Hello again! Sorry for such a long update period, I've been busy with life and hadn't gotten around to reviewing what I wrote until this weekend. I'm currently reviewing the next chapter so that should be up more quickly than this one, then it's on to actually rewriting the next one (which is obviously the hardest part of rewriting a story). Enjoy this next chapter, please feel free to tell me what you think!

Melody began to panic as pure darkness slowly began snaking up her legs and around her arms, consuming every inch of her body. A choked cry for help emitted from her throat as a pressure formed in her chest, her lungs threatening to burst. Melody was starting to regret her decision on following the stranger into the darkness, but she knew in her current condition she wouldn't be able to defend herself from the quantity of Heartless that appeared after he left. She cursed her weakened state as she felt herself fading from consciousness, knowing that she'll be forever lost in this darkness unless a miracle were to happen.

"Foolish girl," a voice echoed around her. Melody suddenly felt a strong hand grasp her wrist and pull her gracelessly out of the black pool and back into the light. She fell to her knees, greedily gasping for air now that there was no longer that tightness in her chest. After catching her breath, Melody took a moment to examine her surroundings. She found herself in a small room with white walls. There was a bed stationed beneath a large window, the blankets on top a bunched up mess as if nobody had made it in a few days. She saw a table that had a rather large aquarium sitting upon it, a variety of unfamiliar fish swimming about inside. Next to the table sat a keyboard along with a strangely shaped instrument case beside it. Lastly, her wandering gaze settled on the man in black beside her. He held out his hand, offering to help her up from the floor she was still sprawled out upon. "How many times must I save you in a day?" he asked exasperatedly. She peered up into his hooded face questioningly as she accepted his offered hand.

"Why did you-"

"Save you?" he said, cutting her off as he pulled her to her feet. "Nobody deserves to lose their heart to the darkness. Even if they are as annoying as you," he said, pointing an accusing finger in her direction. Melody sheepishly stared at her feet and felt heat rush to her cheeks from embarrassment. "Didn't your parents ever teach you not to talk to strangers, let alone follow them into random dark portals?" Melody then glanced up at him and couldn't help the laugh that escaped from her lips.

"I was never one for following the rules," she shrugged with a mischievous grin.

"No kidding," he sighed while tossing his hood back to run a hand through his golden mullet-like hair, causing a few stray pieces to fall aimlessly and caress his fair features. Melodys' breath hitched as his piercing gaze suddenly met hers. He had eyes the color of the sea and she swore the white foam of crashing waves could be seen shimmering within them.

"Thank you for saving me. Again," she suddenly burst out, choking down her embarrassment after realizing she had just been openly gaping at him.

"Don't make a habit of it," he quipped, a small smile tugging at his pink lips.

"I'll try not to, but no promises," she said with a smile of her own, causing the man in front of her to chuckle. "So," she began, "Number Nine, you said?" She watched as he rolled his eyes at her and sighed.

"Demyx," he finally said, earning himself a bright smile from her.

"Okay, Demyx. May I ask you a question?" she inquired, receiving a nod to continue. "What did you mean back there when you said you were like the Heartless?" He gave her a puzzled look before she saw realization light up in his eyes.

"I don't have a heart," he blatantly stated. Melodys' eyes widened for a fraction of a second before narrowing into a slight glare.

"Ha ha, very funny, Demyx," she jested sarcastically. "You almost had me there. Now tell me the real reason."

"I'm being honest! I really don't have a heart," he exclaimed. Melody crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, annoyance written all over her face. Clearly this girl did not believe him. Demyx returned her eye roll and sighed in frustration before hesitantly holding out a gloved hand to her, offering for her to take it. She gazed questioningly at him as she placed her small hand in his and he slowly guided her towards him. Demyx nervously pulled her into an awkward embrace, placing his hand on the back of her head and gently forcing her head to lie against his chest.

"Demyx," he heard her call nervously and felt her weak attempt at forcing herself out of his hold on her. "What are you doing? Let me go!"

"Melody," he lightly laughed, briefly stroking her hair to sooth both their nerves. "Calm down; I don't bite," he said, pushing her head into his chest even more when he felt her struggles lessen. "Listen closely," he whispered, holding his breath so that she could catch what he was aiming for her to hear. Melodys' gasp interrupted the brief silence and he soon found himself staring down into her worried emerald gaze.

