A Reason To Smile

Chapter 9: The Land of Dragons

Ansem: Hey, wake up you two.

Ansem shakes you awake, the shaking also waking Bobble. Groaning as you were forced out of your slumber, you looked up to see that Ansem was standing right above you. His good was pulled back, reveling a tanned man with piercing yellow eyes and long white hair.

Ansem: Come, Sora has definitely been here. The Heartless are also here as well.

When Ansem waved his hand, the tent and the fireplace vanished. You went to pick up your stuff when Ansem handed the both of you a small bag.

Ansem: Put your belongings in there. It's called a Travel Pouch. It's infused with magic so it can carry a large amount of items while weighing nothing.

You and Bobble look at each other in astonishment, then quickly started putting your things in each of your bags. What Ansem said was right, you managed to fit everything into the pouch, and it still weighed the same. After pocketing it, you both followed Ansem, but you had some questions.

Y/n: You said that there were Heartless in this world. What are they?

Ansem: Creatures of Darkness, born without a Heart. They feed on the Hearts of others, creating more of their kind. The being is then left to be a Nobody. and their worst fear, is the Keyblade.

By reflex, Bobble grabbed your hand, getting closer to you. You softly squeezed her hand in return, letting her know you'll keep her safe. You all walk and walk and walk, until you hit a mountain. Scaling the mountain, you all see a large group of Heartless, all surrounding a boy with brown hair.

Ansem: That's Sora! Come on!

You and Ansem run over to Sora, fighting back against the Heartless. At the same time, keeping a fair distance away as for him not to spot you. Soon however, they began to overwhelm you and some even went for Bobble.

Ansem: Take the girl and get to safety! I'll find you after I deal with this!

You nod and fight your way to Bobble. After slashing through a Shadow attempting to attack her.

Y/n: Come on Bobble!

You grab her hand and run back down the mountain, defeating every Heartless you could. However, Bobble tripped, bringing you down with her. The both of you rolled and rolled, picking up snow on the way down.

After what seemed like hours, you finally crashed, all the snow blown around the area.

Bobble: Uggh... Sorry Y/n.

Y/n: It's alright. Are you alright?

She nods, you hear running coming towards you.

?: Hey, are you two okay?

You looked up to see a woman looking over you, worry and concern in her eyes.

Y/n: Yeah, we're fine. My name is Y/n.

Bobble: My name is Bobble!

The woman laughs slightly.

?: My name is Mulan. It's nice to meet the both of you.

Mulan led you out of the snow and towards a house. Once you got inside, Mulan made you and Bobble some hot chocolate. Whilrme drinking the hot drink, the three of you talked for quite some time. Course, you had to make something up when she asked you where you were from.

She told you how she wanted to join the Chinese military in the place of her ailing father. She was able to make the cut, but she was found out that she was a woman. And was expelled from the Army.

Y/n: I'm sorry that had happened to you. But why would they kick you out just because you are a woman?

Mulan: That's the way China's been.

Y/n: But women can be just as strong, if not stronger if they just try. I mean look at Bobble. She's one of the strongest girls I know!

Bobble just looks away and blushes, a smile on her face.

Mulan: You know, you remind me of a friend of mine. His name is Sora.

You were shocked when she said that. You told her that you saw Sora on the top of the mountain fighting off Heartless. She seemed surprised and ran to a cabinet and grabbed a sword. Thanking you, she ran off to the mountain.

You and Bobble walked outside and saw Ansem.

Ansem: There you are. Come on. We have to go. One of the Organization members are here.

Y/n: Who is it?

Ansem: It's Xigbar again.

You and Bobble follow Ansem to a large palace. Sneaking your way in, you see Xigbar walking into the throne room. Not able to hold it anymore, you ran towards the
Freeshooter.

Ansem and Bobble: Y/n, wait!

Summoning Fate Rebellion, you jump and raise the your weapon above your head and swing it down. But he turned around and blocked it with one of his arrowguns.

Xigbar: Well hello again Y/n, didn't expect to see you so soon.

Y/n: How did you know I was coming.

He snapped his fingers and Sniper Nobodies came out of the rafters.

Xigbar: I've got eyes everywhere kid. But I don't have any business with you right now, so go on and run off.

Anger flared through you as Xigbar didn't take you seriously. You took another attack at him, but he blocked all of them. He then aimed it at your torso. A shock went through your body as you suddenly couldn't move.

Bobble: Y/N!!!

Xigbar grabbed your jacket and threw you over to Ansem and Bobble.

Xigbar: Don't worry about your little boyfriend. He'll be fine after a while. Just a little shock that paralyzes him for some time. Take him and go. After all, you shouldn't be here when Sora gets here should you, Ri-

Ansem casted Dark Firaga at Xigbar, then opened a Corridor. Throwing you in and leading Bobble through after. Looking at Xigbar before going through as well. Another world to explore.