mild exhaustion to form a smile. Color started to soak through his pale skin. His red eyes started blooming with renewed life.

"Seems I missed the festivities," Robin said, feigning disappointment. "Come now. I'm sure Fredrick could've carried me over. I'm quite light. Well, when I'm not holding a book, anyway."

With a sudden release of joyful tears, Lissa and Lucina ran right into Robin's arms, spilling an incoherent mess of sentences into his ears. Thankfully, he was able to pick out a few among the mess, which expressed how elated they were to see him again. They could feel the fabric of his cloak against their skin. He was real. And they never wanted to lose him again.

Once the commotion died down, Chrom approached Robin, feeling the cracks of his emotions form in the composed ice. When they locked eyes, Robin couldn't help but let those cracks grow deeper; they were on the verge of shattering from remorse.

"Chrom…I….I…didn't mean….to…hurt…"

Chrom rushed straight into his arms, giving him the biggest hug imaginable. Robin relaxed within the tight, forgiving squeeze – the sadness flushed from his conscience.

"I know you didn't," Chrom said, as his voice trembled. "You are my friend. I knew you'd find your way back. For you have always been a part of our family."

Everyone was happy that Chrom had been reunited with his friend. It had been a long, arduous process – both physically and mentally. He was adamant against the impossible, searching far and wide for Robin. Sometimes doubt tried proposing surrender, but he opposed such a feeble, meaningless alternative.

His perseverance was finally rewarded; they were together again. He could look forward, instead of reflecting on past failures. It was nothing but a harmless dream now.

And he planned to make sure it never ended up as a recurring one. His journey was over for good.

Chrom, along with his crew, escorted Sora and the other to the edge of town. On the way, they recounted their adventures to Robin; he listened with fascinated ears, in awe by everything that transpired. A part of him was irked; he wanted to be on the battlefield with Chrom and the others. But it was okay; he was proud of the Shepherds for their resilience against the Heartless.

Once they reached the exit, good-byes were exchanged. Robin shook Sora's hand. "Thank you for your assistance in this fight. Life can finally resume without hostility."

"Actually, I want to thank you," Sora said.

"How come?"

"Well, I'm searching for a friend of mine." Sora's expression lowered. "And he believes in what the Heartless are doing. I tried reaching out to him, but he ignores me. Was worried he'd never speak to me again. But seeing you resist Validar's control gave me hope. Especially because Chrom never quit. Because he has faith in you. And I have to believe that Riku will find his way back, too."

Robin placed an encouraging hand on Sora's shoulder. "You will save him. Never let that thought falter before doubt. You must show him why your friendship is worth fighting for. Those cherished feelings of comradery lie dormant within all of us, despite how estranged we may end up towards each other. Find that tender spot, and it will flourish."

"Keep your head high, Sora," Chrom said in an encouraging tone. "Just know that you are always welcomed in my kingdom. Seek us out when you need assistance."

And with that said, the group departed, hoisting their accomplishments up like a flag waving fervently in the wind. Years from now, many of Ylisstol's citizens would inquire about the unusual visitors who marched into battle with the Shepherds; they'd never find an answer, and would be reduced to throwing random sentences through a torrent of speculation.

But, at the castle, an esoteric few knew the truth, and it would remain concealed behind the walls forever. As a promise.

The sun began its pilgrim towards the mountains, leaving a golden streak of light in the fields. Grass started bobbing to a rhythmic beat produced by the cool air. There was a sense of calm in the area. Not a soul in sight. It was the perfect time to free the Star Spirit from captivity. After Luigi raised the card towards the sky, Kalmar emerged, feeling the breeze comb through his boomerang-shaped mustache.

How he missed the simple joys of immersing himself in nature's enigmatic wonder. "Thank you for freeing me from that horrible sorcerer's grasp. The darkness exuding from him was too much to bear."

"Trust us," Luigi said, trying to distance the memory of Validar with a metaphorical ruler. "Facing him wasn't easy."

"But in the end, you prevailed," Kalmar said, inspiring them with positivity. "There's no doubt in my mind that you're ready to face Bowser; and retrieve the Star Rod."

Sora cracked his knuckles in enthusiasm. "Great! This should be no problem!"

"But be weary," Kamar said. "With the Heartless at his side, Bowser will not fall so easily."

But Sora wasn't deterred by the warning. Not when his strength was amplified through a speaker of support. He pulled Luigi and Yoshi into his arms. "That's okay. There's no way he can handle the three of us!"

