I appeared in Akio's room, surprised to see her red-headed friend, Kairi. They were sitting on her couch in front of the little TV, eating sweets and talking. Sighing, I fell on her bed. Guess they were having a little sleepover.

"So, do you like Sora?" Akio asked. Kairi mumbled in response before speaking.

"Well, that depends on if you like Riku!" she exclaimed, causing me flinch. I sat up, confused. Akio didn't tell them about me, did she? Interesting...

"Answer the question!" Akio yelled, throwing a heart-shaped pillow at Kairi. How ironic. Kairi threw it back at her, and Akio hugged the soft pillow.

"Yeah, I do...but if you tell him, you're a dead woman!" Kairi threatened, causing Akio to giggle. I smiled at the sound of her laugh, a funny feeling in my stomach. "So, do you like Riku? Things seem weird between you two." Akio just shrugged her shoulders, the feeling in my stomach turning to nausea.

What is that supposed to mean?

She doesn't know?

After everything we've been through, she's not sure of her feelings?

After everything I've done for her, she doesn't know if I'm the one she loves?

As Akio took a sip of her soda, I narrowed my eyes at her, causing her hand to spazz out. The fizzy liquid filled her mouth, and she started coughing. As she took in deep breaths, I crossed my arms.

She'll know, alright.

"Why would I like that guy? I'm in love with Vanitas! He's the most sexiest guy I've ever met! I swoon every time I see him, and my heart beats out of my chest when's he's close to me! Riku doesn't compare to him!" Akio batted her eyelashes, and I laughed.

Boy, I'm good.

"Uh, are you okay, Akio?" Kairi asked, obviously shocked at her friend's strange behavior. I made Akio nod her head as if nothing was wrong, but I could feel her start to resist me.

"Why can't I control myself?"

I widened my eyes at the sound of Akio's voice, but started to smirk.

'Cause I'm doing it for you.

"Oh, great. You again. Wait a second...Vanitas?"

Smart.

"What the-? Get out of my head!"

Don't you need my help with something first?

"Huh? Like what?"

Well, let's see. You're trying to get into the Realm of Darkness, so you're gonna need someone to open a pathway for you. You're heart is still pretty weak, so you'll need some sort of protection. And, admit it, you just want me to be with you. I know I run through your mind everyday.

"Shut up!"

But I'm right, aren't I?

"Yeah, I guess so..."

So you admit that you're always thinking of me?

"No, I talking about the-"

"Akio? Hello?" Kairi asked, interrupting us. I frowned at how often that was happening, falling back on her bed. I heard them shuffling around, turning off the light and TV. It was pretty late, so it makes since that they would turn in for the night. Tomorrow is a big day.

"Do you think things will work out in the end?" Kairi mumbled. I was a little surprised at her question. I guess she worries about stuff, too.

"I hope so," Akio replied softly.

Are you ready for the end?

"...No," she whispered.

"No..what?" Kairi asked sleepily.

"Oh, nothing," Akio answered.

That was me.

"I noticed." Akio's voice was quiet in my head, showing how tired she really was. "Let me sleep, please. I have to get all the rest I can so I can search for Aqua."

Okay, okay. I'll visit you in the morning.

"Goodnight."

Well. I better get to work.

••••••

I walked down the empty corridor, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the walls. The castle was quiet, so I knew everyone must be asleep. Turning the corner, I saw a familiar guard standing in front of a set of doors. I smiled, realizing he was in a deep slumber.

Setting my note on the ground next to his feet, I froze as I suddenly heard footsteps coming my way. Watching from the shadows, I saw a small magician walking our way, a tired look in his eyes. He noticed the sleeping guard, grumbling under his breath.

"Wah!" he quacked, a bolt of lightning striking down on the guy in armor. He jumped in surprise, landing on the ground.

"Oh, hiya, Donald," the guard said, smiling at the angry little duck.

"Goofy, what are you doing?! You're supposed to be guarding the King's chambers, not sleeping!"

"Quiet, Donald," Goody said, putting a finger to his lips. "We don't wanna wake the King, ah-hyuck!"

