__________
[Finally after much searching, another planet comes into view. The computer beeps loudly.]

Sierra: *jerks out of her chair* Guess we're here.

Ameshi: Yay! I wonder what we'll discover this time!

Senna: Mmhm. It looks kind of like Arcadia from a distance��

Ameshi: Ah. Let's go then! *runs for the transport bay*

[The three disembark. They land in the middle of a road�� again. They notice a castle in the distance in one way, and mountains in the other direction.]

Sierra: Hm. Why does this look soooo familiar��

Senna: *frowns* At least THIS time we won't have to split up. There's no way any of us are going to try and scale those mountains over there�� We should stick to this path and go to that castle over there. Maybe we'll find something!

Ameshi: It's an awfully long walk though�� Where's Hiroshi and his hoverboard when you need it�� ~_~

Sierra: Stop being a wimp. We can walk. It won't kill you. *starts walking and then turns back to glance at Ameshi* Or maybe I'm overestimating you.

Ameshi: >< You're such a jerk, Sierra! *hurries after her*

Senna: Goodness�� I'll have to deal with this the whole way��

[So they start walking, but they don't make it very far when they hear something swoop overhead, going towards the castle.]

Senna: Huh? What was that?

Sierra: It was going so fast I couldn't see it.

Ameshi: *looks up and into the distance, shielding her eyes from the sun* Hey�� It looks like a guy! With wings! Like an angel or somethin'!

Sierra: *raises an eyebrow* An angel, huh?

Ameshi: Yeah! He had wings! I swear!

Senna: But I don't see anything�� Are you sure, Ameshi?

Ameshi: I know I saw it. *squints* I can't see him anymore now. He was going really fast.

Sierra: Hm. Maybe your little "angel" was just a bird.

Ameshi: A bird with arms and legs? Nah.

Senna: *laughs* I think I would have seen something like that.

Sierra: *rolls her eyes* That's not what I meant��

[They are interrupted yet again by a loud rumbling sound from behind.]

Sierra: What now?!

Senna: It's a big wagon coach! Get out of the way! *runs to the side, Ameshi and Sierra doing the same*

[The elaborately decorated coach being pulled by two strange looking horses starts to ride past, but instead stops right in front of the bushes the three are hiding in. Someone steps out.]

Man: Excuse me, ladies. You looked like you were in need of some assistance. Perhaps I could be of some help?

Ameshi: *pokes her head out through the bushes* Really? You'd take us to that castle over there?

Man: Certainly. Just step into the coach��

Ameshi: YAY! Hey guys, it's okay! He said he's willing to give us a ride! Heh heh!

Sierra: *whispers to Senna* I don't trust this guy�� Just look at him. All that blonde hair. And look at that getup�� What is he, some kind of frilly little knight?

Senna: I don't know��

Ameshi: Guuuuys! Come on! *stands up and walks over to the man* My name is Ameshi! What's yours?

Man: My name is Allen Schezar. Just a traveling knight. At your service. *bows slightly*

Ameshi: Oh wow! *starry eyes* A knight! Totally cool!

Senna: *stands up too* A wandering knight? That's a new one.

Allen: Oh, but it's the truth, fair one. *smiles* I used to be tied down to one kingdom, but I gave that up after the last war�� There's no need to fight any longer.

Senna: Right��

Allen: Really, I_ *a sword is suddenly thrust in his face*

Sierra: *narrows her eyes* You better not be lying, blondie.

Allen: Now why would I lie to someone as lovely as yourself.

Sierra: *lowers her sword and folds her arms* You may fool other girls with that cheap talk, but it won't work on me.

Allen: *hangs his head* I figured as much�� ~_~ *sigh*

Ameshi: Hehehehe! Can we go with him then?

Senna: I'm still not sure��

Allen: I merely want to help you. It's not a trick, I promise you.

Senna: Oh�� all right. What have we got to lose, anyway?

Ameshi: WOO HOO! Can I ride on those big animals in the front?

Allen: Um�� It might be safer if you got into the coach��

Ameshi: Aww�� *climbs in, Senna following*

Sierra: *sheathes her sword* I swear, you lay one finger on them or me, I'll slice you open like a ripe watermelon. *glares at him once more before getting into the coach*

Allen: Ah�� I love the feisty ones��

[The coach starts up again, and heads down the road towards the castle.]

Senna: Um, sir�� How is this thing moving? Isn't anyone steering it?

Allen: Of course.

Senna: But I didn't see_

[Suddenly, a head pops into the window.]

Ameshi: *shrieks* What is that?!

Allen: *calmly* That's the moleman.