"An encouraging answer," Kalmar said, feeling himself at ease. "There's no doubt in my mind that you will bring peace back to Star Haven. Allow me to grant you a new spell for your selflessness."

Sora and Luigi raised their weapons; they were showered in sparkling orbs of green light, like a gentle snowfall. But the sensation was anything but cold; it was warm and nurturing. Every ache and pain from today's battle had been swept away into a bin of alleviation.

"This is the Cure Spell," Kalmar said. "Use it when your allies are wounded. Now, I must rejoin the others."

"Wait," Luigi said. "How do we call you when we fight Bowser?"

"When we granted you the spells, we formed a connection," Kalmar said. "Search deep inside of yourselves for all the spells you've acquired. When combined, they will serve as a beacon, and we will come to your aid."

Kalmar ascended into the sky until he vanished from sight, leaving behind a vestige of sentences for the group to digest. Especially about Bowser. Luigi and Yoshi knew from experience that he wouldn't be easy. But they had to trust in each other's abilities, as usual. It's how they've stayed alive so far; may as well continue to stay the course. No force in the universe could ever unravel the knot that kept their bond together.

Once the group were back in space, staring at the endless specs of shimmering stars, Luigi brought the ship to a stop. Yoshi had already devoured the pumpkin pie in one huge gulp. His taste buds enjoyed a pleasant swim through the soft orange filling. Luigi and Sora made sure to keep their pies close to the hip like a sack; they were determined to not let even a crumb roll down the dinosaur's slimy slide of a throat.

But they did share a piece with Isabelle, who took her time munching down on each one. "Wow. You guys weren't kidding about their pies. I've gotta know that recipe!"

"That's not a bad idea, actually," Luigi said, a bit thoughtful. "Maybe it would inspire the princess to bake something other than cake."

Yoshi sprang up from his seat. "Nothing can compare to princess' cake. It made with the best ingredient of all: love."

Isabelle almost choked on a piece after hearing that statement scratch against her ear like a rake. The cockpit fell into an awkward silence for a few moments, as if holding its breath from being mortified.

"Who feels like diving in a dumpster after hearing that sappy idiom?" Luigi asked, looking repulsed.

"But that what she say!" Yoshi said, defensive.

Sora had detached himself from the chain of the conversation. He was more interested in reading through more Ansem reports, dissecting every word to find a clue squirming around inside; it would contain the answers they seek to ridding themselves of the Heartless for good. And find a way to save Riku and Kairi from their clutches.

But while reading through the report, he did uncover a startling piece of information.

Ansem Report 9: Simply astonishing! Today I had a guest from another world. He is a plumber, and his vessel is built of the material that composed the meteors. He called the pieces "labo blocks". It seemed that my opening the door has opened a path to interworld travel.

We talked for countless hours, but one story in particular caught my interest: that of a key called the "Keyblade". The Keyblade is said to hold phenomenal power.

One legend says its wielder saved the world, while another says that he wrought chaos and ruin upon it. I must know what this Keyblade is. A key opens doors. It must be connected to the door I have opened.

A plumber. No, it couldn't be, he thought. Before he could utter a syllable, Yoshi popped up between his arms. "Hey! Reading not going to get Sora anywhere! Join us!"

"I think teachers might have a different opinion, buddy," Sora said, chuckling. "Luigi, check this out! Ansem might've met your brother!"

Luigi jerked his head towards Sora in response, and yanked the paper from his hands. He read through the string of text a few times, just to confirm that the facts were legit. His fingers gripped the paper tighter, trying to compress the springing, agitated emotions. Questions started to unfold in his head, growing vast and distant.

"That's…new," Luigi said, struggling to throw a dart at the next set of sentences. "If this is true, why has he never told me this before?"

"Probably to protect the world order," Sora said, leaning towards him, "just like you always 'remind' us to do."

Luigi scoffed. "Yeah, and look how much that has done?" He slumped back into his seat, greeting the bright gaze of the stars. As he continued rummaging through his thoughts, he started becoming offended. "But it just makes me wonder what he's been doing behind the scenes. How long has been traveling to other worlds? And how long has he kept these secrets from me?

"I'm sure he has his reasons," Sora said, trying to provide some comfort.

