Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of the Kingdom Hearts or Princess Connect franchises, as they rightfully belong to their respective creators.
As the gentle midday breeze whispered secrets to the rustling leaves, amidst the tranquil embrace of the forest and the grassland's gentle expanse, Sora and Kokkoro stumbled upon a solitary figure—a maiden, lost amidst the labyrinth of trees, her presence a mysterious enigma disrupting their peaceful lunchtime rendezvous.
"Yay! rice! It's time to eat!" as the girl enjoy eating the food, all prepared by Kokkoro herself.
"Great, there goes our lunch, Kokkoro," he lamented, a tinge of despair in his voice as their meal vanished in the blink of an eye.
"So it appears, my lord," Kokkoro responded to Sora, incredulous at the sight before them: the young girl had devoured every morsel meticulously crafted by Kokkoro herself, now shared with Sora.
Sora and Kokkoro swiftly rushed to the aid of the unconscious girl, their steps echoing in the quiet, moonlit night as they guided her to safety in a quaint corner reminiscent of their fateful first encounter. With gentle care, Sora examined the girl for any signs of harm, consciously diverting his gaze from her ample bosom, so unlike the familiar figures of Aqua or Kairi. Lost in thought, he was abruptly snapped back to reality by Kokkoro's piercing stare, her disapproving eyes silently accusing him of indecency, making him fear she might misunderstand his intentions as lecherous.
In addition to her physical presence, his examination revealed a striking fusion of armor and gown in her attire. Dressed in a white robe embellished with golden motifs and a blue bodice, she exudes majestic grace. An elegant silver shoulder plate on her right side pays homage to her warrior nature. The gown's open front reveals a lace-trimmed underskirt, ensuring her freedom of movement. She unmistakably embodies the essence of a courageous fighter, both in looks and demeanor. To complete her noble image, she sports a dainty, glimmering crown atop her head.
Sora's unwavering belief in her noble ancestry bolstered her identity as a distinguished princess. Donald urged him to honor her with utmost reverence upon her awakening. Employing a powerful Level-3 enchantment called Curaga, he sought to revive the unconscious maiden, mending every wound with remarkable efficacy. Yet, to his dismay, the spell didn't alleviate her hunger, prompting Sora to acknowledge this critical detail.
After catching sight of the girl lying unconscious, his attention shifts to the sword resting by her side. Upon closer scrutiny, it becomes evident that she too had a warrior's spirit, much like Sora. As his fingers curl around the weapon, he finds himself holding a magnificent sword adorned with an elaborate, golden hilt, emitting a gentle azure luminance akin to the power of Light in his Keyblade. Yet with each swing through the air, an unexpected weariness overtakes him, and the distinct rumblings of his hungry stomach become more pronounced. Reluctantly, he lowers the sword back next to the slumbering girl, although his hunger persists. Sora speculates that her perpetual hunger could stem from her gear, be it her armor or sword, sapping her satiation for battle. The curious bite mark on her sword gives rise to unsettling queries: was it a monster's doing or a result of her own actions? Such perplexing thoughts weigh heavily on Sora's mind...
While Kokkoro meticulously prepared an additional batch of delectable treats for her like-minded companions, along strolled Sora, his eagerness palpable as he offered to lend a hand in exploring the culinary wonders she was concocting—dubbed the enchanting moniker of rice balls, or onigiri. To her utter amazement, Sora dove headfirst into the task at hand with a fervor that matched her own. In Kokkoro's eyes and discerning palate, Sora's culinary finesse shone brilliantly, a skill set refined through his tenure at the esteemed 5-star bistro under the guidance of a reputed "little chef" whispered to be Ameth, the source herself. What truly perplexed Kokkoro was Ameth's prophetic musings: the elusive little chef was none other than a crafty rat supposedly orchestrating Sora's culinary prowess through the manipulation of his very whiskers. This revelation stood as a peculiar enigma, especially considering Landsol teemed with rat-like critters thriving in the shadows, a striking contrast to Sora's meticulous culinary artistry.
