Mariya made her way threw the secret catacombs of the castle. She turned and exited near the marketplace and went to the flower shop. She bought a dafodil and went back threw the catacombs. After awhile she came to what seemed to be a dead end. She took off her bracelet and scanned her Royal Symbol. A gentle runlbe sounded as the wall moved and Mariya entered into a huge garden. Sora had taken her here years ago, and since there was no other way here, only they knew about it. She took the dafodil from its pot and planted it in an empty bed. She smiled and watered the flowers before going towards a special tree.

The Lavender willow was a strange tree, it's branches drooped like a willow, but intstead of leaves, lavender flowers bloomed out. She ducked under the branches and sat on the bench near the trunk of the tree. She often came to this spot to be alone. She was worried about her father, even though Serene said he was going to be alright.

Axel exited the kitchen and sighed. He was trying to find Mariya but couldn't find her anywhere. He looked up and saw Riku heading his way. "Hey Riku, have you seen Mariya?" He asked.

"I think I saw her heading to your room." Riku says, motioning down the hall.

"Thanks Riku." Axel said and headed to his and Mariya's shared room.

Mariya was still under the tree, lying on the bench. She gasped as a vision came to her eyes.

She was sitting under this very tree, rubbing her swollen stomach, smiling. Axel entered and sat by her and touched her belly before kissing her. "What did Serene say?" He asked.

"Twins." Mariya said with a smile. "A boy and a girl."

"Twins." Mariya murmured when the vision ended. She smiled. She stood and left the garden, shutting the secret door before goin to find Axel. She finds him roaming the halls and kisses him. "Hey, I wanna show you something, but first, you have to get either a flower, or a flower seed."

"Alright." Axel said. "I've been looking for you, you know."

"Sorry." Mariya apologizes. She takes his hand and they walk twords the marketplace together.

At the marketplace, Axel buys some flower seeds and then they go back to the castle. But before they can reach the catacombs, Mariya's cell rings. She answers it.

"Sorry to disturb you, Mariya. Darren and Casandra want to speak with you and Axel. They're waiting in the meeting room." Riku says.

"Alright, how's Dad?" Mariya asks.

"He's still resting, I'll call if he wakes up." Riku says before hanging up.

"This'll have to wait, royal duties are calling." Mariya says, and then they head to the meeting room.

Mariya shakes Darren's hand when they arrive and sits. "Where's Casandra?"

"She'll be here soon." Darren says, relaxing.

Cassandra enters, holding a month-old baby boy. Mariya's eyes widen and she goes over to her. Cassandra smiles. "Mariya, meet our son, Stephen." She says.

"May I?" Mariya asked.

"Of course. I should warn you, he bites when he's hungry." Cassandra says as she hands over Stephen.

Mariya sits next to Axel and Cassandra sits next to Darren. Mariy smiles at the sleeping baby. "Is Mittere in trouble?" She asks.

Darren sighs. "Indeed it is. We may be facing war, and it does not look good for us. We came here to ask if you could spare some knights. They of course have to volenteer, since they must be willing to follow our laws."

"Of course, we shall put out a notice as soon as possible." Axel says.

"Thank you. If you ever need assisstance in the future, we shal help you." Darren says.

"Our people will be greatfull to you." Cassandra says. "Is your father sick, Mariya? Riku said he wouldn't be able to meet with us."

"A couple of assassins tried to Murder him. The assassins are in custody, and my father is resting in the infermary." Mariya says, her eyes saddening.

Darren and Cassandra's eyes widen. "Is he alright?" Darren asks.

Mariya nods, giving Cassandra Stephen. "Serene's a miracle worker."

"Sora is strong, I'm sure he'll recover in no time." Cassandra says.

"We all are. My parents are planning on retiring, when they do, me and Axel will be taking over." Mariya says.

"Your welcome to come to the coronation." Axel says.

"If things are settled in Mittere, we will come." Darren says.

Mariya's cell rings and she picks it up quickly. "Yes?"

"He's up Mariya." Riku says.

"Be right there." Mariya says before hanging up. "If you'll excuse us."

"Of course." Darren says. "We understand."

"Feel free to stay as long as you like." Axel says, standing with Mariya. They then leave and rush to the infermary.

Mariya immesiadtly goes into Sora's room, and smiles. "How are you feeling?"

