Chapter 2

Tearful Departures And A Reunion With Old Enemies

Sometime later, Pocahontas rode off to Grandmother Willow's glade to ask for her guidance, even with her friends traveling behind her, since most of them didn't know the way. But, the little missteps Meeko and Percy had did make most of Team SSKYYYYYLAARRCCC laugh a bit.

"Wow. It's so beautiful," admitted Shea.

"Yes. It is beautiful, Shea," replied Pocahontas.

Then she called for Grandmother Willow.

"Is that my Pocahontas and her friends?" asked the tree.

"Yep. It's nice to see you again, Grandmother Willow," greeted Sora.

"A talking tree?" wondered Yumi.

"Yeah, but you can trust her. She's not just smart, but she managed to help John Smith and Pocahontas out by finding a new way to peace," said Kirito.

"My, what is it, children?" Grandmother Willow asked.

Sora explained to her about what was going on, and the elderly tree listened intently to him. It was about how Pocahontas would have to take the chance of finding a new solution for peace between both sides, even though there was some small amounts of mistrust between them.

"...And that's pretty much all we know," he finished.

"Ah, so your friend Shea Haulia had a premonition about a terrible war destroying everything, I see," replied Grandmother Willow.

"I'm afraid so, Granny Willow," said Shea, which did make Pocahontas giggle a little.

"But at the same time, I'm also worried as Pocahontas is. Because if she does fail, then what I saw will indeed come to pass," she added somberly.

"It won't, Shea!" interjected Rebecca.

"That's right. Sora made a difference once when he saved Weiss from being killed by Cinder, and it opened her heart to him. The same is true for both me, Blake, and Yang. He saved those who fell into darkness from themselves, but couldn't do the same for those who were too far gone. And we'll all find a way to make a difference to save the two sides from destroying each other and themselves," added Ruby.

"Your friend is right, child. And that's why the spirit within can guide you," agreed Grandmother Willow.

Pocahontas was unsure, but Sora gently rested his hand on her shoulder.

"I have to agree, Pocahontas. Maybe we can listen to our true inner selves, and find a new solution," he said.

"Listen to the spirit within," she murmured.

"That's right. And when we find that solution, we'll make it become a reality," agreed Asuna.

"That's why you need to be patient. Maybe you can do it without any distractions around you," added Yumi.

"Of course. No distractions. How could I have forgotten?" Asuka said in realization.

"What do you mean, Asuka?" asked Pocahontas.

"Back then, I believed that trying to be like my grandfather would make me be the greatest shinobi alive. But I was wrong. What I needed to accept was that I don't need to be like what he was at all. I just had to be myself. That was the lesson I had to learn. And in time, others chose to do the same thing. They had to embrace their imperfections, not push them away. Like another friend of ours', Clive Rosfield, once said, 'we're all imperfect creatures. We choose to make our own destinies, not let them define us,'" she explained.

"And you know what, Pocahontas? Maybe when you're in a situation where it feels like you might not have a choice, you can find someplace quiet to collect your thoughts, listen to what your true inner self is telling you,"added Chisato.

Behind them, Grandmother Willow gave a friendly nod of approval, then winked at Sora. Next day, the crew of the ship were now loading up whatever supplies they could, as well as equipment. Behind them, from a safe enough distance, Chief Powhatan conferred with one of his companions, a man called Uttamatomakkin.

"I will honor my vow not to break the peace with those who came to our shores… but we must show them our strength. Cut a notch in this staff for those who are not allied to us. And make certain you trust in both Sora and his companions, for they agreed to watch over and protect my daughter from certain danger," he said.

Uttamatomakkin nodded silently towards him.

"She trusts them with her life," her father added quietly.

Even as Pocahontas walked to the ship with her companions, something ruffled in her knapsack on her back. Removing it, she saw Meeko's tail, which the racoon pulled inside.

"Seriously, you guys?" sighed Kirito.

"We can't take you with us," added Pocahontas.