Suddenly, with a gentle stirring, the unconscious girl slowly began to awaken from her slumber, her senses gradually coming to life at the tantalizing scent of the delicious meal being carefully prepared by both Sora and Kokoro. As her eyelids fluttered open, she found herself surrounded by the comforting presence of her two caring companions. With a mixture of joy and gratitude, Sora and Kokoro realized that the girl was safe and sound, a feeling that washed over them like a soothing wave of relief. However, an undeniable hunger gnawed at the girl's stomach, a reminder that even amidst newfound peace, her body still craved nourishment.
He tried to give her respect but was confused by her appearance, as she seemed to belong to the royal family. The golden-orange-haired woman told him that formal greetings weren't necessary, but she was secretly surprised he knew about her status, adding to the confusion. Perhaps it was because of how she carried herself... or maybe a different perspective. In the end, she still enjoyed the food prepared. On the other hand, Kokkoro showed a perplexed (*meep*) expression while looking at him, adding to the overall confusion.
As the flashback ended, Sora was still hungry, looking at himself eating several rice balls. This was a result of accidentally touching the girl's sword. Kokkoro gave him the remaining rice balls of her own. Sora thanked her and patted her head in return.kokkoro blushed slightly with a "meep" on her face.
"*Munch* *Munch* *Munch*! Wahh, delicious! I'm coming back to life! Food is the energy of life...! Thanks for the food!" the girl exclaimed with a blissful face as she almost finished the meal at once. "I ate a lot! You really saved me!" she added in the end, her hunger fully satisfied.
"It was nothing, but whoa! You ate all of it!" he replied in surprise as she finished everything.
"Giving this tasty rice to someone you've never seen or met before, you must be really good people! With a lifetime's worth of gratitude, thank you very much!" she again replied aback
"I wouldn't say 'given' as much as you ate it all before we even noticed... The food I had prepared for Master disappeared in an instant... What kind of being are you? But good thing there are a few left made by none other than my lord, himself." Kokkoro questions, keeping her last sentence to herself.
"Yeah, the same as mine well, heheh!"
"I'm not sure what to say... Wait, hold on. Do you happen to know that young lady over there?" she attempted to respond to Kokkoro's inquiry, mirroring Sora's curiosity. However, she unexpectedly found herself posing a similar question in return at Sora.
"Young... lady?... Oh! you mean Kokkoro?" Sora answered her question regarding on what she'd said.
"Is she talking about me my lord?"
As Sora nods in affirmation, confused. His action sends ripples through the air, a silent cue acknowledged by Kokkoro and the mysterious girl beside her. In that fleeting moment of unspoken understanding, a shift in the atmosphere signals an impending threat hurtling towards them, sending a jolt of confusion through the minds of the two girls. "Is there something wrong my lord?—"
A panicked cry pierced the air as a desperate voice pleaded for help, "*Scream!* Someone, please help me! A lot of menacing monsters are chasing me!" The frantic scene unfolded as another girl rushed forward towards the figures, her heart pounding with fear, as the horde of sinister creatures drew nearer, ominous shadows flickering around them.
Observing her closely, the young woman flaunts gentle azure eyes and short rose-colored locks that beautifully frame her visage. Adorned with a striking gold headband featuring a white and gold flower plus a radiant ruby gem, her attire showcases a stylish blend of white and peach hues accentuated with gold and crimson tones. Complementing her ensemble is a brown choker embellished with intricate gold patterns and a sparkling ruby gemstone. In addition, she sports a scarlet scalloped pleated skirt detailed with gold accents, along with fluffy white petticoat layers. Her matching boots, peach socks embellished with gold and crimson ornamentation, and a staff adorned with a rose motif complete her magical and healing persona, leaving Sora puzzled by her solitude.
Sora look at the direction where the panicked voice was, same goes the girls as well, as another girl manage to approach the three individuals before tgese several monsters does, much to their suprise.
"Oh dear... Somehow, this has become quite a terrible situation. That unknown person is being chased by a large group of monsters. W-What should we do, Master?"
"We had to help her!" he exclaimed
"The monster group is facing this way, so they won't be able to miss me. I'll take care of this in a jiffy -- you two should take cover! I'm coming to save you now, person over there!" she said with a weapon griped in her hand before charging straight throughout several monsters.
