Chapter 4- Solo Voyage

Kairi roamed the streets of the Magic Kingdom. She didn't give up her heart to darkness, and she didn't lose her memories. She simply vowed to the gods that she would not return to Destiny Islands. It was the hardest decision she ever had to make, but she wasn't a kid anymore. She couldn't remain sheltered from life forever. She had to make a difference, she had to show the world that she can do whatever she sets her mind to. Even if that means not spending the rest of her life carefree. She left behind all of the things she loved most. Tidus, Wakka, Selphie, all of the islanders, including her Mom. Her Mom always took good care of her, taking her in as a loving mother when she was lost. Kairi was also leaving behind Destiny itself. The great waters, the cool breeze, the warm golden sun. She was leaving behind the restless nights looking at the brightly glazed moon, wondering when Sora and Riku would come back. She left behind her bedroom with her things of the past. She left behind the Secret Place, with its scribblings and writings on the walls. The love put into all of those silly inscriptions could never be matched, but would always be remembered in her heart. And now this was her journey. As these things crossed her mind, she finally whispered, "This time, I'll fight."

Sora sat still in his chair, listening to Luka drone on about the plans. "Which prisoners does the King want?" he finally asked. "Oh, just some stupid dog, and a duck with a horrible temper to match his attitude." Luka said quickly, wanting to continue. Sora sat up instantly. "It isn't....no....no way." he said. Luka looked at him strangely. "Isn't, what?" he asked. "Their names, they wouldn't happen to be, Donald and Goofy would they?" he asked. Luka rolled his eyes. "Oh you just suck the life out of everything! Why can't I be the one to know things and then tell you! Why must you know everyone and everything in this universe?!" Luka remarked, pacing back and forth quickly. Sora smiled. "Because I'm Sora." he said. Luka looked at him dumbly. "You can't possibly believe that is the reason." he said plainly. Sora shrugged. "Hey it works for me." he replied simply. Luka rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Well, when you take the heartless to raid in on the fighters of Bevelle, I want you to also find your next companion. He has tremendous power over the heartless, and he will help you exceed to higher limits, even higher than Ansem. Your companion in darkness is the almighty Sephiroth. His soul is so dark, that he killed an innocent girl, one of pure light, one that wanted to heal the universe. But, somehow she is back now. Nobody understands why, but she is back. Oh, if I could get my hands on that Aerith, she would be massacred by Sephiroth. But he doesn't want that now... He wants Cloud and Squall. He wants your power over the darkness Sora. But don't worry, after we get what we need from him, Ansem will take care of him. Just as he will take care of that little Kairi." Luka explained. Once again, Sora recognized the name. He knew he had heard it before. But, he didn't know who she was. "Well, as long as I'm gonna be the King, I don't really care who we have to step on to get me there." And so it seems, that Sora has forgotten his shy beloved.....Kairi.

"Well fellas, it's gonna be awhile before the end comes, but until that time, we need to solve this. We need to know why Ansem is back, and we need to find Sora, before it's too late." Mickey explained. Mickey had become determined to find the answers to his questions, to find the portals to the mysterious happenings. He promised Minnie he would come back after things were settled. She and Daisy remained at the castle to wait for them, but one very important person did not stay. He persisted he join his Dad on the dangerous journey. Max was tired of being treated like a kid. He was becoming a man now, and things had drastically changed among the worlds. He sat in silence as Mickey steered the ship down towards a vortex in the darkness. Goofy looked at Max. He too realized that Max had grown up. He knew he couldn't shelter him, and protect him from life. "Maxey, I want you to know I'm very proud of you. It takes bravery to do this, and you are becoming a very extraordinary boy....uhm, gorsh, I mean, man." Goofy said, breaking the silence. Max looked up at him with tired eyes. The restless journey had been continuing on, and no evidence had been found. He spent night after night without sleep, thinking of all the things that were happening. And for the first time in a long time, he smiled. "Really dad?" he asked curiously. Goofy nodded. Donald smiled too, because he knew it was hard for Goofy to accept things the way they were. Donald gave him a small pat on the back. No words were said, but Goofy got the message. "Okay, we're about to enter Twilight Town where we are to meet up with Jim Hawkins. He's the best map navigator around these parts, and he can help us alot. And remember, look out for the cloaked unknowns. We're in disguise to look like them, but sometimes, they can see through us. Also be aware of the non-existent ones. Well, here we go!" Mickey announced. And with that, he flew the ship into the twirling vortex, and they were gone.

