Aoi Hyoudou: Thank you for your continued support. It's always great to see readers enjoying the additional scenes and content added to a story. This chapter will focus on Ash getting separated from Sora and the others in space. He will crash land to his next destination, where he wakes up within the Capital's walls. Ash will have a few moments with other characters, including Esdeath.

XXVIII

The Empire's Capital - I

In the vast expanse of open space, Ash soared alongside Sora's Gummi Ship in his Keyblade armor as he rode his glider. Inside the ship, Sora manned the controls with Goofy assisting while Donald was glued to the weapons console. In the back sat Serah and Lightning. Serah was glued to the window in awe.

"This is... incredible!" Serah exclaimed, pressing her hands to the glass as her gaze darted between the stars and passing asteroids. "I've never seen anything like this before!"

Lightning leaned back with her arms crossed, smirking. "You look like a kid who's seen candy for the first time."

Serah shot her sister a playful glare, puffing her cheeks. "You'd be in awe too if you weren't so busy pretending to be cool!"

Lightning shrugged, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward in amusement.

Ash's visor suddenly lit up with alerts, accompanied by a faint beeping sound. His heart skipped a beat as he scanned his surroundings, spotting an ominous fleet of Heartless ships closing in fast. Strike Shuttles and Rocket Mantas were approaching.

"Guys, we've got company!" Ash called out over the comm link.

Inside the Gummi Ship, Sora scrambled to check the monitor. "Company? What kind of company?"

Goofy reached over, his large hands navigating the controls. "Hold on, let me get a better look... Gawrsh, looks like Heartless ships!" The display lit up, revealing the incoming fleet in ominous detail.

Donald spun around. "Heartless?! In space?! Oh, come on, can't we catch a break?"

Sora gripped the controls tighter. "Looks like we'll have to fight our way through. Goofy, get ready! Donald, take the weapons!"

"Already on it!" Donald quacked, swiveling the turret toward the encroaching ships.

"I'll cover you," Ash said over the comm. His glider darted into position behind the Gummi Ship with his Oblivion Keyblade in hand. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a volley of Fira as the fiery orbs streaked across the void and collided with a cluster of Strike Shuttles, reducing them to glowing shards.

The Heartless fleet retaliated with streams of laser fire. Sora twisted the Gummi Ship sharply, narrowly avoiding the incoming blasts. Inside, Serah clutched her seat as her face became pale. "Ugh... all this spinning... I don't feel so good…"

"Don't throw up in here," Lightning warned, her eyes narrowing as she reached out to steady her sister. "Or you're cleaning it."

"Not helping, Claire," Serah groaned as she gripped the armrest.

Outside, Ash spun his glider in a tight loop to evade a Rocket Manta's homing missiles. "They're focusing on me now!" he said, his voice strained but steady. He countered with Thunder, the spell streaking through the darkness and crackling across the Heartless ship, causing it to explode in a burst of sparks.

Donald's turret opened fire, taking down a few more ships. "Ash, don't get reckless out there!" the mage squawked.

"Just keep the ship steady, Donald," Ash shot back, blocking a laser blast with his Keyblade before firing another Fira to clear the path.

"Hang on, everyone!" Sora shouted, steering the Gummi Ship through a dense asteroid field. The ship lurched and jolted as Sora expertly weaved through the debris, throwing off some of the pursuing Heartless ships.

Goofy glanced at the monitor. "Looks like we're shakin' some of 'em off!"

"Not enough!" Donald shouted as another volley of lasers rattled the ship.

Ash darted past the Gummi Ship, drawing the Heartless' attention back to him. "I'll take the heat—just get Serah and Lightning to Radiant Garden safely!"

Sora's voice crackled over the comm. "You'd better not get yourself hurt out there, Ash! We'll back you up once they're safe!"

Ash glanced back at the fleet of Heartless tailing him as their relentless firepower lighting up the void of space. "Don't worry about me—I've got this!" he reassured Sora and the others over the comm link. With a quick flick of his Keyblade, he unleashed Fira and Thunder as the spells streaked toward the Strike Shuttles and Rocket Mantas. Several Heartless ships exploded in bursts of fire and struck down, but the remaining enemies stayed hot on his trail.

Inside the Gummi Ship, Sora's hands tightened on the controls as he monitored the display. "Ash is taking on too much!" he said with concern.

"Turn the ship around!" Serah pleaded, gripping Sora's shoulder. "We have to help him!"

Donald spun in his seat. "If we go back, we'll all be sitting ducks! We need to get you and Lightning to Radiant Garden safely first!"

"That doesn't mean we abandon him!" Serah shot back.

Lightning scowled at the bickering. "Enough! Wasting time arguing isn't going to help anyone. Keep moving forward—Ash knows what he's doing." Despite her stoic demeanor, Lightning's clenched fists betrayed her concern.

Meanwhile, Ash zigzagged through a hail of laser beams, dodging the onslaught as best he could. Sweat trickled down his brow as he steered his glider, firing off spells with one hand while gripping the controls with the other. "Come on... stay steady!" he muttered, gritting his teeth. A sudden blast from a Strike Shuttle caught his glider's wing, sending sparks flying. The glider jerked violently, and Ash struggled to regain control. "No, no, no!" he shouted as smoke billowed from the damaged wing. The glider began to spiral downward, spinning uncontrollably as alarms blared in his helmet.

Inside the Gummi Ship, Goofy pointed to the monitor with concern. "Gawrsh, Ash's glider's goin' down fast!"

"Then turn around!" Serah shouted.

"Forget it!" Donald quacked back. "We've gotta get you to safety, or we're all doomed!"

"Donald!" Sora yelled, his hands gripping the controls tighter. "We can't just—"

"Quiet, all of you!" Lightning barked, silencing the cabin. "He'll find a way to survive. Focus on your mission, and let him focus on his."

Meanwhile, Ash fought against the plummeting glider, pulling hard on the controls to no avail. His visor displayed a rapidly approaching world, a large cityscape atop its surface coming into view. "Looks like I don't have a choice," Ash muttered, steeling himself. "Time for an emergency landing."

Flames licked at the edges of his glider as it entered the world's atmosphere, the city below rushing closer. Ash braced himself, gripping the handles tightly as the glider streaked downward like a falling star, smoke trailing behind it.

"Let's hope this city's got soft landings," he muttered.