But his efforts were met with failure. Luigi just seemed more aggravated. Why would Mario betray their trust? They were family, after all. The two have grown up together, having a deep understanding of each other. It was like they shared a soul, experiencing the same thoughts and emotions. No one knew the other better than themselves. When one brother had a problem, the other had an answer in an instant.

But right now, this new information formed an unhealthy nodule in that combined soul, swelling into a deformed growth of skepticism. Luigi didn't know how to feel about anything right now. Conflicting thoughts tugged at each earlobe. He was lost.

But Isabelle attempted to guide him through the issue. "Instead of mulling over those questions, we should go straight to the source for an answer.

"Good point." Luigi sat up, feeling a bit uplifted. Perhaps that was the best course of action. "Unfortunately, this report isn't going to help us find him anytime soon."

Sora slid back into his seat, sighing. "Guess it's back to world traveling, then. Where to now?"

"Was thinking of heading back to Traverse Town," Luigi said, after ruminating for a moment. "We might have all the missing pages to the Paper World."

"And that trinket Chrom gave us is another summon gem," Sora said.

"Let's not forget the ship piece," Isabelle said, interjecting. "We can have Cid install that for us."

Luigi started up the engine, and placed his hands on the wheel. Guess running some errands would take his mind off Mario for a while. "Then to Traverse Town we go!"

Traverse Town had become a second home for the group. There was something inviting about its venerable demeanor. Maybe it was from the warm, comforting glow of the neon lights that illuminated a positive aura. Or maybe it was from the nonchalant citizens meandering throughout the streets, having relinquished any sense of restlessness.

Either way, the town was still situated inside a tent of perpetual nightfall, with holes prodded in the ceiling to form stars. Strolling through the streets was a pleasant experience. They couldn't wait to see Cid; there was nothing better than reuniting with a familiar face.

The three started regretting that decision the moment they handed Cid half of a Labo Piece. He just stared at it for a while, as the wheels of disbelief struggled to make complete turns.

"So, let me see if I can process your line of thinking," Cid said, squeezing his forehead together: "you expect me to install half a gummi piece to update your coordinates?"

"Well, a half is better than nothing." Yoshi puffed his chest in pride. "Me know my math."

Cid's patience stumbled over a ledge. "Oh, brother. Well, I've got news for ya, Mr. Mathematician – A HALF IS STILL A HALF!"

Yoshi scurried behind Sora with a frightened whimper from his untoward response.

"Cid!" Sora said.

Cid raised his left hand, sighing, providing a cushion for the anger. "Right, right. Sorry. You boys should know by now that I'm about as tranquil as a waterfall. On fire." He noticed the three exchanging uncomfortable glances. That cushion started to deflate. "And those looks are a contributing factor."

"No, no," Luigi said, hiding his guilt behind an innocent mask. He was a bit on edge. "We were thinking of something else."

"Oh?" Cid asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow. "Please, do share your thoughts with an inquisitive mind."

Luigi opened his mouth, and then leaped off the nearby ledge, running towards the back alleyway, entering its unsettling maw with opened arms.

Sora's shoulders deflated from the weight of exasperation. "I hate it when he does that."

"Kid, I wish there was more I could do," Cid said, trying to rerail the subject, "but I ain't no MacGyver. I'd be stinkin' rich if I was that skilled."

"Macwho?" Sora asked.

Cid shook his head. "Never mind. Don't want to remind myself of my age. Anyways, I can hold onto this piece for now. My only advice is to keep searching."

Sora opened the catalogue containing every world they've visited so far. Each one was different from the other. But they had one thing in common: a keyhole that led to their vulnerable heart. Right now, only one carried the lethal sigil.

"Hey, we never did find a keyhole at the coliseum," Sora said in excitement. "Let's go check there!"

"We no forget Luigi," Yoshi said.

Sora chuckled. "Of course not. "I know he'll be back any second."

"How do you figure?" Cid asked.

Sora thumbed the alleyway. "Do you really expect him to last long down there? Any second now he'll be back."

They waited a moment. No sign of him.

"I said, 'any second now,'" Sora said, growing a bit impatient.

Still no sign of him. Only silence uttered a response.

Sora groaned, and cupped both hands over his mouth. "I SAID, ANY SECOND—"

"Who are you shouting at?" Luigi asked in a casual tone, as he appeared behind Sora, from out of nowhere.

Sora screamed in surprise, and spun around, mystified. "Where did – how did –!?"