MM: *smiles* Hello, ladies! *grins, showing his�� teeth* Enjoy the ride! *disappears*

Ameshi: *looks nauseated* Um�� Are we there yet?

Senna: We just started, Ameshi.

Sierra: *rolls her eyes* We should have walked��

[The coach is silent for a few moments. Senna fidgets and starts plucking at her skirt. Ameshi pokes Sierra in a rather bold attempt to annoy her. It works.]

Sierra: Ameshi, if you don't stop I'm going to throw you out the window!

Ameshi: Aiye! I'm sorry!

Senna: Sierra! Ameshi! Stop it!

Sierra: She started it!

Ameshi: Um�� No I didn't!

Allen: *laughs* You three are amusing.

Ameshi: Huh? Oh well�� Yes, a lot of people say I'm amusing. Hahahaha! ^__^

Sierra: Your face is amusing��

Ameshi: *glares* I'm gonna throw YOU out the window!

Sierra: I'd like to see you try.
Senna: Er�� *fumbles for conversation* So�� Mr. Schezar��

Allen: Call me Allen, please. *smiles sweetly*

Senna: Eh heh�� Allen. Do you know who lives at this castle we're going to?

Allen: Of course. The kingdom we are approaching is New Fanalia, and the ruler is Van Fanel.

Senna: Van Fanel�� Hm��

Allen: I was actually going there myself before I stopped to pick you three up. His highness is an old friend of mine��

Ameshi: Cool, you're friends with a King?

Allen: *nods* I'm going there because I received a letter from him a few days ago. There seems to be some kind of trouble, but Van was unclear about it. I'm going to see what it is. I hope it has nothing to do with the Queen��

Senna: Queen?

Allen: Yes, Queen Hitomi. I heard she was sick only a few weeks ago, and now something else is wrong. I hope she's not ill again. *looks thoughtful for a moment, like he's thinking back on something*

Senna: Hm. *glances at Sierra*

Sierra: *nods, knowingly* ��

Ameshi: *is completely oblivious* Will there be food when we get there?

Allen: *laughs again* Surely.

Sierra: Is that ALL you ever think about?!

Ameshi: Maybe��

Senna: *shakes her head* Oh Ameshi��

[Half an hour passes before they finally reach the kingdom. They are greeted warmly by the villagers (who are mostly cheering Allen on anyway��), and they ride up to the castle. Allen gets out of the coach first and consults the door guard.]

Ameshi: So�� now what?

Senna: I think we should talk to the King. Maybe his problem has something to do with the Heartless.

Sierra: I didn't see anything suspicious on the way up here.

Senna: Still, we should check it out.

Allen: *opens the door* All right, ladies, you may follow me. I had to explain to them the circumstances under which you were brought here��

Ameshi: What did you say?

Allen: I said you were my servants.

Sierra: *eye twitches* Servants?

Senna: Well if it will get us into the castle, I don't care.

Allen: *smiles* Of course. Come quickly, now.

[So they enter the castle. They go down various passage ways before ending up in the throne room where King Van paces in front of his chair. There are guards all around, and they reluctantly open up a pathway as Allen and three girls head towards the king.]

Van: *stops pacing and looks up* Allen. You're here. *looks very relieved*

Allen: Your highness. *bows before Van*

Van: Come now Allen, there's no time for formalities. I need your help.

Allen: Of course. What's happened?

Van: It's Hitomi�� *looks saddened* She's�� she's�� *pauses and then notices Senna, Sierra, and Ameshi standing there awkwardly* Wait�� Who are they?

Allen: Oh, I forgot. These three would also like to speak with you�� I brought them with me.

Senna: Um�� *steps forward* Hello, your highness. *curtsies quickly* My name is Senna.

Sierra: Sierra.

Ameshi: And I'm Ameshi! ^^ *waves*

Van: *looks confused and then shakes his head* Oh�� Well, here, come with me Allen. I'll explain it to you somewhere else. I'll speak with you three in a moment. *leaves the room, Allen following*

Ameshi: Hey�� Why weren't we invited?!

Sierra: It's obviously none of our business.

Senna: Something is obviously very wrong. But I'm sure Allen will tell us when he comes back��

Ameshi: You know King Van is kinda cute. *grins* Don't you think, Sierra?

Sierra: *looks down at the floor* I wouldn't know��

Ameshi: *giggles* Right��

Senna: *smiles slightly* Honestly.

[Inside the King's study��]

Van: So you see Allen, Hitomi's missing, and I don't know what else to do. I've looked everywhere��

Allen: Everywhere?

Van: ��Except the mountain. I can't go there, not alone.

