Alias paced back and forth around his living room. His dad was still unconscious on the couch and thankfully so, because he still had no idea how he was going to explain all of this. Before he could come up with a solid lie he heard the faint sound of groans from where he left his dad. He turned his head to see the old man waking up.

"Huh? Alias? Why am I home? Weren't we both on the beach? Your friends were there and some strange fellows and a... a giant machine?"

Oh crapbaskets. He remembered it. Alias realized he couldn't lie to him. For all he knew this would be his last day on the island. He couldn't leave him wondering what happened to him. Not after all he had done for him. Alias sighed. "Dad... We need to talk."

He walked over to the couch and sat down next to him. He didn't want to lift his head from the ground to face him. He was honestly afraid that his dreams would be crushed right here. He found the courage within his heart to look up and face the Mayor and tell him the truth. "Yeah. You saw a space ship and passed out. We learned a lot today. There are a few ways to travel between worlds, that ship is one of them. Morgan can actually use magic and Kitsu is really out there." Okay. That last bit was a bit more hopeful than a certain fact, but Alias was determined to keep his faith.

The Mayor was silent. It was... to say it was a lot to take in would be an understatement. "Okay... So I wasn't hallucinating or having wild dreams. And now that you know all of this there's no way I could possibly stop you from leaving, is there?"

Alias shook his head. "Honestly... I'd knock you out again just to make sure you don't."

The Mayor laughed, a bit nervously. "I know you're too serious to be joking. I'm not laughing at that. I've always known the time we'd have together would be temporary. You always needed more than our island could provide."

"No. This island, my home, provided me with everything. Family, friends, a purpose, and so much more. I wish I could do more for it. But something out there is calling me and I need to know what. I'll come back and bring all kinds of souvenirs from our adventures. I won't forget about you or what you've done for me."

The Mayor couldn't say anything. He had a lot of words to say, but all he could manage was tears. They started pouring and the sight caused a reaction in Alias's eyes. The two embraced each other in a hug, crying into each other's arms.

@Daxam @Sadu @King Kindred

Taivas

Taivas looked annoyed that Zac didn’t know any of the people in the picture. However, if he could convince Zac to let him join him on the ship, perhaps he could find these people somewhere and somehow. “ I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask if it would be okay if I joined you when you fix your ship. I must find these people and know who I am.” Tavias kept his eyes on Zac’s hands while working on his ship. “So, in this corridor, you talked about, do you think it could appear inside a world? Kind of like a portal or something.” Asking while watching the others speaking to Zac. There was no way he would give up his spot to escape. He didn’t want to be stuck on this island forever. He stopped his questions as he didn’t want to overwhelm him. He was coughing loudly before awkwardly stepping away from him.

Taivas turned towards Morgan, caughting what she had muttered. “Old man with a blue robe and a long beard. That sounds like someone I have met before. Do you remember if an older woman in a blue dress was with him? ” He asked, too wanting to unlock some memory. He assumed he had met this older man before, although he wasn’t sure if that was the case.

“Well, if Zac cannot let me on his ship, perhaps I can have some luck with that raft.” Thinking of the different opinions on how he could escape. Staring at Alias, he nods his head and acknowledges his apology. He again understood where he was coming from. If he had known these people all his life, he would also be very protective of them. However, fighting Alias might be much more challenging than fighting Levi.

Alias ran up to the big Paopu Fruit tree that they all used to sit on or under to talk about any and everything. It seemed he was the first to arrive. He thought he was going to be late. This gave him some alone time with the tree. He brushed against the long side of the tree that formed a bench for everyone. It always amazed him how the tree was shaped like that. It was as if it had grown with the purpose of sharing with the humans that'd come to collect its fruit. Perhaps the tree wanted to experience more time with people and bond with them. The thought didn't seem so far-fetched anymore. With magic and other worlds being real anything seemed possible. And that's what excited him.

“I'm gonna miss you, tree.” As if confirming his thoughts the tree seemed to respond by dropping one of its fruits. He caught it and looked at and then at the tree once again.

"So, the king of the beach overlooking his kingdom one last time before the big adventure?" Levi said, as he walked slowly towards Alias, smiling as he did.

Alias turned his head at Levi's voice. He slipped the fruit into his pocket. He didn't know why he was hiding it. It just felt right to. He laughed nervously at his taunt. “Yeah… I just can't believe all that happened today. Even with the physical evidence.”

"I cooked up a cover story for the rest of us. As far as everyone's parents know, I'm going to another island for work and taking you knuckleheads with me. I mean, it's more feasible than 'this guy fell from space and now we're hopping in his starship to parts unknown', right?" He chuckled slightly to himself at the sheer absurdity of everything. A part of him still didn't believe it all, honestly. But it was true. The bruise on Alias' torso and the crater further down the beach were testament to that.

He quietly took a seat on the tree, looking out at the reddish hues of the sunset. "The others should be along any second now." He mentioned, as he got comfortable on the natural bench one last time, knowing full well that with whatever surprises fate had in store meant there was a good chance that they wouldn't want to, or be able to, come back. "I wonder if the sun sets red on other worlds. I mean, it should, with how light works and all. But there's only one way to figure that one out."

Lucian joined them next, smiling as he leaned back against the tree. “Feels weird, doesn’t it?” he said quietly, glancing between them. “Leaving all of this behind. It’s like… all those times we sat here, talking about what might be out there—it’s actually happening now.” He gave the tree a pat. “I’m sure the tree will miss us too.” He said with a chuckle.

“Not that I’m typically the voice of reason or anything, Hoshi strode across the bridge, coming into earshot just in time to hear the others musing about the upcoming adventure. “But we’re forgetting one small problem: Zac only has two seats for passengers; there’s no way all five of us are leaving all at once.” She hopped up, claiming her usual spot on the paopu tree’s trunk.

Morgan who had been keeping to herself for a while waving her hands in the air like a crazy person as if doing... something, didn't have as much of a connection to this place as the others. When she heard mention of the limited seating on the ship though, she finally spoke up. "There is still a chance I could open the way. If I could only remember...". Her hands lowered though, and she let out a sigh.

"I wish I could be excited. To find out where I came from, to remember, to show you all my world. I should be excited at the idea that I might get to go home. But... every time I think about it, I feel... sick to my stomach. I just wonder, if there's a reason I'm here. Maybe I don't want to go back... maybe it's not something worth being proud of." She turned to the group, before confessing "This place, doesn't mean as much to me as it does all of you. I wish I had that, a place that I loved, a place I could think of as home. But I don't even know what I have to return to, if anything..."

“Hey…” Alias said, approaching her. “None of that gloomy quitter talk before we get going. You could be right, though. Your world could be terrible. Could be the coolest one out there. I mean, it has magic and dragons, after all. But that's the fun of an adventure. Even if you end up not liking where you're going there will always be a place that you do.” He rubbed the back of his neck hoping his words were making any kind of sense. He was just winging it, but the feelings behind his words were true. “My dad always said, home is where your heart is.” He paused before turning to the others. “All of you, including you Morgan, are in my heart. No matter what happens, where we go, or if we split up, you guys will always be home.”

Now that the motivational speech was out of the way he plopped himself on the ground and got into a thinking position. “As for how we're all gonna get out of here, I have no clue. I wish his ship could carry our raft. But I think Taivas should have a spot. He's not from here and is desperate to go. I worry about what'll happen if he stays behind. So that leaves one spot… One of you guys take it. Now that I know it’s possible I'll find a way.”

“Are you kidding me?” Lucian exclaimed. “Alias, you’ve been wanting to get out of here more than any of us. You should have a shot.”

Alias was beginning to decline the offer, but didn't have to.

“No,” Hoshi interjected, looking over at Lucian. “Alias is right. Taivas getting on the ship is a must. He only just got here; he has nowhere to stay. At least if he goes with Zac, he can stay on the ship until he finds where he’s from… or somewhere he can settle down.” She looked out across the water towards the village. “I think it should be Levi. He already has a cover story; he’s old enough no one can really stop him either.” She eyed the older friend. “And you can find a ship of your own out there, and come back for the rest of us… assuming we haven’t found another way!”

Lucian nodded thoughtfully. “I hate that we have to make this choice at all, but she does have a point…”

Alias nodded in agreement. “I agree. Plus Levi can take care of himself. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving either of our still very capable ladies with two strangers.” He made sure to add the last part, because after getting sucker punched by some ice he didn't need either of them thinking he thought they were weak and needed to be protected.

“Yeah,” Hoshi chuckled. “And you’re too hot headed to go out there unattended.” She beamed jokingly at her friend.

“Hey!” Alias exclaimed with a laugh. ”I prefer passionate and headstrong.”

