"Where… am I?"

Rubbing his eyes, Sora sat up and looked around. Underneath him, stood platform made of crystal glass. A picture was formed by the glass, but Sora couldn't make it out. It was cracked in places, the colors dull and bleak. The platform was big and beyond it a cloudy gray darkness swirled about. Sora carefully stood up, the surface so fragile he was afraid it was going to break.

Sora caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye. Fighting instincts took over, and the keyblade loyally flashed into his awaiting hand. He turned around to face the potential enemy. Instead of an enemy, he was met with a familiar face.

"Roxas?"

The boy in question shook his head, his blond spikes so similar to Roxas that Sora almost doubted the denial. If it wasn't Roxas, then who was this boy? He wore the same rings and bracelet as Roxas. And his clothes were similar as well. Except, there was something about the way the boy appeared. Like a soldier or a knight. Sora shook his head in confusion.

"I'm sorry. I don't know who you are." And he was sorry. A strange, unexplainable sadness washed over Sora. He couldn't understand where it came from.

"Don't be. It's not your fault. Actually, I should be thanking you."

A brown eyebrow rose in question and surprise. "What for?" Sora asked, dumbfounded.

"Your light broke through the darkness. I would have been lost if it wasn't for you. You gave me something back when I needed it most. A second chance. Thank you. For everything." The mysterious boy smiled in gratitude

"You're welcome?" Sora said uncertainly.

'Heh, why did you say it like that?"

Sora scratched the back of his head sheepishly. He didn't know why all of a sudden, he felt so shy. He felt as though he was a little kid again around the unknown blonde.

"Do you mind if I stay here with you? Just a little longer?"

Would you mind, if I stayed here with you?

The question sounded familiar. Like an echo of a forgotten memory. A memory of broken heart wandering the darkness.

Sora looked up and was met with eyes he knew and didn't know at the same time. There was something about them. A naivety, a lot like his own; yet, tales of woe and tragedy lied beneath the ocean blue surface. Stories buried deep in his heart, not yet told. Time would reveal all.

"Sure, if it will make you feel better." Sora gave him his trademark, genuine smile.

"Thank you." The unknown boy began to disappear in front of Sora's eyes. Before he vanished, he spoke once more.

"By the way, I'm Ventus," As he spoke his name, he faded, his words ringing in Sora's ears.

The keyblade wielder felt familiar warmth fill his entire being. His hand lay where his heard beat and he hummed.

"You know, it's funny. I think I already knew who you were. I'll keep you safe. I promise, Ven."