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There was a blip. A minute disturbance. A sense of unease. A blink-and-you-miss-it sensation. A feeling that something had happened in the span of a couple seconds but you didn't know what. “You felt that, right?” Sora needed to know that he hadn't imagined it. Generally, when something strange happened, trouble wasn't far behind it. Hollow Bastion—or was it officially Radiant Garden again?—had been through enough chaos. It really didn't need another “Battle of the 1,000 Heartless” situation again. With the MCP gone, things were finally settling down enough for Leon and the others to continue rebuilding their home. The last thing they needed was another disaster to ruin their hard-won peace. Donald and Goofy were deep in thought, pondering Sora's question. The sensation had occurred so quickly and passed just as swiftly that it almost felt like nothing had happened at all. Yet…somehow, they all knew something happened. What that something was, they had no clue. “You felt it too?” Sora turned to Leon, nodding at the elder warrior to answer. Leon hummed in thought, arms crossed in that telltale way that indicated he was thinking deeply about something. At least they were already out and about, clearing some excess Heartless that were prowling on the outskirts where the town's defense system couldn't reach. If something happened, they'd be ready for it. “I'm not sure what that was. I can't really describe it either. Didn't it feel like…time had stopped for a second or two? Like we missed something happening in that brief window and now things are moving as they should again?” “Yeah! Like if Riku did a really cool flip and Kairi cheered for him, but I wasn't looking when it happened! Like I knew something happened, but not the details of what.” Leon chuckled. “That's one way to put it.” “Any idea of what it was though?” Donald and Goofy shrugged at Sora's rhetorical question. “What could cause a blip in time itself?” “Magic, most likely,” Donald answered. “Really powerful magic at that. You know how hard and draining a Stop spell is, Sora. And that's just on one object! It'd take a massive amount of magic to affect the sense of time of multiple people!” “That's true. But what I find weird is that nothing else has happened.” Donald sighed in resignation. “If someone was powerful enough to control your sense of time, of course it'd feel like nothing happened. They could do whatever they wanted because they could theoretically stretch a second into an eternity and you'd never know it.” Leon grunted, scowling at the possibility. “You don't think…Radiant Garden is being targeted again, do you?” “Gawrsh, I hope not,” Goofy tried to reassure their friend. “But if it is, you know we'll do all we can to protect it, Leon.” “I really can't thank you three enough for all you've done. I'd hate to drag you into another mess that we should be able to solve ourselves.” Sora proudly rubbed his nose. “No worries! You're our friend, Leon. Of course we’d be happy to help whenever you need it.” Leon smiled at Sora and the teen couldn't help but smile back. It was a rare sight to see Leon smiling, which was why Sora wanted to keep that smile on Leon’s face. While their first meeting was unorthodox, Leon had been the one to guide Sora in the right direction when he went on his first adventure with Donald and Goofy. Working with the Restoration Committee was a small way to repay Leon for all the advice and help he'd provided since that first day they met. The more time Sora spent with the Committee, the more they became like a surrogate family to him. A home away from home, in a sense. Leon was like the older brother Sora never had and never knew he wanted: always there if needed, with either gentle support or direct criticism depending on how stubborn Sora was being at the time. Whatever happened during that blip in time, Sora knew he'd do his best to keep Radiant Garden—and the Restoration Committee—safe. Another blip. Sora's eyes widened, as did everyone else's. It passed again just as quickly as the first time. But this time, something followed the feeling. What sounded like howling gales or the cries of the damned echoed in their ears. Purple flames erupted from the ground not far from them, the source of the unsettling noise. Weapons were drawn, breaths stilled in preparation for whatever was causing the strange phenomenon. A form took shape from the blaze, stepping out of it with shaking limbs and tattered clothes. The fire sputtered and died, leaving only the figure it had spat out behind. Long silver bangs framed her face, bringing out the colorful makeup and splatters of blood smeared across it. Two long horns protruded from her scalp, almost like a royal headdress. The form-fitting red silk dress was ripped in several places, revealing jagged wounds and burns on the pale skin of her arms and legs. Two black wings sprouted from her back, their feathers askew and crooked. One wing was drooping at an awkward angle, the