Kairi entered the Agrabah Palace. She had to walk through the Magic Kingdom, and go to the only remaining portal that led to Agrabah. She walked down the plush red carpet, and saw the Sultan building a tower with his miniature animal figurines. "Hello there! I was just building my towers here, may I help you?" he asked cheerfully. "I'm here to see Jasmine." she said shyly. The Sultan smiled. "She has waited a very long time for you to show up. You must be Kairi. I'm the Sultan, Jasmine's father. Pleased to meet you." he said, shaking her hand hastily. "Her room is that way." he said, pointing to the corridor in the back. "Follow Rajah, he will take you to her." Rajah approached Kairi, and purred sweetly. He led her down the marble floored corridors, his large claws clicking each time he took a step. He stopped at Jasmine's room. Kairi gently pulled back the satin draperies to reveal the room. The princesses were gathered around, discussing what seemed to be an important matter. The room smelled enchanting, with incense and chamomile floating about. Silence fell over the princesses as Kairi entered the room. "Kairi, it has been so long. We've been waiting." Belle said, coming to greet her. Kairi looked away. "I, apologize. I guess I was afraid of starting my own journey. My last journey was for Riku, and Sora. But now, they have their own destinies before them. And well, I have mine too, and something told me I should be here." she said. "Ariel has come to help, even though she isn't a true princess of heart. Alice has left us." Cinderella announced. "Alice just disappeared. Along with Peter Pan. Turns out they were brother and sister from what they call earth. It's quite strange really. They didn't want to grow up. They longed to stay in this fantasy world. But, Alice and Peter had forgotten. They forgot their world, their parents, everything. And, they decided it was time to move on, and grow up. But, I'm glad they made that decision. The end will come upon us soon, and we must prepare a plan." Jasmine explained. "The end?" Kairi asked. "Yes... it's something nobody wants to face, but we all have to." said a voice coming from the balcony. Kairi glanced to where the voice was coming from. It was so familiar... so reminding. Aerith walked in from the balcony. "Aeris??" Kairi asked in shock. Aerith just smiled sweetly, and nodded her head. Kairi ran to her, and wrapped her arms around her. "Oh Aeris, it's you! It's really you!" Kairi whispered in her ear. "Yes little princess. I've come to aid you on your journey. It will be a long one I assure you." she said. The princesses stared, not knowing what was going on. Aerith looked at them. "You see... I used to baby-sit Kairi when she lived at Hollow Bastion. We all volunteered our time to help King Ansem, even if it meant watching his daughter sometimes. I've known Kairi for quite sometime, and I have always known that she had a special gift. Her sister was plenty jealous of her, so she went off with these three guys from Spira. She got shot, but didn't die thank heavens. But she is still very rebellious. She traveled with Yuna and Rikku I think last spring. But, Kairi showed an amazing talent. She brought out the kid in everyone. Even myself.... and even Cloud." Aerith explained in her gentle, calming voice. Kairi looked at her. "Aeris, I have.... a sister?" she asked suddenly. Aerith looked at her, realizing for the first time that Kairi was too young to remember. "Yes Kairi, you do. Her name is Peinella. But, she preferred everyone call her Paine, for heaven knows why. But, she was not cut out to be an heir of a royal throne. And she knew that, so she went to find herself, start a new journey. Somewhat, like you Kairi." Aerith said. Kairi looked at the ground. "So, can I find her? Can I see her again?" Kairi asked. "Who knows, maybe on your journey you will encounter her. Supposively, she's on the war grounds. She's training the troops of Spira. Bevelle, Zanarkand, and Besaid. And, I think someone said something about Crystasia." Aerith said. "Crystasia? There is such a place?" Kairi asked curiously. "Of course there is! They had a magnificent leader, named Zihloh. But, sadly, he passed away, leaving the throne to a priestess named Keiah." Aerith explained. "Keiah! I know her! She's, still alive?" Kairi asked with amazement. "Of course. Any higher powers in Crystasia are entitled to eternal life if they wish it. Zihloh was tired of wars and famine, he knew there was nothing more he could do but pass on. Keiah luckily had chosen to stay alive to justify the death of a loved one." Aerith said. Kairi shook her head. "All of this information.... Aeris, I must travel as soon as I can. I have so many places I must see. And I have to find Paine." Kairi persisted. Aerith looked at the princesses. "Well Kairi. Your mission is to unlock the stolen hearts of the pure. Rescue the innocent. We all trust that you can help them, and do you job. You no longer have the keyblade, for you are not a keyblade mistress. So, take this, it was from a great warrior in your family. His name was Krafe." Belle said. Snow White went to the chair, and lifted a blade wrapped in silk cloth. Kairi slipped it off to reveal an amazing sword. It was long, and lightweight, but powerful at the same time. The Blade was smooth at some points, but would jag out every so often if you ran your fingers along it. The color was amazing. It was a deep shade of purple, dark and sky blue, and black infused together. It shone like a thousand stars, and glimmered like silver. "Kairi, this is a powerful weapon. But keep tight with it, it is a family heirloom." Cinderella said. "What do I call it?" Kairi asked. "Its original name is Soul Eater. Krafe called it that for some reason. But, you can call it whatever you like." Aerith said. Kairi thought for a moment. "I will call it Kariso. That's the first two initials combined together from Sora's name, Riku's name, and mine. What do you guys think?" she asked. "It's very original and unique. I think it is a fine name." Rose said. "Kairi, please be careful as you set out on your journey. When you learn lessons, and meet new people, don't forget any of it. Please remember you have people here counting on you." Aerith said. "Aeris, I promise to be careful. I'm stronger now. I've realized that I am fine as long as Sora and Riku are in my heart, and I know that they are, but I don't need to be with them physically." Kairi said assuringly. Aerith smiled. "Please come back home, and take this with you." Aerith said. She revealed a glowing heart that was hidden in her clasped hands. "It is the soul of Krafe. It will protect you from most harm. But you must still fight your battles as normal. I will miss you.....my little Kairi." she said. Kairi smiled, and hugged Aerith tightly. She let go, and finally managed to leave the room. "Should I have told her about Sora? About how he is lost in darkness?" Aerith asked. Belle shook her head. "She will eventually find out, but we don't want to dampen her spirits." Belle said. Aerith went to the balcony and watched Kairi walk into the small streets of Agrabah. "May the weak gain strength, and the noble be at peace....I trust you Kairi, and I believe in you.....even if Sora fails to."