Nero winced slightly in anticipation, perparing himself for the attack launched his way. Clenching his teeth and closing his eyes, he had prepared for the worst, but when that never came, he slowly opened his eyes to see the figure of Leon before him. As the dark cloud began to disperse around the swordsman, Nero gave a relieved sigh as he stood.

	"Thanks, Leon." His remark sincere as he made his way to stand beside the warrior, eyeing over the heartless as he began to steel himself for the oncoming battle... Yet as the Heartless began to change to it's new daunting visage, Nero could only shudder as he gripped his keyblade tighter, "What the world is that?" As he attempted to step forward, Leon blocked his path, causing the boy to narrow his eyes at his mentor, but abide by his command. Only when the heart was exposed, did Nero full grasp the situation. This truly was someone's heart... The heart of a kid as the voice had put it just moments before. As the voice began to speak upon the darkness, he noticed Leon's strike had no effect... But even that didn't garner his full attention. His eyes now lingered upon his keyblade.

	"... This? This is what calls the heartless? Were Akira and I the reason that the heartless came to our world? Why so many had to suffer at their hands," Though merely speculation, the thought haunted the boy, gripping onto his keyblade with a renewed mix of fear and hatred for the device, "Darkness lingers in all hearts, I know... But can it truly be used to stop another world from being lost." It was then he noticed his allies all attempting to free the heart, but still his thoughts were clouded.

	"Maybe mastering the darkness is the way... If it'll keep any more people from suffering..." Idly, he'd begin making his way forward, attempting to bypass Leon as he now held his keyblade aloft at his side.