Greetings fellow readers and writers! This is my 24th story and I hope you like it! At last I have begun a Kingdom Hearts fic. This writer is delving into new territory here, folks, and I'm doing my best to bring you the best I can, so I hope you enjoy it.

This fic will, assuming you like it, will be the first of several Kingdom Hearts stores that will all be linked. Each story will take Sora and the gang to a different world. Think of it as if it were the story for the next game. But unlike in Kingdom Hearts 1 and 2, they'll be going to worlds that aren't in the Disney or Final Fantasy universes. This particular fic will take Sora and the gang to the universe of Winx Club, one of my favorite cartoons ever, a show that just screams 'crossover!'

For this story, I'm using a lot of elements (plot and dialog) of the Rai English version of Winx Club, not the 4Kids version, which by the way wasn't very good. I'm sure there's a lot of people out there who agree with me when I say that 4Kids ruins just about every foreign cartoon and anime they get their grubby hands on, with one or two exceptions, but that's beside the point.

Time wise this story takes place about 2 weeks after Kingdom Hearts 2 ended (basically it's the very last scene of the game), while in the Winx universe it's between episode 19 and 20 of the first season. Mostly this story will take place from the point of views of Sora, Riku and Kairi, while occasionally switching to the viewpoints of the villains.

Now I don't own either Kingdom Hearts or Winx Club, so don't sue me, I'm just trying to tell a good story. And now, without further delay, please enjoy a tale which I like to call...

Kingdom Hearts: Beyond the Door to Light

By AndrewK9000

Volume 1: Magix Mayhem

Chapter 1: The Summons

It was late afternoon, nearing sunset, as Sora walked along the beach of Destiny Islands. He had to remind himself, as he sometimes had to over the past few days, that this wasn't a dream, that he wasn't still battling The Heartless and The Nobodies on different worlds. No, this was real; he, Riku and Kairi were finally all home.

Two weeks had passed since the defeat of Xemnas and the downfall of Organization XIII. Two weeks since Sora and Riku escaped from Kingdom Hearts and returned to Destiny Island. With peace and harmony restored to the many worlds, Donald, Goofy and King Mickey returned to their world, wishing Sora, Riku and Kairi well as they left.

And since then, life had been pretty easy for the Keyblade wielder. But secretly, in his heart, Sora missed the adventure. And even though they never said it, Riku and Kairi felt the same way. Little did the three of them know that their subconscious wish would soon be granted.

Sora reached the pier and saw Riku out on the small island where they practiced swordplay before the whole mess got started. He ran out to the island to were Riku was sitting in his usual spot on the paopu tree.

"Nothing's changed, huh?" Riku asked.

"Nope," said Sora as he and Riku watched the sun head for the horizon, "Nothing will."

"What a small world," said Riku.

"But part of one that's much bigger," replied Sora.

"Yeah," said Riku.

"Hey, Riku," said Sora, "what do you think it was-- the door to the light?"

Riku chuckles as he got down from the tree, he touched where Sora's heart is, "This."

"This?" Sora asked as he placed his hand over his heart.

"Yeah," said Riku, "It's always closer than you think." Sora smiles.

"Sora!" exclaimed Kairi, "Riku!" Kairi came running up to them with something.

"Hey, what's up?" Sora asked.

"Look," said Kairi. She held up a bottle with a message in it, a message with King Mickey's seal on it.

"From the King?" Sora asked. He took the bottle, uncorked it, took out the message and unrolled it. Riku and Kairi look over to read the message.

Dear Sora, Riku and Kairi,

I know that it's only been a few weeks since you all got home, and I hate to sound unfair, but we've got big trouble.

The Heartless are up to their old tricks again. This time they're attacking a world outside our universe. It's difficult to explain on paper, so I hope you three will at least come to the castle to hear the full story.

I'll understand if you wish to take a break from battling the forces of darkness, but we could really use your help, all three of you.

Hoping you are well…

And the message was signed with The King's seal.

"What do you think?" Riku asked.

"What do you mean 'what do I think?'" Sora asked, "Of course we're going to help."

"I know," said Riku, "if The Heartless are active again, it can only mean one thing."

