Bonded Fate (PG-14 for Language and Violence)

Yeah, and it's a lot easier not having to write about Donald and Goofy. Probably the reason I "killed" them off. XP

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Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
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We returned to Infinity after saying our goodbyes to Herc, Meg and Phil. I piloted the ship to Port Royal, barely getting us through another Debris Belt. Infinity beamed us down to the Ramparts, where Jack was fighting some cursed Pirates. He turned at our entrance.

"Zola! Christine! Some assistance!" Sora huffed.

"That's SORA and CHRISTIE!" Jack scowled, knocking away a pirates blade.

"You will leave a mate to perish?! Sora and I rolled our eyes.

"Aye aye..." We ran to Jack's aid, knocking the Pirates into the water and casting Fira on them till they jumped in themselves. When the last one ran away, Sora dismissed Oathkeeper and turned to Jack.

"Those pirates were cursed. I thought we'd seen the last of the Aztec gold. What gives, Jack." Jack put his hands on his hips.

"Some rotten scallywag must've gotten greedy." Sora and I shared a look, and I shook my head. Jack caught on and frowned.

"Oh, I see now. You two don't trust this old pirate, eh?" When we nodded, Jack smiled a little.

"Likely a wise choice, considering that I am a Pirate, lad and lass."

"Jack! Sora! Christie!" We turned back towards town, where Elizabeth was running over to us in a panic. Sora called out to her, and Jack turned to leave, trying to avoid getting dragged into this mess. Elizabeth caught him by the arm.

"Wait, Jack! I need your help. The cursed pirates have returned. Will went to find you why, so he went to Isla de Muerta to check on the Aztec Medallions. But he hasn't returned, and I fear that something's happened! Please, you have to take me to him!"

Jack shrugged out of her hold.

"Aye, there is. But, if you'll be wanting him rescued, best to do it alone, lass." Elizabeth scowled.

"Alone? Really, Jack? Sail to the Island all on my own and take on the cursed pirates?" Jack shrugged, examining one of his dreadlocks.

"Well, if there's any lass besides Christie who can do it..." Sora shoved Jack in the side, and turned to Elizabeth.

"And you're sure he's in trouble?" Elizabeth shook her head.

"No, I'm not certain. But he's been gone too long. I wanted to go with him, but he insisted that I stay here. I can't just sit and wait for him, I've got to know if he's all right!"

Sora looked away, obviously thinking of Kairi. Jack's words knocked him from his thoughts, and Elizabeth's response tugged at our hearts.

"Please, Jack! Take me to him!" Jack shook his head.

"Hold on a moment. I see no profit in this for me." Elizabeth scowled.

"I shall reward you with what you see fit. Of course...you do owe Will. He has saved your life before, correct?" Jack nodded unhappily, turning around to board the Black Pearl.

"Right then. Shall we?"

Running aboard, Sora and I helped Jack get underway and set sail for Isla de Muerta. We weren't far into open waters when Sora, up in the crow's nest, spotted something.

"Interceptor off the Starboard bow!"

We ran over, and Elizabeth gasped at the sight of Will laying unconcious on the ships boarding rail. She called out to him, but when there was no response, Jack bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart in "mourning". Elizabeth stomped her feet.

"Stop that, Jack! We've got to rescue him!"

Sora swung down from the crows nest as Jack brought a large wooden board up from the brig. He swung it over, connecting the ships. He turned to Sora and I, gesturing towards the Interceptor. Sora nodded, and we clambered onto the board and ran across. Grabbing Will under the arms, we half-pulled, half-carried him back to the Pearl, making it back just as the board snapped in half, seperating the ships. We carried Will to the Captain's Quarters, where Elizabeth took him from us. She patted his cheek.

"Will, wake up." He groaned, opening his eyes.

"Liz.." She sighed in relief that he was alright.

"Will, what happened?" Will closed his eyes again, thinking.

"The medallions, and the stone chest...someone'd taken them. The next thing I knew, we were attacked. But I couldn't see who it was...his face was shrouded in a black hood."

I cursed. Luxord. How could I have forgotten! Will continued his explanation.

"We found a way out of the cave, but this villain...he sent a wave of horrible white creatures after us...I've never seen their likes before...I think, I'm the only one who made it back to the ship alive..." Elizabeth bowed her head.

"Oh Will..." He closed his eyes as he fell asleep in her arms, and she laid his head down on her lap as Sora sighed.

"Look's like it's our turn, Chris." I nodded, and Elizabeth turned to us.

"You'd best go prepared. We've no idea what that villain has up his sleeve." Jack snapped his fingers, getting our attention.

"Pardon me, lad and lasses, but your captain will have no monsters today. Thank ye, we're turning for home." He turned to leave, and Elizabeth stared after him.

"Just like that?" Jack nodded, waving over his shoulder.

"Just like that!" He swung open the doors to the deck, and stopped in his tracks as he stared at the man in a black cloak standing next to the treasure chest filled with medallions.

"Don't remember invitin' you." Sora raced forward, ducking around Jack.

"So it was the Organization! Jack, we'll handle this!" Before we could attack Luxord, he raised a hand.
"The Darkness of human hearts. Drawn to these cursed medallions; and this Heartless. A veritable maelstrom of Avarice." He snapped his fingers, making a Grim Reaper Heartless appear next to him, axe like pendelum swinging back and forth.

"I wonder...are they worthy to serve Organization XIII?" Jack drew his sword, scowling.

"And you want an answer...now?"

Luxord nodded, vanishing as the Heartless flew forward to attack. At the moment, it was too easy to take down and we knocked it into the water easily. Sora turned back to the chest when Luxord reappeared, and Jack snarled. The blond man had lowered his hood, revealing his smug smirk.

"Throw him overboard!"

All three of us raced forward to grab Luxord, but he stopped us in our tracks.

"Parley!" Jack grabbed Sora's hood, keeping him from charging as I fell over from excess momentum. Sora choked.

"Barley?" Jack let go of Sora, glaring at Luxord.

"It's a bit of a pirates code. Anyone who invokes "parley" must not be harmed 'til the negotiations are completed." I stood up, staring at Jack in disbelief.

"This is no time to follow rules!" Jack nodded.

"Aye, Lass. But...as we're honorable pirates, we should always stick to the code." He turned to Luxord.
"All right, you. Out with it!" Luxord bowed at the waist.

"I surrender the chest, with my humblest apologies." Jack stared.

"Rather accommodating of you, mate. And for that you want...?" Luxord smirked.

"Oh, just a few souveniers. For the memories, you see." Before we could react, Luxord had stuck his hand into the chest and come up with four medallions. He threw them up into the air, where four Gambler's appeared, snatching them and portaling away. I literally screamed.

"We can't stop that curse until we've got all the medallions!" Jack glared.

"Our friend is about to learn what it means, to cross a pirate with a wounded friend in the hold!"

We raced forward, but were intercepted by the Grim Reaper Heartless that had floated out of the water. It's colors were inverted, and it didn't look harmed at all. It swung the axe in hand, creating a wind current that knocked us from the Pearl onto the deck of the Interceptor. Back on the Pearl, several more Gamblers had appeared. They manned the cannons, and fired towards the Interceptor on Luxords command. The explosions made Will and Elizabeth come running from the Stateroom, and they were forced to watch as the Interceptor sunk, with us aboard.
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"Come now Lass, wake up. Can't have the death of such a pretty face under me belt."

I put a hand on my head, letting Jack pull me up. feeling bones instead of skin, I looked up at him. It wasn't much of a surprise, to see him all skeleton like.

"Did you steal another medallion?"

Jack shook his head as Sora woke up. My cousin cried out at the sight of Jack, and the Captain huffed. Sora rubbed the back of his neck in embarrasment as he stood, and I turned to Jack.

"If you didn't steal another medallion, then why are you all boney?" Jack shrugged.

"Perhaps I caught a touch of something from that monster what attacked us. Yet, if that's the case, why's the skin resting right on you two?"

Sora and I shrugged, and Jack walked from the moonlight to regain his human form. I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Maybe the reason we're ok is becuase we're not from here. There must be different laws about it..." Sora nodded, looking down at his shoes.

"Yeah...we're always just passing through...Wonder when we'll see home again..." I reached out to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Sora..." He laughed, looking up with a smile.

"Just kidding you! Lucky we didn't get cursed, huh?" I rolled my eyes in amusement, lightly punching him on the arm. Jack turned around.

"Quit yammering, mates! We've got to find ourselves a ship that'll float!" He walked away from the ruined Interceptor, heading out to the Seadrift Keep with us on his heels. During the little walk, my mind was racing. When this was over, I didn't know what I'd do. Weather I'd return to the Islands with Riku and Sora, or return to Radient Garden to be with my brother...I just didn't know. Sora's shocked cry jolted me from my thoughts, and I summoned my daggers to my hands when I saw the Gambler in front of us, tossing the Medallion in it's "hand" up and down. Jack drew his sword, lunging at the creature to kill. It vanished in a poof of smoke, leaving the medallion. He sheathed his sword, bending over to pick up the Medallion.

"Three more to go." Sora tilted his head as he threw Oathkeeper over his shoulder.

"How do you know?" Jack smirked.

"A pirate must a keen eye. Else, he won't be sailin' free for a very long time."

The sound of water on wood made us look up, to where Elizabeth and Will were standing on the deck of the Pearl, waving. Elizabeth called out to us with a smile on her face.

"Ahoy, mateys!" Jack shook his head, amused.

