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"What a lovely little child! Are ye a boy?"

"Yes. . . . I've been a pageboy at the manor. . . .Umm. . . I'm Finnian."

He answered with a slight blush no doubt nervous in front of all the stares.

Asuka also stared at the boy, "That's him?"

White Mokona's red gemstone was shining brightly, "Yes." she nodded sitting on Asuka's shoulder.

"So this boy has it." Asuka studied the tattered clothes and his single beautiful sapphire blue eye.

Eyes of sapphire blue, just like Akari's.

Why would a boy of that status have a finely crafted ring? Maybe Mokona's signal was reading him wrong.

"Perhaps, his father is holding it somewhere?"

Mokona shook her head, "I know it's hard to believe but he is the owner of the ring. Maybe he stole it from someone."

"That makes sense." Asuka placed a thinking finger on her chin then smiled sweetly when 'Finnian' looked at her.

"I don't feel comfortable taking a treasure from a little frail boy." Watanuki whispered next to her.

Asuka sighed, "We're not "taking" it exactly. We're "borrowing', besides we will give it back when Jinjing is done with it."

Watanuki felt something foul and dark in the air, his senses went on alert.

"Is this suffocating sense coming from him?"

Watanuki looked at the man in the tailcoat and trembled when he caught the man's eye.

"A-Asuka, do you feel that?"

Asuka raised her eyebrow at him, "Feel what?"

"N-Nothing." Watanuki smiled then wondered why she couldn't feel this ominous presence.

There was one explanation, it was directed solely at him!

"What a pretty sounding name ye have!" Joker smiled, We'll give you a stage name if ya make it into our troupe!"

Ciel looked at Asuka, Watanuki, and Hanami. "Did they make it?"

Joker looked in his direction and nodded, "Yes, but heh! I haven't come up with stage names for them yet."

The crowd circled around the boy anticipating how he would fare in knife throwing.

He surprisingly passed the test and the others that Joker threw at him.

"Friends! Lend me your ear. . . . Today we have newcomers joining us."

Joker announced then pointed a prosthetic finger to each newcomer down the line.

"These are the rookies. . . The Mokona pair, Fear. . . . Flower. . . Innocent. . ."

"Why am I Fear?" Watanuki asked, "Because you're a scaredy-cat!", both Mokonas chorused.

"I am not afraid of everything!" Watanuki chased the Mokonas through the crowd.

Asuka frowned also unsure why Joker named her Flower.

Joker pointed to the last two newcomers. "This Rookie's name is Black."

"I am Black it's nice to meet you."

His rich voice sounded familiar to Asuka's ears. "Mokona, did we meet that guy before?"

White Mokona shrugged, "Mokona knows we met lots of people. So maybe."

Joker saved the best for last, "And this little one is. . . Smile."

Ciel's shocked face was simply priceless that his Demon Butler couldn't help but laugh.

The little Noble shot him a death glare, `Damn you.`

Joker raised his hands in the air, "Treat them well now, okay?"

Ciel took a step back when Sebastian encouraged him to greet his fellow Circus members.

"I-I look forward to working with all of you." Ciel stuttered then sweat dropped when everyone wanted him to smile.

"Come on Smile. . . Smile!" Asuka encouraged the adorable little boy wrapping her arms around him in a friendly hug.

Ciel wanted the ground to swallow him right then and there.

"Turn that frown upside down!" Black Mokona glomped him.

-----

"Remember the plan?" Black Mokona asked from his perched position on Hanami's head.

"Yeah. . . . I pretend to not know either Asuka or Watanuki and they in return. . . For their mission right?"

"Right, we are all undercover. Keep your eyes peeled on Black and Smile."

Hanami nodded then her blue eyes landed on the pair as they entered the huge tent.

"To gain access into the private area, we have no choice but to get into the First Strings circle. . . Is that it?"

Ciel pretended to stretch alongside his butler.

"Poisonous snakes won't kill you. Go see if the children are here or-"

"They are not here." Sebastian interrupted his master.

Ciel blinked, he was sure the missing children had to be here somewhere.

"I haven't sensed any of the childrens' presence at all within this circus. Not last night or the tour earlier."

Great, they were back to square one again.

Hanami or her new name Innocent, stared at Black and Smile from the corner of her eye.

`They are hiding something.` She thought wondering what secrets they were sharing.

Perhaps something about a certain ring that her dear cousin needed?

After Sebastian performed epic Circus stunts, Hanami felt her sphere pulse as a new circus member named Suit appeared before them.

"What innocent did you come here to devour this time. . . you demon?" Suit glared at Black as everyone wore confused looks.

"Demon?" Asuka blinked, Smile next to her was uneasy for entirely different reasons.

The daft man known as Suit continued to talk about insane things like Shinigamis.

"Huh?" Hanami felt the sphere inside her pocket pulse more as the power within increase.

`It's reacting more when Suit talks of Shinigamis.` Hanami stared at the glowing orb in her hands wondering why.

------

Static zapped off and on transitioning into a new scene and transforming it into a new memory. "It wasn't a dream after all." Miya stared at her beautiful new outfit and felt the coolness of the blade's handle beneath her fingertips.

"Huh?" The cute little girl tilted her head in confusion.

Miya turned to face her with a smile, "It's nothing. . . What's your name?"

"Aqua."

"Aqua. . . A very pretty name. I love it." Miya beamed at her new friend.

"I'm Miya. As you can tell I come from a world much different from your own."

Aqua nodded her sparkling ocean blue eyes filled with innocent curiosity.

"Let's be friends!" She suddenly piped up.

Miya chuckled, "I thought we already were."

Aqua blushed and sheepishly smiled meeting a pair of warm violet eyes again.

"What's that?" Aqua pointed to the weapon she was now holding.

"I'm not sure." Miya said looking back at the blade.

Aqua gazed upon the silver blade which seemed to glow in the sunset's light.

"Naming a weapon brings the user and its master closer."

Miya stated knowing this rule all too well.

She gripped the handle tightly feeling its power course through her body.

"This blade chose me for a reason."

Aqua's blue eyes looked up at Miya, "What are you going to name it?"

Miya remembered how the blade did outstanding water attacks.
Because how well her weapon handled those Heartless, she wanted to give it a name that would define itself elegantly.

"Rainfell."

-----

"What exactly are you guys?" Kazuma asked, his red eyes looked at Kero with utter disdain.

"Shinigamis of course." Miya smiled, "We protect lesser spirits and kill Hollows."

Kazuma wasn't buying it, "As if I believe you."

He got up and walked into the sunshine then began to train to fight Love Machine.

"Let me help." Miya got up as well, "Why?" Kazuma looked at her getting confused. "Because friends help each other." Miya smiled, then with one swift punch she sent a tree flying into the sky. "I'll try to go easy on you." Miya grinned at Kazuma's shocked face.

"Let's protect everyone and take down Love Machine." Miya got in her fighting stance as the thirteen year old did the same.

Later Kazuma challenged Love Machine again, "Kick his ass!" Miya and Kero cheered him on with the rest of the family.

----

Miya slowly rose to her feet and looked at the breathtaking scenery.

She found herself in an enchanted forest.

Strands of rich dark brown hair darted back behind a tree.

"Hello?" Miya called and smiled when the little girl finally peaked out from her hiding spot.

"I'm not going to hurt you. . . My name is Miya."

"But. . .You are a human." The girl answered, "Humans aren't allowed here."

Miya laughed nervously, "I'm not exactly human myself."

This time the girl revealed herself; her emerald green eyes meeting Miya's.

She had strangely beautiful black horns atop of her rich dark brown hair which fell over her shoulders like a waterfall.

"Prove it." The girl challenged and so Miya did, demonstrating a few of her Shinigami powers.

"Are you a fairy like me?"

Miya chuckled, "No, I'm a Shinigami. . . We're a different type of magical beings."

"You are still part human, right?"

"I guess you can say so. Yeah."

The Princess smiled at the pretty fairy, "What's your name?"

"Maleficent."

Miya lightly touched the girl's cheek, "Maleficent. . . .Your name is really pretty."

Maleficent blushed at the Princess's kind words, "Thank you."

"Can we be friends?"

Miya nodded, "Of course."

Maleficent felt something warm stir within her heart, she finally found a human to be friends with!

She decided to show the Princess around her world, sometimes stopping to introduce her to a few friends.

"Humans aren't all bad, are they?" Maleficent asked a bit too excitedly.

"Some are and others aren't."

"Oh. . . .How can you tell the good humans from the bad?"

Miya felt sorry for Maleficent and how isolated she must feel trapped in this enchanting place.

"Hmm. . . By their actions. . . . Through their actions and how they treat others tells you what lies inside their hearts."

Maleficent nodded, "You're very wise."

The princess laughed, "Really? I never thought of myself like that."

"Well you are." The little girl smiled as her magnificent large black wings fluttered.

"May I touch them?" Miya hovered her hand over the girl's expanded wings.

Maleficent slowly nodded with a smile allowing a human to touch her prized possession.

Miya brushed her hands lightly over the large feathers, "So beautiful." she breathed in awe.

Maleficent fought off another blush as she looked away.

Miya frowned and it didn't go amiss by the perspective little girl. "What's wrong?"

Slowly coming out of her reverie, the young woman looked back at her new friend.

"I can't sense Kero anywhere. . . I thought he'd be here."

Maleficent walked closer to her, her bare feet splashing through a small babbling brook.

"Is he a friend?"

The look on Miya's face told her, he was something far more precious.

"I can help you look! Maybe he got lost somewhere."

"Thank you. . .I just hope he didn't get dragged away by those fairies from a castle."

Maleficent stopped in her tracks, "Castle? Fairies can live there?"

"I'm not exactly sure, I just know the three Good Fairies work for a King."

"Are they secretly evil?"

Miya shook her head, "Not really. . .But they love to talk about Princes and Princesses and finding true love. . ."

She still felt embarrassed about how they fussed over how beautiful she was and how Kero had to be her Prince Charming.

Then the Heartless came and that's how she and Kero must have gotten split up again.

"Can you tell me more?" Maleficent's eyes sparkled with delight and innocent curiosity.

"Okay." Miya sighed giving into the adorable little girl and told her stories of true love and dragons.

"Miya, do you think I will find true love's first kiss someday?"

The princess nodded, "Yes."

Years passed and soon it was time for the new princess's Christening.

Everyone from across the Kingdom didn't want to miss this joyous celebration.

