We stepped out of the portal to see a beautiful sunset and a sleepy town. I stretched my arms, actually glad to be back in the real world. I walked down the steps of the train station, staring at the orange sky. It was nice.

Akio walked past me, smiling at the amazing view. She was wearing a loose, crimson shirt, dark jeans, two gold and silver belts, golden high tops, and a golden necklace with the Unversed symbol at the end of the chain. She turned to me, about to say something when she caught sight of my outfit.

I was wearing a dark shirt, leather jacket, dark jeans, and white sneakers. I had some piercings here and there, a couple bands on my arms, rings on my fingers, and a tattoo of the same Unversed symbol on my forearm.

Basically, the definition of sexy.

"Hey, how come we changed outfits?" Akio asked after regaining her composure. She looked down at what she was wearing, and I smiled. Looks like she likes her outfit, too.

"Well, if we're trying to work with these guys, I thought it'd be a good idea to not look too intimidating. That Organization XIII coat can scare people off easily, and I doubt my outfit from before would say 'friendly,'" I said, air quoting. "Plus, I just wanted to see you in that. Nice, huh?" I smiled at Akio, showing off my own outfit, which caused her to laugh.

"Yeah. You're right," Akio replied. "So, where should we go to look for them?"

"They're bound to come back soon, right? It is the place you disappeared," I answered, put my hands behind my head. Akio nodded and walked over to the ledge she stood on, not too long ago. I stood beside her, elbowing her. She elbowed me back, and we looked over the town together.

Huh. I just realized this might be the last moment we spend together. Better make it count, right? I'm gonna regret this later, aren't I?

(As the author, yes.)

"Hey," I said, causing her to look up at me with those bright eyes. "Do you think...y'know, before we have to deal with all this stuff...we could...?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I felt my face grow hot as she looked up at me with curious eyes. Damn her innocence.

"We could what?"

"Well, uh, y'know." I coughed.

"Yeah?"

"Look, I'm just gonna say it in a way that you might get it," I said, staring her in the eye.

"Go ahead," Akio replied. I could've sworn I saw a slight smirk on her face. I grabbed her hand, taking a breath.

"I want you to know these past days with have been fun. Sure, there were some bumps along the road, but I enjoyed it non the less. And being able to kiss you was a nice bonus, but now, I want more...of you. I need more of you." Akio's face was red, and she was smiling. She seemed a little surprised, and I heard her heart beating out of her chest.

"I had fun with you, too, but-"

"I want to seal your keyhole."

I had closed me eyes when I said this out of pure embarrassment. Why the fuck did I use that pick-up line? Out of everything, I used that. At least I didn't say I wanted to stick my Keyblade in her keyhole. I opened one eye to see her staring at me with her mouth open. I felt my stomach drop.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even said that, or thought that, or anything. I'm stupid, I'm sorry, I-"

"Vanitas...," Akio said. Her fingers grasped my belt, and I felt my face burn even more. I'm kinda liking this Akio, to be honest. She pulled me closer to her, and I felt myself relax. I leaned down closer to her.

"I...want more of you, too," Akio said, looking up at me. She stroked my cheek, her touch sending shivers down my spine. "I just...don't know if I'm ready for all of this."

"I'll go slow...for you," I whispered, brushing my lips against hers. She pulled back, shaking her head. She let go of my belt, avoiding my gaze. I swallowed, stepping back.

"Maybe....later, okay? I think we just need to focus on finding....what's his name?" I stared at her before looking away. Ouch. That hurts. A lot.

"Sora," I muttered, sticking my hands in my pocket. Sigh. So much for that idea-

Akio suddenly collapsed to the ground, and I winced at the sound of her body hitting the bricks. I fell to my knees, pulling her limp body into my lap.

"Akio? Akio!" I yelled. She didn't respond, her eyes closed. Her hands reached up, clutching her head as if she was in immense pain. I wrapped my arms around her as she struggled against me.

"Akio, calm down! It's me!" I yelled, and she stopped. Akio was breathing hard as she opened her eyes. She looked up at me with confusion before quickly recognizing me. Akio sat up, leaning against my chest for support. What had gotten into her? The only time I've seen her do that is when-

"You're that girl that tried to kill me!"

I looked up to see Sora staring at us.

"Haku!" Kairi called out. Sora grabbed her arm, stopping her from coming any closer.

"She's not your friend anymore," Riku said coldly, standing beside Sora. Our gazes clashed, and a mutal hatred passed between us. I narrowed my eyes at him, growing angry.

"Would you guys shut up?!" I yelled, startling them. "She's hurt, and you guys yelling at her isn't helping!" I picked her up, cradling her in my arms. I stood, grunting, while Sora and Riku stared at me. Jeez, how am I gonna explain us looking alike?

"Look, we need to tell you something. Xehanort's back and he's ready to start another Keyblade War. We want to join you guys in stopping him."

"How can we trust you?" Riku asked, turning his glare to Akio. I pulled her body closer to mine, growling at him.

"Because," Akio muttered. Everyone's attention focused on her as she held out her hand. Lunaticus Estella appeared in her hands, causing everyone to stare in awe. "I have a Keyblade. Remember? The Keyblade only chooses you if you can earn it. I'm ready to fight for all the worlds. I'm ready to fight for Kingdom Hearts."

Riku's eyes widened. He seemed to start to remember. But, how?

"Riku, what's my name?" Akio asked.

"Your name...Haku? Is that you?" Riku took a step forward, and I took a step back.

"Her name is Akio," I said through clenched teeth.

"No one asked you," Riku retorted, squinting his eyes at me.

"Guys," Akio said weakly, her eyes closing. I shifted her in my arms before speaking.

"Look, I'll just take care of her until she gets better. She just needs some rest," I said.

"I'll stop by in the morning to check on her," Riku answered, nodding his head. He does care about Akio, so I guess that's cool. But if he makes another move on her, things might get ugly.

"It's okay, Akio. I got you," I said softly, kissing the top of her forehead.

••••

Waking up in the middle of the night, I looked down to see someone in my arms. My eyes quickly adjusted to the dark setting, and I smiled softly at the sight of Akio cuddiling against me. She was wearing my oversized t-shirt, her dark hair messy and wild.

I was too tired to recall how we got in this position, but I didn't really care. Hugging her closer, leaned down so my lips were touching her ear.

"Happy birthday."

•••••

What do you guys think of that ending? Originally I was gonna attempt to write a little smut, but I don't really like smut that much anymore. And if I come across some in a book I'm reading, I usually try to skip past it or read so fast that the words don't have meaning XD

Heck, I still don't like kissing scenes on TV/movies and I'm an old lady!

Anyways, I hoped you guys enjoyed this part, but I'm going out of town all next week, so I may not be able to finish this book before school starts. I'll still be able to publish parts I've already written, though!