"Not I can't let you do this alone! I'm going with you!" he said as he summon his Keyblade in hand, like her he also charge straight through.
"Uh, hey there, who's that? Will you lend a hand to me?! And what's up with him wielding a peculiar... key-like weapon?" the second girl blurted out in panic, completely exhausted but her final question lingering in the depths of her mind.
"There may be a lot of monsters to fight with... but this may be a great chance to fight with you, my lord," she smiled softly as Kokkoro readied her weapon: a crystal-tipped spear as she went along with Sora as well.
"Wait, Kokkoro, are you set on joining us?" questioned Sora.
"Indeed, I cannot stand by idly while you confront threats, my lord. Permit me to stand by your side in battle!" insisted Kokkoro. Despite his initial reluctance, Sora couldn't deny her request to fight alongside him against the menacing monsters. He promised to support her efforts while ensuring her safety and that of others. Eventually, Sora gave a nod of approval, accompanied by a warm smile, signifying his acceptance.
As the quartet stepped into the battlefield, the tension crackled in the air. Like shadows emerging from the depths, four Blue Mushrooms lunged towards them, including Sora in a coordinated assault. With lightning reflexes, Sora intercepted their strikes with a precise block, retaliating with a dazzling Counter Slash that left the foes reeling. Seizing the opening, she and Kokkoro swiftly delivered decisive blows, toppling the staggered enemies. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure using her magic through the chaos, effortlessly dismantling the remaining threats. Drawing upon unparalleled skill, Sora unleashed a devastating combo capped by a radiant Radial Blast, these blades are enough to banish the last traces of opposition.
"Great job, everyone, but we're not out of the woods yet!"
"It is, my lord, and another wave is approaching, but this time... a lot of them."
As the valiant champions exchanged determined glances, a fresh horde of creatures loomed closer. Yet, a twist unfolded as a second faction materialized behind the lone girl. To her right stood 5 Blue Mushrooms, 3 Gellatina, and an Golem. Opposing them, on the girl's left flank, an Earth Elemental stood in tandem with a trio of Mini-Gryphon, 3 Kobold, and a solitary Forest Spirit. The battleground crackled with anticipation as this unusual alliance set the stage for a clash of mythical beings amidst a chaotic dance of destiny.
The valiant heroes, their backs against the cold stone walls, stand resolute in the face of imminent danger. Monsters, their grotesque forms looming large in the dimly lit chamber, pounce with ferocity, but the agile heroes dance through the chaotic melee, dodging and weaving with practiced precision. Golems, towering and formidable, make the first bold move, their stone fists crashing down only to be skillfully parried and met with a swift, decisive counterattack that leaves them reeling. Amidst the clamor and clash of battle, the sneaky Kobolds fling sharp bones at Sora, only to find their projectiles expertly deflected back at them with unfailing accuracy. Meanwhile, the mysterious magic-wielding girl harnesses her magical powers, weaving potent spells of destruction to aid in vanquishing their monstrous foes. As Kokkoro and her steadfast companion engage in combat, their movements synchronized and fluid like a well-oiled machine, they effortlessly deflect incoming attacks with a seamless grace born of unshakeable trust and camaraderie.
A radiant energy surges forth, enveloping the sword-fighter in a shimmering aura of power, imbuing her strikes with an otherworldly might that culminates in a dazzlingly swift and devastating Princess Strike that cleaves through enemy ranks like a scythe through wheat.
Yet, as the relentless onslaught takes its toll, Kokkoro, feeling her strength waning, musters her inner reserves and unleashes the healing magic of Aurora, a shimmering cascade of light that envelops herself from her companions, granting them vigor and strength even as they press forward against the ceaseless tide of foes determined to see them fall.
Perplexed by a sudden occurrence, Sora found himself bewildered amidst evading the monsters' assaults and executing a Counter Impact move. Simultaneously, the girl unleashed a potent attack that brought down the menacing Golem. In a harmonious sequence, Kokkoro bestowed a beneficial boost and healing upon the entire group, including Sora. Empowered by their actions, Sora emulated their tactics adeptly, effortlessly sidestepping the incoming strikes from the remaining creatures, much like the Golem looming nearby.
