Hey guys long time no update right? Well decided to keep going. Hope you guys enjoy :)

Ven's speech will be determined by italics, Vanitas will be underlined, and Sora's responses will be both underlined and italicized. This will usually be used for dialogue outside the dive to heart. Thanks for continued support and I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 14

Traverse Town

Riku appeared in the back alley behind the accessory shop. He put his hand on his knees while he tried to catch his breath.

"Maybe the witch is," Riku panted, "on to something with traveling through Darkness unprotected."

Riku caught his breath and began walking towards the second district. He felt something following him and turned to see what it was. When he didn't see anything, he thought he must've imaged it; however, Shadow Sora was lurking in the alley way. Riku continued making his way to the second district when he noticed that the first district was quiet. He looked around and noticed no one was out and about. This put him on edge.

"Come out whoever you are!" Riku exclaimed.

"Aww." Shadow Sora whispered, "Is little Riku nervous?"

Riku spun around to attack but was surprised to find nothing there. He clenched and unclenched his left hand nervously. Riku was anxious for Shadow Sora to make a move.

"I thought you weren't afraid of the Darkness," Shadow Sora teased.

Again, Riku spun to attack the shadow but found nothing behind him.

"Where are you?" Riku growled.

"Always in your shadow," Shadow Sora responded as he slowly began to rise from Riku's shadow.

Riku slowly looked over his shoulder and shutter at the sight. He finally got an up close and personal look at Shadow Sora. It really did look like his friend only with bright glowing yellow eyes. Those eyes created an unnerving feeling within Riku.

Shadow Sora began his attack using a downward slash. Riku recovered from his stupor just in time to dodge the attack. Riku shook his head and readied himself to fight Shadow Sora. Shadow Sora imitated Riku's fight stance and mocked Riku by motioning him to come over. Not falling for the bait, Riku used a dark fira to attack Shadow Sora. He appeared unscathed once the smoke cleared.

"You're like a child, shooting spit balls from the back of class," Shadow Sora chuckled. "Come and fight me. Or are you scared?"

Riku was enraged now and lunged at his adversary. Shadow Sora side stepped out of the way. Riku followed up with a horizontal slash but just barely missed. Shadow Sora tried to perform a jumping attack but was countered by Riku's dark fira. Riku then chained his spell into a three hit combo, causing Shadow Sora to stagger a bit.

After he recovered, Shadow Sora shrouded himself in Darkness and dove into the ground. He then rushed to get underneath Riku. Riku was unsure of what to do and was launched into the air by Shadow Sora. Riku landed on his back and Shadow Sora tried to do a plunge attack. Riku rolled to the side at the last second and used a spring kick to get back up.

Riku was panting hard now, but now he had an idea of how to defeat the shadow. He had to try parrying Shadow Sora when he tried his next attack. Riku straightened up and baited an attack. Shadow Sora lunged at Riku; however, Riku slid his sword against Shadow Sora's sword. This allowed Riku to let the shadow fall forward and trip. Riku then plunged his sword into Shadow Sora. It let out a blood curling roar and kicked Riku off.

Shadow Sora shrouded himself in Darkness and drove into the ground. Riku was prepared this time and back stepped at the last second. While in the air, Shadow Sora casted dark fira at Riku. Riku staggered back into a wall. He barely raised his blade to block Shadow Sora's next attack. Riku was slowly being overpowered and he didn't know what to do.

"I used to think you had potential kid," Shadow Sora chuckled. "Guess I was wrong."

"THUNDER!" Donald shouted.

Goofy came charging, shield up, into Shadow Sora. Donald ran up to Riku and casted cure on him.

"Are you ok?" Donald asked concerned.

"Thanks to you two I will be," Riku responded.

"This isn't as fun now," Shadow Sora whined. "I'll be leaving now."

Shadow Sora faded away before the group could react. Once Shadow Sora had faded, Riku's vision became a little blurry and suffered light headiness. He collapsed shortly after on the floor.

Halloween Town

This place seems interesting. I like it already. Something about the dark atmosphere and the lighting, makes it almost feel like the moment night has set in after dusk.

Vanitas was excited with the new world. He was right, it was a lot darker here. Even Traverse Town was lit up with neon lights everywhere. This place felt like a haunted country side.

Sora you stick out like a sore thumb here. We need to change your outfit a bit.

Whats wrong with what I'm wearing? Besides I didn't have to before on other worlds. What makes this one so different?

I didn't think you stuck out too much.

Are you kidding me? What about in Agrabah? Did you see what Aladdin and Genie had on?

You have baggie clothes like they had on. Also Genie was magical. I'm sure he knew about other worlds and that you were from one of them. You have to remember to keep the existence of other worlds a secret.

Sorry kid, but Ventus is right about this. Besides aren't you bored of your clothes?