The Empire - Capital City

Faint murmurs and the distant chatter of a busy city filtered into Ash's ears as he stirred. "Ahh..." he groaned softly. His eyelids twitched before slowly fluttering open. At first, his vision was blurred, but after a few blinks, the bright, clear sky came into focus. The golden sunlight streaming down indicated it was daytime.

Ash realized he was lying on his back in a narrow alley with brick walls of nearby buildings towering on either side of him. The events before his blackout came rushing back—the Heartless, the crash, the plummeting descent. With a gasp, he bolted upright.

"Where...?" His voice trailed off as he slowly looked around, momentarily disoriented. He instinctively checked himself, patting his arms and torso. To his relief, he wasn't injured. His Keyblade armor was gone, replaced by the outfit he had worn when leaving the Mysterious Tower. He took a moment to take in the details: black pants, a light blue sleeveless long shirt with white accents, white boots, and detached black sleeves adorned with golden ornaments at the top. His black twin tail belt was still around his waist and his golden collar piece, the key to activating his armor, rested comfortably around his neck. The most striking feature was the silky white cloak draped over his shoulders.

Ash exhaled in awe. "No injuries, huh? Guess I got lucky." He tugged lightly on the cloak, marveling at how unscathed it was, before shaking his head to refocus.

The real question hit him like a bolt: Where am I? His heart tightened. And... what about Sora, Serah, Lightning, Donald, and Goofy? Are they okay? Did they make it to Radiant Garden?

He clenched his fists as he stood. "I've gotta figure out where I am first," he muttered. Stepping cautiously to the alley's edge, Ash peered around the corner. The street beyond was bustling with people and vehicles unlike anything he had seen before. "I've never seen a place like this before..." Ash whispered. "First things first—find out where I am. Then figure out how to get back to the others."

With a deep breath, Ash stepped out of the alley and into the unknown city.

Moments later...

Unbeknownst to Ash, a pair of golden eyes tracked his every move as he emerged from the alley. Leaning casually against the brick wall, a young, striking woman with short blonde hair observed him with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. Two long tufts of her hair framed her face, accentuating her sly grin as she watched the newcomer. The woman's outfit was daring, consisting of a black tube top that revealed her toned midriff, detachable sleeves with gold bands, sleek black pants, sturdy boots, and a scarf draped loosely around her neck. She exuded confidence and a hint of mischief—traits that had earned her a reputation in the shadows of this city. Her name was Leone, a member of the assassin group Night Raid.

As Ash stepped into the bustling street, oblivious to her presence, Leone straightened up, her arms crossed. "Hmm... now who's this cutie?" she murmured to herself. There was something different about him—an energy she couldn't quite place. Leone pushed off the wall, her. She wasn't one to ignore her instincts, and they were telling her that this guy was worth keeping an eye on. "Doesn't look like he's from around here," she muttered under her breath. "Could be interesting." As Ash began walking down the street, glancing around at the unfamiliar surroundings, Leone followed him from a safe distance. She kept to the shadows, blending seamlessly with the crowd when necessary. Her keen eyes stayed locked on him, studying his movements, "Let's see what you're up to, mystery boy," Leone whispered with a smirk.

Ash wandered through the unfamiliar streets, still unsure of where he was headed. He carefully weaved through the crowd, avoiding bumping into anyone, though his focus was mostly inward, trying to piece together what had happened and how he had ended up in this strange city. As he moved along, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye—a bulletin board plastered with Wanted Posters. Intrigued, he stopped and stepped closer. The board was cluttered with posters of various people, none of whom he recognized. Most were detailed sketches of individuals with intimidating appearances, but one poster stood out from the rest.

Ash's eyes widened as he ripped the poster from the board and examined it closely. The drawing was crude, almost laughably so, but it bore a vague resemblance to him—or at least, someone had made an attempt. The headline above the sketch read:

"Dead or Alive: Big Reward for the Boy with the Key-Shaped Weapon!"

Ash's heart skipped a beat as he processed the words. "Key-shaped weapon… that's gotta mean my Keyblades," he muttered under his breath. He glanced around, relieved that no one seemed to be paying him any attention. Thankfully, the sketch was so poorly done that it was unlikely anyone would connect him to the figure in the poster—at least, as long as he kept his Keyblades hidden.

His thoughts churned. How do they even know about me? I've never been here before. Did someone see me crash-land? Or was it the Heartless? Many Questions flooded his mind.

Soon, a faint but growing shadow fell over him, snapping him out of his reverie. Without hesitation, he leaped back just as a massive axe came crashing down where he had been standing. The ground shook, and a small crater formed from the impact, dust and debris flying everywhere. The poster fluttered from Ash's hands, drifting onto the ground in front of his two attackers. He landed in a crouch a few feet away as his eyes quickly scanned his assailants. One was a wiry, skinny man with an unsettling grin, wielding a curved saber. Beside him loomed a massive, shirtless brute, his muscular frame taut as he hefted his enormous axe over one shoulder. Around them, the locals murmured and backed away.

"Who are you? What do you want with me?" Ash demanded with a sharp tone as he slowly rose to his feet, maintaining a defensive stance.

The lanky man ignored Ash's words, bending down to snatch the poster from the ground. His wild eyes darted between Ash and the crude sketch on the paper as his grin grew more sinister with each glance.

"Well, ain't this a treat, Big Guy?" the skinny man said with a voice high-pitched voice, grating as he cackled. "This kid's worth a fortune! Dead or alive. And I'd bet a whole week's reward he's got fight in him."

The giant man grunted, cracking his neck. "Long as we get paid, I don't care how it ends."

Ash's hands tightened into fists. His eyes flicked to the crater left by the axe, then back to the two bounty hunters. "I'll ask you one more time," he said with a firm tone. "Who are you, and why are you after me?"

The skinny man chuckled, waving the poster mockingly in Ash's direction. "You're some big shot, huh? Looks like somebody important wants you gone. Maybe you stole somethin'? Or maybe you just got unlucky." He took a step forward, twirling his saber. "But hey, you can explain yourself in the afterlife, kid."

The brute shifted his grip on the axe menacingly. "Enough talk. Let's take him down."

Ash exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "You're making a mistake," he warned.

The two bounty hunters exchanged confused glances at Ash's warning, then burst into laughter. The skinny man leaned forward, pointing at Ash mockingly. "You've got guts, kid, but you're way outta your league!"

