Kingdom Hearts - A New Beginning

Chapter 03 - A Dire Situation (Pt 2)

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Ludger and Akari stood in front of the door that used to be Ludger's and Julius' apartment.

Jude, Leia, and Alvin stood behind them, wondering the same thing.

How in the world would Elle react to seeing them?

The young couple were fidgeting nervously, staring at the metal automatic door, afraid of what the little girl would do once she saw the two of them.

One who sacrificed himself to save her and the entire world, the other simply running away.

Jude spoke first, placing a hand on Ludger's shoulder. "Are you two going to be okay?"

"Yeah, you look like you're going to be sick." Leia observed.

Akari gave a shaky embarrassed smile. "We're fine, we promise. It's just..." She trailed off, looking to the side, feeling ashamed. "Actually, no. I'm not fine, to be honest. Truth is... I'm terrified."

Ludger let out a sigh. "So am I, actually."

"Well, how about we make it easier then?" Alvin suggested. "Jude, Leia, and I will pop in for a 'friendly visit', and then we'll tell her that we'd like her to meet some 'friends' for her."

Leia immediately perked up at the idea. "Yeah, that way it'll give you some time to prepare yourselves."

Akari looked at them and then at the ground again. "I... really shouldn't have left..."

Ludger sought out her hand which she grasped, comforting her.

Leia saw their hands linked and smiled. "I'm sure Elle will forgive you." She then shoved them to the side, away from the door. "You two go have a seat in the waiting area over there." She pointed to the end of the hall with a couch and a table underneath a large window that overlooked the park in front of the building. The reporter then opened the door without ringing the doorbell, trotting inside. "Hey, Elle!"

Alvin and Jude walked in after her, the salesman giving them a thumbs up while the researcher gave an encouraging smile.

The door hissed closed, leaving Ludger and Akari in the hallway.

They went to sit down, waiting, emotionally preparing themselves.

Akari stared at the table, thinking of what to say and how to apologize when she suddenly felt tired. She swayed for a moment, but she regained her balance, wondering what that was.

A quick thought told her that maybe she was just hungry, skipping lunch when they were leaving Equestria.

Not wanting to worry Ludger, she looked at the young man. "You ready?" She asked.

Ludger looked at her, still conflicted; however, he noticed something off about Akari. "Are you okay?"

The young woman blinked at him before smiling. "I'm just dying to eat your cooking again. And I'm positive that Elle is as well."

Suddenly, a hiss was heard of an automatic door opening.

They looked over to find Leia poking her head, gesturing for them to come in.

Akari stood up, holding out a hand for him. "Come on."

Ludger looked up at her and smiled, grasping the hand, standing up. "Well, here goes nothing."

The young couple walked over and took a deep breath before following Leia inside.

The apartment was still the same---gray walls, a large couch opposite from the entrance, a television was to the right of the couch with a dark blue rug in front of it, a large divider separated the entrance and the kitchen.