"Ridiculous imitation---and yet, I'm flattered." We headed up the Pearl's boarding ramp, the clouds above uncovering the moon to reveal Jack's skeletal form. Elizabeth gasped.

"Jack! What happened? This is horrible!" Jack rolled his eyes.

"Ah, but who's to blame for it?" Will scowled as he walked over to us.

"Well, it certianly isn't Elizabeth." Jack nodded, walking over to a shadow to hide in. I shook my head as I watched him walk away, and turned back to Will.

"It's Organization XIII, they're the ones behind it all. But...where'd he go?" Will answered.

"The hooded man and his creatures vanished into some strange hole. We saw them leave from the Captain's Stateroom." Jack sighed, rolling his now flesh eyes as he called out to Will.

"And it didn't occur for you to fight them, mate?" Will scoffed at Jack.

"I'm no fool, Sparrow. I know I'm no match for those creatures." Jack nodded, leaning back against the mast.

"Now that, I believe." Will threw a curse in Jack's direction, and I smiled. These two reminded me of brothers who only got along between fights. Will turned back to Sora.

"Sora, Christie, I think we'll need your help. We need to find the medallions, otherwise, the curse on Jack and creature will remain unbroken."

I nodded, biting my thumbnail in thought as Jack headed for the helm. I looked up at him.

"Isla de Muerta. Only place they'd all go is there. Luxord's a gambler, and what better place for a gambler then..." Jack nodded, catching on.

"A hole full of treasure. Excellent thinking, Lass. Hard to port, everybody hang on!"

The wind was in our favor, and the journey was quick. Docking at Isla de Muerta, we found one of the Gamber's just sitting there, waiting at the "dock". It was dispatched quickly, and we ran after the other two further in. Jack beheaded them both, grabbed the medallions and handed them back to Sora. We returned to the Pearl, where Sora tossed all four medallions up and down in his hand.

"That's four medalllions! We got 'em all!" Jack scowled.

"But where's the chest?" Will tilted his head in thought.

"If we find the hooded man, we'll find it." Sora clenched a hand around the medallions, slipping them into his pocket.

"Prob'y in Port Royal by now." Elizabeth's brow furrowed, confused.

"Why's that?" I crossed my arms, tiliting my wieght as the ship swayed beneath our feet.

"Organization XIII is after people's Hearts. The best place to get to their goal is somewhere with a lot of people." Will jolted.

"They'll hurt the townsfolk?" Jack scoffed.

"No, they're bringin' 'em flowers, mate. I don't know who the hell the Organizer's think they are, but I will say that they're making us pirates making us look like proper gents!" He turned, walking up the stairs towards the help. Will followed his friend with his eyes.

"Well, Jack...then...we have to help!" Jack nodded as he took the helm.

"Then let go and haul to run free!"

Sora and Will heaved the anchor back on board as Elizabeth and I lowered the sails. The wind was somehow at our backs again, and we arrived in Port Royal in record time. The Grim Reaper was waiting for us when we arrived, and Jack drew his sword. He snarled through his teeth.

"Go! He's for me."

Jack ran forward, leading the reaper away from the chest to let Sora and I get close enough to return the medallions. Sora added the once stolen medallions to the chest, and the curse on the Heartless broke, reverting it's colors to normal. But Jack was left a skeleton, and he examined his arms in surprise.

"What's this?" I snapped my fingers.

"Jack was cursed by the Heartless, not the gold!" Jack swore.

"Damn. I've no worries then." Sora shook his head.

"It's ok, Jack. We just have to defeat the Heartless, that's all."

We had to leap aside as it came at us, axe swinging. Jack whistled, the signal for Will to come and haul the chest away with help from some of the townsfolk. They barely got away, before the Reaper's attention turned to them. Jack headed it off, matching it's swing blade for blade. He gave us time to attack it from behind, and we kept it busy like that. If it's attention turned to us, Jack would distract it. And if it's attention turned to Jack, we'd smack it hard enough to make it look away. It did get some harsh attacks in, and Sora and I would have bruises come morning, but it went down. Jack sighed in sheer relief when his skin and organs returned to him, and Sora smiled.

"All better." Jack shook his head, snarling.

"Ah, not quite yet, Sora."

Luxord portalled in, snapping his fingers to grab the Heart from the downed reaper. It vanished, heading towards Kingdom Hearts. Luxord clapped as he portalled out.

"Sora, Christie, bravo."

We ran to engage him in combat, but he was gone before we could get there. Jack sheathed his sword and tapped Sora on the shoulder to get his attention. Sora turned to face him.

"Just who was that chap?"

"He's part of an Organization that's collecting Hearts. First, they release Heartless into different worlds. We defeat those Heartless, and they get the Hearts." Sora looked at the ground, scraping at a little piece of moss.

"We're never gonna stop them like this..." Will and Elizabeth walked over to us as Jack let his breah out.

"So, what's the plan then?" Sora nodded, confidence regained.

"We're gonna find thier stronghold and finish them off once and for all." Jack planted his hands on his hips, shaking his head in semi-amusement.

"Sailin' these waters, I've heard some tales, but not a one like this. Anything we can do to help?" Sora tilted his head in thought. Elizabeth smiled slightly.

"Any thing at all?" Jack snapped his fingers.

"There is, actually. Mr. Turner, get that chest back on the Pearl. It's going back to Davy Jones locker, tonight."

Will nodded, running off to recollect the chest. It was returned with a new, tightly locked top, and we set off. Once we hit the deeper waters, Jack and Will lifted it over the gaurd rails, dropping it into the water with a very satisfying splash that soaked them with seawater. Jack wrung his dreadlocks dry, and turned back to Sora.

"Tis certain we don't need the like of that hooded fellow and the Heartless runnin' about. They'll ruin the market for us true pirates." Elizabeth frowned.

"So that's why you went to Port Royal. And we thought you actually wanted to save everyone!" Jack smirked.

"A pirate always looks to profit, Miss Swann." Sora shrugged.

"Too bad, Jack. You had us going there, thinking that you'd turned over a new leaf." Jack nodded, a knowing smile on his face.

"The question is, what's beyond the leaf? Savvy?" He turned to Elizabeth with those last words, and she nodded.

"Oh..oh, yes. A reward. So, what'll it be?"

"That lovely blade of Sora's."

Even though I'd been expecting this, I nearly fell into water in shock. He was asking for the Keyblade all right. I turned around, back to face Sora, who nodded towards Jack. He flipped Oathkeeper in his hand, offering it hilt-first to Jack. The pirate hesitated.

"Hold on! That was far to easy. What's the rub."

Sora shook his head. Still, Jack was hesitant. He gently took the blade from Sora's hand, examining it in the moonlight. He jolted when it returned to Sora's hand. Pointing at Sora, he frowned.

"There, you see?" Sora dismissed Oatkeeper, lacing his hands behind his head.

"Well, you've always got the Pearl, Jack."

Jack nodded, leaning back against the rail.

"That I do. But someday, I'll gather a blood-thirsty crew, and come to take that blade. Chance by then I'll have a way to wield it." He turned to Will and Elizabeth.

"And if I succeed in doing so, I ask you two to join me. That'll be reward enough."

Ignoring Will's protests, Elizabeth sealed that deal. I tilted my head, ealking over to Sora.

"Someday, Jack, you might be able to wield the Keyblade after all." Jack and Sora turned to me, surprised.

"Why's that, Lass?" I smiled, crossing my arms.

"You and Sora are a lot alike." Jack and Sora looked at one another, speaking in unison.

"Are not!" They looked at one another again, and we all laughed. Jack returned us to the Harbor, and sailed the Pearl into open waters. We watched him sail out of sight, and Will spoke up.

"Some say that Jack Sparrow's the worst pirate to ever sail the Spanish Main." Elizabeth shook her head.

"No one could really mean that. Not about Jack, at least."

Will nodded, watching the Pearl fade out of sight.

"Right. We know he's the best." Sora smiled, leaning back against a crate.

"I hope we get to see him again someday."

Will and Elizabeth waved goodbye, heading back to town. Infinity beamed us back up. A strange sound from the consoles in the cockpit caught my attention, and I walked over with Sora behind me. I tapped the main screen.

"It's that reading from before. I knew it wasn't a glitch."

Sora frowned, looking at it over my shoulder.

"Sure, but it's still all clouded and fuzzy..." We took our seats, and I turned Infinity towards Agrabah. I looked over at Sora as he drew the gun turret down.

"Well, we do know one thing for sure."

"What's that?"

"Whenever we go out and help people, the reading gets stronger." Sora made a vaguely surprised noise as Infinity appeared between us. I turned to her.

"Infinity. Try and find out more about this reading. Sora and I are going to keep moving." She nodded.

"Of course, Captain. Good luck to both of you. She fizzed out of sight, and I turned my attention back to the stars beside us. We would need more than luck. We'd need a miracle to get through this alive...
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Done! I like this Jack. Mr. Skellington? NO!

 

xD lol, 'like the comment about the two jacks!

this was a good chapter... woke me up about trying to figure out the ending for my story.... about who Bailey should go to >.<

all in all you make me want to play THIS as a game of kingdom hearts xP its really exciting!

 

Jap: yeah. I'm puzzling about that, even now...the ending of Bonded Fate may not be what you expect..heehee! So...you wanna play this in a game? Yay!!!

Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
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We arrived close to the Peddler's shop in Agrabah, and headed inside. Sora almost knocked into a vase, but he managed to catch it before it hit the ground. The sound it had made caught the Peddler's attention, and he stood up straight.

