Mario moans, slowly coming to. As he tries to see, he finds that he is surrounded by darkness, but it isn't the Realm of Darkness; not dark enough. No, he was somewhere where no light could shine, but wasn't total. As his eyesight adjusted, he could begin to make out his surroundings a bit better. While he couldn't make out much, he could tell he was in some sort of stone cave, chained to the wall, and that there was an opening not far away. Now there were two questions to ask: how did he get here, and who was imprisoning him.

Nothing moves withing the caves, but a serie of clicks and hisses can be heard. Why was that familiar? Before Mario can guess, one of the Ra'zac pass by the cell.

Elsewhere, Eragon and Roran turn and draw their weapons nly to see Mario's search party: Mariya, Axel, and Dannielle. "What are you doing here?" Eragon asked.

"You know, I would explain, but it make both of your heads hurt." Mariya says. "But the main reason is: Mario has gone Missing and Merlin's vast and strange mind said he's somehow gotten to Alageasia, and we're here to get him. Now why are you....in the Empire?"

Eragon sighs before he explains.

Mariya smiles, as does Axel. "Ah, Axel and I would do the same for each other."

"...Crap..." Mario mutters after seeing the Ra'zac. "So I'm in Alagaesia, then? Alright then...now...how to break out..."

Having heard him, the Ra'zac comes back. "Ah your awake. There isss no esscaping from here. You will either die here or be sssent to sserve Galbatoix." It says, seeming to smile.

---

Mariya sighs and sits on the ground. "So when are you storming the place?"

"Soon, the sun will rise any second now, and the Ra'zac cannot stand the light." Eragon said.

"I'd make a jioke about the heartless, but I'm not going to jinx a thing." Mariya says.

"Yeah?" Mario asks, seeming a bit confident as well. "Nothing a little dark power can't-oh...right...okay then, well...I will escape! Eventually...once I find a way..."

The Ra'zac laughs and walks away.

---

Eargon gets on Saphira, and helps Roran up. "Saphira can only hold one more....the rest of you will have to wait." He says.

"Oh Merlin said that might be a problem, in that case, we packed an old friend." Mariya says before opening the backpack she had with her. Tinker Bell flew out a moment later. "Eragon, Roran, Saphira, I'd like you ot meet Tinker Bell, she's a Fairy."

They all stare. "How will she solve this problem?"

Tinkerbell flies around them, giving them pixie dust. Mariya smiles. "Well you think of a wonderful thought."

"Any plain old happy thought." Dnani says, trying not to giggle.

Mariya jumps, but she dosn't decend down to earth. "You can fly. All it takes is faith, trust and pixie dust."

Eragon stares. "Your magic just gets stranger..."

Mariya begins flying to Helgrind, as does Axel and Danni, and they follow Saphira into the dreaded Mountain. Mariya summons her keyblade, and Axel and Danni take out their swords.

Mario is silent as he looks around his cell, and finding a nice-sized rock on the ground, he picks it up using his feet. After a few tries, he manages to toss it up to one of his hands, and he quickly begins to smash the rock into the chains, hoping that by some miracle they are weak enough to break. Fortunately, time had made them rusted and weak enough that after a few minutes of effort, a link in the chain breaks apart. Mario is then able to work himself out of the chains and quickly goes to the cell door, glancing around and confirming that no one was around before carefully using the rock to break the lock. By the time he is done, his faithful rock lies in rubble, but he has managed to make his escape. He sneaks into the hall, but he is at a disadvantage in the dark. He goes down one hallway, hoping not to find any Ra'zac.

Fortuante for Mario, the rescue party is fighting the ra'zac and Lethrblacka, having killed two already with their combined efforts. Mariya gets hit with one of the Ra'zac's blades before Eragon manages to kill it. The remaining Ra'zac runs off, frightened for its life. "Alright, lead the way to Katrina's cell." Mariya says.

Eragon nods, and leads the way, upon seeing Mario he stops. "Well I guess mission accoplished for you."

"Not quite, we volunteer to help get Katrina out of this place." Danni says.

"Agreed." Mariya says.

Mario jumps when he hears voices behind him. He turns, expecting a fight, but after a moment to adjust in the dark, he realizes who it is. "Oh, thank goodness..." he states. "I was afraid I was going to have to kill more rocks to get out of this place."

"As if rocks are living in the first place." Mariya says jokingly. She then follows Eragon to Katrina's cell, opening the cell door with her keyblade. She smiles seeing Katrina, recognising her as the girl who told them about the heartless in the spine when they first came here. "Stay still, Katrina." Mariya says, before unlocking Katrina's shackles. Roran satches her and kisses her. Mariya pushes everyone out of the cell, so they can have a private moment together.

"So you have any clue what happened Mario?" Mariya asks.