"Maleficent," said Kairi, "Whatever's going on, I just know she's behind it."

"I believe you," said Sora, "But how are we going to get to Disney Castle? We don't have the Gummy Ship."

"I don't think we'll be needing the Gummy Ship for this," said Riku as he looked over his shoulder. There on the pier was a large circle of blue light.

"It's a gateway of some kind," said Riku, "I think we should go through it."

"Are you sure?" Sora asked, "Because the last time you wanted to go somewhere, you wound up doing some pretty dumb things."

"That was different," said Riku, "A different time and for a different reason. I've learned my lesson. Our home may not have changed, but we've changed." With that he walked into the gateway.

Sora looked at Kairi, "What do you think? You up for another adventure?"

"With you, everything's an adventure," said Kairi with a smile.

Sora smiled back and with that they both entered the gateway.

Upon their arrival at Disney Castle, Sora was immediately 'attacked' by a familiar yellow dog. He, Riku and Kairi barely got five steps down the corridor to the throne room, when Pluto tackled Sora to the floor and happily began licking his face.

"Cut it out, Pluto!" Sora playfully exclaimed as he 'fought' to get the dog off of him.

Pluto then recognized Riku and Kairi, and promptly showed them his affections.

Just then two more familiar faces came around the corner.

"Sora!" exclaimed wizard Donald Duck.

"Riku! Kairi!!" exclaimed Captain of the Guard Goofy.

"Hey guys!" Sora said as he got back up and embraced his long-time traveling companions, "How've you been?"

"Not too bad," said Goofy, "I've got nuthin' to complain 'bout."

"You've got nothing to complain about," remarked Donald, "Well I've got more to."

"What's wrong?" Kairi asked.

"It's nothing," said Donald, "Anyway, the King is waiting to see you."

"Something tells me that Donald isn't being completely honest," Sora whispered as they all headed to the throne room.

"It's Daisy," said Goofy in a hushed tone, "Their anniversary is real soon, and Donald can't come up with something' to give her."

"That is serious," said Riku.

"Maybe we can help," said Kairi.

A minute later found Sora and his friends in the throne room. Waiting for them was King Mickey and Queen Minnie.

"Sora," said King Mickey, "Riku, Kairi, I'm grateful that you decided to come."

"Any time, your majesty," said Sora as he, Riku and Kairi bowed. "We're always ready to help out."

"And boy do we need help," said King Mickey, "We're in a real dilly of a pickle."

"The Heartless," said Riku, "Just what are they up to now?"

"Well that's the thing," said King Mickey, "It's a complicated story, and to understand the situation, I'll have to fill you in on some details. Minnie, if you would."

"Of course," said Queen Minnie. She beckoned Sora and the gang off to one side of the room to some waiting chairs. Once they were seated, the Queen made some complicated gestures with her hands. In the middle of the room appeared a large image of the many worlds that Sora and his friends visited.

"Cool!" said Sora and Kairi.

"And illusion spell," said Riku, "Impressive."

"It's something I learned in my studies," said Queen Minnie, "Whenever you're ready, King Mickey."

"Now," said Mickey, "You all already know of the many worlds that make up our universe.

"Of course," said Sora, he then pointed out some of the more familiar worlds, "There's Agrabah, Olympus Coliseum, Halloween Town, Atlantica…"

"There's Traverse Town," Riku pointed out, "And that's where we are, Disney Castle."

"Yes," said King Mickey, "And there's so much more to our universe. But not many people know that there is more than one universe in existence."

"Parallel universe," said Kairi, "Existing side by side with each other, yet rarely interacting."

"Exactly," said King Mickey. At that time Queen Minnie changed the image so that it showed a different star pattern, with a different set of worlds marked out on it.

"What you are now seeing is a universe very much alike to our own," said King Mickey, "But with one major difference. A very long time ago, a creature, known as The Great Dragon, created a side-universe within that one; or rather, isolated a part of that universe from the rest of that reality. This side-universe is populated with magical beings of all shapes and sizes, hence that reality's people refer to it as The Magical Dimension."

The image then centered in on an Earth-like world in the middle.