"Trivial questions need not an answer," Luigi said. "Let's head over to Kraden's." He beckoned Yoshi, and the two headed towards the door that led to the Second District.

Sora just watched, inexpressive, as the two walked away, trying to form a coherent map over Luigi's sudden appearance. But every line crashed into a dead end. He looked to Cid for clarification, and was met with a confused shrug.

Sora brushed the front of his hair. "Maybe he's right. Every time I ask about something weird, I end up with more questions."

"Story of my every waking hour," Cid said, crossing his arms. "I'm still trying to figure out how something as improbable as Leon's Gunblade works."

After dropping off more Pikmin and Ship Pieces (which relieved Captain Olimar of witnessing a panic attack from Louie), the trio arrived in the Third District, walked down the slope, and headed towards Kraden's house. Out of every place in Traverse Town, Sora would never forget this one; those distinct purple walls had been branded into his memories like a hot iron. It would never leave.

Yoshi shared the same sentiment. "Ah, this place bring back happy memories. It how we first met." An unsightly stain was smeared on Yoshi's reflection. "Oh, wait. We almost got killed here, too."

"Yeah," Sora said in an awkward tone. "Probably didn't need to add that detail." He stroked Yoshi's head. "But I get what you're saying."

Before the three continued onward, a Soldier appeared, ramming itself into Luigi, knocking him onto the ground. One of the torn pages from the Paper World managed to escape the confinement of his pockets, and land on the ground, vulnerable to the vast, unpredictable world. Sora hurried over and slashed the Heartless in two; he and Yoshi helped Luigi onto his feet.

"You okay?" Sora asked.

"I'm fine," Luigi said, rubbing his shoulder from the rough impact. He drew his hammer. "Let's get this over with. Had a bad enough time running away from Cid."

More Heartless soon appeared, and another mundane battled ensued. At least, that's what they believed. They had been entangled in a rope of subterfuge. While they were fighting the Heartless, a Shadow walked over to the torn page, placed a hand on the surface, and infected it with a venomous darkness.

Once the process was finished, the Heartless joined its brethren, but failed to make an impact on the battle; for the creature found itself masticated by the ferocious teeth of the Keyblade's tip. Sora summoned the two-dimensional man to assist them. This time, he transformed into a giant octopus, grabbing all the Heartless with his tentacles, squeezing them like simple stuffed animals.

Sora and his friends watched everything unfold in stunned silence. Not a single word could articulate the man's strange attacks. Logic mourned over its loss of perception. But it didn't matter; his unpredictability gave them an edge in battle. Why bother thinking when the path towards victory had been cleared?

Sora took the opportunity to cut through every Heartless, vanquishing them from the vicinity. Soon, it was over, and the two-dimensional man vanished, cuddling against the delightful feeling of satisfaction in his temporary slumber. As the group took a moment to catch their breath, Luigi noticed the torn page.

His heart fired endless rounds of beats like a turret. He sprinted over to the page, picked it up, and scrutinized every detail for an imperfection. During their last encounter with the book (back in the Mushroom Kingdom), Luigi lost it by accident, which fell into the sinister claws of Bowser.

While they were able to retrieve the book (obviously), Luigi was stricken with guilt for putting an entire world in jeopardy. Over time, those feelings were wiped clean with a tender, forgiving cloth (although remanence still lingered). But he wouldn't let that guilt find its second wind, attacking with increased force.

"Did they damage it?" Sora asked, as he and Yoshi approached him, just as worried.

Luigi continued scanning over the page. Soon, every troubled thought had scattered before the oppressive might of relief. He let out a loud exhaled that was hoisted into the night sky. "No. Thank goodness. Let's hurry before they come back."

Luigi stuffed the page back in his pocket, making sure it was snug between the rough jaws of cotton. Everyone made a run for Kraden's house, keeping their eyes open for movement upon the quiet district. As they reached the door, their nerves tapered off into a sense of calm. No other Heartless followed them. Everything was peaceful. They were safe.

For the moment. Something was scribbling sinister, jagged lines within one of the Paper World's pages. With each stroke, the lines lengthened, until covering that portion of the world in a thick, dark fog; it smothered the vibrant light into a nonexistent plane. Happiness was gone, replaced with an empty feeling of suffering.

And the one responsible watched Sora and his friends walked through the fire door. Kammy smirked; her glasses were illuminated by the pale moonlight, concealing the dark, malicious delight that bled out of the irises.

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