The three Good Fairies: Fauna, Flora, and Merryweather sparkled as they each bestowed a gift to the little princess.

That was until Maleficent interrupted this little happy ceremony.

"Maleficent." Miya gasped recognizing an old friend, Kero stood protectively in front of her.

They could both feel Darkness coiling around the powerful fairy.

Murmurs erupted throughout the courtroom, as Maleficent walked closer through the darkness of the room.

"Well, well." The evil fairy smirked, glowing green orbs scanning the room then slowly settled on Miya.

She turned back to address the King, "What a glittering celebration, King Stefan."

Her crow, Diaval cawed flying about the room.

King Stefan stared at his old love interest desperately wanting to somehow get rid of this unwanted guest.

"Royalty, nobility, gentry, and most importantly. . .The Princess of Heart. . ."

Maleficent chuckled darkly casting another devilish smirk Miya's way.

"Princess of Heart." Kero muttered, `How did she know?` he held Miya's hand assuring everything was going to be okay.

"How quaint." Maleficent chuckled again this time a bit darker than before.

Her fingers gently stroked her crow's feathers, "I must say. . . I felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation."

"You're not welcomed here." Was King Stefan's quick and icy reply.

She cast her beautiful face to the floor in mock sadness, "Oh." then laughed at how all amusing this all seemed.

"Oh, dear. What an awkward situation we are all in."

"You're not offended?" The Queen spoke up from her royal chair.

"Why no. . . And to show I bear no ill will. . .I too, shall bestow a gift on the sweet child."

Kero and Miya summoned their keyblades ready to defend the infant Princess.

"No! We don't want your gift!" King Stefan rose from his throne about to charge at the evil heathen.

"Stay away!" The three good fairies cried only to be thrown back by Maleficent's powerful magic!

A few people watched them crash into a trunk which snapped with a loud click.

"Maleficent!" Miya tried approaching her, but Kero held her back.

Twirling her fingers around a staff, the evil fairy ignored the Princess.

"Listen well, all of you. . ."

Green smoke sprayed from her black polished fingernails, "The Princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who meet her-"

"That's a lovely gift." The Queen interrupted wanting Maleficent to just leave already!

"Don't do this." King Stefan begged, she was his only daughter!

Pressing a finger to her red berry lips, Maleficent mockingly shushed him.

Miya had to try talking to her again, she wasn't going to sit here and let Maleficent harm the innocent child.

"Maleficent! I don't know what happened to you, but please don't do this! Remember us? Kero and I are your friends."

Maleficent stopped hearing Miya's voice, "I was a naive child believing in fleeting things such as friendship."

Miya gasped at how icy and dead her friend's voice sounded like the parts of the happy girl she once was, died a long time ago.

Maleficent's green eyes fell upon spindle in the room as a devious idea struck her.

"But. . .Before the sun sets on her 16th birthday,"

"No!" Miya ran to her old friend only to get knocked back by the wall of darkness and green smoke that surrounded the fairy's form.

Maleficent went on as though no one tried to stop her. "She will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep like death!"

The room shook as gushes of darkness floated through the room.

"A sleep from which she will never awaken!" Maleficent's powerful speech died sealing the spell in place.

After making the King himself get on his knees and beg, Maleficent decided to alter the baby's gift.

"The princess can be woken from her death sleep, but only by. . . True love's first kiss."

This now sealed the dreaded cruse lay upon the princess.

"True love can never win." She glared at both Miya and Kero.

Swirling green smoke clung to her clothes, "This curse will last till it's needed time. . . No power on earth can change it!"

Maleficent's evil laughter faded as she disappeared awaiting for the princess to turn sixteen.

Her heart consumed with even more darkness and hatred as each year passed.

------

"Kero! Catch me!" Little Yuki ran around in her wolf form as she trampled all over the snow.

Her brother Ame watched his older sis quietly then got dragged into the chaos.

Kero sat beside Hana on the porch and watched the snowflakes fall from the sky. "You're a good mother." He smiled at her.

Hana returned it, "Thanks, my children's happiness is all that I want in life."

"Do you miss him?" Kero slowly asked after a while of watching her wolf children playfully tackle each other.

"Every day, but. . . even if we are far apart. . . I know he is with me always. . . . Kero. Don't lose the people whom you treasure in life."

Hana placed a motherly hand over his, it was hard for her to hold back her tears at times.

Today she was feeling braver and could suppress her sorrow with a smile.

It was all she could do to keep her children from worrying.

She stared up at the sky hoping he was looking back.

A snowflake kissed her skin and rolled down her cheek.

The wind picked up leaving the woman with a sense of nostalgia.

Hana swore she heard his soft voice suddenly whisper, "I love you." against her ear.

With a content sigh, her chocolate brown eyes watched the numerous snowflakes rain over her dearly beloved children.

"Life is too short. . . Enjoy even the smallest moments you share with everyone."

Kero chuckled, "Like the time I'm sharing now with you and your family."

"Yes." Hana giggled, "And you know what?"

"What?"

"You and your friend Miya. . . have always been part of ours."

Kero's vibrant hazel eyes stared at her bewildered by what she just said.

"Mommy! Come play with us!" Yuki shouted popping up from a pile of snow.

Hana laughed feeling his warm hand hold hers as she jumped into the freezing snow.

It was like he never left her not for a single moment.

Kero smiled at them and remembered Hana's words. `People I treasure the most.`

--------

"Miya!" Kero cut through a Hollow's black rubbery arm, he helplessly watched her sink deeper into the Hollow's body.

'Kero!" Miya screamed her violet eyes filled with fear.

"Miya!"

Kero swung his blade with all his might unleashing a powerful string of attacks.

The Hollow shifted it's black rubbery body and tore up Kero's before it vanished.

"Kero!" Miya screamed again, seeing blood gush out of his body.

Blood splatter smeared his beautiful face as he fell head first from the sky.

His torn reflection reflected off of her violet eyes as tears ran down her angelic face.

Miya's long pink hair whipped about in the wind while she continuously held out her hand to him.

Kero blearily blinked his eyes slowly seeing a strange man in front of him.

He appeared to be in some kind of white void.

"Hello. . . .Kero I've been waiting a long time meet you."

"Who are you? How do you know me?" Kero asked noticing it wasn't a white void at all, but a lavish white throne room.

"No need to be alarmed, I am known as Clow Reed. It was no mistake that we were to meet at this day and time. Now your destiny shall take on a new quest."

Kero had no idea what this Wizard had in store for him, whatever it was he was not going to like it.

-------

"I want to become strong like you and find a girl who is like Miya."

Kero looked at the fourteen year old boy with wild spiky hair.

"Miya?"

Cloud nodded watching the stars that were watching them.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because, she's nice, pretty, friendly, and she seems to be always there for you."

Kero nodded with a smile all of those traits were true about her.

"I want to protect a girl like her someday! Then prove to everyone I can fight. . .So they will stop disrespecting me. . . And think of me as someone important!"

A big hand ruffled his hair, "Then everyone will know not to mess with you anymore."

Cloud stayed quiet for a minute, "You think it's a stupid dream don't you?"

"Not at all." Kero too looked at the stars glittering in the sky.

"What about Tifa?"

"Who?" An image of the pretty girl from earlier jogged the young boy's memory.

"Oh. . . Maybe."

Cloud surprisingly didn't look so sure, although he couldn't hide the blush Kero saw on his face.

"I heard everything you little punk!"

Miya suddenly came from behind Cloud and hugged him tightly.

"M-Miya!" Cloud wriggled out of her grasp and glared at her, the trio stood near the edge of the town's entrance.

Miya gave him a cheeky grin, "If you ask me, pay more attention to becoming a hero then you'll find your girl someday."

Cloud muttered under his breath, "Yeah and I hope she won't be as crazy as you are." then Kero laughed.

"What was that?" Miya shot him a glare making the kid jump out of his skin.

"Nothing." Cloud mumbled quickly then felt relieved when Miya smiled.

"Just be careful out there for me, okay?" Miya kissed Cloud's forehead making the little boy's face become beet red.

She giggled watching him place a hand on the spot where her lips touched skin.

"Will you visit me?" The question was more directed at Miya than both of the warriors.

"You bet, just let us know when you're famous."

Miya winked earning another blush from the adorable and awkward boy.

Cloud nodded, "Thanks. I'm off."

Miya and Kero waved goodbye to Cloud, both of them hoping he was going to be alright.

Flower petals flew in the wind racing pass Cloud into the diamond studded sky.

"Does he have enough money?" Violet eyes met brown glazed with worry.

"Yeah, I gave him some of mine." Kero whispered then a loud grunt got their attention.

Both Kero and Miya turned around to see a large crowd of men and some women holding lit torches.

`A mob?` They thought in unison, "Where's the rotten brat? Was he after sweet little Tifa again?" One of the old men raged waving his torch about.

"That little brat is gonna kick all of your asses when he becomes a hero!" Miya shot back at them as Kero face-palmed.

The mob chased them out of town making them quickly pull on their armor and fly to the next world.

-------

Miya stared at the witch while Kero drank sake on the porch overlooking the pretty cherry blossoms.

"Do you think you can help them? Hana's husband and Chiaki?"

She asked Yuko uncertain if this witch really had the power to grant the impossible.

"Well that depends. . . .Do they really want to return to the ones they hold dear within their hearts?"

The witch's ruby eyes stared deeply into her violet ones awaiting the girl's answer.

`I know I would.` Miya looked down at sparkling pink flowers adorning the front of her kimono.

"Yes, I really do." Miya nodded then smiled at Kero hearing him laugh softly while cherry blossom petals floated into the night sky.

Both Mokonas were chatting with him about various things and Yuko continued to stare at her as if deep in her own thoughts.

"Then I shall grant your wishes."

"Thank you." Miya bowed, `Such a polite girl.` Yuko thought with a smile.

"Of course this means you have to pay with something of value for these wishes to be granted."

`Something of value.` Miya thought knitting her brows together in concentration.

"Wait." She sighed, "I have one other wish. It concerns what Oba-chan's fortune revealed to me earlier."

"Oh? This will be a pricey set of wishes then." Yuko wore a smug look on her face as the girl's mouth dropped in surprise.

"Pray tell, what is this new wish of yours?"

Miya glanced at Kero, `If what Oba-chan said was true, then. . .` she shook her head.

"I want him to live." Miya bit the inside of her cheek willing herself not to cry. . .Even if it means. . ." She switched to biting her bottom lip.

