A/N: It's been two years and I have nothing to say but: Sorry. I'm working my butt off for you though, because you guys love this story so much! No, I'm not updating because I don't have a certain amount of reviews—I'm not that shallow and I don't need reviews that badly. I've just haven't had time. Please accept my apology and continue reading. Thanks!

Chapter 20: Don't turn out the light; don't turn away

Sora gazed at the spot where Riku last stood.

Riku had stared Sora down with green eyes that were clouded with anger, doubt, and shame...In one look Sora saw all of Riku's pain. It struck him harder than expected and his heart began to ache, because Sora couldn't help him.

He couldn't help Riku.

How many people, worlds Sora had saved up to this point? The person who needed him the most when he was right in front of him and he couldn't help him. Sora gave a bitter smile and thought: The mighty Keyblade master can't save his own best friend.

Donald and Goofy, bustled around Sora, trying to decide what to do next. Goofy hesitantly put a hand on Sora's shoulder and Sora looked up at Goofy with sad blue eyes.

"It's going to be okay, Sora," Goofy began.

"It's not going to be okay. He won't listen to me, I keep trying to tell him Goofy, but he won't—" Sora shook his head, running his hands through his spiky brown hair. "All I wanted was Kairi and Riku to be here, to go see other worlds with me. That's all—I didn't ask to get pulled into all of this..."

"Sora," Goofy started again, but he couldn't find the right words to console Sora again. It was easy to forget that Sora had doubts as well. He was always smiling or laughing things off and it was difficult for Goofy to deal with Sora's sudden negative attitude.

"If he won't listen, show him," Donald intervened, poking Sora's leg with his wand. "Actions speak louder than words—show him that you want to help."

Sora's hands slowly stopped from trying to pull out his hair and fell to his sides. He looked around at the walls and columns that held remains of his and Riku's fight. Sora didn't smile and grim determination crossed his face.

"I'll show him."

Compared to the fight with Riku, the Heartless that appeared to hamper Sora's travel seemed like nothing. His mind was focused on making it to Riku and Kairi and saving them before things got worse.

They did.

They had made it to the castle chapel and in the large spacious room, Maleficent and an unknown woman awaited the trio. Sora looked at Maleficent and then to the other woman, who reminded him very much of Karu; the same dark hair and facial structure down to the way she held herself. A very confident woman, but something felt strange about her. A smile came to her face as she noticed Sora gazing at her and she revealed long sharp fangs.

Sora promptly looked away. Yeah, she was connected to Karu somehow.

"You can leave, I'll take care of these three." Maleficent said.

The other woman shrugged, turning and walking away. "It's your life not mine, sorceress."

Maleficent watched her go and turned to face Sora. "Now, boy, you will have to deal with me."

Riku's fingers trailed against the glass.

Karu's eyelids fluttered.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

Do you miss her? Ansem purred in the back of his mind.

"Shut up."

You have the power now, Ansem went on provocatively, To wake her up, Riku. Summon your Keyblade.

"I don't have a Keyblade, anymore."

Yes you do. Try to summon it.

Riku dropped his hand from the glass and held it out to the side. He concentrated on the faint strain that connected him to the Keyblade; grasping it he willed the Keyblade to come to his hand.

Cold metal greeted his palm and Riku looked down to see a black Keyblade with a red handgaurd. He held up the blade and looked at the incomplete heart shape at the end of the blade.

"This is mine?"

Yes. This blade has the power to unlock hearts, Riku. I will sustain your body…stab yourself in the heart.

"…What?"

In the heart and cut the connection that holds Karu's heart and yours together.

"That's all I have to do and give her heart back to her…"

Yes. Ansem confirmed.

Riku lifted the Keyblade and aimed it at his heart. He glanced at Karu and stabbed himself in the heart.

"Yes…and fall into the darkness where you belong," Ansem chukled, removing the Keyblade from Riku's chest. A heart floated above Riku's palm.

Give Karu her heart! Give me back my body! Riku demanded.

"No…this heart is too precious to return it to its body." Ansem faced Karu and the glass casing that held her up disappeared. She dropped to the floor, starring dully at nothing. Ansem backed away from Karu's body and her eyes slipped close.

Heartless detached from Karu's shadow. The surrounded her and covered her with their darkness.

No!

Riku watched Karu's body disappear in an upward shower of tiny sparkles.