"All I can figure out is that the Heartless kidnapped me and brought me here," Mario states with a shrug. "I don't know if they want their commander back, want revenge, or were under orders from this world."

"If its the latter, then Galbatorix might have control over them afterall. On the bright side of things, Eragin might not have to kill him." Mariya says.

"What do you mean?" Eragon asks.

"If he's as evil as you told me, he has much darkness in his heart, and eventually, the heartless he controls will consume his heart because of it." Mariya says.

Roran comes out, Katrina leaning on him. Katrina curtsied. "Your Majesty." She says.

"I've always hated formalities. Please, just call me Mariya, and the same goes for Axel, since we're married now." Mariya says.

"Common, lets get out of this place. It's starting to give me the willies." Danni says. She sighs when she gets confused looks. "It's begining to scare me."

The party walks to Saphira, and Katrina looks away from the light of day. Mariya sighs. "She's used to the darkness..." She murmurs. She pulls out a long, black ribbon from her pocket and ties it around Katrina's face so it covers her eyes.

"I don't know, Mariya," Mario says on the way out. "If he is as cold-hearted as I hear, his heart could be used to create a very powerful Heartless. That being the case, it might be more or less difficult to take him out, but the fact remains that he would still have to be taken out."

Mariya nods. "I'm sure we can handle it." She says before tinkerbell appears. She cirles around Mario, giving him some of her pixie dust, before disapearing again. "Let's go." "I'm staying behind." Eragon says suddenly. "I have to get rid of what's ever left of the Sethr oil, and see if the Ra'zac have any useful information lying about."

"Very well, Mario you stay behind and help Eragon, we'll head to the Varden." Before Eragon or anyone else can argue, Mariya jumps out the entrance, normally it be sucide, but due to the fact she can fly, she just floats ourside the Entrance, soon Axel and Danni follow her.

After much convinicg, Saphira does the same, carrying Roran and Katrina on her back.

"You can go, I don't really need the help." Eragon says.

Mario gives a nod and turns back into the cave. "So, good to see you again, Eragon," he says. "Sorry about the whole 'becoming evil' thing earlier. Wasn't myself..."

Eragon shrugs. He walks in threw the cave and opens a cell, and useing Brisnigr, burns the remains of the Sethr oil. He then goes to another cell, and opens it, revealing Sloan the Butcher. He releases Sloan from his bounds and begins to carry him out of the mountain, not explaining to Mario. He stops walking when he sees the other Ra'zac. He sets Sloan down, and draws the staff Roran gave him.

Mario stands back, still unarmed as he leaves Eragon to take care of the Ra'zac. However, he notices a Heartless, a Shadow, appear and leap toward Sloan. He quickly reacts, punching the Heartless away. He soon gets into a miniature wrestling match with the Shadow as he attempts to defend Sloan.

The fight ensuses between Eragon and the last Ra'zac, Eragon prooving to be the stronger of the two after awhile. Eragon then slashes at the Shadow, destroying it. He picks up Sloan with no effort, and continues to where he had first come in. "I don't assume that little fairy stayed beihnd to...I'm not sure i have the energy needed to take us down with Magic..."

Mario pants, exhausted from the fight with the Shadow. "And I don't have my doors of darkness now..." he admits with a bit of distaint. "But heck, might as well look around." He glances around. "Hey, um...crap, don't know her name. Need to read the chronicles more...um...Ms. Pixie? No, wait, she's a fairy...um...if you're here...could you please help?"

Tinker Bell appears, and looks as if she's a bit mad at Mario. She then proceeds to give pixie dust to Eragon and Mario before flying out of the mountain. Eragon closes his eyes and jumps out, and opens them to find he's flying. He smiles and decends down to the earth. Once there he smiles at Tinker Bell. "Thank you Ms. Bell."

Mario soon ends up face-planting next to Eragon, looking otherwise unhurt but at the same time a bit sore. "Ow...my happy thought became one of terror, then pain..."

Eragon help him up and walks twords Surda, carrying Sloan. Once it turns dark, he puts Sloan down and sighs. Soon Sloan wakes. He looks around, but alas, he has no eyes to see with. "Where am I?"

"Somewhere miles from Helgrind." Eragon says.

Mario remains silent, sitting on a rock as he looks around. No Heartless, no soliders...for the time, they were safe, but now was the best time to figure out what to do. He was unarmed, had no magic, and if an enemy attacked, he'd be almost useless. He needs a weapon, or magic, or something to help him fight.

While Mario is thinking, Eragon walks off and moments later comes back and speaks with SLoan for uttering something in a strange language. Sloan seems to be effected by it, adn then Eragon says something else in the language. He gives him the staff, and Sloan walks off with it, heading north. Eragon sighs, lying back.

Mario now approaches Eragon. "So what now?" he asks.