"You break it, you buy it!" He turned around, and clapped his hands together at the sight of us.

"Oh! Hello there, friends!" All the gold and jewels behind him made Sora whistle in awe.

"Wow! You sure made out like a bandit since last time!" Peddler placed a hand over his heart.

"Please, dear boy, I'm nothing but an honest merchant. What you see here is merely the reward for all my hard work." I examined one of the pendants in the display cases.

"Well, they sure are pretty." The Peddler nodded, turban jolting up and down on his head.

"And they're on sale! Intrested in buying a pretty necklace to bring out that pretty face?" Sora and I glared at him, and he backed away. Sora stepped between him and I.

"No thanks. Listen, have you see a guy in a black cloak around here?" Peddler shook his head, very adamant.

"Who, me? Most certainly not!" Sora sighed, nodding.

"Okay, we'll just keep asking around then. Thanks for your help. Huh?" The door slammed open, letting Aladdin, Iago, and Abu into the shop. The boy cried out.

"Sora! Christie! Don't let him get away!"

We turned around in time to see the Peddler dart into a secret exit beneath his feet. He was gone before Aladdin could hop over the counter. When he couldn't pry the door open, he stood and dusted off his pants with a sigh. He hopped back over the counter, and Sora walked over to him.

"What's going on?" Aladdin shook his head, burying his face in his hands.

"I can't believe this...that stupid Peddler let Jafar out of the lamp!" Sora and I jumped.

"Jafar?!"

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Jafar pointed his snake staff at Aladdin, the younger male lying on the ground.

"Give me the magic lamp, Aladdin."
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"And now, street rats, I bid you farewell!" He turned, walking away with a swish of his cloak.

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"Crush those urchins!" Several Bandit's leapt at us, and Jafar laughed crazily.
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Aladdin nodded to our cry.

"Yeah. You two'd better be careful. I'm sure Jafar wants to take over Agrabah again, but I know he's out for revenge too." I laughed nervously.

"Still sore about the lamp thing, huh?" Aladdin nodded, turning to Iago as the parrot perched on the trophy we'd brought the Peddler last time.

"Iago was there when Jafar was released. Okay, Iago. Spill it." Iago took flight.

"Hey! I told you everything I know!" Aladdin glared at the parrot.

"This is your one and only chance, Iago. If I find out later that you've been lying or hiding things from us, we're through! I'll never speak to you again!" Iago sputtered, then stopped flapping his wings and fell to the counter.

"I can't take it! I know where Jafar is!" Sora turned to him.

"Where?" Iago sputtered, trying to avoid the inevitable.

"Uh, er, I mean, that is, I, um...Ack! I really shouldn't..."

Aladdin's shout startled the bird, and he sighed.

"He's in the Desert Ruins, ok?" Sora nodded, running out the door. When we didn't follow after him, he returned to the shop with an embarrased smile on his face.

"Iago, why don't you lead the way?"

The little parrot sighed, and guided us to the Palace Walls. We exited the city, and Sora gasped at the sight of a massive tornado just in sight, churning up the sands. There'd be no going through that. Iago seemed to sigh in relief, landing on my shoulder.

"What a disaster! We're just gonna hafta turn back."

Aladdin crossed his arms, shaking his head.

"No. There's gotta be a way..."

"Aw, c'mon kid, that's an easy one!" Genie flew down to our level, circling us all.

"Al, ol' buddy, ol' pal!" He swung around to spin around Aladdin, and I was amazed he didn't get dizzy. I was getting dizzy just watching him!

"This is what having a Genie for a best friend is all about! I mean, how can you leave me on the sidelines at a time like this?!"

He vanished, then reappeared above our heads, big as the castle. His eyes bugged out.

"Live large! Wow 'em Al!"

He vanished again, teleporting back to Al's side, this time as small as Iago.

"Give em the old razzmatazz! What do you say, kiddo?"

Sora waved, finally recovered from the spook of Giant Genie.

"Hey, Genie!"

The blue entity turned, teleporting to float between Sora and I at his normal size. He wrapped his arms around our shoulder, a stage whisper escaping his lips.

"You two kiddies wanna see a little something I call "Sandstorm Sweep"?"

We nodded, smiling as Genie turned to Aladdin. He smiled, nodding towards the sandstorm.

"Take it away, Genie!"

Genie broke out in a massive grin, gathering magic into his palms. He turned towards the sandstorm.

"Alakaza---wha?"

I had to bite my finger to keep from laughing at the look on his face as he turned back around. It seems he was disapointed in the size of that sandstorm.

"You know, one little, lousy sandstorm is just too easy."

He pointed one finger over his back at the storm, making it fade away with a little magic. We stared in awe as it disappeared, and Genie vanished. His voice rang out.

"How about giving me a little challenge next time, eh Al?"

Aladdin rolled his eyes in amusement, and we set out. The journey to the Sandswept Ruins was a long one, and my feet were aching when we got there. Of course, it was still in that gigantic hole in the ground, and there was no way to climb down now. Aladdin sighed, getting on one knee to take a closer look.

"Now what do we do? There's no way in from here..."

Sora frowned, looking around for a place to try and climb down. We ducked suddenly as the Magic Carpet flew overhead, catching our attention as it came lower. It stopped between Sora and Aladdin, pointing to itself with one tastle. Sora grinned.

"Nice timing, Carpet!"

It seemed to smile at the praise, and all three of us hopped on board. The moment we'd breached the Ruin's "entrance", a barrier went up behind us as Jafar's ghost appeared in front of us, cackling like the real one. I clamped my hands over my ears, it was making them hurt! Sora had Carpet chase after the ghost, and it called Heartless. Aladdin and I handled those, and the ghost vanished. A window in the tower slid open, and we headed inside to the Ruined Chamber. Sora leapt from Carpet first.

"The games up, Jafar!"

Aladdin and I hopped from Carpet a little slower, looking around. Aladdin seemed hesitant.

"Are you sure this is it? There's nobody here..."

He kicked at a stone, showering his foot with dust. He frowned.

"And it doesn't seem that anyone's been here for a very long time either." I turned to Iago, and the parrot flew back.

"Iago? What did you do?" Iago flew over to the remains of a pillar.

"Ya gotta understand, it wasn't my idea! It was Jafar. He made me bring you three here. You guys don't know him like I do, he can be very convincing! He said that if I didn't cooperate, he was gonna---" Aladdin snarled.

"Where is he?" Iago sputtered.

"C'mon AL, you've gotta forgive me!" Aladdin's eyes narrowed, and he stalked forward, scaring Iago.

"Where's Jafar?!" Iago took flight.

"Well...um, let's see...right about now, he's probably attacking the palace." We stared at him, and he backed away a little bit.

"I had no choice! His eyes, they got all creepy and wierd!" Sora shook his head, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white.

"Whatever! Iago, you're supposed to be our friend. But you've been playing both sides, just to make sure you save yourself."

Iago looked to me to rescue him, and I looked away. Iago looked close to tears as he flew back.

"I'm SORRY!!!"

He crashed into an urn, triggering the collapse of the Ruins. Carpet flew in, and Aladdin and Sora hopped on. I turned back to Iago, just sitting there as the walls caved in on the chamber. Against Sora's cries to get out of there, I grabbed the parrot and jumped out the window with a happy, almost insane, cry. Aladdin cursed, sending Carpet down to let Sora grab my free hand. He pulled me up, then glared at me as I caught my breath.

"What the hell were you thinking?! You could have died!" I set Iago down, then smiled.

"No, I wouldn't have. I still know Aero."

Sora huffed, looking away with a scowl. He yelped as Carpet turned harshly, taking us from the Ruins as they collapsed. I looked back as we crossed the desert, watching the Ruins tumble in on themselves. Nothing but a sand plume remained of what might have been a proud race. I shook my head, and turned back to face Agrabah as we arrived at the Palace Walls. We got off of Carpet, and it slumped to the ground. Aladdin kneeled down to it's level.

"Get some rest, Carpet. You've earned it." Iago took flight from my shoulder.

"C'mon! Let's get Jafar!" Sora frowned.

"And who asked you?" Iago backed away, and Aladdin called us over to the gates.

"The Palace is through here! Hurry!"

The city was in a panic. People running back and forth, gathering children, pets, and belongings and running for the desert to escape the wrath of the Heartless and Jafar. We ran through the crowded streets, into the near abandoned back alleys. Only the Peddler remained here, head in his hands as he sat in front of his shop. He looked up as we ran over.

"I guess you know everything now, eh?" Sora put his hands on his hips.

"You can't keep stuff this shady secret for long." Peddler nodded.

"So true. I had just snuck into the Palace to, er, "borrow" some treasure when I heard this...voice. It said: "Release me, and I will give you an even greater reward." I asked who he was, and he responded. "I am the true Sultan of Agrabah, imprisoned by villians.""

Peddler cradled his head in his hands.

"Oh! WHy did I believe such a tall tale? Perhaps I was under Jafar's spell....Yes! That must be it!" Sora rolled his eyes.

"And I'm sure the treasure had absolutely nothing to do with it." Peddler winced.

"Perhaps a bit. But Jafar...he never gave me a single coin." I tilted my head.

"Then, who did give you the treasure?" Peddler frowned.

"Why, the blue-haired man in the black cloak, of course. Did you not pass him on your way into my shop?" I stepped back in surprise. Saix had been here?! Oh no...Sora cursed.

"Organization XIII?! I KNEW IT!" Peddler stood up.