Allen: Then why don't you take some of your men with you?

Van: You don't understand. They're too afraid. They know that the black dragon still sleeps there, and that everyone who has gone that far has met an untimely demise��

Allen: *smirks* I see. So you want me to go instead then?

Van: *frowns* I know what you're thinking�� I'm NOT trying to purposely kill you off or anything. I'm just saying�� You're the only one I can trust right now.

Allen: *laughs* I was just kidding Van�� But what do you mean I'm the only one you can trust?

Van: Strange things have been happening, Allen. Anyone could have taken Hitomi, and who knows what they want from me if it's some kind of conspiracy.

Allen: All right, I will go with you. But on one condition��

Van: Anything.

Allen: Those three girls out there�� Would you mind if they came with me? They might be of some help.

Van: *stares blankly* You're kidding, right?

Allen: No, they seem to be warriors of some sort�� I assume that, anyway, seeing as one of them carries a sword. The other one is carrying some kind of key��

Van: *looks startled* A�� key?!

Allen: Yes. Is something wrong?

Van: No, I�� Nevermind. Yes, they can come. I just hope you're right about them being warriors.

[Back outside, in the throne room��]

Ameshi: *stands on her head* What are they doing? I'm ready to go now.

Sierra: Stop whining.

Senna: Be patient, Ameshi. They'll be back soon�� I hope it's not anything too serious.

Sierra: I bet it DOES have something to do with the Heartless.

Senna: Yeah.

Ameshi: Why does EVERYTHING have to revolve around the Heartless? You guys are soooo paranoid!

Sierra: *narrows her eyes* I'm going to count to ten, Ameshi��

Ameshi: Eh?! But what did I_

Allen: *comes back in, Van behind him* Good news, ladies. You will be accompanying his Highness and I on a quest to save the Queen!

Ameshi: *falls* ACK! But we're already on a quest! We_

Sierra: *kicks her hard in the leg* She means we only came to ask a question, nothing more.

Senna: Right. *sweatdrops*

Van: Let me guess�� You're searching for the Keyhole of this world��

Senna: *blinks* Um�� why�� Yes. We are.

Van: I know where it is, and it just so happens that it is located right where Allen and I are going. Are you up to the challenge?

Senna: ��Sure.

Sierra: *sighs* Once again, we're forced into another mission��

Ameshi: @_@ Owwww�� I don't think I can walk now�� Thanks a lot Sierra!

Sierra: Any time.

[So the five of them begin their journey on the road. Senna, Sierra, and Ameshi have horses now, and a few supplies.]

Senna: So where are we going, your highness?

Van: To the forest at the base of the mountain. Once we get to the base, there will be a hidden cave that will lead to the very heart of the mountain. That's where we'll find the black dragon.

Senna: Black dragon? Hm�� Do you know what else it looked like? Did it have any strange symbols or anything?

Van: No one's been able to get close enough and survive to tell us what the thing looks like completely.

Senna: Oh��

Ameshi: Well I'm not afraid of some stupid dragon. If they're anything like the ones in stories Dante used to tell me��

Van: Who's Dante?

Ameshi: Ah�� um�� Nevermind.

Sierra: *rolls her eyes* You've never even seen a dragon before, have you?

Ameshi: I saw one in a picture once!

Sierra: That was a picture.

Ameshi: So?!

Sierra: We're going to see a real live dragon. A dangerous one. You better not chicken out.

Ameshi: *sticks her tongue out* Yeah, whatever.

Van: *glances at them and then at Allen wearily* ��

Allen: *shrugs helplessly* ^_^;;;

[By mid afternoon they make it to the forest. They aren't even part way through it when they suddenly hear a sound.]

Ameshi: *looks startled* What was that?!

Van: *narrows his eyes* There are other creatures that live here. None of them are as big as the dragon, but they are just as dangerous.

Ameshi: Oh�� great�� *pulls out her keyblade*

Senna: *jumps off her horse and juices up her wand* Is everyone ready?

Sierra: *stares boredly at the ground* Ready for what?

Ameshi: Haven't you been paying attention?!

[Suddenly, a tree crashes down a few feet away.]

Ameshi: Aiye!!!

Allen: *gets off of his horse too* Well, looks like we will have to fight.

Van: *jumps down* Right.

Sierra: *yawns* You guys are probably making a big deal out of nothing.

Ameshi: But it just knocked down a tree!

Sierra: Could have been the wind��

Ameshi: But there's no wind blowing! What are you talking about?!