"We head back to the Varden camp. I doubt Ms. Bell can magicly conjur those...Chocobo's? So...we walk..." Eragon says. "In the morning we'll head out. I'll take care of Nasuada when we get back. I think she'll agree that if we convict you, we'll have to convict Princess Mariya as well."

Mario nods and sits down, leaning back against a rock. Soon, he is wrapped within sleep's gentle embrace.

In the morning, Eragon wakes and stretches before waking Mario. "Common, we have alot of ground to cover."

Mario yawns and gets up, stretching. "Alright...kinda wish I could just open a door of darkness..."

"Yes and I wish Galbatorix was easier to beat." Eragon says. "Don't worry, it's just a few days trip. We'll be there in no time."

"Yeah," Mario states. "And by then, I'll hopefully find a better weapon than rocks."

Eragon laughs. "Yes well, I'm in need of a proper weapon myself. I need a sword." He says, kicking a pebble. "But none I've been offered suit a Rider."

Mario gives a shrug. "Well, lead the way. I have no idea where this place is or where this next place is."

Eragon nods, and walks twords the varden.

Mario follows Eragon, glancing around as they walk. "...So what all has happened since the last time I was here?"

"Not much. After you left, Roran and I went to Nasuada. She wasn;t happy about this, but she agreed it was nessasary." Eragon says. "Before Mariya and the others showed up, we heard some people talking....apparently Princess Mariya is wanted."

---

Meanwhile, Mariya is riding a black-feathered Chocobo, Katrina clinging to her, and she sneezes.

Roran looks over from his spot behind Danni, whos on a a light yellow chocobo. "Are you feeling alright?"

Mariya nods. "I think someone's talking about me..."

"Wanted?" Mario inquires. "Did she commit a crime?"

"No, but the people said shes wanted for treason. He'll use any excuse to get what he wants." Eragon says. "No doubt he wants her for her heartless knowledge. Plus only he knows what Durza told him about her."

"Hm..." Mario gives a shrug. "I wouldn't be too worried. Mariya is a princess, after all, so she has most likely had a LOT of self-defense training, especially with the Heartless as a constant threat to her kingdom. Combine that with the Keyblade, Axel, Danni, and everyone else, and she's almost untouchable."

Eragon smiles. "I'd bet even with my new abilities she could still beat me." Eragon says.

Soon it's night, and Eragon makes camp. He looks at Tinker Bell. "You might have to hide tomorrow. No one in the Empire's seen anything like you, there bound to try and capture you."

Mario sighs and lies down on a rock, tired from their trek. "Wow...being human is really exhausting...I used to have so much energy as a Heartless."

Eragon sighs. "It would be handy to have a couple of Chocobo's." He says.

Before he can say anything else, a battalion of heartless appear. Eragon mutters something. "Fight or run?"

Mario quickly stands. "Depends. Think you can hold off the majority while I take out the others with rocks?" As he says this, he picks up a few stones.

"Doubt it." Eragon says. "I don't have a weapon." He looks around and finds a dagger lying on the ground. He shrugs and fights the heartless with a dagger.

Mario begins fighting off the Heartless as well, using rocks to fend them off. However, he is suddenly pinned by a Shadow, and as he struggles to fight it off, the back of his right hand glows unnoticed to himself and the Heartless. Suddenly, the Shadow explodes, turning into wisps of darkness after the heart flies off. The darkness is then absorbed by Mario, who grimaces as the darkness surrounds him and flows into his body. When done, he collapses, out cold.

The heartless disapear, and Eragon goes over to Mario. He looks him over, and unsure if he's okay, he picks Mario up and runs twords the Varden's camp.

Mario soon starts to stir, seeming a bit out of it as he comes to. "Oh...mother, it's too early for school..."

Eragon sets Mario down. "You okay?"

Mario shakes his head and comes to."Yeah...fine..." He opens his eyes, and they currently seem to have a yellowish tint. "Woah...there's a lot of white and black...did I go colorblind or something?"

"Umm....I think it might be your eyes.....there a different color." Eragon says.

"Wha?" Mario asks, blinking as his eyes go back to normal. He blinks again, this time out of confusion, before he blinks again, the yellow tint returning. "...Wait, this is my Shadow Sight! When did I get this?!"

"I wouldn't know." Eragon says. "Do you think something happened when the heartless attacked?"

"Hm...I only remember a slight tingle in my hand just after the Shadow attacked. There was darkness...then darkness."

Eragon sighs, yawning. "We'll figure this out in the morning." He says, lying back.

"Hm..." Mario is silent before he lies down, testing his regained power a few times before falling asleep.

A few days pass, and they arrive back at the camp. Tinker Bell flies out from Mario's pocket and goes into Mariya's tent, two Chocobo's lying outside Thrash, a black-feathered chocobo, and Snow, a light-yellow chocobo. Snow seems not to like Thrash.

Mariya is inside her tent, sitting on her cot next to Katrina. She finishes braiding Katrina's hair. "There, pretty as ever." She says.