"When the Great Dragon was finished with his work, he settled on an empty world and merged with the planets' life force. This world, called Domino by the people who settled there, became the center of The Magical Dimension. As for the rest of the Magical Dimension, most of the other worlds soon had its own kingdom. Some had other forms of government, but the majority had constitutional monarchies."

"It should be noted," said Queen Minnie, "That in The Magical Dimension, there is a world called Magix," the image then centered on another Earth-like planet, "This world is home to three great schools of magical learning.

"The first; Red Fountain, is a school for Specialists; boys who aspire to become heroes and warriors," the image now displayed a large, red, fortress-like school.

"The second school," the image now focused on a sprawling pink and blue building with a large, grass covered courtyard, it seemed to radiate hope and joy, "Alfea, is where young women who are more attuned to light magic, aspire to become fairies."

"Fairies?" Kairi asked.

"Yes," said Queen Minnie, "In the Magical Dimension, it is the role of fairies to help solve problems and give assistance to the innocent when confronted with troubling situations.

"The third school," the image now focused on a tall, purple castle atop a mountain, the sky above seemed to be permanently overcast with lighting bolts shooting all over the place, "Cloud Tower, is a school for young women who are more attuned to dark magic. It is there that they aspire to become witches."

"Just what we need," said Donald, "More witches."

"I agree," said Riku, "It's bad enough that Maleficent is still out there."

"I wouldn't be too quick to judge the next generation of dark magic users so quickly," said King Mickey.

"Yeah," said Goofy, "You can't have good without evil."

"And not all witches are evil," said King Mickey, "Some of them can be rather decent people, but mostly they live to cause mischief."

"True," said Queen Minnie, "The witches of Cloud Tower, and the fairies of Alfea, they balance each other out. Sometimes that balance is tipped one way or the other, but it eventually evens out, as all matters of light and darkness eventually do. For the longest of time there has been a rivalry between fairies and witches, but that is only one small part of the problem. If you would continue, King Mickey."

"Back with Domino," said King Mickey as the image focused back on said world, "Nearly 16 years ago a daughter was born to the rulers of that world, King Oritel and Queen Miriam. They already had a daughter, Daphne, but it is this new child who is to play a major part in the story. The child was named Bloom."

"Bloom," said Kairi, "That's a pretty name."

"Well I'm sure you'll meet her soon," said King Mickey, "But to continue, shortly after Bloom was born, a trio of particularly nasty witches, The Ancestress Coven, and their followers, attacked Domino. Their goal was to obtain the power of The Great Dragon, known as The Dragonfire.

"It is this power, The Dragonfire, while it created The Magical Dimension, it also has the potential to destroy. The Ancestress Coven believed that whoever could control The Dragonfire, could control The Magical Dimension."

"Typical villain ideology," said Riku, "'whoever can destroy a thing, controls it.'"

"That's what they thought," said King Mickey, "The Ancestress Coven and their followers wrecked great havoc throughout Domino in their search for the resting place of The Dragonfire. But what they didn't know was that The Dragonfire wasn't where they thought it would be."

"The Dragonfire was placed," said Queen Minnie, "Or, should I say, given, to a human host for protection, and so she will, when she was ready, use it in the name of good and righteousness."

"Bloom," said Kairi, "The Dragonfire was given to Bloom."

"Yes," said Queen Minnie, "In order to guarantee Bloom's safety until her fairy powers emerged, she was sent to Earth, a different Earth than yours. There she was adopted by a kind family, unaware that she was in possession of one of the most powerful magical forces in existence."

"What happened to the rest of Domino?" Sora asked.

"That," said King Mickey, "No one is completely certain. These are the few details that are known; Bloom's older sister Daphne, she sacrificed her life to get Bloom to safety. Her selflessness allowed her to ascend to a higher level of existence, where she assumed the mantle of a Nymph of Wisdom. She has been watching over Bloom from a distance ever since.

"As for Domino and its people, well, that's even more mysterious. Outraged at the loss of The Dragonfire, The Ancestress Coven locked the planet in a cursed ice age. As the planet chilled to deadly freezing temperatures, the majority of the people of Domino were supposedly killed. Supposedly, because no bodies were found by later investigations.