Tears stung her eyes and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "And I want the magic ability to manipulate memories as well."

"Tread lightly, the greater the wish, the greater the price." Yuko warned the young heartbroken girl.

"Please explain your wish for him to live. . . What do you mean by that?"

Miya balled her fists, "Oba-chan told me Kero was going to die in our final fight when we kill Xemnas once and for all! I want to change that!"

"And power of Memory?"

"That is for. . ."

Miya started then explained herself a bit more then Yuko understood the situation at hand.

Very well. Your wishes shall be granted, but with a heavy price."

The girl reached into her pocket pulling something long and slim from its depth.

"Will this be sufficient enough?"

She held Sakura's pink wand within her grasp and could feel it's warmth pulsing with magic.

"Yes." Yuko took the wand and smiled knowing this step was just another small one to completing the desired Dream.

"Miya." Yuko called to her disappearing form, "You maybe apart, but even love and memories can surpass time and space."

That gave the girl little comfort about her sealed fate.

`Perhaps someday, you two will cross paths again.`

Yuko placed Sakura's wand on top of a high shelf.

----------

"Don't leave me!" Miya threw her arms around Kero from behind in a desperate embrace.

"Miya-chan." Kero whispered staring at the opened portal before them.

"I have to. . . I want to keep you safe. . .And save all worlds."

"Kero." Miya whispered tears running down her peach colored face.

Slowly her fingers released his sleeve feeling her heart sink and she held a hand over it.

With silent anguish she watched her hero leave.

"Please stay here and protect the children for me." Kero said without turning back.

"I will." Miya choked holding back a sob, Oba-chan's prediction was coming true.

"Thank you." It was hard for Kero to not turn back and embrace her into a reassuring hug.

"I'll come back, you'll see. . . .That's my promise." He smiled and heard her giggle.

"I know you will!"

Miya smiled closing her eyes and Kero wanted to brush away the tears that he knew were falling from her angelic face.

The stars above glittered over them as if sensing their pain and sorrow.

Not far from where they stood, little Ventus, Aqua, and Terra lay motionless in the courtyard inside the Land of Departure.

Kero had already passed his keyblades onto Ven and Terra with the hope they will become great heroes someday.

It took all of his effort not to look back, "Please. . . Wait for me. . .I want to see your smile again."

"I'll be right here and then all of us will celebrate!" Miya felt her heart ache even more, "The Light will finally conquer the Darkness."

Eraqus watched the two of them from a respected distance feeling sad for his friends.

"Keep her safe Eraqus."

Eraqus bowed to the young warrior. "Of course."

The wind picked up blowing Miya's long pink hair as strands brushed softly against her face.

Kero, only a few feet away, balled his hands into fists wishing there was an alternative to ending this war.

Shooting stars flew across the heavens watching Kero walk away with reluctant steps.

"I love you." passed between the two star-crossed lovers, words weren't needed to be said.

The silent confessions were carried away by the wind chilling them both with a new form of sadness and despair.

The portal vanished with shreds of light with an armored warrior holding the Kingdom Key.

Eraqus listened to Miya's crying till she stilled herself.

"Miya." His brown eyes studied her carefully debating whether to approach her or not.

He watched her slowly turn her eyes red and puffy from crying.

Now kneeling near the boys she touched their foreheads, a white light pulsed from her fingertips.

"What are you doing?" Eraqus blinked in surprise rushing down the steps.

"Altering their memories." Miya replied distantly then knelt beside Aqua.

She was the girl the Princess felt the most closest to.

"Eraqus, can I trust you to take care of them in mine and Kero's places?"

"Yes." The bearded man was uncertain of her actions and her state of mind.

Gently she caressed the girl's face before placing a hand on her forehead.

A white light softly began forcing the sleeping girl to forget Miya and Kero, and all that's happened.

Eraqus solemnly now knew her reason behind altering their memories to forget their existence.

Because soon there would be nothing left of them.

"Miya?" Aqua fluttered her eyes open and smiled up at the young woman.

"Aqua." Miya whispered feeling the white light disappear breaking her concentration.

"Miya-chan!" Aqua's tiny arms encircled her neck into a tight hug.

Miya held back her tears embracing the little girl in her arms.

Aqua nuzzled her face into Miya's soft pink hair that smelled like flowers.

"Hm? Where's Kero?" Aqua blinked looking around and saw a mysterious man who smiled at the little one.

"Kero left to. . . He'll come back and we can all celebrate his return."

"Miya, what's wrong?" Aqua released her hold to look into the Princess's face.

"I should have done this a long time ago. . .Close your eyes."

Miya touched the girl's closed eyelids casting magic to change her eye color.

When Aqua opened her eyes, there were splashes of violet within the depths of her beautiful blue eyes.

"For you see. . . You are my apprentice." Miya beamed happily hugging the girl again.

"Apprentice?"

"Yes, you're going to vanish the Darkness someday. . .and travel to many worlds as Kero and I have."

Miya gently laid the girl down next to Ventus and went back to altering her memories.

"Big sister?" Aqua whispered then felt her mind getting fuzzy.

"I will miss you, my dearest. . . but a part of me will always remain. . .Guiding you as your Light."

The Princess placed a blue way-finder Lucky Charm around the girl's neck, it's blue thalassa shells sparkled under the soft glow of the moon.

"I made that charm for you. . .I hope you'll love it."

She smiled sadly, knowing the little girl will have no memory of watching Miya collect the blue thalassa shells on the shores of Destiny Island.

Instead Aqua's forced memories will know the steps in making these charms and eventually let her make two more for her friends someday.

Miya performed a magical protection spell over Aqua's blue Lucky Charm then lovingly kissed her forehead.

"Now I pass this onto you as my final gift."

Aqua closed her eyes falling back into a deep sleep, "I love you." Miya placed Rainfell into Aqua's hand.

"Are you sure about this?" Eraqus asked shocked by her decision.

Pink bangs covered her eyes, "Yes." while she opened a new portal and magically donned her armor.

Flashes of all of the friends she and Kero made along this magical journey came flooding back to her.

In her mind, she saw little Yuna's and Yakumo's faces as well as Yukime's, Auron's, Sir Jecht's, and Lord Braska's smiling faces.

She knew even though they lived in different worlds, one day Lady Yuna and Yakumo would meet each other and become friends again.

Milo Thatch, and Jim Hawkins, they all had some crazy adventures together.

Kushina, Minato, Naruto and Hinata, and the rest of their Ninja friends!

An older version of Auron with a small boy named Tidus smiled and waved from a place called Zanarkand.

Lightning and her little sister Serah from their own strange yet beautiful world.

Hana with her children, Yuko with both Mokonas, Oba-chan, little Maleficent, Chiaki and Makoto-chan. Cloud with his mother, and Tifa.

Kazuma and his huge family. And many more people they met in various worlds.

"I have to do something to save everyone. . .I'm not going to let this mad man kill the Light within their worlds! I won't let him kill Kero either!"

Miya gazed at the stars accepting her fate, "Ven, Aqua, and Terra are our hope for the future."

"Master Jinhai, will stop at nothing to kill them, but I have confidence." Miya went on as she moved closer stepping near the portal of Light.

The Master was the apparent boss of these Heartless and was the very one who wanted her heart's Light.

Even Prince Mickey had him fooled all along of his evil deeds and corrupted powers.

Only the future knew his name into a title.

The title the powerful sorcerer would give himself would be a darker and more sinister one.

He will later on be known as Xemnas!

It would become a more fitting title for one who had ultimate control over the Darkness.

"Please protect them for me. Teach them all that you can."

Miya too disappeared through another portal of Light, holding tightly onto her Destiny's Embrace Keyblade.

---------

"Miya! What are you doing here?" Prince Mickey gasped running to the Princess's side.

"I came to stop Master Jinhai and his minions."

Miya said and stood back to back with the Prince.

"That's great and all, but you should be protecting those children."

Heartless now had them surrounded, "They are in better hands now and will be fine." Miya didn't take her violet eyes off the army of Heartless.

"I guess there's no stopping you. . .You really love him don't you."

Miya blushed then quickly brushed it off, "Come on help me take these monsters down."

"Gladly!" Prince Mickey summoned his Keyblade then helped her slaughter the enemy sometimes using their special D-Link combo.

Rain dripped all around them as the two warriors danced with the enemies.

The metal of their blades shined as lightning struck the sky within the Keyblade Grave Yard.

In the sky she spotted his torn and bleeding body, except he wasn't fighting Master Jinhai.

Kero was fighting his top minion, known as Renox while Master Jinhai smiled evilly atop a hill.

"Kero!" Miya yelled as the rain showered them, she started to run to him.

"Princess! No!" Prince Mickey ran to her side protecting her against more Heartless.

"Yes, Princess just try to rescue him."

Master Jinhai smiled evilly, his cat-slitted golden eyes laughing at how foolish she was being.

With a burst of power he released a giant Heart into the sky, it's glow destroyed the storm clouds.

The giant Heart in the sky was a sparkly pale blue with edges of pink.

Miya raced up the cliff where Master Jinhai was laying in wait.

"Hyahh!" Miya raised her blade and blocked a few strikes, but then Jinhai grabbed her neck.

"Now you're mine at last." Jinhai smirked choking her while his other hand went for her chest.

Miya struggled feeling her heart slowly move out of her body and then quickly used her barrier magical spell break free.

"Gyahhh!" Jinhai hissed then summoned his dark Keyblade fighting her when a new person intervened.

"Playing without me? How rude." Luxanne pouted calling more Heartless and allowing her Master to escape.

A flying Keyblade killed a few rows of Heartless as Luxanne's pink eyes widened in surprise.

"Miya, run! I'll cover you!"

Prince Mickey did a flip in the air and landed on his feet catching his blade.

"Kero, please hang on!" The back silky part of her High-low dress billowed in the wind.

Prince Mickey ran along side her working effortlessly to protect the Princess of Heart.

"Oh!" Prince Mickey paused seeing a fresh wound appear over Kero's chest.

"Mickey. . . Allow me to take it from here."

"Huh?"

"I know what I'm doing." Miya didn't wait for an answer and peeled her armor off.

Her body suddenly shimmered encased with an ice barrier in hopes this powerful spell will protect them both.

"Be careful, Princess. . . .We will all be waiting for you."

Miya smiled and knelt down to hug the Prince, "I'm going to bring Kero back. I promise."

Renox was about to make his final move as he raised his blade.

