WE'RE BACK FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉

Remember when I said this next world was gonna be loosely based on The Count Of Monte Cristo? One of the most Underrated films of all time?

Well this will also be loosely based on Final Fantasy 16. There will be some major key differences. And secrets that will be revealed later on. And some big changes are coming compared to what happened in Season 3.

This chapter will also feature a scene from the Tangled episode titled No Time Like The Present. Before it goes into a different story instead of Rapunzel and Pascal being sent back in the past as the Stabbington Brothers.

"Cause I found that magic time travel hourglass and put it in a secret hiding place. A place no one. Not even Zel would ever figure out. Hahahahaha!" Maverick laughed manically. 😄

Let me guess. It's at home, under your Mav Club. 😒

"GASP!" Maverick quickly ran home and screamed. "CURSE YOU AUUUTHOOOOOR!" 😫

Anyhow. I also have to warn you. This will be a long one. And so much will happen. And I have to apologize to any Final Fantasy 16 purist. Because this KH parody of some of the characters from the game are gonna be very different. And I'm making the lore less complicated. No Blight or mother crystals that need to be destroyed or an evil pretentious mother or a dark god.

"That last part is for my politically correct variant to deal with later." Maverick joked about his variant Connor. 😉

I mean if the Canon Kingdom Hearts universe can change FF based characters, why can't I?

Also this will start out withsome flash backs from events that took place in Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2. So you'll get the idea of how close and one point those adventures were compared to Sora and Aiden's stories.

But before we begin. Let's answer some comments.

SPYRO 101: Thank you! Oh yeah. That's not the last we've seen of Doom. And of course I chose that song from Fall Out Boys on account that they were the band that played in the Big Hero 6 film. And thank you as always for helping me write these chapters. 😊👍

"Be glad we didn't play their version of the Ghost Busters theme." Maverick quipped.

RustyPete12: Hello fire department?! We have a love emergency! LOL! And also I am glad watching Calico get arrested and the Fantastic Four fight Doctor Doom (Yes that was him. I assure you. But he's not gone completely 😉). But yeah that rainbow skin bit was hilarious. Also what Orion did to Krei was from an Adam Sandler movie called Click. The movie isn't really that good entirely, but it has a few good scenes and moments that I thought was funny. Also Doctor Doom coming back as a Heartless or Nobody? Hmmmm….Not a bad idea. I'll have to think on that. But thank you you. As always I fully appreciate your support. 😉👍

Alright! Now that we're all here!

LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎

From Hollow To Radiant.

Two years ago at the Olympus Coliseum...

As the great Coliseum built by the gods of Mount Olympus stood in all it's glory. The journey of a certain chosen Keyblade wielder from the Islands of Fate formally known as the Destiny Islands, was there facing every challenge of the Olympus cup. Yozora. Donald and Goofy had just met. And together. They would take on the Heartless. And the leading witch that united so many villains together. Xhanas-Terror.

Yozora back then wore the same outfit. But without the gloves and short sleeve jacket. Just the black shirt and black long pants and boots that matched.

As Yozora was celebrating his 8th victory in the Coliseum with Donald and Goofy. Hades the Lord of the Dead was watching from behind the closed gates where combatants waited their turn. Inside was a mysterious man with a black tattoo that resembles two artistic spears in a cross.

The man had black hair that was mildly long and unkempt. He wore a tattered red uniform equipped with chainmail and metal shoulder guards, brown leather gloves with small metal plates on the forearms and fingers, metal hip armor, and leather boots. The red was similar to the Ravagers. But his attire bears a resemblance to those from the Kingdom of Rosaria.

This was Clive Rosfield. Son of Elwin Rosfield and adopted son of Anabella the former Duchess of Rosaria.

Inside Hades was giving Clive some tips on how this next match should go.

"That little punk is your next opponent, okay?" Hades said to Clive who just stood there. "Now don't blow it. Just take him out."

Clive stared at Hades before averting his eyes.

"The great god of the Underworld is afraid of a kid?" Clive said with a slight scoff. "Sorry, but my contract says-"

"I know! You think I don't know? I wrote the Contract!" Hades snapped, holding up his fingers in a 'I get the gist' motion. "I know it says you're only required to kill Hercules in this tournament. But you've gotta fight that kid to get to him. Come on."

Clive just stared at Yozora, Donald, and Goofy talking with Phil. With an unreadable expression. His intentions were unclear.

"Hey, it's like the old goat says: Rule 11: it's all just a game, so let loose and have fun with it!" Hades said with a smirk while punching the air. "I mean, a casualty or two along the way is no big deal, right?"

Clive didn't say anything as he moved away from the wall and walked past Hades. As he didn't display any emotions worth noting. Except with the possible intent to get the deal done.

"Geez. Stiffer than the stiffs back home." Hades said, holding his chin before smirking evilly. "Still, suckers like him are hard to come by."

Hades gave a chuckle as his giant Three-headed dog, Cerberus, growled deep in the dark.

Later on. After a few more rounds against a group of Heartless. Yozora was finally clashing his keyblade against Clive's yellow laser sword. They both showed skill as Clive was trained by a former mentor in prison. And Yozora was self trained back on the islands he group up in. As an orphan by Hoshi's side.

Only Yozora is fighting to be with his friend again. And Clive is fighting to find a treasure.

But soon their battle as Clive pushed Yozora back and made him almost trip. Clive almost finished the fight as he was gonna slash at Yozora. But then a large paw was hovering over Clive.

"Look out!" Yozora yelled as he pushed Clive down to the ground.

***SLAM!***

They both avoided the large paw. And they looked up to see Cerberus the giant three-headed hell dog from the Underworld intervening in the fight.

Yozora gasped looking up at the mighty beast as he and Clive stood up.

Hades smugly stood in the shadows. As he recalled something he left out on purpose.

"Oh, right, there was one other rule I forgot: Accidents happen." Hades remarked as he walked away into the shadows.

But then, just as Cerberus was about to pounce on Yozora. The mighty Hercules showed up and blocked the beast with his muscular arms.

"Herc!" Phil called over.

"Phil! Get them out of here!" Hercules replied as Donald and Goofy ran out screaming. Along with Phil who just ran with them.

But Clive and Yozora stood up as Hercules pushed Cerberus back. Knocking down some columns and pillars around the Coliseum. Hercules then jumped while Cerberus was stunned and he slammed his fists into all three heads. Making the three headed beast shake and it stood up to growl some more.

But then Cerberus ran over and tried to bite Hercules. But Hercules blocked the teeth of one of the beast's heads. Only for the other two to gain and advantage to attack.

Then Clive and Yozora rushed in and blocked the other two heads from biting Hercules. Abandoning the challenge of facing each other. Clive and Yozora worked together to bring Cerberus down as Hercules pushed the middle head away. Clive was on the left head and Yozora was on the right head.

"Thunder!" Yozora showed as he struck Cerberus with a Lightning Strike. Stunning the beast.

Then Clive slashed at the underbelly before Hercules delivered a godly hard punch. Sending Cerberus through several walls.

Thus the Beast was finished.

They all three huffed to catch their breaths. And Hercules took a sigh of relief and turned to Clive and Yozora.

"Thanks. I owe you both." Hercules smiled.

"Hey, I'm just glad we could help." Yozora said with a friendly look.

"Hopefully the damages we and the beast caused won't be too much of a burden." Clive answered as he had a deep voice and a natural British accent.

"Nah. Don't worry about it." Hercules said nonchalantly. "This place has seen a lot worse in even more brutal fights."

They took Hercules' words for it. While Clive and Yozora left the Coliseum grounds with him.

Inside the Coliseum Foyer...

Phil stood on a pedestal next to Hercules as Yozora. Donald and Goofy. Stood together in front of the coaching satyr. As Phil read a scoll to announce their new titles for the victory in taking down Cerberus.

While Clive was outside after he received the answers he wanted from Athena the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. The Greek Gods heard of the of what went down in the Coliseum but they didn't catch Hercules who managed to slip away back into the Under World.

You all remember the story. Hades will get his soon.

"Thus, I do hereby dub thee junior heroes, and confer upon thee full rights and privileges to participate in the games. Further-" Phil said as he read from the scroll, only for Donald to interrupt him.

"Hey! What do you mean "Junior Heroes"?" Donald snapped at the Satyr.

"You rookies still don't understand what it takes to be a true hero." Phil said back as he put the scroll away.

"So, what does it take?" Goofy asked.

"Well, that's just something you'll have to find out for yourselves." Hercules said to them with a smile. "Just the way that I did."

"No problem. We'll start by proving ourselves in the games." Yozora said with a confident smirk.

But Phil just shook his head while looking at the entrance to the coliseum, which has been roped off with a closed sign.

"There ain't gonna be any games for a while." Phil said to them. "Gotta clean up the mess from that battle first."

"Okay. We'll be back." Yozora said, giving them a wave before he, Donald, and Goofy walked out.

"I still can't believe that squirt actually beat Cerberus." Phil said to Hercules.

"Just between us," Hercules started, leaning in to whisper to Phil. "I'd already worn Cerberus down by the time the little guy jumped in."

"My lips are sealed." Phil said as they watched Yozora and his friends disappear behind a closed door.

Outside at the Coliseum Gates...

Yozora. Donald and Goofy were about to return to the Highwind Gummi Ship when they saw Clive near the exit they were walking towards. Leaning against one of the pillars with his arms crossed as he seemed to be in deep thought.

Yozora walked over to check on him. "Need a lift?" He asked Clive.

"No thanks. I got a ride." Clive declined dryly.

"Alright, Well. We haven't been properly introduced since we were bashing our blades. I'm Yozora. He's Donald and That's Goofy." Yozora introduced himself.

"Wyvern." Clive introduced with a small nod. Using the alias he goes by these days.

"So. What made you hook up with the Underworld Lord anyway?" Yozora asked curiously.

"I'm looking for something important. Hades promised to help. But I knew not to trust him. I tried to keep my guard up. But it almost wasn't enough." Clive stated as he looked over at the Coliseum. "I also figured the power of Darkness could bring me what I desire."

"And that is?" Yozora asked.

"Revenge. It's what's driving me to keep going." Clive admitted with a hint of grief and anger behind his subdued voice. "I fell into Darkness a long time ago. At the expense of someone I thought was my friend. And abandoned by the one I love."

If Clive knew the true. He would know that the last part was not true.

"I'm sorry that happened to you." Yozora said to Clive. "But if you allow yourself to be consumed by the darkness, that is what you will become."

"Unfortunately. Not all of us have the same luxury of choosing to go to the light. Don't lose your choice." Clive sighed and warned before he walked away.

Donald and Goofy felt a little uncomfortable with his response. "What do ya think happened to him?" Goofy asked in concern.

"I don't know. He seems so lost and hurt." Donald said after looking into Clive's eyes.

"I just hope he someday finds his own light to lead him out of the darkness." Yozora said solemnly.

After that moment. Yozora resumed to his journey that would soon end and be expanded to another journey.

One year later down at Hallow Bastion...

The Guardians of the Unknown were together. As well as Orion. Groot. Friday. Hoshi. Donald. Goofy. And Yozora.

They walked through the streets of Hallow Bastion's town that was under construction of the Restoration Committee. Led by Cid Highwind. The one that Donald and Goofy named their ship after.

The one Yozora met at Traverse Town and how he was introduced to Donald and Goofy.

Orion was with Friday as he was trying one of Scrooge McDuck's ice cream bars. Which was supposed to be Sea Salt Ice Cream. But it was too salty and less sweet.

Scrooge McDuck. The richest Duck and sentient being in the Multiverse asked for Orion's opinion after he grimaced and recovered from the awful taste. As they stood at the entrance Scrooge's Ice Cream shop.

"Okay...My advice. Cow Milk. Outlaw it. Switch to Almond Milk. Heat it up for ten minutes. Pour it into a mix of poached egg yolks. Six spoons of unrefined cane sugar. And mix them together into your blue salt ingredients." Orion said carefully while Huey. Dewey and Louie were writing it down in the background and Scrooge was listening.

"Hmmm. Not a bad idea, Lad. I'll go for that next!" Scrooge said, already making plans.

"Cool cool. Now if you'll excuse me. I got some assets to liquidate up in the attic." Orion smiled while cringing as he teleported over to a trash can in the alleyway behind the shop and he spat out the taste of the ice cream he just put in his mouth, right into a garbage can. "Pwuah- FOOD IS MY ENEMY!"

Groot came to check and he cringed at seeing Orion brush his teeth violently, before he walked away. And took a mental note to not try the ice cream as it is.

Meanwhile Yozora was standing with Hoshi looking out at the valley view of what goes behind the Hallow Bastion walls. And saw nothing but a barren desert. As they stood at a stair walkway and leaned against the railings.

Friday walked over after not tasting the ice cream and she tossed her free sample into a trash can and went over and saw what they were looking at.

"My parents told me a lot about this world before they died. Everyone calls it Valisthea. A modern Earth set in a medieval Society." Friday stated.

Well, this place definitely gives off a medieval vibe to me." Hoshi said while looking around.

"The cops dressed like Knights. And the fact that Starbucks is called Farbucks. The fact that Donald's Uncle's shop is called Baskin Robin Hood. And there's a Tower of London Records." Yozora scoffed as he looked around at all of the variants of shops and stores they go to in their world. "I'd hate to see what Walmart is called out here."

"Or what they're selling." Hoshi said jokingly. "If they're like the Walmarts on other worlds, they'll be selling just about anything, including coffins."

Orion teleported over while chewing on some mint gum and stood next to Friday.

"If they're anything like Walmart now. The coffins will just make their bad delivery services obvious." Orion remarked and looked at the Readers. "My Author is their biggest victim."

"The wierdly varianted product placements would be the least of everyone's problems. Hollow Bastion is one of the few towns that are less prejudice to people who are branded." Friday stated.

"I've been meaning to ask. But what exactly is that all about?" Yozora asked with a disturbed look, feeling like he was not gonna like the answer.

"Grocery deliveries? Garbage boys get paid better. And don't order anything if you're Jewish. They'll leave it at someone's random garage." Aiden stated something irrelevant which he thought was relevant.

"I was actually asking about these branded people." Yozora clarified with a deadpan look.

"Oh. Well from what I've heard about this place. At the center of this world, what's supposed to be a cornerstone is a compromise in the form of a giant crystal that's the size of a mountain, and it changes colors more than the IPhone. They call it the mother crystal. In which many human beings, mostly of royal bloodline or Nobles would be granted the power of legendary kaiju type monsters called. Eikons." Orion began to explain.

"Eikons?" Hoshi asked.

"God like Giant Monsters. A Dominant can have the power of one of them. And they call to the spirit of these Eikon spirits they're connected to hard enough. They can become one of them." Friday explained.

"And what do they use these powers for?" Yozora asked.

"Build economies. Burn bridges. Sign a lease. I.R. ***king S! Basically everything we and our politicians do on our Earth but more Final Fantasy-like." Orion quipped.

"Each Eikon has the power of an element. And they grant a Dominant the power of said element." Friday explained."Every dominant is either a King. A Duke. An army leader or any kind of politician."

"And these powers are only wielded by nobles? No commoners or regular folks?" Yozora asked.