Ash sighed again, lowering his stance. "You don't know what you're getting into," he muttered, more to himself. He decided to hold back—no Keyblade, no armor—just his fists.

The skinny man's laughter turned into a sneer as he lunged forward, slashing wildly with his saber. "I'll make you regret that cocky attitude!" he yelled.

Ash didn't even flinch, sidestepping every erratic swing with practiced ease. With each swipe, the blade sliced through the air. The attacker grew more frustrated with each miss. Ash waited patiently, observing the man's sloppy technique until he began to slow down with ragged breathing

"You done yet?" Ash asked coolly.

The bounty hunter snarled, raising his weapon for another strike, but Ash didn't give him the chance. With a swift, powerful kick to the chest, he sent the man flying across the street. The skinny man crashed into a food stand, scattering fruit and bowls everywhere as the stand owner dove out of harm's way. A comedic moment followed as several pieces of fruit bounced off the man's head before a bowl landed upside-down over his face. Groaning, he slumped into the wreckage.

The brute growled in anger, gripping his massive axe tightly. "You little punk!" he bellowed, charging at Ash with all his might. He swung the heavy weapon in a downward arc, aiming to cleave Ash in two while his back was turned.

But Ash spun around and caught the axe with one hand. The weapon's blade stopped dead in its tracks, just inches from him.

The brute froze with his eyes wide in disbelief. The crowd gasped audibly, murmurs spreading as they witnessed the impossible feat. Leone, watching from within the crowd, grinned and let out a low whistle.

"Well, would ya look at that," she muttered to herself, clearly impressed.

The bounty hunter's face was drenched in sweat as he tried to force the axe down with all his strength, using both hands and leaning his entire weight into it. Despite his efforts, the blade didn't budge an inch. Ash remained unfazed, casually holding the weapon in place as if it weighed nothing.

"Is that really all you've got?" Ash asked, feigning a yawn.

"Shut up!" the brute barked with veins bulging in his arms as he strained harder.

With a smirk, Ash yanked the axe forward with a sudden burst of strength. The brute stumbled forward, losing his balance. Before he could recover, Ash delivered a sharp kick to the man's chin, snapping his head back. The bounty hunter staggered, but Ash wasn't done. In a fluid motion, he followed up with a devastating punch to the gut, causing the larger man to double over, clutching his stomach and dropping his axe with a loud clang. Ash crouched slightly, then spun, delivering a powerful roundhouse kick that sent the brute flying through the air. The airborne bounty hunter crashed directly into his companion, who was just beginning to stir from the fruit stand wreckage. Both men collapsed in a heap, groaning in pain before going completely still.

The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers.

Ash dusted off his hands, turning away from the unconscious pair without a second glance.

Leone, still watching from her spot, chuckled. "This kid's got some serious moves. Might have to keep an eye on him a little longer."

Before Ash could take another step forward, a commanding voice rang out.

"Halt!"

Ash froze in place as the unmistakable sound of marching footsteps echoed through the streets. Leone, still hidden within the crowd, bit her lower lip in frustration. She had been moments away from approaching Ash herself, but now the Capital's Empire soldiers had arrived.

Ash let out a quiet sigh, chastising himself internally for drawing unnecessary attention. Not that it was anything new—trouble always seemed to find him, but this time, it felt particularly inconvenient.

The sergeant in charge, a burly man with a scar running down one cheek, stepped forward with an air of authority. "You there," he barked, pointing a gloved finger at Ash. "By order of the Empire, you are under arrest!"

Ash frowned, standing his ground. "Under arrest? For what?"

"Silence!" the sergeant snapped. "You will answer for your crimes at the Capital. Surrender peacefully, or face the consequences!"

Ash's frown deepened. "I don't even know what you're talking about," he retorted. "But if you think I'm just gonna go with you without an explanation, you've got another thing coming."

The sergeant's eyes narrowed. "Last warning, boy. Behave, or we'll make you."

Ash exhaled slowly, raising his arm slightly. He was moments away from summoning his Keyblades to defend himself when the ground beneath him rumbled violently. The tremors sent ripples through the streets, causing loose cobblestones to shift and nearby onlookers to stagger backwards in alarm. The soldiers hesitated as murmurs of confusion swept through their ranks.

Leone's golden eyes widened. "What now…?" she muttered, scanning the area.

Ash's eyes darted around on high alert. The air felt heavy, and oppressive, as if drenched in an overwhelming darkness. His innate power of heart skill flared to life, warning him of the immense dark energy saturating the area.

"What… is this?" Ash murmured under his breath, gripping the cloak draped over his shoulders.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Ash and the soldiers trembled violently once more. Before anyone could react, jagged spikes shot up from the earth, piercing the cobblestones with a deafening crack. A massive, terrifying figure emerged from the depths below.

It was a Heartless, but unlike anything Ash had seen before. The creature was round and oval-shaped, its body covered in jagged, rocky spikes that radiated outward like the quills of a hedgehog. Its yellow eyes gleamed eerily, and its large, gaping purple mouth—lined with jagged teeth—let out a guttural growl that sent chills down the spines of everyone nearby. Cracks ran along its body, revealing the purple, darkened core that seemed to pulse with malevolent energy.

This was no ordinary Heartless—it was an Earth Core.

The soldiers and the panicked citizens were frozen in place, staring in shock at the monstrous creature. The Earth Core gave a bloodcurdling roar, its body vibrating with power as it launched itself at the ground, sending shards of stone flying in all directions. The crowd scattered in a frenzy, running for their lives, but the soldiers stood rooted, utterly paralyzed by fear.

"W-What in the world is that?!" the sergeant stammered. He had no idea what he was staring at, and his hands trembled as he tried to raise his weapon, unsure of where to strike.

The Earth Core didn't give them the chance. With a horrifying spin, the Heartless rolled into action as its spiked body smashed into the soldiers with brutal force. Each spin left a trail of destruction, and one by one, the soldiers were thrown aside or swallowed up by the darkness. Ash could see them vanish with their bodies consumed by the swirling black void within the Earth Core's massive mouth.

The sergeant's face turned pale as he watched his unit be effortlessly wiped out. The Earth Core roared again, sending out waves of dark energy that tore through the area. Ash's instincts kicked in, but before he could act, the sergeant stepped forward with a look of desperation in his eyes.