"Now you'll know eternal sorrow." His gleaming red eyes laughed at Kero's widened hazel ones.

"Kero!"

Kero's eyes widened more hearing Miya's sweet voice then something bright flashed in front of his eyes.

The sharp blade tore through a body's chest and both Kero's and Renox's eyes widened in surprise yet again.

Light sparkled and glittered from Miya's chest and blood ran down from the gaping wound as well as her lovely face.

"Miya." Kero gasped feeling his heart shatter into pieces.

Black footsteps clacked against the cliff as the evil Master too witnessed the Princess's demise.

Prince Mickey gasped from his spot as well while the Heartless all disappeared.

"Kero." Miya coughed blood, his wounded angel's hand touched his chest performing one last spell.

Then her hands caressed his face then gently ran her fingers through his hair, before the light spread across his chest.

Now holding him close, she felt her happiest in the few moments they had left.

Kero was beginning to feel sleepy also holding her in his arms and seeing the sparkles on her body grow brighter and brighter.

Renox wondered how she could hold his sword in place, it must have been the will of her Light.

Miya pressed her forehead against Kero's then slowly released him making him sleepier.

Kero drifted back watching her lips whisper something, but then he fell a sleep.

His body faded in a burst of light as Miya's disappeared into sparkles, and only a single pure heart remained.

The pure heart then destroyed itself into shards of pure Hearts now seeking out various Princesses.

Later these Princesses will be known as the Princesses of Heart.

Prince Mickey watched in horror, the Princess had sacrificed herself and then shredded her heart bringing a new hope for the future.

"Interesting turn of events." Jinhai observed the glowing pink Heart shards scattering to different dimensions and places.

Each of them were fragments of Miya's soul as well as her pure light.

"I saw seven Heart shards Master." Luxanne appeared beside him.

Her Master simply chuckled darkly patting her head, "No, there were more cleverly hidden underneath those seven main shards. We will see these new princesses soon enough." Luxanne stared after him, then entered a summoned dark portal. Their master had to be already scheming something big.

Kero's unconscious body sunk into the depths of a deep lake, a glittering crystallized flower prison captured him.

It's shiny prison let the hero deeply sleep and he would be trapped there for a long time.

The Kingdom Key fell through a world made of stain-glass and it crashed through a stain-glass window that held the image of the sleeping warrior.

----------

Everyone stared at the sphere in Hanami's hand as it glowed brighter then it burst forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

"What?" Doll gasped staring at stranger who now stood before them.

He touched his blonde tresses then slowly looked around trying to make his eyes focus.

"Where. . .Am I?" His vibrant brown eyes then looked at the group of people who stared at him.

He froze when he saw a ghost from his past.

"Hello, friend. . .Erm, how did you get here?" Joker walked over to the random newcomer.

"No way!" White Mokona and Black Mokona gasped recognizing him.

"You know him?" Asuka looked down at the Mokona pair.

"Yeah we go way back!" Black Mokona smiled.

"Who exactly is he?"

Watanuki looked at the cool person getting a not so good feeling from this new guy.

The young man glared at his enemy, the familiar red eyes glowed brightly in the Circus's lamplight.

"Renox." He whispered remembering Miya's smiling face, the way she would hug him from behind, and other precious moments they shared.

"What did he say?" Watanuki blinked in surprise.

Ciel glanced at his butler also confused on what was going on.

"Sebastian is he-"

"Indeed he is. . ." The butler answered Ciel's interrupted question, "Although he is far different their kind."

`Different? How?` Ciel wondered and looked at Suit who too was surprised if not a bit shaken by this guy's power!

Long pink strands of hair fell in soft waves under a heart-shaped moon the image fueled the young man's anger.

"Renox!" Summoning a powerful katana, he charged at the butler!

"Hey stop!" Asuka shouted watching the crazy guy try to slash and seriously injure Black.

"Grrrrrr!" The young man growled low almost snarling like a wild animal with the sole intent to kill.

"What did you do with Miya? . . .Where is she?"

Black dodged his wild yet accurately deadly swings. "I don't know whom you are talking about."

"You killed her!" Black barely dodged the next swing getting his cheek slashed.

"Enough!" A girl's voice shouted, a sword appeared in her hand and then a loud clang of metal ceased the fighting.

Both men stood there stunned that she was fast enough to get between them.

"Let's try to be friends here." Joker eased the tension somewhat lowering the blades.

Asuka stared at the girl stunned, `How did she become so fast?`

Hanami glared at the guy's brown eyes as he panted then begrudgingly sheathed his sword and took a few steps back.

"Let's start over. . . Tell us your name." Hanami said gently despite the scared edge to her voice.

"It's Kero." He lowered his eyes with a glare, then softened when they landed on her again.

"Now where am I?" None of this was adding up, where the hell was Miya?

Did Jinhai have her somewhere?

"You're in a Circus silly." Black Mokona hopped onto his shoulder.

"Yeah." White Mokona appeared on Hanami's head.

Seeing the Mokonas here seemed to calm him down a little.

Kero sighed, "I'm sorry for lashing out like that." his eyes carefully watched the person who had to be Renox walk away slowly.

Asuka watched Black disappear off to the side and then Suit followed him to her disappointment.

She hoped they weren't going to start fighting too.

"At least no one was horrifyingly injured." The red haired man sighed with relief approaching the two again.

"A circus." Kero muttered looking around the huge tent he was in.

"Yes, welcome to Noah's Ark Circus. . . .I am Joker the leader of this troupe."

Joker bowed as Kero gave him a puzzled look.

Smile slipped out as well going unnoticed to confront Suit and how stupid he was for revealing himself so easily to humans.

He cupped his chin examining the warrior, "Say, if you want you can join our little Circus. . .Your show of moves impressed me greatly."

Joker smiled at Hanami, "And Innocent, I had no idea you possessed magic tricks to summon a sword. . . Let alone use one."

Hanami blushed at Joker's praise, "T-Thank you."

"Pass." Kero started walking away as the Mokonas hopped after him.

"Wait! Kero! Please join!" They chorus gaining on him.

Black, Smile, and Suit came back by the time the Mokona pair tackled Kero.

Kero sighed, "Look you guys. . .Miya isn't here. . . There's no reason why I should join your little circus act."

"But!" White Mokona pouted, "She might come back. . .wherever she is."

"If you stay maybe Yuko can help you find Miya. . ."

Still Kero walked away not caring at all.

"You need a place to stay to sort things out right? . . .And besides Yuko can help. . . You know this."

Kero sighed at Black Mokona's words, he was right.

"But even Yuko has her limits."

"Come on! It will be fun and you need a place to think right?"

Kero sighed again, "A few weeks. . .I'll work for your little Circus. . .But I don't want a stupid Circus name."

Joker deflated at the part where he didn't want a fun stage name.

"Very well, Kero. . . . Welcome aboard. Now smile!"

"Smile!" Black Mokona and White Mokona chorused then giggled when Kero did just for them.

Flower slowly approached Black, "Are you okay?"

Black looked back at Flower, "It still stings a little."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure Kero didn't mean it."

"He didn't seem that way trying to hack me to pieces."

Flower nodded then lightly touched his arm, "I can heal it i-if you want."

Black closed his eyes and took a step closer to her making Flower blush.

She touched his face after dipping her fingers in a potion, which made the cut magically disappear.

"Thank you. . . How did you?"

"I used a potion." Flower smiled, and walked back quickly to the rest of the Rookies before he could see her blush again.

"Here's what we've all been waiting forrr . . . Time to announce room assignments for the Rookies!"

Joker announced after he gathered them up.

"The results of the Lottery are as followed: Smile, Kero, Fear, and Innocent will be in Tent 8! . . .And this is your new roommate."

Hanami and Ciel stared at Doll then looked at each other!

"Why are we being grouped together?" Kero asked the smiling clown.

"The more people your roommates with the more friends you'll make."

"Never a straight answer with people like you."

Kero grumbled under his breath thinking of Yuko.

"My tent is too big for a few people. . .I have plenty of room Kero! So don't be shy!" Doll, still under the guise of a boy, slapped Kero's back happily.

`I'm suddenly sharing a room with strangers. . .This makes things difficult. . .` Ciel thought with a frown.

"Black will be in Tent 9!" Ciel looked quite alarmed at this new dilemma, "Sebas-. . .Black and I won't be in the same tent?"

"Ahahahahahaha! Smile is sure sweet on Black." Dagger laughed, "Ye got to learn to be more independent."

"T-That w-wasn't what I meant!" Ciel stuttered angrily feeling very embarrassed.

`This isn't good. . .If I'm separated from Sebastian. I won't be able to move about freely!`

Ciel silently screamed at this damning problem they now had.

"Black's roommates are going to be-" Joker paused for dramatic effect, "Flower and Suit!"

White Mokona hopped on Asuka's shoulder, "And White Mokona!" Asuka giggled scratching Mokona's ear.

"Black Mokona is going to sleep on Smile's pillow!"

"No you're not." Ciel shot Black Mokona an icy glare.

"Ohh, be nice Smile!"

Black Mokona hopped on his shoulder and nuzzled his neck making Innocent chuckle at them.

Flower blinked at Black and Suit, "Uhhh? Guys?"

They were too shocked like they were seeing a ghost!

"Wha?" Ciel freaked out, not believing this nonsense.

"Black 'N' Smile are already friends. This is yer chance to make new best friends!"

Joker and Dagger said in a sing song voice pissing off the little lord even more.

Together they left the group of Rookies hoping they wouldn't tear each other apart.

"This is the worst!" Suit was the first to speak his mind.

"My thoughts exactly." Black guessed for once they finally reached an unusual agreement.

"Come on, think of this as a new start for making friends!"

Asuka grabbed each of their arms and jumped forward while hugging their arms with a cheery smile on her face.

Black and Suit were feeling the least optimistic at the moment.

Giggling Asuka turned around then her smile disappeared seeing they were back to glaring at each other.

She sighed, "Mokona, what are we going to do?" White Mokona patted the girl's cheek. "They need time."

"Nice to meetcha, Smile, Innocent, Kero, and Fear." Doll smiled at them.

"And Black Mokona!" Black Mokona cheered now nuzzling Doll's face.

"Nice to meet you too!" Innocent and Fear smiled back happily.

"Likewise." Kero smiled shaking the younger girl's hand.

"Right." Smile the only one who wasn't thrilled slowly shook Doll's hand.