"The loss of King Oritel and Queen Miriam came as a great shock to the people of Magical Dimension," at this King Mickey sighed, "And to me, they were good friends of mine."

He sighed again, then continued, "As for The Ancestress Coven, most of their followers were killed in the fighting, while the survivors were either locked away or have gone into hiding. The dark trio themselves haven't been seen since either."

"As for Bloom," said Queen Minnie as the image now showed a girl about 15 or 16 years old, she had long red hair, blue eyes and wore a red and gold shirt with blue jeans and wedgie sandals, "She was raised on Earth with no knowledge of her true heritage and power.

"Then some time after her 15th birthday, she encountered one Stella, Crowned Princess of Solaria," the image now showed Bloom talking with a girl that seemed to radiate with an inner light and beauty. She had long, blond hair, amber-brown eyes, wore a green halter-top, an orange miniskirt and yellow sandals. "It was this encounter with Stella that caused Bloom's powers to awaken."

"Let me guess," said Sora, "This Stella is a fairy, but with the power of light."

"Actually it's more like the Sun and Moon," said Queen Minnie, "But that's not important right now. To continue, Stella brought Bloom to Alfea to learn how to use her powers and to be a fairy.

"While there she made many friends at both Alfea and at Red Fountain, especially this young man" the image then showed Bloom with a boy about 16 years old. He was tall, had shoulder length blond hair and dark blue eyes.

"This is Sky," continued Queen Minnie, "Crowned Prince of Eraklyon."

"This is stating to sound like a modern romance story," remarked Kairi.

"You may be right, Kairi," said Queen Minnie, "Their friendship had the potential to lead to love, Bloom and Sky aren't aware of it yet, but they are destined to become soul mates."

"How can you tell?" Sora asked.

"One can be aware of the sings of destined love," said Queen Minnie, "If you know what to look for."

"You said 'had the potential,'" said Riku, "I'm guessing they're not friends anymore."

"We're not exactly sure how it happened," said King Mickey, "But something really embarrassing happened between Bloom and Sky, something which left her emotionally and physically venerable to her enemies."

"And these enemies," said Sora, "They're the cause of this crisis."

"Correct," said King Mickey, "While the Ancestress Witches may or may not be dead, their last living descendents are, naturally, alive and causing a lot of trouble."

The image now showed three witches; the first was dressed in a blue sleeveless vest-like shirt and matching hip-hugger pants and elbow-length fingerless gloves, had cold blue eyes with dark blue eye shadow and platinum-blond hair that wend down to her ankles. Around her neck was a necklaces with a silver 'I' charm.

The second was dressed in a dark-purple, almost black bodysuit with a sleeveless top and capri-style pants with matching fingerless gloves. She had brown eyes with purple eye shadow and brown hair that also wend down to her ankles. Around her neck was a necklaces with a silver 'D' charm.

The third wore a light purple and maroon dress that ended above the knee with matching boots and gloves. She had short purple hair and sickly green eyes with maroon eye shadow. Around her neck was a necklace with a silver 'S' charm. All three of them seemed to be pulsating with maliciousness and vile intentions.

"Icy, Darcy and Stormy," said The King, "The Trix, as they are known, they have coveted The Dragonfire, and have harassed Bloom and her friends many times.

"Up until recently, Bloom and her friends were able to hold their own against The Trix, and have driven them off at least once, but when Bloom and Sky broke up, she left Alfea and returned to Earth.

"Alone and emotionally distraught, Bloom was soon overpowered by The Trix. We're not exactly sure how they did it, but The Trix now control The Dragonfire."

"Is Bloom alright?" a concerned Kairi asked.

"She is very much alive," said Queen Minnie, "And is back with her friends at Alfea."

"I got a question," said Sora, "How do you know all of this?"

"A lot of what happened before," said King Mickey, "The creation of The Magical Dimension, and what happened to Domino, I already knew. But as to recent events, that we owe thanks to Yen Sid. My teacher has been observing events in other universes, searching out for any sign of The Heartless."

"And now he's found them on Magix," said Kairi.

"Exactly," said Queen Minnie.

