Dream Drop Distance: The Nyrolian Edition

Chapter 10 (The Mysterious Tower)

Normal POV

As they walked out from the corridor of twilight that Nyra created from the World That Never Was, Nyra explained to Lea that what he mistaken for his best friend is actually his Nobody, Saïx and as long as both Saïx and Xigbar still exist, especially as one of Master Xehanort's dark vessels, that Briag and Isa will never awaken. Riku then returned the amulet to its rightful owner, and even, with the help from King Mickey, defended Nyra by filling Master Yen Sid in on what have happened as they set Sora down against a wall. Nyra began using all of her healing spells to wake Sora up while everyone else with the exception of Lea and Master Yen Sid looking on, "Seven lights, thirteen darknesses... Master Xehanort has been busy." The retired Keyblade Master mused to himself on what Riku, Nyra and Mickey have said to him. Realizing that none of her spells are working, Nyra sadly shook her head. Donald was about to insist Nyra to keep trying, but Goofy stopped him before the two of them sigh in despair. "Aww, Sora. Don't tell me your heart's sleeping, too." said Mickey glumly, remembering how Ven was in a similar condition as Sora. "No, Mickey. This affliction is not the same." Yen Sid stated as his apprentice, Riku, Nyra, Donald and Goofy turned to look at the sorcerer. "Can we do anything for him?" asked Riku, with everyone looking at Master Yen Sid now. "In your Mark of Mastery exam, you were to unlock seven Sleeping Keyholes. By doing so, you would awaken those worlds from their prison of slumber, and also acquire the power to free a heart from its sleep. Riku, you unlocked those Keyholes from within Sora's dreams. Therefore, it stands to reason that you now have the power to awaken Sora's heart." He answered, "You want him to dive back into Sora's sleep?" asked Mickey, "But Master, Sora's heart is down in the darkest abyss. If Riku's not careful, he might just get trapped down there with him. No...I'll go instead." He added as his mentor approached them. "Maybe so, Mickey; but the risk of getting trapped down in the darkness within someone's heart will lessen if Riku didn't do it alone. Grandpa Yen Sid, if it's okay with you, I would like to help Riku find and awaken Sora's heart." Nyra asked, "And perhaps you may even succeed, Mickey. But there is no denying Riku stands the better chance, having dived into Sora's heart as long as he has." explained Yen Sid before turning to the daughter of his deceased pupil, "And although your intention is of good, Nyra, we still need to discuss about your misadventure within the exam." Both Mickey and Nyra lowered their heads in thought as Riku looked at the duck and goof, who also lowered their heads.

Riku then looked back at his best friend and smiled on what he needs to do, "Nyra...Mickey...I really appreciate it. But...I'll go wake Sora up." He said, slightly startling the two of them. "Riku." The king started, but Riku then looked back at Sora. "Look at his face. Sleeping like's nothing wrong; like there's nothing to even worry about." He started before sighing on a memory of him, Sora and Kairi building that raft, "He's always been like that. The three of us would agree to work on the raft, and then this guy would go take a nap on the beach." He recalled with a hint of laughter in his voice, "You see, it's my job to keep him on his toes. Besides, what kind of Keyblade Master sleeps through his test?" Riku asked, causing Nyra to smile at the thought. "I'm doing it for me, too. Sora saved me once. And... I heard him call my name. He needs me." Riku added with determination in his voice, Mickey nodded in agreement. "There's something real strong that bonds us to each other." Mickey said as Riku, Nyra, Donald and Goofy to agree with a nod, "Even in the darkness, you can reach him. All you gotta do is follow that connection!" he added. "Gee, we're all connected to Sora!" Goofy realized, "You said it!" Donald agreed. "And if the darkness gets ya, I promise I'll bail you out. "Dark Rescue" is my middle name." said Lea, causing Nyra to smirk a bit as she and Riku stood up. "Oh! And I thought that your middle name was something like "Flame Head"." She replied with a hint of teasing in her voice, "Hey, watch it missy!" the fiery young man warned, causing Nyra to laugh a bit before growing serious. "Riku. Although I can't tag along to help you, I want you to take this with you." She said as she reached for the clasp on her amulet, "I- I couldn't." Riku tried to turn down after realizing that she was going to give him the amulet, now aware on how important it is to her. "This amulet will not only ensure your safety, but it will also help you find Sora. You just need to think about it." Nyra insisted as she placed the amulet in Riku's hand, allowing him to clasp it around his neck. "Thank you." Riku then turned to face everyone else, "Guys, thank you. Sora and I will be back soon." He said before turning to the retired Keyblade Master and gave him a slight bow before taking a few step, turning around to face Sora and summoned his Keyblade, causing a Portal to appear. Riku then trailed his eyes to Donald, then Goofy, Master Yen Sid, Lea, Mickey, and finally Nyra. "Be careful." She said to Riku, causing him to nod before entering into the abyss where Sora's heart is.