"The treasure was a gift, so I would tell no one of Jafar's return. He said he would destroy Jafar after turning him into a...oh, what was that word...oh yes. He said he would destroy Jafar after turning him into a "Heartless". So, there was no need to upset Agrabah." Aladdin scowled.

"And you bought all that?" Peddler scoffed, looking up at Aladdin.

"I'm a merchant, dear boy. And a good one at that. I will buy anything if the price is right. It would have been a succesful transaction as well, had I not been seen."

He glared up at Iago, still perched on my shoulder." We raced to the Palace, in time to see Jasmine yank her chin from Jafar's grasp and gasp happily as she saw Aladdin. Our friend smirked.

"You were saying, Jafar?" The ex-vizier turned away from us, acting disgusted. He suddenly caught sight of Iago, perched on my shoulder.

"You useless bird! You dare defy me?"

I summoned one of my daggers, shielding Iago from view as the eyes of Jafar's snake staff glowed a violent red. He suddenly switched targets to Aladdin, and Iago leapt from my shoulder to take the blow. He fell to the ground, chest feathers smoking. We glared at Jafar, and the ex-vizier cackled.

"You'll all be joining him...VERY soon!"

He began to glow with pent up magical energy, making red smoke billow out from behind him. Lifting up his hands, he backed into the smoke, changing into his Genie form and ripping a tower from the Palace. He dropped it above where were standing. I scooped up Iago, running into a small corner and ducking down as Aladdin rolled away. Carpet swept in to pick up Sora, and he took to the sky to combat Jafar. The red genie cried out after my friend.

"All shall bend to my will! The world is mine to control!"

Leaving Iago in a safe spot, I clambered over the downed tower in time to see Aladdin freeing Jasmine from her chains. They hugged one another tightly, then turned to the skies to see Sora and Jafar locked in combat. Unfortunatley, we had bigger fish to filet. I turned at the sound of a Dark Portal opening, and backed away slightly when Saix stepped through.

"Well, I see that Jafar is a lost cuase."

He glared at us, and Aladdin grabbed his sword. Saix scoffed, snapping his fingers and summoning 3 Berserkers. He vanished back into his Portal, leaving Aladdin and I to handle the Nobodies. Aladdin was quick to learn that getting behind them was generally a good idea, and they fell in time for us to hear Jafar's cry of defeat.

"No...! How can I be defeated again, by a pack of filthy street rats?!"

Amplified by the magic in the air, I could hear Sora call out to the dying Jafar.

"Don't mess with Street Rats!" Carpet brought Sora down to the Marketplace, and we ran over to him. Genie suddenly appeared, looking rather put out.

"You went mano a mano with Jafar, and you didn't invite me, Al?" Aladdin smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry, Genie. Things happened kinda fast..." Genie pouted, turning around as he crossed his arms.
"And I had some new moves to show off, too...." Sora laughed.

"Genie, we still need your help! Who's gonna fix Agrabah?" Genie blinked, looking around. The city was a bit of a mess. He nodded, rolling up his "sleeves".

"Oh, yeah! One super-duper spruced-up Agrabah, coming right up! You won't even recognize the place when I'm done with it!" Aladdin put a hand on his friends arm, catching the Genie's attention.

"Just like it was, please." Genie frowned.

"Really? Same old same old?" We nodded, and Genie sighed with a smile.

"All right." He swung his arms around, letting magic out to restore the city back to how it had been. Genie vanished.

"And, voila! Let me put in a few swimming pools, ok?" Aladdin smiled, stretching out a bit as Sora turned to him.

"I guess Agrabah's gonna be all right now." Aladdin nodded.

"Yeah. Thanks, you two." I turned to Iago, perched on one of the abandoned stands.

"Now Iago, you behave yourself, go it?" He nodded.

"I most definetly got it! No more looking out for number one, I'm reformed! I wanna be a good friend, like Genie, but I can't do anything to help you guys...what kinda friend is that?" Sora shook his head.

"No---it's not like that, Iago. Friends don't have to "do" stuff. As long as you have fun hanging out together, that's all that matters." As Iago processed Sora's words, Aladdin turned to us.

"So, what do you two do for fun?" Sora smirked, making a face.

"We do this!" I doubled over laughing as Sora smiled at the look on Aladdin's face.

"Uh...that's not quite I meant...." Sora nodded.

"Well, we'd better be going."

Aladdin nodded, and we all turned at the of a crash. I facepalmed at the now broken crate, and Iago picking himself up from the rubble. We all looked up as Genie's magic started to flow.

"Ooh! Was that my cue? Am I on? C'mon, Al, lemme build a freeway or something!"

Aladdin shook his head.

"Everything's fine, don't panic!" Genie's magic swirled around us, and I found myself smiling at the sheer joy that was now flooding the air. Aladdin called out.

"Genie!" Genie poofed into view, bursting at the seams from all his magic.

"But I can't hold it in any longer!"

He spun around in the air, laughing as the city began to sparkle. Genie vanished again, and Sora and I shared a smile. Genie's voice rang out again.

"Sora, Christie! You two are just too much! If you're ever in the mood for some more cosmic razzle-dazzle, just gimme a shout, ok!" We gave an affirmative, and Aladdin laughed.

"Well, you've done it again, Sora, Christie. Don't forget about us, ok?" Sora and I nodded.

"We won't." Aladdin looked at Sora, eyes sympathetic.

"And Sora...about that friend of yours, the one you're looking for? You'll find him. I promise."

Aladdin put his hands on Sora's shoulders as my cousin looked away. I looked up towards the sky, closing my eyes. For the moment, the Genie's magic could wash away the fears of tomorrow.

And that moment, was all we had.
------
Not too fond of this chapter, but It's better than my KH1 Agrabah....I think.

 

:D Nice chapter!

 

Thanks!

Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
----

The flight back to Halloween Town was a short one, but I was dreading the return to that world all the same. Infinity beamed us down into the Hinterlands, and Sora stepped back at the sight of dozens of small presents scattered around on the ground. Jack, still dressed in his Santa Suit, was picking some up, and he turned when he heard us.

"Perfect timing, gentleman and lady! Lend me a hand, won't you? These presents must belong to Sandy Claws, so I thought I'd better return them." Sora frowned, crossing his arms.

"And you just happened to find them?" Jack smiled a little nervously, laughing slightly.

"Of course, Sora. I'm finished with Christmas fantasies. You know that." I scowled, picking up a small red wrapped box.

"And yet, you held onto that suit." Jack looked over himself, and shrugged.

"What, this? It's just a costume. Besides, Sally worked so very hard making it! Come on now, we've got work to do!"

We managed to collect all the scattered presents, and Jack pried open the door to the Snowy Hill with a foor. We all leapt in feet first, and headed towards the Workshop. The elves inside were in a panic, running this way and that to make more presents. They stopped when we placed the boxes onto the table, and Santa sighed in relief as he took the last one from Jack's hands.

"Wherever did you find these?" Jack smiled.

"In Halloween Town. You'll be needing them for Christmas, right, Sandy?"

Santa nodded, frowning a little.

"Yes, of course. But these are just a few of the presents that were stolen last night..."

Sora jumped a foot in the air, hat falling from his head.

"Stolen!?" We turned to Jack, and he scratched his head as he turned back to Santa.

"Oh, Sandy...you don't think it was me?"

"Still wearing that outfit, I see." Jack frowned, crossing his long arms.

"I just thought that I'd dress for the occasion. But, if you don't believe me, then we'll just have to find out who really did it." Santa nodded.

"Very well then, I'll leave it to you." Jack whirled on his heel, heading for the door.

"All right, Sora, Christie! We're off!"

He walked away to leave as Sora and I slumped in defeat. We started to walk after him, when a crash sounded from the Toy Factory. I ran for the door, stepping around confused elves as Sora and Jack barely kept up with me. Shoving the door to the Wrapping Room open, I wasn't surprised to see Lock, Shock, and Barrel inside, tossing toys this way and that. Sora called out to them.

"So you three took them!" Shock tilted her head in confusion.

"Took what?" Jack's eyes narrowed.

"You stole the presents, didn't you!" Lock and Barrel shook thier heads as Shock took off her mask for a minute.

"Wasn't us, but...that really sounds like fun!" She put her mask back on, and they scattered. I jumped down to the lower level, shouting over my shoulder.

"Shut the doors!"

Jack and Sora quickly complied, then jumped down to help me out. It was a difficult fight, and we all had bumps and bruises when it was over. Boxes were scattered all over the place, and Sora's hat had fallen off again. The kids sat against one of the conveyor belts, panting as Sora stood over them.

"Where'd you put the presents?" Shock childishly glared up at Sora.

"I told you! We don't have 'em!" I crossed my arms.

"Then why were you in here?" Lock looked away, pouting.

"We're looking for parts for the experiment." Jack jumped, startled.

"Experiment?" Lock nodded.

"Dr. Finkelstein's making us a friend! One we can boss around all we like!"

Jack tilted his head.

"It's true that the doctor's been hard at work making something lately...."

Lock nodded, then looked away.

"Besides, Christmas presents are boring. Not scary or gross at all. So, what good are they?" Barrel gave an agreeing cry, and Lock stood up.

"There's nothing fun here. Let's go back to Halloween Town!" They ran out the door as Santa came inside to see what the racket had been, and he stared after the kids for a moment. He turned back to Jack as we walked over to him.

"So, were those pranksters responsible for taking the gifts." Jack shook his head.

"It doesn't look like it anymore..." Santa frowned.