Additional reinforcements in the form of menacing monsters suddenly appeared, ominous silhouettes emerging from the shadows. The heroes, their resolve tested but unbroken, braced themselves for what they hoped would be the final onslaught—a decisive clash that would determine the outcome of the battle. Among them, Sora, his gaze unwavering and his expression a mix of determination and defiance, unexpectedly quipped, "Guess I'll have to make them regret underestimating us." Flashing a confident smirk, he swiftly dispatched the lingering enemies around him with effortless grace, his Keyblade dancing through the air in a mesmerizing display of skill and precision. As he twirled the Keyblade expertly in his hand, a fierce battle cry escaped his lips, echoing through the chaos of the battlefield and rallying his allies to stand united against the relentless tide of adversaries.
"Give me strength!!" Light starts to envelop from Sora, casting radiant beams that pierce through the dense canopy of the forest, illuminating the battleground teeming with grotesque monsters lurking within the shadows, their ominous presence accentuated by the ethereal glow as the transformative process unfolds.
"My lord?"
"Huh?"
"Uwaa! What is this light?"
"..."
As the Light slowly dimmed, the girls' eyes fixated on Sora, observing a striking transformation. His once-red-and-black jacket had given way to a bold new look: yellow straps adorned the collar, white stripes encircled the garment, and black accents lent a dominant presence. Beneath, a blue shirt sported a crimson patch near the waist pocket. His pants now sported a vibrant yellow stripe across one thigh, replacing the previous red. Even his boots had embraced more yellow hues. This manifestation, known as the Second Form, captivated their gaze in the dwindling twilight.
Amazed by the sight of the spiky-haired boy, their eyes widened in disbelief, a flicker of awe dancing in their gaze. With a fierce determination pulsing through their veins, they steadied themselves and prepared to face the remaining monsters with unwavering resolve. Even the ever-composed Kokkoro found herself momentarily stunned by the sight of her lord, Sora, an unexpected revelation of hidden power. It appeared that Ameth's assertions about Sora's strength were well-founded, a truth that sent shivers down their spines before her, too, collected herself and plunged back into the fray alongside their comrades.
As the monsters turned their attention to Sora, he swiftly sprang into action, initiating a relentless flurry of attacks that caused the Golem to stagger. With precision, he executed a powerful finishing move known as Ripple Dive, dealing a devastating blow not only to the Golem but also to the surrounding monsters. Harnessing the forces of nature, he unleashed the formidable spell Thundaga, declaring "Thunder!" and watching as the lightning almost instantaneously obliterated the foes in its path. While a few resilient monsters remained, now paralyzed by his magic, the girls seized the opportunity to deliver the final decisive strikes, each unleashing their unique combat prowess. Sora, eyes locked on the surviving Golem, swiftly targeted it along with the other remaining enemy with a deadly Shotlock technique called Ragnarok—a radiant beam of homing light that sought out and eradicated every enemy within his line of sight. As the battlefield cleared, the last remnants of the monsters, including the stalwart Golem, fell under the might of their combined efforts.
Taking an unexpected turn, the final trio of blasts from his Shotlock finds their way through a thick cluster of foliage, sparking Sora's interest in a potential hidden foe lurking in the darkness. This fleeting moment prompts him to swiftly shift his attention back to his weary companions, who have vanquished the most recent adversary thanks to Sora's previous actions, highlighting the fruitful synergy and teamwork between them.
Having triumphed, they released a unified exhale, their morale boosted by the satisfying flavor of victory achieved through relentless perseverance. As Sora's attire reverted to its usual form, they exchanged knowing looks, wordlessly sharing their concerns for each other's welfare after the exhausting confrontation with the never-ending waves of formidable adversaries.
"Is everyone okay?"
"I'm fine my lord" Kokkoro gave him an answer.
"Absolutely! I'm doing just fine," exclaimed the girl with a sword in hand. As they shifted their gaze towards the pink-haired girl, an air of curiosity filled the space.
