Kingdom Hearts: Illusion of Hearts
 

This story is also found on my DA page and my fanfiction.net page. Enjoy the read.

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Chapter 1: Attack on Midgar

Enzeru left the Seventh Heaven bar as the sun came up. She had taken a room there in hopes of eluding visits from Shinra. He had been checking in on her since he had chosen her for testing his new toy. This ship that would take people into space was not comfortable and dangerous. If she went out in it now she was afraid that it would fall apart and she would be lost in space forever.

Enzeru smoothed her dark hair down in its braid and stretched. Today they were actually going to let her start becoming familiar with the vehicle she would use for her epic expedition. There was a rumor that it was alien technology but Enzeru dismissed the idea as being silly and the scientists being extremely gifted.

She turned her blue eyes to the watch she had been given by the president himself for being so agreeable when he asked her to go into space. It was time for her to meet with her new bodyguards she shook off last night before coming to the bar. They’ll probably be around the next corner where I lost them. Enzeru thought as she rounded the corner and came face to face with Rude.

“Enzeru, where have you been?” Rude asked. He was frowning, other than that she didn’t know what he was feeling. Those damn sunglasses were hiding his eyes. He probably knew she always looked at people’s eyes to know what they were truly feeling.

“I’ve been off doing my own thing. I need a little more time to myself than what you have been allowing me,” Enzeru replied with a sigh.

“Oh really. Would you rather someone else follow you around?” Rude asked. Enzeru got the feeling she was being glared at.

“Well, well, maybe I would.” Enzeru yelled, crossed her arms and turned away from him.

“Aren’t you lucky then, here comes someone to relieve me. What a relief it will be,” He growled and then composed himself and walked away in the direction of a redhead who was walking to them.

Enzeru raised an eyebrow as Rude said something to this other man.

“Yo, Enzeru, ready to go get a good look at the ship yet?” The man asked as he approached.

Enzeru rolled her eyes, “I guess, as long as I don’t have to deal with him again.” She made a motion in Rude’s direction.

“Yeah, he can be a bit of a stiff. Lucky for him I’m around to even out his uncoolness.” The man grinned.

“And you are?” Enzeru asked.

“My name’s Reno. Remember it since we’re going to be spending a lot of time together.” Reno said as he looked at his watch. Woah, it’s time to go. Boss is going to be pissed if we don’t get there on time.”

The two of them set off for the district that Shinra’s main office was in. They were late.

“Reno, I was leaving it up to you to get her here on time,” He chided.

“I’m sorry sir, it won’t happen again,” Reno replied.

“It better not. That is the reason I reassigned Rude.” Boss Shinra glared at Reno.

“I understand,” Reno replied as he turned to leave.

“One more thing, you will also be doing all the training she goes though and you will familiarize yourself with the vehicle. We’re sending two people on this mission.” Shinra then waved Reno away.

Reno left and found Enzeru waiting outside the office for him, “Well, looks like you got in trouble. I’ll try not to be as hard on you as I was on Rude. He was a tight ass. You are clearly different.”

“You stared at his ass?” Reno asked.

“No you dork, it’s a metaphor.” Enzeru laughed. This guy was more bearable. If she was going to possible end up floating in space forever at least she would have good company.

“I know that. I was just trying to make you laugh. It seems like I succeeded.” Reno said as he led Enzeru to the elevator. They would take it to the roof where the dome was built over the ship.

“Finally I’ll get to get a good look at this thing. I’ve heard all kinds of rumors.” Enzeru said as her tone began to change and she began to relax.

“The alien rumor is true.” Reno said as they reached the roof.

“You’re kidding!” Enzeru exclaimed.

“Not at all. This is alien tech.” Reno replied as he led her into the dome.

Inside was a brightly colored ship made of material Enzeru had never seen before. There appeared to be guns, shields, and a cockpit. This was the coolest thing she had ever seen.

“This is amazing. What is this thing made of? How do the guns work? I don’t see any ammo.” Enzeru said as she started examining the ship.

“We don’t know. We don’t know. And we haven’t found any.” Reno replied as he joined her.

A small built scientist with big glasses approached them, “Go on and climb up. Play with the controls. They’re all labeled in our language.”

The scientist walked away to leave them to their looking around. Enzeru was the first one up.

“This is the coolest thing ever.” Enzeru said as she sat in the pilot’s seat.

“Yeah, I know. This is my second time in this thing. The first time was when I found it.” Reno replied as he motioned for Enzeru to get up.

“Why should you have the pilot’s seat?” She asked.

“Because it’s a lot like a helicopter and I drive one all the time.” Reno answered.

Enzeru rolled her eyes and got into the co-pilot’s seat. “Then I get the use the guns.”

“On what and with what ammo.” Reno laughed.