"Than that means..." Sally suddenly ran in, crashing into Jack. He wrapped his arms around her back, keeping her upright.

"Sally!" She put her hands on his chest, backing away.

"Oh, thank goodness, you're all here!" Sora walked over, concerned.

"Is something wrong?" Sally nodded.

"Yes. The Heartless are back in the Town Square. I thought you'd want to know."

Sora nodded his thanks, running past Santa and Sally to return to Halloween Town. I jumped off the ramp to follow after him as Jack ran after us.

"What about finding the gift-nabber?"

Sally said something to him, and he quickened his pace. We made it back to the Town Square in record time, where the Mayor was once again fending off the Heartless with his megaphone.

"You! You can't be here! Leave Halloween Town, by order of the Mayor!" The Wight Knights were too busy playing with thier stolen presents to notice the portly man, and he panicked.

"Somebody? Anybody! I'm only an elected official, I can't handle this by myself!" He scurried off when we arrived, and Jack scowled.

"Sally was right! We've got to get those presents!"

Sora summoned Oathkeeper as I called my daggers, and we raced into combat. No magic was used, for fear of hurting the gifts, but Jack was still a formidable opponent with kicks and punches. The last Heartless dropped it's present, and Jack walked over to the open box, not noticing the doll he was squishing beneath his boot.

"What a shame! It look's like it was such a nice present, too." Sora noticed the doll.

"Uh, Jack..." We looked up at a metal slam, as Dr. Finkelstein came crawling out his lab.

"Oh, help! Someone, help me! My latest experiment is gone! It's been stolen!"

Jack bolted up the stairs to help the doctor, while we followed at a slower pace. We entered the lab to find it a mess, with parts and beakers of strange, glowing fluids strewn around the ground. Dr. Finkelstein sat back in his wheelchair to tell us what had happened.

"I was just sitting here brainstorming, when all of a sudden I was attacked! I collapsed, and when I awoke, my experiment was gone!" Jack smiled.

"Don't worry, Doctor. We know who took it." Finkelstein whirled on Jack.

"Who?!" Sora shrugged.

"The Heartless." Jack nodded, then frowned as Finkelstein scoffed.

"What? Those wretched things? Preposterous! This was nothing like a Heartless!"

Sora frowned.

"If it wasn't the Heartless, then who else could it have been?"

Jack frowned, then snapped his fingers.

"Say, I have an idea! The thief must like Christmas Presents an awful lot. So...we place irresistible gifts about to draw him into a trap!" Finkelstein scowled.

"And this miscreant is the same one who stole my experiment?" Jack nodded, and I let my breath out in a whoosh.

"That's all well and good, but how will we know for sure?" Jack smiled.

"Why, my dear friend, that's easy! We'll scare a confession right out of him!" I rolled my eyes with a sigh, and Sora put a hand on my shoulder.

"What do you say we go with Jack's plan, just for now?" I nodded, and Jack smiled.

"Then let's get to Sandy's house, posthaste! We've got to make some Christman Presents, quickly!"

We ran after him as he bolted from the lab, back to Santa's Lab. The not-so-jolly-anymore man greeted us at the door.

"Have you found the presents yet?" Jack shook his head.

"Not yet, Mr. Claws. But, we're going to reel the thief in with a bait he can't resist. Christmas Presents! Is it all right if we used your factory to make them?"

Santa stroked his beard in throught.

"Presents as bait? Goodness, I don't like the sound of that...but, just this once...since it's for a good cause. All right, use the second floor. Just, put some Heart into it!"

We nodded in thanks, and ran up to the second floor. One of Santa's elves explained the process, and we got to work. It was fun, and Sora laughed harder than I'd heard in years. When it was all done, there were 99 boxes filled with toys and wrapped. The last one, wrapped, was for us to hid in. Sora hopped off the machine and dusted his hands off.

"All done." Jack shook his head.

"Not quite, Sora." I frowned.

"There's more?" Jack patted us on the shoulders, walking off somewhere.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of the rest." Sora and I shared a look, and returned to Santa's house. The man in red looked up at us as we entered the main room.

"Did you finish the presents?" Sora nodded.

"Yeah, we're just waiting for Jack." I tapped one of my feet, crossing my arms.

"So, where should we put them? It's an awful lot of presents to just put them in the Main Square..." Santa "hmmed" in thought, then jolted.

"Oh, I know a good spot. Just say the word, whenever you're ready." Jack walked back in at that moment, giving a nod to Santa. Sora and I turned to them both, missing something, but Santa was one step ahead of us.

"Now then, are you all set?" We nodded, and returned to Candy Cane Lane. Santa pulled out a key from one of his many pockets, and unlocked the door leaved to the Plaza.

"This Plaza should work well for your plan. Now then, Jack, just what is your plan?" Jack smiled widely.
"I've got it all figured out!" Santa frowned.

"You do, do you?" Jack nodded, still grinning.

"Of course! And I also have a wonderful idea. If we catch the thief for you, I would be honored to deliver the---" Sora jumped up onto Jack's shoulders, covering his mouth as I pushed the skeleton man into the Plaza.

"And on that note, we'll be leaving!"

Jack made muffled protests under Sora's glove, but stopped mumbling once Sora patted his shoulder and hopped back to the ground. Inside the Plaza, all the presents were laid out on the snow. Sora caught on when he saw the big open box in the center, and heaved a sigh as we clambered in. I yelped as someone's foot kicked me in the arm.

"Stop kicking!" Sora groaned.

"It wasn't me!" Jack, at least, I think it was him, sighed.

"Patience friends." A few minutes later, the box shifted and I was once again kicked.

"Cut it out!" I kicked back, making Jack yelp. Given the situation, my response was well recieved.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Jack. Was that your head?" Sora groaned again.

"Why do we have to be the bait?" I actually heard Jack smile, and sighed.

"Good plan, isn't it?" I was kicked a third time, and kicked back again.

"Either cut it out or I'll---what was that?"

We all turned at the sound of footsteps outside, and Sora and Jack popped out of the box first. Imagine thier surprise to see the Experiment instead of a human or Heartless. I climbed out of of the box a little slower, and clocked them both over the head as they gaped.

"Come on boys, snap out of it."

Recovering thier wits, we leapt into combat. Thunder Spells seemed to work wonders on it, and even with the amount of trouble it gave us when it split itself apart, it was easy enought to take down. Jack leapt into the air happily.

"We did it! We solved the mystery!" Santa swooped down in his sleigh.

"Did you catch the thief?" Jack nodded, and Sora kneeled down in the snow to examine a part of the destroyed experiment.

"I just can't figure out why the Doctor's experiment would go around stealing the Christmas presents..." Santa's eyebrows vanished into his hair.

"His experiment?!" Jack nodded.

"The thief. It was a moving puppet made by Dr. Finkelstein." Santa walked over to it, gently placing what had been it's arm with the rest of the parts.

"Hmm...so, the Doctor's made a moving puppet? I see...he is always tinkering with things..." He turned to Jack.

"Now listen, Jack. I'd like to thank you, and while delivering presents is a job that only I can do, I can give you an idea of what it's like."

Jack was overjoyed as he jumped into the sleigh, taking off into the star-filled sky. Santa turned back to the puppet.

"Yes, all that poor puppet wanted was a heart..." We turned skyward as Jack let out a joyous cry,
returning to Halloween Town. Santa waved us on, and we headed after the Skeleton man.

----

The walk back to Halloween Town was a quick one, and Dr. Finkelstein was waiting for us to arrive. He crossed his arms after Sora finished the tale.

"Interesting! So, the pupper wasn't stolen after all! It ran away on it's own! In other words, my experiment was an overwhelming success!" Sora laced his fingers behind his head.

"Santa Claus thinks that it left becuase it was trying to find a Heart."

Finkelstein nodded, stroking his chin.

"That's quite possible. Unlike my Sally, it wasn't equipped with a Heart."

Finkelstein spun his wheelchair around, heading back towards his lab. Sora frowned.

"But if it wanted a heart, then why was it going around stealing all those Christmas Presents?" Sally walked over to us, fingers laced in front of her.

"Maybe because...presents are a way to give your heart to someone special." Sora nodded.

"Yeah...when you put it that way, I feel sort of bad for it..."

We looked up at the sound of bells above us, where Santa's sleigh was dropping Jack back in his hometown. It began to snow as Jack landed, and Sally smiled.

"What a nice present..." Jack frowned, confused.

"I don't understand. There's no box, no ribbon tied in a bow!" Sora shook his head.

"Jack, it's not about the box or ribbons, it about what's inside the box!"

Sally shook her head.

"No, Sora. What really counts--what's really special--is the act of giving the gift. To wish deep in your heart to make someone else happy."

Sora nodded, looking to the ground as Jack's face broke out in a grin.

"Right...of course! Thank you, Sally, you're absolutely right. Wait...what's this? I feel strange, so very happy." I smiled.

"Jack, that's Sally's present." Jack blinked.

"Really? This wonderful feeling?"

Jack turned back to Sally, taking her hands into his.

"Oh, Sally! You've given me the nicest present in the world! And I've got nothing to give you in return...What would you like? Just name it. Absolutely anything!"

Sally freed one of her hands, putting it on Jack's cheek.

"The nicest present I could ever ask for, Jack, is just to be with you." Sora and I looked away to give them some privacy, and I could hear the joy in Jack's voice.

"You don't even have to ask for that." He scooped Sally up into his arms, jumping to the other side of the plaza. Sora looked to the sky, eyes distant.

"Maybe...Maybe I never gave her a real present after all." I turned to him.