"No! Get back!" Ash shouted, warning him to retreat. "That thing will destroy you!"

But the sergeant refused to back down. "I'm not abandoning my men!" he barked, charging forward with his sword raised. "I'll stop it, even if it means—" His words were cut off as the Earth Core spun rapidly toward him. The sergeant didn't stand a chance. The Heartless' spiked body collided with him, sending him flying into the air with terrifying speed. The soldiers around him screamed in terror as the sergeant was engulfed by the Earth Core's massive mouth, disappearing into the shadows before anyone could even reach out to help.

The scene was chaos. The remaining soldiers were frozen in fear, watching their commanding officer vanish into the darkness, unable to comprehend the horror that had just unfolded.

A faint, terrified cry broke through the chaos as Ash noticed a mother, clutching her young daughter tightly, trembling in fear. The Earth Core seemed to hone in on the two with its beady yellow eyes locking onto them as it roared again. The mother cried out, trying to shield her daughter from the approaching Heartless, but it was clear they wouldn't be able to escape on their own.

Instinctively, Ash sprang into action. He summoned for his Keyblades. Oathkeeper and Oblivion appeared comfortably in his hands. "Not so fast!" With a determined shout, Ash threw Oathkeeper at the Earth Core, sending it spiraling through the air with incredible speed. The blade struck the Heartless square in its exposed face, cutting through the rocky spikes and cracking its purple interior slightly. The Earth Core staggered back from the impact.

In that instant, Leone appeared, swooping in to grab the mother and daughter and pull them to safety. The mother looked up in confusion as Leone hurriedly ushered them away from the Heartless. "Come on, we need to get you out of here. Now!"

The Earth Core, now infuriated, turned its full attention towards Ash. It roared again, causing the ground to shake beneath his feet. Then, in the blink of an eye, the Earth Core dove into the ground as its body disappeared beneath the Earth with its massive spikes still visible as if it were swimming through the dirt. The Heartless moved with shocking speed with its spikes tearing through the Earth like it was water.

It was coming for Ash.

"Come on, show me what you've got," Ash muttered under his breath, bracing himself for the inevitable collision. He held both Keyblades firmly, ready to face the creature head-on.

The Earth Core erupted from the ground directly in front of him, its spikes poised to strike. Ash didn't flinch. With a swift, fluid motion, he leaped to the side, avoiding the Heartless' spiked body as it crashed into the spot where he had just been standing. The ground splintered and cracked from the force, and Ash quickly dashed forward, slashing at the Heartless with both Keyblades in a series of quick, precise strikes. Each blow sent sparks flying as the blades cut through the tough outer spikes of the Earth Core.

The Heartless let out a series of screeching roars with its yellow eyes flaring with anger as it tried to retaliate. It spun rapidly, attempting to strike Ash with its spikes, but the Keyblade wielder was fast—too fast. He ducked under the attacks, delivering a heavy strike with Oblivion to the Heartless' exposed face, causing it to recoil.

Ash grinned. "You may be scary looking," he muttered. "But you're not as quick as me." The Earth Core responded with an angry roar, charging at him again.

The Empire's throne room

Back in the Empire's throne room, the Emperor sat on his ornate throne. Beside him stood Honest. Kneeling before them in full respect was Esdeath, the Empire's most powerful general. Her appearance was as commanding as her reputation, a statuesque figure with long, flowing light blue hair and piercing blue eyes. Her general's attire was immaculate—blue long-sleeved armor with intricate buttons at the upper arms, a flowing blue scarf draped around her neck, high-heeled boots, and a peaked hat with her clan's crest emblazoned on it. The tattoo on her chest, the mark of her Teigu.

Honest's voice broke the silence as he spoke with authority. "General Esdeath, we've just received word that the boy with the strange weapon, the one with the key-like blade, has arrived in the city and is currently battling a monster. This is the one we were warned about by our outsider 'friend'."

The Emperor's eyes brightened at the mention of this mysterious boy. "Interesting. I would like to meet this visitor. He may be useful to us," the Emperor remarked.

Honest, however, was more cautious. "Your Excellency, I strongly advise against this. We cannot afford to invite such chaos into the heart of the Empire. We have no idea what this boy might be capable of. He could very well pose a serious threat to us."

The Emperor's gaze flickered towards Honest, and there was a brief silence before he responded. "You're saying he's a threat? Yet you sent your best general to deal with him, General Esdeath. You believe in this boy's potential, don't you?"

Esdeath's gaze never left the floor as she knelt before the Emperor, her posture respectful but confident. A small chuckle escaped her lips, which caused Honest to raise an eyebrow, curious.

"Your Excellency," Esdeath finally spoke up, lifting her head with a playful, confident smirk. "I don't think the boy is a threat. If anything, he's an amusing little distraction."

Honest frowned at her lack of concern. "You've got a plan for him, then?"

Esdeath simply smirked in response. "I'll deal with him in my own way, in my own world. You don't have to worry, Honest. The boy won't even know what hit him."

Honest's frown deepened, sensing that Esdeath's confidence was both a blessing and a curse. "I trust you, General, but this boy is different. Do not underestimate him."

Esdeath stood up gracefully. "Trust me, Honest," she said with a calm but chilling smile. "By the time I'm finished with him, he'll no longer be a problem to the Empire."

Honest nodded, though his concern lingered in his eyes. As Esdeath turned to leave, the Emperor's voice echoed softly through the room. "I do hope you're right, General. This stranger might be more than we've bargained for."

Esdeath's smirk widened. "I'm looking forward to meeting the challenge."

With the Earth Core spinning rapidly towards him, Ash prepared himself for the last assault. He watched its every movement. As the Heartless surged towards him, Ash leaped high into the air, twisting his body mid-flight to avoid the Heartless' spikes. He dove downward with both Keyblades pressed together in an X formation, aiming directly at the Heartless.

In a single, fluid motion, he slashed through the Earth Core as he passed with a perfect cross-cut that left a trail of shimmering light in its wake. For a moment, the world seemed still, but then—the Earth Core screamed in pain as its jagged, rocky body cracked apart. The darkness inside it began to fade. Ash landed gracefully with both feet hitting the ground as he turned to face the creature's fading form. The Heartless writhed as its body was cracking and disintegrating, but it was far from finished.