"... A part of me hates that you all have a valid point." Levi said, almost emotionlessly. He'd watched their backs for years, and talked them out of some of the more... harebrained schemes over the years. They were all older now though, and that made him suddenly feel very old himself. It felt like just yesterday he was running troublemakers out when they decided to move in after Kitsu had… left. Levi knew how to hold his own, and he'd spent a few years now mastering the art of keeping out of trouble... mostly. He was probably the least likely to end up either mugged or arrested before the week was out. He was the oldest, the most likely to be taken seriously... or even be allowed to buy a ship. There was probably some age minimum for that. Still... that would mean leaving everything he'd ever known. Everyone he's ever loved. Even if only for a brief few days or weeks.

"Alright... I'll make first contact. And I WILL be back with a ship. Shouldn't take me too long, so don't go doing anything reckless while I'm gone." His demeanor shifted then, a smile crossing Levi's face. "Last thing I need is to get back, and learn you all got your necks broken by jumping off a cliff looking for a portal." He said, laughing a little at what he just said, even if he was only half-joking.

“Hey, don't underestimate us. We'd definitely make sure there was a portal there first. So that leaves the four of us doing what? Using the raft to actually go to another island?” Alias asked now that they confirmed that the free spot was going to Levi.

“Would be cool to see more of this world.” Hoshi shrugged. Stretching like a cat, she lay down on her back, allowing her legs to hang down on either side of the tree trunk. “Guess
we’ll need to keep the raft project going after all.”

“Yeah…” He said, looking at her and the setting sun behind her. They've explored all that their beach had to offer. To think they were planning to jump to another world without seeing what the sand was like just across the sea. “One final adventure in this world.”

Morgan had turned away from the group after the mention of hearts, a hand over her chest. When she eventually spoke up, she said "You should never say final. No goodbye is ever final, no journey ever ends. Every person and story you ever hold dear will stay with you in your heart, and even when you're gone, yours will live on in the hearts of others. So always hold on tightly, and stay true to your heart, because it's no different than staying true to everything and everyone you hold dear."

None of what she said sounded like something she would normally say. Ever since her arrival, she had never been quite so insightful.

Alias dropped his head, not realizing how ominous he had made things sound. He lifted his head with new resolve. Morgan was uncharacteristically right. Just how much was going to change on their journey?

Hoshi nearly fell from her spot in shock. Propping herself up on her forearms, she looked, in pleasant awe, at Morgan. “Wow. Who are you and what have you done with Morgan?” A hearty laugh burst from her lungs. “But you’re right. Even an ending is just a new beginning. And we’ll never be apart as long as we hold true to one another.” She swung her leg back over the trunk and sat upright. “Let’s make it a pact… that we’ll all always hold each other in our Hearts… or am I being too corny with that one?”

Morgan meanwhile had turned at the sound of Hoshi falling over, and looked, pretty confused honestly. "Wha... I said that? I don't think I said anything of much value..." Maybe the others would think she was just playing shy and using her bad memory as an excuse. Problem was... she really didn't have a clue what they were talking about, and had no recollection of saying anything along the lines of what Hoshi just claimed she said... nonetheless, she simply stayed quiet, and nodded along as Levi started talking.

Levi chuckled slightly at that, but nodded his head in agreement. “I think it’s a good idea. I mean, I wasn’t intending on letting you all go any time soon anyways. Doesn’t matter if we’re just going to different islands, or different worlds. Nothing could keep me from remembering you all.” He set his gaze back towards the setting sun, an almost sad smile on his face. “And nothing will stop me from seeing you all again. Come hell or high water, I’ll always keep you all in my Heart.”

Lucian’s eyes welled up with tears. “I promise I’ll never forget any of you. I love you all too much for that!” He opened his arms wide. “Come on guys, group hug!”

Alias held back his tears, trying not to cry again so soon. “You heard me earlier. Together or apart you'll always be in my heart. It's fitting we're under the Paopu tree. As much time as we've spent here our lives are forever bound.” He stood and walked up to Lucian and began the group hug.

Levi was next to join the group hug. As he did, he allowed himself to falter, to display an emotion that wasn’t joy, concern, or anger. For him, it was sad and terrifying, but he still was spending these moments with his friends. He wouldn’t have had it any other way, as he allowed the tears to fall. “I’m really gonna miss all of you.” He managed, his voice choked with emotion. Tomorrow, he’d put those walls back up. But for today, he’d wear his heart well and truly on his sleeve.

Hoshi slid gently down from the paopu tree. Though she rolled her eyes ever so slightly, she cast a brimming smile at the trio embracing each other. These guys. She sprung forward, practically tackling her way into the hug. “Just be sure to stay safe out there, Levi. We’ll hold down the fort here.”

Morgan once more sat in silence, watching the others gather in together, accepting each other, loving each other... something she wanted for herself. No, it was something she dreamed of for herself. With no small amount of hesitation, she took a step closer, and raised a hand as if reaching out. But there was something there, something more than just doubt. A voice both her own and not rang in her head. "No, we don't deserve this. Not after what we have done." Her hand retreated, and before anything could be said, there was a distant rumbling in the sky that took everyone's attention.

It seemed like a storm was coming toward the island. Without hesitation, Morgan pointed up to the sky, simply saying "If anything can put us in danger it's that, we should get the raft secured before the wind blows it out to sea without us." And using that as an excuse, Morgan ran off across the wooden bridge that connected the smaller island to the main one, though she didn't run toward the raft. She needed to get away from this situation, as her head started to buzz. She needed to go somewhere quiet.

Even as the tears streamed down his face, Lucian couldn’t help but smile as his friends gathered for the group hug. He squeezed them all a bit tighter, not wanting to let go, savoring the moment for as long as possible.

After Morgan pointed out the impending storm, he looked back at the others. “She’s right,” he said softly. “We should make sure our ride to adventure doesn’t get blown away without us.” Lucian quietly pulled away, and made his way to the raft, followed by Levi thereafter.

Zac spent the next few hours working on his ship while answering Taivas' questions to the best of his ability. Sure, he had been travelling between worlds for a long time, but he still wouldn't call himself as much of an expert on it as he was on Gummi ships. Everything he knew, he had learned either from trial and error or second-hand from the people he had met on his journey. However, he welcomed the conversation all the same, having always found it easier to focus when he could multitask, as contradictory as it may be.

"Alright...got the limiter replaced. Glad I thought ahead and bought a backup, just in case," he muttered to himself, running through a mental checklist after Taivas had wandered off. "I was able to jury-rig an aileron from an armor panel. Hate leaving those wires exposed, but I kinda need to be able to control the ship. Good old duct tape got the hydraulic leak patched up. I wasn't able to get the secondary engines running, but I should have throttle control back for the primary, so I can make do." He looked over at the core, still exposed. "Now, then...let's see if I'm about to kill all of us."

He reached over and reopened the flow of power to and from the Stardust Core before he hopped back into the cockpit. He flipped a few switches, took a deep breath, and powered up the ship. Poor Sigrid rattled as the Stardust Core came to life, glowing a brilliant blue as a sphere of energy began to take form. The ship slowly lifted above where it rested against the palm trees and Zac let out a relieved sigh. "Looks like we're back in business!" he exclaimed as the diagnostics screen showed parts of the ship highlighted in orange and yellow. Still not great, but much better than seeing red.

He moved the hovering ship away from the trees and engaged the landing gear before once more powering down the ship. "Alright, I think I'll crash here for tonight and get going tomorrow morning. Should give them enough time to figure out who all's coming along and for them to get ready," he said as he stretched his arms over his head. Just then, he heard a low rumble roll in from far out at sea and sat up. He climbed out of the cockpit and walked away from his ship as he listened to the thunder as it washed over the island. He clenched his fists as they began to tremble and memories flooded his mind: the thunder and lightning, the wind, the living shadows...the screams.

He gripped his left forearm with his right hand, trying to steady the trembling as a smile, equal parts nervousness and anticipation, crossed his face. "Think it's gonna be a long, long night," he said to himself. "Bring it on."

Alias watched as the others left one by one in preparation for the incoming storm. He felt the Paopu Fruit in his pocket. It was surprisingly still fully intact, though not all that surprising. They always seemed pretty durable as they consistently dropped from their trees. Hoshi started to follow. This was his chance. It was now or never. He reached out to grab her hand to stop her while simultaneously taking out the fruit the tree had gifted him. “Wait. There's something I want to say or do before we go.”

“Huh?” Hoshi felt a tug of resistance as she moved to follow the others to the raft. She turned to see Alias’ hand firmly but gently wrapped around hers. In his other hand he held a fruit off of the Paopu tree; she avoided looking at it directly, trying to come off like she didn’t notice. She turned, and wriggled her hand free. With the now free hand she brushed her hair behind her ear. She returned his gaze, locking eyes. “Oh? Is everything ok?”

Her eyes. Her green eyes. He hadn't started taking notice of them until somewhat recently. They looked so deep. Like there was a world inside of them. He gave her a nervous smile. “Yeah… Everything's okay. For as long as I could remember you've been the one constant in my life. We've gone on so many adventures together. We've grown together and now we're about to embark on the biggest adventure of our lives to find Kitsu.” He paused to turn around to face the incoming storm. It was getting closer. He hoped this wasn't a bad omen. “I don't know what tomorrow may bring, but I know I want us to remain connected through it all.”