Senna: *shakes her head* Well ready or not, whatever it is, it's coming, and it's coming fast��

[The sound of feet stomping grows louder and louder until suddenly a large, bulky mass jumps out into the middle of the forest pathway.]

Ameshi: ��It's huge�� *stands there wide eyed and shaking*

Van: The dragon is bigger. *growls and points his sword forward*

[The creature appears to be some sort of goblin or troll. The Heartless insignia is imprinted fully on it's chest, and other smaller Heartless crowd around it like a shield.]

Ameshi: Still think it's the wind, Sierra?!

Senna: There's so many��

Sierra: We can take 'em on. *casually jumps onto the ground and unsheathes her sword*

Van: Hurry! *charges forward, immediately heading for the goblin Heartless*

Ameshi: Sweet! *starts to run, but Allen stops her*

Allen: I would prefer it if you ladies stayed back. Me and Van can handle this.

Sierra: You must be kidding! *runs past him and starts taking out all the small Heartless*

Allen: But wait!

Senna: Sorry Allen. *pushes past and starts throwing offensive magic at the goblin*

Allen: But��

Ameshi: Come on, there's no time for chivalry! We ARE warriors, you know!

Allen: *sighs* Fine. *pulls his sword out*

Ameshi: Yay! *brandishes the Keyblade and runs for the goblin*

[The battle continues. The smaller Heartless are disposed of by Allen and Sierra, while Senna, Van, and Ameshi try to weaken the goblin. It merely shakes off all the attacks and keeps coming at them.]

Ameshi: What should we do?! The thing won't die!

Senna: Perhaps it has a weak spot�� *glances upwards* There! Aim for it's head! Quickly!

Van: Right! *jumps into the air, slashing his sword*

[The goblin knocks him back. Van hits a nearby tree.]

Senna: *gasps* Your highness!

Sierra: Grr�� *runs up behind the goblin and jumps into the air, powering up her sword in the process* YAH! *stabs it in the back of the neck*

[Immediately the goblin falls to it's knees, dark energy flowing out of it. Slowly it melts into the ground.]

Ameshi: Woah�� That was awesome Sierra!

Sierra: *sheathes her sword and walks silently over towards Van* ��

Allen: That was rather amazing.

Senna: Yes, but I do hope the king is all right. *heads over to him and Sierra*

Sierra: Your highness�� Can you hear me?

Van: *opens his eyes slowly* What��? Oh�� What happened?

Senna: It's dead, your highness.

Van: You�� You killed it?

Ameshi: *grins* Sierra did!

Van: *stands up weakly and glances at Sierra* I don't know how to thank you.

Sierra: Um�� Yeah. *glances down at the ground, blushing*

Allen: Well I guess we'd better get going again, eh Van? You wanted to reach the mountain by nightfall.

Van: Yes�� Let's go then. *heads back over to his horse*

Ameshi: *throws her arm around Sierra's shoulders* I knew you could do it!

Sierra: *glares* Do what?

Ameshi: I saw the way he looked at you! And you're even blushing�� How sweet!

Senna: Really Ameshi, you're jumping to conclusions�� He was merely thanking her for saving him.

Ameshi: But he was looking at her funny!
Senna: *huffs* I didn't notice that��

Ameshi: Hey wait a minute�� You like him too, don't you?! You already have Hiroshi!

Senna: Wh_What?!

Sierra: ��Why are we even talking about this?!

Allen: Ladies? Are you coming?

Ameshi: Yup! *runs towards her horse* Come on guys! ^__^

[Senna and Sierra reluctantly follow, both of them blushing slightly��]

Ameshi: So�� How much longer is it until we reach the mountain?

Van: Not long. We're still pretty far off though. It will be nightfall by the time we reach bridge.

Senna: *blinks* Bridge?

Van: Yes. There's a bridge leading across a huge cavern. Once we get to the other side, we'll find the cave where the dragon sleeps. We'll go in the morning though, and we'll spend the night on the safe side of the cavern.

Ameshi: You sure it's not going to come out and eat us? *looks a bit alarmed*

Allen: *smiles* The dragon never leaves it's place in the mountain. Mostly its prey come to him rather easily.

Ameshi: Oh�� Well that's a bit reassuring��

[The trip resumes, and they continue through the forest. As they are leaving the forest, the sun has gone down completely, and it is almost pitch black. The five of them set up camp near the bridge, but behind a cluster of bushes.]

Ameshi: Well, good night everybody! *immediately rolls over and turns away from everyone as she quickly falls asleep*

Allen: Pleasant dreams. *turns the other way and goes to sleep also*

Senna: *yawns quietly, already curled up in her blankets* Good night.