Ash's eyes narrowed. He raised both Keyblades high above his head. "Thunder!" he shouted.

A bolt of lightning descended from the sky and struck the Earth Core with overwhelming force. The Heartless let out one final, agonizing roar as the electric energy coursed through its body, searing it to nothingness. In a burst of black particles, the Earth Core dissolved completely, leaving nothing but a faint cry in the air.

Ash exhaled deeply as he dismissed his Keyblades.

The battle was over.

As Ash lowered his guard, a voice suddenly cut through the air. "Hey!"

Startled, the Keyblade wielder spun around, but before he could react, his face collided with something soft. The impact knocked him back a step, and he blinked in confusion with his face now flush with embarrassment. Standing before him was Leone who had a playful look in her eyes.

"Whoa!" Ash staggered back as he tried to process what just happened.

Leone's grin only widened as she casually crossed her arms. "Say, you're pretty good out there. Want to join Night Raid?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

Ash blinked several times, completely thrown off by the sudden question. "What?" he stammered. "Night Raid? What's that? And who are you, anyway?"

Leone's smirk turned into a slight chuckle as she leaned in, not giving him a moment to catch his breath. "The name's Leone. I'm part of Night Raid, a resistance group that goes against the Empire. And I think you'd fit right in with us."

Ash's confusion deepened. He needed to get back to Radiant Garden, not join some resistance group. "I'm sorry, but I can't. I have to head back. My friends must be worried about me," he explained, taking a step back.

But Leone wasn't done yet. In one swift motion, she lunged forward, wrapping an arm around his neck with surprising strength. "Oh no, you're not going anywhere, kid. Come on, Night Raid will love you. Trust me."

Ash's eyes widened as he gasped for air, caught in her firm grip. "Ack! Hey! What are you doing?!" he struggled, trying to pry her arm off, but it was no use. Leone only chuckled, unfazed by his attempts.

"Come on, you'll like it, I promise. Everyone's gonna want to meet you," Leone teased.

Ash's face burned with frustration. "Who said I'm joining?! Let me go!" he shouted.

Leone just laughed, tightening her hold around his neck and playfully tugging him forward. "You're so cute when you resist," she said with a wink, completely disregarding his protests.

Ash could do little more than struggle as she dragged him through the streets. Despite his best efforts to break free, it was clear that Leone wasn't letting him go.

"Help!"

Night Raid's hideout

Inside the hideout of Night Raid, Ash found himself seated awkwardly on a creaky wooden chair in the conference room. Across the table, the other members of Night Raid—Akame, Bulat, Lubbock, Mine, Sheele, and Tatsumi—observed him with mixed expressions, each quietly evaluating the so-called "new recruit" Leone had dragged in. Their gazes ranged from curious to skeptical, making Ash shift uneasily in his seat.

Leone leaned casually against the wall, grinning like she had just made the greatest discovery. Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Najenda, Night Raid's calm and calculating leader, exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her one visible eye narrowed as she glanced at Leone.

"Leone," Najenda began, "Care to explain why you thought bringing an outsider into our secret hideout—without consulting me first—was a good idea?"

Leone waved her off with a dismissive laugh. "Oh, come on, boss. He's got skills, and I've got a good feeling about him. Trust me, he'd make a great addition to the team!"

Najenda gave her a flat, unimpressed look. "This isn't about 'guy hunting' again, is it?"

Leone gasped, clutching her chest as if she were mortally wounded. "Boss! How could you think so little of me? I have pure intentions!"

Najenda didn't even blink. "Right."

As the two continued their banter, Ash looked nervously back at the group staring him down. Finally, the silence broke as they each began voicing their thoughts.

Tatsumi leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "I mean, if he's another bloodthirsty killer, he'd fit right in. Right?" He gave a sheepish grin.

"Wait, what?" Ash asked, blinking in confusion. "Bloodthirsty?"

"Don't worry about it," Tatsumi said, waving him off.

Bulat gave a hearty laugh, clapping a fist into his palm. "I like his spirit! If you need some private training, kid, I'll gladly take you under my wing."

For some reason, a chill ran down Ash's spine. "Uh… I'll think about it," he mumbled, forcing a polite smile.

Lubbock, sitting back in his chair, twirled a strand of green hair between his fingers. "I dunno… I'm with Najenda on this one. Leone's probably just guy hunting again."

Mine crossed her arms and nodded in agreement. "Yup, it's exactly her style. Drag in some random cute guy and hope for the best."

Leone, visibly annoyed, huffed at the accusations. "Hey! Give me some credit. I know talent when I see it!"

Sheele, meanwhile, adjusted her glasses and gave Ash an uncharacteristically dark look. "I don't care what you decide, but… if you betray us…" She let her sentence hang ominously, pulling out her enormous scissors for emphasis.

Ash sweatdropped, leaning back slightly. "Noted."

Finally, Akame, who had been silent the whole time, reached into her bag and pulled out a chunk of roasted meat. She slid it across the table towards Ash. "Here. You fought well earlier."

Ash blinked at the unexpected gesture. "Oh, uh, thanks?"

Tatsumi, on the other hand, immediately perked up. "Hey, wait a minute! You didn't offer me anything when I joined!"

Akame glanced at him with her usual blank expression. "You didn't seem hungry."

Tatsumi pouted while Ash awkwardly picked up the meat, not entirely sure how to process the group dynamics he had just witnessed.

"Alright, alright," Najenda finally cut in, her voice firm. "Enough playing around. Ash, was it? You're not officially part of Night Raid yet. But, if you're sticking around, you'll follow our rules. Got it?"

Ash hesitated, glancing nervously at the strange collection of individuals around him. "Uh… sure?"

Leone grinned triumphantly. "See? I told you he'd be great!"

Najenda sighed heavily, rubbing her temple. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" she muttered to herself, shaking her head at the blonde's unrelenting enthusiasm.

Despite Ash's initial hesitation, the next few days at the Night Raid hideout proved to be an unexpected learning experience. The group kept a close watch on him, partly out of suspicion and partly out of curiosity. Though Ash could have left anytime, slipping away unnoticed to return to Radiant Garden, he chose to stay. Something about this group intrigued him, and he found himself wanting to understand them better.

One sunny afternoon, Ash found himself seated on a smooth rock by the riverbank near the hideout. Resting his face in his palm, he watched Tatsumi and Bulat sparring a short distance away. The sound of swords clashing echoed through the air, punctuated by the occasional grunt of effort.