Alias turned back around and lifted the Paopu fruit to hand it to her. He couldn't help but recall the picture Levi drew of them doing this very exact thing. He was starting to think it was less of a joke and the possibility of their friend having the ability to see the future.

Hoshi’s heartbeat picked up pace as the fruit leveled between her and Alias. The flood of red filled her face unlike any time before. She thought back to the drawing on the cave wall, and the words of the cloaked man. Cursed. As if drawn to the fruit, her arm raised, and her hand held the starpoint opposite Alias’. “Are you sure?” She asked, her voice trembling as she did; in a way, she was asking herself as much as she was asking him. “We’ll always be connected, whether we share the fruit or not. You know that.”

Alias nodded. He noticed the red flooding to her cheeks. Did she really feel the same way about him? “I know and I'm sure. We're going to be traveling to other worlds and according to Zac it's pretty dangerous. With this fruit we can guarantee that no matter what happens out there we'll always find our way back to each other.”

Hoshi fell to loss at making objections; Alias had made a valid point. The dark hole in his heart will swallow all he holds dear. “Tsu wouldn’t want us to be separated out there. He wouldn’t want us to lose each other just to find him.” She gripped her corner of the star shaped fruit more firmly. The quiver of her hand and waiver in her voice both stilled. “We’ll do it. On three?”

She recalled the ritual from an old story: to share the Paopu, the two people had to pull from opposite star points with precise timing and near perfectly even force. The goal being to split the fruit into even halves. If one person got too small a piece, their share in the binding of destinies would be fated to anguish by the other… one way or another.

Alias felt as if he was going to be the third person to pass out today, but he resolved to stay conscious and see this through. He gripped his corner of the star shaped fruit with a wide grin. They were actually going to do it. “On three.”

“1.” They began counting in unison.

“2…”

“3!”

Their time together and connection reflected in how in sync they were. They pulled at the fruit at the same time with surprisingly the same amount of force. When they pulled their pieces back the two appeared to be even. Alias let out a sigh of relief. This good fortune. This moment of joy. The incoming storm no longer mattered to him. His heart and life would never be empty thanks to Hoshi and the people he's gotten to share them with.

Good Hoshi’s nerves settled completely when the fruit pulled apart into seemingly perfect halves. She stopped briefly to take in the moment passing her eyes between her half and Alias’. Slowly, she brought the fruit to her mouth. The shocks and surprises of the day washed away like an outgoing tide as her teeth sunk into the fruit. The sweet juices cleansed and renewed her from the experience in the cave; any idea of Alias being cursed faded from Hoshi’s thoughts.

Alias continued to smile, staring at his piece of the fruit for a moment longer. Nothing could ruin this moment. With this gesture his feelings were conveyed. This tree, this fruit, this island. It connected him with everything he held dear. He didn't care about what he lost in the past, the mysterious stranger who brought him here, or why he was brought here in the first place. He was just happy that he did. He found family, he found adventure, and he found love. All he wanted to do was look forward to the horizon and what it'd bring. He finally brought the fruit to his mouth, taking it in and savoring both the flavor and the moment.

As he ate the fruit Alias thought of Kitsu and what he had missed, but also what he might have been experiencing out there in other worlds. He hoped he was okay and that he was having fun. Once the last piece fell down his throat he turned to walk over to the tree. He jumped on top of the natural bench and walked over to the fruit, jumping up and grabbing another one. He landed gracefully and jumped off the tree to walk up to Hoshi. “For Kitsu when we find him. To bring him a little taste of home. If we're lucky he hasn't gotten too far yet. He's probably trying to secure his own ship.”

“He’d enjoy that. And all of the stories we’ll be able to share when we see him… think of all of the stories he’ll have for us.” Hoshi leaned her back against the tree and watched the clouds rolling in from beyond the village. “I wonder if he’s been trying to find his way back to us. It’s been four years.”

The ever so hopeful Alias wanted to believe that, but she was right. It had been four years. Did he forget them? Amnesia seemed to be a common theme among world travelers. “I hope so. Or maybe he got amnesia like Morgan and Taivas. If he did we'll just jog his memories when we see him.”

A gust of wind kicked and subsided. The storm would be on them by nightfall. “We should go and help the others secure the raft; gotta get it done so we can be home before the storm hits.” She pushed off from the tree and started across the bridge. Despite the gathering clouds, the future seemed bright.

Alias put Kitsu's fruit in his pocket and yelled out, “Race ya!”, before following after Hoshi and catching up to her. Their real adventure was just about to begin.

---

While Lucian went to get the raft under shelter, Levi dropped off the bridge, dropping into the shack to get the 550 cord he kept in here. The shack was where most people left their wooden swords, balls, assorted flotation devices, and he even remembered there being a volleyball net in here somewhere. But this shed that Kitsu had built while he was still around was where he, and now Levi, kept some assorted supplies for emergencies. He made his way through to the back of the shed, past the improvised rack where swords were put when they weren't in use, to where he kept what he was looking for.

It wasn't much, just a simple rucksack that had been improvised out of a tarp, a few planks for the frame, and some 550 cord to make the straps and tie everything together, tied shut at the top with yet more 550 cord. He quickly untied the knot with practiced efficiency, pushing aside his spare clothing and first aid kit as he grabbed one of the two bundles of cordage. While he started to tie the bag shut, he was hit with a wave of nostalgia, remembering briefly when Kitsu had helped him to make the rucksack in the first place. "Still not as fast as you were at tying these. You were always the best with knots." He said, despite being alone in the shack. He took one last look around the shack, before getting up and starting outside.

As he opened the door and stepped out, he could clearly see the silhouetted figures of Alias and Hoshi, and noticed something familiar in their hands. A Paopu fruit. He lingered for a moment, and simply watched in silence as the two each took a bite of the star-shaped fruit, before turning back towards the beach with a smile, slightly pumping his fist, despite having nothing to do with that. "Well, would you look at that. Took them long enough, eh Tsu? Looks like you won that bet." He said to the empty air, before he started down the beach.

He and Tsu both had known how the two felt about each other, and he figured Lucian and Morgan did too. As well as anyone with half a brain who'd seen the two together for more than five minutes. Tsu had bet him a hundred munny that those two would share a Paopu fruit before they turned eighteen, something that Levi used to doubt. Even if only because they seemingly refused to be honest with their feelings regarding each other.

"Well, you definitely got the last laugh on that one. I'll give Hoshi the munny I owe you before I go. I'll just tell her I lost a bet, and won't elaborate further. I think it's for the best they don't know I witnessed that."

With that, he quickened his pace down the beach, intending to lash that raft to a rock or sufficiently sturdy tree before it ended up at sea.

---

Out of sight of either Hoshi or Alias as well as Levi, another person waited in silent observation. In the shade of the tree near the secret place, the lone form of a man in a black coat stood unnoticed in the shadows of the gathering dusk. “Too close,” he muttered, grinding a heavy boot into the sand. The dark haired girl had nearly walked in on him scouting the Door that afternoon. Had he not sensed her approach, she’d have seen him; an unacceptable prospect for his mission.

As if nearly being exposed hadn’t been enough of an edge for him to be on, the guy in the brown cloak seemed interested in the Door as well. What was his deal anyways? ‘Black Coat’ tried to wrap his head around it. The cloaked man seemed knowledgeable, almost as much so as the boss. Adding in the Gummi pilot who appeared more alert and aware than the average wayfarer, the situation on the Islands was shaping up to have more pieces than Black Coat cared for. He debated not saying anything to The Boss, but thought better; he could explain a mystery man, a keen-minded traveler, and the amnesiac in his report, as they were well beyond his control.

The girl on the other hand… Something about her struck him as important. He clenched his chest as he watched her and her friend run off. The feeling from that morning struck deep into the pit within him. He had felt it when she wandered into the cave behind him. Now it was somehow even stronger; the core of his body rippled with a heavy pain he couldn’t remember ever feeling before. Was she the reason why he was having such a hard time on these Islands? If so, how? He’d have to figure that out if he saw her again. For the time being, however, he could keep her a secret.

A rumble of thunder on the horizon brought him out of his own head. He looked out across the sea to the rolling blanket of clouds besetting upon the Islands. Almost time. He turned on his heels, opened a portal and was gone.

A distorted mess of sound awoke her. Yet the space she woke into wasn’t her bedroom. She had opened her eyes unto an endless expanse of darkness as deep as the night sky. Though there were no stars to speak of, nor a moon hanging overhead, a source of light bathed the area in which she stood. The faint lighting had a blue tint, as though it were the sun filtering through the surface of the ocean.

Hesitantly, Hoshi took a step forward, feeling for the surface beneath her soles.