Mario enters the camp, tired as he sits down. "Okay...so I believe I've confirmed that I got my Shadow Sight back. I can see hearts again, and Heartless. Kinda works as a thermal as well. But how did I get it back? I lost all my powers when I merged with Bleach."

Eragon says. "You should tell Mariya, meanwhile, I'm prepared to get a verbal slashing from Nasuada."

Mariya comes out of her tent, Katrina following. They're talking, but it looks like it's not important.

Mario looks to Mariya. "Hey, Mariya. Eragon and I just got back, but I need to talk with you. Got a minute?"

"Yeah, in a minute. Nasuada wants to see me too." She says, walking with Eragon.

"Nice to see you agian, Mario." Katrina says, looking a little nervous. She must know about the whole heartless situation. Had they been attacked on the way back? But wait.....was there two hearts coming from Katrina?

Mario gives a nod to Katrina, but as he begins experimenting with his Shadow Sight again, he notices the extra heart."Hm?"

Katrina looks at him, confused before she walks off to Roran's tent.

Inside Nasuada's tent, Orrin and Nasuada wait. Eragon and Mariya enter and begin the conversation. After awhile, Mariya exits, Eragon following. Mariya nods at him before going to Mario. "As you were saying?"

Mario gives a nod. "Yes, well...we were attacked on the way back, and afterwards...something changed." At that, he closes his eyes and opens them again, the yellow tint returned. "My Shadow Sight's back."

"I see." Mariya says. "Well, Merlin's bound to show up soon, so feel free to ask him when he returns. I knew Merlin's curiosity would catch up with him." She sighs, and continues twords her tent. "Anything else?" She asks.

Mario shakes his head. "That's all," he says, deciding to withhold what he saw about Katrina.

Mariya nods, and see's Axel. Axel wraps his arms around her and kisses her gently. "Merlin's here." He says, before sighing. "He brought our crowns."

"Well since everyone knows the secret, might as well." Mariya says, before going into the tent. She smiles at Merlin before putting her tiara on. She then fixes her hair so it stay in no matter what before turning to Merlin. "I knew you couldn't resist." She then takes Axel's crown and leaves the tent.

"You wish to speak with me Mario?" Merlin asks.

Mario nods. "Something happened out there on the plains. We were attacked by a group of Heartless and, well...I apparently have my Shadow Sight again. I just don't understand why."

Merlin seems to think, silent.

Mario is silent for a moment. "Anything?"

Meanwhile, some distance away, a dark portal opens, and Xildus steps out. He then glances around before beginning to look for the recipient.

Merlin is still silent. "Perhaps-" He says before turning his head twords the outside. "I believe the anwers have arrived."

Mario blinks and turns, and it is then that he notices the Chocobo. "Huh?"

Xildus is silent before he approaches, stopping a few feet before Mario and nodding. He then removes a letter from his cloak and offers it to him.

Mario blinks and takes the letter, looking it over and opening it.


Dear Mario,

I am to assume that our fusion was a success on the basis that this letter was actually delivered to you. With that being the case, you should be, in body, soul, and mind, human. However, if you have received this letter, it is because your body has undergone a change, and you might notice one or more of your previous powers have returned. This is because I have rewired your body.

You now have the capability to absorb the darkness of the Heartless that you destroy, and through absorbing this darkness, you will begin to regain the powers that you has as a Heartless. However, I ask that you take great care when using this new power, for if you attempt to absorb a strong Heartless without weakening it first, the darkness could be too strong for you, for I, to handle, and you could once again fall into darkness. Thus, take caution and only use this power after weakening the target Heartless as much as you can.

I would also like to alert you to one final note that is related to this: you also have the potential to gain my former powers as well. Should you encounter a Nobody, you also have the power to absorb it after weakening it, and with it will come some of my old powers. I ask, however, that you do not hunt down Nobodies for the sole purpose of building up these powers; they are your allies for the time being, and unless they make an aggressive move against the crown, I ask that you only attack those who act against all other Nobodies.

I thank you for taking the time to read this, and take care to not let this power be abused.

Bleach

"...This complicates things..." Mario mutters.

"There is no need to worry, but you should show that to the Princess. Excuse me." Merlin says, before leaving the tent. A half hour later, an couple tents are near Mariya's, One intended for Mario and Axel, one for the Chocobo's and an odd-looking one for Merlin.

Mariya and Axel are walking threw the camp, hand in hand. Danni can be seen, looking at them with pain in her eyes. Was she remembering her parents?

Mario soon leaves his tent, glancing toward the one in which Xildus is in and finding that he seemed to be asleep. Or at least pretending. He would have to find out more about the Chocobo later, noticing Danni and the expression on her face. "Everything alright?"