Sora laughs as she sit beside him. "Like a man who survived a bullet wound."

Mariya chuckles. "What happened papa?" She asks.

"I was looking around the arena, and I spotted Lucas. He was smirking, and approached me. 'I've got my orders, Sora. I have to say, I've waited for the day when I can see you die. I'll make this fair. I'll only use the nobodies if you are to much for me ' He said as he approached me. He drew his weapons, and attacked. We fought for a bit, and he was winning when I squeezed my symbol. He got me good a few times before Mario came. When Mario disapeared to go after him, Lexi stepped out, and shot me. She then turned and walked away, that's when you came." Sora says.

Mariya sighs. "We're holding the trial when you get better." Mariya says.

Sora smiles a bit. He then goes into his pocket and takes out a a purple crystal necklace. "I got this for you."

"You didn't have to dad." Mariya says, but she takes it anyway. "Thank you."

"Your welcome." Sora says, smiling a bit.

Mariya sighs, and hugs her father gently. "I love you daddy."

"I love you to, Mariya. If I move to hug you back, though, my I.V. will fall out and Serene will give me a talking to." Sora says, laughing a bit before wincing.

Mariya laughs to. After a few minutes she leaves the room, and her and Axel go to the secret garden.

Axel plants the seed and waters it, before joining Mariya on the bench under the Lavender Willow. "So why do you have to do that everytime you come here? Won't it run out of room?"

Mariya shakes her head. "Dad says it'll continue to grow and flurish as long as you bring a flower to it everytime you come. There'll always be room for more flowers."

"Interesting." Axel says, and looks up at the branches of the willow. "Beautiful."

"Indeed." Mariya says, looking up. She leans on Axel, and kisses him.

Axel smiles, and kisses her back.

Hours Later

Axel and Mariya leave the garden, and wander the castle. They go to the stables, and get on thier chocobos and ride threw Radiant Garden.

The chocobo's stop as Mariya's phone rings. "Riku? Is-" She gets cut off and gasps. "We're on our way." She hangs up and turns Sasha around, and explains to Axel what was happening.

They rush into the infermary, and enter Sora's room to see him in pain. "Daddy...." Mariya whispers.

Serene was hard at work with Sora, doing what she could.

"Mariya, Axel." Sora says, looking over at her. "Come here."

Mariya sits next to her mother, who was sitting next to the bed, ans Axel stands behind her. Mariya takes her father's hand. "I'm here daddy..."

Sora smiles. "You take care of Radiant Garden for me, you hear?"

"Don't talk like that, you'll be alright." Mariya says.

"Mariya, Kairi, I'm no fool. This old man knows when he's down for the count...Serene, if you don't mind." Sora says.

"No chance." Serene said.

After saying his last wishes, Sora passes. Mariya gets up and runs off crying.

Axel chokes, but manages to compose himself to take out his phone. He calls Riku and leaves the room. "Hey Riku....Sora has passed, is Mario on Malestrom?"

"No, I'll ask if anyone knows where he is...and then I'll come right over...are they a mess?"

"Kairi is trying to be strong, but Mariya ran off...I'm not sure how long I can keep this up." Axel says, tears forming in his eyes.

"Me too." Riku says.

Mario steps through a portal, rushing up the stairs and seeing Axel. With a grimace, he rushes forward. "Axel, is he really...?"

Axel nods, whiping the tears from his eyes. "He didn't pass to long ago." He chokes.

Mario is silent as he looks away, kicking the wall. "I can't believe this...what's the official cause of death?"

"Serene is doing an autopsy as we speak." Axel says. "I saw her face when she came to get a pair of autopsy scissors, it didn't look good....I'm afriad she won't find anything that'll convict Lucas and Lexi."

Mario is silent. "It might have been complications from the surgery and injuries. He might have been doing alright after surgery, but you never know how things can take a turn in the blink of an eye."

"Yeah, which means, technincly, Lucas and Lexi didn't kill Sora and they get to go free." Axel says, his fists tightening.

"Maybe, but they can still be charged with the attempted murder of King Sora," Mario states. "Maybe it won't be a death penalty, but it gives us reason to lock them up in high security for several lifetimes."

Axel breathes, and leans against the wall. He nods, agreeing. "Common, we should find Mariya...she ran off not long after he passed."