"Oh, Demyx," she sighed, sliding her arms around his waist to embrace the heartless Nobody. "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you," she whispered. He stood stiff as a board while the girl hugged him, taken aback; he was not expecting this reaction. She was actually showing sympathy for him, a mere Nobody. Who exactly was this girl? He then felt her abrupt release of him and watched as she took several steps away.

"Sorry," she quickly apologized, her cheeks staining red. Demyx dismissed her apology with a shake of his head, a small smile on his lips. "So," she began, nervously licking her lips before continuing. "You really don't have a heart."

"I tried to tell you, but you're too stubborn to listen to me," Demyx retorted, crossing his arms in irritation.

"I know, I know," Melody said, raising her palms up in mock surrender. "Well, you're definitely not a Heartless," she stated, looking to him for confirmation and receiving a nod. "So then, why don't you have a heart? How can you even be alive?" she questioned, confused by his existence.

Demyx took a moment to contemplate her questions, feeling his emotional scars beginning to throb at the thought of explaining his life to a complete stranger who wouldn't even begin to understand who he was and what his life has been like. "No matter how much I'd like to dive into that wonderful story," he began, his words dripping with sarcasm, "I have to get back to Twilight Town to finish some uncompleted business that you had so graciously interrupted. So I think it's high time that you take your leave."

He definitely wasn't expecting to feel the sudden onrush of emotions that the expression on Melodys' face triggered. Dejection had instantly replaced any trace of her previous happy demeanor. She was now staring at him with such raw emotion that he felt his resolve drowning in those pools of jade. He knew his words had hurt her and he felt the nagging urge to make that hurt disappear.

"I'm sorry," he finally sighed, his head falling into his open palm. "My life is a touchy subject that I really don't want to get into right now, but that doesn't excuse my actions towards you. I promise I'll tell you one day, just not today," he spoke, removing his hand from his face and looking at her with the upmost sincerity.

"You-you plan on seeing me again?" she quietly questioned, stuttering over her words in surprise. That's when what he had just promised really sunk in. Had he really just implied that he'd be seeing her again after today? He only just met this girl less than an hour ago and already he was making unintentional promises. The hope shining in her eyes made him think twice about voicing these thoughts and instead he nodded in affirmation. The smile that lit up her face was all he needed to know that he made the right decision in spending more time with this girl. He found she was a welcoming light in the ever consuming darkness that was his life.

"So, let's get you back home. Twilight Town?" he asked, receiving a negative from his new companion.

"I live in Hallow Bastion, I was visiting friends in Destiny Islands and decided to stop at Twilight Town on my way home. I'm happy I did," she added pointedly at the end, causing the Nobody to feel his cheeks heat up and again question just who this girl was and why she affected him the way she did.

"To Hallow Bastion then," he stated, opening a portal behind him and gesturing for her to follow.

"Demyx, I don't think…," she trailed off nervously, taking a step away from him. Demyx could see the hesitation in her eyes and followed her gaze to the snake-like haze behind him before turning back to her and offering his hand.

"I won't let go, I promise," he assured her, and after a moment she slid her hand into his. Demyx couldn't help the overwhelming surge of joy that coursed through him at Melody placing her trust in him. He felt her arm snake through his and a vice like grip take hold. He chuckled at her actions and then guided them into the portal without another word.

Melody found herself walking down to the Bailey after receiving notice from her friend Leon that a few strange characters appeared in their world not too long ago. She was more than happy to go investigate and went prepared for a fight if they turned out to be the enemy. She had been training non-stop with Leon to help build her stamina after her utter failure at defending herself during the run-in with the Heartless in Twilight Town. It had only been just over two weeks since her encounter, but she now felt confident in her rediscovered skills and was ready to fight against the darkness that threatened her home once again.