Description
"What a lovely little child! Are ye a boy?"

"Yes. . . . I've been a pageboy at the manor. . . .Umm. . . I'm Finnian."

He answered with a slight blush no doubt nervous in front of all the stares.

Asuka also stared at the boy, "That's him?"

White Mokona's red gemstone was shining brightly, "Yes." she nodded sitting on Asuka's shoulder.

"So this boy has it." Asuka studied the tattered clothes and his single beautiful sapphire blue eye.

Eyes of sapphire blue, just like Akari's.

Why would a boy of that status have a finely crafted ring? Maybe Mokona's signal was reading him wrong.

"Perhaps, his father is holding it somewhere?"

Mokona shook her head, "I know it's hard to believe but he is the owner of the ring. Maybe he stole it from someone."

"That makes sense." Asuka placed a thinking finger on her chin then smiled sweetly when 'Finnian' looked at her.

"I don't feel comfortable taking a treasure from a little frail boy." Watanuki whispered next to her.

Asuka sighed, "We're not "taking" it exactly. We're "borrowing', besides we will give it back when Jinjing is done with it."

Watanuki felt something foul and dark in the air, his senses went on alert.

"Is this suffocating sense coming from him?"

Watanuki looked at the man in the tailcoat and trembled when he caught the man's eye.

"A-Asuka, do you feel that?"

Asuka raised her eyebrow at him, "Feel what?"

"N-Nothing." Watanuki smiled then wondered why she couldn't feel this ominous presence.

There was one explanation, it was directed solely at him!

"What a pretty sounding name ye have!" Joker smiled, We'll give you a stage name if ya make it into our troupe!"

Ciel looked at Asuka, Watanuki, and Hanami. "Did they make it?"

Joker looked in his direction and nodded, "Yes, but heh! I haven't come up with stage names for them yet."

The crowd circled around the boy anticipating how he would fare in knife throwing.

He surprisingly passed the test and the others that Joker threw at him.

"Friends! Lend me your ear. . . . Today we have newcomers joining us."

Joker announced then pointed a prosthetic finger to each newcomer down the line.

"These are the rookies. . . The Mokona pair, Fear. . . . Flower. . . Innocent. . ."

"Why am I Fear?" Watanuki asked, "Because you're a scaredy-cat!", both Mokonas chorused.

"I am not afraid of everything!" Watanuki chased the Mokonas through the crowd.

Asuka frowned also unsure why Joker named her Flower.

Joker pointed to the last two newcomers. "This Rookie's name is Black."

"I am Black it's nice to meet you."

His rich voice sounded familiar to Asuka's ears. "Mokona, did we meet that guy before?"

White Mokona shrugged, "Mokona knows we met lots of people. So maybe."

Joker saved the best for last, "And this little one is. . . Smile."

Ciel's shocked face was simply priceless that his Demon Butler couldn't help but laugh.

The little Noble shot him a death glare, `Damn you.`

Joker raised his hands in the air, "Treat them well now, okay?"

Ciel took a step back when Sebastian encouraged him to greet his fellow Circus members.

"I-I look forward to working with all of you." Ciel stuttered then sweat dropped when everyone wanted him to smile.

"Come on Smile. . . Smile!" Asuka encouraged the adorable little boy wrapping her arms around him in a friendly hug.

Ciel wanted the ground to swallow him right then and there.

"Turn that frown upside down!" Black Mokona glomped him.

-----

"Remember the plan?" Black Mokona asked from his perched position on Hanami's head.

"Yeah. . . . I pretend to not know either Asuka or Watanuki and they in return. . . For their mission right?"

"Right, we are all undercover. Keep your eyes peeled on Black and Smile."

Hanami nodded then her blue eyes landed on the pair as they entered the huge tent.

"To gain access into the private area, we have no choice but to get into the First Strings circle. . . Is that it?"

Ciel pretended to stretch alongside his butler.

"Poisonous snakes won't kill you. Go see if the children are here or-"

"They are not here." Sebastian interrupted his master.

Ciel blinked, he was sure the missing children had to be here somewhere.

"I haven't sensed any of the childrens' presence at all within this circus. Not last night or the tour earlier."

Great, they were back to square one again.

Hanami or her new name Innocent, stared at Black and Smile from the corner of her eye.

`They are hiding something.` She thought wondering what secrets they were sharing.

Perhaps something about a certain ring that her dear cousin needed?

After Sebastian performed epic Circus stunts, Hanami felt her sphere pulse as a new circus member named Suit appeared before them.

"What innocent did you come here to devour this time. . . you demon?" Suit glared at Black as everyone wore confused looks.

"Demon?" Asuka blinked, Smile next to her was uneasy for entirely different reasons.

The daft man known as Suit continued to talk about insane things like Shinigamis.

"Huh?" Hanami felt the sphere inside her pocket pulse more as the power within increase.

`It's reacting more when Suit talks of Shinigamis.` Hanami stared at the glowing orb in her hands wondering why.

------

Static zapped off and on transitioning into a new scene and transforming it into a new memory. "It wasn't a dream after all." Miya stared at her beautiful new outfit and felt the coolness of the blade's handle beneath her fingertips.

"Huh?" The cute little girl tilted her head in confusion.

Miya turned to face her with a smile, "It's nothing. . . What's your name?"

"Aqua."

"Aqua. . . A very pretty name. I love it." Miya beamed at her new friend.

"I'm Miya. As you can tell I come from a world much different from your own."

Aqua nodded her sparkling ocean blue eyes filled with innocent curiosity.

"Let's be friends!" She suddenly piped up.

Miya chuckled, "I thought we already were."

Aqua blushed and sheepishly smiled meeting a pair of warm violet eyes again.

"What's that?" Aqua pointed to the weapon she was now holding.

"I'm not sure." Miya said looking back at the blade.

Aqua gazed upon the silver blade which seemed to glow in the sunset's light.

"Naming a weapon brings the user and its master closer."

Miya stated knowing this rule all too well.

She gripped the handle tightly feeling its power course through her body.

"This blade chose me for a reason."

Aqua's blue eyes looked up at Miya, "What are you going to name it?"

Miya remembered how the blade did outstanding water attacks.
Because how well her weapon handled those Heartless, she wanted to give it a name that would define itself elegantly.

"Rainfell."

-----

"What exactly are you guys?" Kazuma asked, his red eyes looked at Kero with utter disdain.

"Shinigamis of course." Miya smiled, "We protect lesser spirits and kill Hollows."

Kazuma wasn't buying it, "As if I believe you."

He got up and walked into the sunshine then began to train to fight Love Machine.

"Let me help." Miya got up as well, "Why?" Kazuma looked at her getting confused. "Because friends help each other." Miya smiled, then with one swift punch she sent a tree flying into the sky. "I'll try to go easy on you." Miya grinned at Kazuma's shocked face.

"Let's protect everyone and take down Love Machine." Miya got in her fighting stance as the thirteen year old did the same.

Later Kazuma challenged Love Machine again, "Kick his ass!" Miya and Kero cheered him on with the rest of the family.

----

Miya slowly rose to her feet and looked at the breathtaking scenery.

She found herself in an enchanted forest.

Strands of rich dark brown hair darted back behind a tree.

"Hello?" Miya called and smiled when the little girl finally peaked out from her hiding spot.

"I'm not going to hurt you. . . My name is Miya."

"But. . .You are a human." The girl answered, "Humans aren't allowed here."

Miya laughed nervously, "I'm not exactly human myself."

This time the girl revealed herself; her emerald green eyes meeting Miya's.

She had strangely beautiful black horns atop of her rich dark brown hair which fell over her shoulders like a waterfall.

"Prove it." The girl challenged and so Miya did, demonstrating a few of her Shinigami powers.

"Are you a fairy like me?"

Miya chuckled, "No, I'm a Shinigami. . . We're a different type of magical beings."

"You are still part human, right?"

"I guess you can say so. Yeah."

The Princess smiled at the pretty fairy, "What's your name?"

"Maleficent."

Miya lightly touched the girl's cheek, "Maleficent. . . .Your name is really pretty."

Maleficent blushed at the Princess's kind words, "Thank you."

"Can we be friends?"

Miya nodded, "Of course."

Maleficent felt something warm stir within her heart, she finally found a human to be friends with!

She decided to show the Princess around her world, sometimes stopping to introduce her to a few friends.

"Humans aren't all bad, are they?" Maleficent asked a bit too excitedly.

"Some are and others aren't."

"Oh. . . .How can you tell the good humans from the bad?"

Miya felt sorry for Maleficent and how isolated she must feel trapped in this enchanting place.

"Hmm. . . By their actions. . . . Through their actions and how they treat others tells you what lies inside their hearts."

Maleficent nodded, "You're very wise."

The princess laughed, "Really? I never thought of myself like that."

"Well you are." The little girl smiled as her magnificent large black wings fluttered.

"May I touch them?" Miya hovered her hand over the girl's expanded wings.

Maleficent slowly nodded with a smile allowing a human to touch her prized possession.

Miya brushed her hands lightly over the large feathers, "So beautiful." she breathed in awe.

Maleficent fought off another blush as she looked away.

Miya frowned and it didn't go amiss by the perspective little girl. "What's wrong?"

Slowly coming out of her reverie, the young woman looked back at her new friend.

"I can't sense Kero anywhere. . . I thought he'd be here."

Maleficent walked closer to her, her bare feet splashing through a small babbling brook.

"Is he a friend?"

The look on Miya's face told her, he was something far more precious.

"I can help you look! Maybe he got lost somewhere."

"Thank you. . .I just hope he didn't get dragged away by those fairies from a castle."

Maleficent stopped in her tracks, "Castle? Fairies can live there?"

"I'm not exactly sure, I just know the three Good Fairies work for a King."

"Are they secretly evil?"

Miya shook her head, "Not really. . .But they love to talk about Princes and Princesses and finding true love. . ."

She still felt embarrassed about how they fussed over how beautiful she was and how Kero had to be her Prince Charming.

Then the Heartless came and that's how she and Kero must have gotten split up again.

"Can you tell me more?" Maleficent's eyes sparkled with delight and innocent curiosity.

"Okay." Miya sighed giving into the adorable little girl and told her stories of true love and dragons.

"Miya, do you think I will find true love's first kiss someday?"

The princess nodded, "Yes."

Years passed and soon it was time for the new princess's Christening.

Everyone from across the Kingdom didn't want to miss this joyous celebration.