Hoshi took a bold step forward. Beneath her feet, a wide, circular, stained-glass floor appeared. A mosaic displayed on the surface, the shapes and colors arranged in the shape of the Island she knew so well. The scene was of a serene and peaceful day, with calm seas and bright skies, and vaguely family forms of kids she had known for years etched upon the sands. The pillar shook, taking her off balance for an instance before she reasserted control.

Three pedestals had risen up from the ground.



Hoshi’s head circled, stopping briefly at each pedestal as she examined the weapons upon them.



Hoshi turned a full circle in the middle of the mosaic as the disembodied voice explained the weapons upon the pedestals. They all had their allure. Hoshi was tempted by each one as she stopped to inspect them. The Sword felt sharp and well-crafted, while being light and balanced to handle. The Staff filled her with a deep sense of latent power beyond that of her body. The Shield was durable and tough, providing a wide area of cover.

But she knew only one could be hers. The decision felt heavy enough to require deliberation. She paced back to the center of the platform. It only took a few minutes, feeling all the while that the owner of the voice was growing impatient with her, but Hoshi soon settled on her choice. It should have taken less thought, but now that she had set her mind on it, she hurried to the Sword. It felt natural, as it should have after training with Tsu’s old weapon; a sword could be used to protect if the wielder chose such. She made a series of cuts and thrusts into the open air to get a feel for the blade; she could imagine that she might yet need to use it while she was there.



Hoshi’s attention came to the Shield and Staff still mounted proudly. She felt what she needed to do, and this time, she was more prepared. Making a beeline to the Shield, picked it up from the Pedestal. Her intentions didn’t intend for her to hide behind anything. Plus, she craved to feel the same kind of power as the staff’s flow through her again… if choosing to give up the Shield meant that could happen some day.



The Shield vanished in a flash of light, not unlike what she had seen from Alias’ hand. The pillar began to shake; the three pedestals sank into the mosaic, the Staff falling with them. The floor of the pillar cracked, fractured, and shattered the artwork into its sharded parts. Hoshi descended into the Abyss, falling through an endless Darkness. An unknown distance down, she passed through a hot veil, and a bright flare of Light replaced the Darkness.

---

The blinding flare and intense heat subsided into a warm glow. Hoshi’s feet landed upon solid ground. The scent of the sea carried on the wind filled her nose. She felt calm and safe for the first time in this ordeal, and dared to open her eyes.

It was a familiar scene: She stood upon the ship deck overlooking the boats on the island. Had she woken from a dream? She looked to the beach to see there were no children playing, despite it being late in the morning; a check of the docks showed no sign of any boats tied off. There didn’t seem to be any hint of anyone on the island. Hoshi turned away to ponder.

With a yelp, she jumped in shock. The deck, which had been empty just a moment ago was now host to familiar faces. In the far corner, leaned against the rocky cliff, was Levi. To her left was Lucian. On her right side was Morgan. Finally, standing like a sentry before the walkway stood Alias.

“Guys? What’s going on?” She asked, noticing that her voice echoed like she was speaking into a cavern. None of her friends responded or moved an inch; none of them seemed to have noticed or acknowledged her in the slightest.

Feeling less calm, Hoshi crossed to talk to Levi first. As though responding to her proximity, he sprung to life. “What do you want most out of life?” He asked.

Weird question much? She eyed Levi curiously. “To be the best version of myself,” she blurted without a second’s hesitation. Moved by a deep instinct she couldn’t comprehend, she circled to Lucien.

“What do you fear most?” He too, filled with vitality when Hoshi stood in front of him. Another weird question. “Being indecisive.” She answered just as quickly as before. Lucian fell still once more.

Knowing what to do, Hoshi walked towards Morgan next. “What’s most important to you?”

“The people I fight for.” She answered Morgan more quickly, and more bravely than the other two.

There was only one more person to see…

She stepped in front of Alias. But he didn’t move or speak. There was a split second of tension before the ground beneath her feet opened back into the dark chasm.

---

She fell some distance before landing on another mosaic. This one was of the night sky. Pearl white stars glistened in a field of black and dark blues. At the center was a shadowy moon, dull and nearly unseen amid the stars.



Dark masses emerged from the moon… small creatures, black as the sky on the mosaic, with yellow eyes that pierced through the shadows. The Sword manifested into her hand in time for her to cut down one of the Shadows as it lurched in her direction. The other Shadows commenced, and Hoshi fought through the attack, winded but mostly unharmed.

The moon beneath her feet lit up to fullness, and enveloped her in another blinding light.

---

Hoshi was standing in front of Alias again. She opened her mouth, but caught herself when he turned and left down the walkway. She gave chase, trying to cut in front of him, to look back into her eyes. But despite his slow pace, she seemed to trail behind him, even if she ran as fast she could. She tried to call for him, but he was oblivious to her cries and pleas.

Finally, Alias stopped. Hoshi skidded to a halt herself and looked around. They were standing in front of the Paopu tree. She stared at Alias, and saw he looked different. She had barely noticed as she followed him, but he was alight with a strange aura. A clear rim of purple light that faded to a bold, black outline of her friend spread to an inch or two off the surface of his skin.

He turned. In his outreached hand, he offered a Paopu fruit. Hoshi reached back, taking hold of the fruit in a less hesitant replay of their shared moment. His aura burst into a fiery torrent of purple and black. The flame spread down his arm, covering her as well. Hoshi looked away, writhing against a searing pain in her Heart. She wished she hadn’t; on the ground, she saw his shadow overtake and engulf her own. The joined mass, centered around Alias, and enveloped him into a black mass.

Darkness swallowed her, and released her back onto another mosaic. This one was of her and Alias, dueling at sunrise, with Kitsu watching them like a master observing his pupils. From Alias’ tiles rose a tall, massive Shadow with a heart-shaped hole in the middle of its chest.

It raises its fist.

Hoshi raised her Sword.

The hulking arm thrust the fist towards her…

---

Darkness falls across the land. The midnight hour is close at hand. The heartless roam in search of hearts to snuff out the light in your neighborhood. The storm that everyone prepared for wasn't your typical storm. A familiar sense of dread would wash over the off-worlders who have taken up residence or found themselves temporarily on the world of water and sand. Even those plagued with amnesia of their time before this world would feel as if its time was short.

Their instincts would soon be proven true as a large black and purple orb appeared in the sky above the island that provided a home for several young adventurers. As if the orb was searching specifically for them it hovered over the short beach cliff and Paopu Fruit Tree that they spent most of their time. The orb released an army of small shadow heartless to seek out Hearts and the Children of Light.

The Heartless didn't have to search long for one of their targets. Alias, unable to sleep in bed, decided to spend the night under the stars. At least until it started raining, but strangely the rain didn't seem to come. He was lying back on the Paopu bench looking at the distant stars. He wondered how many of them were connected to other worlds. He wondered how many of them were actually other worlds. This is why he couldn't sleep. His mind was racing with excitement and questions. From learning all that they did today to sharing a Paopu fruit with Hoshi. Nothing could ruin this day. He felt a strange feeling in his heart as he thought that. Like something was going to happen to ruin this day.

As if he were cursed a giant orb of dark energy appeared in the sky above him. Alias slid down from the tree bench and stood up to look up at the orb. "What is that?" Soon after he asked the orb dropped what he thought was rain, but as the droplets hit the ground he realized they were much larger and darker than raindrops. The droplets formed into small shadowy creatures. "What the---?" He was cut off by one of the creatures lunging towards him. He barely dodged out of the way and pulled his wooden sword from his waistband. He charged at the creature and swung straight through it. He didn't have time to be confused for long as the creature was back on the attack. Alias jumped back to catch some distance, but found himself surrounded instead. "Dammit."

"You can't fight them like this." A voice echoed from his heart. It sounded like the one from before. Now wasn't the time for him to be hearing things. "You're not hearing things. I'm sorry I was too late. You have to remember. That feeling. That light."

Alias didn't know what this voice was talking about. What feeling? What light? He didn't have time for stupid riddles. For all he knew his friends were in trouble. Hoshi could be in danger. "YOU'RE IN MY WAY!!!" Feeling a strong desire to protect his family triggered a temporary awakening inside of him. His wooden sword transformed into a real one with a black double-jagged blade and what appeared to be blue piano keys. The Heartless stepped back at the sight, but it was too late. On pure instinct and help from the voice inside his heart he called down the lightning from the dark storm to strike them all. The lightning evaporated the shadows and Alias fell over, sticking the blade in the ground to hold him up. "Was that magic? And what is this sword?" As if the universe refused to give him any answers the sword disappeared in a flash of light returning to his wooden one. He felt less drained at least, but now he couldn't hear the voice in his heart.

Alias stood up, feeling his energy return, and started running to find the others. "Hoshi! Lucian! Levi! Morgan! Where are you!?"

Zac was laying on the wing of his ship, arms crossed behind his head as he watched the sky darken. The feeling of dread remained ever-present, similar to how it was the night he lost everything. As the thunder rumbled and the wind picked up, he suddenly found himself thinking back to the not-quite-dream he had just hours before Darkness descended three years ago.