"Why, I oughta-!" Donald prepared to cast another magic spell when the door suddenly opened behind them. A small king poked his head out into the hallway, an exaugshted look on his face.

"Gawrsh, fellas, would ya mind keeping it down? I sure don't wanna wake up Minnie," he whispered, barely able to keep his eyes open.

"We're sorry, King Mickey," they replied, looking ashamed.

"Aw, it's okay. I'll see ya in the morning, pals," Mickey replied, smiling. He closed the door, disappearing in his room. Donald started to walk away, but Goody noticed my little note.

"Heya, Donald?" Goofy asked, confused.

"What is it, Goofy?" the tired duck replied. The dog held up the letter, a concerned look on his face.

"This looks pretty important."

"Wah? A letter?"

Looks like my plan is going to work after all.

••••

Appearing in Akio's room, I was surprised to see it was morning already. Sunlight was streaming in through her window, giving the room a warm atmosphere. Akio was staring at herself in a floor-length mirror, wearing a new outfit and hairstyle.

She looked....different.

Akio was wearing a maroon tank top tucked into a dark skirt. Thigh-length socks covered her long legs, and dark flats were on her feet. A chain was connected to the skirt and each sock, probably so she wouldn't be exposed or anything. Her short hair was put into a high ponytail, the front few strands left to frame her face.

She looked....older.

"It's nice," I said. Akio turned around, a small smile on her face. Her gray eyes twinkled at the sight of me, but that was the only sign that she was happy to see me.

"Thanks," she said, walking past me. Akio grabbed the blankets on the couch she and Kairi slept on, glancing my way. "Wanna help me clean up this place?"

"Naw, I'd rather watch you," I replied, smirking. She huffed a little, grabbing a trash can and throwing away a bunch of candy wrappers and soda cans. I plopped down on the couch, kicking my feet up on the coffee table. Akio stopped what she was doing, staring at me.

"Really?" she asked.

"Really," I replied, looking up at her with a mischievous grin. Akio just rolled her eyes, moving my legs so she could pick up some more trash.

It was fun to annoy her, but it was the only thing I could think of so I could have her attention. Just watching her clean was enough, since it may be the last time I get to see her...

Akio grabbed the trash bag, heading over to a wooden trap door next to her bed. I appeared next to it faster, placing my foot on top of it as soon as she reached down to open the latch.

"Can you move?" Akio asked, standing up straight.

"Nope."

Akio pushed me aside softly, but I still fell back on her bed. I started smiling as I bounced on the springy mattress, an idea forming in my head.

"Ah, I remember this night," I said, sighing. In all honestly, I kinda don't, but I wonder if she does? I raised an eyebrow, giving her a look. Akio gave me no response, opening up the trap door and throwing her trash down it.

I frowned, crossing my arms.

The bathroom door suddenly opened, and a red-haired girl came out, smiling. She was wearing a pink crop-top and a denim overall skirt, along with some light-pink high tops that stopped beneath her thighs. Her hair was in a bun, a few front strands hanging out.

I raised an eyebrow before realizing it was Kairi.

This ought to get Akio's attention.

"Why, hello," I said, smiling. "I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you yet." I got up, crossing the room in a couple strides. I grabbed Kairi's hand, pressing my lips against her soft skin. She quickly pulled her wrist away, and I looked up at her red face, smirking.

"Seriously?" Akio huffed, grabbing the collar of my jacket and pulling me back. "Kairi is off limits."

"Jealous?" I teased, looking at her with my golden eyes.

"You wish," Akio snorted. I smiled at the way her little nose crinkled, the adorable way she was staring daggers at me-

"Wait, this guy is Vanitas?" Kairi asked, interrupting my thoughts. "The one you gushed about last night?"

"No!" Akio blurted out, glancing my way. I raised an eyebrow, and she sighed. "Well, technically, yeah, but I wasn't in control of myself!"

"She's never in control of herself when it comes to me," I chimed in, winking. Kairi giggled, but Akio hit me on the shoulder instead.