"To continue with what's happened to Bloom," said King Mickey, "The Trix, they thought they were leaving a helpless girl. But they are unaware that what they really did was only drain Bloom of her magic, and used that energy to bolster their already impressive powers. The core of The Dragonfire still exist within her and it can be reignited, assuming she survives."

"Survives what?" Sora asked, but he already knew the answer.

"The Heartless," said Riku, "The Trix have used their boosted magic to summon The Heartless."

"Exactly," said King Mickey, "The Trix, who were already mentally unstable, have been driven even further into madness. They've already taken control of Cloud Tower, imprisoning the staff and students, and now they're using The Heartless in a bid to take over Alfea, Red Fountain and the rest of Magix. Unless they're stopped, they could take control of all of The Magical Dimension, and perhaps everything else as well."

"How can that be?" Sora asked, "How can The Heartless obey three teenage witches, when even Maleficent and all the other Villains had a hard time with them."

"That's true," said King Mickey, "Maleficent, Hades, Jafar, Ursula, Captain Hook, Oogie Boogie, they were all malicious Villains, but The Trix are unlike any dark force we've encountered. I'll bet that, if given the chance, The Trix could put Xemnas and Organization XIII to shame."

"Now I know we're in trouble," said Riku.

"You can say that again," remarked Kairi.

"That's it in a nutshell," said King Mickey, "This will be the most dangerous of adventures, one battle that I cannot guarantee that can be won. If you three have any second thoughts about this, if you don't want to go, I'll understand."

"Are you kidding?" Sora asked, "Of course we'll go!"

"You betcha!" said Kairi, "There's no way we're backing away from this!"

"Thos Trix girls think they can rule the universe," said Riku, "We're going to prove them wrong."

"That's the spirit!" said King Mickey.

"We're in as well!" said Donald.

"We are?" Goofy asked.

"Of course we are, ya big palooka!" said Donald, "Why wouldn't we be?"

"Well…um," said Goofy.

"It's okay, Goofy," said Sora, "Those three witches creep me out to."

"Gawrsh, Sora," said Goofy.

"I mean, who wouldn't be disturbed by them?" Sora asked, "Those three have the worst fashion sense I've ever seen."

"You said it!" remarked Kairi, "And that eye-shadow they've slathered on, I mean, can you say 'skank' any louder?"

"No wonder The Heartless are drawn to them," said Riku, "Creepy things tend to attract each other."

"Well in that case," said Goofy, "What are we waiting for?"

"So," said Sora, "We're going to Magix and stop The Trix and The Heartless, right?"

"While helping Bloom recover her powers," said Kairi

"It's a bit more complicated than that," said Queen Minnie, "While you are there, it's imperative that you help Bloom and Sky heal their friendship. As I said, they are soul mates, they just haven't realized it yet."

"Not a problem," said Riku, not completely understanding what he'd been asked to do, "Anything else?"

"As a matter of fact, yes," said King Mickey as he produced three letters sealed with his crest, "I need you to deliver these to the heads of the three Magix schools. Each letter explains why you're there and why I won't be there."

"You're not coming with us?" Sora asked.

"I wish I could," said King Mickey, "Gosh, I really want to, but I'm needed here. The Heartless may be active on other worlds, and Minnie and I will be needed to help track their movements. So you five will be on your own."

"Again, not a problem," said Riku, "Right?"

"Right!" said both Sora and Kairi, while Donald and Goofy nodded in agreement.

"Alright then," said The King, "Now, I'm afraid you won't be traveling in the gummy ship for this. Chip, Dale and Jiminy Cricket just took it over to Cid's for a complete overhaul."

"I thought the ship felt a little sluggish the last time," said Sora, "So how will we be getting to Magix?"

"We've prepared a spell that will teleport you there," said Queen Minnie, "Unfortunately, the presence of The Heartless is interfering with the accuracy of the spell. The King and I will do our best to send you to your respective destinations as best as we can."

"What do you mean respective destinations?" Kairi asked, "We're splitting up?"

"I'm afraid so," said King Mickey as he handed her one of the letters, "Kairi, you are to go to Alfea and protect Bloom until she recovers her powers. While there, I want you to deliver this to Eleanor Faragonda, Headmistress of Alfea.