"Spike. The regular folks who do aquire power from the mother crystals. They're the Branded." Orion pointed out as he gestured at some common construction workers down at the houses that had the same brand tattoo on their cheeks as Clive. Or Wyvern as they knew him.

Yozora saw one of the Branded workers used blew fire from their hands to fuse a broken tool together before using it to continue working.

"I see." Yozora said before narrowing his eyes. "But, why are they branded?"

"Whenever someone acquires power from the mothercrystal without a direct link to an Eikon. They're born branded. One who isn't can become branded if they get in direct contact with the mothercrystal." Friday stated.

"But this world. Or at least most of it. Treat Branded with a 'pray the gay away' type of attitude. Worse than how mutants are treated." Orion stated. "Hollow Bastion are one of the few towns that's away from high upper class Saxons. Here they're treated like people."

"That's terrible. They shouldn't be treated differently just because they're born a certain way." Hoshi said. "At least this City doesn't seem to follow that train of thought."

"Just how bad are they treated outside the City, though?" Yozora asked.

"I don't suppose you watched Schindler's List? To Kill A Mockingbird? Ten Commandments?" Orion remarked. "Or X-Men."

"It varies out here. In some kingdoms it's slavery. Others it's death on sight." Friday stated grimly.

"It's because this world is so religious. Like if TBN was a Lord Of The Rings parody planet." Orion pointed out.

"In-A-Nutshell. Centuries ago, a town of Saxons in the marvel world were doomed to die by the Black Plague. So they were brought here to this planet years ago by the Ancient One. The original Sorcerer Supreme." Friday explained. "Valisthea used to be home to just the wildlife and the Mother Crystal. Now because the environment and the crystal's magic saved those Saxons. They settled here away from Earth's historical wars and changes. And the Saxons adapt to this planet. One thing led to another and now there's more than one Kingdom here."

'Well. That's just lazy writing?' Pro deadpanned a Fourth Wall comment.

"That and they all believe the Eikons to be God's top class angels. But Branded, they believe they get their power from lucifer. The devil's spawns they're called. Cursed ones." Orion mocked the drama in his tone and expression with his hands waved. "Boogity Boogity! Basically what we all thought the Kardashians were."

He said that last witty part with his normal tone.

"Such barbaric... It's a small wonder this world fell to darkness all those years ago." Yozora muttered.

"I can't believe I was born on this planet." Hoshi muttered. "It makes me even more grateful to have found myself on the Islands of Fate."

"I think we all prefer the name Destiny Islands." Orion whispered to the Author.

Just then Clive who was standing behind them spoke up.

"This whole world didn't fall into darkness. Just this city." Clive stated.

They turned as Yozora looked surprised. "Wyvern?!" He gawked.

"Who?" Orion inquired.

"He's a warrior Donald, Goofy, and I met when we went to Olympus Coliseum during my first journey." Yozora said to Orion.

"And I would say both of our timing is Impeccable. Cid and Merlin asked for my help. In exchange for Mason The Wise's mansion." Clive smiled as he looked out at the empty mansion in the distance of the neighborhood. Near the lake.

"And that is..." Orion asked.

"To take on the Heartless and find Mason's lab. You people will need all the help you can get." Clove answered as he looked at Yozora who was smiling.

"Like we could say no to such an offer." Yozora said to him. "By the way, have you found what you were looking for?"

"I did. My mentor's hidden wealth. And now I have the resources. All I need is this place back in business. After that, all those that wronged me will answer for their crimes." Clive declared as he scowled looking out at the valley with determination.

"Alright Medieval Jon Wick. We'll help you get this place. And you can bring Bessie or whatever you call your favorite weapon. But no killing. That's our rule." Orion said firmly. "You can do whatever you want to the Heartless, they're illegal immigrants."

"Hmph. Of course." Clive scoffed in amusement before he stood up to walk down the ramp before he turned to look at Yozora. "Also. My real name is Clive. Clive Rosfield."

Yozora felt like that was familiar to him somehow. He just couldn't put his finger on it. Either way he smiled and nodded.

"Nice to meet you then, Clive Rosfield." Yozora said with a smirk.

On that note. The Guardians went to meet with the Restoration Committee and were assigned to search for Mason's lab. Where they would end up on the Grid. Meet Tron. Then escape to fight thousands of Heartless only to leave and realize Syndicate XIII's plan involved The Guardians fighting Heartless for the Nobodies to collect hearts.

Them going to the Marvel world to fight Thanos in exchange for the absorption tech on his gauntlet and a little magic from Doctor Strange to help with that.

Everything else (Unless you've read Kingdom Hearts II: Guardians Of The Multiverse) is a blur.

But Clive eventually got his mansion after Hollow Bastion was restored to Radiant Garden. And Clive became a count. Where he spent his time plotting his revenge on those that ruined his life.

Yozora and his team were worried that Clive might go too far and lose a lot more. But as far as they were concerned.

The people Clive were after. They deserve it.

Back in the present in Corona Castle...

It was a bright sunny day at the kingdom of Rapunzel's soon-to-be happily ever after. Where she contributes more as a Guardians and as royalty. Ever since she took on the temporary queen business. She finds herself taking on tasks that she never was able to do before her journey to the Dark Kingdom formally known as Camelot.

Down inside one of the castle halls of of the guards' baracks. Rapunzel was with Lance. Eugene who was holding a list. As the Princess had her blue strap pack with the strap around from her left shoulder and hanging against her right hip. They all were wearing their (Season 3) Corona attire.

"Alright Eugene, agenda me." Rapunzel said with bright optimism to know what tasks to complete today.

"Okie dokie, we're gonna start off with what promises to be tons of fun. The Semi-Annual Wheat Crop Report." Eugene read the list as they walked slowly down the hall.

Rapunzel holds up a paper. "Already reviewed. And I know you were kidding, but believe it or not, it was fun." She mused.

"Next, you've gotta approve the design for the castle's new footbridge." Eugene stated as he listed to another piece of paper on the list while receiving Rapunzel's daily achievement list. Eugene needed Lance to make sure he didn't drop anything.

"Did it this morning," Rapunzel said as she handed him a scroll. "In fact, while I was at it, I designed a few more footbridges, or would it be feetbridge?"

It would probably be redundant to remind everyone that Rapunzel still isn't wearing shoes. But we will anyway cause we think it's hot.

"Woof!" Eugene exhaled in amusing disbelief of how his girlfriend accomplished a lot.

"What? I'm used to getting a lot done by 7:15." Rapunzel shrugged as she explained to the former thief.

"How about breakfast?" Lance smiled as he sees a maid walking past with a plate of hot baked croissants.

"Breakfast? I eat motivation for breakfast." Rapunzel quipped and smirked as Pascal snagged a croissant out of the maid's plate with his tongue, which landed on Rapunzel's hand as she casually says with a smirk. "Well, and cherry croissants. Thanks Pascal." She took a bite before that last part.

As they were now walking down the left corner end of the hall. They bumped into some things. More like furniture and personal possessions.

"You know, I gotta say, Sunshine, even I- AAAAH!" Eugene screamed a little hurmously when he saw a punching dummy with his face painted onto it. There were several knives surrounding the face.

But at least they got the nose right...sort of.

"Cass' sparring dummy?" Rapunzel inquired as she walked up to it.

"Oh, that's rich. Cass isn't even here and she still finds a way to annoy me." Eugene deadpanned.

The three looked ahead to see Cassandra's bedroom door open and all pf her furniture and personal belonging were up against the halls. And Old Lady Crowley was carting some more stuff out of her room. Rapunzel didn't authorize this so she had to walk up and intervine.

"Mrs. Crowley, what are you doing with Cassandra's things?" Rapunzel asked defensively.

"Meh. She's gone, so now it's junk." Old Lady Crowley snorted as she took a guard's helmet in her hand.

"Now, just a minute. I have faith that Cass will return, so...kindly put her things back where you found them." Rapunzel ordered lightly.

Crowley blanked with the one expression she has which is a grouchy frown.

Eugene was just lounging about with a bored look.

"Cass's stuff has got to be here, somewhere." Rapunzel said, looking around before her eyes lit up. "Aha!"

Rapunzel ran over to another part of the vault and moved a Corona shield from in front of a large chest.

Rapunzel opened the chest as Eugene walked over as she began pulling things out of the chest.

"Oh, it's Cass's things, alright. Look. Her shield. Her mace." Rapunzel said as she pulled those items out before setting them into a box and pulling out a halberd head. "Oh, her lucky halberd head."

"Look. I know you love Cass. And I can totally understand why you'd want her back in your life. But don't forget she betrayed you." Eugene said as she lifted her box up, making Rapunzel pause and look down with sad eyes.

"She's still a friend." Rapunzel said before Eugene walked up to her.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt anymore. That's all." Eugene said as he stood in front of her. "It's time to put yourself first, and let her go."

"Eugene. Friends don't leave friends behind, okay?" Rapunzel said with slight sternness. "I need you to understand that."

"Rapunzel, she's the one who left you." Eugene said, but Rapunzel just glared back at him, the two staring at each other tensely until Lance interrupted, holding up a target with Eugene's face, with an arrow sticking out the bullseye where his nose would be.

"Hey! Haha! Look what I found! Haha! For once, they even got your nose right! Not to mention this-" Lance exclaimed happily before noticing the tension and setting the target down. "Is so very awkward."

"It's okay, Lance." Rapunzel said before setting the box down on top of a chariot which caused the other side to shoot up, launching a table with gold cups into the air before they all came crashing down.

"I got it! I got it!" Eugene exclaimed as he a Rapunzel ran over to clean up the mess, setting the table back up and putting the cups back on the table.

Rapunzel picked up the last two before sighing and handing them to Eugene.

"I think I'm gonna go outside." Rapunzel said as she picked up her box before walking towards the door. "Gets some air, and reorganize this stuff."

As she left, Eugene and Lance shared concerned looks before Eugene looked down, worried for Rapunzel.

Down at the Corona Square Cafe…

Rapunzel was sitting outside the Cafe at a table, organizing the things from the box with Pascal's help.

"Rapunzel let out a nostalgic sigh as she pulled out a painting of her, Eugene, and Cassandra along with Cassandra's owl overhead.

"I remember painting this, Pascal." Rapunzel said, holding the painting. "All these things have their own story."

Rapunzel set the painting down to continue looking through the box.

Just then a red head middle age waitress who works at the Cafe came over with a glass of cherry limeade with a slice of lime on the edge and a little umbrella with a striped bendy straw.

"Cherry Limeade Ma'am?" The waitress placed on the table.

Rapunzel sighed as she took the drink.

"It's okay, Friday, I know it's you." Rapunzel said before taking a sip of her beverage.

The maid dropped the smile and looked concerned as she used her Skrull abilities to shape shift back into Friday's normal blue skin form and she took the seat in front of Rapunzel.

"How did you know it was me?" Friday asked.

"Everyone here normally refers to me as 'Princess' or 'Rapunzel' or both or just 'Your Highness'. And sometimes 'Zel'. But not 'Ma'am'...Or 'Raps' these days." Rapunzel explained with a sad expression before holding up her Cherry Limeade. "And this cafe doesn't serve Cherry Limeade."

Friday made that drink herself. Sure enough Rapunzel liked it. It was almost enough to brighten her mood. Granted she originally wasn't a fan of lemonade. Not until Orion introduced her to all the different brands and flavors. Cherry Limeade won Rapunzel over.

"And your normally more bright and fuzzy then the ladies that work here." Friday remarked and asked out of concern. "What's troubling you?"

"Nothing! Everything's fine." Rapunzel said with a forced smile, until Friday gave her a knowing look, making her drop her smile and sigh. "I'm just organizing Cassandra's things."

"Let me guess. Disagreement with the boyfriend? Telling you to move on?" Friday figured.

Rapunzel looked surprised before giving a small smile.

"You really know me far too well, Thunder Sis." Rapunzel said.

"Studying your allies and opponents. But mostly your allies got me through my early toddler years of Kree education." Friday shrugged. And he gave her an understanding look. "You don't need to give up on her. We sure as hell haven't. But she has the Moon Stone, the Sundrop's counterpart no less. And as long as she's out there. Our conflict with the demon is compromised."

"I know that. That's why I can't just push this aside." Rapunzel said with conviction.

"But we also need to be prepared. With the state of mind Cassandra's in. And the power she has. She's probably not the kind you save. She's the kind you stop." Friday stated calmly.

Rapunzel looked down at the picture for a moment. Wondering if Friday was right. But can she really fight her best friend?

"I don't know if I can do that, Friday." Rapunzel muttered sadly.

"She might not give you a choice." Friday insisted with a sympathetic look. And then she placed a hand on her. "But. You know your friend well. More than we ever did. We've made preparations for when the time comes and it will happen. Just...make sure to duck and cover when the time comes."

Rapunzel looked at Friday wondering what she meant.

"It's bad enough we lost our Paragon Tough Lady. And it's even worse that Ryan lost one sister. He wouldn't want to lose another." Friday stated out of compassion. "And neither would I."

"I won't let that happen. I refuse to put Ryan through that again." Rapunzel said with conviction before looking curious. "By the way, where is Ryan, anyway?"

"He's busy on Marvel Earth trying to help Hank McCoy and a few other mutants in peacefully pacifying some Anti-Mutant rallies. Apparently the New York Counselman turned out to secretly be a mutant. And now word's got out." Friday explained.

"Well I just hope Ryan can help make peace over there, and that his status as a mutant doesn't go public before then." Rapunzel said to Friday.

"Knowing him he'll calm them down. The other reason why I came is because the team is setting off for Radiant Garden within the next two hours. I was wondering if you wanted to come long since you got all your work done early." Friday invited Rapunzel.

"You know what? I think a Guardian mission is just what I need right now." Rapunzel said before smiling.

"Wonderful. And you can wear your usual attire. Everything is Medieval based anyway." Friday said as Rapunzel finished her drink and stood up with the box. "Dani and Claire will be joining us as well, while Serah is having a sleepover in Twilight Town."

"Great. Let's get to it, then." Rapunzel said enthusiastically.

After that. Rapunzel left with Friday to drop off Cassandra's things and to head to the Mav Club to get ready to leave for their mission.

Down at the Mav Club...

Rapunzel was getting her vibranium frying pan modified by Rocket in the lab as he was using a electric multi tool to wire a few mods in while Rapunzel stood behind him.

Rocket was standing on a stool doing his work with his tech goggles on as he zoomed in on one mod. And finished up. As some steamy smoke came up. But just a little.

"Alright. You now have a multi shot function. Squeeze the trigger on your space pistol mod and it'll drill through any target!" Rocket thrilled at the murder mod. But Rapunzel cleared her throat looking sternly and Rocket sighed despondently. "That doesn't have a heart. We all know the drill."

"Good. Because we're not in the business of killing anyone." Rapunzel grinned, holding her signature weapon. "Thanks, Rocket."

"Don't thank me. Thank the Knowhere merchant I bought these mods off of. He 'killed' to gain his stalk. Mostly assholes that would've faced Nova execution but what are ya gonna do, right?" Rocket said smugly as he lifted up his goggles and hopped off the stool to gather his gear.