"Shut up!" she exclaimed. I just wrapped my arms around her, resting my chin on her shoulder. She didn't put up a fight, but continued talking. "How did you even do that, anyways?"

"That's a story for another time," I mumbled, hugging her tighter.

"Whatever," Akio muttered. "Kairi, Vanitas is the one who's gonna help us get into the Realm of Darkness. Hopefully, he won't be super annoying anymore." I stood up straight, leaning forward so my forehead was resting against hers.

"Now, who said that?" I asked, staring into her big, beautiful eyes.

"Me!"

"Should I give you two some privacy?" Kairi asked, a huge grin on her face.

"No-," Akio started.

"Yes," I said.

"Look, we need to meet up with the others," Akio said, grabbing a small backpack. She slung it over her shoulder, opening up the trap door. "I can't wait any longer."

Why is she so content on getting herself killed?

So she can save someone important to her?

That sounds familiar.

Looks like there's no stopping her.

I mean, look at my situation. This little plan of mine might save Akio, but I'll be erased from this world anyways.

"Are you sure you can do this?" Kairi asked, worry crossing her face.

"Yeah," Akio replied, nodding her head.

She was ready.

•••••

Akio led the way up the endless flight of stairs, taking the steps two at a time. I could hear Kairi huffing a little at her fast pace, and I was tempted just open a dark portal. Soon enough, we arrived at a wooden door.

Akio pushed it open, setting her bag on the large desk in the room. She sat down in the tall chair, while Kairi looked around the room. A few, small bookshelves lined one wall, windows shaped like stars and crescent moons on the other.

"Where is everyone?" Kairi asked, and Akio just shrugged her shoulders. Kairi walked over to another door that led into another room, but that's when Akio decided to speak up.

"Uh, I wouldn't go in there if I were you," she said. "That's where those fairies were last, and I'm emotionally scarred."

"You mean the fairies who made that amazing dress?" Kairi asked, her violet eyes twinkling with excitement. "I'm definitely going in there!" She exited the room, her footsteps echoing off the walls. I looked over at Akio, suddenly feeling...sad.

Before I could stop myself, I appeared in front of her. She looked up at me in surprise before relaxing, a small smile on her lips.

"Uh, hey," she said. "I guess personal space isn't in your vocabulary, huh?" I leaned forward, pressing my hand on the back of the chair so I wouldn't fall on her. She had took in a quick breath, holding it. It reminded me of the first time I had to say goodbye to her.

"You haven't changed, have you?" I asked, a smile tugging at my lips. I sat back on the desk, kicking my feet up on the chair.

"What do you mean?" Akio asked, curiosity in her expression.

"It's a long story," I answered, looking away. She rested her head in hands, looking up at me.

"We have time."

"Very funny," I muttered. First Xenny, now Akio, too?

"What?"

"Nevermind. You really have forgotten."

Akio was silent for a moment, probably trying to figure out what I meant. She's forgotten a lot of stuff.

"Vanitas?" she finally asked.

"Yeah?"

"I hate it when you do that."

"You secretly love it."

Akio snorted in response, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Admit it, you do."

"Shut up."

"Shut can't go up."

Akio huffed in annoyance at my joke, and I openly flinched. Why did this moment seem so familiar?

Kairi walked back into the room, and Akio shifted her attention to her friend.

"That was totally bogus! No one was in there," Kairi pouted. Akio laughed, standing up and putting her arm around her shoulder.

"Sorry," Akio said, smiling. "Maybe next time?"

The door opened, and I turned to see Mickey, Sora, and...him. I jumped up, standing next to Akio in a matter of seconds. He smiled at Kairi and Akio before meeting my gaze. He froze, his smile dropping. We had a short, deadly staring contest before Sora appeared in front of me.

"Hey, you're Vanitas, right? You look kinda like me! I'm Sora!" He smiled cheerfully at me, holding out his hand.

Huh. Almost acts like Ventus.

I shook his hand nonetheless, returning the smile.

"Nice to meet you, Sora," I said. Sora looked back at Riku, frowning.