NO! I like my clothes.

Quit being stubborn.

Ugh… Fine. How am I supposed to find some new clothes?

Leave it to me.

In a flash Sora's clothes were replaced by bandages. He looked like a mummy from an old horror movie.

Really? I'm not walking around like a mummy.

Let me give it a shot.

A dark smoke began to surround Sora and the bandages were replaced by a black suit. Hanging off his shoulders was a cape with a cowl attached. He now looked like Dracula.

I think I'd rather be a mummy then a vampire.

Ventus and Vanitas decided to try once more; together they might make an outfit Sora would like. A white fog began to surround Sora and slowly replace his clothes. He wore sneakers and knee high socks that were red and black. He had a cloth tasset on that was layered black, red, then white. He shirt was replaced with red one and his jacket was black with a with vest over it. The vest had two wings attached to it: one was a small bat wing, the other was a small angel wing. Finally he wore a large pumpkin eye patch covering his right eye and upper right part of his face.

I like the outfit; however, I think the eyepatch will get in my way if I have to fight.

You're impossible to satisfy. If it bothers you that much just slip it up while you fight. Though I doubt you'll have to.

Sora decided to ignore Vanitas and continued on his way. He still hadn't seen anyone; not even Heartless. Sora became a little wary of his surroundings once that though came to him.

He found a large steel gate leading to a central plaza area. When he stepped through Heartless ghost appeared all around him. Sora armed himself but quickly realized that none of the Heartless were moving; they were just floating there. He dismissed his Keyblade and decided to poke one with his finger. The Heartless didn't react and slowly floated away from Sora.

Do you two have any idea what's up with these Heartless?

Not a clue that's strange. They almost seem dormant.

They're asleep?

One way of looking at it. Although I don't think they can sleep. It's like they lack purpose.

Moments later, a tall skinny skeleton, dressed in a pinstripe suit, started rising from the fountain with his arms crossed.

He opened his eyes, smiled, and announced, "Halloween with be amazing this year. Once we get the Heartless dancing, it will be the best one yet."

"Can you really make the Heartless dance?" Sora asked.

"But of course," the skeleton man started, "because I'm Jack, the Pumpkin King."

"Nice to meet you Jack. My name is Sora."

"Nice to meet you as well. Now I have to get back to work. Nothing the doctor or I have done seems to work; the Heartless still stand idly."

"Maybe I can help," Sora said a little excitedly.

What are you doing? Don't let yourself get dragged into this. Let's just find the Keyhole and take a look around.

What if they can make the Heartless dance? If they can, then that means we won't need to fight anymore. We could control the Heartless.

Ventus couldn't argue with Sora's logic.

"That would be wonderful. Follow me; the doctors laboratory isn't to far from here."

A few minutes later they were in a laboratory that looked like it came out of an old Frankenstein movie.

"Doctor Finkelstein I'm back," Jack announced, "and I brought someone I'd like you to meet."

Doctor Finkelstein spun his wheelchair around to meet Jack's guest. He opened his head and scratched his brain.

"Hello young man. My name is Doctor Finkelstein," the crazed doctor said.

"Hi there. The name is Sora. Nice to meet you," Sora started, "I was told you and Jack are working on a way to make the Heartless dance. I was wondering if I could help out in anyway."

"Yes, we are trying to find a way to animate the Heartless, but everything we've tried seems to end in failure," Doctor Finkelstein said solemnly. "Of course!" the doctor exclaimed, "The heartless need a heart."

"Brilliant Doctor, but can you construct a heart?" Jack asked wondering if such a feat is possible.

"Of course I can Jack. You just need a container and a few ingredients," the doctor explained. "This should do," he continued to explain as he placed a heart shaped container on the work bench. He began looking for something around the lab and opened his head again to scratch his brain when he couldn't find it.

"What's wrong?" Sora asked.

"I can't find the key to the container," Doctor Finkelstein said.

"Don't worry," Sora said while brandishing his Keyblade, now Three Wishes, "I can open it."

Both the doctor and Jack were impressed that Sora could open the lock with his sword.

"How does that thing work Sora?" Jack asked curiously.

"I'm still figuring that out myself actually," Sora said sheepishly.

"Can I take a look?" Doctor Finkelstein asked.

"I'd let you, but it kinda has a mind of it's own. It only works for me," Sora explained.

"That a shame. The applications it could have," the doctor said as he imagined what the full potential of the Keyblade could be.

"Uh Doctor... the heart?" Jacked asked

"Huh... Oh yes the experiment," Doctor Finkelstein said shaking his head from his stupor. "The basic ingredients for a heart: pulse, emotion, terror, fear, hope, and despair," Doctor Finkelstein continued down his list as he produced items to emulate the traits of a heart.