---

He had awoken to find himself in the midst of a void, an aquamarine light from above being the only visible source of light, as if he were deep underwater. Despite the strange surroundings, he couldn't bring himself to be scared, more curious than anything. As he took a step forward, light suddenly washed over him from beneath, spreading out into a large circle before it faded to reveal a beautiful mosaic of stained glass. The scene beneath him was one that was all-too-familiar: deep blues, blacks, and points of yellow and white came together to form the skyline of the city he was born and raised in, one he loved with all his heart. The ground rumbled as three pedestals rose from the ground, each bearing a different weapon: a sword, a shield, and a scepter. As he approached each one, a disembodied voice echoed in his head:

[The Power of the Warrior. Invincible Courage. A Sword of Terrible Destruction.]
[The Power of the Mystic. Inner Strength. A Staff of Wonder and Ruin.]
[The Power of the Guardian. Kindness to Aid Friends. A Shield to Repel All.]

Zac stared at the three weapons for what felt like a long time. Somehow, his heart knew that he not only had to choose one, but which one he was going to choose. He reached out and took hold of the sword. The pedestal it sat on disappeared as the voice echoed again:

[You have chosen the power of the Warrior. Now, you must choose that which must be lost.]

He glanced between the shield and the scepter, then down at the sword in his hand. 'Wonder and ruin' sounded cool, but he thought back to something his father had told him, that he was strong so he could protect others. With those words in mind, he decided to give up the scepter. As it vanished, the voice spoke again:

[You have chosen the power of the Warrior. You have given up the power of the Mystic. The shape of your Heart is set.]

As the pedestals sank back into the mosaic, he turned and found himself face-to-face with three shadowy creatures as they rose from the ground. He took hold of his sword and stepped toward them. However, as his foot came down, he suddenly fell forward as he stepped into shadow. The world went dark and he lost consciousness for what felt like only a moment. When he reopened his eyes, he found himself standing on the rooftop of his father's garage, the same place he would go to whenever he needed to think. The city stretched out before him on all sides, lights shining brightly to keep the dark of the night at bay while the sky stretched out in an endless sea of stars.

He turned and suddenly found that he wasn't alone. Leaning against the door to the stairwell down was his father, a tall, well-built man with salt-and-pepper hair and a matching beard, the same easy smile as Zac's on his face. To the north, standing against the railing, was his mother, a young woman with auburn hair and glittering blue eyes. And to the south, a girl his age. She had short, wild-looking red hair, forest-green eyes. She wore a white t-shirt underneath an open light blue-and-white checkered open button-up and distressed jeans. The strange part, however, was that Zac didn't recognize her, yet he felt a powerful connection to her. Deciding to leave that mystery for later, he turned to his father and approached. Before he could say anything, his father spoke up, saying in his deep, rumbling voice, "What do you want out of life, son?"

The question confused Zac, yet the answer was leaving his mouth before he could even really think about it. "I wanna see new sights. To experience everything I can." His father smiled, as if satisfied by this answer, then closed his eyes. Sensing he wouldn't get anything else out of his father, Zac moved to his mother. Like before, she spoke up before Zac and asked, "What do you hold most important?"

Like before, Zac didn't hesitate in answering, "My friends and family. Mom, what's going on?" His mother didn't reply, however, wearing the same satisfied smile his father had. He waited a moment longer before he moved onto the girl, who stood there with her arms crossed and a confident grin on her face. When he approached, she asked, "What are you so afraid of?"

"Losing--" you. he nearly said, only managing to stop himself through sheer force of will. He didn't know her. He had never even seen her around town, yet he could already tell that she was one of the most important people in his life. Yet it still seemed strange to him to flat-out admit that, even if this were a dream. When he opened his mouth again, he managed to say, "Losing...the ones I love." She arched an eyebrow at this, but smiled nonetheless. Once again, the world went dark.

When he reopened his eyes, he was standing on another stained glass moasaic. This time, the subject was himself, his eyes closed as if in slumber. In his hand, he held a strange, key-shaped sword and the background was of that same skyline, yet there were also images accompanying it. Three people were featured: his parents and that same girl. Before he could wonder about it, he heard the disembodied voice from before:

[The Darkness within is just as dangerous as the Darkness without.] He looked behind him and saw a hand slowly reach up out of his shadow, followed by another. [But, fear not.] A shadowy replica of Zac with yellow, glowing discs for eyes began to pull itself out of his shadow. [No matter how deep, how all-consuming it may seem...] The shadow version of himself reached out and a corrupted version of the sword in the mosaic appeared. Just as Zac began to wonder how he was going to fight or get away, the sword from earlier reappeared in his hand in a blinding flash of light. He looked from his weapon to the dark version of himself, then gripped his sword tightly.

[A strong Heart will always prevail over the dark.]

With a yell, Zac charged as his dark copy rushed towards him. The last thing he remembered was the sound of their weapons clashing.

---

Zac slowly opened his eyes and saw the massive sphere of darkness hanging over the island. He sat up and narrowed his eyes as he said, "I thought so. That explains this dread in the pit of my stomach." Despite having an answer to that, however, a new worry settled over him. It's happening too fast, though. Every other world I visited, I got there early enough to do something about it, but I haven't seen a single Heartless since I got here. It's just like what happened with my world... His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Heartless appearing in the sand beneath him, surrounding his ship. The small, impish creatures made him chuckle. "Really? Shadows? Come on, you're underestimating me so much that I actually feel offended!"

The moment he dropped down from his ship, one of the Heartless lunged at him, yet he easily caught it by the face before he slammed it into the sand, making the ground around him rumble slightly. He had always been strong, but over the years since awakening his power, it seemed he had only grown stronger. As he straightened up, the shadow he slammed to the ground dispersing, sand and stone began to swirl around his hand before it condensed. Light flashed from the earthen mass in his hand before fading away to reveal his weapon. It was long, the wide bronze blade alone being roughly four feet, with a single, sharp leading edge while the reverse side had an almost jagged look, giving it the appearance of a modern pin-and-tumbler key. The grip was enclosed in a full, circular guard, silver in color, and a bronze-and-silver fleur-de-lis dangled from a thin chain attached to the end.

As Heartless swarmed around him, Zac took a deep breath, centering himself as a faint, orange glow enveloped his body. He hefted his weapon, his Keyblade, over his shoulder, as if he were up to bat in a baseball game, then swung with all his might. While his Keyblade didn't make contact with anything, the earth rumbled before stone spikes suddenly erupted in an arch in front of him, Shadows fading as they were impaled by the spikes. Another Shadow leapt at him before he could recover from the swing, but he was ready for it. Instead of trying to stop, he used his momentum to spin in a full circle before he brought his Keyblade down on the Shadow from above, cutting through the Heartless and shaking the ground as his Keyblade slammed into it. He cracked his neck as he pulled his Keyblade from the ground and rested it on his shoulder. "I've gotta wait for some passengers," he said to the Heartless. With a grin, he added, "Feel free to keep me entertained until then."

Morgan had run from the group, hoping she had done a well enough job at hiding the fact she was in a panic. She couldn't understand why she felt like this, buts he did. Friends, family? These things were completely foreign to her. She couldn't remember her past, but she remembered that friendships were rare... and family, the very idea of it hurt her. And the voice in her head, the thought that she didn't deserve those things...

As she ran, the thunder drew closer, and her panic set in deeper. This felt familiar, and it was making her head ache. She needed to get away, from everyone, to go somewhere and hide so she could calm down. There was only one place like that really, it was the cave with the natural spring in it. It was where all the kids on the island got their drinking water from. It wasn't a secret, and at this point, she had gone there to hide from her own thoughts so many times that it was likely just about anyone knew to search for her there. But it was a place of comfort.

And yet, as she reached the entrance, darkness began to rain from the sky, and droplets of shadow fell into the sand at the cave's entrance, rising up into small creatures.

Morgan stopped running, and started to back away from the things, only to realize more were rising up behind her, and everywhere. She started to panic even more, her vision blurring, and as they lunged at her from all sides, her vision, her mind, everything, was consumed by an all devouring blackness. All that was left, was a chilling wind, followed by a burning heat, and that voice again, both her own, and not her own.

And the whole island was rocked with a boom that shook the sand all the way to the ship.

"Begone from my sight..."

---

Morgan was half unconscious by the cave spring, lying on her back against some stones. The area was covered in still burning singe marks, and pillars of ice alike. She couldn't move her body, and with what little she could see from opening her eyes, those creatures were still there. So many of them... like an ocean of darkness, but they had formed a semi circle around her, from wall to wall, as if keeping an exact distance from her. Maybe they were afraid of, whatever she had done. Or perhaps she had erected a magical barrier without remembering how? Not like she remembered how to use ice magic either yet she had done that earlier, and it would seem, again.