"Yeah. I think I have some mixed feelings on that one." Rapunzel muttered.

"Fear not, Princess. Where we are going are some of the worst in Tarren Kind. You will wish to reconsider what the Maverick calls 'Batman' Motivation'." Drax said as he walked by with a clean set of battle knives.

"Yeah. I really don't see that happening anytime soon." Rapunzel said before giving a terrifying look. "Although depending on what they've done, I may make them wish I would kill them."

Just then Claire Carron showed up in her keyblader oufit. As she have a confident abd upbeat look.

"Don't read too much into it, Rapunzel. You'll love Radiant Garden. But you'll probably only hate the rest of the world." Claire assured.

"Hey, Claire. It's so good to see you." Rapunzel smiled as she walked over to give Claire a hug. "Where's Dani at?"

Claire smirked and pointed up at the ceiling. They looked up to see Danielle in her keyblader outfit. Lounging on ceilings while laying on her side with her head propped up.

"You rang?" Danielle quipped before she teleported down and tackled Rapunzel with a hug from behind making her laugh a bit as she was spun around. "How's this world's poster girl doing?"

"I'm doing great! And how's my favorite Neon Princess doing?" Rapunzel asked with a giggle at Danielle's antics, once again reminding her she was literally the female version of her wacky brother.

'Princess?' PRICE inquired.

'Oh isn't that the Sonic callin the Mario blue!' LIZ snorted.

"I'm doing well. And I am just a month away from tying the knot." Danielle beamed before she teleported over and stood behind Claire with her hands draped around her. "Before I tie this gorgeous bolt in a knot."

"Mmm behave yourself, Glow Girl." Claire cooed as they shared a passionate kiss.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you two!" Rapunzel beamed excitedly. "I can't wait for your wedding!"

"You better pick out a mix between a dress at a bikini. Cause I'm gonna gain the last name farron at the Twilight Town beach." Danielle grinned as she punched the air a few times. "Also I've gained a cleavage if you notice. Who needs to eight for sweet 18?"

"I think Claire is a lucky woman." Rapunzel said with a smirk. "I just hope you guys soundproof your room so you don't wake up all of Twilight Town."

"Oh I already soundproof our bedroom and the yacht we'll be spending our honeymoon on. Claire and I. We'll be uncensored Steller Blades." Danielle quipped.

"Okay, let's chill, Dani." Claire snickered as she stole one more kiss before they broke up the make out session to say "Yozora asked us to do a study up on Clive Rosfield. The Count of Radiant Garden."

"You've heard of him, Right Zel? Or do we have to rewind the chapter a bit?" Danielle asked Rapunzel.

Sure enough Yozora shared everything he knew on Clive.

"No you don't have to. Yozora already told me all about him." Rapunzel said to the soon-to-be married women.

"Well he's called your team in. Mostly Yozora to help him pass out some party invitations to a list of targeted nobles to his party. He wants to study his targets up close before he makes his move." Claire stated.

"We're heading down to meet him and find out who is what." Danielle added.

"Um, what exactly is he targeting them for?" Rapunzel asked hesitantly, even though the thought of a party got her excited.

Just then Yozora came over with Hoshi who were both in their Keyblader outfits.

"Clive has his reasons, but we just gotta make sure he doesn't go too far when the time comes." Yozora stated.

"Clive used to the the son of a the archduke and Dutchess of Rosaria. Until at a very young age he was framed for a crime he didn't commit. Due to his public shame of being made a branded by ones who framed him. He was sent to the worst prison to call hell on Earth for thirteen years." Hoshi revealed solemnly.

"The Chateau Épine." Claire said with a hard look.

"Oh my... That sounds so horrible." Rapunzel muttered in shock. "But... Was the prison really that bad?"

"Imagine being stuck in your cell. No view of the sky. You only jave one meal a day. And they come for your bucket at a certain time of the day. And worst of all. To help their prisoners keep up with the years that pass. They whip each prisoner on their anniversary." Danielle said grimly as she constructed a painful looking whip in her hand made of neon. As a model.

"It's...It's where my parents were sent." Claire grimaced.

Rapunzel looked green in the face.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Rapunzel muttered in disgust. "What... Happened to your parents?"

"We...We lived in the prosperous Kingdom of Waloed. Where all branded are outcast and outlawed. We lived in the rual area. A modest amount of farm land. We raised a good amount of cattle. And even had a dog who was waiting at the door for Grandpa to come back, but he passed in his sleep without the poor boy noticing." Claire said with a small chuckle before she wiped a tear. "My Dad was very sympathetic towards Branded. And we used to hide those that were being hunted down in the streets."

"Really? He must've been a very brave and kind man." Rapunzel said.

"He was. That is until three months after Serah was born, we got caught when asswipe of a guard captain came knocking at our door. Mom told me to take Serah and run. Which I did. And they...Mom died of pneumonia on her first month, due to her whip marks being untreated." Claire grimaced a bit. "And Dad...It only took him two more years before his whip marks and depression finally got him...They're bodies...Were dumped in the ocean down below."

Rapunzel looked as white as a sheet after hearing that.

"Those monsters..." Rapunzel muttered before she pulled Claire into a tight hug. "I am so sorry you and your sister had to go through that."

Claire leaned into her hug before she shed a few quiet tears. Rapunzel is like a big sister to all of them. "I...I hope this doesn't change how anyone sees me. But...when I was a Nobody. In Syndicate XIII." Claire slowly admitted while the tears were falling. "I killed the captain that arrested them."

"Oh, Sweetie. Of course this doesn't change anything." Rapunzel said reassuringly. "You're still a good person, no matter what you may have done in grief."

The eighteen year old pin haired girl nodded as they finished the hugs and she wiped her own tears. "I'll meet you both at the ship. I better call Sarah and check on her." She said with a hoarsed voice before she walked off.

Danielle looked at her fiance with concern. Before she looked at Rapunzel and walked over. Yozora and Hoshi had left to go check on Claire. So she was alone to tell Rapunzel what she had in mind.

"The real reason we brought up that hell hole is because we found it. We didn't know the real location of Chateau Épine until we gained it's location from a reliable source. While you're team plans to help out Clive. Claire and I are going towards that prison to bust everyone out and shut it down for good." Danielle whispered to Rapunzel. "Are you in?"

Rapunzel contemplated this decision. She wondered if the team would be okay with that. But she knew that unjustified prison needs to be shut down. Otherwise more innocent people will suffer

Rapunzel narrowed eyes and held up her frying pan.

"Let's bust some heads." Rapunzel said with a scary tone she learned from her brother.

'Weeak!' LIZ jested.

'Oh like you can sound scarier with your chipmunk voice?' PRICE snorted at LIZ.

Danielle rolled her eyes at her A.I. assistance before she and Rapunzel went off to join the others in the hanger.

Drax and Groot were with Rocket while Yozora and Hoshi were standing at the entrance of the Gummi Ship. Claire had finished phone called and looked a lot better.

Drax had his reading glasses on while reading a book called ***'Sarcasm For Dummies'***. It does more than teach sarcasm. It's also helps him understand important metaphors.

"Princess. What are people who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth? And how do they not choke with such a hard utensil? The book doesn't say." Drax asked Rapunzel as she walked by.

Rapunzel gave an exasperation.

"That just means they're from families who have a lot of money and have had no need to worry about running out of money or food or anything they'd want." Rapunzel tried to explain.

"I see. Wouldn't it be easier to just say they are born rich?" Drax asked as he pondered.

"It would. Yes." Rapunzel said with a slight sigh. "I just wanted to make sure they're wasn't any misunderstanding in what I'm saying."

Yozora got in front of the entrance and whistled to get everyone's attention.

"Alright team, listen up. Once we take up, we'll be landing in Radiant Garden within half an hour. Donald and Goofy are already there, helping Scrooge McDuck out with setting up the grand opening of his super mall down near the plaza. They'll help us out with any additional missions after they're done." Yozora gave them the details.

"What about that ice cream shop?" Hoshi asked Friday.

"He still owns it. He just gave the keys to one of Donald's nephew's who hired a manager." Friday shrugged.

"Also in addition to everyone present. Eugene and Lance will be joining us...Speaking of which where are they?" Yozora inquired.

"Over here!" Eugene and Lance ran in while out of breath as he panted. "Sorry we're late. Rearranging furniture produces sweat."

"I was seeing double after moving the bed three stories back up." Lance squeezed tiredly.

Maximus and Fidella came in giving them a wierd look while they stood ready as any horse in battle would.

"At ease, Wendy's Chili." Danielle quipped as he patted Max's head.

"Aww. Thanks for all your hard work, Lance." Rapunzel said before hugging Lance, pretending Eugene wasn't there.

"Achem. Uhhh. Aren't you forgetting someone important? Someone close in your life?" Eugene inquired as he held his hand up.

Rapunzel gasped dramatically.

"Of course!" Rapunzel expressed before going over and petting Max and Fidella. "How could I forget my two noble steeds?"

Fidella and Max nuzzled happily against Rapunzel's cheek. While Eugene sulked in unamusement.

"She didn't even say 'your right Eugene'. Wow." Eugene sighed.

Danielle walked over and whispered. "You're snubbing him just to teach him a lesson are you?" She whispered to Rapunzel with a knowing smirk.

"Oh, big time." Rapunzel said with a smirk and a wink.

"You go girl." Danielle playfully slugged her shoulder. Making Rapunzel quietly giggle.

With everyone there. Everyone got on board the ship. And once everyone was inside. The ship started it's engines. And took off down the tunnel. Before blasting off into the sky across the Multiverse.

Later on down at the market place of Radiant Garden...

Radiant Garden appeared to be a mix between a modern society and Medieval culture, with streets and side walks. With carriages and guys on horse like cars passing by. With signal lights stylized like black lampposts that turn red, yellow and green.

And also all of the buildings appeared to have the look of small stone fortress or wooden houses from a European town.

Either way. The team appeared in an empty allyway behind the ice cream shop. And everyone walked out to stand and see people walking by with outfits that look very similar to Corona aged attire. With a mix of other alien cultures. But Rapunzel was amazed by the new environment.

Normally I have to hide my blue skin in a Earth-like environment. But this place isn't exactly Earth." Friday shrugged as she was still in her normal blue skin form.

"Wow. This place looks amazing." Rapunzel said as she spun around on her bare feet to look at her surroundings.

"If you think this is awesome. Wait until you see the Grid. We need to stop over there to get Orion's new navigation app linked into the Valisthea world map." Yozora grinned as he was waiting for a taxi to show up for them.

"You mean I get to meet IRIS in person?!" Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly. "What are we waiting for?!"

Just then a taxi carriage showed up. Several actually, which was big enough for the team to enter in. Max and Fidella would need to walk but they don't mind. After all they're horses.

Later on at the Radiant Garden Hideaway...

The place they would be staying at was a penthouse suite in the main district of Radiant Garden. Orion bought this complex to have the penthouse which consists of everything you would find in a two story apartment home. If it was decorated with beige furniture and floral curtains.

It basically looks like Buckingham Palace if it was a hotel premium room.

Drax looke around abd so did Rocket and they were both weirded out by the style.

"Okay. Word of the day." Rocket said as he cupped his hands and echoed. "PREEETENTIOOOOUS!"

And it only echoed a little.

"This place's style has too much yellowish white. How can anybody find their way back into color?" Drax criticized the decor.

"I am Groot." Groot held his hand up. Suggesting he could put some flower plots around to make it easier.

"If you do. Make sure those roses are purple at least. This place made me forget the color purple." Rocket answered.

"Uh, Rocket? You do know I'm wearing purple, right?" Rapunzel asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Huh...I thought it was violet. Or lavender." Rocket queried.

Hoshi came down stairs and went over to Rapunzel. "Follow me. We have a special entry point to the Grid." She told her.

"Hey, Lance. Lance's friend. Come on." Rapunzel called Lance and Eugene over with a wave, still not using Eugene's name.

"Oh come on!" Eugene exclaimed from across the suite.

"Coming!" Lance echoed from across the suite.

Hoshi lead the three of them upstairs. While Danielle. Rocket. Drax and Claire stayed behind. Yozora and Hoshi were up in this large white room. Where a large laser beam was hanging from a tripod in the middle of the room.

"Alright. Stand completely still in front of the beam. It might get bright and feel tingly at first. But it's normal." Hoshi warned them.

"Hey Tron. IRIS." Yozora greeted in front of the terminal. "You there?"

'Loud and clear.' Tron spoke from the computer speakers in the room.

'Welcome back Yozora.' Is Maverick with you?' IRIS asked.

"Nah he's at work. But he'll be here later on." Yozora shrugged and gestured for Rapunzel to come over as she looked overjoyed. "Oh and guess who's here."

"IRIS! It's me, Rapunzel!" Rapunzel exclaimed happily in greeting and gushed. "It's so good to hear your voice after all this time."

'Princess Rapunzel? It is a delight to hear from you again. How is everything back home?' IRIS greeted in her computer voice.

"Oh, things are going good. A few bumps in the road here and there. But still good." Rapunzel said before smiling. "How about you? How're things going with you and Tron?"

'Tron and I are still together. The Grid has involved into a perfect system that's span to operate pass Valisthea all the way to Earth. Or Marvel Earth as you would call it.' IRIS stated.

"Turns out the Grid operates on Marvel Earth from a company called ENCOM. Their former CEO, Edward Dillinger. Gave dormant rights to the Grid over to Mason back in the day." Yozora explained. "The company is completely unaware of how large the Grid has evolved."

"Wow. That's amazing." Rapunzel said in awe.

"Alright the laser is ready." Hoshi told them.

'Please stand in front of the Shiva Laser. This will only take a few minutes.' IRIS gave some instructions.

Everyone lined up and stood firm in front of the laser. Even Pascal was standing firm on Rapunzel's shoulder. What made this awkward was that Eugene was standing next to her.

"You don't mind that I am close?" Eugene muttered to Rapunzel.

"Have we met before?" Rapunzel asked smugly.

"Oh real mature, Blondie. I'm being serious. Are you really gonna take our last talk that hard?" Eugene argued.

"If you really want me to take other people's past mistakes hard, then sure!" Rapunzel said in a chipperly sarcastically satirical tone.

"Am I missing something?" Yozora quietly asked.

"They're in a small rift after their last conversation." Hoshi asked.

Pascal was looking back and forth between Rapunzel and Eugene, while standing at attention as they kept going.

"Alright, I'm sorry if what I said hurt and offended you! But the people that hurt you should take responsibility! And Cass is no exception!" Eugene replied in frustration.

"If it was Lance, would you give up on him?" Rapunzel asked without looking at him.

"I actually did at one point, believe it or not. So don't try to draw parallels, I see what your doing." Eugene replied with a mix of a grin and a scowl. "Look, what she did was something I saw coming because Demanitus warned me one of our friends would betray us once we found that stone. And she took it on her own freewill knowing what we were facing!"

"The difference is Lance's doublecross and him making up for it were done by his choice! But Cass didn't betray me on her own!" Rapunzel replied back defensively. "Someone is pulling her strings! And if I let her go, she'll be on her own to suffer something worse than betrayal!"