"Kairi, right?" He nodded, and I smiled.

"Kairi liked everything you gave her, Sora." Sora nodded, blushing a little.

"I know. That's what made it so hard to choose!" I shook my head with a smile.

"It's not the gift, Sora, it's what's in your heart." Sora put a hand to his heart, looking up at the snow falling from the sky.

"My heart..."

"Yeah. Kairi's a lot like Sally."

"How so?"

"Well, as long as she can be with you, what else does she need?"

We turned to Sally and Jack, dancing away in the Square. I fingered my necklace, replacing Jack and Sally with Riku and I. We twirled around in the snow, smiling at one another. I almost reached out to him, but Sora's chuckle snapped me from my vision. I turned to my cousin, taking one last look at Jack and Sally before turning toward the Hinterlands.

"Come on. We'd better go." Sora nodded, and we walked away.

-----
(head in hands) I. AM. NEVER. COMING. BACK. HERE. AGAIN. UGH!!!!!!!!!!

On that not, Chrissie didn't get many lines in this chapter...oh well.

 

I love this chapter! :D

 

Thanks, Mikaila.

Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
-----

Putting Halloween Town behind us, the flight to Pridelands was a lot lighter. Of course, the fact that Sora was daydreaming about Kairi the whole time helped with that. He jolted out of that dream when Infinity suddenly came to a screeching halt. Sora and I were thrown back against our seats, the lights suddenly turning off. Infinity's form appeared, scared enough to have turned into a Cait Sith and lunge to hide behind my seat. Sora's scream of surprise made me look back to the main window, and I jumped a foot in the air at what was out there.

A glaring red, Hunter X.

I had never managed to take down that thing in-game, and I'd modified Infinity as best as I could. If we had to fight it now...we were screwed. Thankfully, it just passed us by, not even caring we were there. Infinity vanished, and the lights started slowly coming back on. I sagged in my seat, head in my hands as we moved forward again. I could hear Sora swallow from this distance.

"What...what the hell was that?!"

I shook my head, dragging him out of his seat and towards the Data Terminal in the rear compartment. I brought up the only information on Hunter's that we had, tapping the display.

"That was a Hunter X, an upgraded version of this bad boy. No one's ever come out of a fight with that in one piece, we only know they exist becuase of Space Probes from other Galactic Systems. The Solana and Polaris Systems know the most about them, but they're months away by normal travel."

Sora crossed his arms, still looking over the displayed information. After a moment, he shook his head.

"So, what? If we run into that stupid thing again, what then?" I shrugged.

"Besides pray, there's not much you can do but hope what's onboard your ship is enough to take it down."

Sora nodded, and we beamed down to the Savannah when we arrived at the Pridelands. The area was slowly recovering from it's ordeal, but it had a long way to go. I turned at the sound of pawsteps, and greeted Senzi, Banzai and Ed with a snarl. Banzai returned the gesture.

"Oh, it's you two. Man, we were hoping that you two were a meal..." Sora snorted.

"Hi to you guys too." Banzai snarled.

"Don't gimme any of that "hi!" crap! Thank's to you clowns, we're back to scavenging scraps for a living." Ed laughed, and Shenzi gave her not-so-brain-dead companion a sharp nudge.

"C'mon Ban, it's not that bad. I enjoyed that week dead elephant we had yesterday." To his credit, Sora didn't make a face at the sound of that. However, he did ask a question.

"Hey, do you three know how Simba is?" They started to laugh, and Banzai recovered first.

"We gotta laugh everytime we hear that dudes name!" They contined to laugh for a little while, before Sora and I had enough. Roaring, we pounced on them. They ran off, with Shenzi calling over her shoulder.

"Go on then, see for yourselves! Simba is one wishy-washy king!" Sora yowled after them, then walked back over to where we had arrived. I tilted my head, tail lashing back and forth.

"I wonder what could have happened..." Sora snorted.

"We better go check on Simba..." I nodded, and we took off across the Savannah. We reached Pride Rock just as the sun began to set, making me think the shadow near Rafiki's Cave was just that. But when it sprang to life in the form of Scar's ghost, Sora and I yowled.

"Scar?!" He ran forward towards the ghost, but it vanished before he got there, taking the shadow with it. I frowned.

"A ghost...we'd better tell Simba about this. I wonder if he's in the Den..." Sora nodded, and we headed up the ramp to the entrance to the Den. One of the Lionesses greeted us there.

"Have you come to see King Simba?" Sora nodded, tail lashing.

"Yeah! We've gotta tell him about Scar's ghost!" The lioness frowned.

"An omen like that could only be the foretelling of the end of this pride. And yet...King Simba does not act. I suppose the son of the Great King Mufasa just isn't ready to rule the Kingdom himself." Sora shook his head.

"Trust me, Simba will think of something." Still, the Lioness was unconvinced.

"The time for thinking is now past. We need him to take action, as his father would have done. He ruled with courage, and pride. I remember it like yesterday. The Mighty Mufasa..." Sora winced.

"Simba'll do all that, too. You'll see!" The Lioness shook her head, walking away.

"I'm not so sure." We stared after her for a moment, then proceeded into the Den. Simba was sitting on the nesting rock, just staring at nothing. He noticed us after I tripped over a loose stone.

"You came back.." I shook off the dust, frowning at the feeling I was getting.

"Are you ok? You don't look so good right now..." Simba gave a tired little smile, and Sora walked over.
"Hey, Simba. Why don't we team up and do something about that Scar ghost? Seems' like everybody's worried about. So, now's your big chance to show them just what you're made of!" Simba snarled, turning on us.

"That doesn't concern you!" Sora and I stepped back, and the surprise and worry must have shown on our faces, becuase Simba looked away.

"Sorry..." Sora shook his head.

"It's okay, don't worry about it." Simba sighed, sprawling out on the rock.

"I just wish I knew what my father would do now..." I shook my head, sitting back on my hind legs.
"Sure, but he's not here anymore, Simba. It's all up to you now. And that means the important thing is what you're gonna do, being the king. Not what your father would have done." Simba raised his head, looking towards us.

"So you're saying...it's all up to me..." I nodded, and Sora smiled.

"See! There ya go." My ears perked at the sound of footsteps behind us, but it was only Timon and Pumbaa.

"Exactly!" Timon clambered over to Simba.

"Listen, Kiddo, we know that your daddy was a great king and all, but it's your turn now. Remember what Pumbaa and I taught ya. "You gotta put the past behind you." It's time to go on out there and show everybody how things are gonna be just fine!" Sora and I nodded, my cousin breaking into a grin.

"Yeah! You can do it!" Timon climbed onto Pumbaa's head.

"Ya gotta live for today!" Pumbaa swayed his head, making his companion hold on for dear life.

"And find your own path!" Simba stood, looking more and more convinced as time passed.

"Live for today...find my own path...not my Father's..." Sora nodded, and Nala walked up behind us. I smiled as her very pregnant belly swayed beneath her as she walked up to her mate.

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Simba." She turned to us.

"Promise me you'll help Simba any way you can." Timon grabbed both of our jaws, having recovered from his brush with "death".

"So long as you two crazy kitties handle the dangerous parts!" We nodded, and he let go. Nala nuzzled Simba's jaw.

"I'm counting on you, Simba. And so is our baby." He smiled, giving her a lick on the ear before we left the Den. Timon called out after us.

"You come back, Simba! I ain't fathering this kid too!" We laughed, he'd do it anyway, whether Simba made it back or not. Padding down to Rafiki's Den in the Stone Hollow, the old mandrill met us there.

"Oh ho ho! The king, is he ready to be king?" Simba nodded, and Rafiki let us in. Sora padded forward.

"Can you tell us about Scar's ghost?" Rafiki sat down, kneading some plants together in a stone bowl.

"Oh, yes...the ghost. A being with no body. It is created when the evil heart of Scar meets the hesitating heart of Simba." Simba stared.

"Hesitating?" Rafiki nodded, wisdom kicking in.

"Ohhh, I see. You thought you were not?" I frowned, tilting my head.

"That ghost sounds a lot like a Heartless...looks like it too." Sora shook his head.

"It does look like a Shadow...but I dunno..." Rafiki nodded.

"That's right. You don't. But, you do know that it is upsetting. And it is upsetting the Hearts of everybody in these Pride Lands. You may not know what it is, but it still IS. These worlds, they are full of many such things. And these things, a King must face. It is the test that has been set for you, Simba." Simba frowned.

"That's all? Come on, Rafiki. You have to tell us more about the ghost..." Rafiki grabbed his staff, whacking Simba on the jaw.

"No! Rafiki has told you all he will tell you. But the hyenas in the Elephant Graveyard, they may tell you
more. Does not matter, though. There is little the Simba of late can do." Sora scowled.

"Aw, don't say that! Not when he's ready to try!" Rafiki gave Sora a blank look.

"In his head, perhaps. But what about his heart?" Sora opened his mouth to speak up again, but Simba shook his head.

"Forget it, Sora. Let's just go for the hyenas." Rafiki laughed as we left his Den, and I rolled my eyes. Crazy old baboon. We ran across the Savannah, making it the Elephant Graveyard just as the moon began to rise, casting an eerie silver light about the area. Banzai saw us first, looking up from thier relatively fresh meal. Sora made a face at the entrails hanging from the hyena's jaw, only looking back when Banzai swallowed and spoke up.

"Come ON, can't you guys just leave us alone?" Simba stepped forward.

"Do you three know anything about Scar's ghost?" Shenzi stared.