The three Good Fairies: Fauna, Flora, and Merryweather sparkled as they each bestowed a gift to the little princess.

That was until Maleficent interrupted this little happy ceremony.

"Maleficent." Miya gasped recognizing an old friend, Kero stood protectively in front of her.

They could both feel Darkness coiling around the powerful fairy.

Murmurs erupted throughout the courtroom, as Maleficent walked closer through the darkness of the room.

"Well, well." The evil fairy smirked, glowing green orbs scanning the room then slowly settled on Miya.

She turned back to address the King, "What a glittering celebration, King Stefan."

Her crow, Diaval cawed flying about the room.

King Stefan stared at his old love interest desperately wanting to somehow get rid of this unwanted guest.

"Royalty, nobility, gentry, and most importantly. . .The Princess of Heart. . ."

Maleficent chuckled darkly casting another devilish smirk Miya's way.

"Princess of Heart." Kero muttered, `How did she know?` he held Miya's hand assuring everything was going to be okay.

"How quaint." Maleficent chuckled again this time a bit darker than before.

Her fingers gently stroked her crow's feathers, "I must say. . . I felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation."

"You're not welcomed here." Was King Stefan's quick and icy reply.

She cast her beautiful face to the floor in mock sadness, "Oh." then laughed at how all amusing this all seemed.

"Oh, dear. What an awkward situation we are all in."

"You're not offended?" The Queen spoke up from her royal chair.

"Why no. . . And to show I bear no ill will. . .I too, shall bestow a gift on the sweet child."

Kero and Miya summoned their keyblades ready to defend the infant Princess.

"No! We don't want your gift!" King Stefan rose from his throne about to charge at the evil heathen.

"Stay away!" The three good fairies cried only to be thrown back by Maleficent's powerful magic!

A few people watched them crash into a trunk which snapped with a loud click.

"Maleficent!" Miya tried approaching her, but Kero held her back.

Twirling her fingers around a staff, the evil fairy ignored the Princess.

"Listen well, all of you. . ."

Green smoke sprayed from her black polished fingernails, "The Princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who meet her-"

"That's a lovely gift." The Queen interrupted wanting Maleficent to just leave already!

"Don't do this." King Stefan begged, she was his only daughter!

Pressing a finger to her red berry lips, Maleficent mockingly shushed him.

Miya had to try talking to her again, she wasn't going to sit here and let Maleficent harm the innocent child.

"Maleficent! I don't know what happened to you, but please don't do this! Remember us? Kero and I are your friends."

Maleficent stopped hearing Miya's voice, "I was a naive child believing in fleeting things such as friendship."

Miya gasped at how icy and dead her friend's voice sounded like the parts of the happy girl she once was, died a long time ago.

Maleficent's green eyes fell upon spindle in the room as a devious idea struck her.

"But. . .Before the sun sets on her 16th birthday,"

"No!" Miya ran to her old friend only to get knocked back by the wall of darkness and green smoke that surrounded the fairy's form.

Maleficent went on as though no one tried to stop her. "She will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep like death!"

The room shook as gushes of darkness floated through the room.

"A sleep from which she will never awaken!" Maleficent's powerful speech died sealing the spell in place.

After making the King himself get on his knees and beg, Maleficent decided to alter the baby's gift.

"The princess can be woken from her death sleep, but only by. . . True love's first kiss."

This now sealed the dreaded cruse lay upon the princess.

"True love can never win." She glared at both Miya and Kero.

Swirling green smoke clung to her clothes, "This curse will last till it's needed time. . . No power on earth can change it!"

Maleficent's evil laughter faded as she disappeared awaiting for the princess to turn sixteen.

Her heart consumed with even more darkness and hatred as each year passed.

------

"Kero! Catch me!" Little Yuki ran around in her wolf form as she trampled all over the snow.

Her brother Ame watched his older sis quietly then got dragged into the chaos.

Kero sat beside Hana on the porch and watched the snowflakes fall from the sky. "You're a good mother." He smiled at her.

Hana returned it, "Thanks, my children's happiness is all that I want in life."

"Do you miss him?" Kero slowly asked after a while of watching her wolf children playfully tackle each other.

"Every day, but. . . even if we are far apart. . . I know he is with me always. . . . Kero. Don't lose the people whom you treasure in life."

Hana placed a motherly hand over his, it was hard for her to hold back her tears at times.

Today she was feeling braver and could suppress her sorrow with a smile.

It was all she could do to keep her children from worrying.

She stared up at the sky hoping he was looking back.

A snowflake kissed her skin and rolled down her cheek.

The wind picked up leaving the woman with a sense of nostalgia.

Hana swore she heard his soft voice suddenly whisper, "I love you." against her ear.

With a content sigh, her chocolate brown eyes watched the numerous snowflakes rain over her dearly beloved children.

"Life is too short. . . Enjoy even the smallest moments you share with everyone."

Kero chuckled, "Like the time I'm sharing now with you and your family."

"Yes." Hana giggled, "And you know what?"

"What?"

"You and your friend Miya. . . have always been part of ours."

Kero's vibrant hazel eyes stared at her bewildered by what she just said.

"Mommy! Come play with us!" Yuki shouted popping up from a pile of snow.

Hana laughed feeling his warm hand hold hers as she jumped into the freezing snow.

It was like he never left her not for a single moment.

Kero smiled at them and remembered Hana's words. `People I treasure the most.`

--------

"Miya!" Kero cut through a Hollow's black rubbery arm, he helplessly watched her sink deeper into the Hollow's body.

'Kero!" Miya screamed her violet eyes filled with fear.

"Miya!"

Kero swung his blade with all his might unleashing a powerful string of attacks.

The Hollow shifted it's black rubbery body and tore up Kero's before it vanished.

"Kero!" Miya screamed again, seeing blood gush out of his body.

Blood splatter smeared his beautiful face as he fell head first from the sky.

His torn reflection reflected off of her violet eyes as tears ran down her angelic face.

Miya's long pink hair whipped about in the wind while she continuously held out her hand to him.

Kero blearily blinked his eyes slowly seeing a strange man in front of him.

He appeared to be in some kind of white void.

"Hello. . . .Kero I've been waiting a long time meet you."

"Who are you? How do you know me?" Kero asked noticing it wasn't a white void at all, but a lavish white throne room.

"No need to be alarmed, I am known as Clow Reed. It was no mistake that we were to meet at this day and time. Now your destiny shall take on a new quest."

Kero had no idea what this Wizard had in store for him, whatever it was he was not going to like it.

-------

"I want to become strong like you and find a girl who is like Miya."

Kero looked at the fourteen year old boy with wild spiky hair.

"Miya?"

Cloud nodded watching the stars that were watching them.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because, she's nice, pretty, friendly, and she seems to be always there for you."

Kero nodded with a smile all of those traits were true about her.

"I want to protect a girl like her someday! Then prove to everyone I can fight. . .So they will stop disrespecting me. . . And think of me as someone important!"

A big hand ruffled his hair, "Then everyone will know not to mess with you anymore."

Cloud stayed quiet for a minute, "You think it's a stupid dream don't you?"

"Not at all." Kero too looked at the stars glittering in the sky.

"What about Tifa?"

"Who?" An image of the pretty girl from earlier jogged the young boy's memory.

"Oh. . . Maybe."

Cloud surprisingly didn't look so sure, although he couldn't hide the blush Kero saw on his face.

"I heard everything you little punk!"

Miya suddenly came from behind Cloud and hugged him tightly.

"M-Miya!" Cloud wriggled out of her grasp and glared at her, the trio stood near the edge of the town's entrance.

Miya gave him a cheeky grin, "If you ask me, pay more attention to becoming a hero then you'll find your girl someday."

Cloud muttered under his breath, "Yeah and I hope she won't be as crazy as you are." then Kero laughed.

"What was that?" Miya shot him a glare making the kid jump out of his skin.

"Nothing." Cloud mumbled quickly then felt relieved when Miya smiled.

"Just be careful out there for me, okay?" Miya kissed Cloud's forehead making the little boy's face become beet red.

She giggled watching him place a hand on the spot where her lips touched skin.

"Will you visit me?" The question was more directed at Miya than both of the warriors.

"You bet, just let us know when you're famous."

Miya winked earning another blush from the adorable and awkward boy.

Cloud nodded, "Thanks. I'm off."

Miya and Kero waved goodbye to Cloud, both of them hoping he was going to be alright.

Flower petals flew in the wind racing pass Cloud into the diamond studded sky.

"Does he have enough money?" Violet eyes met brown glazed with worry.

"Yeah, I gave him some of mine." Kero whispered then a loud grunt got their attention.

Both Kero and Miya turned around to see a large crowd of men and some women holding lit torches.

`A mob?` They thought in unison, "Where's the rotten brat? Was he after sweet little Tifa again?" One of the old men raged waving his torch about.

"That little brat is gonna kick all of your asses when he becomes a hero!" Miya shot back at them as Kero face-palmed.

The mob chased them out of town making them quickly pull on their armor and fly to the next world.

-------

Miya stared at the witch while Kero drank sake on the porch overlooking the pretty cherry blossoms.

"Do you think you can help them? Hana's husband and Chiaki?"

She asked Yuko uncertain if this witch really had the power to grant the impossible.

"Well that depends. . . .Do they really want to return to the ones they hold dear within their hearts?"

The witch's ruby eyes stared deeply into her violet ones awaiting the girl's answer.

`I know I would.` Miya looked down at sparkling pink flowers adorning the front of her kimono.

"Yes, I really do." Miya nodded then smiled at Kero hearing him laugh softly while cherry blossom petals floated into the night sky.

Both Mokonas were chatting with him about various things and Yuko continued to stare at her as if deep in her own thoughts.

"Then I shall grant your wishes."

"Thank you." Miya bowed, `Such a polite girl.` Yuko thought with a smile.

"Of course this means you have to pay with something of value for these wishes to be granted."

`Something of value.` Miya thought knitting her brows together in concentration.

"Wait." She sighed, "I have one other wish. It concerns what Oba-chan's fortune revealed to me earlier."

"Oh? This will be a pricey set of wishes then." Yuko wore a smug look on her face as the girl's mouth dropped in surprise.

"Pray tell, what is this new wish of yours?"

Miya glanced at Kero, `If what Oba-chan said was true, then. . .` she shook her head.

"I want him to live." Miya bit the inside of her cheek willing herself not to cry. . .Even if it means. . ." She switched to biting her bottom lip.