"Thank you a million! You saved me. I was moments away from being someone's dinner," the girl with cotton - candy pink hair expressed her gratitude, bowing to the trio.
"Oh, no big deal! Teamwork is all about friends supporting each other, you know!" Sora chuckled, crossing his arms and looking at her while the pink-haired girl blushed in response to the brunette's comment.
"It's a relief to have you under our protection for the time being. However, I'm curious to know why you found yourself being chased by a pack of monsters," inquired Kokkoro, seeking clarification as she concluded her statement.
"Was it because of me that they found her? I think she got dragged into my problems by mistake... I'm really sorry for all the trouble I've caused you," the girl with orange hair asked, her own sense of guilt growing as she realized the impact of her actions on the trio.
Sora happily responded, "Why do you say that? You shouldn't blame yourself for the mess. I'm just relieved that everyone was unharmed while rectifying the errors you made, making today wonderful. We are friends now, right?"
"Ehhhhhh?!" the duo gasped in astonishment as Sora displayed remarkable patience towards their errors, knowing they could always be rectified in due time.
"I think my lord was correct in pointing out that we should address our mistakes without placing blame on ourselves for things we did not cause," Kokkoro concurred with his statement.
"Speaking of that matter, I'm curious, what is your identity? Your name remains a mystery to us, doesn't it?" She pondered, addressing the pair.
"Oh, I realize I haven't introduced myself yet. I go by the name Yui. I genuinely appreciate you coming to my rescue," expressed the young girl with rosy hair, unveiling her identity as Yui.
"Wait a minute? Is she... Yui? She may look different than I've met before, and that voice is also the same before then... It was indeed Yui!..." His heart raced with a mix of disbelief and recognition as his mind pieced together the familiar features in this unexpected form, leading to the realization that the young woman standing before him was no other than Yui Kusano, the Yui he had known and somehow she missed him dearly... or so it seems.
"I am known as Kokkoro, and by my side is Sora, my honored master," she announced proudly, introducing herself and her master, as Sora nodded in affirmation, snapping out of his thoughtful reverie.
"Yes, that's the name I go by! I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Yui!" he smoothly interjected while extending his hand for a friendly greeting, leaving the impression that they had crossed paths prior to his arrival at the event.
"Oh, I'm glad to meet you Sora. Do we know each other from somewhere? Sora, that name feels so familiar... Oh! Why am I feeling this warmth in my chest?""she inquired of Sora, recognizing a sense of connection as her heart glowed with emotion upon mentioning his name. All she recollects is that Sora was a boy from the island, along with the red-haired girl called Kairi. The puzzle is whether this person is truly Sora or just a figment of her imagination due to his unexpected change in appearance. Feeling perplexed, he hesitated to confirm Yui's recognition of him, recalling Ameth's advice to prevent any confusion or misunderstandings from their previous event happened before he arrived.
Reveling in the moment, it was not the piercing screech of Donald commanding "ORDER!!" that echoed through the chamber, but a melodious sound—Ameth's voice, dripping with flirtation, slicing through the tension and sending delightful shudders down Sora's spine. In Ameth's cheeky rendition, the notion of World Order wasn't about an abstract mandate but a whimsical dance of forgotten faces—each individual having crossed paths with him at some enigmatic point in their past, including Sora, who found himself entranced by this enigmatic figure once more before they were whisked away by the events causing his arrival. With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, Sora chose to place his trust in Ameth's enigmatic persona, as he began to diligently jot down the intriguing fragments of his past that Ameth unraveled before him.
"...Oh! Aside from that... what kind of weapon did you wield, Sora? It looks like a sword, but in the shape of a key. I've never seen that thing before." Yui said to Sora as she saw him holding something in his hand.
"Right, Sora can you also tell us too?
"This? This weapon I had, it's called a Keyblade, Yui." Sora replied.
"Key... blade?" the two replied
"Indeed, the weapon of my lord was the most unique you'll ever see, despite lacking a sharp blade. It can also unlock any kind of lock and can grant him strength and magic power to fight against anyone, no matter the odds." Kokoro elaborated for Sora, nodding in agreement with her words.