Van: *sits up, staring down at the fire* ��

Sierra: *glances at Van* ��Your highness?

Van: Hm? Oh, yes Sierra?

Sierra: Are you�� um�� okay?

Van: I'm fine. *smiles slightly*
Sierra: *smiles back somewhat shyly, as she wraps a blanket around her shoulders* Are you going to go to sleep?

Van: I will�� eventually. I need to think for a while, that's all.

Sierra: Oh. I don't mean to pry, but�� what are you thinking about?

Van: *nods* I'm just really worried about my kingdom right now��

Sierra: I don't blame you. It must be hard.

Van: Yes. Hitomi kept me sane, I suppose, and without her it feels like I'm falling apart.

Sierra: *blushes* Oh, your queen?

Van: *nods again* It's strange how much I miss her. I don't think I ever really thought about losing her again as much when she was with me, but now�� I realize how much I took advantage of our relationship��

Sierra: She was lost before?

Van: A while back, during the last war. She went away for a little while. I was heartbroken. Then she came back, and we got married. I thought I could fall in love with her all over again. But something was definitely different between us�� I wasn't sure what it was. We weren't getting along so great, and then�� that's when she disappeared. And I was scared. I still am really. I hope I can find her and apologize.

Sierra: Yeah�� *looks down* I know what you mean. I used to�� have someone.

Van: Oh?

Sierra: Yeah�� but it didn't really work out between us, I guess. *shrugs somewhat* He was an a_

Van: *blinks* ��?

Sierra: *blushes��again* He was a jerk. Yeah��

Van: I'm sorry. *reaches over to pat her shoulder, awkwardly* Well I'm sure you'll find someone, someday.

Sierra: You think so?

Van: You're a nice person, so I don't see why not.

Sierra: Ah�� thanks�� You're nice too, for someone who's of royal blood. Most of the kings I ever knew weren't as kind. *narrows her eyes a bit*

Van: *chuckles* Well, I try��

Senna: *opens one eye and glances over at them* ��

Ameshi: *yawns loudly and turns over on her back, stretching and nearly knocking Senna in the face with her fist* Mmmmm?

Senna: *sits up* Ack! Ameshi!

Van: Huh? *glances at Senna*

Senna: Oh. *blushes* Eh heh. ^_^;

Sierra: *rolls her eyes* I'm going to bed now.

Senna: Guess I'd better get back to um�� sleeping. Yeah. Good night, your highness! *rolls over again*

Van: *looks confused, but smiles anyway* Good night��

~[DREAM SEQUENCE.]~

[Ameshi stands on the edge of the beach on the Destiny Islands. She is five years old. Next to her stands Dante, seven years old. Both are looking out at the ocean.]

Ameshi: Daaanteeee! Don't you want to go swimming with me?

Dante: *yawns* We did that yesterday! Besides�� I'd rather go play by the waterfalls.

Ameshi: Oh�� *looks down*

Dante: Hey, don't look so sad. You can come with, you know. ^_^

Ameshi: Okay!

[They move away from the shore line.]

Ameshi: Hey Dante�� How far do you think the ocean is?

Dante: *puts his arms behind his head and glances back at her* Huh? Um�� I don't know.

Ameshi: It looks so big. I bet if we got in a boat we would keep sailing forever!

Dante: Heh. We should try it sometime then, eh?

Ameshi: You think we'd actually get anywhere? To a new place? I'd be scared��

Dante: Of course, knowing you.

Ameshi: *pouts* You're so mean��

Dante: *stops walking and smirks* Just kidding. Oh, here. I forgot. I made somethin' for you.

Ameshi: Huh?

Dante: *pulls a small bracelet made from tiny sea shells out of his pocket* I found 'em yesterday while you were off playing with Mia. Want it?

Ameshi: It's so pretty! *takes the bracelet and looks up at him* But�� Why?

Dante: It's a friendship bracelet, silly! I don't have one though�� It would look kinda weird�� and stuff�� *blushes slightly*

Ameshi: *giggles* Oh. Right.

Dante: Annnnyway�� Race you to the waterfall! *takes off running*

Ameshi: Hey! No fair! You got a head start! *runs after him*

Dante: *laughs* Better hurry up and catch me!

[Ameshi suddenly stops and glances over at the big tree with the secret hovel. A strange light illuminates from it. She starts to walk towards it when she suddenly hears Dante calling from far off. She turns around again to see him standing there, waving, and then he starts to fade away. The sky grows dark, and lightning flashes.]

Ameshi: Dante?! Dante! Come back! *clutches the bracelet in her hand*

[A Heartless springs up behind her. Ameshi turns around quickly.]