“Who knows what we’ll run into in space. We might not need ammo if this is an alien weapon.” Enzeru said as she studied the controls.

“This thing is just as I found it, only cleaned up.” Reno said as he felt the grip of the steering wheel.

“That’s good. Let’s go get some lunch before we get too busy with this thing,” Enzeru said as she stood up.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll treat.” Reno said as he stood up as well.

The two of them jumped down from the ship and went back to the elevator.

“Do we have to eat in the cafeteria?” Enzeru whined.

“They have better food there then what you’ll find out there.” Reno replied as they reached their floor.

As they steeped out of the elevator and into the cafeteria Enzeru was reminded of grade school. Everything looked really cliquey. There were the nerds, jocks, and the rich people. She was the one who ended up sitting with the rich people this time. Apparently she was to be considered one of the Turks from now on.

Reno led her to the food bar, “This is the only place in the city you can get good fried chocobo.”

“I’ve never had friend chocobo, is it any good?” Enzeru asked.

“Why don’t you get it and find out.” Reno replied and got some friend chocobo for himself.

Enzeru got some fried chocobo and soda. They both joined the other Turks at the table.

“Did you have to bring that with you?” Rude asked.

“Be nice, she’s important to the boss.” Elena elbowed Rude.

Tsung nodded at Enzeru before continuing eating.

“Don’t mind them, they’re a little odd,” Reno whispered before biting into his friend chocobo.

Enzeru looked at the dish curiously. It looked good but she still wasn’t sure. She poked it with a fork and then tore a bit off the bone. Enzeru sniffed it. It smelled wonderful. She took a bite and realized it was a lovely cross between chicken and turkey. She smiled and ate the whole plateful.

“I see you like fried chocobo.” Elena said, apparently trying to make small talk.

“Yes, this is the first time I’ve ever had it. It’s wonderful,” Enzeru replied as she sipped her soda.

“Told you it was good,” Reno said as he leaned his chair back on two legs. That reminded Enzeru of the ‘cool’ kids in school.

“We can’t stay, we have a project,” Rude said as he led Elena away.

“Have fun with your project,” Enzeru called after them. “We should get back to our ‘project’ as well.”

As soon as they had finished their sodas they started to head back to the elevator. When the elevator arrived it wasn’t empty. It looked like it was full of shadows with eyes.

“What the heck?” Enzeru asked.

“This is weird, “Reno said as he started to back away from the elevator.

“I think we should take the stairs,” Enzeru replied. For some reason terrified.

“I agree,” Reno replied as he grabbed her hand and started to run.

Enzeru followed him to the back stairs. They looked down and saw a sea of shadows slowly rising.

“Looks like it’s up from here.” Reno said as he started to run up the stairs.

Enzeru followed him until they reached the roof. They entered the dome and closed the door.

“We should be safe in here,” Reno said between breaths.

“I doubt it, if those were shadow fiends then we’re in for it.” Enzeru replied.

“I guess there is only one way out of this.” Reno looked to the ship and then to Enzeru. This was the first time she ever saw him frown. “I have to stay here. You’ll be going alone.”

“No, you’re coming with me. You are not staying here to get eaten by those things.” Enzeru demanded.

“I have to stay and find the boss and my friends. I’ll send you a message when we get things cleaned up.” Reno promised as he pulled out a shock stick.

“I understand. Be careful, you’re the closest thing I have to a friend besides the girls at Seventh Heaven bar.” Enzeru took a deep breath. This wasn’t easy for her.

“Then like the good friend I am I’ll cover your escape.” Reno replied with a smile.

The shadows were covering the dome and it was beginning to crack in some places. It was going to be now or never. “Thanks, I promise I’ll come back,” Enzeru said as she shook Reno’s hand.

“I promise I won’t get eaten.” Reno replied as he took off his jacket. “Fly it through the dome and I’ll use this as a shield.”

“Right, be careful,” Enzeru said as she ran for the ship. She climbed into the cockpit and gave Reno a final salute before preparing launch.

The ship lifted off the ground with ease. She saw Reno cover his head with the jacket and took off. Enzeru quickly rose from the planet in the ship, as she looked back she wondered if they would both be able to keep their promise.

Enzeru’s ship left the atmosphere and entered the vast reaches of space only to be greeted by a fleet of strange ships. Dang it, give me a break. She thought as the ships fired. Enzeru was strapped into her seat and couldn’t reach the guns in time. The other ships’ fire hit her and sent her into a spin down, down, to a planet she didn’t recognize. The ground came up to meet her and everything went black.

Chapter 2: Lost in Agrabah

Enzeru awoke in a daze. She had been out for hours. Where am I? She wondered as she looked around. Apparently Enzeru had crashed into an oasis in a desert near a large town. That town has to have people in it. She thought as she began to make her way to the city entrance.