"Okay, sure. Maybe she's gotta bookie or a sith lord or a ear worm telling her to stab you in the back, but she still did it on her own. I just don't want you to let your guard down and let her hurt you again." Eugene protested before he turned to Yozora and Hoshi. "Didn't you guys ever have double crossing allies?"

"Leave me out of this, please." Yozora held his hands up in surrender.

"Actually we know a few. The Winter Soldier. Magneto. Venom." Hoshi chirped. "But then there's Pete. Iago."

"Pete is our reformed friend?" Yozora asked looking weirded out.

He and the team barely like Pete after he reformed from being the stooge of Xhan Tiri's Heartless.

"You're not helping, Sweetie." Hoshi deadpanned.

"Wait wait wait. Venom reformed? And Magneto? How many comics did I miss?" Eugene inquired as he wondered.

Rapunzel looked at Eugene with a smug look.

"You see? If worse enemies like Venom and Magneto can reform and make it back to the right path, who's to say Cass can't?" Rapunzel asked with smugness. "Besides, she hasn't taken a human life."

Just then. Friday walked in to join them in the Grid. "You also left out. Dani. And Claire. And the other remaining reformed Organization members. And Drax...And Rocket." Friday listed ad she heard the whole thing.

"Okay I get it!" Eugene exclaimed much to the girl's amusement as Yozora wenced.

Then on that note. The Shiva Laser. Warped around them and waved to break down their bio organic parts into code. And tunnel all of them were sent into the Grid itself.

Inside the I/O Tower...

Rapunzel. Eugene. Yozora. Hosi and Friday were sent through a large beam portal and stepped out into their new digital uniforms.

Everything in the grid was smooth black with blue circuit lighta flowing in a perfect pattern. As the skies were cloudy but bright.

And all of their outfits were armor and fabric bodysuits with bkue circuits flowing like the lights on the Maverick's suit.

Rapunzel's Grid outfit suit looked different from the others. Her outfit was a skintight bodysuit with glowing blue circuit lines on her arms, legs, and chest. There were fingerless gloves on her hands. And the lower half of the bodysuit was a dress-like skirt that went down to just a few inches below her shins, leaving her feet bare as always.

Even her frying pan was black with blue circuits to shape the Corona emblem in the middle.

Pascal was even wearing a tiny black bodysuit with blue circuits.

"Wow. This looks great." Rapunzel said, looking herself over before looking over at Eugene and saw how handsome he looked at the moment.

"Yeah you really do know how to make this world glow." Eugene said in awe, before he noticed all the circuit lights with a wierd look. "Or is it these neon lights? What's with the blue everywhere?"

Rapunzel giggled a bit as she and the others noticed two figures coming up. A man in a black body suit with white circuits and eith the four dot emblems that form a T like symbol on the chest.

And a beautiful woman with a metallic silver skinned face in a white body armor and blue circuit lights. The woman's figure was an hour glass and her white armor had like a midriff pattern to reveal more of her silver skin. Her head was covered in a matching helmet like a robot.

This was Tron and IRIS.

"Greetings Programs. Welcome to the Grid." Tron's helmet opened up to reveal his face as he smiled.

"And welcome to you my fellow Guardians." IRIS greeted them.

"IRIS!" Rapunzel exclaimed before she came over and hugged IRIS! "I finally got to meet you in person!"

IRIS staggered a bit, but she hugged her back as Tron chuckled a bit.

"You were right about her being wild and free spirited." Tron grinned as he saw Rapunzel.

"Her brother was always the other kind." IRIS said as smiled a little.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Tron." Rapunzel said calmly and kindly. "Ryan's told me a lot about you."

"I believe it. Every twenty to thirty ticks he would talk a lot about you." Tron replied fondly. "Including IRIS."

"I overheard that you are hear for a Guardian mission in aiding the Count?" IRIS asked.

"That's right, IRIS." Rapunzel said with a smirk. "And since we were here, we obviously had to come say hi to you two."

"Actually...Well that, but as also came because Ryan built us a new navigation system to our tech. We need your cartographical data on Valisthea." Friday stated.

"And the count is counting on us... no pun intended." Yozora added.

"I understand." IRIS said with a nod. "Please follow Tron and I. We have just what you will all need."

Yozora. Rapunzel and the others walked out of the I/O Tower and out towards a mettalic digital hallway. Filled with metal. And patrols in guard suits that were similar to the ones that worked for Sark. Only these security programs work for Tron. And they bare the blue circuits.

They walk down the halls in formation as the guardians walked by. Eugene. Lance and Rapunzel looked fascinated by this place and those guards.

"I know it's just a hallway. But this place already makes the Kid's club look like ancient history." Eugene joked about the Mav Club.

"Wow. First you tell me to think about my friends and now you criticize my brother's secret lair." Rapunzel mocked a whimsically impressed tone. And whistled. "You really are one of a kind, Fitzherbert."

Which made Eugene exhale and hang his head back as he confessed what he was really thinking.

"Alright alright! I'm sorry. Okay? It's just what happened that day put you in a vulnerable state of mind and I almost lost you. But something tells me if it weren't for Orion showing up, I probably would've. I'm just hoping we're all ready for when another inevitable moment happens so we don't let our guards down." Eugene explained out of concern. "You can understand that can't you?"

Rapunzel let out a slight sigh before turning around to face Eugene with a smile.

"I do. And I can accept that, as long as you understand that as long as I'm needed by my friends and family, I cannot back down and turn my back on them." Rapunzel said, her smile becoming soft and slightly sad. "Even after what Cass did, I cannot repeat the same actions, or I'm no better. And she's worth fighting for. Just like Ryan was in his darkest hours."

Eugene immediately understood. If Rapunzel had turned her back on Orion when he needed her the most. He probably would've became much worse.

"If it helps. Back then, Orion felt like Rapunzel shouldn't be there. Because he didn't want the pain of losing anyone. When I told him he was depriving him of healing. It's when we need to heal that make us vulnerable to change and redemption. Cassandra seems to be in that same state." IRIS said to Eugene and Rapunzel to help pacify any rifts and misunderstandings.

"I understand, believe me. Sunshine here made her point clear." Eugene held his hands up in surrender while smiling.

Rapunzel smiled and moved to kiss him passionately, prompting Eugene to wrap his arms around her waist.

"I knew you'd come around." Rapunzel said with a smirk after the kiss.

"Wierdos." Friday scoffed in amusement as they were walking.

"Oh like you and Orion never had rough patches." Hoshi smirked.

"We did. His healing factor took all the fruits of my labor." Friday remarked.

There were moments when Orion got on Friday's bad side in the past. You all seen when she kicked him in the balls during the Science Fair.

Just then. They entered into a room that resembled an observatory and at the center was a hologram of Valisthea's globe. Their whole world.

"So far all the other cities or kingdoms as they're called, they are unaware that we monitor all activity and affairs that publicly happen around the area." Tron stated to them.

"We keep our current User Midadol Telamon, aware of everything." IRIS added.

"Wow. This looks so, breathtaking." Rapunzel muttered as she looked at the giant globe. "Wait, who's this Medadado person?"

"Mid-a-dol." Friday enunciated and explained. "She's the daughter of Cidolfus Telamon and she runs the main lab of the Restoration Committee."

"But we call her Mid and her Dad Cid." Hoshi added.

"Oh. I see. That's pretty impressive." Rapunzel said as she looked at the globe. "So you guys can really see what's going on with every person on the planet?"

"I wouldn't say every user. Just the more important ones. Or at least the kings and nobles Mav profiled." Tron's clarified.

"Wow. You guys are like the CIA of Radiant Gardens." Eugene joked. "I can only imagine their reactions if they ever found out they're being watched."

"So, what has this told you about some of the people we need to question?" Rapunzel said.

"From what we can tell. The Count has a personal vendetta against these people. But Maverick managed to profile each and every one of them. And they seem to fit some of the past illegal actions that were done to him 16 years ago." IRIS stated.

"So far we've got names like Gibson Clarion. The chief magistrate of the kingdom of Waloed. And their king, Barnabas Tharmr, dominant of the Eikon known as Woden. The Eikon of darkness that stole the identity of Odin at one point." Tron informed them.

"Huh. Should I be surprised that the Asgairdians had any history with this world?" Yozora wondered.

"It's times like this where it takes quite a bit to surprise me." Rapunzel said back.

"The other is Hugo Kupka. The King of the desert kingdom of Dhalmekia. He his the dominant of the Eikon known as Titan. And his betrothed Benedikta Herman." IRIS stated. "She is the top spy from Waloed. And we're thinking Barnabas may be hiring Miss Herman to use get an advantage on Hugo."

"Darn. I almost forgot. These are their images." Tron said as he pulled up some holographic images of the targets they mentioned.

Barnabas looked like a man with shaggy black hair and a short beard and blue eyes. Wearing a dark silver knight suit of armor with blue fabrics around the armor and a matching dark silver cape with the insignia of the Waloed crest in blue colors.

The Magistrate Gibson Clarion looked simple with curly hair that was short. A clean shaven face with light skin and brown eyes. He wore a dark gentlmen's suit and a dark blue neckerchief. While he appeared to be sitting at a desk like a Magistrate's office.

Hugo Kupka appeared to be a large and sturdy man with black eyes, he towers over others, adding to his domineering nature. Bearing tanned skin with a buzz cut hair style for his gray hair and powerful muscles, Hugo wore clothes that reflect his position, such as golden, bejeweled rings. A black sleeveless vest and matching long pants and boots with the Dhalmekian insignia stitched on his attire in Crimson colors.

Benedikta appeared to be a young woman with a curvaceous build. She had blonde hair styled in a long bob, and wore a black leather jumpsuit with a v-shaped neckline adorned with long white feathers or fur. She has hazel eyes. She kept her sword in a holster on her belt that also wraps around her left thigh. Her fingernails are painted yellow. And her eyes were turquoise.

"So, these are the top bad guys we have to worry about?" Rapunzel asked, analyzing the images.

"Pretty much." Yozora shrugged.

"So...A king. Another king and his fiance who's a spy. And a glorified desk monitor." Lance answered as he looked at them. And snickered. "Hehehe. Remember that magistrate from France we stole from?"

"Hahaha! Yeah that was a good one!" Eugene said with a laugh and a big smile on his face. "We managed to steal the France Magistrate's diamond carriage, and then Lance dyed the guy's hair pink pretending to be his personal stylist!"

Both Lance and Eugene were laughing real hard while they were getting some wierd looks and Rapunzel was looking sheepish with a nervous smile trying not to be embarrassed by her boyfriend's antics.

"Ignore them." Friday rolled her eyes and gestured for IRIS to continue.

"We do have two more targets. The Emperor and Empress of Sanbreque. It's the only major city in this world that has a keen eye for diversity and welcomes all. The Branded people are protected in this place." IRIS pulled up some images of Emperial city of Sanbreque.

Their Emperor and Empress' images were pulled up.

The Emperor named Sylvestre Lesage had long brushed back blonde hair with a well trimmed beard. Wearing a royal blue and white attire with brown eyes.

And the Empress, his wife, Anabella. Had a striking beauty with her blonde hair, clear skin, and brown eyes belies her cold and arrogant nature. Reflecting her obsession with status and elitism, Anabella always wears high quality clothes. As Empress of Sanbreque, Anabella to wore more regal blue and white dresses that reflected her new "loyalties" and reflected her high station within it.

There was something about the woman that made Yozora falter a bit. But he wasn't sure why. Maybe she was familiar in some way.

"But if they're protecting the Branded, why go after them in the first place?" Rapunzel asked in confusion as she tapped her bare foot in thought.

"Clive won't tell us. He says he has his reasons. But that's what worries us." Hoshi replied with honest concern.

"If the people of Sanbreque loses their royal heads. We could risk compromising the only other home the Branded have. In fact those two helped support us in rebuilding Radiant Garden." Friday revealed.

"Then we're gonna have to be very careful with how we go about handling this one." Rapunzel said with a serious look. "We can't risk targeting people who are innocent."

"My thoughts exactly." Yozora replied as he gave one last look to Anabella's image before turning to IRIS.

"Please hand me your disc." IRIS requested as she held her hand out to Rapunzel.

"Disc? What disc?" Rapunzel asked, totally confused.

"Um...Zel?" Friday pointed behind her.

Rapunzel reached back and pulled out a around black disc with a blue circuit circled around it. The disc was about the size of a frisbee.

"That is your identity disc. When in the Grid it's important to hold onto it. Everything you do or learn is imprinted on this disc." IRIS explained.

"Really? That's pretty cool." Rapunzel said as she handed it to IRIS.

IRIS Then inserted a digital data in the shape of a cube that faded into the disc. Making it light up a brief flash, before she handed it back to Rapunzel and moved on to doing the same to the other Guardian's discs. After she handed back Hoshi's disc she spoke up.

"Now you are each granted access into our global navigation network. The next time you all use your Gummi phones. You will have a map and a built in navigator mod to help guide you on your missions throughout Valisthea." IRIS stated.

"Really? That's great. That'll definitely make things easier for us." Rapunzel said enthusiastically.

"There is one more device you will need. Once you head back into the User world. Your friend Rocket will have it on the desk." Tron assured them all.

"Thanks. It's been good to see you all again." Hoshi said optimistically.

"The feeling is mutual. And I hope to see you again soon Rapunzel. You and Orion." IRIS said to Rapunzel calmly with a smile

"We'll come to visit again soon." Rapunzel smiled as she gave IRIS a warm hug. "I promise."

IRIS returned the hug as she was glad to see the sister of her former User.

While Eugene and Lance admired the moment. Before Lance leaned over to whisper.

"Honestly I did not picture that's what IRIS would look like. I thought she'd look a little thicker around the waste." Lance whispered.

"Lance, to you. Every lady looks like thicker around the waste." Eugene quietly deadpanned.

On that note. The Guardians left the Grid to carry out their mission. They used the portal in the I/O Tower to make their way back.

Rapunzel of course made plans to come back the next time she was available. There was still so much she couldn't wait to see. Like more Bits. The light cycles. The cities inside the Grid. She wondered if she made herself a program would it look like her.

Still. The Princess of Corona had big plans for her next visit to the Grid.

Backside in the Radiant Garden hideout...

Once Rapunzel, Yozora and the others came back into the real world via the Shiva Laser. They were all back to normal in their usual outfits.

Danielle walked over and figured wear they had been. While Rocket was finishing up a nee device on the equipment table near by.

"Awe man! You guys went to the Internet Big Apple without me?" Danielle humorously sulked.

"Sorry. Maybe next time." Rapunzel said with a sheepish smile.

"I've been there a dozen times. That Mav Club had a back door to Tron's little manufacturing facility. They had a bigger word for it but whatever." Rocket said as he was polishing his new gadget.

"You mean I had an instant way into the Grid back in the Mav Club? This whole time!?" Rapunzel gawked in shock. "AND NO ONE TOLD ME?!"

Groot came in at the moment Rapunzel burst out that last yell making him wince.

"I am Groot." Groot said in defense while holding his hands up.

"Never asked? That's not a question someone normally asks!" Rapunzel exclaimed before acting dramatically. "Hey, I was wondering if you guys had a way into the Grid somewhere in your little secret Lair!"