Demyx had returned her home safely and as promised, paid her a visit a few days later. Actually, he came every day to Hallow Bastion for a week straight to visit her and Melody found herself enjoying his company more than she had anticipated. She began to look forward to their little adventures, whether it be touring Hallow Bastion or him taking her to other worlds to sight see. She was disappointed when that week ended, but he had promised to come and visit in another week or so which left Melodys' nerves jittered but excited at the prospect of seeing him again. She silently scolded herself for acting so foolish, but she couldn't deny that he intrigued her. Plus, she pretty much owed him her life after rescuing her from the Heartless and the other strange creatures. It's been just over a week since she last saw him and she was wondering if something had happened to him or if he was even going to hold true to his promise and come back to see her. Unfortunately, now was not the time to dwell on such things. She had to concentrate on the mission at hand and find these newcomers.

Melody made her way through the market place and cautiously entered the Bailey walls, instantly spotting who she was sent to look for. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that there were three of them; one boy and his two strange looking companions.

"Sora?" Melody questioned as the tallest of the three turned and faced her direction, stopping her dead in her tracks. His gaze searched for the owner of the voice who'd just called out to him and his eyes soon met hers, pure shock written on his features that she was sure matched her own.

"Melody?" he responded, eyes widening upon realization. "Melody!" he shouted out, immediately sprinting over to her and enveloping her in a tight embrace. She immediately wrapped her arms around the young teen, a million thoughts running through her mind.

"Where in the worlds have you been? I've been worried sick!" she exclaimed after the shock wore off, putting the teen at arms-length and staring him down with all the wrath of a worried mother. The two were basically like brother and sister and grew up together in Destiny Islands. They were completely inseparable and when they weren't trudging through school, they spent their days on the beach with their friends dreaming of adventuring out to see all the other worlds.

"You actually care? That's a first," Sora joked, giving her a sly smirk.

"Of course I care! You've been missing for almost two years! Do you have any idea how worried I was when I found out what happened? I thought the worst…" she explained, feeling tears building behind her eyes. When the darkness appeared at their home, Melody and her mother were visiting other family in Hallow Bastion and had no way of knowing what had happened to her family and friends in Destiny Islands. When she found out that her home had completely disappeared and those who resided within were nowhere to be found, she could only assume that they were lost to the darkness forever.

It was Leon, who she had met a few months after the appearance of the darkness, that ignited a hope in her heart that her family and friends were somewhere out in the worlds alive and well. She decided to enlist her help with defeating the Heartless alongside him and his friends with his promise that they would do anything they could to help with finding those dear to her. So she trained relentlessly with Leon and received a Keyblade of her own from their friend Merlin, a sorcerer who informed her that she shared a special link with her cousin. He confirmed that Sora was very much alive, ridding the world of these new enemies while searching for the solution to bring back the light. It was then Melody vowed that she would do whatever it took to help her cousin on his mission and never give up searching for him and their friends.

"I'm so sorry, Melody," he whispered into her shoulder, squeezing her tight and bringing her out of her thoughts. "Please don't cry." She didn't know when she started to cry, but when she brought her hand to her cheek and felt it wet with tears she could only laugh at her distraught state.

"Tears of happiness," she offered, wrapping her arms around him again. "I never stopped looking for you, you know," she mumbled into his soft brown spikes of hair. "But you're here now, and that's all that matters. And it appears that you've made a few new friends?" she inquired, eyeing the two forgotten companions waiting patiently to be introduced several feet away. Sora let go of her with a bright smile before signaling the other two members of his group to join them.

"This is Donald and Goofy, guys this is my cousin Melody," he introduced the group, each giving a respectful greeting in return. Sora then explained to Melody how he met Donald and Goofy along with what he's been through the past few years. "So, what has been going on in my absence?" he asked, scratching his neck with a sheepish smile plastered on his face when he finished his story.

"Let's see," Melody thought for a moment before diving into her life starting when the darkness appeared all the way up until recent events, even going into the details of her encounter with Demyx.

"You need to stay away from him, Melody," Sora stated, all seriousnes instead of his normal joyous persona. "He's dangerous."

"What are you talking about?" Melody asked, taken aback by his statement. "He saved me, how could someone who'd risk their well-being for a total stranger be dangerous?"

"I don't have an explanation for his actions, he could have been acting on his own or he might have had ulterior motives in saving you. All we know is that they can't be trusted."

"They?" Melody questioned, still not quite understanding.

"He belongs to a dark group called Organization XIII. They have control over both the Heartless and these new creatures called Nobodies. They're very powerful and are planning something big that involves the stealing of innocent hearts. If they ever found out your relation to me or the fact that you wield a Keyblade, they could use you or even worse…" Sora shuddered, not wanting to finish the thought.