"Come on, Tatsumi!" Bulat bellowed, a wide grin on his face. "Put your back into it! You'll never win a fight if you hesitate like that!"

"I'm trying!" Tatsumi yelled back with sweat dripping from his forehead as he swung his blade towards Bulat. The older man effortlessly deflected the strike with his spear, countering with a quick jab that Tatsumi barely managed to dodge.

Ash couldn't help but smirk at the sight. "You've got some good moves, Tatsumi. But Bulat's not holding back, huh?" he called out.

Tatsumi glanced over his shoulder, momentarily distracted. "Yeah, well, it's easy for you to say! You're not the one getting pummeled here!"

Bulat took advantage of the lapse in focus, sweeping Tatsumi's legs out from under him with a well-timed strike. Tatsumi hit the ground with a groan, staring up at the sky in defeat. "Ow…"

"You'll learn, kid," Bulat said, offering Tatsumi a hand to pull him up. "But you've got to stay focused, even when someone's talking to you."

Tatsumi accepted the hand, grumbling as he dusted himself off. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."

Bulat turned to Ash with a big grin. "How about you, Ash? Care to join us? A little sparring could do you some good."

Ash shook his head with a nervous laugh, waving a hand. "I think I'll pass for now. Watching you two is entertaining enough."

"Suit yourself," Bulat said with a wink. "But don't be shy if you change your mind. I'd love to see what you can do."

Ash gave a small nod. "Maybe next time."

Ash found himself trekking through the forest alongside Akame on a hunting trip. He couldn't help but admire her calm demeanor and sharp senses. Despite her quiet nature, it was clear she was highly skilled, not just with her sword but also with her survival instincts.

"This should be interesting," Ash thought as he followed her lead.

As they moved deeper into the forest, a rustling noise caught Akame's attention. Her hand instinctively went to her blade. "Something's nearby," she said in a low tone, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the area.

Suddenly, a group of Shadows and Neo Shadows materialized from the ground. Their glowing yellow eyes fixed on the two, and Akame's expression briefly shifted to surprise. "What are these creatures?" she asked, gripping her sword tightly.

"Heartless," Ash replied, stepping forward. "They're creatures born from darkness. Don't let them overwhelm you."

Before Akame could respond, Ash summoned his Keyblades in a flash of light, charging into the fray. His movements were fluid and precise as he took down the Shadows with quick, decisive strikes. The Neo Shadows attempted to swarm him, but Ash unleashed a Thunder spell, stunning them before finishing them off with a spinning slash.

Akame observed his skill with a curious expression, lowering her sword. "You're quite efficient," she commented as Ash dismissed the last Heartless with a clean strike.

"Thanks," Ash said, dismissing his Keyblades. "They're not that tough if you know how to handle them."

Akame nodded slightly, though her focus quickly shifted as a snake-like monster slithered out of the bushes behind Ash. Without hesitation, she darted forward and sliced through the creature with a single, clean strike.

Ash blinked, barely registering what had happened before Akame turned back to him, holding up the slain serpent. "Snake meat," she said plainly. "It's nutritious and can be cooked easily."

"Uh…" Ash scratched the back of his head, his lips curling into an awkward smile. "Thanks, but I think I'll stick to more, you know, normal meats."

Akame tilted her head slightly, clearly unbothered by his refusal. "Suit yourself," she said, tucking the snake into her pack.

Ash trudged behind Mine, Sheele, and Leone through the bustling streets of the Capital, arms weighed down by five heavy grocery bags stacked so high he could barely see. He groaned inwardly, wondering how he got roped into this errand in the first place. The girls were walking ahead, chatting animatedly about random topics, leaving him to carry the load like some kind of pack mule.

"I thought I was supposed to be learning something," Ash muttered under his breath, trying not to trip over unseen obstacles in his path. Suddenly, the chatter ahead stopped, and Ash felt himself bump into one of the girls as they halted abruptly. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, wobbling but managing to keep his balance. Peering around the mountain of bags, he saw the three of them standing outside a dress store, their gazes fixed on a wedding dress displayed in the window. "What's the hold-up?" Ash asked with a strained voice as he shifted the weight of the bags.

Leone turned to him with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Ash," she began, folding her arms and leaning slightly towards him. "In your expert opinion, which one of us do you think would make the best bride in that dress?"

Ash blinked, caught completely off guard by the question. "Uh… what?"

Mine crossed her arms and scowled, glaring at Leone. "Why would he care about something dumb like that? Stop dragging him into your nonsense!"

"Oh, come on, it's a fun question!" Leone shot back before turning her grin back to Ash. "Well, what do you think? Or…" Her smirk grew slyer. "Do you even have a type? Got any girl you're sweet on, Ash?"

Ash's face turned red as he stammered, "I—I don't know what you're talking about!"

Leone wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily. "Oh, really?" she teased, stepping closer. "No crushes? No special someone on your mind?"

Ash hesitated, his mind flashing back to the girls he'd met during his journey. Korra's fiery personality, Team RWBY's charm, Lightning's strength—they all stood out in their own way. But as his thoughts wandered further, a certain blue-haired Keyblade Master came to mind. Aqua. Her kindness, wisdom, and grace had left a deep impression on him. Realizing where his thoughts had gone, Ash's blush deepened, and he quickly shook his head, trying to banish the image.

"N-no one in particular!" he blurted out.

Leone tilted her head, a curious glint in her eyes. "You're blushing. You sure about that?" she asked, her grin widening as if she was enjoying his discomfort.

Sheele, who had been quiet until now, gave Ash a sympathetic look. "Maybe we should leave him alone," she suggested softly. "He looks overwhelmed."

Mine groaned loudly, clearly annoyed. "Why are you even bothering with this? As if he'd pick someone like you, Leone."

Leone laughed, throwing an arm around Ash's shoulders, making him stagger under the added weight. "Who knows? Maybe I'm his type after all," she said, winking.

Ash sighed, wishing he could bury his face in the bags he was carrying.

Ash lay on his stomach on top of a grassy cliff, feeling the prickly blades of grass scratch his arms as he propped himself up. Next to him, Lubbock was in his element—or so he claimed—peering through binoculars with a look of focused intensity. A trail of drool hung from Lubbock's mouth as he whispered, "Stealth is all about patience, Ash. Patience and precision."