"Scar's...ghost? Kitty, just what are smokin'?" Ed laughed, but shut up when Shenzi glared at him. She shook her head, stepping past Banzai to stare up at Simba.

"Look. We don't know nuthin' about no ghost of Scar. If anything, he's just hanging around cause you're a fraidy cat." I stiffened, turning around to see the shadow that was the ghost. I looked over my shoulder at Simba.

"He's here..." Simba and Sora whirled around as Banzai stepped over to protect Shenzi, not that it was needed. Scar's ghost was fully intent on Simba. He cackled.

"How does it feel to be king, hmm? Why, you must be a truly inspiring ruler by now." Simba started to back away, and I could smell the fear radianting off of him. Scar pounced on that fear.

"After all, you are the son of the great Mufasa." That was the straw to break the camel's back, and Simba ran for it. Sora called after him, but the elder lion paid no mind. Ed laughed as Scar's ghost faded, and I sighed as they stalked away.

"Rafiki was right." Sora turned to me.

"You mean, Simba's still hesitating?" I nodded.

"Sure seems that way. I wonder if there's anyway we can help him..."

Sora tilted his head, then nodded.

"We can start by talking to Simba some more. Maybe he just needs another peptalk. Let's get back to the Pridelands." We ran out across the Savannah, skidding to a stop when Scar's shost popped up in front of us. It snarled, then faded away to let us return to safety. Nala met us at the entrance of the Stone Hollow, looking exhuasted.

"Where's Simba?" Sora looked away, shaking his head. Rafiki popped out of his den, laughing.

"Oh ho ho! He ran away! I knew it would not be so easy for him. To face his fears, he must go somewhere where the only thing to do is think of what to do, not what others think of him." I sighed.

"Why didn't you say so earlier..." Rafiki laughed, walking away like the crazy old baboon he was. Sora huffed.

"But where'd Simba go now?" Timon walked over.

"Hey, I know! He's at the Oasis. It's our favorite hangout!" Sora nodded.

"Got it! Let's go check it out, Chris." I nodded, and we turned to run off again. We would have, had Pumbaa not gotten in the way.

"I'll lead the way!" Timon grabbed his friends tail, digging his feet into the ground.

"Oh no you don't! Simba's gonna smell you coming a mile away. And if he's smart, he'll run for the hills!"

Pumbaa nodded, and Timon waved us on. The run to the Oasis was a long one, and Sora and I were exhuasted to the bone when we finally arrived. But that exhuastion wore off suddenly when we caught sight of Scar's Ghost forcing Simba to the cliff in the Oasis. Sora yowled, snapping Simba's attention from the ghost back to us. The ghost vanished, and Simba sighed in disbelief.

"It's just no use. I'll never be the King my father was..." Sora frowned.

"Simba...that's not what you're supposed to be. You can't be Mufasa, you can only be you. Everybody believe in you as a king, they just want to see what you'll do. And if anyone's saying you like your father better, it's just becuase you haven't done anything yet." Simba nodded.

"I know, Sora. I know." When exhuasted, Sora tended to snap. Just like he was doing now.

"Then stop moping and do something!" Simba shook his head, backing away.

"I can't!" Sora sighed, looking away.

"Fine. Let's go, Chris." I sighed, walking away with Sora. Before we left the Oasis, I turned back to Simba.

"Two years ago, you said that I was the one. You know the hope that gave me?" I shook my head, walking away. He didn't get it.

"Maybe you should have put more faith in yourself, not just me and Sora." We left the Oasis, before a roar made both Sora and I whirl on our heels and return to the Oasis. Scar's ghost was fading away, and Simba was standing strong. He looked over the both of us, smiling.

"You know, I'm really lucky to have friends who'll stand by me, and to help me see clearly. My father...he wasn't so fortunate." Sora rolled his eyes.

"There you go with that again." Simba shook his head.

"I mean...everyone here, and in the Pride Lands, they want me to succeed. Sora, Christie, Donald, Goofy, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki...Nala. You all want what's best for me. But my father always had Scar lurking behind his back, waiting to cut him down. And I've got to make the most of my blessings, and rebuild this Kingdom." I smirked. That was the Simba from before.

"Are you gonna keep talking about it, or actually do it?" Simba smiled.

"Just wait and see."

"Simba!" We all whirled around as Timon came rocketing into the Oasis. He crashed down in front of Simba, panting.

"Simba! Come quick! There's a bazillion Scar ghosts haunting the Pride Lands! Everybody but Nala ran for the hills, and she needs your help!"

Simba ran off, leaving us to run after him as Timon stood there. Timon hadn't been kidding, the Pride Lands were filled with the ghosts of the false king, just waiting to pounce on any unsuspecting prey. Simba didn't give them a chance, clawing and biting them with a rage I'd never seen before. He cleared a path for Sora and I, and we chased after him to Pride Rock, where Pumbaa stood between Nala and the last of Scar's ghosts. Simba lunged forward, staring the ghost down.

"Get. Out."

Smiling almost kindly, the ghost vanished as Simba turned to Nala. She ran forward, nuzzling him as Pumbaa fainted. The ground suddenly rumbled beneath our paws, heralding the GroundShaker's creation. Simba turned to us.

"Are you with me?" We bowed, and Sora looked up with a cheeky grin.

"Now and forever, your Majesty!"

Simba smiled, giving Nala a lick before we ran off towards the GroundShaker. It roared, living up to it's name as Sora climbed up to the creatures back and dealt blows upon blows to it's Magician. He was shaken off as the thing ran for the Elephant Graveyard, leaping a canyon that was too big for us to cross before doubling back to run for Pride Rock. Simba put on a burst of speed, launching Sora up onto the creatures back to stall it before helping me up, then climbing on himself. We managed to almost kill it, before it threw us off and continued it's run for Pride Rock. Simba yowled.

"If it reaches Pride Rock! Nala!" I skidded to a halt, sitting back on my haunches and closing my eyes. It was the only way. I heard Griever's roar in my head.

"Child! Are you insane! This will force your heart to the breaking point!"

I know, Griever. I know. But this has to be done.

Calling on the Darkness that made the Groundshaker to boost the spell, I focused the Dark Void to start forming beneath it's feet. Sora came to a full stop, yanking on Simba's tail to stop them from falling into the Darkness. Groundshaker roared as the Void began to climb towards it's front legs, but could do nothing as it's own esscence betrayed it, forcing it down the Portal and out of the Pridelands forever. The second it was gone, I broke the spell. Barely managing to stand, I somehow padded over to Sora and Simba, grinning slightly. Sora stayed close by as we returned to Pride Rock, where Nala greeted Simba with a tackle. Sora smiled.

"Simba seems fine now." I nodded, flinching as Rafiki popped up behind us.

"Ha! The King has returned! The Pride Lands will not forget King Simba's courage, nor that of those who fought beside him." I sagged a little as Simba walked over to us.

"Do you think that your quest will ever be over?" Sora shrugged.

"I don't know. But I do know that as long as the Keyblade stays with me, I'll just keep fighting." Rafiki nodded.

"Ahh yes, the struggle for Light and Darkness. It never ends, but that is the Great Circle of Life." Sora nodded, yelping as Rafiki clocked him over the head.

"Listen! The secret to this fight is...a strong heart." He pointed up the sky, making Sora look up.

"Go on, go on, go---go then!" He laughed, jumping away from Sora's playful swipes.

"Go on, get out! Yes, Yes! It is time! Your fight continues!" He walked away, waving goodbye with his staff as Sora turned to Simba.

"Until we meet again, Simba." The King nodded.

"I hope that's soon." We nodded, and walked off as Simba and Nala returned to thier Den. Infinity beamed us up, and the second we were on board, my legs gave out beneath me. Sora lunged forward, catching my arm before I hit the ground.

"Chris! You ok?" I shook my head, pointing to one of the seat benches.

"Need...sleep..." Sora laughed a little, setting me down before heading to the cockpit to get some rest himself. Before either of us could nod off, the Radio squawked, coming to life. Sora keyed it in, and Cid's face appeared. The old man sighed.

"You two might wanna head on home. Cloud...he ain't gonna last much longer." I propped myself up on one elbow, looking at Cid.

"What happened?" Cid shook his head.

"His Geostigma's taken a turn for the worst. Aerith, her healing spells ain't doing a thing." Cid vanished, and Sora and I looked at one another before turning back to the radio. I sighed.

We were going home. I just hoped it wasn't to bury a friend.
----
Note: Jap, Don't kill me!

 

It's been three days since I posted the last chapter. I have to ask...

IS ANYBODY STILL READING THIS?!

----

Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
----

I slept through the entire flight back to Hollow Bastion, waking up just as we docked in the harbor. Sora and I ignored the Heartless running through the dawn-lit town, jumping the banister of the Borough staircase to avoid a Dusk. Merlin was waiting for us at the door to his home, and he rushed us in, slamming the door behind him. Aerith's eyes were red and swollen from crying, and Yuffie was looking very out of place when she looked up at us.

"You made it back in time. He's still hanging on." She gestured to a room upstairs, where Vincent was guarding the door. I leaned back against the wall, confused.

"How's Bailey handling this?" Cid shook his head as he peeked over Merlin's chalkboard.

"Not good. Kiddo's up with Cloud now, she can't stop crying." He turned to me.

"Your old pals went with Leon to the Labs, the MCP's screwing with the town. As if we didn't have to worry enough about Spike right now..."