"Yeah. Sorry about this, but make sure you stay out of trouble, and watch over each other, okay?" finished Sora.

Flit, Meeko, and Percy all looked sadly at their friend, but Yui hung back for a moment.

"Maybe you three can hide yourselves amongst the rest of the cargo the crew's preparing to load onto the ship.," she whispered to them.

The three animals nodded, and feigning sorrow, wept for Pocahontas as she walked to the ship. Then they did exactly as the young girl had suggested without being spotted. But as she approached, most of the tribe slowly approached her and her friends. Even Nakoma, who slowly stepped forward.

"Do not forget this land," she said.

"You will always be with me," replied her friend.

Not wanting her to bear this burden alone, Asuna slowly stepped up, a look of quiet determination in her eyes.

"That's right. But we'll be there for her when she needs us most. And if the Heartless are involved, we'll make sure to keep them away from Pocahontas. She believes in us, just as we believe in her, Nakoma," said the Lightning Flash.

"Thank you, Asuna. And please, Watch over her," replied Nakoma.

However, as the poor girl slowly turned away, she was so overcome with anguish at how she would miss Pocahontas so much, that she ran towards Sora and hugged him tightly, even as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Protect Pocahontas with your lives. Each of you," sobbed Nakoma.

"We will, Nakoma. And we'll stop this new war from destroying everything she cherishes most. We swear it," replied Sora, which made Pocahontas smile at him, as well as blink a few tears of joy.

At last, she released him from her embrace, and watched them step aboard the ship, followed by Uttamatomakkin, even as she looked back one more time at her friends and family. John Rolfe was confused.

"Wait, what's this?" he asked in surprise.

"This is Uttamatomakkin," replied Pocahontas.

"He's also a friend, because Pocahontas told her father that Sora has many more friends that he doesn't know about," added the lycoris agent.

Yep. So please don't be harsh on him. Also, he'll make a mark on his staff for seeing someone who's different from him and Pocahontas," said Shea.

"Please, there's no need to fret, Shea. Why would be I harsh on a man like him?" questioned John Rolfe.

"It's because he's also a bodyguard, like the rest of us, even though we're a large group of irregularities," answered Yang.

"But you're not irregularities, Yang. And Sora made the right choice to let my father and everyone else know that you're good people who will fight for peace," countered the chief's daughter.

"We know. Also, Pocahontas... We're really sorry about how you had to say goodbye to your friends and family. Also, Uttamatomakkin agreed to make an exception for us, Team SSKYYYYYLAARRCCC," said Ruby.

"It's alright, Ruby. Because I'm actually grateful to all of you for letting Nakoma know that you'll be there for me," she replied.

"She's right. And if things do start to go south, we'll be there for you," agreed Compa, even though Uttamatomakkin cut a notch in the staff he was given.

"Well, who am I to judge you and your comrades for being Pocahontas' protectors? I just hope things turn out good, as well as fruitful for all of us," ushered the other man.

"Sure. Now, if you don't mind, I'm gonna find a place to lie down so that I don't make a huge mess on the deck. Cause I really hate ships," groaned Yuffie, and she quickly went below decks to lay down for a while.

"I'm gonna go and check on her, Sora," Cody said quickly, and he ran after her.

Once everyone was all aboard, the anchor was raised, the sails unfurled, and the ship slowly sailed away from Jamestown on its voyage to England. As it did, Chief Powahatan, astride his daughter's horse, watched with a heavy heart.

"Ah-nah, Father," Pocahontas whispered.

The wind blew past him, and rippled through her hair, even as Leafa slowly stepped up and joined her side.

"I hope you'll make him proud, Pocahontas," she murmured.

The days went by slowly, even as the voyage continued. Below decks, Yuffie was given a special medicine from Cody to help her deal with the motion sickness.

"Phew, thank goodness," she sighed, and gently kissed him.

"I know what you mean, Yuffie. But sometimes you gotta deal with it, and remember not to read while you're on a ship or anywhere else," replied Cody.