bone holding it aloft having been snapped with brute force. The other was missing a chunk, flesh and sinew dripping blood from the gaping wound. Despite her injured state, the rage burning in her eyes was strong. She limped forward with slow steps, wincing as each minute movement pulled at her various wounds. Her ragged gasps for breath could be heard across the area, proving how close to death's door she actually was. Sora couldn't help but feel bad for her, whoever she was. It reminded him of his first fight with Maleficent. “I…refuse! Not here! I won't…allow it!” Leon stepped forward, wary but still compassionate enough to want to help. “Who are you? Are you alright?” The woman paused, leveling her scowl at Leon. If looks could kill, she'd have put Leon through the ground in a second flat. She grit her teeth and snarled at him. “ You…dare…!” Leon held strong, but maneuvered himself so that he was mostly in front of Sora. If the woman tried to attack, Leon would take the biggest hit. Sora wanted to protest, but he knew Leon wouldn't budge. Once the man had his mind set on something, it was nearly impossible to change it. Cloud was like that too. “Don't move so much. You're in no condition to fight. We aren't your enemy—so long as you don't make yourself one.” She laughed, the sound hollow and bitter. “You? Not my enemy? Now you show kompassion? Leon took another cautious step forward. “…Is it so wrong to give someone a chance to turn things around for the better?” She stared at him, analyzing him with a critical eye. After what felt like hours, when in reality it took no more than a minute, she began to chuckle. It was manic. Heartless. And that sound gave Sora chills, making him grip his Keyblade tighter. “SeeD…SeeD, SeeD, SeeD, SeeD! I see now. Akross time and even akross space, your kind infests the world! Destroying that which you fear without a sekond thought to those who have no choice but to represent it! You would even tarnish the legacy of Hyne! The gall you have astounds me, impudent brat!” Leon raised an eyebrow in confusion, but he took a more defensive stance. He could tell she was becoming hostile. “I don't know what you mean by any of that. I'm just someone who's trying to protect his home and help those in need. You're intruding, but I'm not so cruel as to turn a blind eye. You're in pain, aren't you? Not just physically either.” She bit her lip and directed her glare at the ground. “Those like you gave me no choice. I am what I am and I am what they see me as. No matter how hard I tried to be something else, they never saw me as anything but a monster. That is all I will ever be to them; so why bother changing them when I kould simply change the world myself? But…even that I kould not do…” Leon's gaze softened. “You were alone. You still are, aren't you?” “You pity me, don’t you?” She sneered at him. “Perish the thought. What use do I have for a knight now? It is far too late for salvation. My time has run out…” Sora reached out to Leon's retreating back as the elder man walked over towards the woman. He lowered his gunblade, offering the lady his free hand. She looked at it, shock spreading across her features. “I know it's not much—and I can only imagine what you've been through—but let me do what I can for you. Even if it’s just to make your path into the next life easier.” “You would…offer your aid? Even to someone like me?” He gave her a small smile. “Of course. Even if your heart is drowning in darkness, a light always shines within. And that light is worth saving. A certain someone taught me that.” She stared at him, mesmerized by the kind look he was giving her and Sora felt even worse. Had she been treated so terribly that even a little kindness was a novelty to her? The lady reached up, black clawed fingers trembling as they ghosted the palm of Leon's hand. Her golden eyes grew distant, as if she was lost in her own head, playing back memories long forgotten. “Ever a proper knight, aren't you?” She mused with another bitter laugh as she pulled her hand away. But the smile she gave him in return was sinister. “To think you of all people would offer to be my liberator.” Leon blinked at her wording and Sora felt a rock plummet into the pit of his stomach. The hairs on his arm rose, gooseflesh prickling as the atmosphere grew heavy. Leon took a step back, feeling the same otherworldly aura around him. Even Donald and Goofy were shivering under the unexplained weight that filled the air. “Very well. I know not how, but in this world it seems you are kompatible. Unless you'd prefer I use the boy instead?” Leon rushed to block her line of sight when she focused on Sora. “Leave him out of this.” “Of course. You are willing to take on the deepest of darknesses if it means protecting the ones you love. Disgustingly selfless, as your other was. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.” Violet light pulsed from her hands as she shuddered in pain. “I don't have much of a choice. I don't have the strength left to find another vessel. But if it had to be anyone…I'm pleased it's you. This revenge will have to suffice. I may not live, but my memory will. Until the end of your days…until the time comes when you pass on your suffering to another…I shall haunt you!” “Leon, get away from her!” Sora shouted, unable to keep quiet anymore. She sounded like she was going to take Leon down with her. The light grew until it encompassed her entirely. Leon jumped back, expecting some sort of blast or explosion to occur. Donald and Goofy rushed forward, ready to counter whatever attack she was planning. She began to levitate, motioning her arms in a dramatic flair that was similar to Maleficent's when she was on the cusp of casting a magic spell. Sora gripped his Keyblade tight, prepared to strike back at the spell. Purple streaks of lightning formed from the light she conjured, soaring into the sky. They then zoomed down, flowing like jagged rivers of sparks in the air. Sora casted Reflega with a grin, waiting for the strike to be reflected back on the caster. But they passed through the spell as if it wasn't even there. Dread filled Sora's heart, hearing Donald's surprised squawk as all three of them followed the path of the magic. It flew right by all three of them and hit Leon. The moment they touched him, he froze and buckled under the strength of the spell. The tendrils of light convened on him, forcing their way into his very being. Sora watched helplessly as Leon fell to his knees once the last of the light was absorbed into him. Another thud was heard soon afterwards. The lady collapsed to the ground as purple flames ate away at her body. Within a matter of seconds, she was nothing but dust and ash swept away by the wind. “Leon!” Sora immediately ran over to his friend, panic and worry fueling his actions. He knelt by Leon, hands already working to help the man up if his strength betrayed him. “Are you okay!? What'd she do to you!?” Leon straightened up, his expression a perplexing mix of pain, confusion, and fear. He was trembling slightly as he raised a hand before him, clenching and unclenching his fist as if to steady himself. When he spoke, his voice shook. “I…I don't know. I feel…” “Sick? Drained? Cold?” “Like something isn't right,” Leon settled on as he slowly got to his feet. “Physically, I'm alright. But something…something is inside me now that's not supposed to be there. I can feel it.” “And…what does it feel like?” Sora warily asked. “It feels wrong. Foreign. Like I'm being smothered. Like something is crawling underneath my skin.” He shuddered a little. “She said something about compatibility, a vessel, and that she'd haunt me. I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means.” “We need to get you to Merlin right away!” Donald yelled at them. “I've never seen magic like that before! Whatever she did, Merlin would be able to tell what it was and how to dispel it.” “Good idea, Donald!” Sora agreed, yanking on Leon's arm to get him to move. They needed to hurry before whatever magic that witch used started to take effect. “Don't worry, Leon. Merlin'll have you back to normal in no time.” Leon stood, following after the rushing Sora. “I hope so…” The path back to the Restoration Committee headquarters felt like it took so much longer, even though they made record time. And it was a good thing they tried to move fast. Not long after the encounter with the witch(?), Leon's face started to become pale and his brisk pace slowed considerably. Sora was afraid he'd pass out on the way to Merlin's, but Leon pushed himself to stay awake. The movement kept him focused enough, but it would only be a matter of time before he collapsed. Donald shoved the door open, Goofy ushering Leon to the closest chair and making sure he didn't fall in the process of getting there. Yuffie and Aerith were quick to notice their leader's concerning condition and were by his side in an instant. “Merlin! We've got an emergency!” Sora shouted towards the ceiling. An answering poof of smoke appeared in the middle of the room, the wizard's stern face a relief to see. “Goodness, Sora! What's got you all ruffled that you have to shout so loudly?” “Some sort of witch did something to Leon!” Sora quickly explained. “He's not doing very well and none of us know what to do to help! Merlin, can you check to make sure he's alright?” Merlin spotted Leon's pinched face, the beads of sweat dripping down and the sickly pallor of his skin. The elderly wizard quickly went over to the man, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he observed Leon's condition. “Leon, I need you to tell me what you're feeling right now.” “Like I'm going to puke,” Leon answered honestly, if a bit harshly. Merlin nodded, swishing his wand and making a bucket appear out of thin air. Yuffie deftly caught it while Leon deadpanned at Merlin, thoroughly unamused. “I don't think that's going to help the underlying issue here.” “At the moment, all you can do is wait this fever out,” Merlin sagely