She did have a point. Rapunzel practically ask about IRIS was doing all the time. And they didn't think the Princess would be interested in knowing they have a way into the Grid inside the Mav Club.

"Goldie?! Listen! If you let this side. Not only will I let you hold this device that's an instant portal device back into the Grid. But the next time we go there. I'll personally design your very own light cycle. Even with all those mushy bright colors I despise." Rocket assured while trying to fight his annoyance. As he was holding a around black device with a blue circuit on it.

Rapunzel paused for a second before squealing.

"You have a Deal!" Rapunzel beamed happily.

"Alright. Now that we've blown brought the Doghouse down. We've brought over someone you've gotta meet." Danielle waved the whole ordeal that was pacified off and lead them all into the living room.

There they saw a a middle aged man who appeared to maintain his appearance.

He had a well-built body, short light brown swept back hair, a stubble beard, and green eyes. He wore a carefree attire consisting of a long-sleeved hard leather dark purple vest with unkempt collar over a deep blue open shirt, leather gloves, and two belts over his waist, one black one cyan. He had two swords attached to his belts. He wore purple pants and a pair of long brown leather boots.

This was Cidolfus Telamon. Or Cid for short.

"Zel. Fitz. The third one. I like you to meet the head of the Restoration Committee. Cid the Outlaw." Danielle introduced them.

"Only an outlaw in a few kingdoms. And space." Cid grinned as he spoke in a gruffly British accent. While he lit a cigar using a mystical purple spark from his fingers. "Pleasure to meet the Ole Mav's royal sib."

"It's nice to meet you too, sir." Rapunzel said with a friendly smile. "I've heard a bit about you."

"Oh just a bit?" Cid smirked as he snickered a bit as he puffed a little smoke. And gestured at Yozora. "First time I met this Lad. He was lost, looking for his girl around Traverse Town. I brought him to the duck and Dog Man the moment my assistant found em."

"You don't have to rub it in." Yozora deadpanned.

"Brings back a lot of good memories, huh?" Rapunzel asked Yozora with a smirk.

"Glorious days, eh?" Hoshi mused in a British accent which made Yozora roll his eyes and snicker.

"Anyway how's Tarja?" Yozora asked Cid.

"Who?" Rapunzel's whispered to Friday.

"Cid's partner." Friday answered quietly.

"Busy currently. She found a potential recruit down in the Dhelmekian region. We believe there's a Rosarian refuge camp where the Dominant of Shiva might be hiding." Cid revealed.

"Oh snap." Yozora gawked.

"We gotta have one." Friday exhaled in shock.

"I'm sorry. I'm a little confused. What's going on?" Rapunzel asked.

"The Eikon Shiva. She's practically a goddess. The living embodiment of winter." Hoshi expressed.

"More specifically this winter. It's kinda ironic, and clever that Shiva's dominant would be hiding in the desert kingdom." Cid figured.

"So what does Shiva look like? And how many arms and eyes does she have?" Lance asked curiously as Friday read a copy of Shiva's legends on her phone.

"Two arms. Two legs. One set of eyes. Shiva as actually blue skinned with pointy ears and white hair..." Friday described the legend before she noticed Eugene's smirk and she pointed with a glare and threatened. "You say one wrong word, I'll open up a can of lightning your ass."

"Alright, alright. Sheesh all the ladies took their tude pills this morning." Eugene joked as he held his hands in surrender.

"No. You just have that effect on women today, Sweetie." Rapunzel joked with a smirk.

"In any case. I hope all of you Guardians are available for specific tasks. Cause Tarja will need a hand down at the refuge camp." Cid stated.

"Hoshi and I will go find the dominant." Friday said.

"Should be easy enough." Hoshi said.

"Don't underestimate Shiva's Dominant. If triggered the Eikon might easily set off a second ice age in Dhelmekia." Cid warned.

"Noted." Friday said as she shifted into Shift while Hoshi shifted into Swift.

"Any missions that require the swift end of my blades?" Drax asked as he walked up.

Cid looked suprised to see Drax the Destroyer in the room. He heard that he was recruited by Maverick but he thought it was just a rumor.

"You can trust him." Yozora assured.

"Right well. We've overheard from our border scouts that the Heartless known as Pandemonium was seen near the outskirts. Our Cornerstone of Light keeps the city safe from another invasion. But it hardly does shit to anything out there. We'd like for you if you will lend a hand, Destroyer. Find Pandemonium. And..." Cid gestured with his finger sliding across his throat for Drax to kill the monster.

"Why would I put my finger on it's throat?" Drax looked confused.

Cid looked confused

"It's a hand gesture that means slice his throat, idiot." Rocket groaned in annoyance.

"I would not slice it's throat. i would cut the monster's head clean off." Drax growled.

"It means the same thing, Drax." Rapunzel said reassuringly. It's just a general expression for killing monsters. He wants you to kill Pandemonium."

"Very well. I will do it swiftly. And no harm will come to your town." Drax assured as he holstered his two knives.

"I'll go too. Heartless always come in pairs." Rocket volunteered.

"I am Groot." Groot nodded as he volunteered as well.

"Very good. Also, Yozora. These are the invitations Clive wants you to pass down to the targets. You can be open with the Emperor of Sanbreque. But be discreeted with Waloed's King and Magistrate." Cid handed Yozora most of the invitations that were in a stack of envelopes with the Count's dragon-like insignia on it.

"Understood." Yozora said as he took the invitations. "What about Dhelmekian King and Waloed spy?"

"Don't worry about them. I'll deliver their invitations personally. But also under the table." Cid assured as he showed his own envelopes. Then he looked to Danielle and Claire. "Mid has a mission for you two as you already know. If you would meet her down at the city entrance."

"Operation: Slam The Slammer is a go." Danielle smirked as she shifted into the Maveress and Claire shifted into Lightning. "Come on, Zel. Go get IMax ready to follow us."

"Oh, that is so his new nickname." Rapunzel giggled as she moved to follow.

"No just anything with the name Max in it. Including stealing the ones Maverick already used." Maveress remarked as they walked out of the door.

"Hey! What about us!" Eugene called over.

"Yeah!" Lance added with the same left out expression.

"You two are with me." Yozora said to the two former thieves. "Donald and Goofy are too busy with an important task of helping Scrooge McDuck make money he doesn't need."

"Oh good. For a moment there I thought we were gonna be cardboard cut outs during this trip." Eugene sighed in relief as everyone got ready to leave.

On that note. Rapunzel retrieved Max from the stables while Fidella stayed to let Eugene use him. Lance can easily rent a horse. Friday. Hoshi. Lightning and Maveress wouldn't really need a ride since they have their own ways to travel.

Down at the Main Gate of Radiant Garden...

Rapunzel rode Max down to the main gate entrance of Radiant Garden which was right past the northern district. While her alloes were traversing in their own magical fashion.

Rapunzel saw a young 16 year old girl standing by the gates.

She appeared to have a floor-length blonde hair tied into a braid with the same eye color as her father. She wore a red neck scarf and another black scarf over it, fastened with a leather strap. She was also wearing a white vest with leather straps. And had a green and white beaded bracelet on her left wrist over a leather wristband. And she wore black trousers and thigh-high boots.

This was Mid. Cid's daughter. And she was riding a black horse.

"Princess Rapunzel, I assume?" Mid greeted with an upbeat and confident demeanor. And with the same British accent but much lighter than Cid's.

"That's me." Rapunzel said with a friendly smile. "I take it you're Mid?"

"Have I been anyone else?" Mid mocked an offense as she made Rapunzel giggle a bit. "I trust that Father didn't come on too strongly when he said I needed you and your friends' help."

"Oh no. Not at all." Rapunzel said nonchalantly.

Maveress hovered down and peched on the side wall of the gate next to them.

"Just point us at the joint we're gonna ***k up." Maveress quipped.

"Oh we're going to ***k this one over hard. Follow me." Mid smirked as she snapped the reigns on her horse. "Hya!"

Mid rode ahead with Rapunzel following her. As she lead the Princess and her allies across the outskirts towards the Eastern ocean regions of Waloed. Where the infamous prison would be located.

Down at palace of Sanbreque...

The Emperial City of Sanbreque lies in the Earth of the Ocean that seperates the civilization away from the mother crystal. Because this city has a close relationship with the source of Valisthea's magic. They don't have the same prejudice as the rest of the world does towards the Branded.

The entire city wad largely built with marvle stone on every building. Temple. Shop. Statue and architectural sites throughout Sanbreque.

With the waters of the ocean surroundings the spaces in between a set of bridges and canals that seperates each district of the city. With the largest palace you could ever see in this world at a distance. The palace stands over a waterfall in the middle of the city. With statues of brave knights in silver seperating the fall in five large streams.

Stationed at the shinging courtyard of the city. Eugene and Lance were just gawking at the side.

"It's official. Just when we thought Corona Castle was heaven. We just met Heaven's Heaven. You know the Heaven that Heaven goes to when it's not being heavenly enough?" Lance squeaked in delight seeing this place it wad almost humorous.

"Dude. Take my advice. Don't phone it in." Eugene said while patting Lance's back. "You'll only hurt yourself."

"Alright." Lance shrugged as they leaned over the rails of the bridge like a balcony.

"Besides I'm sure people would think this is Atlantis. Or Asgard. Or maybe one of those anime video game looking cities I can't remember or pronounce." Eugene remarked.

"Which also looks like Heaven's Heaven." Lance whispered.

"Thank you Lance." Eugene groaned.

Just then Yozora came over and got their attention. "You two stay put and be on the lookout. I'm gonna go address the Emperor in person. Make sure we're not followed by anything that isn't wearing the same uniforms as the locals." Yozora told them.

"Can do. Go enjoy your meeting with the high and mighty." Eugene said with a smirk. "We'll be discreet. Or at least as discreet as we possibly can."

"Which is almost not at all." Lance added humorously.

"I knew I should've brought the horse instead." Yozora whispered as he turned around and went off to find a decreet place to shift into Verum Rex.

Once he changed. He went up to the main entrance where the guards in silver knight armor and helmets were standing post.

Two of them stopped him by blocking the entry and holding their hands up.

"Halt! State your business, Outlander." The Guard instructed.

"I come in peace." Verem Rex said as he held up the invitations. "I am Verem Rex. Here on behalf of the Count Of Radiant Garden. I request an Audience with the Emperor."

The guards briefly looked at each other before one of them answered.

"If you are sent by a high resident of Radiant Garden. Then you should know the code." The Guard stated.

Verum Rex looked at them. "God will bring me Justice." He answered.

The guards shared another look before nodding.

"Very well." One guard said as both guards moved aside.

"You may pass." The second guard said.

Verum Rex nodded as he walked forward into the palace.

Pass the entrance hall and into the path towards the throne room. A hall that stood about as high as Corona castle. Only more angelically design in white and silver. As he saw the Emperor Sylvestre Lesage and his wife Anabella sitting at their thrones. Who's presence matched the glory and Majesty of this prosperous empire.

Verum Rex stayed in character as the Leader of the Guardians to represent important people.

"Your Majesty! Presenting a messenger from the Count of Radiant Garden!" The Throne Room Stuart addressed from the side as Verum Rex knelt before the throne on one knee.

"Oh, he's more than just a messenger." Emperor Sylvestre said calmly. "It is an honor to meet one of the chosen wielders of the Keyblade who saved our world."

"The honor is all mine, Your Majesty. I am Verum Rex. Leader of the Guardians of the Unknown. And on behalf of the Count Of Radiant Garden. He asked us to deliver these invitations to you and your family, to attend a banquet in his honor." Verum Rex declared as he held up the envelopes for the Emperor's Stuart to retrieve and deliver to his hands.

As the Emperor inspected them. Anabella heard the names and realized something.

"Verem Rex..." Anabella muttered before her eyes widened in recognition. "You're the one who liberated Radiant Garden and defeated Xhanas-Terror almost almost two years ago."

"I didn't do it alone. But yes." Verum Rex confirmed.

"Well, while I admire your modesty, Verum Rex. I am certain the leader of the Guardians would be here for more than just to perform courier duties." Emperor Sylvestre said politely.

"There is more. And it's best that the Count intent. I have to warn you. He's inviting the King of Waloed and Dhelmekia. I know you have a truce with them. But they are involved in a conspiracy involving the underground prison known as Chateau Épine." Verum Rex stated.

"Chateau Épine?" Sylvestre repeated with a concerned look. "I was told that such a place was a myth."

"That's what the people of Waloed wants you to believe." Verum Rex insisted.

"Or just Barnabas wants us to believe that." Anabella muttered with a frown.

"Precisely." Verum Rex nodded. "My teammates are on their way to rescue all of the prisoners inside. I would ask that we have them all delivered to your city for aid and refuge."

"Of course. They will have everything they need." Anabella said assuring Verem Rex.

Sylvestre nodded in agreement. Verum Rex appreciate this. Those prisoners will even more so.

"And above all else. It's best that we keep this all confidential. If the King of Waloed finds out that we had this conversation let alone brought their prisoners here. You could risk starting a war." Verum Rex cautioned.

"I understand, and accept your wisdom." Sylvestre said with appreciation. "I shall handle the visit with great care and discretion."

Verum Rex nodded as he turned to leave. But before he left, he saw a six year old adolescent boy running up to the Empress.

He the boy had blonde hair, wearing a high quality white royal, mainly in light colors, such as light blue. And he had a wooden toy horse in his hand. A brown one.

"Mommy. Look." The boy said as he showed the Empress.

This was Prince Olivier. Son of the Emperor and Empress.

"Aww, it's beautiful." Anabella said softly. "Did you make this, Sweetheart?"

"Yes. I made it for you." Olivier chimed with a cute nod. "Do you like it."

"Oh, I love it." Anabella said before hugging her son. "Thank you, my little darling."

Verum Rex watched as the boy was loved by his mother. And somehow it brought up a feeling that felt familiar. Like from a memory long gone.

But he pushed it aside to share one more thing.

"Also. Be careful around the Count. He is a good man. But I think he has his own motives. It's no accident he's making such a big invitation like this." Verum Rex told Sylvestre.

"I see. I will keep that in mind during our visit." Sylvestre said with a nod. "You have our thanks."

"Good luck Your Majesties. And may your hearts be your guiding keys." Verum Rex bid them farewell. Before he started walking away.

As Anabella was holding her son in her arms. She felt something about Verum Rex. Something good. Something close. But buried under years of grief.

But she dismissed it as she knew despite the warnings. Everything will be fine. She and her husband has this all under control. And with the Guardians help. Their Empire will stay safe.

While the Emperor took Verum Rex's warnings seriously. And knew to stay vigilant.

Meanwhile at the ocean ruins of Waloed...

Mid was still leading Rapunzel and the others across the lands. It took them a few hours. But they made it to the regional location. As Mid got out her binoculars and looked around.

They stood on a hill while mounted on their horses as Mid looked about.

"Alright. My Father's sources stated that the prison would look like an old fortress or a castle. Keep your eyes open." Mid stated as Max huffed and looked around with serious vigor. While Mid's horse gave him a strange look.

"Right." Rapunzel said as she pulled out her purple Spyglass. "Time to play a little I Spy."