"Riku, be polite," he muttered, elbowing the silver-haired boy.

"We've met," Riku replied coldly. I narrowed my eyes at his tone, about to say something, but Akio quickly stepped between us.

"Well, uh, Vanitas is gonna get us into the Realm of Darknesss, so let's try not to piss each other off, huh?" Akio suggested. I glared at Riku, but felt Akio's hand on my arm. I looked down at her, and she was shaking her head. "Please, Vanitas?" Akio whispered.

Sigh.

I looked back at Riku, who almost seemed jealous that Akio was giving me her attention. We nodded in agreement, but we both knew our little truce wouldn't last.

"So, is everyone ready?" Mickey asked once our little dispute was over. Everyone murmured in agreement, and Akio grabbed her bag. She turned to me with a determined look on her face, and I finally realized it.

"Do your thing," she commanded, and I nodded my head, a little surprised at how...strong she seemed. I closed my eyes in concentration, taking in a deep breath. Holding out my hand, I tried to clear my mind.

The darkness. That's what I need to focus on. Not about Akio, or Riku, or Xehanort. She'll be safe. She's not a little girl anymore. She's not one of Xehanort's vessels. Now....she's her own person.

Akio has been for a long time.

A large portal opened up in front of me, causing the others to gasp in surprise. I could feel the raw darkness pulling at my body, the feeling almost natural. But to the others, I knew they were feeling nervous about their decision, doubt creeping into their minds.

"Be safe, you guys," Kairi finally said, a hint of fear in her voice. She pulled them into a group hug, and I stood on the side. It's probably dangerous for a Princess of Heart to be standing so close to the pathway to true darkness.

"We wouldn't want her to get hurt, now would we?" a sarcastic voice said. Pain exploded in my back, but I just squeezed my eyes shut so tears of agony wouldn't escape.

Xehanort.

"The time has come, Vanitas."

Yes, but, why do we have to do this? There has to be another-

"Are you saying that I'm wrong?"

No, but I just think that maybe-

"Don't be a fool. Watch what you say, boy, or else you'll be joining her."

I swallowed my words, looking down at the ground.

"Wait!"

I snapped my head up to see a certain dog and duck, and I felt a smile appear on my face. They showed up. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulder as everyone rejoiced to seeing their old friends. If they understood what I said in my note, then maybe everything will work out in the end. Well, for Akio, at least.

I know that I won't survive to see the end of this war.

"You seem happy," Akio said, appearing in front of me with a bright smile on her face. I blinked before looking away, the grin disappearing from my features.

"I'm not," I muttered. "This isn't safe, and I don't want you to get hurt." Even with Donald and Goofy here, the Darkness could still capture her heart. Akio frowned at my sudden change in attitude, crossing her arms.

"Well, I'm stronger now! I'm just as tough as Sora and Riku they've got my back. Plus, now I've Donald and Goofy," she said, and I scoffed at her words. Yeah, right. Riku will probably do nothing but sit on his ass and bitch about how his feet hurt. Guess I'll be a little optimistic.

"Yeah, but-"

I suddenly lost my breath as the knife in my back dug deeper.

"Be a good boy and shut up," Xehanort said. "The fun is just about to begin."

Akio looked up at me, wincing in pain.

"Your eyes," we whispered at the same time. Her big, gray eyes had hints of yellow creeping around the edge of her pupil, and her face paled at the sight of my own orbs, which were probably a piercing yellow.

"Wait, my eyes?" she asked, but I was speechless. Why would Xehanort take control of Akio?

"Okay, let's go, everyone!" Mickey exclaimed, grabbing our attention. I looked up to see everyone staring at us. Well, Riku was staring at me, but he quickly looked at Akio with the others. "Akio, are you okay?" Mickey voiced his concern, but she just nodded her head.

"Yeah, let's go," she said.

Mickey was the first one to enter the portal, then Donald and Goofy. Sora and Riku walked in next, and I grabbed Akio's hand, pulling her closer to me.

"Enjoy this moment, Vanitas. This is the last time you'll hold her."