Tears stung her eyes and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. "And I want the magic ability to manipulate memories as well."

"Tread lightly, the greater the wish, the greater the price." Yuko warned the young heartbroken girl.

"Please explain your wish for him to live. . . What do you mean by that?"

Miya balled her fists, "Oba-chan told me Kero was going to die in our final fight when we kill Xemnas once and for all! I want to change that!"

"And power of Memory?"

"That is for. . ."

Miya started then explained herself a bit more then Yuko understood the situation at hand.

Very well. Your wishes shall be granted, but with a heavy price."

The girl reached into her pocket pulling something long and slim from its depth.

"Will this be sufficient enough?"

She held Sakura's pink wand within her grasp and could feel it's warmth pulsing with magic.

"Yes." Yuko took the wand and smiled knowing this step was just another small one to completing the desired Dream.

"Miya." Yuko called to her disappearing form, "You maybe apart, but even love and memories can surpass time and space."

That gave the girl little comfort about her sealed fate.

`Perhaps someday, you two will cross paths again.`

Yuko placed Sakura's wand on top of a high shelf.

----------

"Don't leave me!" Miya threw her arms around Kero from behind in a desperate embrace.

"Miya-chan." Kero whispered staring at the opened portal before them.

"I have to. . . I want to keep you safe. . .And save all worlds."

"Kero." Miya whispered tears running down her peach colored face.

Slowly her fingers released his sleeve feeling her heart sink and she held a hand over it.

With silent anguish she watched her hero leave.

"Please stay here and protect the children for me." Kero said without turning back.

"I will." Miya choked holding back a sob, Oba-chan's prediction was coming true.

"Thank you." It was hard for Kero to not turn back and embrace her into a reassuring hug.

"I'll come back, you'll see. . . .That's my promise." He smiled and heard her giggle.

"I know you will!"

Miya smiled closing her eyes and Kero wanted to brush away the tears that he knew were falling from her angelic face.

The stars above glittered over them as if sensing their pain and sorrow.

Not far from where they stood, little Ventus, Aqua, and Terra lay motionless in the courtyard inside the Land of Departure.

Kero had already passed his keyblades onto Ven and Terra with the hope they will become great heroes someday.

It took all of his effort not to look back, "Please. . . Wait for me. . .I want to see your smile again."

"I'll be right here and then all of us will celebrate!" Miya felt her heart ache even more, "The Light will finally conquer the Darkness."

Eraqus watched the two of them from a respected distance feeling sad for his friends.

"Keep her safe Eraqus."

Eraqus bowed to the young warrior. "Of course."

The wind picked up blowing Miya's long pink hair as strands brushed softly against her face.

Kero, only a few feet away, balled his hands into fists wishing there was an alternative to ending this war.

Shooting stars flew across the heavens watching Kero walk away with reluctant steps.

"I love you." passed between the two star-crossed lovers, words weren't needed to be said.

The silent confessions were carried away by the wind chilling them both with a new form of sadness and despair.

The portal vanished with shreds of light with an armored warrior holding the Kingdom Key.

Eraqus listened to Miya's crying till she stilled herself.

"Miya." His brown eyes studied her carefully debating whether to approach her or not.

He watched her slowly turn her eyes red and puffy from crying.

Now kneeling near the boys she touched their foreheads, a white light pulsed from her fingertips.

"What are you doing?" Eraqus blinked in surprise rushing down the steps.

"Altering their memories." Miya replied distantly then knelt beside Aqua.

She was the girl the Princess felt the most closest to.

"Eraqus, can I trust you to take care of them in mine and Kero's places?"

"Yes." The bearded man was uncertain of her actions and her state of mind.

Gently she caressed the girl's face before placing a hand on her forehead.

A white light softly began forcing the sleeping girl to forget Miya and Kero, and all that's happened.

Eraqus solemnly now knew her reason behind altering their memories to forget their existence.

Because soon there would be nothing left of them.

"Miya?" Aqua fluttered her eyes open and smiled up at the young woman.

"Aqua." Miya whispered feeling the white light disappear breaking her concentration.

"Miya-chan!" Aqua's tiny arms encircled her neck into a tight hug.

Miya held back her tears embracing the little girl in her arms.

Aqua nuzzled her face into Miya's soft pink hair that smelled like flowers.

"Hm? Where's Kero?" Aqua blinked looking around and saw a mysterious man who smiled at the little one.

"Kero left to. . . He'll come back and we can all celebrate his return."

"Miya, what's wrong?" Aqua released her hold to look into the Princess's face.

"I should have done this a long time ago. . .Close your eyes."

Miya touched the girl's closed eyelids casting magic to change her eye color.

When Aqua opened her eyes, there were splashes of violet within the depths of her beautiful blue eyes.

"For you see. . . You are my apprentice." Miya beamed happily hugging the girl again.

"Apprentice?"

"Yes, you're going to vanish the Darkness someday. . .and travel to many worlds as Kero and I have."

Miya gently laid the girl down next to Ventus and went back to altering her memories.

"Big sister?" Aqua whispered then felt her mind getting fuzzy.

"I will miss you, my dearest. . . but a part of me will always remain. . .Guiding you as your Light."

The Princess placed a blue way-finder Lucky Charm around the girl's neck, it's blue thalassa shells sparkled under the soft glow of the moon.

"I made that charm for you. . .I hope you'll love it."

She smiled sadly, knowing the little girl will have no memory of watching Miya collect the blue thalassa shells on the shores of Destiny Island.

Instead Aqua's forced memories will know the steps in making these charms and eventually let her make two more for her friends someday.

Miya performed a magical protection spell over Aqua's blue Lucky Charm then lovingly kissed her forehead.

"Now I pass this onto you as my final gift."

Aqua closed her eyes falling back into a deep sleep, "I love you." Miya placed Rainfell into Aqua's hand.

"Are you sure about this?" Eraqus asked shocked by her decision.

Pink bangs covered her eyes, "Yes." while she opened a new portal and magically donned her armor.

Flashes of all of the friends she and Kero made along this magical journey came flooding back to her.

In her mind, she saw little Yuna's and Yakumo's faces as well as Yukime's, Auron's, Sir Jecht's, and Lord Braska's smiling faces.

She knew even though they lived in different worlds, one day Lady Yuna and Yakumo would meet each other and become friends again.

Milo Thatch, and Jim Hawkins, they all had some crazy adventures together.

Kushina, Minato, Naruto and Hinata, and the rest of their Ninja friends!

An older version of Auron with a small boy named Tidus smiled and waved from a place called Zanarkand.

Lightning and her little sister Serah from their own strange yet beautiful world.

Hana with her children, Yuko with both Mokonas, Oba-chan, little Maleficent, Chiaki and Makoto-chan. Cloud with his mother, and Tifa.

Kazuma and his huge family. And many more people they met in various worlds.

"I have to do something to save everyone. . .I'm not going to let this mad man kill the Light within their worlds! I won't let him kill Kero either!"

Miya gazed at the stars accepting her fate, "Ven, Aqua, and Terra are our hope for the future."

"Master Jinhai, will stop at nothing to kill them, but I have confidence." Miya went on as she moved closer stepping near the portal of Light.

The Master was the apparent boss of these Heartless and was the very one who wanted her heart's Light.

Even Prince Mickey had him fooled all along of his evil deeds and corrupted powers.

Only the future knew his name into a title.

The title the powerful sorcerer would give himself would be a darker and more sinister one.

He will later on be known as Xemnas!

It would become a more fitting title for one who had ultimate control over the Darkness.

"Please protect them for me. Teach them all that you can."

Miya too disappeared through another portal of Light, holding tightly onto her Destiny's Embrace Keyblade.

---------

"Miya! What are you doing here?" Prince Mickey gasped running to the Princess's side.

"I came to stop Master Jinhai and his minions."

Miya said and stood back to back with the Prince.

"That's great and all, but you should be protecting those children."

Heartless now had them surrounded, "They are in better hands now and will be fine." Miya didn't take her violet eyes off the army of Heartless.

"I guess there's no stopping you. . .You really love him don't you."

Miya blushed then quickly brushed it off, "Come on help me take these monsters down."

"Gladly!" Prince Mickey summoned his Keyblade then helped her slaughter the enemy sometimes using their special D-Link combo.

Rain dripped all around them as the two warriors danced with the enemies.

The metal of their blades shined as lightning struck the sky within the Keyblade Grave Yard.

In the sky she spotted his torn and bleeding body, except he wasn't fighting Master Jinhai.

Kero was fighting his top minion, known as Renox while Master Jinhai smiled evilly atop a hill.

"Kero!" Miya yelled as the rain showered them, she started to run to him.

"Princess! No!" Prince Mickey ran to her side protecting her against more Heartless.

"Yes, Princess just try to rescue him."

Master Jinhai smiled evilly, his cat-slitted golden eyes laughing at how foolish she was being.

With a burst of power he released a giant Heart into the sky, it's glow destroyed the storm clouds.

The giant Heart in the sky was a sparkly pale blue with edges of pink.

Miya raced up the cliff where Master Jinhai was laying in wait.

"Hyahh!" Miya raised her blade and blocked a few strikes, but then Jinhai grabbed her neck.

"Now you're mine at last." Jinhai smirked choking her while his other hand went for her chest.

Miya struggled feeling her heart slowly move out of her body and then quickly used her barrier magical spell break free.

"Gyahhh!" Jinhai hissed then summoned his dark Keyblade fighting her when a new person intervened.

"Playing without me? How rude." Luxanne pouted calling more Heartless and allowing her Master to escape.

A flying Keyblade killed a few rows of Heartless as Luxanne's pink eyes widened in surprise.

"Miya, run! I'll cover you!"

Prince Mickey did a flip in the air and landed on his feet catching his blade.

"Kero, please hang on!" The back silky part of her High-low dress billowed in the wind.

Prince Mickey ran along side her working effortlessly to protect the Princess of Heart.

"Oh!" Prince Mickey paused seeing a fresh wound appear over Kero's chest.

"Mickey. . . Allow me to take it from here."

"Huh?"

"I know what I'm doing." Miya didn't wait for an answer and peeled her armor off.

Her body suddenly shimmered encased with an ice barrier in hopes this powerful spell will protect them both.

"Be careful, Princess. . . .We will all be waiting for you."

Miya smiled and knelt down to hug the Prince, "I'm going to bring Kero back. I promise."

Renox was about to make his final move as he raised his blade.