Melody took a moment to think about what Sora was saying. She honestly didn't know much about Demyx to where she could justify whether or not he was part of some destructive plot, but she also didn't want to jump to conclusions without getting all her facts straight.

"What if I were to try and find out more about this Organization? He did promise to come visit me, I could see if I could get some information out of him," Melody suddenly suggested.

"I don't know, Melody. It sounds pretty risky," the one known as Goofy stated, scratching his chin in thought.

"Maybe Melody's on to something," Donald shouted excitedly, jumping up and down enthusiastically.

Sora mulled this over, obviously taking their words into serious consideration. "Well, he most likely trusts you and it would help to know what we're getting into. I guess we could make this work," Sora finally agreed. Melody felt her heart skip a beat at her cousins' approval. She really didn't want to betray Sora and his warning about her new mysterious friend, but she couldn't just agree with him without hearing what Demyx has to say. "Just promise me that you'll be careful," Sora said, grasping her hand and looking up at her with worried eyes.

"Relax, little cousin," Melody teased, using her free hand to ruffle his hair. "I promise not to do anything you wouldn't."

"Oh, 'cause that's reassuring," he sarcastically responded, earning a wink from his elder.

"We better go, Sora," Donald said, tugging slightly on his sleeve and receiving a nod in acknowledgment.

"You just got here," Melody protested, her happy demeanor quickly fading as she realized that he was about to leave her again.

"Worlds need saving, you know?" he shrugged, but didn't miss the glimmer of sadness within her eyes. "I won't stay away too long," he reassured her.

"Promise not to go off disappearing for years on end again?" she half joked, a worried smile gracing her lips.

"It's a promise," he said while giving her one last hug before joining his new companions and heading off in the opposite direction.

"Be careful you guys!" Melody called out. Sora waved his hand in acknowledgement before they disappeared around the corner, leaving Melody alone once again. As she walked back home, her thoughts trailed back to what Sora had been telling her about the Organization. What if Demyx truly was part of such a dark plan? She knew she shouldn't put all her faith into someone she'd just met, but she couldn't help the nagging feeling that there was something different about him; he just didn't seem capable of hurting others. She wasn't sure what she would do if everything Sora had told her was true, and that worried her the most. Melody let out a frustrated growl and kicked a littered juice can across the road.

"Whoa, angry much?" came a voice from behind, causing Melody to squeak in surprise before spinning around to find Demyx leaning casually against a wall.

"When did you-? How did you-?" Melody stuttered, pointing in every direction and looking around her as he laughed at her confusion. "You're so mean," she mumbled childishly, walking away from the boy in front of her.

"So, what's gotten you so aggravated?" Demyx asked curiously, joining her side. Her senses suddenly picked up on his distinct smell of salty sea air. She only knew it was him that smelled of such due to their awkward embrace during their first encounter.

"Everything and nothing," Melody elusively explained, the jittery feeling returning at the proximity between them.

"Anything I can do to help?" he offered.

"I don't know if you'd be able to help," she began, "but do you know anything about a group called Organization XIII?" she asked, curious as to what his reaction might be.

"Depends," he said thoughtfully. "What do you want to know?"

"Well," Melody continued, eyeing him skeptically. "My cousin was in town visiting today. He was telling me about a dark group that call themselves Organization XIII who are plotting something that will in turn hurt others. Also, that they're the reason for the return of the Heartless and the appearance of these strange creatures called Nobodies." She was hoping beyond hope that Demyx wouldn't know anything at all and that Soras' worry was just simple family concern.

"Sounds like your cousin was well informed," he stated, throwing her a curious glance. "Organization XIII is made up of Nobodies so powerful that each one took on a human form instead of those ethereal forms we saw back in Twilight Town," he explained. "There are many different types of Nobodies just like there are for Heartless. So you could say that the Organization is just on the top of the food chain for both creatures." Melody nodded, taking all this information into consideration. "As for the plot you spoke of, all we're doing is trying to find a way to get a heart of our own."

"You said we," Melody quietly pointed out, suddenly feeling a sickness appear in her stomach at the realization. She saw how the Nobody next to her tensed at her question and stiffly nodded his confirmation, making it obvious that he had mistakenly slipped up by telling her more information than he had intended to.