"I'm fine." Danni says, shutting her eyes. "My parents were alot like them...when my mom died...my dad came obcessed with finding her killer and well...my brother hasn't been around since he graduated from the school...."

Mariya sighs, looking outward.

"I see..." Mario says, unsure of what he could say. "I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better."

"It's fine." Danni says. "I've learned to endure it."

Mariya see's the two then. "Hey you two, Nasuada wants us to join a feast she's holding." She says, before sighing. "Which means I'm gonna have to scrounge up a dress."

"No need." Nasuada says. "I have some that may fit you"

"Thank you, Nasuada." Mariya says, before following. Danni stands and follows as well.

Mario follows as well, catching up to Mariya. "Mariya, when you havethe time, you might want to read this," he says, handing her Bleach's letter.

Mariya takes the letter, and reads it. "I see...." She says. "Well I don't see any reason why your duties should be held off...I'll give this to dad when we get back, but I think he'll see t the same way."

"Neer asked to be given time off," Mario says with a smile. "Only making you aware that things have changed."

"I know, but if I didn't read this I would have you in shackles by now." Mariya says, going into Nasada's tent, Nasuada hands her two dresses and Mariya sighs. "Should have known better."

"Hm?" Danni asks.

"I thought the last dress I'd ever wear would be my wedding dress." Mariya says.

Danni laughs.

Mario gives a small chuckle as well before stifling it. He did not want to appear disrespectful.

Mariya isghs and goes into her tent, Danni following, and they both change into their dressess before coming out. Mariya is wearing a purple dress, and Danni was wearing a burgundy dress. "I feel rediculous." Danni says.

"As a knight you should get used to this. Your symbol gives you clothes so you can fit in with the world you go to." Mariya says.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I'm comfortable in them." Danni says.

Mario goes in his tent and emerges later, wearing a set of clothes more fitting for the world and for the occasion. "Yeah...don't like it much either...but for now, I can live with it," he comments with a sigh.

Danni sighs, and follows Mariya, unsure of where to go. Mariya see's Nasuada, and asks her where the feast is to be held. Once she gets the directions, she walks twords the tent. Once inside, she smiles, seeing Roran and Katrina and other villagers from Carvahall. A few people from Nasuada's court, and some others. Axel enters then, wearing some noble clothes, adjusting his crown. He smiles at Mariya. "You should wear dresses more often, you know."

"Eh, I'll pass on that, it seems everytime I wear a dress, disaster seems to strike....except that time we went to that resterant." Mariya says.

Mario sits down in his seat, being as polite as possible.

Outside, Xildus sits at the entrance of the tent, perhaps to help safeguard those inside or wait for an actual assignment.

The children at the feast poke their heads out from the head and stared at Xildus, never before seeing a Chocobo before, let alone one wearing a Orginization cloak. Mariya smiles, seeing them. She takes a seat, and Axel sits Next to her. Danni sits away from everyone, either a force of habit or she wanted to be secluded.

Mario notices Danni by herself, stands, goes over, and sits by her. "Mind if I sit here?"

Xildus largely ignores the gawking children, seeming a bit lost in thought.

"No." Danni says, smiling a little.

The children seem to get ready to approach him when Nasuada and Eragon enter. "Surprise!" The villagers shout, adn Eragon smiles wide and asks Nasuada something.

Mario smiles a little as well. "Feeling any better?"

Xildus, after a while, raises his head, glancing around a little as if something was wrong.

"Not really." Danni says, sighing.

The party goes on, Danni seeming to avoid looking at Mariya and Axel, who are sitting close together, sneeking kisses every now and again. Soon after though, Danni seems to have had enough, standing before leaving the tent.

Mario gets up as well and follows Danni out of the tent, concerned. "Something upset you?" he asks.

"I'm fine. I just...have some social issues. Eventually, I feel like I'm like a mouse being trapped in a corner by a cat." Danni says, fiddleing with her sleeves. "I just need some air, don't leave just cause of me."

Mario frowns. "Danni-" He is cut off when he is suddenly blocked by a wing, curtiousy of Xildus. "Huh?"

Xildus glances at Mario, tugging on the corner of his clothing and walking off in one direction.

"...I think he wants me to follow him...I'll be right back," Mario says with a hint of confusion before he follows Xildus.

Danni nods, but walks off when Mario isn't looking.

Inside the tent, the events continue.

Mario continues to follow Xildus, and after a while, Xildus stops him again. "What is it?"

Xildus looks back to him, then points forward toward the plains.

In the distance, Mario could see a few Nobodies. "Wha...? Nobodies?"

Xildus nods.

"...Not friendly, I assume."

Xildus nods, then makes a swiping motion with his wing, a signal that Mario must fight them.

Mario gets the hint but shakes his head. "I can't unless you have a weapon for me."

Xildus then tilts his head toward a nearby tent, and Mario can see that it is a weapons storage area.