When she reached the entrance a guard greeted her. “And who might you be?” He asked as he stared at her with the meanest look Enzeru had ever seen.

“I think my name is Enzeru,” Enzeru replied as she rubbed a sore on her head.

“And where did you come from?” He asked as he put a hand on the hilt of his sword.

“The oasis” Enzeru pointed to the oasis.

“That area has been marked off limits by the sultan.” The guard replied.

Enzeru noticed he had a scar on his hand that was on his sword, “I think I can do something about that scar.”

“Don’t be silly. The best doctors in the city have tried and failed.” The guard replied and his face looked less rigid.

“Will you let me at least try?” Enzeru said as she took a step in his direction.

“Very well, but hurry it up,” The guard replied, not believing what he was hearing.

Enzeru grabbed his hand and studied it a moment. “This isn’t that bad.” She somehow remembered she had some kind of power but wasn’t sure what it was. Enzeru touched the scar and thought to her self. Cure, cure, and cure. She looked down at his hand and smiled. “How did I do?”

The guard looked at his hand and was shocked, “How did you?”

“Just give me entrance, I’m tired and need some water.” Enzeru replied.

“Yes, of course.” The guard replied as he stepped aside.

Enzeru entered the city and looked around. She didn’t remember any of this.

She made her way to the market, or at least that’s what she guessed it was. People were buying and selling all kinds of things. Fruit, fish, jewelry, baked goods; this place was even better than the markets back home. She neared a pottery stall and was pulled into a doorway.

“Are you the one who healed the guard’s scar?” A man’s voice asked.

“Yes, what do you want with me?” Enzeru asked in reply. She was afraid; she didn’t know who this was or what they were going to do to her.

“I need your help,” the man said and turned her around, “My wife is going to give birth any second and we can’t find a single person to deliver the child. The people we can find charge more money than I make in a month.”

“Oh, is that all? I’ll help. I don’t know how to deliver a baby but I won’t charge you. All I really need is a place to sleep and some water.” Enzeru replied with a smile.

“Granted, come inside and help us.” The man said as he showed Enzeru in.
Enzeru entered the one room home and walked over to the woman lying in the bed. “I’m here to help you. Push when you have contractions to make the work easier on yourself.” She turned to the man, “Bring warm water and towels.”

The woman’s husband obeyed and returned with the water and towels.

“Thanks, I heard somewhere it helps if you hold her hand.” Enzeru said as the contractions started coming faster and faster. Moments later a little boy was born.

“She’s resting now and will be up again in a couple days,” Enzeru smiled on the child as his father held him.

“Lady, you can stay whenever you want. When you are thirsty you may come here to drink. Consider this place home because I name you the child’s god mother.” The man smiled at his son.

“Thank you so much.” Enzeru yawned, “Perhaps I too should rest.”

The man helped Enzeru make a bed. Enzeru fell asleep as soon as she lay down.

The next morning there was a rumor going around the palace that a white witch had come to their town. “Your highness, I urge you to consider doing something about this witch people are talking about. What if she intends to harm the city?” a tall dark man pleaded with the sultan.

“Perhaps I should send guards to escort her here. I would like to question her,” the sultan mused over the idea.

“No, sire, let me go. I have a way with these kind of people,” the man replied.

“Very well, you may go.” The sultan said as he returned to reading something that was obviously more amusing then hearing about a witch.

The tall man bowed and left.

The next day the man was running his pottery stall and the woman was tending to her child. Enzeru made her way outside after fixing her hair. She approached the stall and was greeted with a smile.

“Ah, Enzeru, good to see you up and about. I’m so happy you helped to deliver my first son.” The man grinned as a group of children ran passed.

A smaller child trailed behind the group, “Wait for me!” He called out to the others. The little boy couldn’t have been but five.

Enzeru watched as he ran by and tripped on a rock. When the boy hit the ground he cried. “Poor kid,” Enzeru said as she walked over to the kid. “Are you hurt?”

The boy continued crying and pointed at his scraped knee.

Enzeru smiled and put her hands a few inches from the scrape, “Cure.” She said as a light flashed beneath her hands.

The boy stopped crying and sniffled.

“There you go, go catch up with the others, you’re too little to be running around alone.” Enzeru said as she helped the kid up.

“Thank you,” The boy said before running off to join his friends.
Enzeru turned back to talk to the potter and didn’t seem him anywhere. She got closer to the market stall and saw him hiding behind his wares. “What…” she started to ask what was wrong but before she could she heard a voice.

“Bravo miss witch.” A cold voice spoke from a shadow.

“Umm, thank you?” Enzeru said confused.

“Where are my manners,” the man came out of the shadows, “I am the royal vizier, Jafar.” He approached Enzeru and bowed.

Enzeru raised an eyebrow, “I’m Enzeru and I have no clue what this place is.”