Ameshi: AH! Dante! Where are you! DANTE!

~[END DREAM SEQUENCE]~

Ameshi: *jerks up* Dante! DANTE!

[Everyone sits up, rubbing their eyes.]

Sierra: What are you screaming about?!

Ameshi: Huh? Oh�� I�� I'm sorry. I just had a bad dream�� Sorry��

Senna: *looks at her sadly and hands her a hankerchief* It's okay. Are you all right now?

Ameshi: Yeah. Thanks. *wipes her face* ��? *thinks: I'm�� crying��*

Van: Are you sure you're okay?

Ameshi: *looks up slowly and forces a smile* Yeah! Really, it was just a dream. I'll be fine. I just need to�� move my legs a bit. *stands up*

Senna: Where are you going?

Ameshi: No where.

Allen: Don't go too far!

Ameshi: I won't! *pushes her way through the bushes*

[Ameshi looks back behind her at the camp. Everyone resumes sleeping. She turns around and walks towards the cavern not too far away. She walks over to the bridge and looks down.]

Ameshi: Woah�� That's a long drop��

[She hears a voice from across the bridge.]

Woman: Yes. You'd better be careful.

Ameshi: *looks up* Huh? Who are you?

Woman: *smiles* ��

Ameshi: Hey�� Are you the queen? Queen Hitomi? The one everyone's looking for?

Woman: *cocks her head to the side* Why yes. I am.

Ameshi: Oh good! ^_^ That saves us all a lot of trouble! Why don't you come across the bridge!

Hitomi: ��I'm afraid I can't do that.

Ameshi: Why not?

Hitomi: ��The dragon.

Ameshi: Eh?

Hitomi: *steps away from the bridge and towards the entrance of the cave* Please. You have to help me.

Ameshi: But�� *looks behind her, back at the camp again* Well�� All right. Here goes�� *starts to make her way across the long, rickety bridge, slowly* The things I do�� Sheesh��

Hitomi: Quickly! The dragon will wake up soon��

Ameshi: I'm going as fast as I can!

[Ameshi finally makes it across. Hitomi smiles again. And then�� A loud roar erupts from inside the cave.]

Ameshi: Yikes! What was that?!

[The ground begins to rumble, the mountain starting to shake. Rocks tumble down the sides, and the roar from before is heard again, this time following by a piercing screech. Ameshi screams and falls to her knees covering her ears. By this time, everyone at camp wakes up again.]

Sierra: What the hell was that noise?

Senna: *stands up* I don't know, but something tells me Ameshi found the dragon��

Sierra: Ugh�� She couldn't wait until morning, could she��

Allen: I thought I heard your friend scream! *takes off running towards the bridge, sword in hand*

Van: Let's hurry then!

[Allen runs across the bridge. Ameshi yells at him to turn back, but he makes it across. Hitomi stands silently off to the side. The mountain continues to shake violently, and then there is a loud explosion. Meanwhile, on the other side of the cavern.]

Senna: What's happening to the mountain?!

Van: *eyes widen* It IS the dragon!

[The front side of the mountain is blown completely off, and rocks and boulders fly everywhere and down into the cavern. A large black dragon emerges from the rubble, the heartless insignia printed boldly on it's chest. Smoke billows from it's nose as it flaps it's big black wings, clearing away some of the dust. Then it looks down at Ameshi, Allen, and Hitomi and lets out a screech.]

Senna: Oh no! It will kill them! *starts off across the bridge*

Sierra: Wait for me! *follows her*

Ameshi: Guys! What should we do?!

Allen: *stands in front of her as the dragon lowers it's head towards them* Just stay back!

Ameshi: *glances at Hitomi* Hey! Get away from there! Do you want to get eaten?!

Hitomi: *smiles evilly* I think you're the ones about to be eaten��

Allen: Hitomi��? What's the matter with you?!

Van: *looks from across the cavern* That's not Hitomi�� I can tell��

[Hitomi laughs as a purple mist surrounds her completely, and she disappears. Ryu appears in her place��]

Ryu: I'm afraid you're a little late. Hitomi isn't here anymore�� *grins*

Sierra: *gasps* It's Ryu! We've got to hurry!

Senna: I'm trying!

Ameshi: What did you do with Hitomi?!

Ryu: *shakes his head* That's for me to know�� And you to find out�� Too bad you won't live long enough. *looks up at the dragon* Kill them. *leaps into the air and disappears*

Ameshi: Crap! Where did he go?!

Allen: Look out!