"...Oh." Mario goes into, grabs a sword, comes out, then rushes toward where the Nobodies are.

The approaching nobodies are a small group of Dragoons and Assassins. They approach Mario, ready to attack.

Mario grimaces, holding the sword tight as he faces them. "I suppose you all are not friends of Bleach's," he comments as he lifts the sword to use it.

As if to answer, they attack Mario. Some of the Assassin's try to get past Mario, to get into the Varden's camp.

Mario quickly defends himself from the attacks, rolling back and slashing at the Assassins to prevent them from entering the Varden Camp.

Xildus, meanwhile, goes looking for Danni to get her help as well.

Danni was in her tent, writing in her journal, having changed out of her dress.

The Assassins attack Mario, trying to get rid of the obstacle.

Mario continues to fend them off with the sword, trying to get in a few slashes while holding them as long as he can.

Xildus beats against the flap of her tent with his wing, trying to get her attention.

Danni comes out of her tent, and looks at the Chocobo. "What's the matter?" She asks.

The fight continues, those at the feast completely unaware.

Mario soon has the sword knocked from his hand, and he quickly goes to recover it before resuming the fight.

Xildus tilts his head toward the plains and runs off in that direction, suggesting to Danni to follow.

Danni follows, and draws a sword she had 'borrowed' and attacks the Nobodies, taking out the Dragoons quickly, and proceeds to attack the Assassins.

Mario soon comes to fighting an Assassin he had been fighting for a while, weakening it, but the sword is now knocked from his hand, this time far away from hm. He curses before he is pinned, struggling to keep the Assassin from killing him. However, just when things look bleak, the back of his right hand glows before the Assassin suddenly explodes. The reminants of the Assassin suddenly flow into Mario causing him to grimace as he slowly gets to his feet, and when the ribbons of nothingness break away, several other Assassins jump at him-

-only to be struck back by Mario's new weapon: Two Becomes One.

Danni doesn't seem surprised at this, but then again, she's focused on the remaining assassins, and attacks a couple. After a bit, she's led away from Mario and surrounded. She looks a little panicked and shuts her eyes, almost as if she's going to do something she's going to regret. Just then, a burst of dark energy destroys all the assassins surrounding her, and Danni falls to the ground, out of energy.

Mario immediately looks up when Danni falls, rushing to her side. "Danni!" he yells with concern as the Dragoons begin to surround them. He quickly picks Danni up, ready to defend her with her on his shoulder.

He doesn't have to, though. In an instant, a blur dashes past him, slashing at each of the Nobodies and destroying them in the blink of an eye. When the blur stops, it is Xildus with a Winner's Proof in his beak. He looks to Mario, nods to him, and goes after the remaining Nobodies.

Mario blinks, having a hard time believing what he saw, but he is more concerned for Danni's health. He quickly rushes back to the camp as quickly as he can, trying to find a medic.

"Let go of me..." Danni mumbles. "I'm fine....just get away..."

"Sorry, Danni, but I won't," Mario says. "You're clearly not fine. I'm finding you a medic, and that's final."

Suddenly, Danni kicks Mario's side, causeing him to let go of her. She then stands and runs off, stumbling at some moments, but she still manages to run fast, going to her tent.

Before Mario can go after her, some of the Nobodies get away from Xildus and attack Mario.

Mario grimaces from the kick, getting back to his feet and starting to rush after Danni. When the Nobodies come after him, he grimaces and quickly hacks and slashes at them with his new Keyblade. "Get out of my way!"

The assassins don't move, attacking Mario without mercy.

Mario grimaces and continues attacking them, dodging their attacks and doing his best to swiftly defeat them.

Soon the Assassin's are defeated, but Danni is nowhere to be seen. How far could she had gotten?

Mario glances around after catching his breath. "Danni!" he yells out, running around. he soon decides to check her tent and rushes over to it.

Danni is indeed in her tent, but at the approach of footsteps, she slips out of the tent, ducking inder the back of it.

As Mario enters Danni's tent, a bare foot slips out from the back of the tent, and two can be heard running off. Eventually, Danni stops running from Mario and can be found panting, her face covered by her hair, but she had shoes on. Odd.....

Mario quickly runs after her upon seeing the foot slip out, and when he catches up, he is relieved. "Danni, what's wrong?" he asks, noticing the oddity of bare feet vs. shoes.

"Nothing." Danni snaps, before looking at him. Besides looking out-of-breath, she seems normal. "Just leave me alone, okay?" With that, Danni walks away, going to Merlin's tent.

Mariya and Axel leave the feast then, Mariya was holding her head, while Axel held her arm, leading her to Merlin's tent.

Mario is silent, going after her, but just outside Merlin's tent, Xildus suddenly appears and stops him with a wing. "...Well, what am I supposed to do? She's my friend, and if something's wrong..."

