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Kiera closed the big door to the Mysterious Tower behind her. She was no longer wearing her old denim blouse, white shirt, and pink skirt, rather, a longer sleeved denim jacket, with a white blouse. Her pink skirt remained, but it was shorter, with gray-white leggings underneath, and her hair was pulled back into a half ponytail, crown braid. 

“Kiera!”

She took a long breath to get in the cool, fresh air for the last time. She reached into her pocket. Her heart sank. She was grieved. What could she have done with it? Did someone steal it? And if so, who? She grew slightly alarmed. That Wayfinder was different from the others. If someone else got their hands on it…

Kiera turned around. There was Sora, redressed in suitable-sized clothes with Donald and Goofy following close behind him.

“Hey Sora” she said.

Sora scratched the back of his head in silence for a moment. It was clear he still wasn’t happy.

“I just…wanted to say goodbye” he declared, at last, then added, “Are you sure you can’t come with us?”

Kiera smiled, sadly.

“It’s going to be fine. We’ll see each other soon. Kairi needs to know what’s happening. She’s the one who needs protection, and I can do that.” 

Kiera chuckled and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. We’ll have an adventure together soon.” 

Sora was still disappointed. However, he smiled and nodded. 

“Okay. Take care, Kiera.” 

Kiera nodded. She glanced at Donald and Goofy.

“You two keep him out of trouble, alright?”

“You bet!” Donald cheered.

“You can count on us!” Goofy assured.

Kiera grinned.

“Thanks guys.”

And with that, she walked out into the gardens, smacked her shield-piece, transformed into her armor and vehicle, and took off into the sky.

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Kiera landed on warm sands as the light portal closed behind her. She took a deep breath, and sighed. A warm, gentle breeze blew, the seagulls cackled in the sky, and the sea crashed calmly on the shore. She could smell the familiar salty air, and felt like she could almost cry: Home. Her head suddenly started to hurt. She clutched it, trying to retain composure. 

 She could see herself at the same shore she was now. However, things were slightly different. Some of the palm trees were shorter, and certain flower bushels weren’t fully grown or even planted. She saw two boys run past her, giggling and playing. They looked to be four or five. One had short, spiky brown hair and blue eyes, the other had short gray hair and greenish-blue eyes. Then, one of the boys halted. He turned around, slowly. He suddenly morphed into a different person, much taller, more muscular and strong. Then Kiera remembered. 

“Riku.”

.

“Hey miss, you alright?”

Kiera jumped. She turned around. A girl, with long red hair, blue eyes, and a pink dress stood a few feet from her. The girl instantly froze, and went white. They looked at each other for a hot minute, recognizing the other, but unable to place one another. Then, Kiera finally said:

“…Kairi?”

The girl dropped the school bag she was carrying in dazed shock. Then, she ran to Kiera and embraced her.

“Kiera!” She gasped, “I remember now!”

“Wait, you forgot about me? Thanks a lot, Kairi” Kiera joked.

The two giggled. Kiera embraced her friend tightly.

“I’m going to make up for what I said, Kairi, and what I failed to do. I promise.”