Kingdom Hearts: The Dalmatian Bodyguard

Chapter 21: The Poison Thorn of Jealousy

As the squadron left to do Merlin's errand and continued to look for Pinocchio, they got ambushed by two Soldier Heartless. But before they could defend themselves, some destroyed them easily. Sora was surprised by who it was. There before him was his best friend, Riku Saori. He was holding a black and red sword. This was the Soul Eater Sword.

Riku: There you are. What's going on?

Sora: Riku!

Sora grabbed Riku's mouth to see his friend was really there.

Riku: (Moving Sora off) Cut it out.

Sora: I'm not dreaming this time, right?

Riku: I hope not. Took forever to find you.

Sora was beyond happy.

Riku: So who are your friends?

Sora: Oh, this is Hawk Squadron. These are Stone, Dolly, Sparky, Donald, and Goofy.

Everyone gave Riku a friendly hello until Sora realized something.

Sora: Wait a second, where's Kairi?

Riku: Isn't' she with you?

Sora shook his head no. Then Dolly decided to take a chance.

Dolly: Hey, did you happen to see my friend, Roxy Rottweiler? She'd be disoriented, probably struggling to walk in a straight line.

Riku: Sorry, haven't met anyone by that name.

Dolly grew sad as Goofy patted her shoulder.

Riku: Well, don't worry. If she's with our friend, Kairi, she'll be in good hands. I'm sure they're looking for us right now.

Riku didn't know a Shadow Heartless came out from behind him.

Riku: We'll all be together again soon. If we work together, we'll find them in no…

Riku stopped when he heard Sora protect his friend. He turned and saw the Keyblade in Sora's hands.

Sora: I hear you, buddy. Together, we're invincible.

Riku: Nice blade, pal.

Sora: My friends and I have been looking for you and Dolly's friend.

Riku felt bad about this.

Donald: We can give you a ride to another world.

Stone: General could use a trusted face on his crew.

Riku: General, huh? Little Sora playing Military Leader.

Goofy: (Putting his hands on Sora's shoulder) Sora's the Keyblade Master and Dolly is his bodyguard.

Donald: Two warriors for the price of one.

Sparky said they were a merry band of men.

Riku: (Jungle King in his hand) So this is called a Keyblade?

Sora: Huh? Hey, give it back.

Sora rushed at his friend to get the Keyblade back but Riku toyed with him before giving it back to his friend.

Sora: So, wanna join our Squadron? You'd be among friends. You can bunk with me on the Ebon Hawk.

Donald: It's be a tight squeeze.

Dolly: (Everyone focusing on Donald) What are you taking about?

Donald: We gotta be careful of who comes with us. We can't overcrowd the ship.

Goofy turned and saw Riku vanish.

Goofy: Hey, he's gone.

Sora: (Looking around) Riku! Where'd he go? (Relaxing) Oh, well. At least he's okay. Let's go do Merlin's errand.

Dolly: You're not worried about Riku?

Sora: I've seen him take down plenty of bullies. He'll be fine till we catch up.

Stone: I bet, sir.

Sparky said that Riku looked tough. Everyone headed to Cid's shop and found him there with Aerith and Leon.

Sora: Hey, Cid. Got a minute?

Cid: Hold on a second. Any of you ever heard of Maleficent.

Everyone told Cid no except Stone.

Stone: I have. During the Clone Wars, I heard a report of a woman in strange clothing meeting with Separatist Representatives and Military Leaders. The only information had on her was that name.

Sora: Strange. Why do you ask?

Cid: She's in town.

Sora: Who is she?

Cid: A witch.

Leon: She's the reason this town is full of Heartless.

Aerith: She's been using the Heartless for years.

Leon: We lost our world, thanks to her.

Cid: One day, a swarm of Heartless took over our world. That was about 9 years ago. I escaped and brought them here with me.

Sora and friends felt sorry for them.

Leon: (Sighing, clearly upset) Ansem the Wise was our ruler. He dedicated his life to studying the Heartless. He wrote down all his findings in a report book.

Sora: Where's the book?

Cid: Maleficent probably has it.

Meanwhile, just outside the shop, Maleficent was sinking her claws into Riku's mind like the thorn of a poisonous black rose.

Maleficent: You see? It's just as I told you. While you toiled away trying to find your dear friend, he quite simply you with some new companions.

Riku struggled to not believe Maleficent's evil words, but something weakened his mind.

Riku: (Struggling) I… Don't believe you.

Maleficent: Really? Evidently, now he values them far more than he does you. You're better off without that wretched boy. (Riku weakening) Now, think no more of him, and come with me.

Riku could feel Maleficent's words poisoning his heart and tried to fight it.

Maleficent: I'll help you find what you're searching for, plus leverage over the girl.

Riku hoped Sora and the others could help him, before it was too late.

Cid: (Giving the group a book) By the way, here's Merlin's package.

Dolly: A book?

Sora: Must be special. Still, let's go deliver it to him.

Leon: Something else. I asked around and nobody seen Pinocchio.

Jiminy was sad and worried, Sora gave him a friendly smile to tell him to stay strong. Everyone left the shop, just missing Riku and Maleficent leaving, and headed for Merlin's.