“Then allow me to be your guide. Welcome to Agrabah. This city is run by his highness the sultan and his daughter princess jasmine. I advise his highness on all maters. He seeks an audience with you and I was sent here to find you.” Jafar said in a slightly pompous tone.

Enzeru smiled, “Alright, that I will do. But tell me something, why are people afraid of you?”

“They fear people with power.” Jafar replied.

“I see,” Enzeru began, “so why would someone so powerful come looking for me?”

“Because we do not know why someone with power is roaming the city. Personally I think you belong in the castle. Someone wise enough to have such power would make a perfect apprentice for myself.” Jafar held out his hand, “Come now, we don’t want to keep his highness waiting.”

“Right,” Enzeru began and walked by him, ignoring his hand. She could see the palace from here, or at least that was the only thing the largest most impressive building was.

Jafar followed Enzeru to the palace. The people fled in fear from him and Enzeru wondered why. It couldn’t just be that he had power, it had to be how he used his power. Jafar seemed nice enough, though.

Guards opened the gate for them and they walked right in. Something told Enzeru that it wasn’t just hard to get into this place, it was hard to get out as well. They entered the place and walked the long entryway into the throne room. Jafar grabbed Enzeru’s shoulder and walked in front of her, forcing her to trail behind. This made her very annoyed but wondered if there was a reason for this.

“Sire, I have returned with the witch.” Jafar replied, bowing to the elder and shorter man on the throne.

“Excellent. Approach young woman and tell me your name,” the sultan commanded.

Enzeru walked over to the sultan and bowed, “I’m Enzeru.”

“You’re obviously not from here. Where are you from?” the sultan asked.

“I don’t know. I just remember waking up in a strange vehicle and coming here from the oasis.” Enzeru replied.

“I see. Well, you can stay here from now on. If you are from another world, as I suspect, you need to be kept from interfering in other worlds.” The sultan said.

“Sire, if I may. I was thinking that until she finds a way home she should stay here and assist me. I always need someone to do research for me.” Jafar interrupted.

“Perhaps so. I hereby place her under your supervision. She is to be treated like a guest and have free roam over the palace.” The sultan ordered.

Enzeru bowed, “Thank you for not putting me in the dungeon or worse.”

“My dear, a good ruler knows a good person when he sees one. You have a good heart,” the sultan smiled and waved them away.

Jafar bowed and led Enzeru out of the throne room through a side door. They entered a huge bathroom with a pool size tub sunk into the center of the room.

“The princess sometimes uses this bathroom but has decided she would use a different one this week. So while she is using that one this one will be yours. Feel free to use whatever oils and soaps you want to get the peasant smell out.” Jafar wrinkled his nose.

Enzeru smelled herself. He was right, she smelled awful. “What about my clothes, they’re disgusting as well.”

“Leave that to me. The royal tailors can make you new clothes. Until they finish, however I think we have something of Jasmine’s that you can wear,” Jafar replied and turned a large wheel that started the tub filling. As soon as it was finished he turned the wheel back. The tub had automatically filled with pink bubbles. Perhaps what was why the princess liked this bathroom.

“Hurry up and bathe before the water gets cold,” Jafar advised.

“Well, I can’t undress with you standing there,” Enzeru chided.

“Oh, so you’re modest.” Jafar turned around, “I’ll take your old clothes to the tailor when you’re in the tub.

Enzeru quickly undressed and jumped into the tub.

As soon as Jafar heard the splash he turned around and gathered her clothes, “I’ll be back with something more befitting your new status. If the water gets too cold for you then the changing rooms are over there.” With that he picked up the rags with his staff and carried them off.

Enzeru allowed herself to sink down into the bubbles. This was the life. She swam over to where the soap was and then to the oils. She was determined to smell like roses when she got out of here.

When the water started to feel colder she peeked out of the bubble mountain. There was a bird sitting by the tub, “Hello birdie. I take it you’re here to keep an eye on me. Well, turn around and let me get over to the changing rooms. This water is getting chill.”

The bird tilted its head to the side and then turned around.

“Thanks.” Enzeru said as she grabbed a towel, climbed out, and scrambled for the changing room.

As soon as she was in Jafar returned. “These are for you,” he said and tossed a purple outfit over the door.

Enzeru put it on and gasped, “You don’t expect me to wear this in public, do you? There’s nothing covering my midsection.”

“Yes I do. You will just be in the palace and the princess wears this kind of outfit all the time. She just doesn’t like purple.” Jafar replied.

Enzeru reluctantly came out of the room with her arms around her midsection. “Can we not get me a cloak or something to wear with this?”
“Fine, I’ll get you one,” Jafar rolled his eyes. He couldn’t believe how much trouble this woman was.

He returned a few minutes later, “This is as good as you’re going to get.”