"Riku, you are to go to Red Fountain and stand with Sky. While he is a highly accomplished swordsman, Sky is also in an emotionally venerable state and will need all the help he can get. I'm also asking you to give this to Armando Saladin, Headmaster of Red Fountain," he handed the letter to Riku.

"Okay," Riku said reluctantly as he took the letter and carefully pocketed it, Kairi had already secured hers, "Anything else?"

"I'm sure that circumstances will have Bloom and Sky face to face again," said Queen Minnie, "I'm asking you to help them in any way you can to cope with their emotional situations."

"You want us to help Bloom and Sky get back together?" Kairi asked, "No offense, Your Majesty, but Riku and I aren't therapists."

"I know," said Queen Minnie, "But I'm confident that the two of you are capable of helping Bloom and Sky."

"I wish I was as confident," Riku muttered.

"What about me?" Sora asked, "Whom am I to deliver the letter to?"

"That, Sora," said King Mickey as he handed the letter to Sora, "will be the most dangerous part. I'm sending you deep into the lair of the enemy, Cloud Tower. There you are to free the imprisoned staff and students, while delivering the letter to the school's headmistress, Christine Griffin."

"Okay," Sora said reluctantly as he carefully pocketed the letter.

"But you won't be going alone, Sora," said King Mickey, "Donald and Goofy will be with you."

"We will?" a surprised Donald asked.

"Of course we will," Goofy reassured, but deep down he was also scared that they'll be going head to head with a trio of psychotic witches.

"So let me get this straight," said Sora, "We're to go to Magix and help fight The Heartless, while delivering these messages to the heads of the three schools."

"I'm to protect Bloom," said Kairi, "While Riku helps Sky."

"And the two of us are to somehow get Bloom and Sky back together," said Riku, "While keeping them alive in the process."

"And I'm to save a school full of witches," said Sora, "And all in all defeating The Trix and The Heartless before they can take over The Magical Dimension."

"Did we miss anything?" Riku asked.

"Nope," said King Mickey, "You've got it all covered."

"Am I the only one who thinks this is impossible?" Donald asked.

"Which part?" Goofy asked, "defeating The Heartless?"

"Oh I'm not worried about a bunch of dumb Heartless," said Donald.

"Then are you worried about facing The Trix?" Sora asked.

"No," said Donald.

"Then it's fixing the whole Bloom/Sky situation," said Riku, "I know I think that's hopeless."

"It's not that either," said Donald.

"Then what is it?" Sora asked.

"I know what's got your feathers in a knot," said Kairi, "And I think I have a solution." She the whispered something in Donald's ear.

"Uh-huh," said Donald, "Uh-huh…yeah, that could work. Thank you, Kairi."

"Any time," Kairi said.

"What was that all about?" Riku asked.

"I just gave Donald a suggestion as to what he could do for his anniversary with Daisy," said Kairi, "And you know what, if I can help Donald, I feel like that I can help Bloom, and that Riku can help Sly."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," said Riku.

"It will take a minute or two to prepare the spell," said Queen Minnie, "Be ready to leave."

"I'm glad you three decided to come after all," said King Mickey to Riku, Sora and Kairi, "And I am sorry that I can't come with you."

"Next time," said Riku.

"Maybe," said King Mickey, "Anyway, it's been some time since you've fought The Heartless. This may be a bit embarrassing, but you do remember how to summon your Keyblades?"

"Like we'd forget," said Sora as he summoned his Keyblade, the blue version of Ultima Weapon, while Riku called for the his saber-like Keyblade.

Kairi's Keyblade was a bit different from the boys. It retained the classic key-shape, but with rainbow hued coloring; red and orange at the point, yellow on the blade, with blue and green at the hilt. At the key edge were flower-like etchings.

"Terrific," said King Mickey, "The Trix won't stand a chance."

"Not with this they won't!" boasted Donald as he showed off his new wizards' staff; the shaft was blue with a gold end-cap. The top was red and indigo with a pyramid-shaped wedge on one side and a half-sphere at the other. This was a staff that was highly adapt for casting spells and also doubled as a melee weapon.