Worse yet, she once again couldn't even remember what happened, her last memories of running to the cave, only to find herself already here. At least she felt more calm... actually, too calm, as she started to lose consciousness again.

Ahead of her, right in front of the Heartless line, was an incredible large staff tipped with a spear stuck straight into the stone, taller than Morgan herself.

"ALIAS!"

Hoshi was as wide awake as she had ever been. She had flown straight from her back onto her feet, bed covers falling to the floor. She rushed to her window, out of which the dark skies were made darker by the thick storm clouds. Even in her panicked state she could feel it was no normal storm. Tripping as she untangled her feet, she looked out towards the other island, over which a massive purple and black orb loomed low in the sky like an ominous moon. The colors shifted and pulsated within the orb, though it never strayed from its form. Something about it felt familiar; Hoshi knew in her Heart it was a bad omen.

She scrambled, getting herself dressed and equipped to weather the storm. As she sprinted from her room she picked up Tsu's old sword, straplping it to her waist as she bowled her way through her front door and down the path to the shore. Blurred faces of others awoken and rattled by the events emerged and faded from her periphery. A few called to her, or commented. 'Hoshi! Come back' and 'She isn't really going towards that thing' followed her in several wordings, only grazing her ears, left ignored by her stubborn charge to the boat.

She launched from the dock in a hurry, leaping into her boat with a splash. She cut the rope tying it to the docks; she'd find another length later if she needed one. She proceeded to row faster and harder than she thought was possible. When she reached the other island, she ran it ashore, burying the bow into the sand and jumping out as quickly as she had gotten in. Kicking sea and sand, she ran up the beach as a large wave hit the shore.

A flash of light caught the corner of her eye, prompting her to turn to the Paopu tree. Through the dimming light, she could make out the outline of Alias against the dark backdrop. "Alias..." In the waning light she thought she had seen the faintest of purple outlining his body. She shook her head in disbelief.

Hoshi's next step was slow and reserved. On cue, as soon as her foot fell, the ground was filled with black shapes that stood out even against the dark of the night. Ink-like spots charged and circled her like a pack hunting beasts. When they made their next move, multiple pairs of piercing yellow eyes became visible. The spots rose from the ground in the form of doggish monsters, each bearing their claws. Hoshi steadied herself, drawing the sword from her hip.

One of the Shadows leapt at her. She gave the sword her mightiest of swings... but nothing happened. The wooden blade bounced harmlessly off of the monster, only succeeding in pushing it back a short distance. No good. Hoshi took a handful of follow up cuts, none of which did sufficient harm to the creatures. How can I fight these things? She could see Alias running in her direction. I NEED to fight them off!

The Shadows, in predetory coordination, rushed her all at once. Their thick, dark mass weighed Hoshi to the ground. Despair, anger, despuration, and anguish raged in her Heart.



A Light errupted around Hoshi. The Shadows that had piled upon her were burned away and reduced to smoke that dispered into the wind. She stood in the middle of their remains. A glow of soft white gathered around her, but faded as the immediate danger was cast to the air. In her hand, the wooden sword of her brother was no longer what occupied her hand. In its place was someting like a sword. A night blue blade adorned with a pattern of stars glowing against it, and a golden hilt and handgaurds. At the end of the blade were teeth, giving a look similar to a key.



"Keyblade..."

Another pack of Shadows converged upon her. She readied herself again, now with renewed vigor. She brough the Keyblade before her. A flow of unknown energy coursed through her body; her muscles flexed. The Shadows attacked, one lurching forward. But Hoshi moved with yet unseen speed and grace, evading the claws, striking through the Shadow with the Keyblade. The sequence flowed like a dance... two Shadows jumped, knocking into each other as Hoshi rolled out of the way, spun around and cut both down in a single swing. With just enough time, she blocked and parried a fourth with a pointed thrust.

As the fourth Shadow vanished to the power of the Keyblade, Hoshi's rush of energy quelled. It was like coming down from an adrenaline high. She felt sluggish by comparison. She didn't react time as a fifth Shadow snuck behind her and mounted a vengeful strike...

---

Lucian tossed and turned in his bed all night. He couldn’t explain what it was, but a strange sense of dread kept him from sleeping. He sat up, and walked towards the window. There was a storm going on outside, but this was obviously no ordinary storm. He could see flashes of purple and black lightning illuminating the night sky, and in the distance, a dark orb hovered over the Paopu Fruit Tree they had all just been under.

His eyes went wide, and Lucian immediately threw on his shoes, and sprinted out the door without a second thought. As he ran towards the beach, a cluster of small, black creatures slithered out of the darkness, their glowing yellow eyes piercing through the shadows. The same creatures he’d seen in his dream, only now they were very real.

Immediately, the heartless turned their attention towards Lucian. Their clawed hands reaching for his heart, instinct kicked in. He grabbed a branch lying nearby, holding it like a makeshift sword. “Stay back!” he shouted, swinging wildly as the first Heartless lunged at him. The branch passed through the creature harmlessly, and it retaliated with a swipe that sent him stumbling backward.

Panic rose in his chest. The branch isn’t enough. “I can’t fight them like this!” He swung again, trying to keep them at bay, but the Heartless kept coming, surrounding him.

Then, deep within his heart, he felt it—a familiar warmth, the same feeling he’d experienced in his dream. A voice echoed in his mind, calm and steady. “The light is within you. Call to it. Trust in your heart.”

Lucian closed his eyes, clutching the branch tightly as the Heartless closed in. He focused on the feeling, the light he could feel deep inside, and the desire to protect his friends. He wasn’t going to let the darkness win—not here, not now.

A brilliant light erupted from his hands, forcing the Heartless to recoil. When he opened his eyes, the branch was gone, replaced by a shimmering weapon Lucian had never seen before. Its intricate gold and blue design shined even in the darkness of the storm, and Lucian felt stronger holding it.

The Heartless hesitated for a moment, as if recognizing the weapon, but Lucian didn’t wait. He charged forward, swinging the Keyblade with newfound confidence. Each strike landed with precision, and the Heartless dissolved into wisps of shadowy mist.

When the last of the creatures faded, Lucian lowered the Keyblade, his chest heaving. “It’s real,” he murmured, staring at the weapon in his hands. “The dream… it’s all real.” He was filled with a new resolve.

"Hoshi! Lucian! Levi! Morgan! Where are you!?" He heard Alias’ voice shout.

Lucian ran in that direction. “Hold on, I’m coming!”

Levi hadn't gone to bed yet, he was just finishing with packing his bag and stepped out of the shower into the empty house, due to his parents being out celebrating an anniversary, when the deafening BOOM echoed through the air. "What's going on now? Demons with glowing eyes falling from the sky?" He asked to the empty air sarcastically. He stood up from where he was seated and looked outside to see absolute pandemonium, people panicking as dark figures with glowing eyes did indeed start coming from the sky. "I don't know whether to blame myself for that one, or pat myself on the back for calling it..." He stated dryly, before remembering that his friends weren't the type to look a monster in the eyes and run the other way. He took a moment to change into something that wasn't a tank top and shorts, put on his shoes, fastened on his cassette player, and grabbed the first weapon he could find. If he knew his friends, they weren't just going to stand idly by. Which meant he had some butts to pull out of the fire.

As he left the house, he ran down the street, towards the beach. Between the shed where they met in case of emergencies, the raft, and the ship, it was probably the best chance that at least someone ended up running down there. While running by the docks in the town proper, he saw rowboats being capsized by dozens of these... things... jumping onto the sides and flipping the boats, taking whatever poor fool was trying to escape that way with them. A part of him desperately wanted to help, but it was silenced by his pragmatism. There were dozens of them, with their numbers growing by the second. He'd just be another person in need of saving if he tried that. Besides, he had his priorities. He had to make sure the others got out of this. He could worry about the bystanders once the people he was responsible for were accounted for.

---

Plink!

The sound behind Hoshi was distinct, like a baseball getting struck with a metal bat. Behind her, Levi was holding an aluminum baseball bat, having just hit this... whatever it was... flying back a good several yards. The creature just shuddered and turned to face them though, unbothered by the impact. They weren't bothered by his bat much, or by getting thrown into things for that matter, but at least they weren't too heavy, so they were easy enough to launch. A second dove at him, which he caught by holding his forearm straight out, and was rewarded by having it rake it's claws across his face before he tossed it away, leaving several bleeding red lines down his cheek and the side of his face that he didn't acknowledge.

Across his face wasn't rage, fear or pain, but absolute focus. He looked back at Hoshi, and spoke with that commanding tone he had only ever used outside of threatening people a handful of times. "You shouldn't have run off alone. We need to stick together, that's how we'll make it out." He stated with a serious and completely unbothered tone. He quickly stepped beside her, ready to assist, or fall in as needed. "We need to get up the beach. That's probably where the others are headed. Are you good to run, or do you need a lift?" He said, before an upwards swing caught the one he had initially struck, sending it away yet again with another loud Plink!