We walked through the darkness, the air getting colder. The warmth of the Realm of Light was disappearing, Akio's body the only heat source in the pitch-black tunnel.

"Akio," I whispered, not sure if the others were still ahead of us or not.

"Yeah?" she replied, shivering. I stopped, hugging her tightly.

"I love you."

I could feel her body freeze for a split second before she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"I love you, too, Vanitas," she said, her voice muffled. I let go of her, our fingers interlocked. I wanted this moment to last, but the tunnel ended right there.

We were here.

The Realm of Darkness.

I looked around this broken world, memories of being here before suddenly fresh in my mind. The sky was violent purple, mixed in with swirls of navy blue. We were standing on a cliff, a dark chasm beneath us. Another path led down a winding road, going deeper into the world. The portal was suddenly engulfed in light, and that's when j realized I was still standing in it. Akio was still holding my hand, but she turned around in surprise when she saw I wasn't moving.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, immediately knowing that this was the end of the line. Her eyes were filled with confusion before narrowing. She wasn't looking at me, though. She was staring behind me.

"Kairi!" Akio suddenly exclaimed, her eyes wide in fear. I heard a scream behind me, not able to turn around. "Kairi!" Akio yelled again, pulling her hand out of my grasp. She tried to run past me, but I pulled her back, holding tightly onto her arm.

"Akio...please forgive me," I whispered as she struggled against me. I winced as I pushed her backwards, hating myself. She landed hard on the ground, staring up at me with a hurt expression on her face.

Those eyes.

Those big, beautiful eyes were filled with fear.

Akio fears me.

My right hand raised up, my Keyblade appearing. My eyes widened in surprise, but I felt the knife twist deeper in.

"I told you not to fail me," I sneered, venom in my tone. "Now you shall pay the price."

What?!

No!

This wasn't the plan!

As my right arm tried to bring down my Keyblade, my left hand suddenly reached out and stopped it.

"Are you fighting against me, Vanitas?" Xehanort asked, his words like poison in my mind.

"You won't...use me for this...," I muttered through clenched teeth.

"Fool! I knew you should've never come back!"

Pain suddenly exploded in my face, and for a second I thought it was Xehanort.

That's when I looked up and saw him.

With Xehanort's rage running through my blood and my anger towards him in general, I gave Riku the deadliest look imaginable. His hand was in fist, proving that he was the one who had punched me. I tightened my grip on my Keyblade, prepared to slice his neck open, but a voice called out to me.

"Vanitas! Stop!"

That voice made me pause for about two seconds.

I lunged towards Riku, but he had already summoned his own Keyblade. Our weapons clashed, the sound of metal on metal echoing around us. Everytime I tried to cause him harm, he ended up blocking my attack. The thing was, I was pushing him closer and closer to the edge of the cliff.

"Why would you try to hurt her?" Riku asked, blocking another one of my attacks. His eyes were burning with hatred.

"Why won't you just die?" I countered, aiming for his chest. He quickly brought up his Keyblade to protect himself, causing me to get more angry. I felt someone grab onto my arm, and I turned my head to see it was Akio.

My body acted on its own as I grabbed her, holding my Keyblade to her neck. Riku stopped moving, fear in his expression. I could feel Akio's heart beating out of chest, and I knew that I had to leave. I was a danger to them all.

"Do it, Vanitas," Xehanort said sternly. I felt myself gain control of my body again, and I thought for a moment.

"Do you...really think I...would kill someone I love?" I muttered, smiling. "Sorry, Xehanort. I'm not like you."

I pushed Akio towards Riku, who caught her so they wouldn't fall. My head felt like it was splitting open as I backed away from them.

"So. You've made your choice."

"Yeah, I have," I muttered.

"So be it."

I felt myself falling as Donald and Goofy tackled me, and I groaned under their weight.

"Donald...Goofy," I said, mustering all the strength I had left. They looked down at me in surprise. "Please...protect Akio...do whatever it takes to keep her safe...please..." The darkness beneath me opened up, and I felt myself sinking.

I was falling....

Down....

Down....

Down....