Enzeru put on the sheer violet cloak and sighed. “It will have to do then.”

“You’re starting to look more like an aristocrat. But your hair is terrible. I think we should call in the people who do the princess’s hair. First I’ll show you to your room.” Jafar looked at Enzeru and then turned away to lead her to yet another room.

As they entered the room Enzeru noticed that it was decorated in stars, silver, and blue. “This is lovely.” Enzeru said as she examined a vanity.

“This is your room. The hairdresser will be here soon. Thankfully I alerted them to your arrival while I was looking for some decent clothes for you.” Jafar walked over to a tapestry of a mermaid and a silvery bird. “Behind here is a secret entrance and I will show you where it leads after your hair is fixed.”

Enzeru raised an eyebrow, “Okay, so why would I need a room with a secret entrance?”

“You will find out soon enough,” Jafar replied as he motioned for her to sit in front of the vanity.

“My hair is a mess,” Enzeru said as she tried to smooth it out with a brush.

She didn’t have to worry about it long because the hairdresser was in and out in a flash. Her hair was in two braids joined into one in the back. Enzeru requested purple and blue hair dyes for him to bring on his next visit.

“You were wanting to know about the entrance,” Jafar began, “It leads to a secret room where you will study magic.”

“I see. Why would I want to do that?” Enzeru asked.

“Because you have the talent. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find anyone anywhere that can do any kind of magic?” Jafar asked

“I take it you know quite a bit yourself then,” Enzeru replied suspiciously.

“Why else would I request you to be my assistant. It’s not because of your looks, that’s for sure.” Jafar replied.

Enzeru was mortified by this insult. “How dare you!” She exclaimed and rose her hand to slap him but instead lightning struck his staff.

“Your first test is complete. This power of yours is great and uncontrolled. You must learn to harness it to do your will. It bothers me, however, that you did not hit me. You must not have wanted to hurt me that badly.” Jafar smirked.

“So you don’t think I’m ugly?” Enzeru asked.

“Not in the least. I only said that to anger you so your power would reveal itself.” Jafar replied.

“I see. So what’s next?” Enzeru tilter her head to the side boredly.

“Books and scrolls. You are to read and study when you’re not sleeping or meeting with the princess.” Jafar replied.

“Meeting with the princess” Enzeru asked.

“Yes. Every morning the princess meets with all the women in the palace while her father meets with the men. That is when the servants get their orders. I will not be joining you since I will be advising the sultan. You are to get the princess’s trust and advise her.” Jafar informed.

“I understand,” Enzeru looked into the tunnel behind the tapestry, “It’s so dark.”

“Allow me,” Jafar went in first and tapped his staff on the floor. The eyes of the snake head lit up the dark tunnel. He led Enzeru to a door and opened it.

The hidden room was fully lit by dozens of candles. Open scrolls and books lay open everywhere.

Jafar picked five books and three scrolls and handed them to Enzeru. “Read these to start with and we can go from there.”

Enzeru rook the reading material back to her room and started reading. She read until nightfall and fell asleep in the middle of a scroll about fire magic.

That night her dreams were active.

“Enzeru, you’re lost, you need to come home.”
“Who’s there?”
“You made a promise you would come home.”
“Where is home?”
“Midgar isn’t the same without you.”
“So Midgar is my home?”
She saw the face of a man smiling at her.
“That’s right. Oh, I have something for you.”
“What is it?”
“It’s a keyblade.”
“Who are you?”
“Your heart.”
The brightness of this dream faded and was consumed by shadows. Enzeru’s outstretched hand grabbed the keyblade as the man was covered in the shadows. Enzeru attempted to fight the shadows but there were too many of them. They were coming for her. She heard a scream and woke up.

The scream was no dream; she heard it again even after waking. Someone was in trouble she Enzeru knew it was up to her.

As she opened her door a guard rushed in and closed it behind him. “Miss, we need to go to the throne room, now. We are under attack.”

Enzeru tilted her head to the side, “By what?”

“Shadows.” The guard replied as he caught his breath.

“I’ll be there in a moment.” Enzeru said as she observed the fear on the guard’s face, “You hurry on ahead and be careful.”

The guard looked almost relieved that he was being sent away and he left.

Enzeru hurried to the hidden room where she found a note and a long package.
Enzeru,
Use this to light the way.

Enzeru opened the package and inside was a silver falcon head staff with sapphire eyes. She held it in her hand and felt the power inside her concentrate itself into it. This was it; she had the power he said she was capable of.

Enzeru left the hidden room and took off at a run through the halls, occasionally tapping her staff on the stone floor to light the way.

When she reached the room everyone turned to look at her. “No worries, it’s just me.” She said as she made her way to where the princess was briefing the women of the castle.

“You’re late,” she said to Enzeru before continuing to reassure the worried maids.