Goofy also had a new and improved shield; a five-sided construct nearly five feet tall and three and a half wide with the King's seal engraved in blue and yellow. Sora knew that this shield was well balanced for offense as well as defense; any Heartless that got in it's way would surely regret it, assuming Heartless were capable of regret.

"What'd ya think?" Goofy asked as he and Donald readied their weapons for action.

"Nice," said an impressed Sora.

"Very nice," Kairi agreed.

"The Heartless won't know what hit them," said Riku.

A short time later King Mickey and Queen Minnie were putting the finishing touches on their spell, while Sora and the gang had loaded up with as many potions, ethers and other supplies as they could safely carry.

"I see that we're ready," said King Mickey.

"Okay then," said Sora, "Let's do this."

"Wait," said Kairi as she pulled something from her pocket, "Sora, I made this for you," she placed the item in Sora's hand.

It was identical to the lucky charm made of Thalasa shells that Kairi gave Sora after he rescued her from Hollow Bastion, which he later returned to her once they were all back at Destiny Islands. The difference was that this charm was made of red and yellow shells.

"I figured that, since the one I made before had such a long journey," said Kairi as she gave the charm to Sora, "I thought we should have a new one."

"Thanks, Kairi," said Sora, "But…"

"But what?" Kairi asked, "Don't you like it?"

"I do like it," said Sora as he pulled something out of his pocket, "It's just that, I made you one as well." He gave her an identical Thalasa shell charm, one that was made with green and white shells.

"Sora, I…" Kairi faltered as Sora gave her the charm, "I…I don't know what to say."

"You can say it when we get back," said Riku, "I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to think it over."

Kairi nodded in agreement. She and Sora then looked and smiled at each other before pocketing their respective Thalasa charms.

"How much longer before they finally say they like each other?" Goofy whispered to Donald.

"Soon I hope," Donald whispered back.

It was then that King Mickey and Queen Minnie had opened the portals, three portals to be exact, each a shimmering circle of blue and white light nearly three meters tall.

"Kairi," said Queen Minnie, "The one on the left will take you to Alfea. Riku, the one on the right will take you to Red Fountain."

"And the middle one will get us to Cloud Tower," said Sora.

"Precisely," said Queen Minnie.

"Alright then," said Riku, "Let's get this show on the road. Catch you all on the flip side." With that he entered the portal on the right, which vanished after him.

"Kairi," said Sora, but she stopped him.

"Relax, Sora," said Kairi, "Everything will work out, trust me."

"I do trust you," said Sora, "But just in case I don't see you until this is over, well… good luck."

"Thanks, Sora," said Kairi, "And good luck to you to." She then saw the look of self-criticism on Sora's face, as if he was yelling at himself for not coming up with something better to say.

"Oh don't be that way, Sora," said Kairi, "We will see each other again, before or after this is done, but we will. Besides," she smiled encouragingly, "it'll take more than a bunch of Heartless and a gang of psycho witches to rid you of me." she smiled again and entered the portal on the left, which vanished after her.

I know, Sora thought as he placed his hand on the pocket where his new Thalasa charm now sat.

"Are you ready?" King Mickey asked.

"Ready," said Donald.

"Willing," said Goofy.

"And able!" said Sora. The trio stood at attention and saluted The King and Queen, "We won't fail you, Your Majesty."

"Yeah!" said Donald, "We'll show those witches that they can't mess around with the darkness."

"We'll be back before y'know it!" said Goofy.

"I hope so," said King Mickey, "good luck."

With that the trio saluted again, then entered the portal, first Donald, then Sora, then Goofy. The portal vanished after them.

"Good lucky, guys," said King Mickey again, "You'll need it."

"I'm sure they'll be fine," said Queen Minnie in an assuring tone.

"I hope so," said King Mickey. He then jolted upright, as if remembering something very, very important, "Darn it! There was one more thing I needed to tell Sora!"

"What was it?" Queen Minnie asked.

"There was one more person who needed to be protected," said King Mickey, "Another person whose survival is of great importance. But now it's too late, we can only hope that Sora finds this person in time."

"I hope so to," said Queen Minnie.

The end of chapter 1. Next chapter our heroes arrive in The Magical Dimension and set out on their respective assignments. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!