"Yeah..." Mario is silent as he walks with Axel. A few moments later, he notices Xildus join them. Apparently, he had heard the news and come as well, and his expression, although mostly hidden under his hood, portrays his grief.

Axel goes to their room, and knocks on the door. "Mariya, are you in there?" He asks. When he gets no answer he opens the door. The room is empty. "Hmm...follow me." He says, and walks down the hall. He stops at a deas end and looks around until his hand hits a panel. The end wall opens, and Axel walks threw, casting a fire spell to use as light in the dark corridors.

Mario blinks. "...I honestly shouldn't be surprised. I mean, of course there would be secret passages in this castle."

"There's always been, apparently, only a few people know about these. This is where me and Mariya ran off to when you attacked our wedding." Axel says with a small smile. He continues threw and exits at the marketplace. He heads to the floweershop. "You should buy one to."

Mario nods and gets a few flowers for later. Xildus seems to disappear at that time, but he eventually catches up when Mario and Axel are moving again.

Axel goes back into the corridors and opens up a door to his and Mariya's secret garden. He quickly plants a flower before going twords the lavender willow. "Plant one flower, it's customary here." axel says before pulling aside the bracnes. Mariya is sitting on a bench near the trunk of the tree, crying. Axel joins her and holds her. "There now."

Mario and XIldus each plant a flower and go over, both of them silent. Mario doesn't know what to say, and Xildus simply can't speak. However, after a few moments, Xildus pulls down his hood and steps over, nuzzling his head against Mariya to try and cheer her up.

Mariya tries to smile. "Thanks, guys." She says.

Axel kisses her cheek. "Mariya, common, we have to get back."

"Alright." Mariya says, and stands only to wobble and fall back. Axel catches her and picks her up. "I've got you." He says before he heads back.

Mario and Xildus follow them, both of them worried about Mariya.

Axel continues to carry Mariya and puts her on the chair outside the infermary. Serene comes out. She shows them the bullet she removed from Sora. "Does this look strange to you at all, Axel?"

Axel shakes his head, but stops and takes it. "This bullet was layered." He says.

Serene nods. "It's a three-layered bullet to be exact, I've seen these before. the outside layer consists of the poison, the inside layer is the actuall bullet, and, most importantly, the center layer is another poison, desined to be unnoticeable until it's to late. These are brillant little bullets the first two layers disolve when they get inside the body, and would be untraceable if we didn't have livers."

"So we have enough evidence to convict Lucas and Lexi?" Axel asks.

Serene nods. "We have plenty." She says.

Mariya smiles. "That's good." Mariya says.

Serene looks at her and feels her forehead. "Are you feeling alright, Mariya? You don't look to good."

"I feel fine." Mariya says.

"Common, I'll look you over anyway." Serene says.

Mariya sighs and stands, and follows Serene inside.

Mario is silent before looking to Axel. "Hey, I have a favor to ask. I was with someone in Traverse Town when I got the call. Would a Knight be able to head over there and take her back to Maelstrom Peak?"

Axel smiles. "Her?" He asks, raising an eyebrow.

Mario nods. "Yeah."

Axel smiles. "Sure, go ahead."

"Hey." Riku says as he approaches. "Speaking of, Kairi wants to know if you want the coronation to follow the funeral. And after you two are crowned, you'll declare Mario Head Knight."

Axel motions to the infermary. "I'll ask Mariya when she gets out." He says.

"Is she alright?" Riku asks, concerned.

"Yea, she wasn't looking to good, so Serene wanted to look her over." Axel says

Mario gives a slow nod as he steps back, leaning against a wall as he tries to come to full terms with what has happened.

Mariya comes out not long after. "I'm fine." Mariya says. She looks to Riku. "Is mom okay?"

"Yea, she's trying to be strong." Riku says, looking sad.

"She wants to know if we want the coronation to follow the funeral." Axel says.

"Yeah, sure." Mariya says.

Two Days later: The Funeral
Mariya put on a black dress and her tiara. She breathed, trying to hold back the tears. She then puts on the purple crystal necklace her father gave her.

Axel steped into the room, carrying his crown and wearing his tux. "Mind helping me?" He asks, smiling sheepishly.