Suddenly, something moved in one of the bags of cotton, and out popped Flit, the little hummingbird.

"Flit!? What are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.

Then they heard a hiccup, and the two friends found Percy in a barrel of rum.

"Come on, Percy. You know you're better than this," groaned the Son of Xehanort.

Then they heard Meeko groaning, as he too was feeling motion sick.

"Oh boy. I just hope Sora doesn't do something so crazy like throw you overboard," sighed Cody.

"No he won't, Cody. Sora's not the type to be cruel to animals, especially girls who love someone else, much like how he was royally disgusted by Fiore for having no respect for girls when he shoved Usagi aside," countered the White Rose.

Suddenly, a crewman appeared, as he was told to swab the deck with a mop and the bucket that would be full of soapy water, which the raccoon was hiding in. That was when the trouble began, even as he complained about his job. Several crew members saw Meeko and Flit, and they tried to catch them, but ultimately failed and fell onto the deck. Thinking fast, Meeko ran between Pocahontas' legs, climbed up the side rail, and threw up into the ocean on the other side.

"Oh, Meeko! What are you doing here?" she asked in both surprise and amusement, just as Flit joined them.

"They're not the only ones, Pocahontas. Percy's here too," said Yuffie.

And Percy staggered forward in a drunken manner and collapsed near them.

"What's all this then?" demanded the captain.

"Captain, please, try to understand. I know you don't like having stowaways on this ship, but these three animals are our friends. They were worried about Pocahontas, which is why we gave them the idea to hide amongst the cargo. But, we forged an agreement with her father to watch over her, along with Uttamatomakkin, who's also a good man. However, she's also a guest of the king, and has to be treated with the utmost respect," explained Yumi, taking on the role of the negotiator once more.

"Very well, I'll overlook this," he sighed in defeat, and walked off.

"Wh-why would you do that?" Pocahontas asked in bewilderment.

"Because like it or not, you are the envoy… and we are honor-bound to protect you," answered John Rolfe, who was relieved to know that he wouldn't have to diffuse the situation alone.

"John's right, Pocahontas. And everyone has their own form of honor. Even us," added Rebecca.

"Thank you," she smiled.

"Of course. And Yumi, I offer you my sincerest thanks for convincing the captain that she's our guest," he said to the snow kunoichi.

"It's gonna be a long trip. Somebody wake me when we reach London," yawned Shea.

"You know, she's right. We should get some sleep," agreed Kirito.

"Right. But, at least John Rolfe's okay now," replied Sora, even as they all went below decks to sleep.

By morning, after everyone had a good long rest, as well as a hearty breakfast, thanks to Asuna, Compa, and Yang, the entirety of the group soon came to find England.

"LAND HO!" shouted a crewman.

Cannons blasted outwards, signaling everyone that they were reaching the heart of the very country where the Virginia company had set off some time ago. Pocahontas ran to the bow of the ship, and was surprised to see this strange land she had never known about. But Sora knew it all too well, despite having been to it in the other worlds of the 101 Dalmations, where Peter Pan had met Wendy and her brothers and offered to take them to Never Land, where Basil of Baker Street had managed to outwit Ratigan and defeat him, and so many other times he knew about. As per usual, Uttamatomakkin was still cutting notches into the staff Chief Powhatan gave him, every time he saw someone who was different, but honored his agreement of making Sora and his friends be exceptions.

"She does seem curious," Chisato said, even as she helped John Rolfe with his work.

Percy seemed happy to be home again, despite not being with his original owner, Ratcliffe. Even Flit and Meeko were amazed, despite the raccoon's motion sickness. When at last, they reached port, everyone was surprised to see Pocahontas, who was also in awe.

"Welcome to London," John Rolfe said to her.

Slowly and carefully, they stepped off the ship, and into a carriage that would take them to their next location.

"I need to get some exercise back into my legs, Sora," groaned Yuffie, even after she was given some fresh water to wash away the horrible aftertaste in her mouth by Cody.