“I’m sorry, your highness, I could not let the shadows have the gift the Vizier gave me.” Enzeru bowed.

“Can you make light with that?” the princess asked.

“Yes, why?” Enzeru replied.

“Did the things avoid you when you had light?” The princess demanded.

“Yes, they did avoid me. Perhaps the secret to warding them off is light.” Enzeru suggested.

The princess nodded and went to inform her father.

“Attention everyone,” the sultan commanded, “The vizier’s assistant has determined that light is what keeps these devils away. Everyone is to keep a lantern on them at all times.”

Jafar was standing beside the sultan and looked pleased.

The throne room erupted in applause and then everyone parted to gather lanterns, torches, and candles.

Everyone returned to their rooms except the sultan, the princess, Jafar, and Enzeru.

“Good work, Enzeru.” The sultan praised.

“I couldn’t have done it without the princess asking questions and this lovely gift from Jafar.” Enzeru replied humbly.

“I am proud to have such a wise apprentice.” Jafar said with a smirk.

Enzeru yawned, “I’m going back to bed.” She bowed and showed herself back to her room, making sure to use her staff to light the way.

When she reached her bed she let herself fall on it and into a deep sleep. Hours later she awoke to screams again. It was light out now and the shadows would have retreated by now. This worried her.

Enzeru went back to the hidden room and found Jafar talking to his bird.

“Who is making these things?”

“Probably some amateur.”

“I don’t think it’s her, I think someone is here for her.”

“Just hand her over so they’ll leave.”

“Never.”

Enzeru cleared her throat and entered the room, “So what’s attacking us now? I know it’s not shadows, it’s too light out for that.”

“They’re nobodies. They’re like anti shadows.” The bird explained as Jafar gave him a dark look.

“So if light defeats shadows dark should be able to defeat anti shadows.” Enzeru proposed.

“It’s not that simple. Darkness doesn’t work. You have to use shadows to fight them.” Jafar replied.

“How do you know?” Enzeru asked, afraid that she would get the worst answer possible.

“I guess there is no hiding it from you. I can call the shadows to do my bidding.” Jafar replied.

“So you called an attack on the palace? Why?” Once again she felt she knew the answer and didn’t want to believe it.

“I would be a better ruler than that silly old man.” Jafar responded with obvious contempt. “You could be my queen if you helped me.”

Enzeru shook her head, “Sorry, but that would be interfering with other worlds and the sultan said it was a bad thing to do so.”

“You will join me, even if I have to make you,” Jafar yelled.

“You have to catch me first,” Enzeru hissed and took off at a dead run.

Enzeru ran from her room into the halls, dodging anti shadows as she went. She didn’t realize she was heading into a dead end until it was too late.

“I’ve got you now!” Jafar yelled.

“I don’t think so.” A familiar male voice spoke from behind Enzeru. “She’s going to come with me back to where she belongs.”

Enzeru turned to see a red hared man with tattoos under his eyes. “Who are you?” She asked.

“I’m Axel, got it memorized?” The man replied as he struck a pose with his strange wheel shaped weapons.

“She’s staying here.” Jafar replied.

“Why don’t you let her decide?” the sultan asked as he came up behind Jafar. “She doesn’t belong here you know.”

Jafar couldn’t argue with the sultan.

“I’m going now. Axel might be able to help me remember where I came from.” Enzeru replied as she turned to face Axel.

“Very well, come back and visit some time,” the sultan said. “Say goodbye Jafar.”

Jafar pulled himself together, “Good bye.”

Axel grinned and held out his hand.

“Sultan, be careful who you trust.” Enzeru advised before taking Axel’s hand and being pulled into a dark vortex.

Chapter 3: A New Home

Enzeru awoke from a dreamless sleep in a strange bed. Where am I now? She thought as she sat up and looked around. Candles were lit here and there throughout the room, each light flickering gently.

“Good to see you’re awake,” Axel said from the corner he sat in. He got up from his chair and walked over to Enzeru, “It’s not easy one someone to go through the dark doorway the first few times, but you’ll get used to it.”

“Thanks for saving me. I didn’t know how I was going to get out of that one,” Enzeru laughed a little.

“No problem. I’ve saved you from impossible situations before, or rather, my true self did. I’m just a nobody.” Axel sighed as he lit another candle.

“Don’t talk like that. You’re somebody.” Enzeru replied and smiled.

“Nobody is what they call people without hearts. The dark shadows are called heartless because they eat other people’s hearts. People are turned two things, a heartless and a nobody. Both of them seek hearts but nobodies do it to build kingdom hearts while heartless are greedy and choose to keep the hearts. Not that it makes any difference.” Axel played with the flame of a nearby candle.

“Oh, I see.” Enzeru was clearly hiding that she was confused.