Ash sighed, resting his chin on his palm. "I still don't get why we're here. This doesn't feel like training."

Lubbock frowned, lowering his binoculars briefly. "That's because you're not looking at the bigger picture. Being stealthy is about observing without being seen, learning to blend in, and gathering intel unnoticed."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "So, how does spying on... whatever you're looking at count as that?"

Lubbock huffed in annoyance, nudging Ash with his elbow. "It's research, okay? My job is to keep tabs on the area, and this is your first lesson in stealth. Now be quiet or we'll get spotted!"

Ash groaned, shaking his head. "Fine, but I still don't see how lying here doing nothing is supposed to help."

Meanwhile, in the hot springs below, the female members of Night Raid—including Najenda—were unwinding after a long day. The steam swirled gently around them as they relaxed in the soothing waters, their conversation turning toward Ash and how he was adapting to the group.

"I think he's doing alright," Leone said, leaning back with a grin. "Kid's got potential, and he's fun to mess with."

Mine scoffed, crossing her arms even as she soaked. "He's too much of a goody-two-shoes. I don't see how he fits into our kind of work."

Sheele tilted her head thoughtfully. "He seems nice enough. He's a little clumsy, but he has a good heart. That could be useful in certain situations."

Akame spoke up. "He's strong. I've seen him fight. But whether or not he's ready for our mission... time will tell."

Najenda, sitting with her arms resting on the edge of the spring, exhaled deeply. "He's an outsider. Bringing him in is a risk, but Leone seems to trust him. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Let's see how he handles himself in real-world scenarios."

Leone chuckled, splashing a little water in Mine's direction. "See? Even the boss agrees. Besides, I think he'll surprise us."

Ash shifted uncomfortably on the grassy cliff, boredom finally getting the better of him. He stood up, brushing off his pants. "Alright, Lubbock, I'm out. This is pointless—"

Before he could finish, Lubbock grabbed his arm, yanking him back down. "What part of 'stealth' don't you get? You're going to blow our cover!" he hissed.

Ash rolled his eyes. "Blow our cover from what? We're not even doing anything!"

Lubbock's frustration boiled over, and he stood up, jabbing a finger at Ash. "You don't get it! This is serious—"

"Who's there?!" Najenda's authoritative voice rang out from the hot springs below.

Lubbock froze like a deer in headlights. "Oh no," he whispered. Without another word, he shoved the binoculars into Ash's hands and hissed, "You're on your own!"

Before Ash could respond, Lubbock darted off into the bushes, leaving him dumbfounded. The sudden movement caused Ash to lose his balance. "Wha—? Hey, wait—!" he yelped as he stumbled forward, slipping off the edge of the cliff. With a loud splash, Ash landed face-first into the hot springs below, sending water splattering everywhere and spooking the girls.

"Seriously?" Mine muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Ash groaned, sitting up with water dripping off his hair. He cursed under his breath, muttering something about Lubbock being the worst teacher ever. Before he could collect his thoughts, someone cleared their throat. Ash froze, glancing up to meet the eyes of the Night Raid women.

Najenda looked annoyed, her arms crossed as steam wafted around her. Mine's glare could cut steel, while Sheele tilted her head with quiet curiosity. Akame's expression was neutral, though her sharp gaze seemed to size him up. Leone, on the other hand, looked absolutely delighted.

"Well, well, well," Leone said with a wide grin, leaning forward slightly. "What do we have here? Taking a peek, Ash?"

Ash's face turned bright red as he waved his hands frantically. "N-No! It's not what it looks like! I—Lubbock—he—"

"Lubbock, huh?" Najenda said flatly, glancing up at the cliff but spotted no one there.

"Traitor!" Ash muttered under his breath, glaring up at the cliff where Lubbock had abandoned him.

Leone burst into laughter, slapping her knee. "You've got guts, kid. Not much brains, but guts!"

Ash sighed, water dripping from his clothes as he muttered, "I knew learning from Lubbock was a bad idea..."

Later that evening...

Later that evening, Ash sat with the Night Raid members around a large wooden table. Plates of hearty food were passed around as conversations overlapped in a symphony of laughter and banter. Ash watched as Leone teased Mine about her tiny appetite, while Bulat regaled Tatsumi with an exaggerated tale of his "heroic" exploits. Akame quietly enjoyed her meal, occasionally offering a small smile when the others got too rowdy.

Ash found himself smiling as he observed the group. Despite their grim occupation, they acted like normal people, laughing, teasing, and supporting one another. It felt less like a band of assassins and more like a family, bonded by shared purpose. As he took a bite of his food, a faint, warm memory flickered in his mind. A younger version of himself running through a flower-filled meadow alongside a girl who resembled Kairi, her laughter like the sound of wind chimes. Nearby, two adults—a man and a woman whose faces he couldn't quite make out—watched them with soft smiles. The scene felt so vivid, so real, yet it slipped away as quickly as it came, leaving a bittersweet ache in his chest.

Leone's voice jolted him back to reality. "Hey, Ash! You okay?" All eyes turned to him. Leone's brow furrowed as she leaned closer. "You zoned out there for a second. Everything alright?"

Ash blinked, realizing everyone was staring at him. He quickly plastered on a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… tired, I guess."

Leone didn't look entirely convinced but let it go with a shrug. The others returned to their conversations, though Akame continued to glance at him from the corner of her eye.

Ash stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I think I'll call it a night. Thanks for dinner."

"Goodnight, Ash," Najenda said with a nod.

Leone gave him a teasing grin. "Don't let the bed bugs bite!"

He chuckled weakly before retreating to his guest room. Once inside, he closed the door and leaned against it, exhaling a long breath. "What was that?" he muttered to himself, his fingers brushing his temple. The memory felt like a distant echo, familiar yet out of reach. "Who were they?"

Ash, unable to calm his swirling thoughts, tossed his white cloak onto the bed with a sigh and approached the window. He stared at his reflection in the glass. Leaning closer, he scrutinized his tired expression, but something in the corner of his vision caught his attention. His breath hitched as his eyes focused past the reflection, out into the night. In the distance, near the edge of the forest that bordered the Night Raid base, stood a striking figure. A blue-haired woman clad in a military-style outfit smirked at him. The moonlight illuminated her piercing gaze, which seemed to lock directly onto him. Ash blinked in surprise. He had no idea who she was, but her presence felt both alluring and ominous. Without breaking eye contact, the woman turned and walked back into the shadows of the forest as though daring him to follow.