"Now you'll know eternal sorrow." His gleaming red eyes laughed at Kero's widened hazel ones.

"Kero!"

Kero's eyes widened more hearing Miya's sweet voice then something bright flashed in front of his eyes.

The sharp blade tore through a body's chest and both Kero's and Renox's eyes widened in surprise yet again.

Light sparkled and glittered from Miya's chest and blood ran down from the gaping wound as well as her lovely face.

"Miya." Kero gasped feeling his heart shatter into pieces.

Black footsteps clacked against the cliff as the evil Master too witnessed the Princess's demise.

Prince Mickey gasped from his spot as well while the Heartless all disappeared.

"Kero." Miya coughed blood, his wounded angel's hand touched his chest performing one last spell.

Then her hands caressed his face then gently ran her fingers through his hair, before the light spread across his chest.

Now holding him close, she felt her happiest in the few moments they had left.

Kero was beginning to feel sleepy also holding her in his arms and seeing the sparkles on her body grow brighter and brighter.

Renox wondered how she could hold his sword in place, it must have been the will of her Light.

Miya pressed her forehead against Kero's then slowly released him making him sleepier.

Kero drifted back watching her lips whisper something, but then he fell a sleep.

His body faded in a burst of light as Miya's disappeared into sparkles, and only a single pure heart remained.

The pure heart then destroyed itself into shards of pure Hearts now seeking out various Princesses.

Later these Princesses will be known as the Princesses of Heart.

Prince Mickey watched in horror, the Princess had sacrificed herself and then shredded her heart bringing a new hope for the future.

"Interesting turn of events." Jinhai observed the glowing pink Heart shards scattering to different dimensions and places.

Each of them were fragments of Miya's soul as well as her pure light.

"I saw seven Heart shards Master." Luxanne appeared beside him.

Her Master simply chuckled darkly patting her head, "No, there were more cleverly hidden underneath those seven main shards. We will see these new princesses soon enough." Luxanne stared after him, then entered a summoned dark portal. Their master had to be already scheming something big.

Kero's unconscious body sunk into the depths of a deep lake, a glittering crystallized flower prison captured him.

It's shiny prison let the hero deeply sleep and he would be trapped there for a long time.

The Kingdom Key fell through a world made of stain-glass and it crashed through a stain-glass window that held the image of the sleeping warrior.

----------

Everyone stared at the sphere in Hanami's hand as it glowed brighter then it burst forcing everyone to shield their eyes.

"What?" Doll gasped staring at stranger who now stood before them.

He touched his blonde tresses then slowly looked around trying to make his eyes focus.

"Where. . .Am I?" His vibrant brown eyes then looked at the group of people who stared at him.

He froze when he saw a ghost from his past.

"Hello, friend. . .Erm, how did you get here?" Joker walked over to the random newcomer.

"No way!" White Mokona and Black Mokona gasped recognizing him.

"You know him?" Asuka looked down at the Mokona pair.

"Yeah we go way back!" Black Mokona smiled.

"Who exactly is he?"

Watanuki looked at the cool person getting a not so good feeling from this new guy.

The young man glared at his enemy, the familiar red eyes glowed brightly in the Circus's lamplight.

"Renox." He whispered remembering Miya's smiling face, the way she would hug him from behind, and other precious moments they shared.

"What did he say?" Watanuki blinked in surprise.

Ciel glanced at his butler also confused on what was going on.

"Sebastian is he-"

"Indeed he is. . ." The butler answered Ciel's interrupted question, "Although he is far different their kind."

`Different? How?` Ciel wondered and looked at Suit who too was surprised if not a bit shaken by this guy's power!

Long pink strands of hair fell in soft waves under a heart-shaped moon the image fueled the young man's anger.

"Renox!" Summoning a powerful katana, he charged at the butler!

"Hey stop!" Asuka shouted watching the crazy guy try to slash and seriously injure Black.

"Grrrrrr!" The young man growled low almost snarling like a wild animal with the sole intent to kill.

"What did you do with Miya? . . .Where is she?"

Black dodged his wild yet accurately deadly swings. "I don't know whom you are talking about."

"You killed her!" Black barely dodged the next swing getting his cheek slashed.

"Enough!" A girl's voice shouted, a sword appeared in her hand and then a loud clang of metal ceased the fighting.

Both men stood there stunned that she was fast enough to get between them.

"Let's try to be friends here." Joker eased the tension somewhat lowering the blades.

Asuka stared at the girl stunned, `How did she become so fast?`

Hanami glared at the guy's brown eyes as he panted then begrudgingly sheathed his sword and took a few steps back.

"Let's start over. . . Tell us your name." Hanami said gently despite the scared edge to her voice.

"It's Kero." He lowered his eyes with a glare, then softened when they landed on her again.

"Now where am I?" None of this was adding up, where the hell was Miya?

Did Jinhai have her somewhere?

"You're in a Circus silly." Black Mokona hopped onto his shoulder.

"Yeah." White Mokona appeared on Hanami's head.

Seeing the Mokonas here seemed to calm him down a little.

Kero sighed, "I'm sorry for lashing out like that." his eyes carefully watched the person who had to be Renox walk away slowly.

Asuka watched Black disappear off to the side and then Suit followed him to her disappointment.

She hoped they weren't going to start fighting too.

"At least no one was horrifyingly injured." The red haired man sighed with relief approaching the two again.

"A circus." Kero muttered looking around the huge tent he was in.

"Yes, welcome to Noah's Ark Circus. . . .I am Joker the leader of this troupe."

Joker bowed as Kero gave him a puzzled look.

Smile slipped out as well going unnoticed to confront Suit and how stupid he was for revealing himself so easily to humans.

He cupped his chin examining the warrior, "Say, if you want you can join our little Circus. . .Your show of moves impressed me greatly."

Joker smiled at Hanami, "And Innocent, I had no idea you possessed magic tricks to summon a sword. . . Let alone use one."

Hanami blushed at Joker's praise, "T-Thank you."

"Pass." Kero started walking away as the Mokonas hopped after him.

"Wait! Kero! Please join!" They chorus gaining on him.

Black, Smile, and Suit came back by the time the Mokona pair tackled Kero.

Kero sighed, "Look you guys. . .Miya isn't here. . . There's no reason why I should join your little circus act."

"But!" White Mokona pouted, "She might come back. . .wherever she is."

"If you stay maybe Yuko can help you find Miya. . ."

Still Kero walked away not caring at all.

"You need a place to stay to sort things out right? . . .And besides Yuko can help. . . You know this."

Kero sighed at Black Mokona's words, he was right.

"But even Yuko has her limits."

"Come on! It will be fun and you need a place to think right?"

Kero sighed again, "A few weeks. . .I'll work for your little Circus. . .But I don't want a stupid Circus name."

Joker deflated at the part where he didn't want a fun stage name.

"Very well, Kero. . . . Welcome aboard. Now smile!"

"Smile!" Black Mokona and White Mokona chorused then giggled when Kero did just for them.

Flower slowly approached Black, "Are you okay?"

Black looked back at Flower, "It still stings a little."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure Kero didn't mean it."

"He didn't seem that way trying to hack me to pieces."

Flower nodded then lightly touched his arm, "I can heal it i-if you want."

Black closed his eyes and took a step closer to her making Flower blush.

She touched his face after dipping her fingers in a potion, which made the cut magically disappear.

"Thank you. . . How did you?"

"I used a potion." Flower smiled, and walked back quickly to the rest of the Rookies before he could see her blush again.

"Here's what we've all been waiting forrr . . . Time to announce room assignments for the Rookies!"

Joker announced after he gathered them up.

"The results of the Lottery are as followed: Smile, Kero, Fear, and Innocent will be in Tent 8! . . .And this is your new roommate."

Hanami and Ciel stared at Doll then looked at each other!

"Why are we being grouped together?" Kero asked the smiling clown.

"The more people your roommates with the more friends you'll make."

"Never a straight answer with people like you."

Kero grumbled under his breath thinking of Yuko.

"My tent is too big for a few people. . .I have plenty of room Kero! So don't be shy!" Doll, still under the guise of a boy, slapped Kero's back happily.

`I'm suddenly sharing a room with strangers. . .This makes things difficult. . .` Ciel thought with a frown.

"Black will be in Tent 9!" Ciel looked quite alarmed at this new dilemma, "Sebas-. . .Black and I won't be in the same tent?"

"Ahahahahahaha! Smile is sure sweet on Black." Dagger laughed, "Ye got to learn to be more independent."

"T-That w-wasn't what I meant!" Ciel stuttered angrily feeling very embarrassed.

`This isn't good. . .If I'm separated from Sebastian. I won't be able to move about freely!`

Ciel silently screamed at this damning problem they now had.

"Black's roommates are going to be-" Joker paused for dramatic effect, "Flower and Suit!"

White Mokona hopped on Asuka's shoulder, "And White Mokona!" Asuka giggled scratching Mokona's ear.

"Black Mokona is going to sleep on Smile's pillow!"

"No you're not." Ciel shot Black Mokona an icy glare.

"Ohh, be nice Smile!"

Black Mokona hopped on his shoulder and nuzzled his neck making Innocent chuckle at them.

Flower blinked at Black and Suit, "Uhhh? Guys?"

They were too shocked like they were seeing a ghost!

"Wha?" Ciel freaked out, not believing this nonsense.

"Black 'N' Smile are already friends. This is yer chance to make new best friends!"

Joker and Dagger said in a sing song voice pissing off the little lord even more.

Together they left the group of Rookies hoping they wouldn't tear each other apart.

"This is the worst!" Suit was the first to speak his mind.

"My thoughts exactly." Black guessed for once they finally reached an unusual agreement.

"Come on, think of this as a new start for making friends!"

Asuka grabbed each of their arms and jumped forward while hugging their arms with a cheery smile on her face.

Black and Suit were feeling the least optimistic at the moment.

Giggling Asuka turned around then her smile disappeared seeing they were back to glaring at each other.

She sighed, "Mokona, what are we going to do?" White Mokona patted the girl's cheek. "They need time."

"Nice to meetcha, Smile, Innocent, Kero, and Fear." Doll smiled at them.

"And Black Mokona!" Black Mokona cheered now nuzzling Doll's face.

"Nice to meet you too!" Innocent and Fear smiled back happily.

"Likewise." Kero smiled shaking the younger girl's hand.

"Right." Smile the only one who wasn't thrilled slowly shook Doll's hand.