"Then, we'll explore the rooftops, as well as keep our eyes open for any signs of trouble," said Asuka.

"Yeah, count me in," grinned Yuzuriha.

"I'll go as well," added Yumi.

"The rest of us should take a bit of time to explore the city," suggested Leafa.

"Oh, of course. What say you, Sora?" replied the ambassador.

"I was kind of thinking the same thing, but don't worry. We'll be sure to find Pocahontas again. All we gotta do is focus on our connection to her heart," said Sora.

Uttamatomakkin however, decided to run alongside the carriage, as he too needed the exercise as everyone else did. But as they set off, people slowly began walking out to talk about life in London, despite Kirito's discomfort, save for the time when he heard Ariel's voice during his visit to Atlantica.

Lampkeeper:

The sun comes up

The lamps go down

The day begins in London town

Father:

There's tea to brew

Mother:

And buns to bake

Mother & Father:

And some who just refuse to wake

Shopkeeper 1:

While shops are stocked and flocks are fed

Shopkeeper 2:

The midnight men drift home to bed

School Teacher:

School bells chime

And church bells ring

Peasants:

Children whine

Peddlers sing

Chorus:

What a day in London

Come and see who's here

Everyone knows someone

They come from far and near

They bring their geese, their finest fleece

To please the keenest eye

And hope and pray someone will say

"There's something they might buy"

John Rolfe:

Pocahontas, wait!

Shopkeeper 3:

With pigs to slop

Shopkeeper 4:

And fish to gut

Shopkeeper 3:

It ain't exactly heaven, but

Beggar:

We thank the Lord

And kiss the ground

For bed and board in London town

Butler:

The upper crust lie fast asleep

Maid:

But some of us has got floors to sweep

Butler & Maid

One day's like the day before

Soldier 1:

Can't complain

Soldier 2:

If there's no war

Chorus:

What a day in London

Everything's for sale

Cabbages and onions

Man 1:

(gasps) Look up!

Woman 1:

Who's that, that girl up in the tree?

Old Man:

It's not a tree!

It's moving, see?

Woman 2:

Good grief, what can it be?

Man 2:

Look there, I swear

She's flying through the air

Woman 3:

She must be wild

Woman 2:

She's just a child

John Rolfe:

Pocahontas–

Woman 4:

I wish I had her hair!

John Rolfe:

Wouldn't you care to join me here? On the ground? This instant?

Pocahontas:

My heart is pounding like a drum. I can't believe my eyes

In London, people seem to come in every shape and size

So many paths I wonder how they find their way

So many signs I wonder what they really say...

London is everything I've heard and more

London is nothing like I've seen before

Music and feathered hats and roofs that shine

With flags flying higher than a pine

Man 4:

She seems so sweet

She means us well

Man 5:

Size 20 feet

Woman 5:

How can you tell?

Undertaker:

We'll rue this day you wait and see

William Shakespeare:

What is "to be or not to be"?

Pocahontas:

How do they build their huts so tall?

Can this be all one tribe?

The things they sell, the things I smell

I never could describe

These cakes taste just like berries picked this very day

The sound a river makes still takes my breath away...

London's as busy as a hive of bees

Grandmother Willow would just love these trees

Crowded and loud but so exciting too

With colors, I never even knew!

All:

What a day in London, nothing strange at all

Kid:

Except a girl with

Someone maybe ten feet tall

Chorus:

This day's become a day

No one is likely to forget

A day we'll all remember

As the day two worlds have met

Man 1:

Such beauty's rare

I'm quite impressed!

Pocahontas:

London is everything I've heard and more

Woman 6:

One musn't stare

She's barely dressed!

Pocahontas:

London is nothing like I've seen before

Man 6:

The strength of ten that's what I heard

Woman 7:

She's won the men just take my word

Woman 8:

A brave young thing to venture here

Pocahontas:

Music and feathered hats and roofs that shine

Fortune Teller:

It will be an adventure, dear

Pocahontas:

And flags flying higher

Puppet 1:

Perhaps some brew to quench your thirst?

