So all I can say is that I'm sorry that I haven't uploaded in a few months. But we move on with this story. I have no idea where it's going, but thanks for the reviews, and chime in with suggestions if you have them.

Chapter 13: Welcome Back

The trio along with Lea and Aqua emerged from the corridor of darkness and back into the classroom. Sora and Aqua were surprised to find who was waiting for them.

"Hiya Sora!"

King Mickey's happy greeting shook Sora from his momentary state of stupor.

"Hello, Your Majesty," was all he could say in return. Sora also noticed another familiar face, this one belonging to a rather old looking sorcerer with a long grey beard and a pointed hat. "Master Yen Sid."

"Oh yea," Goofy started, "that's what I was trying to tell ya, Sora. The King and Master Yen Sid came not too long after you took the class into the Realm of Darkness."

"So that's why you guys came in. So where are the students?" Sora asked, turning to the tiny King and the Sorcerer.

"I dismissed class and they moved on to whatever activities were next on the schedules," Yen Sid answered. "I see you have succeeded in your task in finding Master Aqua." Yen Sid smiled at the newly found Keyblade Master.

"It's been too long, sir." Aqua said, giving a gentle smile back. "It's good to see you too, Mickey," she added, turning to the King.

"Welcome back, Aqua."

"So," Sora interjected, "what are you two doing here anyways? We still haven't found the Keyhole to this world."

"Mickey and I are to take Aqua back to the tower. We will do our best to fill her in on past and current events. Should Master Xehanort strike, will must be prepared."

"Master Xehanort?!" Aqua shouted.

"Yes, Aqua. Master Eraquus' old friend once again moves about both the Realm of Light and Darkness, strengthening his numbers. Come. We will explain all that we know."

Aqua was looking down at this point. Memories of the Keyblade Graveyard were swimming through her head. How could Master Xehanort be back?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Sora put a hand on her shoulder. "It's okay Aqua. We'll stop him."

Stopping him wasn't what Aqua was thinking. How would they save Terra if Master Xehanort was to be struck down.?

She walked out of the room with King Mickey by her side.

"Now Sora, Donald, Goofy. I have come to learn that Maleficent intends to take over this castle."

"Well, she did try somethin' on Halloween," Goofy said.

"Yes. She is most persistent. It is for that reason the Keyhole has not been revealed to you. This world is special. It can sense the danger that it is in, and will do everything in its power to keep the Keyhole hidden. Should you vanquish the darkness that threatens this world, I believe you will find it, and seal it."

"Which means, we're just gonna have to take care of Maleficent once and for all." As he said it, Sora looked at his two friends, who had the determined expression on their faces.

"Don't forget the big guy," added Lea. "He may be dull in the head, but he can throw some punches."

Sora had to agree. They had fought Pete many times now, and while they won each time, Pete was relentless.

"Lea and I shall our leave now. Good luck."

In a pop, both Yen Sid and Lea were gone, presumably back at the Mysterious Tower.

"Well, now what do we do?" asked Donald.

"You heard Master Yen Sid. We gotta beat Maleficent."

"But we don't even know where she is," Goofy remarked.

"Don't worry, I think she'll come after us. After all, she wants this castle pretty badly."

The three heroes finally left the class room and meandered around the castle. The grounds were covered with a fresh sheet of snow, leading some students to partake in outdoor pleasantries. Soon, however, the hours ticked by and Great Hall was filled with the masses for the Christmas feast. Sora, Donald, and Goofy knew that most of the students were leaving for holiday break and wanted to at least bid them farewell.

As they walked by the Gryffindor table, they could hear some of the sixth years talking about the events of their 'exam.'

"-and so I Petrified it, and Sora took his blade and ran it through." Neville was telling his story with a sense of pride that had not been seen by many of his friends.

Further down the table, another set of three were at a slight disagreement on how to view the exam.

"He's completely mental for taking us there," Ron said between bites of roast.

"I thought it was brilliant. What better way to learn how to fight dark wizards and witches than to fight pure darkness itself."

"Yes Harry, but to actually take students there and put them in that kind of danger," Hermione added still a bit flustered from the events in the Realm of Darkness.

"Trust me, it wasn't that bad."

The three turned to see their 'teachers.' "Were there a lot of heartless? Yes. But we've fought things much more powerful than that. But all you did a good job."

"So what happened after we left?" Harry asked. " When we came out, we were told by an old wizard, who claimed to be a friend of Dumbledore's, that class was over, and we passed."

"Yea, that was Master Yen Sid. He's a powerful sorcerer, and used to be a Keyblade master himself. But we took care of the heartless, and came out not too long after you guys left." Sora felt that it was best to keep the true reason of why they went into the Realm of darkness in the first place private.

"So are you three going anywhere for the holidays?" Hermione asked, seeking a change of subject.

Sora looked at his two friends before Goofy spoke up.

"Uh, nope, I think we're just gonna hang around here till ya come back."

"Yea, besides, wouldn't want Maleficent causing trouble around here again."

"That old witch? Who really wasn't even here last time." Ron said, taking another mouthful of yams.

"We're just being cautious."

The three decided to sit down and partake in the festive meal the House Elves prepared for everyone. A pair of eyes from the cracked opening of the giant doors leading were watching them.

"He-he-he-he. The three nimrods won't know what hit 'em." Pete kept snickering to himself as he disappeared through a corridor of darkness.