Mariya smiles. "Of course." Mariya says, and puts his crown on his head.

Axel kissed her. "It's okay to cry Mariya." He said, holding her.

"I know, I just don't want to yet." Mariya said.

"All set for the corrination?" Axel asks, letting her go.

Mariya nods. They then head to the Grand Ball Room, where the Funeral was taking place. Mariya and Axel join Kairi, who was staring at Sora in his coffin. On Sora's head was a small crown. Beside the casket were various pictures of him, including some from his youth.

Riku stood in the back, looking at the picture of Kairi and Sora on their wedding day.

Mario is wearing a black tux, silent as he waits in the grand ballroom. Xildus is nowhere to be seen, but likely, he was resting a bit before the funeral after having spent the last few days delivering the bad news from world to world.

Soon, all the royals arrive and give their condolences to Kairi and Mariya before sitting. Mariya begins to cry after a moment, and Axel pulls Mariya to him, comforting her.

---

At the Postern, Serene and Dr. Matera were hooking up Sasha to the carrage that would carry Sora's coffin ot the cemetary. Beside her was Axel's Chocobo. All of them have sad expressions.

---

Vanessa enters into the Grand Ballroom, and curtsied to Mariya and Axel before introducing herself. She then spots Mario and walks over. "How did the trail go?" She asks, taking his hand, trying to comfort him. "Did they convict the killers?"

Mario looks to Vanessa for a moment before glancing away, his expression a mix of sorrow and anger. "They've been sentenced to death. It'll be left to Axel to decide when they'll be executed once he's been crowned."

"Mario, I'm sure the punishment is fitting. From what I hear, Sora wasn't their first victim." Vanessa says.

Mariya draws away from Axel and goes to the nearest bathroom so she can get some tissues.

"Yeah," Mario states. "Although I don't know what the results will be. For one, this has definitely put the Fallen as top-priority targets for their involvement in Sora's assassination. At the same time, the Fallen might seek retribution for Lexi and Lucas. A war could be creeping up, one I don't look forward to fighting..."

"I'm sure Axel is aware of that." Vanessa says.

Axel comes over to Mario. "Can you excuse us, Vanessa?" He asks.

She nods, and walks away.

"Mario I was thinking about Lucas and Lexi. I have a bad feeling about executing them. I already talked to Mariya about it, and she's alright with life in prison. The only thing is, I'm worried they'll escape like last time. So we need to figure out where to keep them." He says.

Mario is silent. "I don't know how I can help you there, Axel," Mario states. "I can't think of such a place."

Axel sighs. "I can think of a place, but there poses a problem. How can you get the doors to Castle Oblivion to lock from the outside? After all, that's the only way in or out of that place."

"Hm...the Keyblade won't work?" Mario asks. "Although that could be risky, as anyone else with a Keyblade could unlock it, and there's always a chance that there could be another dark Keyblade wielder."

"You may be onto something there." Axel says, and he looks up as the Priest enters."We'll talk about it later."

Mariya returned then and sat down. Axel went and sat by her.

Vanessa sits as well, in the back row.

---

Meanwhile, at the cemetary, Andrew was leaning against the gate. He had come to pay his respects to the King.

Mario nods and steps into the pews, seeing Vanessa and taking a seat next to her.

After the funeral moves to the cemetary, Mario then notes Andrew by the gate and, while Xildus is delivering a bonquet of white lilacs for himself and the Nobodies, Mario slips to the gate. "Hey."

Andrew watches the coffin for a moment. "You know how you offered me and Emma protection? Well we're gonna need it. I found this taped to the door of the shop." Andrew said before showing Mario a piece of paper in a baggie. On it was: You tell your fiance dies. "It's one of the Angel's writing."

Mario looks at the the note, and his eyes widden. He then nods. "I'll get right on it." He then steps over to Axel to speak with him.

Axel is standing beside Mariya, watching people from all around lay flowers on the casket. He turns when he see's Mario at the corner of his eye. "What's up?" He asks in a low voice.

"We have a slight problem," Mario whispers. "I've just been notified that our contact has received a threat from the Angels. We need to put them under protection now or else we might have a worse situation."

"Got it." He whispers. He turns to Mariya and whispers something to her. She nods and kisses him before whispering something back.

Axel nods and moves away. "Let's go."