Pocahontas:

Than a pine

Puppet 2:

Not with you, I saw her first!

Crowd:

What a day in London

History was made

Take away the mystery

Then you're not afraid

We've seen a girl

Pocahontas:

I've seen a world

Crowd:

We never dreamed we'd see

Pocahontas:

I never dreamed I'd see

Pocahontas & Crowd:

What an extra special day

Unique in truly every way

How wonderful this London day

turned out to be!

At that moment, Sora and his friends soon reunited with Pocahontas, John Rolfe, Meeko, Flit, and Percy.

"So, do you actually like it here, Pocahontas?" he asked.

"Oh, of course, Sora. It's a beautiful place," she replied happily.

"I don't know who's nicer here. Me or you?" muttered Kirito.

"Kirito, remember what Sora told you if he was in either mine, Leafa, or Yui's position," warned Asuna.

"My bad," he shuddered, making everyone chuckle in amusement.

But the moment didn't last long. For around the corner came another carriage, sending dust flying everywhere. But Sora knew who it was when he saw that very man who tried to have Pocahontas' father killed, thanks to his deal with Marluxia, the Graceful Assassin who used Kocoum's own feelings to his advantage to guide him to a terrible fate. Percy panicked, and hid under the carriage, as he knew who it was, even though he sometimes got annoyed at Meeko for his antics, which would sometimes lead to Flit or any of his other friends breaking up their quarrel.

"John Ratcliffe. Why am I not surprised?" scoffed the spiky brunette, even as he glared at him.

"You know him?" John Rolfe asked in surprise.

"Yeah. All he wanted was to have John Smith eliminated. That's why he plotted with Marluxia, until he warned us about how he'll have his revenge on us," answered Leafa.

"Well, aren't you clever? Yes, I do want revenge, but I'm pleased Rolfe brought this heathen as an example. Look at her. She sticks out like a sore thumb," sneered the former governor.

"Pocahontas is here as an emissary of her people. A personal guest of the king," John Rolfe remarked, trying to maintain his composure.

"The king has appointed me to lead an armada against the savages. Don't tell me, you didn't know? The king wants his gold," huffed Ratcliffe.

"Yeah right! I know what you're planning. You want everyone and everything Pocahontas cherishes destroyed, all so that your vengeance is satisfied. Well, guess again. We're not gonna let that happen," argued Sora.

"Don't be so rash in your judgment, you fool. As soon as the ships are armed, I will set sail to destroy the heathens and reclaim Jamestown for James. But mark my words. I will most certainly have my revenge on you, just as your comrade said, but this time with Sephiroth aiding me," scowled the larger man.

But he glanced at Cody.

"And as for you, lad, I've been told by some powerful allies of mine that you carry within your veins the blood of Xehanort," Ratcliffe said.

"So what if I do? I'll never join you so that I can repeat his actions! Nor will you force me to do something against my will, like hold my friends hostage so that you can control me!" snapped the other boy.

"Oh, there are other ways of making you finish what your father had begun. And I know without a doubt this cycle will continue to be perpetuated, just as Sailor Galaxia said. After all, all is as it was written in the Book of the Stone," he remarked.

Then after climbing back into his carriage, Ratcliffe rumbled away leaving them in the dust.

"So that was John Ratcliffe," said Yumi.

"Yeah. And something tells me he's got Sephiroth backing him up. I don't know how we're gonna stop him, but we're just gonna have to wait it out for now," replied the spiky brunette.

"I know what you're thinking, but sadly he's right about why you shouldn't be rash, Sora. That parchment bore the king's seal," interjected John Rolfe.

"You're right. But now that we know that he wants revenge on us, even though most of our other friends did nothing against him, they're also entangled in this whether they like it or not," said the Dark Knight.

"That jerk is the worst, if you ask me, guys. One of these days, I'm gonna beat the ever-loving sap out of him if it's the last thing I do," growled Yang, clenching her fist in anger.