replied. Sora, Donald, and Goofy all perked up at the answer. A fever meant sickness, which meant it could be cured. “Try to do some breathing exercises. That should help with the tightness in your chest somewhat.” “So, Leon's just sick?” Sora asked hopefully. “This is no mere sickness, I'm afraid,” Merlin gravely responded, making Sora's worries return within seconds. “Sora, Donald, Goofy. I need you to tell me exactly what transpired that led to this concerning predicament. Something about a witch, you mentioned?” “We felt some sorta weirdness happen while we were out patrolling,” Goofy explained. “After it happened a second time, a lady appeared outta nowhere! She was hurt really bad.” “She said something about a vessel, revenge, compatibility, and haunting Leon,” Sora added. “After that, she cast some sorta spell that went right into Leon and she faded away. My Reflega didn't stop it at all.” “Oh dear… Could that mean…?” Merlin mumbled. “I didn't know such a thing was possible.” Donald blinked. “What's possible?” “Well, just from a glance, I noticed right away that Leon's magical signature has been warped considerably.” Sora nodded, still confused. “What does that mean? She's not trying to possess Leon, is she?” “No, no, you don't have to worry about that, thank goodness. It's warped, but it's not a completely different signature. You see, all individuals have a different affinity for magic in our world. Some are adept at using it while others struggle to so much as conjure a flame. Normally, Leon has less magical affinity than you do, Sora. As I'm sure you're already aware, his expertise is mainly fire-based spells, basic sword enhancements, and curative magic. But that's not the case anymore.” Leon stilled as Merlin turned his attention back to him. “I sense a great power within you that was not there before. A power even greater than my own.” Goofy gaped in shock. “Gawrsh! Did she transfer her magic to Leon?” Merlin nodded. “That is my hypothesis. If that woman you encountered was a witch comparable to Maleficent, such an ability likely wouldn't be beyond her capabilities. Leon is unaccustomed to wielding such vast magical power and his body is overcompensating in response to it; hence the fever and the uncomfortable pressure he may be feeling inside him. It will take some time before his body properly adjusts to handling that new power. Think of it like filling a cup with too much water. It overflows, yes? That excess magic may spring up at any moment, so it's in everyone’s best interest that Leon stay calm and rest as much as possible until—” “I can't afford to do that,” Leon snapped, interrupting Merlin. “The Heartless and Nobodies’ numbers are still too high and Sora has his own mission to focus on. I can't ask those three to cover for me when—” “Uh, Leon? C-Calm down there,” Yuffie stuttered while she gently patted his shoulder, her gulp audible despite her attempts to remain composed. “That excess magic of yours is already going nutsy over there.” Leon blinked before turning to where she was pointing. Everyone else did the same. A small maelstrom of dark energy swirled above them, just above the dining table in the center of the room. The moment Leon focused on it, it imploded and burst. The force of the blast sent Sora, Donald, and Goofy flying, their startled screams echoing loudly in Leon's ears. Three separate crashes sounded out as three bodies were thrown into bookcases, walls, and dressers. “Sora! Donald! Goofy!” He jumped out of his seat, wanting to check on all three of them but was held back by Aerith and Yuffie. “I didn't mean to—!” Sparks erupted from the nearby computer, crackling loudly as the mainframe whined in response to an overload of power. Another explosion sounded out, the glass screen shattering. Smoke billowed from sides of the monitor, electricity sparking from broken cords and damaged circuits. “Leon, relax! They'll be fine,” Aerith insisted. “This is why Merlin said you need to calm down. The excess magic is reacting to your emotions.” Leon felt sicker than he already did. So much chaos in a matter of seconds. And he hadn't even realized he had been the cause of it. “Owww!” Sora hissed, his head of spiky hair breaking through the pile of books that had tumbled onto him. Leon let out a small sigh of relief. Sora was mostly unharmed. “That hurt! I've never felt anything like that.” Donald crawled out from under the dresser that had fallen on him. “It felt like getting hit by Maleficent’s Meteors of Heaven…” “Ah-hyuck! That was a blast!” Sora and Donald groaned at the pun, but it did bring a smile to Leon's face. The knight was upside-down, but seemed none the worse for wear. “Welp, that's some magic you got there, Leon!” “It's something, alright,” Sora agreed, using a Curaga spell to heal the bruises he'd acquired. “And yeah, it did feel like Maleficent's magic. Powerful. Destructive. And kinda dark?” “It feels like…sorceress magic to you?” Leon said as he looked at his hands. “So…” “I guess that makes you a sorcerer now?”