Compelled by curiosity and a growing sense of urgency, Ash made his decision. "Wait!" he called out as he slid the window open. The night air rushed into the room, carrying the faint scent of pine. Without hesitation, he vaulted out of the window, landing softly on the ground below. He bolted after the mysterious woman.

Moments later, there was a knock at Ash's door. "Ash, are you still awake?" came Leone's familiar voice. When no response came, Leone opened the door cautiously, stepping in with Akame by her side. Leone carried a pillow and blanket, grinning as she spoke. "We forgot to give you extra bedding. Thought you might need it—" She stopped mid-sentence as she scanned the room. It was empty. The bed was unmade as the cloak Ash had been wearing earlier strewn across it. The window was wide open with the curtains swaying gently in the night breeze. Leone's eyebrows furrowed as she glanced back at Akame. "Hey, where'd he go?"

Akame stepped further into the room as she immediately took in the details. She stared at the cloak for a moment before moving to the open window. Her expression darkened slightly as she peered outside into the night. "Something's not right," she said quietly.

Leone crossed her arms. "He better not have wandered off to do something reckless. You know how he's been adjusting to us."

Akame turned back. "We need to find him."

Leone nodded. "Right. Let's move."

Ash sprinted through the dense forest under the moonlight. His breath came in short gasps, and the faint sound of rustling leaves filled his ears as he slowed to a halt. Looking around, he tried to catch a glimpse of the mysterious blue-haired woman who had drawn him out here.

"Where did she go?" he muttered over his heavy breathing. A chill ran down his spine, but he couldn't tell if it was from the cool night air or something else entirely.

Suddenly, a loud crack shattered the forest's stillness. Ash's eyes widened as the ground beneath him shimmered with frost, and without warning, a massive icicle erupted upward. Acting on instinct, he leaped backwards, narrowly avoiding the sharp, crystalline spike. The frost radiated outward, leaving a cold mist hanging in the air. From the shadows stepped the woman he had seen earlier. Her confident smirk was illuminated by the moonlight, and her icy-blue eyes seemed to pierce through him.

Ash glared at her. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The woman tilted her head slightly, her smirk never fading. She chuckled. "Impressive reflexes," she said with a slight praise. "Most would have been skewered on the spot."

Ash narrowed his eyes. "Answer me!" he demanded.

The woman's chuckle deepened into a low, almost mocking laugh. "You have spirit," she said, taking a step closer. Her gaze swept over him, appraising him like a predator sizing up its prey. "Very well. I am Esdeath, General of the Empire."

By far, it is the longest chapter I have written for this series. I hope you guys enjoy the moments, and finally, at last, Ash and Esdeath meet. Originally, I was going to have Esdeath inspect Ash for a bit before kidnapping him but I'll save that for the next chapter where it will be funny as Aqua will learn about Ash's current situation. Ash's harem is getting intense if Esdeath is added to the mix. And it seems like Leone and perhaps Akame could also be added as well but we will see LOL. Anyway, with Christmas almost near and the year 2024 is almost at its end, I might do some special projects. For what it is, well, you will have to find out xD

Extra scene: A Sudden Invitation

Ash stood near Radiant Garden's entrance, staring at the invitation in his hands. It was from Team RWBY, inviting him to a late Thanksgiving gathering at Beacon Academy. Ash scratched his head in confusion.

"How did they even send this here?" he muttered.

"Magic?" Sora quipped, grinning.

"Or broke the logic barrier," Lea added with a smirk.

"What?"

"They must really like you, Ash," Aqua said with a smile, ignoring Lea's cryptic words.

Ash shrugged. "They're just good friends."

"Friends who go out of their way to send an invite across worlds, huh?" Riku teased.

Ash slightly blushed.

Before Ash could retort, a portal opened, and the group stepped through, arriving at Beacon Academy's courtyard. In the words of Sora, it was magical.

A few moments later...

Ruby bolted from the steps of Beacon like a blur. "Ash!" she squealed, tackling him into a hug. "You actually came! And—ohmygosh—" She stopped mid-hug, eyes widening at the group behind him. "You brought more Keyblade people!"

Aqua stepped forward, smiling politely. "Hello. I'm Aqua."

"I'm Ruby! Ruby Rose!" she said excitedly, practically vibrating. "Oh my gosh, you all have those amazing key weapons too?!"

"Keyblades," Ventus corrected.

Ruby squeaked. "Can I have one? Please?!"

Weiss walked up behind her, crossing her arms. "Ruby, stop embarrassing yourself in front of our guests."

Ruby pouted, but before she could protest, Yang chimed in with a teasing grin. "Oh, come on, Ice Queen, you're happy to see Ash again. Don't act all cold."

Weiss turned pink. "I am not! And stop calling me that!"

Ash scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, while Aqua glanced between Weiss and Ash, her brows lifting in curiosity. "You seem close with my apprentice," she said with a slight frown.

Yang waggled her eyebrows. "Ooooh, is that what they're calling it now? Close? Apprentice? Sure."

"Yang!" Ash shouted, waving his hands frantically. "It's not like that!"

Weiss turned an even deeper shade of red. "YANG!"

Moments later...

Inside Beacon's dining hall, Team JNPR joined the festivities. Nora leaped onto the table with a cooked turkey in hand.

"Listen up, everyone!" she declared. "I hereby challenge the Keyblade wielders to a TURKEY BRAWL FEST!"

The dinner hall went silent.

"A what?" Aqua asked, blinking in confusion.

Ren groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Nora, not this again."

"It's a food fight with Thanksgiving stuff!" Nora grinned, hefting the turkey. "Let's see who the real champions are—RWBY and JNPR, or the Keyblade crew!"

Ruby gasped. "Oh my gosh, yes! This is the best idea ever!"

Weiss facepalmed. "This is ridiculous."

"It's fun!" Yang said, grabbing a pie.

"Count me in!" Sora shouted, already grabbing a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Ash hesitated, glancing at Aqua. "Should we...?"

Aqua sighed but smiled. "Why not? Just... don't ruin your clothes."

Ash sweatdropped.

Aqua was really obsessed with his new look.