"I know, Yang. I know. But you know how Sora felt after he finally got his revenge on Cinder. It made him feel the same way as Neo did, even after she died by his hands when she fell into darkness," said Ruby.

Pocahontas was surprised, but she knew that anger and vengeance solved nothing, even though she hated Ratcliffe for his madness.

"Sora, I… I know you stood up for me, but at least you were right to explain to your friends about what Ratcliffe's up to," she said kindly to him.

"And we're all gonna find a way to figure this out, but only if we have cool heads and work together to unravel this misunderstanding," added Shea.

"I agree. There's no such thing as perfect and impossible. Only we decide how to make it become a reality. So trust me when I say that we need to have a few backup plans ready, if what we have isn't enough," finished Chisato.

John Rolfe nodded in agreement, and escorted them back to the carriage. Even though they had to follow Uttamatomakin's example of running alongside, they arrived at his estate. Fortunately, he invited them all inside.

"Mrs. Jenkins!" he called.

There was a clattering of glass, and down the stairs came Mrs. Jenkins, John Rolfe's most loyal attendant and house-keeper

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Gads-me-gracious, is that my Johnny?" she asked upon hearing that voice she knew so well.

However, she accidentally kissed Meeko, but was repulsed by the scent.

"Eww, Johnny, you need a bath," said the maid.

But at least they were happily reunited with each other, which did make everyone laugh in amusement as they saw them dance about.

"Mrs. Jenkins, I would like to introduce my guests. Pocahontas, Sora, Shea Haulia, Kirito, Yang Xiao Long, Yumi. Yuffie Kisaragi, Yuzuriha, Leafa, Asuna, Asuka, Ruby Rose, Rebecca Bluegarden, Happy, Compa, Chisato Nishikigi, and Cody Xehanort. My friends, Mrs. Jenkins," John said.

"Hey there," Sora said.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Jenkins," added Cody.

The others nodded in agreement, at least until they were warned about how she would put on some tea, despite serving the Rolfes for countless generations.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. Oh, but don't forget about Uttamatomakkin, he's also a guest like the rest of us," said Yumi.

"Oh, I'll make sure to put on a lot of tea," replied Mrs. Jenkins.

"I'm off to see the king," John Rolfe informed everyone.

"Just one thing before you go, John. If things do go wrong, you can talk to us about it. That way, we can plan ahead if Ratcliffe's involved," warned Sora.

John Rolfe paused for a moment.

"Ah, I see. Well, you needn't worry. I'll return after my meeting with King James is finished," he said, then walked out the door.

Everyone else nodded in agreement, even though Pocahontas was worried. Fortunately, she knew better than to step out of line, even after her previous experience of disappointing her father after Marluxia had orchestrated Kocoum's death.

"Sora, is it alright if I have a moment?" she asked.

"Okay, sure," replied Sora.

"Even though I wanted to go with him, you were right to let John know that we must always have few backup plans in case the main one fails. Also, I never thanked you for reminding my father of how you didn't want me to do this alone, even though Uttamatomakin agreed to make an exception for you and your friends. And I'm so sorry… for overreacting when Cody said that he's the Son of Xehanort," said Pocahontas.

"Hey, it's no big deal. I mean, sure Cody may be Xehanort's son, but that doesn't mean everyone should just treat him as a danger. All he's trying to do is find a way to repair the damage his father caused, and redeem his name. But there are others who want to continue the work of those who became evil, like Kurai and Azrael Izunia. They both want me dead because they believe I killed Salem and Sailor Galaxia. But they're wrong. I saved them from themselves, but I also failed to save those who were too far gone, or were killed by someone I began to hate. But still, I was able to save those who were on the brink of death by purging the darkness within their hearts, and they passed peacefully away so that they could return to Kingdom Hearts to rest. But as I told you, we're not letting Shea's premonition come true. And without her, we'd never find a way to make a difference to save those you cherish from destruction," he explained.