Hoshi was gathering herself when heard the scuffling of small feet dashing across the coarse grains behind her. She whipped herself around, but it was too late. The Shadow had already pounced. She pulled up the Keyblade to guard the omcoming assualt, but the claws never reached her. Inches from slashing her face, the thing was knocked far to the side. A whiff of air hit Hoahi's face. She backed up a step as the aluminum bat followed through after the Shadow.

She looked up at Levi, somewhat dumbfounded as she watched him wrestle the beasts with his bare hands. It wasn't until he lobbed one off of his arm that Hoshi remembered they were in the middle of a crisis. She took her new weapon and struck down the Shadow that had bloodied up Levi's arm. She heard him scold her for running off on her own and turned, giving him her own stern look.

"I know that! That's why I came here! I... I felt that the others were over here, or that they would be...

She stopped to dispatch the twice-batted Shadow. "The Door!" She looked at Levi; tears were starting to well up under her eyes. "The Door is open! It's just like that guy said. We have to stop it, or try to at least!" She spun around and ran for it, vaulting up over the short ledge as she moved towards the secret place. Her pace increased. She didn't pause to dwell on the fact that a set of pearl-white double doors had spontaneously appeared in front of the entrance. She burst through the doors, which opened into the tunnel.

Her attention landed not on the old wooden Door though. Between her and the weather piece of wood was a figure huddled upon the ground.

"Morgan!" she hurried to Morgan's side. She didn't touch her, recalling the incident with Alias. "Morgan, it's me, Hoshi. If you can hear me, we need you to get up... Levi! If you're in here I need a hand!"

Lucian sprinted through the storm ravaged beach, his heart racing as he looked around for any sign of his friends. The dark orb above the Paopu Fruit Tree was still glowing, and Heartless seemed to materialize from the ground everywhere. He gritted his teeth, gripping his newly summoned Keyblade tightly.

“Alias!” he shouted over the howling wind. “Hoshi! Levi! Morgan!”

Alias thought he heard Lucian's voice before, but now he knew for sure. He seemed to be close. He continued to run in his direction. He maneuvered through the area as if it was just a normal night, his instincts guiding him through. He smiled in relief when he finally caught up with his friend. His eyes widened when he saw the key sword in his hand. It was different from the one he used earlier, but it was clear to him that it was meant to be the same kind of weapon. Just what were these keyblades and why couldn't they use them before?

“I'm glad you're okay. Have you seen the others?” Alias asked, putting his wooden sword back in his waistband realizing it was ultimately useless and Lucian's sword was the best bet they had. “Cool key sword thing. I had one earlier, but I haven't been able to bring it out since.”

Lucian breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness you’re ok! I haven’t seen the others…” He bit his bottom lip, and gripped the handle of his keyblade tighter. Lucian’s grip tightened on his own Keyblade. “I had a dream earlier, and those shadowy things were in them. A voice kept talking about light and… and my heart… Now this key sword thing… suddenly appeared when I needed it most. I don’t know what’s going on, but I feel like all of these things are connected… Wait a minute, you had one too?”

A dream with those shadow creatures? Did Lucian have some kind of vision of what was going to happen? And then he heard a voice as well. Today was officially the strangest day of their lives. Alias just hoped it wouldn't be the last. “Yeah… Like you I heard a voice, but I didn't have any strange dreams. I was frustrated and angry earlier when it appeared. But now it's gone. We can learn more about the key sword later. We need to find Hoshi and the others.”

Alias turned to face the trees that separated the beach from the town. They had to be out there somewhere. He noticed a dark puddle in front of him and stepped back, remembering his earlier encounter. The puddle began to rise and form into one of those small monsters and lunged forward scratching his cheek and leaving a three-clawed mark. He winced as he jumped back. “Ow… That hurt. Don't let them touch you!” He tried to call out his key sword again, but nothing happened. Nothing at first at least. When the Shadow creature lunged at him again Alias lifted his arms to block, but felt something familiar in his hand when he did. He parried the slash and noticed he was holding a key sword again, but it was Lucian's instead!? Without thinking Alias swept the sword across to cut the shadow creature in half before looking to Lucian and seeing that his sword really was gone and now in his own hand. And that was a problem. Another shadow creature formed and tried to attack the defenseless Prince. Alias threw the key sword at Lucian and yelled, “Behind you!”

Lucian didn’t have time to question how his Keyblade ended up in Alias’ hands. Without thinking, he reached out and caught it just in time for the creatures to come closer. He felt a surge of cold energy rush through him, and he swung the Keyblade in a wide arc.

“Freeze!” Lucian shouted instinctively before he could register what he was doing.

A burst of crystalline frost shot from the Keyblade, enveloping the creatures mid strike. The creature froze instantly, trapped in a jagged sculpture of ice that sparkled faintly.

Lucian looked at his hands, then back up at the frozen creature in front of him. He had witnessed Morgan do something like this earlier, and now here he was doing the same thing. “Magic…”
He threw the keyblade back to Alias. “You’re gonna need to borrow this. Can’t have you being defenseless.” He said with a chuckle.

Alias caught the keyblade and looked at it once more before turning to Lucian and his new ice sculpture creation. “Thanks.” He responded with a nervous chuckle, but he was more focused on what just happened. These weapons were strange and capable of so much. From calling down lightning to freezing and slashing opponents. Just what else are they capable of?
The two continued to run in search of the others, being encountered by shadow creatures trying to steal their hearts and the hearts of the islanders. Alias couldn't just stand by and watch people get attacked. People who were trying to escape on boats were being sunk by the mass of shadows trying to reach them.

Alias yelled out, “LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!”, throwing the Keyblade like a boomerang slicing through a few shadow creatures before turning back around and returning to Lucian's hand so he could finish off the rest.

Lucian barely had time to process what was happening as the Keyblade returned to his hands. He slashed through the remaining creatures, the light from his blade dissolving them into nothingness. People were desperately trying to flee, their cries blending with the howling wind and the ominous rumble of the storm. Lucian gritted his teeth, gripping the Keyblade tightly.

“We can’t let them destroy everything,” he said to Alias. “We have to protect as many people as we can.”
He sprinted towards the next cluster of shadow creatures. He struck them with his keyblade, and froze others with his newfound ice magic. As he pushed forward, something caught his eye. A familiar pair of figures among the fleeing crowd. His eyes went wide when he realized who they were.

“Mom? Dad?” he called out.

Prince Charming and Cinderella looked to see their son. A mixture of worry and relief on their faces. “Lucian!” his mother cried as she ran over to hug him. “You’re safe! Thank goodness!” Her eyes were on the Keyblade in Lucian’s hands. She knew very well what that meant… “That weapon… it’s more than it seems. Lucian, you’ve been chosen for something far greater than you realize…”

His father steps forward, and puts his hand on Lucian’s shoulder. “You’re… more than you know. More than we’ve ever told you.”

Lucian looks at her, confused but listening intently. “What do you mean?”

“You’re not just our son, Lucian. You’re a prince. A prince of something far greater than this world.”

Lucian’s eyes widened, the Keyblade still glowing faintly in his hand. “A prince? Of what? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

Cinderella’s expression softens, a mixture of love and sadness in her eyes. “We wanted to protect you. We thought this island would be far enough, safe enough… but it seems that no matter how far we run, the light in you can’t be hidden.”

Prince Charming looks at Lucian with a serious expression. “Your heart, Lucian—it’s special. You have to protect it, no matter what. The light within you is stronger than you realize, but it also makes you a target.”

Lucian grips the Keyblade tighter, his mind racing. “This… this is why these things are here, isn’t it? Because of me?”

“No!” Cinderella says firmly, her hands reaching for his. “This is not your fault. The darkness seeks to destroy the light, and you’re just one part of this battle. But Lucian, your heart is pure. Never let the darkness take that from you.”

Prince Charming nods. “You don’t need to understand everything now, but trust your instincts, and trust your heart. It will guide you.”

Lucian stares at them both, overwhelmed but determined. “I don’t know what’s happening, but I’ll fight. I’ll protect you—and everyone else.”

Cinderella leans forward, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. “We know you will, my brave prince.”

Prince Charming clasps Lucian’s shoulder firmly. “Now go. Find your friends. We’ll be okay. But remember, Lucian—always hold onto your light.”

Alias watched and listened to Lucian's conversation with his parents closely. He hoped his dad was okay. Knowing him he was probably making sure others were safe. He was surprised to find out his friend was a prince the entire time, but what interested him more was this talk of hearts. That seemed to be the word of the day today. From Zac to their conversation at the Paopu Fruit Tree, the voice he kept hearing, and now this. Were hearts truly more special than they realized?

Once the conversation ended the two continued on their path eventually reaching the cave where their friends were. “Hoshi! Levi! Morgan! I'm with Lucian, are you guys okay!?” Alias called out. When he got closer he noticed a strange white door in front of the cave. It was open. Maybe their friends were inside. He didn't think those creatures would or could open doors.