“Hmm, let me put it to you this way: A heartless took my heart. I turned into a nobody and my heart stayed with the heartless. My soul turned into another heartless. So now I’m looking for that heartless that took my heart, the heartless I turned into, and some one to help me.” Axel smirked.

“I guess you want me to help you.” Enzeru replied as she stretched and yawned.

“You got it. You made a promise and so did my other.” Axel said as he removed his feet from the desk he had propped them up on.

“I did?” Enzeru couldn’t remember this guy for the life of her, but she was willing to help if she could.

“Yeah, before you took the ship and crashed it in to that desert world.” Axel looked excited, as if he was expecting her to remember.

Enzeru shook her head, “I don’t remember anything before waking up in that ship.”

Axel frowned and looked like he might cry, “But, I… he…”

“I lost my memory, I just need to find someone who can help me get it back.” Enzeru tried to comfort him with her words. She didn’t want to see a grown man cry.

“Memory, hmm,” Axel tilted his head to the side and put a finger to his lips, “I got it, we need to go find your friends so they can tell you about how things used to be.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Enzeru stood up and stretched again, “I feel like I haven’t moved in days.”

“One day actually. Never mind that now,” Axel began, once more excited, “We’ll go find the people who are protecting this town. They were your friends back on Midgar.”

“I see. So I’m from Midgar. What is it like there?” Enzeru asked as she walked to the door.

“Midgar was huge. Different districts, all run by Shinra himself. Your friends opposed him and you were threatened into working for him. My other also worked for Shinra, he was Shinra’s right hand man. Some how you and my other ended up friends.” Axel opened the door and let Enzeru out before turning to lock it.
Enzeru scratched her head. This was all sounding strange to her.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure Tifa will help you remember.” Axel said and pointed to a building off in the distance, “She’s probably at the wizard’s house.”

“So we’re off to see the wizard.” Enzeru smirked.

“Oh, you are funny,” Axel snickered.

The two of them made their way to the wizard’s house with no problems. No one was outside and in a city this size astonished Enzeru.

When they reached the wizard’s house Axel knocked, “Yo, old guy, Tifa here?” He yelled.

“An old man in wizards robes answered the door, “Keep your pants on young man, she’s here.”

Tifa walked up behind him and gasped, “Enzeru, you made it.”

Enzeru nodded, “Yeah, but my memory didn’t.”

Tifa, Enzeru and Axel sat at a little round table surrounded by books. The old wizard, Merlin Tifa said his name was, made tea for them.

“So, you lost your memory,” Tifa sighed.

“Yeah, if it wasn’t for Axel I would have been toast. I apparently took an alien spacecraft and crashed it on an even more alien planet. Almost got fried by some sorcerer with a superiority complex.” Enzeru mused.

Axel laughed, “You should have seen his face.”

Tifa nodded, “I see. So you probably don’t remember the heartless invasion that probably caused you to take the ship.”

“An invasion?” Enzeru blinked and stared at Tifa.

“Yeah. They were after Shinra, or so most of us thought. However we have a new theory now that you’ve returned to us,” Tifa began, “They might have been after you.”

“Me? Why would they come after me?” Enzeru asked as she took a cup of tea offered by Merlin.

“Well, the heartless go after people with strong hearts, whether the heart is good or evil doesn’t matter.” Tifa replied as she also took a cup of tea.

“I see. Has anyone ever gone back to normal after being taken by a heartless?” Enzeru asked.

“Not that I know of,” Tifa replied, “Merlin?”

“No, before my world was taken I knew nothing of these heartless beasts.” Merlin said as he offered Axel some tea.

“Well, they say it can be done. No one has ever succeeded though,” Axel said as he took the tea offered to him.

“Then we will have to try,” Enzeru smiled and stood up, “I might need to learn some new magic besides my thunder and cure spells.”

“Never fear, dear girl, I am a wizard capable of teaching any open mind the ways of magic,” Merlin replied as he looked from Axel to Enzeru, “Let’s start with fire.”

Enzeru nodded to show her approval and Axel stood up.

“Now to gain the fire skill without fighting a lot of things to learn it you will need the fire charm,” Merlin said as he took a charm out of his pocket and handed it to Enzeru.

Enzeru took the charm and stared at it. It was dull and cold

“These work the same as materia in Midgar. I guess you forgot how to use them. First, if the charm is not charged you need to charge it by casting magic on it. Axel will need to cast fire on this one.” Merlin stepped back a little.

Axel used a simple fire spell on it and the charm began to glow.

“Good, good. Now all you have to do, Enzeru, is imagine this charm becoming part of you.” Merlin smiled.

Enzeru closed her eyes and focused on the friendly warmth of the charm. Part of me. It’s part of me. Enzeru felt the warmth spread throughout her body. It was like the first drink of a warm cup if cider. She opened her eyes and the charm was gone.