"Melody, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner but-" he tried to explain but she cut him off before he could finish.

"Are you really? Or are you just sorry that I found you out?" she asked, hiding behind anger to shield how hurt she actually felt. "I put my trust in you! I defended you to my cousin because I thought you were different!"

"I am different!" he protested, his eyes pleading for her to believe him.

"Obviously not if you're working alongside those who are hurting others," she countered. "You were right, you're just like the Heartless," she accused, fighting back the tears that were threatening to form. She refused to let him see how much this affected her, how much she had hoped that things wouldn't turn out this way. He stared at her dumbfounded for a moment and she could've sworn there was a flash of hurt in his eyes, but it was gone as soon as it appeared. His posture suddenly straightened as his eyes narrowed at her, causing her to shrink back under his harsh gaze.

"I know I am heartless," he began in a quiet, dangerous tone. "But I am far from a murderer," he spat out the last word in distaste. "If I were like them I wouldn't have saved you, I would've been there fighting alongside them." Melody could hear the seriousness laced in his voice and realized that she may have accused him too harshly.

"Demyx-" this time it was his turn to cut her off.

"Save it," he growled, turning on his heel and walking into a portal he had just opened. Melody didn't know how long she stood there staring at the spot in which he had disappeared. She knew she had acted out rashly; she should've let him explain his side just like she had planned to do in the first place. Instead, she allowed her emotions to take over and turned everything upside down.

"What a mess," she mumbled to herself as she miserably rounded the corner that led to her home. She began to wonder if she'd ever have a chance to apologize to him. She had no clue how to even find him and couldn't see him seeking her out anytime soon. Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she felt an arm wrap around her waist, roughly pulling her backwards into a strong body. Before she had a chance to cry out a hand was immediately placed over her mouth, the opportunity to call out for help now lost.

"Sorry about this," she heard an unfamiliar male voice whisper apologetically. Before she had a chance to react and summon Spellbinder, a portal appeared before her and she was suddenly shoved forward into the dark haze.

Axel was right. That was his first thought after he left Melody. She was living proof that it was impossible for anyone to care for a Nobody. He was a fool for even thinking that she may have come to understand him, that they might even had become friends. He knew he would never find another opportunity at a friendship with someone who wasn't like him, who wasn't a Nobody or someone just wanting to use his powers for their own reasons. Demyx was still at battle with his emotions when he emerged in the Hall of Empty Melodies within the castle.

"How cliché," he thought after seeing what room his portal led him to. He was about to make a beeline for their rooms in search of Axel before he was stopped midstride by the sound of his name being called. He turned around and found the owner of the voice to be Xaldin who was heading his way.

"Yes?" Demyx asked, his brows furrowing in confusion. Xaldin was one of the higher ranking members and it was extraordinarily rare that they spoke. Whenever they did, it was never anything good which made him even more uneasy than he already was.

"You look troubled, Number Nine. Is everything alright?" the elder member questioned. Demyx was no fool and did not mistake the friendly concern in his question genuine.

"I'm just looking for Axel, there's something pressing I need to speak with him about," Demyx mentioned, hoping that he would leave him alone if he made it sound urgent that he find him. He really didn't want to speak with Xaldin any longer than absolutely necessary.

"I see. Then I shall leave you to it," Xaldin encouraged, turning to take his leave. Demyx held in his sigh of relief and was about to return to his search for Axel until Xaldins' voice stopped him in his tracks once again. "Though, your pressing matter wouldn't happen to be about that girl you've been speaking to, would it?" Demyx felt his stomach drop at the mention of Melody. How could he know about her? No one knew about her; he hadn't even told Axel about her yet!

"I don't know what you're talking about," Demyx immediately lied, throwing an uninterested look over his shoulder at the elder member.

"Oh?" he responded, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "So you don't know this girl then?" It was then Demyx heard a shrill shriek and turned around in time to see a flustered Melody fall gracelessly out from one of their portals. He watched as she scrambled to her feet and scanned her surroundings.

"Demyx?" he heard her call out in uncertainty, her back towards him. Demyx was about to make his presence known until he noticed the dark magic spilling from Xaldins' hands as several Nobodies appeared behind Melody.