Soon, everyone began having tea and some small sandwiches, which tasted good when Uttamatomakkin tried one.

"Mm!" he said.

"I guess Uti likes it," giggled Compa.

"Uti?" asked Pocahontas.

"Compa likes to give people nicknames, but there are times when she has no trouble with shorter names like mine, Pocahontas," answered Sora.

"Also, Meeko, don't be greedy," warned Asuna.

"And Percy, you stay on your best behavior, boy," added Leafa.

Both animals nodded, knowing full well that they dare not cause trouble for everyone, following their previous encounters with each other. It was lucky they did, even as Mrs. Jenkins continued to make sure everything was tidy, despite misplacing her spectacles.

"Hey, uh, Mrs. Jenkins, don't you think we should find a way to help Pocahontas save both her father and everyone that's most precious to her?" Cody asked.

"Leave it to Johnny. We both know that he's doing all that he can to help. You can stake your lives on that," replied the house-keeper.

Meanwhile, in Buckingham Palace, John Rolfe was trying his best to explain everything to King James and Queen Anne about what had happened, but the ruler of England was adamant in wanting Pocahontas's father, rather than her, even as he motioned for his attendant to move the pieces on the chessboard.

"Even so, you know that King James is bound to nothing. And when you fail to do your mission correctly, there will be consequences," Sephiroth said coldly, holding his sword near the other man's face.

"I'm afraid Sephiroth is right about that, Rolfe. You were sent to bring the savage leader and yet you bring back a woman, and some other people who have no business here," scowled Ratcliffe.

"Who are they?" the king asked.

"Your Highness. She is royalty–a princess. She is the daughter of a great chief who has traveled far from her homeland in the interests of peace. Meet with her, Your Majesty," pleaded John Rolfe.

"May I suggest she attend the Hunt Ball?" asked the former governor.

"Yes. That way she can fully understand how things work in this part of the world, and hopefully return home to those she cherishes most with a clearer conscience," grinned the One-Winged Angel.

But he glared at the escort.

"However, you should know this, Rolfe. If she overreacts, there will most certainly be consequences, and you'll have to learn how to live with them," he warned John Rolfe.

"Excellent idea, gentlemen. Rolfe, you will bring her to the Hunt Ball. Prove to me she is as civilized as she claims to be, and I will stop my armada; if not, the armada sails," agreed James.

Sephiroth chuckled coldly.

"That decision has been made. You really have no choice in this. But should she overreact, it's over," he whispered into his ear.

Disgusted and enraged, John Rolfe stormed out of the palace and returned home, shocking Mrs. Jenkins who accidentally knocked over a vase filled with flowers.

"How did it go?" she asked.

"A disaster! She's been invited to the Hunt Ball!" he fumed.

"Flabberdy-jacks," murmured the house-keeper.

Outside in the backyard, Pocahontas sat alone, even with Sora and the others keeping watch, as well as standing vigilant for any signs of Heartless that would dare to attack her. Their friend arrived to see them.

"You were successful? When do I see the king?" she asked.

"Our meeting with the king has been corrupted. You're now invited to the Hunt Ball," was his answer.

"Guess we figured as much. That Ratcliffe really does have total control over everything. But it'll be okay, John. Like we told you, if things do start to go wrong, and Pocahontas does snap, then we might have to do something really risky," said Sora.

"Yeah, he's right. We'll figure out a way to help Pocahontas out as best we can. After all, it never hurts to have a couple of backup plans. You never know when we might need them, and they can lead to a golden opportunity," added Leafa.

"Also, please try to understand. Even though it may be a trap, and Ratcliffe might have a plan to counteract it, that doesn't mean you should just give up and leave things the way they should be. You have to trust me on this one. Every burden we carry may weigh us down, but it's important to share it, rather than keep it all to yourself. Each of us will find ways of helping Pocahontas make sure she doesn't mess it up. But since we didn't receive an invitation to the Hunt Ball, our only choice is to remain here," explained Yumi.

"Please trust in our friends," Pocahontas said.