“Well done. You now know how to cast fire. It takes a year to ware off if you don’t use it that whole time. Keep using it and practicing and your spell will grow more powerful. Remember that fire is different from thunder in the way that is spins outward from you to attack everything around you rather than striking with a single bolt.” Merlin informed.

“I understand.” Enzeru replied.

A man burst through the door and was breathing heavy, “Yall better get out here if ya want to protect the town.” He said as his eyes fell on Enzeru, “Bout time you got here. Now get out there and help us kick these heartless out of here.”

Enzeru nodded and ran past him out the door, closely followed by Tifa and Axel.

The trio was barely three steps out the door before they were surrounded by heartless.

“I’ll handle this,” Enzeru began, “Go see if anyone needs help elsewhere.”

“Right,” Tifa replied and dashed off in the direction of the shops.

“I’m staying with you,” Axel said as he took out his weapons.

Enzeru raised an eyebrow and decided that protesting would be silly. She cast fire and watched as a wheel of flame spread out to the heartless. They backed away as the slow spell desolved. “You smug little…” Enzeru began and cast thunder on the nearest one.

Axel grinned and attacked with his weapons, infusing them with the power of flame.

Four more heartless came and Enzeru shook her head, “This isn’t going to work, we need something else.”

A heartless crawled up the wall behind Enzeru and jumped at her. She closed her eyes made to block and felt a power before her. As Enzeru opened her eyes she recognized something from a dream.

“I didn’t know you had a keyblade,” Axel exclaimed as he fended off another and another heartless.
“Well, some guy gave it to me in a dream. I know I know him but I don’t remember his name,” Enzeru replied as she cut through a few heartless with her new weapon.

Enzeru and Axel continued to cut their way through the heartless until they reached the bailey.

“Think we got them all?” Enzeru asked as she caught her breath.

“You can never get them all, just most of them.” Axel replied as he too caught his breath.

“Let’s go see if Tifa needs us,” Enzeru said as she began running in the direction of the shops.

Axel followed her into the shopping center and looked around. Tifa was kneeling beside someone.

Enzeru ran over to see who it was.

“Yuffie thought she could handle them all by herself,” Tifa replied, “I don’t know cure.”

Enzeru nodded and cast cure on Yuffie.

Yuffie sat up and blinked, “What happened? Did I get them?”

“I saved your butt,” Tifa began, “Next time wait for help.”

Yuffie laughed and looked at Enzeru, “You made it! Good, we need more people.”

“Actually, Yuffie, she is going to be going with Axel to help look for his heart.” Tifa replied.

Axel nodded, “Yeah, and her being a keyblade master is going to help out a lot.”

“I see. Well, it makes sense.” Yuffie grinned, “Do I still have to keep your secret?”

“What secret?” Enzeru asked.

“She lost her memory, Yuffie, she doesn’t even remember who he is.” Tiffa replied.

“Aww, that’s sad.” Yuffie replied.

“Actually, I was hoping the two of you could help me remember things.” Enzeru said as she sat down beside Tifa and Yuffie.

“Did anyone tell you about being forced to work for Shinra?” Yuffie asked.

“Yep, covered.” Enzeru crossed her legs.

“How about who your best friend there was?” Yuffie asked.

“All I know is it was Axel’s other,” Enzeru replied.

“Well, his name is Reno. Strange guy, red hair, carried a silver weapon that could be used as a blunt object or a shock stick. When he wasn’t with you he was hanging out with some guy named Rude,” Yuffie giggled.

“Rude lived up to his name didn’t he?” Enzeru asked.

“Around you, yes. I don’t think he liked you much.” Axel replied.

“Well, anyway, you used to escape Shinra’s office compound and come to the bar in the seventh district run by Tifa. Rude could never find you when he was sent out but Reno always knew exactly where you were.” Yuffie giggled again.

“What’s with all the giggling?” Enzeru asked.

“Well, some of us had a theory that you liked Reno.” Tifa replied.

Enzeru turned red. “What else can you tell me?”

“Well, you never needed materia to use thunder or cure.” Yuffie rolled her eyes.

“Was that unusual?” Enzeru asked.

“Yes. If anyone wanted to use magic they needed materia that was forged by the life stream.” Tifa said as she pointed to the sky. “It’s gone now so we have to learn magic the way you learned fire.”

“I see.” Enzeru replied as she stood up.

“Now what?” Yuffie asked.

“I’m going to help Axel get his heart back.” Enzeru walked over not Axel and nodded.

Tifa smiled, “You’ll always have a place here with us.”

“Thanks, tell the others I’ll be back when I can come back.” Enzeru said as she gave her friends the peace sign.

Axel smiled, “Well then, we better get going.” He opened up a dark doorway and led Enzeru in.