[The dragon rears back and lets out a blast of fire. Allen turns, and pulls Ameshi out of the way. The fire spreads everywhere, and hits the bridge. Sierra and Senna, only half way across the bridge clutch the sides as the rope is burned through and it collapses. They fall.]

Ameshi: SENNA! SIERRA!

Van: No! *runs forward and jumps*

Sierra: What's he doing?!

Senna: *clinging to Sierra's arm* I don't know!

Van: Hang on! *winces slightly as two beautiful white wings spring forth from his back and he holds his hands out and flies towards them as they're falling* Grab my hand!

Sierra: What the��?!

Senna: You can fly?!

Ameshi: Van has wings?! *thinks: Then that was him I saw flying back there on the road!*

[The dragon roars again, and Ameshi and Allen turn back to look at it.]

Ameshi: I've got to do something! *runs past Allen*

Allen: What are you doing?!

Ameshi: Come on dragon! Let's go!

[The Heartless dragon lowers it's head to snap at her. Ameshi jumps out of the way and quickly pulls her Keyblade out and bashes it over the snout. It screeches and let's loose a blast of fire. Allen counters and tries stabbing at it's chest, and it merely snaps at him, forcing him to jump backwards.]

Ameshi: Ahhh! *is thrown back a few feet*

Sierra: Dammit, they're getting beat up pretty bad! Do you see a weak spot, Senna?

Senna: Hmm�� *squints, her eyes flashing a bit* Ah. It's just like the troll! We've got to aim for it's head!

Van: *lands on the ground, letting go of Senna and Sierra* Ameshi! I have an idea. Perhaps if you get on it's back, maybe you'll have a better chance at hitting it's head!

Ameshi: *stands up shakily* Oookay�� Sure.

Allen: Van, have you gone mad?! She'll fall off!

Van: Well we've got to do something! Come on, Ameshi!

Ameshi: Okay! *throws her arms around his neck from behind*

[Van flaps his wings, and they rise into the air. The dragon zeros in on Sierra and Senna and begins spouting fire again. Sierra jumps out of the way, and Senna blocks with defensive magic. As the dragon is distracted, Van flies behind it and hovers just above it's back.]

Van: You'll have to jump.

Ameshi: Got it! *lets go of her hold around his neck and jumps* Ahhhhh! *lands on the dragon's back�� face first* OW! X__X

Van: *winces* ��

Sierra: *groans* She better hurry up!

Senna: She can do this!

Ameshi: *clutches the keyblade in one hand and hangs on for dear life* Waaaah! Be still, darnit!

[The dragon rears back, Ameshi nearly slipping off. It turns it's head and spits fire at Van. Van flies out of the way, landing next to Sierra, Senna, and Allen on the ground. Ameshi climbs closer to it's neck.]

Ameshi: Here we go! *stabs it in the neck as hard as she can*

[The dragon screeches and thrashes about. Ameshi clings tighter with one arm, the other furiously swinging the keyblade into it's neck. Finally, it collapses, one last burst of flames flowing from it's nostrils before it closes it's eyes and dies. Ameshi tries to climb down carefully but ends up falling off instead.]

Ameshi: OW! That hurt�� ;_;

Senna: *runs up to her and helps her off the ground* You did it! I'm so proud of you! ^_^

Ameshi: Aw�� It was nothing��

Allen: Nothing? You just slaughtered a dragon singlehandedly!

Ameshi: ^^;;; Um�� well�� you know��

Van: I am truly impressed.

Ameshi: Ah he he he he��

Sierra: *glares* I could have done it better��

Ameshi: *huffs* You can't compliment me at least once?! I just saved your butt from being eaten by a dragon, so aren't you going to thank me?! *frowns as Sierra turns and looks the other way* Hey, are you listening to me?!

Sierra: Hm? Did you say something?

Ameshi: Arrrrrgh!

Senna: �� *sighs*

Allen: *smiles slightly* Perhaps we should be getting back to the castle, your highness?

Van: Perhaps�� But what will I do about Hitomi? *turns back and looks at the desecrated mountain* I was so sure I'd find her here��

Senna: Ryu has taken her. But don't worry, we're already after him. We'll bring Hitomi back to you too!

Van: You would really do that? For me?

Senna: *blushes* Of course, your highness.

Sierra: Yup.

Van: I am very grateful�� *bows slightly*

Ameshi: I am seriously going to beat the crap out of him after all this stuff he's making us go through!

Sierra: Uh_huh��

Ameshi: I'm serious! He's not going to get away with this!

Van: Well then�� I'll reward you for your efforts before we go��

Senna: The keyhole?

Van: *points* It's there. It must have survived, even after the front of the mountain caved in.