"Mix them all together and you have a heart!" Jack pronounced.

"Let's see if it will work on this Heartless on the examination table,""

The container began to beat like a real heart. Doctor Finkelstein approached his equipment and pulled a lever. It caused electricity to run through the Heartless. It twisted and twitched until it sat up like a zombie. It stood still for a moment and then fell over again.

"It was a failure!" Jack said exasperated.

"How could it have failed? It was perfect," Docter Finkelstein said. "Hmm... perhaps we need to add memory. Sally. Sally! Where could that girl be at?"

"Who's Sally?" Sora asked.

"My daughter and one of my earlier creations," Doctor Finkelstein responded. "Sora do you think you and Jack could find her for me? She'll have the necessary ingredient for memory."

"Of course we can," Jack answered with a smile. "Come along Sora."

Traverse Town

Riku woke up on the couch in Cid's shop.

"Riku are you ok?" Donald asked

"Gosh Riku you gave us a scare," Goofy said.

"Thanks for coming when you did. That was a close one," Riku responded.

"Was that Sora that attacked you?" Donald asked concerned.

"Do you think he fell to Darkness?" Goofy asked.

"I don't know. It didn't feel like Sora at all. Besides Sora is too good to be consumed by Darkness guys," Riku smiled. He couldn't reveal to them the truth about Shadow Sora.

"In any case I'm sure you boys could handle anything," Cid said.

"I didn't notice you were here old man," Riku said.

"Watch your manners boy. I own the shop they dragged your sorry butt to after you got beat up," Cid said while scratching his nose.

Riku smiled and scratched the back of his head. " Sorry about that. It's just... you're really grumpy."

Cid narrowed his eyes. "I'm watching you kid. Now either buy something or get out before I lost my patience with you."

"Actually, I do need to buy some new equipment," Riku said. "I'd like some dark earrings and a protect chain." Riku handed him the munny.

"Thank you and please try not to come again," Sid growled.

Riku, Donald, and Goofy left the store. As the group made their way towards the Gummy Ship Riku had an idea. He wanted to get stronger and he had an idea where he could go to train.

"Guys. Lets head back to the Coliseum. They're suppose to have tournaments there right. Bet we could get stronger if we head there." Riku suggested.

"We just came from there Riku, We have to find the King," Donald responded.

"Yea Riku, Let's go find other worlds to search for him on," Goofy added.

"Fine you win. Let's get going." Riku said defeated.

"We'll head there later. Chip and Dale will let us know if anything new happens there anyway," Donald said.

"Hey whats with that warp in space?" Goofy asked.

"Don't know. But there aren't any other worlds we can visit. Lets dive in," Donald suggested.

"Lets go guys," Riku said.

Halloween Town

Sora and Jack were wondering around the town trying to find Sally. Jack wasn't sure where she would be during that time of the day. He then got an idea. "Zero come here boy," Jack called out. Suddenly a ghostly dog with an orange noise appeared.

"Zero, can you help us fine Sally?" Jack asked. Zero barked and flew off.

"Wow he can really move fast," Sora commented.

"Let's go before we lose him," Jack said as he took off after the dog.

Sora and Jack followed Zero to a small cemetery. Zero then disappeared into a tombstone. Jack and Sora looked around the area Zero or Sally.

"Wonder where Sally could be?" Jack spoke out loud.

"You're looking for me?" Sally asked and she stepped out from behind a tombstone.

"Yes Sally. Sora and I were wondering if you could help us find an ingredient that represents memory? Jack asked.

"Oh... you mean these?" Sally asked as she presented Forget-Me-Nots.

"Funny how literal these ingredients are," Sora commented.

"Ingredients for what Jack?" Sally asked.

"The doctor and I are creating a heart to control the Heartless. It will be amazing and blow last year's Halloween out of the water." Jacked proclaimed.

"Jack... Please this is not a good idea. I have a bad feeling about what using the Heartless. Think about what you are doing," Sally pleaded.

"Sally. Don't worry so much. The Heartless are harmless. They will be used for pure entertainment," Jack retorted.

"Jack, how do you know that?" Sally asked.

"I just do. Everything will be fine," Jack said.

I think I'm with Sally on this one. Controlling these beings isn't that easy. You almost have to be one with them to not succumb. This Heart may just agitate them.

I think you're worry too much as well.

Sora he may have a point. They both may have a point. Be careful.

Fine. Fine. I'll be cautious, but I want to see the Heartless dance.

"We should be heading back. I'm excited to see the Heartless dance," Sora said.

As the group left the cemetery three small children poked their heads out and giggled.

"Did you hear that?" Shock said.

"Yea something bout a Heart?" Lock asked.

"We should tell HIM," Barrel said.