"So, no wonder how you can cast a spell that almost wipes out anyone... and you can change appearance as well."
"It is, how awesome was that"
"...Yeaaaahhhh..." Sora said, scratching his head with one hand and holding his Keyblade in the other.
While indulging in their lively conversation, the orange-maned girl's perceptive gaze flits across the immediate surroundings, pausing momentarily at the trio not too far away. A tingling sense of unease pricks at her skin. Delving deep into the shadowy heart of the forest, a cluster of fiery yellow eyes peers out from the darkness, concealed within the thick foliage, their intent obscure and unsettling. They melt away into the shadows as the girl slowly pivots, her keen senses tracking their unseen observers. An eerie shiver races down her spine as she becomes acutely aware of a prying presence, instilling a palpable sense of foreboding within her. Strangely attuned to the vibrations of imminent peril, she detects an ominous undercurrent, as though a malevolent force lurks nearby, cloaking its intentions in the veil of night. The whisper of a memory flits through her mind, harkening back to a time when she encountered a similar darkness, long before she inherited the weighty legacy bestowed upon her by her parents. Suddenly, her eyes widen in alarm as the silhouette of another figure materializes amidst the undergrowth, lying motionless and unnoticed, a chilling prelude to the unfolding mystery...
The unconscious individual lying on the ground was a girl who was the opposite gender as Sora but had contrasting features. She possessed pale skin and long, dark grey hair styled in low pigtails with tightly curled ends, along with cat ears and a tail. She typically sported an indigo and gold bodice with off-shoulder bell sleeves adorned with black ruffles, complemented by a mauve accent and white crimped material encircling the collarbone. Her light purple skirt featured a garnet diamond chain connecting two smaller chains, with black and white ruffles trimming the bottom. In her hand, she held a staff attached to a book for spellcasting.
"Hey! Everyone, please come over here!" she called at them as the three individuals has been interrupted from their lively conversation.
"Someone's collapsed here! Is there anyone who can use healing magic?"
"Ah, healing magic is my specialty! A collapsed person... um, huh?" as Yui revealed herself that not only as a spellcaster but also a healer as well, to Sora's surprise. Not until...
"Yui, what's wrong?" Sora asked
"What happened to her? Could she have been caught up incidentally like I was? She doesn't seem to be hurt, but why is she unconscious?" as Yui trying to analyze her, she feels a crackling sound of... electric where it tried to reach Yui's hand.
"Wait... what is the crackling sound, it came from her—ahhhh!!! It almost got me!" she yelped as it almost got her hand.
"You're okay?" the golden orange-haired girl asked
"Okay, I'm fine. But the crackling thing I saw... it was electricity. Something else hit her while we were fighting monsters while also paralyzing her as a result." she replied as she tried to heal her while avoiding the remaining electric from the unconscious girl.
"Oops! It was one of my spells. I think I hit her while we were fighting the monsters, so my bad. And there are my remaining projectiles from Ragnarok, which also seem to have hit her, so my bad again," he apologizes with a nervous expression, keeping the last part of his sentence to himself.
"But don't worry, I've got this... Heal!" Sora, nevertheless raises his Kingdom Key upward, casting a spell that not only heal the unconscious girl's wound slightly but also remove the status effects inflicted on the mysterious girl who was unconscious.
"Whoa! Thanks, Sora. Now I can heal her—wait, what spell did you use?"
"Uhhhh... Esuna, I guess?" he said. He was supposed to use the Cure spell on her, but the truth is... How did he acquire that spell? I don't know. Maybe Ameth will know the answer, or does she? Nevertheless, Yui has already started healing the girl.
"Prior to anything else, our immediate priority should be leaving this place immediately. It's crawling with creatures of monstrous proportions. Wasting even a moment here isn't an option, agree, my lord?" Kokkoro interrupts his thoughts, letting Yui heal the unconscious girl.
Sora, acknowledging the group nervously, asserted, "Yes, absolutely, everyone. It's time we relocate to a secure location." He swiftly gathered up all the supplies Kokkoro had thoughtfully readied for him in anticipation of the impending chaos.