Zac continued to fend off the Heartless, wave after wave while he waited for his passengers. One of them, Taivas, had already arrived, apparently having not been too far to begin with. While he could fight Shadows all day long, he knew it was only a matter of time before their sheer numbers would overwhelm him. The longer he fought, the more he started to wonder if staying in one spot was a good idea. If he got in the ship and brought it around to the other side of the island, then he would not only be able to provide air support, but it would be a lot faster than waiting for his other passenger. "Hey, Taivas, that's your name, right?" he called out. "Get in the ship! I'm gonna bring it around to the other side of the island!"

He continued to fight off the Heartless until Taivas was safely inside the ship, then followed him in, clearing the space with a single leap. He took his seat in the pilot's chair and closed the canopy just as Shadows began to swarm the ship. Ignoring the thumping from the Heartless trying to get in, Zac flipped several switches, pressed a couple of buttons, and the ship shuddered to life before lurching up into the air. "Hold on tight!" he warned his passenger before putting the ship into a spin, flinging off the shadows still clinging to the outside. He flew the ship over the cliff before hovering it just over the water on the other side, turning as he did to face the island. Seeing the beach turned black by the swarm of Heartless, closing in on a couple of people, while the parts of the beach that he could actually see appeared to be the aftermath of a magical bomb going off, he let out a low whistle. He pressed another button and panels on the wings popped up, revealing a pair of automatic cannons. "Let's soften them up a bit, shall we?" he suggested as he pulled down his goggles.

The guns came to life as he pressed down on a pair of buttons on the yoke, firing rounds into the Heartless, careful not to hit the two near the waterfall. Once the swarm was cleared enough, he brought the ship closer to the ground and set it to hover. "Stay put. I'll grab our other passenger and we'll get out of here," he said, an sour taste in his mouth at the thought of having to leave the rest behind. He knew he had no choice, that his ship only had the capacity it did, but he still felt rotten about it. I'm gonna have to get a bigger ship at some point, he thought as he opened up the canopy and jumped out, landing in the sand between the two, Alias and a guy he recognized but hadn't had the chance to speak with, and the horde. He regarded the keyblade in the hands of the blonde guy and said, "Huh. Guess I'm not the only one, anymore."

As he turned to face the swarm, he summoned his own keyblade and swung it through the air. Stone spikes shot up from the ground, following the arc of his weapon as he called back, "I'm guessing your friends are in there? I'll hold these things back, so run in and grab them. We'll sort out who gets the last seat afterwards!"

Levi was a little bit behind Hoshi, as while she could just vault the small ledge with ease, he wasn't as nimble and it took him a few moments longer to clear the obstacle. He took a fraction of a second to recognize the faint crunching noise under his feet that vaguely resembled broken glass, before rounding a corner to see the Secret Place, and Hoshi next to Morgan. He also realized the crunching sound was glass, as small pieces of sand across the beach now gleamed slightly in the faint moonlight as something had superheated the sand here. He could question that later, though.

Quickly, and for the second time today, Levi rushed to Morgan's side, taking a moment to place two fingers to the side of her neck. "She's not dead. Looks to me like she just passed out again, lucky those things haven't swarmed her yet." He then looked up, at the growing army of dark creatures. "But we can't stay here. I don't know what you meant about the door Hoshi, but unless you're ready to fight those... things." He gestured towards the accumulating shadowy creatures. "Then we need to find the others, and find a way out." With that, he set the bat down and grabbed Morgan's arm, starting to pull her up into a fireman's carry, either not remembering or caring about what she had done instinctively to Alias earlier that morning.

@Daxam

Taivas

Taivas sat inside a cave in a cove on the island. He watched the ocean's waves in the afternoon and evening, wondering if he would ever get off the island. He hoped that Zac could fix his ship so he could leave this rock quickly. His thoughts soon moved towards the people in the picture. Tavias felt he knew them but couldn’t remember their relationship. Were they friends? Colleagues? He wasn’t sure how he knew them, but perhaps someone did know where to find them. Soon enough, it was nighttime, and he felt pretty tired. He shut his eyes and tried to dream. He was in some strange place with a mosaic on the ground. Three weapons were on a pedestal around the area, and a large wooden door was in the middle. Hearing a voice speaking to him. “Choose your weapon of choice.” Picking the sword above one of the pedestals.

“You choose the power of the warrior.” The voice said, and the door opened by itself. As Taivas approached the door, he noticed nothing but pure darkness. Going through the door, he felt himself floating with nothing in sight. Eventually, he floated on top of a floating island. There was no door or anywhere else he could go. Soon enough, he saw a huge figure coming up from below the island. Its whole body was covered in shadow, and its hair was long black tendrils.

The creature started to attack Taivas, who got into a fighting stance. However, before the fight began, he woke up. Standing up, he felt a sense of panic and dread fill his body. His eyes looked up at the orb in the sky. This felt so familiar to him like it had happened before. Again, looking at the orb before his eyes, he noticed the shadows coming towards him. His mind wandered towards Zac’s ship. He would need to move now, or then he would be left behind.

Running toward where Zac was, he was stopped by a group of shadows blocking his way. He didn’t have a weapon to protect himself from these creatures. That was when he heard a voice speaking to him. “Use the darkness in your heart to defend yourself.” And with that, he noticed the strange key-like sword in his hand. It was the same one from the dream before he had woken up on the island.

It felt familiar and quite good in his hand. Smiling at the shadows before quickly cutting them down. Running towards where Zac was. Defeating any of the shadows that had gotten in his way. “GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!” He yelled out, using his sword to attack the shadows. Noticing Zac and the similar sword in his hand. He wondered if they were both chosen to wield this “keyblade.”

“Zac, do you know what's going on?” he yelled, moving closer to him. He looked at him and then at the ship, nodded his head, and entered. He put on his safety belt, watched as the ship took off, and moved around the island, watching him get out to help the inhabitants with the shadows. Part of him wanted to take the driver’s seat and leave them on this rock, but he just stayed in his seat, watching them fight the shadows, trying to get inside the ship.

The staff that was stuck in the ground faded away, as if turning to ash from top to bottom... or well, bottom to top considering the tip was stuck in the stone. The air was still cold, at least a lot colder than it usually was, and even though Morgan's eyes opened when Hoshi called out to her, they didn't look at her. The bright blue of her eyes had completely faded, leaving them a ghostly white. It wasn't as if she was blind, but as if it was someone else's eyes.

Morgan's hand raised up when she heard Levi's voice too, reaching out, only to fall back into place, as she said "I can't... see anything. I can barely move... like, my heart and mind are trying to do different things." Having no memory of the events that lead to her being here, she had to wonder if she had been struck by the creatures, if she was dying. What other thoughts could come to mind? Yet slowly, her vision returned, and a slight bit of color came over her eyes.

However, at the same time that her eyes started to turn blue again, the mass of creatures that were just standing there until this point, surged forward. They didn't attack just yet, only moving a bit closer, like the tide going further up the beach with each wave. It seemed like they were getting a bit... braver? If they were capable of such feelings. In fact, one of them got particularly brave when it leaped from the group, lunging at Hoshi from behind only to have a spike of ice burst forth and impale it, causing it to sizzle away.

The other creatures backed away again, but it was clear that whatever was keeping them back wasn't going to hold them off forever... or much longer all in fact.

Morgan managed to pull herself up with Levi's help, back against the wall. She seemed exhausted, reaching up with one hand to hold her head.

Even as Levi lifted her up, seemingly ready to carry her out if he had to, she struggled a bit. "I can't control anything I do. I don't want to hurt you, any of you, like I did Alias. But next time it might not just be a punch to the stomach. What happens when my magic tries to impale you, or..." She looked over the scorch marks on the walls. "You should just leave me, you can't get away from them dragging me with you. I'm more dangerous to you than they are..."

It was true there was an absolute swarm between them and the exit, which had only let the others enter because they were all too preoccupied with... whatever it was they were doing staring at her. But they seemed a lot less likely to let them go back out.

Just as Morgan was ready to collapse, the cave suddenly shined with a glowing light. From seemingly nowhere, a sword descended, twirling slowly, until it dropped and stabbed into the stone where the staff had been before. A path of light appeared, slicing through the creatures, knocking them into the air, and creating a barrier, a safe path for them to follow out of the cave. In that same moment, Hoshi and Levi would hear a voice from nowhere, a man's voice they didn't recognize, simply saying... "Go... I'll hold them."

They may have been able to see someone there, kneeling, hand on the hilt of the blade. A man with flowing blonde hair, and heavy armor. Not only that, it looked like he had wings of Light, radiating a warmth over them, and completely blocking off the creatures from moving forward, even as they stirred into a frenzy and started to slam into the barrier that had been created. A literal Knight in Shining Armor. But every time they blinked, they were there, then they weren't. But the path was open.

@Little Bird@Bacon