"You should know. This prison is a nightmare and a ghost story throughout Valisthea. Is where the disgrace of Waloed are sent to dissappear, while the rest of world thinks execution or an accident got to them." Mid stated.

"Well, after today, the world is gonna get a big wakeup call about what's been going on." Rapunzel said with a serious tone.

"Don't be too sure. We'll do a lot of good shutting this place down. But the other kingdoms won't take our word for it. To them we'll look like terrorists." Mid stated.

"Which is why we plan to deliver these prisoners to the Emperor of Sanbreque. They'll get the attention and care they need. While the Emperor will have an incentive to work against Waloed's best interests." Lightning said while standing next to Rapunzel and her horse.

"Let's hope so." Rapunzel said before she paused. "Hey guys? I think I found something."

"Guys? I don't see any guys. Unless someone's having second thoughts about their chromosomes." Maveress quipped a sex change innuendo as she floated in the air.

"Ugh….I swear, you're just as bad as Ryan." Rapunzel said with fond exasperation before pointing towards the end of a hill. 'Girls?' I see something at the of that hill."

Mid looked to wear Rapunzel was pointing and saw a the end of a hill over the ocean due northwest. And sure enough. Mid saw a large gray stone fort woth torches lit over the sunrise.

The fortress appeared to be eight stories high. And in the shape of a square.

"There it is. Let's move." Mid said as she rode ahead.

"Don't be afraid to make em bleed." Maveress said with a serious tone as she flew ahead.

"Trust me. I won't be." Rapunzel said with a serious look. "Come on Max. Let's go."

As they rode across the trail leading towards the dark prison. Everyone got their minds set on making these people pay. But making sure they don't go to far.

At the prison known as Chateau Épine...

There were two guards in brown executioner masks and bare chests. And brown long pants and matching boots guarding the front. While they hold a halberd in their hands as they stood guard.

Suddenly they saw just Mid and Rapunzel riding up to the entry and theh held their halberd up on guard as Mid parked her horse while Rapunzel did the same.

"Halt! This is a restricted area! Turn back now!" One of the guards threatened.

"Excuse me, would this happen to be Chateau Épine?" Mid asked casually.

"It is. Why?" The Guard answered.

"That's all we needed to know." Rapunzel said with a smirk. "Maveress!? Bring the pain!"

(So What - P!nk)

Just then as the music started with neon speakers hovering over the fortress. Maveress flew in and and performs a forward axel spin kick while in the air and she landed to Spartan kick the gates and door down. Or rather shatter them.

Na-na-na-na, na-na, na

Na-na-na-na na-na

Na-na-na-na, na-na, na

Na-na-na-na na-na

They were in the main courtyard of the prison as more guards started showing up woth halberds and axes. Running from out of the prison itself.

"Great. The demolition crew's here to lap dance." Maveress quipped as she summoned and spun her two keyblades before zooming in with the power of neon and lightning to fight most of them.

I guess I just lost my husband

I don't know where he went

So I'm gonna drink my money

I'm not gonna pay his rent (Nope)

I got a brand new attitude

And I'm gonna wear it tonight

Mid ran over as she pulled her extending medal bow staff out and started to spin with the skills her father taught her. Cid won't let her use a sword yet. But she can do a lot of damage with her staff.

Mid spun and practically broke the noses of four guards that ran and tried to chop her

Lightning was using her electrical abilities to wave bolts of electricity around. Striking the ground to shatter it. And to stun and shock ten to twelve guards as she was just walking by. Nodding to the music. She barely had to fight at all.

I wanna get in trouble

I wanna start a fight

Na-na-na-na, na-na, na

I wanna start a fight

Na-na-na-na, na-na, na

I wanna start a fight!

While Rapunzel was swinging her frying pan around and using her hair to whip trip a bunch of gaurds that came over. She even whip lashed her hair to wrap around three guards and she pulled to spin them guard like a spinner toy while they were screaming and spinning.

Lightning was dashing around at speed bolts of electricity. Running up and punching a bunch of brutish guards. Knocking them down instantly.

Mid was using her fighting skills to knock a bunch of them down. And she even grabbed the axe of one of the guards and she knee kicked his elbow to break the guard's arm. Making him scream in agony before she thrust kicked the guard to the ground.

So, so what?

I'm still a rock star

I got my rock moves

And I don't need you

And guess what?

I'm having more fun

And now that we're done

I'm gonna show you tonight

Everyone was dishing it out with the guards. But then they looked on the roof as they heard a signal horn blast.

The signal horn was large. About the size of a dragons' horn. And they looked over to the hill on the other side of the shore and saw some artillery weapons.

"Uh uh uh. No cheating." Lightning mused as she used her electrical freeflow ability to dash into the air.

And Lightning summoned thunder bolts from the skies above the towers. Within five seconds. All of the towers stationed with the artillery weapons shattered to bits in ashes of smoke rising from the destruction. Thankfully she didn't kill anyone.

Then she ran back up to Rapunzel.

"No casualties. Just some bruises and hurt feelings." Lightning said about the guards that were going to use those distant weapons.

"Nice work, girls." Rapunzel said before they started walking inside the prison. "Now let's get inside and show them who's boss."

Maveress was the first to walk in she saw how dim it was in safe as the torches on the wall could barely kept the place lit. The others walked in as they walked down the main hall and Rapunzel noticed a door on the front wall. She walked over. Having her frying pan near and ready. Then she opened it and saw that it was the Warden's office.

But no one was sitting at the desk. The room was empty.

"The warden's not here." Rapunzel said with narrowed eyes. "Where could he be?"

"Hiding more then likely." Lightning said as she read the name on the desk. And suddenly fro. recognizing his name, she looked suprised and angry. She recognized the name hard. "Son of a bitch."

"What's wrong?" Maveress asked her girlfriend out of concern.

"He's alive." Lightning seethed.

"Who? Who's alive?" Rapunzel asked hesitantly.

Mid took the name plate on the desk and read it. *'Charles Auclair'* was written.

"Wait...This is the name of the city Captain." Mid said as she handed it to Rapunzel.

Rapunzel's eyes widened in horror.

"You mean the same city captain that... Arrested Claire's parents!? He's the Warden now?!" Rapunzel exclaimed in shock and horror. "But you said you killed him! How is this even possible?!"

"I beat him to within an inch of his pathetic life and burnt his ***king house!" Lightning exclaimed as she threw the table over.

"Woah easy! We're here for a reason! Let's not set the prisoners aside!" Mid said trying to pacify the tension.

"The hell with that! He needs to be put in the dirt." Lightning seethed.

In other words to kill him.

"That's not what we do anymore, Claire." Maveress protested.

"She's right, Claire. You're better than this. This isn't the way." Rapunzel said calmly.

"You don't know me. You don't know the shit I've done! I wouldn't be like this if it wasn't for-" Lightning almost finished her rant with a hard glare.

Before they heard a young girl's screams coming from down one of the cells.

***"NOOOO!"***

"Someone's in trouble!" Rapunzel exclaimed on high alert. "Quickly!"

"Downstairs! End of the hall at the right!" Maveress quickly said as she. Lightning. Mid and Rapunzel ran down using Maveress's directions.

Once they quickly went down the stairs with Maveress jumping down and flying quickly towards the door of a cell.

*"Now don't cry, Whore. This will help you keep up with the calendar."* She heard a Liverpool-like accent.

Then Maveress kicked the door down. Shattering it to pieces.

Inside she saw a empty cell with stone walls and no window. In the middle of the room was a young woman with light skin and pale brown hair. She appeared to be 17 years old. And her hands were chained to the ceiling while she wore only a brown prisoner tunic that ended all the way down to her knees. And by the bulge on her belly. She appeared to be pregnant.

Behind her was a man with a whip. More specifically the warden Charles Auclair. A gruffy looking main with blonde hair and a beard. And wearing a officer's uniform.

"What the bloody hell?!" Charles exclaimed.

"HELP ME!" The girl screamed.

Maveress lashed out and blasted the man with a neon shot. Knocking him against the wall. Making him groan in pain as he dropped the whip.

It's a good thing mattress arrived just in time before the girl was whipped. she hasn't felt one lash.

Rapunzel ran in first and then Mid and Lightning. They all looked horrified at the sight. Even Pascal turned pale on Rapunzel's shoulder.

"Zel, help her. She's pregnant." Maveress insisted as he handed Rapunzel the keys she found at the Warden's desk.

The girl was already sobbing in shock and trauma while still chained.

"Don't worry, we're getting you out of here." Rapunzel said softly as she walked over to help the girl get loose from her chains. "Shhh….It's okay. It's gonna be okay."

The girl sniffed and whimpered as she collasped on her knees. "He...He tried to..." The girl sobbed as her tears kept flowing. But Rapunzel being a comforting Princess just hugged her.

"Hey. Shhhh. It's okay now. You're safe." Rapunzel said softly while rubbing her back. "We're not going to let anyone hurt you. I promise you."

Then they heard the warden chuckle as he turned with a bruise on his face. As he spit some blood out.

"And who's gonna stop er from hurtin you, Lass? You got yerself a prime egg of a branded. Little whore couldn't help but get herself sauced by one of those demons walkin the planet-" the Warden spoke wickedly about the girl.

Before he was met to a kick in the face making him grunt as Lightning picked him up by the throat and slammed him against the wall while holding him up.

"Remember me?" Lightning seethed.

"Oy! How da hell should I know?! I ain't famil with all the blokes in armor!" Charles exclaimed as he was choking.

Then Lightning without anyone interfering yet. She tossed him to the floor. As he grunted and coughed. Then she shifted back into Claire showing her angry face.

"Claire. Farron. My mother's name was Susan. And my father's name was Jacob. He helped you get promoted to captain when he publicly applaud and praised your actions in keeping the neighborhood safe And you thanked him by sending by sending him here!" Claire yelled as the walls sparked with lightning.

The prisoner girl looked afraid while Rapunzel shielded her from the drama.

"Claire?" Maveress tried to ease her.

"Ah. Now I remember you. Hehe. You were quite the scamp." Charles snickered as his face had some blood stains. "Gotta say. You sure are young for your age. How long ago was it really. Twenty years ago?"

Claire was just ten when she had to run. She would've ended up here with her parents if she and her baby sister got caught. They would've given Serah away especially.

Unfortunately time was not on Claire's side when she became a Nobody for ten years. And her sister remained in the ageless coma. Unable to age at all as well.

"You sure look good for sumone in their late twenties. Shame. You would've made a decent collection. Then again. Your dear Mum didn't last long so-" The Warden keot taunting before Claire delivered a lightning punch to his face then she screamed as she slammed her foot down on the guy's left knee.

***Crack!***

"AAAH!" The warden screamed in pain before Claire grabbed him by the collar and delivered more heavy punches to the face. As blood kept falling out from each punch. And each punch felt like she was getting back the years she lost. And giving back the pain she suffered. But not in a good way.

***Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch!***

"Stop!" Maveress yelled and ran over to pull her away. Mid watched with an uneady expression while Rapunzel looked even more uneasy at the sight. While she held the pregnant young prisoner

Claire was about to keep punching until he couldn't move any more. But Maveress pulled her away and blocked her as Claire was trying to push past him.

"HE HAS TO PAY!" Claire screamed with tears in her eyes.

But Maveress held her firmly in her arms and looked at her.

"You don't need to pay with him. You've already paid enough." Maveress said softly.

Claire huffed in both anger and grief. As she started to calm herself in her girlfriend's arms. Before she was released slowly.

And the warden was coughing as his face was more bruised with blood from his mouth and some missing teeth. As he was barely conscious.

Claire backed up and shifted back into Lightning while having an unreadable expression.

"We should free all the other prisoners. Our ride will be here soon." Mid said to them while looking at Lightning with sympathy. She figure it all out just from that dramatic conversation.

"Then we better get to it." Rapunzel said as she helped the prisoner girl to stand. "There you go. Oh. I'm Rapunzel by the way, what's your name?"

"Edda...M-My name is Edda." The pregnant girl answered with her hoarse voice.

"Edda, that's a pretty name." Rapunzel said with a kind smile. "So, you're going to be a mommy, huh?"

Edda stiffened as she nearly tripped on her bare feet.

"I...It's why I was sent here...I didn't...I didn't care if he was branded. I loved him." Edda whimpered.

Rapunzel understood most of what she was saying. The father is a Branded. That much was clear.

"Well, I'm sure your baby is going so beautiful." Rapunzel said softly.

As Rapunzel was walking her up stairs. Edda stopped and winced. "He's kicking." She whispered as it felt strange. To feel the baby move in her belly.

"Sounds like he's gonna be strong too." Rapunzel smiled with a playful tone to help ease Edda's tension from earlier.

As they were walk out of the main entrance. All of the guards were still down as they were all mysteriously tied up and gagged against a corner of the courtyard. All of the ropes and restraints that binds them were made of red neon.

Maveress had an idea of who did all the work.

She was flying throughout the prison cells. Bringing every single prisoner out. And healing them from any fresh scars using her cure spell. All twenty of the prisoners were ranging from young to old. Five women. Four children. And eleven men.

The men looked shocked while the women looked confused and scared. While the children looked traumatized. All of them had whip lashes ranging from fresh to old scars.

There children consisted of a eleven year old boy. A nine year old boy. And a ten year old girl and a fourteen year old girl.

All of the children had the brand on the cheeks. Meaning they were branded. It's probably why they're here.

Rapunzel was shocked to see all of this. She didn't know they had prisoners that one.

Mid came out and looked at all the prisoners. And she noticed Rapunzel's expression towards the children.

"Some of them were more than likely here for a few years." Mid said sadly about the adolescent prisoners.

"These poor children..." Rapunzel muttered heartbroken for the children here. "After we're done here and they're all safe, we're leveling this Hellhole."

Max looked at all of these children with the sympathy as he couldn't imagined how they all suffered. The same goes for all of the other prisoners.

Just then a mystical portal opened from the activation of a sling ring. And stepping out was Kara. Hoshi's ex Nobody. Who was in a armored form that doesn't look exactly like Swift. And completely white and silver. This was her White Sage form.

"Am I late?" White Sage asked.

"You're right on time, Hermione." Maveress smiled as she flew up to her.

"Kara, it's so good to see you." Rapunzel said, happily, admiring her appearance. "And I love your new armored form."

Kara's armored form made her look like she had metallic skin that was as white as pearl and flowing hair that's as white as snow. It looked like she had a silver top that only covered her breasts. She also had a silver skirt that went to her shins. Also, she was barefoot.

"Thank you. I and Lucas were called in by Yozora to deliver all of these people to Sanbreque. Emperor Selvestre has agreed to offer all of them shelter and tender care." White Sage softly stated.

"Wait. I have to go see Mr Telamon. He knows where my Theo is." Edda asked Rapunzel to go see Cid.

"I'm sure we can get a message to him. But, who's Theo?" Rapunzel asked.

"Wait. You mean Theodore? Eloise's brother? He's one of our renowned members of the Committee." Mid said in realization.

"He's...He's alive? Is he alright?!" Edda gasped in suprise.

"That he is...Edda. Now I remember. Your his sweetheart." Mid realized and grinned briefly before she spoke honestly. "He told us to stay away from you to keep you safe. Figured you being seen or in contact with a branded would put you in a bad position."