Mario nods and leads the way. He makes a signal to a few nearby Knights to follow and leads them toward Andrew. "Your Highness, this is our contact."

Andrew bows. "Your majesty." He says.

"May I?" Axel asks, motioning to the baggie. Andrew nodded and handed it to Axel. Axel read the note and looked to Andrew. "Where is she?" He asked.

"In the castle. I made her promise to stay in the castle." Andrew said. "I knew she'd be safe in the castle...I still haven't told her about my past."

Axel sighs. "I'd tell her, she'll wonder why you and her are being followed by knights. Plus, it's never good to hold secrets in an engagement, or even in a marrage."

"I know, I was gonna tell her." Andrew said.

"Let's go then." Axel said, before heading to the castle.

Mario nods follows the two of them, the Knights right behind him.

Emma is waiting inside. She looks up when they enter. "Andrew?" She asks, a bit confused.

Andrew takes her hand and tells her the truth. Her eyes widen and she gasps. "Do you understand why I didn't tell you?"

She nods. "You were worried that they'd hurt me. And now they are threatening me."

"The Knights are gonna protecct us, Emma." Andrew says.

Axel nods. "We can set it up if you just follow me."

She nods, and walks with Andrew.

Mario follows as well, remaining vigilant just in case.

Axel takes them to the interagation room, and lets them go in first. "Stay out here and watch." He says to Mario and the Knights. He goes in and shuts the door behind him. A few mionutes later they exit and motions to the Knights. "Accompany them back to Malestrom, and guard them at all times. Inform the knights on Malestrom and form shifts.

"Yes sir." One says. They then walk the couple to the gummi bay.

Axel sighs. "We should get going, we're gonna be late for the corrination." He says, and smooths out his tux before heading up to the Grand Ballroom.

Mario nods and walks with Axel to the coronation.

Axel breathes a little before he enters, and goes to Mariya, who had changed into a purple dress. She takes him to the side and whispers something. Axel nods, and quick kisses her before Kairi drags them over. She stands on a platform after all the other world's ambasador's arrive. "Thank you all for coming." She says. "Sora and I hoped this would be a happier occasion. But things cannot always be how you wish them to. Axel and Mariya are more then prepared to take the crown. Mariya, Axel, join me please."

Axel and Mariya step up and stand beside Kairi. Kairi takes off Sora's crown from a pillow and places it on Axel's head. "Axel, do you solemly swear to protect Radiant Garden and all other world's with the best of your abilities."

"I solemly swear." He says.

Kairi steps over to Mariya and takes off her crown. She places it upon Mariya's head. "Mariya, do you solemly swear to protect Radiant Garden and all other world's with the best of your abilities?"

"I solemly swear." Mariya says.

Kairi holds out her hands, and Ultima appears. She hands it to Mariya before hugging her.

Riku stands then, and joins the three on the plaform as two Knights place two chairs on it. Mariya and Axel sit as Kairi steps down.

"Many of you know I'm retiring and joining Kairi as she goes to Destiny Island. I have selected someone to replace me, and I can promise you he's a good choice. Mario?" He asks, motioning for him to join him.

Mario nods, standing up and walking up onto the platform and standing next to Riku.

"Mario is going to replace me. He's already proven to me that he can handle the responsibility." Riku looks at Mario. "Good luck" He says before joining Kairi.

---

After the corrination Axel comes over to Mario with Mariya. "We figured out how we're gonna lock up Lucas and Lexi, go and get some Knights and meet us at the Gummi Bay. I think it's best to move them ASAP." Axel says.

"Agreed." Mariya says.

Mario nods and goes to look for a few Knights. After he finds a few, he heads for the Gummi Bay. Interestingly, Xildus is already there, and while he seems slightly depressed from the funeral, he seems to be okay.

A few knights arrive and put Lucas and Lexi into the back of a Gummi ship. They lock it and get into the front. Axel arrives then and gets in the gummi ship.

The knights get into another seperate ship, that looks similar to the one Lucas and Lexi were in. One Knight bows slightly to Mario. Once they were all aboard, the ship takes off.

{Axel, Lucas & Lexi to Castle Oblivion}

{Mario and Xildus to Castle Oblivion}

A little while later, Mariya steps threw a light portal to join the other's.

{Mariya to Castle Oblivion}