[Van points to a large rock sticking up in the middle of a pile of rubble. The emblem of a feather is carved into it.]

Van: Here. *plucks one of his own feathers and hands it to Ameshi*

Ameshi: Thanks! ^_^ *skips over to the rock* Now��

[Ameshi sticks in into the carving and watches as the ground begins to shake. A keyhole appears on the stone, and immediately the keyblade reacts, locking the keyhole to the world. The party turns to leave. They have to go the long way because of the destruction of the bridge and simply have to cross the river in the canyon below. As they are leaving, Ryu appears hovering in the air, watching silently.]

Ryu: Your time is coming soon, Keybearer�� Very soon�� *chuckles menacingly*

[A day later. On the space ship.]

Ameshi: *yawns and stretches languidly as she is sprawled out on the floor* What an adventure�� I'm tired though.

Senna: Heh, me too. That one was pretty hard�� Don't you think Sierra? *silence* Sierra?

Sierra: *sits across the room in the captain's chair, lazily playing with a feather* Hm? What?

Senna: *eye twitches* Where did you get that?!

Sierra: Van gave it to me��

Senna: *gasps* No he didn't! You took it, didn't you? When he wasn't looking!

Sierra: *grins* He had to have known. He glanced back at me, but he didn't say anything.

Senna: Grr�� You didn't even get me one, did you?!

Ameshi: Ooooooh, I'm telling Hiroshi, Senna! *giggles hysterically*

Senna: No, no! Don't do that!

Ameshi: But it's soooo obvious you liked the King! I mean�� come on! Going crazy over a feather�� Poor Hiroshi��

Sierra: I hate to admit it, but she's right.

Senna: I AM NOT CHEATING ON HIROSHI!

[The message screen flashes on the computer, and Emperor Onikisu appears on the view screen.]

Onikisu: Who are you cheating on, Senna?

Senna: Auuuugh! *stomps off to her private quarters*

Ameshi: *smiles* We were just teasing her and_ *looks at the screen* Who are you?

Sierra: That's the King. The one who sent us on this mission. What's the matter?

Onikisu: Well, a lot of things, but I'm merely sending you this transmission so I can check on you. I see you've picked up a hitchhiker��

Sierra: *rolls her eyes* No. This is Ameshi�� the Keybearer.

Onikisu: *squints* You're kidding.

Ameshi: Hey, what's THAT supposed to mean?! O\/o

Onikisu: She's not a scary looking as I imagined. Kind of scrawny�� Doesn't look too intelligent either��

Sierra: Funny thing is, she isn't. *smirk*

Ameshi: You're just going to sit there and let him diss me like that?! Tell him about the three keyholes I've sealed so far! Tell him!

Onikisu: *frowns* Only three? I hope you know there are a lot more worlds out there, young lady��

Ameshi: I know that! But I'm willing to work hard to fix it so that I won't have to seal every world. I'm going to stop the Heartless from taking over!

Onikisu: *chuckles* Big words for someone so small��

Ameshi: I'm serious! I AM the keybearer, and as such, I'm going to prove all you guys wrong, and no one, not even some stuffy King like you is going to stop me!

Onikisu: Calm down�� I was merely testing you. You've got a lot of spunk, kid.

Ameshi: __;;; I'M NOT A KID! I'M 16, DARNIT!

Sierra: Then explain why you have the brain capacity of a two year old��

Ameshi: SIIIIIIEEEEERRRRAAAAAA! *wails*

Onikisu: *winces* Eh heh�� Anyway�� Where is your next destination, Sierra?

Sierra: Well if I knew that, then we would have been there by now instead of just wandering out in space��

Onikisu: Might I suggest returning to L2? I hear there's some trouble there��

Ameshi: *stops wailing for a moment* What kind of trouble? The Heartless?

Onikisu: As usual.

Ameshi: Hmph. Well we'll go there then, and kick some butt!

Sierra: Whatever. I better go tell Senna then. *stands up from her chair and walks off*

Onikisu: Ameshi�� That's your name, right?

Ameshi: Yes.

Onikisu: Well then. I'm counting on you. I really do trust that you can do this. *smiles* Take care, all right.

Ameshi: *smiles back* You too. I won't let you down sir!

[Onikisu nods and signs off. At that moment, Senna walks back in, looking a bit more collected. Sierra walks in behind her, arms folded.]

Sierra: So basically he wants us to go back. Seems as though there's something going on there.

Senna: It figures. *sighs* Well, let's get going then.

Ameshi: Heh! I'm totally ready for this!

Senna: *smiles* That's good to know.

[To be continued...]