"It wasn't enough. They have ways of tracing a Branded now. And they traced it in our baby." Edda stiffened as she held her belly. "Please take me to him. I have to see him. He needs to see me."

"Don't worry. You'll be with him soon." Rapunzel said before addressing Mid. "Mid, would you please take Edda to see Theodore?"

"Of course. But you'll need to be under our care. We shouldn't risk your baby." Mid agreed and cautioned as she got Edda on top of her own horse while Mid lead it.

Kara opened up a second portal using her sling ring she got personally from Doctor Strange. And the second portal lead back to the Restoration Committee's HQ.

"This will lead you back to Radiant Garden. And Rapunzel? Be sure to stop by the Committee's headquarters. There is someone you and Eugene have to meet." Kara said to Rapunzel as Mid lead Edda through the portal.

"Alright. Thanks Kara." Rapunzel said as she got on top of Maximus. "Alright Max. Let's go."

On that note. Kara lead all of the prisoners through the first portal leading towards Sanbreque. While Rapunzel. Shift and Swift went through the second portal as an instant way back to Radiant Garden.

While the portal remained open. Maveress silently lead Lightning through the portal. While Maveress carried the unconscious warden hunched on her back.

In addition to this. Maveress made sure all of the unconscious guards were bound and huddled up as Kara would use her magic to portal them into a Sanbreque prison as a bonus for Emperor Selvestre's men to interrogate.

And as a final touch. Maveress left a bomb inside Chateau Épine. To go off by the time it was empty.

Once Maveress and Lightning went through the portal. And then both portals closed...

***BOOOOM!***

A mushroom emitted over the clouds. As Chateau Épine was no more.

Back over in Radiant Garden...

All of the other Guardians had made it back as they went to this large house-like station that had the the name. *'Radiant Garden Restoration Committee'* was written on the front of the entrance.

Verum Rex. Eugene and Lance had made it back with the use of the gummi ship's teleporter.

Rocket. Drax and Groot also made it back and in one piece. As they were walking up to the front as well.

Just as Maveress and Lightning had showed up and landed with the others. Rapunzel rode up and parked Max near the entry gate as she ran up ahead to meet the others.

"There she is." Lance grinned.

"Hey, Sunshine! How did the Great Escape go?" Eugene mused as he and Rapunzel shared a brief kiss.

"It went smoothly. We got all the prisoners out, captured all the guards, and blew that place to kingdom come." Rapunzel said proudly.

"Oh and here comes my Delegate." Maveress pointed up at the sky.

They looked up to see Maverick flying in as he heard that and hovered.

"Bite me, She-Mav." Maverick muttered to Maveress who waved teasingly.

"Hey, little bro! How did things go in the Marvel Universe?" Rapunzel smiled in greeting.

"I pacified a large number of Anti-Mutant protestors throughout Washington with limited force. But don't even get me started with those Palestinians Protestors. As if the US doesn't have enough problems without a group of bratty College Students who never read the Bible in their life." Maverick snorted and went back on the subject. "Anyhow. You did good work at the prison. But you all nearly left a trail that read 'They went that way'. So I covered your tracks. Got rid of evidence."

"And that was you that bound up all the minimum wage hobos." Maveress grinned.

"You mean the strippers with the paper bags." Maverick quipped.

By that, they mean the guards that were bound up in a corner. Maverick took care of that.

"Aww. So you came to cover our tracks. Thanks, Ryan." Rapunzel said happily, grateful for his help.

"Don't thank me. Thank Beast's offscreen gadgets for bringing me here." Maverick winked as he asked her. "So. We're me and Spike's squeezes?"

By that he meant where's Friday and Hoshi.

"I'm not sure. Although they should be back soon, hopefully." Rapunzel said in thought. "The two of them went to find Shiva."

Maverick gasped cartoonishly with his mask eyes widened as he cupped his face like Kevin from Home Alone. Before he quickly shifted back into Orion. "Are we talking a new lady name Shiva or 'THE' Shiva?"

"I think you already know the answer to that, Mr. Glow stick." Mid said with a slight smirk.

'AAAAAAAAAAH!' PRO and TEC screamed like excited girls.

"HOLY BOB BARKER'S BALLSACK!" Orion screamed in shock before he shifted back into Maverick who calmly said. "Just to be clear. I'm not shocked. I am flabbergasted. But seriously. For an Eikon that's all ice. She's hotter than 50 Foot Woman."

"Oh is that so?" Rapunzel said with a suggestive smirk. "That explains why Friday and Hoshi aren't back yet. Your wife's probably having too much fun."

"Pfft! I don't think so Blondie. If Red Dye over here was over there, his little weenie would fit like a crumb in her pants." Eugene snickered while making a point with a innuendo.

"Exactly, Shiva's too damn big to bang and besides they're after her Dominant. And she's probably the age of Bo Derek." Maverick quipped in agreement.

"Well, you never know." Rapunzel said while shrugging before remembering something. "Oh right, Kara said there was someone for me to meet."

Just then. A puff of yellow stars and dust appeared right above them and dashed across the sky. Before he dragged on the ground.

The smoke cleared revealing a old man with a long white beard wearing red sneakers, yellow floral swim trunks, a color striped t shirt with a red baseball cap and subglasses. The old man he used the heels of his shoes to halt himself in front of everyone.

This was Merlin the Magician. Who had just returned from his time travel trip.

"Well, looks like Old Merlin is back from his vacation." Mid grinned.

"Bermuda to be precise. Yes back from Bermuda in the 20th century!" Merlin skipped to emphasize as he took his sun glasses and glared while holding his magic wand. "And believe me you can have it. One big modern mess. Alakazam!"

He puffed in a smoke after hitting his own head with the wand. And returned back into his normal blue wizard robe and hat.

"Zel. Fits. Lancer. Meet Gandalf." Maverick introduced.

"No, dumb ass. It's Dumbledore." Maveress corrected.

"You're both wrong! It's Merlin. The Wizard!" Merlin exclaimed before he cleared his throat and stood calmly and looked to Rapunzel. "I beg your pardon. If I am correct. You must be Princess Rapunzel. Hehe...Or is it Aurora?"

"It's Rapunzel, actually." Rapunzel said with giddiness at meeting a literal legend. "It is such an honor to meet you, Mr. Merlin."

"Wait wait wait! Merlin? As in King Arthur's Mystical advisor?" Eugene gawked in humorous disbelief. "Ha! Right. If he's Merlin. Then that makes me Joan Of Arc!"

"Careful Eugene. The Izard-Way might ill-kay with his awn-way." Lance muttered Pig Latin nervously to Eugene.

"Oh heavens I would do no such thing!" Merlin waved it off before he patted Eugene's back. "And yes indeed, Lad. I am Merlin. Advisor to your ancestor, King Arthur. As well as his children and children's children. Eh... That is until one of your ancestors found the Moon Stone and chose to hoard it in Cadbury Castle."

Rapunzel and Eugene shared a look.

"Which, caused Camelot to become the Dark Kingdom." Rapunzel muttered.

"Yeah, not one of my ancestors' brightest moments." Eugene said with a nervous smile.

"I couldn't agree more. And because they ignored my warning. I left and came here. And of course I've traveled the other worlds and helped Yozora. Donald and Goofy during their previous adventures." Merlin stated.

"He even taught us how to work with Heartbinders, spells. And even how my keyblades ultimate moves work ." Yozora stated as he walked over.

"And I personally trained Hoshi in how to fight and use her keyblade." Merlin said proudly before he leaned in and whispered. "Of course Yid Sen helped a little."

"The keeper of the Spire back on my world. I remember meeting him during my journey back home." Rapunzel said with a nod.

"Which Spire? There is more than one you know." Merlin pointed out.

"We told her that in the second chapter." Maverick sighed.

"Now then. If you would all follow me inside. I have something to show you all. Especially a gift for you, Horace." Merlin said to Eugene.

"Please don't call me that." Eugene said with a moan of agony. "I hated that name of mine ever since my long lost father came back and told me that's what it was."

Rapunzel patted Eugene's back as they and Lance followed Merlin inside the HQ of the Committee. While everyone else took a moment to cool their heels after a tough ordeal at the now destroyed Waloed Prison.

Edda was brought inside by some physicians that worked there while Mid went to her father to report on the mission.

Meanwhile on the regions of Dhelmekia...

Occupying the southern regions of Rosaria, Dhalmekia is mostly composed of deserts, canyons, and savannas, with ruins from the Fallen civilization scattered throughout the landscape.

The Republic remains relatively unscathed and unaffected by the Heartless attack all those years ago in what previously was known as Hollow Bastion, but the land is already fairly inhospitable.

The capital city of Delhmakia was the thriving hub of commerce know as Ran'dellah. A large desert city with a Arabian style that would rival Aladdin's kingdom.

Ran'dellah's streets bustle with life, even late into the night, when the twinkle of countless lanterns illuminates the landscape. The nation's affairs are managed from the Ministry of Law in the heart of the city, wherein sits the Parliament of Ministers. Who of course influence the rule of Hugo Kupka, their king.

This place would resemble a more medieval age of Earth known cities from back in the day. Like Bagdad or Constantinople.

Shift and Swift were traversing across the stone roof tops of the capital city. Avoiding being seen by the watch towers around the city. Thanks to Shift's stealth mod and Swift's super speed. They can't be spotted at all.

They landed on the walk way of the Eastern City Wall. Near an empty guard's post.

"Did Cid say to meet Tarja here?" Swift asked.

"We're right next to the slave market. So Tarja has to be there." Shift said while looking around.

Just then. Shift and Swift saw a woman land on the edge of walkway and forwarded flip to land in front.

This woman stood up and was immediately recognized as Tarja.

Tarja had a large scar on her left cheek, indicating she is a Bearer, but removed her own brand. She has long, auburn hair styled in a ponytail, and has pale blue eyes. And she wore brown traveler clothes with cloke and hood. And a sword on her side.

"Hoshi. Friday. It's good to see you both." Tarja greeted formally with a nod.

"It's good to see you too." Swift said with a nod.

"Yeah. Though hell of a place to meet up at." Shift said.

"Oh you have no idea. Turns out the Dominant was captured from the Rosarian camp. And she refuses to give up or reveal her power." Tarja stated as she walked over with Shift and Swift following.

"I take it we'll find her at the slave market then?" Shift asked.

"Yes, but this isn't primarily a market for slave labor. These women slaves are sold to become concubines. And since Shiva's Dominant did not confess. She's about to be sold here as punishment." Tarja looked at the large stone dome building in front as they stood at the edge of the city wall.

"That's terrible. We gotta do something." Swift said.

"We are. Follow me." Tarja said to them as she used a grappling hook to swing across the sky above the streets.

With Shift and Swift following. Tarja lead them up to the building and used the skylight entrance to sneak inside and they saw a large market area with a stage as their were high class citizens. Some from out of the kingdom

And one the stage was a old man who was a Marchant, dressed in white attire with a hood. Standing besidea group of young beautiful woman in silk revealing two piece clothing with their legs and feet bare. And their hands were tied in front with rope. And they had a wooden sign each hanging off their necks with a price tag. The women also had a silk vale covering their mouths as they lookrd miserable.

The market was filed with cheers as the Merchant was getting ready to announce the sales.

"This is the first kind of auction to ever start here in the city. Last night, the Parliament Of Ministers convinced the king to pass the new slave trade bill. And now these women who normally work as servants and waitresses or entertainers are now about to be sold as nonconsensual wives." Tarja said quietly.

"In other words. Legal Human Trafficking." Shift seethed in anger seeing this.

"These vial scumbags." Swift seethed as she watched what was happening. "I want to make them all swallow their own teeth."

"You'll get your chance. But first we can't risk inciting the dominant's wrath. If we escalate things. Shiva will emerge and everyone in this city will die." Tarja warned the two Guardians.

That and the market is too open for even a covert pick pocket let alone try to swipe the dominant silently.

"What are we supposed to do then? Outbid everyone and buy the girl we're trying to rescue?" Shift asked sarcastically.

"Simple. I overheard that the first girl they'll present is the Dominant." Tarja explained.

"And when they present her. I run in as fast as I can and take her outside the city before anyone can yell 'woah'. Right?" Swift figured it out with mild excitement.

"Now you're catching on." Tarja grinned.

"Thank goodness. For a moment there, I thought you were gonna suggest us going undercover as slave girls you planned to auction off just to get close to the Dominant." Shift said with a sigh.

"You would like that wouldn't you?" Swift smirked.

Bizarrely enough. Friday would definitely do it if it scored a threesome. But now's not the time and this situation would consider rape. And Friday is against that.

Just then they saw a very beautiful woman in her late twenties with pretty smooth gray hair that ran down her back. And soft gray eyes. The woman had light skin with a slim hour glass build.

This was Jill Warrick. She was the Dominant of Shiva.

Jill was wearing a purple bikini top with purple flowers on the top edges and gold on the bottom, a purple collar with a purple shroud over the shoulders that only faintly covered her shoulders, bracelets with purple fabric attached to them. She also wore a purple loincloth that only went to just above her knees, purple anklets, and she was barefoot.

Unlike the other slaves that were about to be sold. With their hands tied in front together. Jill had her arms spread out and bound by rope to a wooden bar she was forced to carry on her back. As she was being led and pushed out in front where she nearly stumbled.

"That's the one." Tarja pointed and said to Swift. "Hoshi, when I give the signal, you get her out of there."

"Got it. Just say the word." Swift said as she got ready to run fast.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The merchant spoke in a foreign accent. "This outlander straight from the region of Rosaria, was caught spying on our capitcal cargo, trying to steal as our money was being escorted to the palace!" The merchant declared.

"BOOOOOO!" They all yelled and jeered as they tossed tomatos as Jill. Two of them spat against Jill. One in the face and one on her torso. She stumbled but she maintained a poised and unreadable expression.

"That's a lie." Shift hissed in anger at the mistreatment of the lady.

"As punishment. She is to be sentenced first to the lucky connoisseur who wishes to have her!" The merchant said with a dirty tone as he stroked her grey hair making her flinch a bit.

"Ready...set..." Tarja held her hand up to signal Swift.

"Let's the bidding begin!" The Merchant declared.

"NOW!" Tarja yelled.

On the note. Swift ran at the speed of light as she dashed and grabbed Jill quickly. Within one second they were out of there.

Then Shift landed with lightning strikes in the distance. Causing the crowd to scream and run while the slaves stood and looked scared.

Six guards ran over to stop her as they drew their swords. But Shift waved her hands. Causing a Shockwave to knock them down. Then she approaches the merchant menacingly.

"You know, I bet an arm and a leg you just shit yourself." Shift said, energy flowing from her. "Specifically, your arms and legs."

"Woah boah hoah! I don't really like working here! They never let me try out the merchandise!" The merchant shook and pleaded in fear as he was too afraid to run.

Suddenly twelve guards were up on the roof, aiming their bows and arrows. But Shift just held her keyblade up to them to shoot a gravity spell. Making them scream as they twirled around in circles like a tornado and were blown off the roof.

Making the merchant gulp in fear.