"This will be Fun! Let's go tell Oogie Boogie!" All three shouted in unison. They all leapt and rushed towards Oogie's manor.

Sora and the others returned to Doctor Finkelstein laboratory. The Doctor was happy with the additional ingredient and quickly added it to the heart. Unfortunately the Heartless still remained docile.

"There must be something else we are missing," Jack sighed.

"Perhaps... Hmm... we need something that embodies shock," the Doctor suggested.

"Surprise? Why would that be one of the necessary ingredients?" Sora curiously asked.

"While fear may cause the heart to falter or a person to fail, it also drives people to survive. Surprise or shock gets the body going no matter the situation. It may cause someone to jump in fear or joy. Surprise is that little touch life gives us day to day. The unexpected. This is all conjecture anyway. I can't think of much else a heart needs physically," Doctor Finkelstein explained.

"Hmm... I'm not going to pretend I understand; however, one would think there might be more to what makes a heart. Maybe we should be thinking about more then what physically is required for a heart?" Sora said.

"Perhaps, but for now we need something to represent surprise. Let's give it a shot and if it doesn't work then we will try something different. I think the Mayor might have something for us to use," Doctor Finkelstein suggested.

This guy is either a genius or a mad man. How can he know what makes up a Heart?

Finkelstein would've loved talking to Xehanort.

"Come along Sora. The Mayor is a good friend and will be happy to help us out. I think he's in the graveyard preparing for this year's Halloween," Jack said.

"Awesome. Lead the way," Sora said. So wait you guys don't celebrate Halloween all year?" Sora asked.

"No we spend all year preparing our celebration to make Halloween the best it can be," Jack answered. "All members of Halloween Town joins in the celebration. Even that insufferable Oogie Boogie," Jack explained.

"Who?" Sora asked.

"The boogyman is probably the best way to describe him. He a nasty guy and selfish. He only does what's best for him," Jack answered.

"Halloween must be really important to you all that you still let him participate then," Sora commented.

"No, we only let him join because its tradition that all members of the town join in the celebration," Jack answered.

"Oh... I think I understand," Sora responded.

They continued on their way towards the mayor. When they got there he was prancing about some gravestones. Then a ghost appeared behind him and quickly faded away. He let out a great big sigh and spun his head around. He soon took notice of Jack and Sora approaching him.

"Jack... oh thank goodness. I need your help. The ghost just wont perform correctly," the mayor complained.

"Mayor, don't worry. This can be handled easily. The ghost are just having a bit of fun and playing a game," Jack reassured.

"What do you mean? Why do they have to play games?" the mayor continued to complain.

"So what exactly are you trying to do Mayor?" Sora asked.

"They are the opening act for this years Halloween, but the refuse to practice," the mayor explained.

"Sora. All you have to do is imitate the the pattern the ghost are making as they left the gravestones," Jack explained. "Our mayor here just seems to have some memory problems."

"Sweet, a ghostly Simon Says," Sora said as he laughed at Jack poking fun at the mayor.

After a few rounds the ghost decided it was time to practice for the opening act.

"See easy enough Mayor," Jack remarked.

"Oh thank you. Both of you," the Mayor said turning to Sora.

"Not a problem," Sora smiled.

"Mayor, Do you still have that Jack in a Box?" Jack asked.

"I do and with me as well. Here," The mayor responded handing over the small toy.

"Quickly Sora back to the Doctor!" Jack exclaimed.

Once they returned to the laboratory, Doctor Finkelstein mixed the additional ingredients into the Heart. He double checked his calculations and looked over the mixture one last time. He felt confident that this time the Heart would work.

"It's time gentlemen," Doctor Finkelstein said. He motioned to energize the Heart and it began to beat. The Heartless ghost began to stir and sit up.

"Dance," Jack commanded. It started to sway, even begin to have rhythm; however, it was short lived.

"NOW!" shouted Lock, Shock and Barrel. They quickly snatched the Heart off the operating table and ran out the lab. In the commotion the Heartless ghost began to attack the Doctor and Jack. Sora reacted quickly and destroyed the Heartless in one swing.

"That was close," Sora said.

"I can't believe those three," Finkelstein started, "The nerve of those kids."

"We have to get back the Heart before they get it to Oogie," Jack said.

"Those kids work for him?" Sora asked.

"Yes!" Jack shouted as he ran out the lab.

Sora chased after him and bumped into him as they got outside. He stared as all the Heartless in fountain circle began to become active and start moving wildly. They took notice to the pair and began to surround them.

So much for tame Heartless.

It was getting too quiet around here anyway.

"Let's go Jack. We have to clear out these Heartless!" Sora shouted.

"Forget them. If we get the Heart back we'll gain full control. The kids will be heading to the Oogie's Manor" Jack responded.

Sora chased after Jack wondering if Oogie was really the Boogie man.