"Excuse me, dear Pecorine, may I address you as such temporarily? It seems we're facing similar challenges, so why don't we seek refuge together at Landsol?" Kokkoro replied to Pecorine, hearing her tummy growling audibly chimed in.
"Hey, may I call you too?" Sora also replied at her.
Startled by this newfound camaraderie, Pecorine replied, "Oh, of course! Feel free to call me that, and likewise."
"Oh, by Pecorine, do you mean me? I've been given a cute nickname -- that's really amazing!! With this many people around, I'll be able to take it a bit easier when dealing with these monster exterminations!" the enthusiastic orange-haired girl named Pecorine gleefully accepted the endearing moniker bestowed upon her by Kokkoro and Sora, while Sora alone chuckled sheepishly at Pecorine's joyous reaction.
"Absolutely! Please pardon all the chatter about being rescued! I'm going too!" Yui inquired eagerly, excited for the upcoming challenges they would face together.
"And ohh, Yui! How is the girl doing?" Sora asked with concern, wanting to know about the other girl's well-being.
"She's fine, Sora, but still out cold..." Yui replied back at Sora, her tone betraying a hint of worry for their companion's safety.
"My apologies. It seems that our meeting became quite a chaotic one. But nevertheless, I look forward to working with you, my lord," Kokkoro expressed, acknowledging the unforeseen circumstances that brought them together.
"Thanks for everything, Kokkoro, but right now, even we encountered one they're no match against us... and now..." Sora said while resting his Kingdom Key in his shoulder, meaning that they preparing even if they cross paths against the monsters will meet their beatings with their weapons free at their hands.
"Let's go, everyone!!" Sora yells as everyone agrees, whilst carrying an unconscious girl in his back. Just as they start moving in just one step, yet suddenly...
...
...
...
...
Silence ensures the area where everyone stands still, even Sora, himself, doesn't know what he's doing next. Then...
"Um, my lord, something's wrong," Kokkoro broke the silence around them.
"Yeah, I forgot... does any of you know where Landsol was? I'm also new here in this place," Sora remarks with a clueless innocence that could rival a lost puppy in a garden maze, prompting a collective synchronized mental facepalm from the girls as they struggle to comprehend his baffling statement. Kokkoro, sporting a subtly disappointed *meep* expression, embodies a mixture of exasperation and determination since Sora's bewildering unfamiliarity with Astrum, the very realm he resides in, goes beyond mere irony. It falls upon Kokkoro's petite shoulders to graciously guide this lost soul, and thus, she dignifies the moment with a throat-clearing prelude before addressing him in her respectful tone, "Pardon me, everyone. The thing is, my lord, Sora was completely new here in Landsol and I'm here for him to be his guide for his new journey as Lady Ameth declared."
"Oh, great guess, Kokkoro! Anyways I tell you guys for a bit while Kokkoro will guide us to Landsol, got it?"
"I understand, Sora, but I can't wait to hear what else you can tell us about yourself." Pecorine agreed excitedly, but she was still hungry, much to Sora's nervous chagrin over her food intake.
"Why not!" Yui also replied, with a soft smile.
"Thanks, guys! So, lead the way, Kokkoro!"
"As you wish, Sora... And still, I hope that girl you carried is okay, my lord." Kokkoro agreed but was still worried about the unconscious girl he had carried, hoping she would wake up as they reached Landsol.
As they embarked on their journey towards the city of Landsol, leaving behind the perilous forest teeming with monstrous creatures, the companionship between him, Kokkoro, Pecorine, and Yui blossomed in a whirlwind of chaos and serendipity. Despite the turbulent beginning, he found solace in the fact that he had forged meaningful friendships with them.
Amidst their obliviousness, an enigmatic silhouette emerged onto the scene, shrouded in a dark cloak that veiled its form. Observing the group from a distance, its identity remained a mystifying enigma. Upon glimpsing the unconscious girl Sora cradled in his arms, a sense of failure loomed in the shadowy figure's mind. In a swift and silent motion, it opted to reprimand her for the unforeseen turn of events before vanishing into thin air. The sudden revelation of the boy's presence in Astrum hinted at a deeper connection that had begun to unfurl.