Xildus shakes his head and remains stationed outside the tent to keep others out.

Mario is silent before sighing and sitting down in front of XIldus. "I'll wait as long as I have to."

After a few mintues, Danni leaves the tent. She rolls her eyes upon seeing Mario. "You don't know what 'Leave me alone' means, do you? Have fun getting a girl friend, Mario." She says, walking off.

Mario is silent as he watches Danni walk off, sighing as he now fiddles with Two Becomes One. "...I screwed up, didn't I? Might have lost a friend as well...and I just wanted to thank her for the help earlier..."

Xildus says and does nothing, for once not sure how to help.

Danni goes to the sparring feild and spars with a member of the varden, putting her frustration in her fighting. Soon her partner retreats and she sighs. She then walks back to her tent, and looks at Mario. "You shouldn't get close to me." She says, before going in.

At that point, Mariya and Axel are talking with Merlin, but their conversation can't be heard.

Mario is silent after Danni's next statement and sighs before retreating to his tent for the night. He had screwed up.

Xildus is silent before he goes to the tent he was given, going inside and sitting down before seeming to fall asleep.

In the morning Danni was humming a tune, sounding like a lullaby, a smile on her face. She sighs after a little. "Should I...?" She asks herself in a whisper.

Mario is still in his tent, apparently fast asleep. Either last night had been really exhausted, or he had been up most of the night over something. But what?

"Maybe I should...." Danni mutters. She seems to be thinking.

Xildus, meanwhile, is walking through the camp, either patrolling for threats or looking for something. Given his seemingly endless silenceand hidden face, it is difficult to know for sure.

"Alright then....if he asks...I'll tell." Danni says, standing. She walks around the camp, a bit bored now.

Mario soon rises, yawning before leaving his tent. A bit drowsy, he goes toward the meal tent to get some food. Along the way, he soon sees Danni, and immediately, he wakes up. "Danni, are you alright?" he asks, fighting the urge to fall asleep again. "You were acting a bit odd last night, and I want to know if anything is wrong."

"Let's get something to eat, and we can go to my tent to talk, okay?" Danni asks. She goes to the mess tent and gets some food and wait for Mario.

Mario nods, grabs a bite to eat, and goes over to her tent. He pats against the flap to let her know that he is there.

"Come in." Danni says. She had finished her meal already, a fast eater apparently. Once Mario was in and settled she sighs. "Before I tell you why I was acting weird...you have to swear, swear to whatever will make you not tell the Royal family or anyone else, unless I give you permission."

Mario is silent for a moment, but he nods. "I won't tell a soul."

Danni takes a deep breath. "I'm part demon, Mario. There are few moments where I loose control. I ran away cause I didn't want anyone to see me like that..." She says before standing and backing up a little. She shuts her eyes and a moment later a spiralling light and black aura's engulf her and when they disapear, Danni wasn't there, instead a silver-haired fairy/human-demon was in her place.

Mario blinks, clearly surprised. After a minute to comprehend this, he relaxes a bit. "Danni, let me start off by saying that I am very surprised. I would never have guessed that you were so special. Second, you shouldn't have to fear this. Maybe you don't have control now, but I know there are people who can help you. Ask Axel; he's also part-demon, and someone had to teach him to control his powers."

"I've had training...and it helped but as I said: there are moments when I slip." Danni says, sitting back down next to Mario. She sighs, trying to relax, once she does, her demon form dissapears. "I can tell when I'm gonna slip so I'm not worried about it. Tanner is lucky...he never looses control."

"Tanner?" Mario asks, a bit curious.

Xildus, meanwhile, is sitting just outside the tent, able to hear every word.

"My twin brother. He's older by a minute or two. He treats me like I'm two years younger, though. I miss him. He didn't go into the academy unlike me. Once he got out of school, he left and I only get a letter from him every month or so. My dad's the same: He's looking everywhere for my mom...so basicly, I'm alone, and if I lost being a Knight....I'd have 'nothing but the clothes on my back'."

Mario is silent for a moment before putting a hand on Danni's shoulder. "Danni, I think it would be better if someone else knew. I'm not asking you to march out there and tell someone right now, but the longer you don't let others know, the harder it will be for not only you but the harder it will be for the others to forgive you. I know what it's like to have another form, a side that you want to keep hidden. For sixteen years, I kept that secret as well as I could, and it was the hardest thing I ever did. When I finally let other people know about what I was, there were a few issues afterwards, but in the end, they accepted me, and I've been happier ever since."

"Alright." Danni says. "When I can I'll tell Prince Axel."

"Alright," Mario says with a smile. "And Danni? Thanks for trusting me."

Danni smiles. "No problem." She says, smiling. "And you can trust me."

Mario smiles and nods. "Alright, so now that that's out of the way, any idea what they need us to do next? We did kinda walk out on the feast..."