***BLAST!***

"Aaaaaaah!" the merchant screamed like a girl as he was blasted by a lightning bolt. And then he crashed on the fruit stand from behind. He groaned. "That hurt my pride. And my ass." Before the merchant lost consciousness.

Just then Tarja grappled down and landed. Looking impressed by Shift's work at pacifying the situation.

"You could've saved some for me." Tarja remarked.

"Sorry. You snooze, you lose." Shift quipped with her natural Kree accent.

"Help me with these ladies. They can't stay here. We'll have to take them to Radiant Garden." Tarja said as she started to untie all of the women.

"Right. It's time for Women's rights to make a comeback." Shift said as she moved to help Tarja with the women.

On that note. Shift would use the Gummi Ship's teleporter to sent these women to Radiant Garden for help and shelter, after she had finished untying them.

Meanwhile on the outskirts of the city. Out in the desert. Swift stopped running and Jill stumbled a bit in shock. With the restraining rod off so her arms were loose. And she turned to look at Swift to halted to check on her.

"Are you alright?" Swift asked.

"Y-yes. I'm alright." Jill said with some hesitation, not knowing who she was.

Swift could tell her appearance wasn't striking enough confidence that she was a friend. So she shifted back into Hoshi.

"I am Hoshiko Sato. But you can call me Hoshi." Hoshi greeted warmly showing herself as a young sixteen year old lady. "And you are?"

Her last name is Sato? Did anyone knew that?

Still. Jill is a calm, solemn, and tranquil. She possesses a quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. She carries herself with grace and seriousness, demonstrating a serene demeanor and a kind nature.

Even after traumatic experiences. Yet Jill seemed strong and unwavered by what happened at the auction.

Jill had to take a steady breath before answering.

"My name is Jill. Jill Warrick." Jill answered after taking a calming breath.

"And your Shiva's Dominant?" Hoshi asked.

"Yes. I was trying to escorts our caravan acrosd the border. We've been nomads ever since Radiant Garden fell and the Heartless drove us out of our home." Jill explained solemnly.

"What happened?" Hoshi asked.

"Barnabas somehow discovered me. He knows I'm a dominant. So he had some of the spies working for Benedikta to capture me and force the dominant out. As a means to freeze all of Delhmakia for his taking." Jill explained. "I refused to lash out. And they wanted to force me through other means."

Like selling her to a rich and rough owner that would put her under enough pressure through exotic means.

"Those disgusting monsters." Hoshi muttered bitterly. "What happened to the rest of your caravan?"

"They should be fine. They're down at the Yellow Moss Lake west of here. At least that's where I saw them last." Jill answered.

"That's a relief." Hoshi said before smiling. "Don't worry. I'm gonna take you to safety, and I'll send some friends to go pick up the people in your caravan."

On that note. Hoshi changed back into her Swift form and she took hold of Jill and ran at high speed back to Cid. While sending a tip to Shift to go with Tarja to pick up the Rosarians.

Knowing Cid. He'll have the resources and space for them in Radiant Garden. Given that the town is not as populated as it should be.

Back over in Radiant Garden...

Everyone was inside the Restoration Committee HQ. Were Danielle walked in to check on Claire who was sitting at the Lobby.

More of a lounging room where she was seated on the couch, reading a book.

Danielle sat next to her fiance and gave her a tender look.

"Whatcha reading?" Danielle asked.

"The Da Vinci Code." Claire said, showing her the cover. "I already finished reading the first book, Angels And Demons."

"Isn't that the movie that sparked more religious controversy then Martin Scorsese film?" Danielle inquired with a quip.

"Yep." Claire replied back as she read the book.

Danielle snickered nervously as she noticed Claire didn't laugh.

"Are you...Are you doing okay?" Danielle asked slowly.

"On top of the bruises and broken teeth you dished out." Danielle remarked and sighed. "No I mean, are we okay?"

Claire looked at Danielle before putting her book down and hugging her fiance.

"Yeah. We're good." Claire said softly. "I'm sorry for how I acted."

"Don't apologize. About a year ago I did much worse. So I know the feeling." Danielle assured softly as she was hugging Claire.

A year ago she was Stormur. Killing innocent people and trying to kill the Maverick.

"Yeah Professor Exposition. We get it. ***k off." Danielle hissed quietly to the author.

Pfft. Fine.

"Yeah, and look at how far we've both come." Claire said with a soft smile.

"It's because we made a promise to never be like the people we used to be. You've been there for me to make sure I kept my promise. So let me do the same for you." Danielle replied as she touched Claire's cheek. "I love you so much, Claire."

"I love you too, Dani. And much more." Claire said softly before kissing Danielle on the lips.

Danielle hummed as she wrapped her arms around Claire and kissed her even more. Just then Rapunzel walked in to check on Danielle and Claire but she smiled warmly at them.

Danielle and Claire finished kissing to breathe a bit. Before Danielle spotted her and cleared her throat and Claire turned to see her.

"Rapunzel? How long were you standing there?" Claire asked.

"Oh, not too long." Rapunzel said with a smirk. "I just came by to see if you were doing okay."

"I'm much better now." Claire assured.

"Nothing a cup of electric mayhem won't solve." Danielle quipped an innuendo.

"Hush." Claire grinned amusingly before she looked at Rapunzel remorsefully. "Listen about what happened earlier..."

"It's okay, Claire. I understand. Don't worry." Rapunzel said with a warm smile. "You've been through too much to explain."

"Alright." Clair whispered with a slight nod.

"The guy who caused 90% of her childhood trauma is sitting in the pokey. So it'll ice the burns." Danielle shrugged.

"Good riddance to him, I'd say." Rapunzel said before smiling at Claire. "And if at any time you want to talk, I'm all ears. Same goes for you, Dani."

"Oh I got plenty of ears. Not literally, we live in a connected Neighborhood. Not the Brady Bunch type." Danielle quipped and assured. "You're boyfriend's gonna need you in a few seconds for a mild and obvious plot twist."

*"Blondie! Come down here! You gotta see this!"* Eugene called up from Merlin's attic, sounding excited.

"I'll be right there, Eugene!" Rapunzel called out to Eugene before turning back to giggle with Claire and Danielle. "Girl, are you psychic? Hehehe. Anyway I better go see what's going on. I'll see you both later."

Claire smiled and Danielle gave her a thumbs up before Rapunzel barefooted upstairs and climbed the latter up in the attic.

And by the time she made it to the top. She saw Merlin's room with all of his medieval furniture set in place as the old wizard was seated in a chair puffing some smoke from his pipe as he observed Eugene who was looking at a sword on a glass pedestal.

Even Lance looked fascinated.

"Blondie look. This is it!" Eugene gritted trying to contain the excitement.

It was a sword, pure and well built with a golden hilt. Laying on a stand with a glass case over it.

Rapunzel's eyes widened in realization.

"Are you serious?!" Rapunzel exclaimed excitedly. "Is that really...?!"

"Oh hell yes! Excalibur! The very sword that made a scrawny runt in the litter. Become King! Way over the term golden ticket!" Eugene remarked as he was just thrilled.

"Well what are you waiting for? Take it." Merlin encouraged.

"Sorry wha?" Eugene inquired.

"You heard me, My Boy. It belonged to Arthur, and you are current in the family." Merlin stated proudly as he waved his smoke pipe. Then he noticed Lance was looking at a stone pillar next to the sword. "Except for that! That's a anchient Foteteller ruin stone. The very thing that brought my immortality."

"You mean this stone made you immortal? How?" Rapunzel asked in astonishment.

"Well it's power works indirectly, I say. My friend Archimedes was rather reckless on it when he stopped to rest there." Merlin pointed out.

Suddenly Archimedes Merlin's brown pet owl was perched on top of the lamp in the corner as he heard what the wizard set, and huffed, revealing he could speak as it glared.

"I'm not the one that left it exposed in the corner!" Archimedes huffed.

"Oh blast it all, no need to throw the blame game, you blathering buzzard!" Merlin snapped back.

"Did that Owl just talk?" Lance asked with a dumbfounded look.

"Just like Iago in Agrabah." Rapunzel said with a big smile.

"So now owls can talk. That's a thing." Eugene said nonchalantly. "So, you're also on the list of those that'll never die, huh?"

"Hmm? what what? Oh! We just ahe slower. So we're not kicking the bucket anytime soon." Archimedes clarified as he waved his feathers a bit.

"Ah yes. But in the eyes of those over the past centuries well, to them we'd be immortal. I probably won't grow another gray hair anytime soon." Merlin chuckled lightly as he stroked his beard and touched a single strand and muttered curious. "Oh what do we have here?"

"Make that one. And wait another few centuries." Archimedes mocked silently.

"Do you ever wonder how Cass' owl would sound like if it spoke?" Lance inquired as he was still weirded out.

"Please, Lance. Don't give me nightmares. That Owl already gives me the creeps." Eugene said with a cringe.

"Oh come on, he's a sweetie. And I think he would sound like a very wise owl." Rapunzel said optimistically.

"Well now that you mentioned. I personally helped Arthur find that sword." Archimedes proudly gestured.

More like warning Arthur not to take it. But it's okay if they don't know that. After all he was with Arthur when he found the Sword In The Stone and pulled it.

"Wow. That means you were there to witness his rule, just like Merlin. That's amazing." Rapunzel said excitedly.

"Totally. Until that blasted moon stone came and anything went bonkers for it!" Archimedes ranted.

"Now now. Archimedes. No need to repeat some old wounds. We're all here to start new ones." Merlin stood up and assured then he realized. "Oh wait. I mean um...Oh pish posh. Go on now, Son. Take the sword."

Merlin waved his wand. Causing the glass case to lift up and hop away. It tried to hop passed Rapunzel but she was in the way looking amazed.

"Excuse me. Do you mind?" The case spoke in a deep voice with it's door as a mouth.

"Oh right. Sorry." Rapunzel said as she moved out of the way, unfazed by this.

Then as Eugene touched the sword. There was a light in the room. And heavenly choir in the background.

"Woah woah! What was that? What's with the 'he has risen' effects?" Eugene was startled by it all.

"Oh don't mind that. It happens all the time. Go on go on!" Merlin waved it off and urged Eugene to pick up the sword.

So as Eugene took a deep breath and picked the sword up with each. The light from the ceiling shined bright as the invisible choir was singing in high notes briefly.

Then as the choir stopped and everyone admired the lights. Eugene saw some words Witten at the bottom of the sword. *'Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise King born of England.'*

"Woah..." Eugene whispered in amazement.

"Yes. back then. Camelot represented all of Eugene. But that kingdom evolved while the rest of England moved on." Merlin sighed as he stood behind Eugene and smiled. "We can't bring everything back to what it used to be. But that doesn't mean what comes next can't be better."

He meant both Camelot. And the life his forefathers had. Eugene has a chance to do better and be better.

"How do you feel, Eugene?" Rapunzel asked.

Eugene looked at the sword and then looked at her. "I feel. Like I already have found something better." He admitted.

Being with Rapunzel at her home. Which made her smile warmly back at him. Everyone especially Merlin approved.

Suddenly the invisible choir came back with the bright light as the sounds of Handel: Messiah's musical number played. And they chanted and sang.

***'Hallelujah!~ Hallelujah!~ His name is Fitzherbert!~ He found his relic!~ Hallelujah!~'***

Everyone turned to the empty area of the room, to see Maverick in a music composer outfit leading a choir of neon owls to sing with music in the background.

Then he turned and halted.

***Record scratch!***

"keep going. I am a stool." Maverick emphasized.

Rapunzel couldn't help the giggles.

"Oh Ryan." Rapunzel giggled, trying not to laugh before saying to Eugene. "Sorry, keep going."

"Long story short. You not only became my new dream. But Old Reliable here is joining it." Eugene said warmly as he seethed his new sword on his side.

Which made Rapunzel smile brightly as she draped her arms around Eugene and kissed him passionately. And he kissed back.

"I thought it's name was Excalibur!" Archimedes said from across the room.

"It thought it's name was Caliburn." Maverick added.

Eugene broke the kiss for a second.

"Nope. The owl pretending to be a parrot is right." Eugene quipped before going back to kissing Rapunzel.

"Ha!" Archimedes beamed.

"Damn it." Maverick muttered.

Eugene had found a spark of confidence that made the doubt in his ability to protect Rapunzel dissappear. Cassandra is still out there somewhere. But with everyone there for Rapunzel. And with the legacy of his ancestor King Arthur. The man who was there for all those in his Kingdom.

With no worries. Eugene has the same confidence as his girlfriend. To not leave his friends behind. And to always-

"End the chapter already! It's almost dinner time!" Maverick echoed at the Author.

*"And I can't hear myself kiss with all the typing!"* Danielle echoed from down stairs at the Author.

'Just give them what they wants before we're band for NSFW content. We gotta get ready for some Monty Cristo parody flashbacks and a big Cassandra comeback in the next one.' PRO suggested.

'Spoiler alert!' TEC exclaimed.

'Ugh. Men.' PRICE groaned

'I know right?!...Wanna bang?' LIZ asked.

'HOW!' PRO. TEC and PRICE all asked loudly.

Anyway…... Long story short. Eugene has his spark. He'll do what's right. And he'll be ready when the time comes to be there for a certain friend in need.

Now go.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉

Oh yes. If you read that ending correctly. Cassandra is returning in the next chapter. And if you all remember season 3. She is up to no good. But that might change much sooner than you think. I figured since Cass was brought up in this chapter. And she has been gone for a long time. Why drag out her absence for the entire story? Just because the TV Show did it doesn't mean I have to. Besides, she was my favorite character from the show. And I'd rather not keep everyone and myself waiting for her to come back. After all in the words of Professor Charles Xavier.

'Just because someone stumbles and loses their way, doesn't mean they're lost forever'

Also. If you haven't guessed. Chateau Épine is a parody of Chateau d'If from the Count Of Monte Cristo. Granted it was a real prison minus the flogging. But I felt that it added to the main character's reasons for wanting payback. And his determination to survive.

"I'm still glad we ran it to the ground." Maveress smirked. 😏

Hell yeah!

And I bet none of you expected to see Tron and IRIS again this soon. But briefly. I had to keep it on track. 👌😉

Also almost every character that I mentioned by name that lives in Radiant Garden are from Final Fantasy 16. With some key differences to allow them to fit in with this universe. However I had to change characters like Sylvestre and Anabella into noble people. I know everyone is used to hating Anabella from the video game. But I changed her into a good woman here.

Besides if Vicky Vale can go from a good woman in the comic books to a cynical egotistical bitch in My Adventures Of Superman. Than surely I can change a cynical egotistical bitch into a good woman.

So I hope everyone is okay with the changes I made. Because it will serve a purpose later.

"Especially for Spike." Maverick winked. 😉

Shhhh!

Also yes. Merlin and Archimedes have made an appearance. And since the Dark Kingdom is Camelot in my fanfic. It made since for Eugene to inherit Excalibur. 😁

Plus….Shhh did you hear that? It sounds like something made of stone flapping their wings.

"Oh yeah. Those guys are coming soon too." Maverick grinned. 😏

(Insert Gargoyles theme here)

Thank you all so much for reading!

Be sure to leave your comments down below to let me know your thoughts. And don't forget to add this to your favorites list and follow my story if you like what you see.

And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!

FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