"I think it's okay that we did...I think I saw their majesties leave as well." Danni says, shrugging.

"Hm..." Mario is silent. "Well, won't hurt to ask around, anyway."

Danni nods, and walks out of her tent, looking like she was a bit releved.

Mario also steps out, jumping a little when he sees who is waiting outside. "Wha-you?!"

Xildus gives a slight nod from where he is sitting.

"...You heard all that, didn't you?"

Xildus nods again.

"Don't tell, please." Danni says, pleading.

Xildus is silent, then makes a motion with his wing, equivalent to a 'my beak is sealed'.

"Thank you." Danni says.

Xildus nods and gets up, walking back to his tent.

Danni sighs. She then looks around. "Oy....I think a battles' coming...you'll back me up if I loose control infront of them before I tell them, right?"

Mario nods."Of course. As long as I have this," he says before summoning his Keyblade, "you won't have any problems."

Mariya approaches then, Katrina beside her. "Hey Danni, wanna help Katrina get ready for her wedding?" She asked.

"Um...I guess so." Danni says, following Mariya.

Mario watches them go and sighs, putting Two Becomes One away. "And thus does history repeat itself..." he mutters before going back to his tent.

Laghter can be heard from the tent, but Danni leaves to retreat to her tent. She sighs, leaning back on her cot, trying to maintain control.

Mario soon falls asleep within his tent again, still exhausted from worrying all night.

"MARIO!" Danni shouts. "GET UP! The Empire is attacking! There's a ton of heartless with them!"

Mario jumps a foot out of the bed as he falls out, getting up as he starts to recover from the shock. "Wait, wha?!" He immediately arms himself with Two Becomes One and rushes outside.

Danni follows Mario, sword drawn. She joins Axel and Mariya, nodding to them. "It seems a few Assassin Nobodies joined the heartless." Mariya says, motioning to the heartless swarm slowly approaching. There were only four Assassin's.

"They won't be a problem." Danni says.

Axel nods.

Mario nods, holding up his new Keyblade and ready to fight. If neccessary, he might even use his new powers to absorb a few.

Xildus soon walks over to join them, seeming to assess the situation before summoning Winner's Proof.

Danni sighs, thinking something over before she runs twords the uncoming soilders, heartless and Nobodies. Mariya and Axel soon follow her, as do the rest of the varden. Danni only stops when she see's Thorn. She seems amazed by it for a few secounds before attacking an Assassin.

Mario charges right into the army, slashing his way through but taking care to not get carried away.

Xildus swiftly advances, slicing through any enemy that gets too close to him.

Danni does the same as Mario, careful not to loose control. Danni turns ot see Mariya frozen on the battlefield, and Assasasin heading twords her. "NO!" She yells, jumping infront of the Assassin's attack, getting hit. She winces before attacking the Nobody. "Prince Axel! Get the Princess off the battlefeild." Danni shouts.

Axel nods, and runs over to Mariya and picks her up, before running to the tents.

Mario quickly rolls away from an attack, now next to Danni. "You okay?" he asks as he fends off some Heartless.

"I'll be fine. I can take more then a normal person can." Danni says, seeming not to be effected by the wound now. "I'm more worried about the Princess, she nearly got killed."

Danni vanquishes the assassin, moving onto the next.

Mario nods and charges back into the army, slicing and dicing the Heartless. Once or twice, he weakens one and, now understanding what to do, grabs them and causes them to explode before absorbing their dark power for later.

An hour passed before the battle ends and Danni huffs, and heals her wound before running back to the tents. She goes into Merlin's tent and finds Mariya sitting on a chair, Axel holding her hand. "Is she okay? What happened out there?"

"I had a vision while on the battlefeild....I couldn't make sence of it but I got this feeling that we should go home immediatly." Mariya says, looking serious.

"I think Alageasia can do without us." Axel says. "Not to sound like I care less but once we do what we have to we are usually free to leave."

"But how do we know when to leave?" Danni asks.

Merlin seems to think. "I believe it will be safe to go."

Danni nods. "I'll get the Chocobo's."

Xildus enters the tent at that moment, Winner's Proof disappearing as he nods.

Mario stumbles in afterwards, seeming exhausted. "Whew...that was a good, long battle."

Danni grabs the reins of the Chocobo's and leads them out of the tent and into the Gummi Ship secially designed to transport them. She sighs once they were in. "Coming for the ride Xildus?" Danni asks.

Axel walks Mariya to the Gummi ship and helps her in. He soon gets in himself. "You go with Danni Mario." He says before taking off.

{Axel and Mariya to Hallow Bastion}

Xildus is silent before nodding, following Danni to the Gummi Ship but bordering in the cockpit, given that he's small enough to fit.

Mario gets in the cockpit as well, ready for takeoff.

Danni gets in and takes off as soon as she is in.

{Danni to Hallow Bastion}