Aerith's head shot up, and she glared at Cid. He blanched, vanishing behind the chalkboard to resume typing at his computer. The brown-haired woman sighed, running a hand through her hair. She stood, walking up the stairs and past Vincent into Cloud's room. Yuffie shook her head.

"The Town Alarm went off about 4 hours ago, and Leon went over to the Lab to see what the fuss was about. Turns out the MCP is using the data it still has access too to churn out Heartless and stick 'em in town. It's also hijacked Cid's "baby" and turned it against us." Merlin shook his head.

"That, my dear, is a computer program for you. You can't trust them!" I stared at the old wizard, then sighed as Sora turned to Yuffie.

"Any sign of Tron?" The ninja shook her head.

"Evan couldn't reach him. He figures that Tron might have been forced onto the Game Grid." Yuffie winced, flopping over onto Merlin's couch.

"And it doesn't sound like a particularly fun game to me." Sora nodded, biting his lip.

"We'll go see if we can reach Tron." Cid nodded, not looking up from his work.

"Thanks, kid. We're puttin together an MCP Eradication program, and I gotta hunch that it's almost finished." Merlin glared.

"Well, I hope your hunch is right!" Cid stared, and Sora and I edged for the door. Yuffie cut us off.
"Listen, you two have to reach Tron. We're gonna need his help when the Eradicator's complete." We nodded, and Sora thumped his chest.

"Don't sweat it! We'll make sure to tell Tron."

We ran out the door, dodging Heartless, Dusks, and the Defense System all the way to the Postern. Thankfully, the tunnels towards the Lab were empty of all opposition until we reached the doors. I skidded to a halt as we caught sight of Sephiroth seeming to gaurd the entrance. He turned to us when he heard our footsteps, and nodded.

"Leon and your friends are inside." We ran past him, and I skirted the lab entirely to enter the Computer Room

"Nii-san!" He whirled around, then sighed in relief as he realized it was just me. He nodded to Sora, then turned back to the computer as Evan cursed. Nii-san turned to us.

"Did you two talk to Cid? How's the Eradicator coming along?"

"It's almost finished."

Leon nodded, turning towards the manufactory as there was another thump on the door. Mikaila stood at the ready, sword in hand in case a Heartless broke through. I patted Nii-san on the arm.

"Nii-san, go help Cid. Mikaila and Evan can cover this room." He blinked, looking back at my friends.

"Are you sure? All by themselves?" They turned, glaring at him for a moment as he smiled sheepishly.

"Right...sorry." He ran off, and I walked over to the computer, Evan giving little sign he knew I was there.

"How's Tron?" Evan shook his head.

"We can't find him. Maybe you two should give this a try?" Sora shook his head.

"No, we'll go talk to him in person." Evan nodded, entering some last minute hacks into the MCP to slow it down.

"Then I have a favor to ask. When you find Tron, tell him to go to the I/O tower. That's where we'll have to upload the Eradicator." We nodded, and Evan backed away from the computer as the Transporter Beam came online.

"Thanks. Good luck, both of you." We were shipped off to the empty Pit Cell, and Sora peered out the "window" to the city below. He whistled at all the Heartless running around, and I bit my lip.

"I sure hope Tron's ok.." Sora nodded, heading over to the Terminal.

"Me too. Let's get to the Game Grid." He accessed the Terminal, and we were off.

----
Yuffie jumped a foot in the air as Leon rammed the door of Merlin's house open, Gunblade covered in Heartless and Nobody blood. He called to Cid.

"Are you finished?!" Cid cursed.

"Would be, if not for the old loon's spells!" Merlin sputtered.

"OLD Loon, you say?!" Cid cursed again, snarling.

"I'm trying to work here!" Merlin's magic gathered at the tip of his wand, and he laughed.

"I'll show you who's old!"

Cid entered the last command into his computer, popping the disc from the drive.

"DONE!" He grabbed the disc, falling forward with a cry when Merlin's spell hit the keyboard behind him instead of it's intended target. Mindful of his back, Cid stood up and handed the disc to Leon.

"There you go, Leon. One homemade Eradicator, a loony wizard special." Merlin walked over, tapping his wand against his hand.

"This...this had better work. I don't think that Christina and Sora can do this on thier own."

Leon nodded, rushing out the door after kissing Yuffie. Once he was gone and the door was shut, Merlin turned to Cid.

"Now...who's old?" Cid backed away, hands in sight, then turned and ran up the stairs to hide behind Vincent. Yuffie shook her head, looking out the window to the clouds forming over the town.

"Good luck, all of you..."
----
We arrived at the Game Grid in time to see Tron fighting off the Heartless with his ID Disc. Sora summoned Oathkeeper, calling out to our friend.

"Tron!" Tron threw his disc at a stray Strafer, then turned to us.

"Careful! Watch out!"

He cuaght his ID Disc, then cried out in pain as a ball of energy struck him from behind. Sora snarled, and we raced into combat. The Heartless poofed from existance one by one, and when they were all gone, we helped Tron to his feet and raced for the Terminal out of here. We all sighed in relief when we arrived at the Pit Cell again, and Tron turned to Sora and I.

"Thank you. You really saved me." Sora shook his head, smiling.

"Don't mention it! That's just what friends do." I nodded, the frowned.

"What's going on in here, anyway?" Tron snarled.

"The MCP is getting ready to wage all out war against the User world. What's happening on the outside." I huffed.

"It's a mess. A machine that's making Heartless has gone berserk, and the Town's Defense Grid has turned on us. But Cid's working on a program that can delete the MCP. Once we pick it up at the I/O tower, he thinks we can use it to finally delete the MCP for good." Tron nodded.

"Then...we have to try it! But...who's Cid?" Sora and I laughed.

"He's a friend of ours. Leon, Merlin, Cid, Yuffie, Evan and Mikaila, they're all on the outside, worrying about you, Tron." Tron chuckled.

"I must have a lot of User friends up topside, huh?" Sora nodded, then turned to me.

"That program should be finished by now, right?"

I nodded my affirmative, and we ran for the Canyon to catch a transport. It was fast, and we continued to run for the Hallway. Tron pointed to the entrance up ahead.

"Almost there!' We all skidded to a stop when Heartless appeared in front of us, and Sora snarled as he summoned Oathkeeper.

"Out of the way!"

----

Evan and Mikaila jumped as Leon slammed the door to the Lab shut, running for the computer and typing a command in on the keyboard. MCP didn't like that one little bit.

"Warning: User Control of this system is now terminated indefinitely."

Leon cursed, struggling to get around the MCP's firewall. When it wouldn't fall, he slammed his fists down on the keyboard.

"Dammit! It's not working!" Mikaila walked over, prying the disc from Leon's grip.

"Let me try." Leon nodded, backing away from the keyboard to let the teenage girl work. She inserted the disc into the drive, and the MCP sputtered.

"What...what are you loading?" Mikaila smiled, crossing her arms in triumph as Leon rolled his eyes.

These kids...you made a good choice, Christie.
----
Tron, Sora, and I stood in the Communications Room, waiting for the Eradicator program. Tron frowned.

"Nothing's coming in yet..." Sora scowled.

"Leon! Come on!" The system lit up suddenly, and Tron hopped up to recieve the data. He vanished for a moment, turning translucent, then returned to bieng solid as possible. He examined his arms.

"This is very strange..." I smiled.

"That's Merlin's magic for you!" Tron's eyes widened.

"This is incredible! There's a power booster for me! And flight routines for the Solar Sailer!" Sora frowned in confusion.

"Meaning...we're set?" Tron shrugged, hopping off the platform and escorting us from the I/O tower towards the Simulation Hanger.

"Well, it's like you User's always say. We won't know until we give it a try!" Boarding one of the remaining Solar Sailers, we set off for the Central Core. Sora was running from one side of the deck to another, catching Tron's attention. Tron frowned, hands on his hips.

"You've got to keep a lookout. The MCP's not going to let us waltz in like this."

Sora chuckled, then jumped as Heartless appeared on the deck of the Sailer. I clutched at the gaurd rail as the little craft rocked back and forth from the added weight, unable to handle it. We raced forward, knocking an astounding amount of Heartless from the Sailer's deck just in time to arrive at the Core Mesa. Tron hopped off first, helping Sora and I to the ground.

"The MCP is straight ahead. It's time to end this for good." We ran for the core, and I glared at the spinning red column in the center as Sark stalked over to us. Sora frowned.

"Just who is that?" Tron snarled.

"Sark. The MCP's number two. The reason Christie was almost deleted." Sora gasped, then glared at Sark as the malignant program huffed.

"Tenacious little bugs! Your time is up. Prepare for deletion!" What followed wasn't a fight, rather, a slaughter. Sora lunged forward, cutting Sark right down the middle. Data spilled from the commanders dying body, and he looked to Tron as he began to fall.

"You're...very persistant, Tron." Tron shook his head.

"I'm also better than you." Sark smiled slightly, falling over as he finally split into two. Sora gave him a warrior's dismissal, then we turned to the MCP. Tron clenched a fist.

"Now, to finish off the MCP!" Sora stared.

"THIS is the MCP?!" Tron nodded.

"Yeah. Ugly old thing, isn't it?" MCP piped up, offended.

"Tron...don't you understand yet? We don't need the Users. We've advanced beyond thier level, they've been left behind. Become a part of me, and together, the world will be ours to command!"

Tron shook his head in pity.

"MCP...You just don't get it!" MCP stopped spinning, facing Sark.

"Sark! All my functions are now yours!"

A wave of data shown down onto Sark, repairing him. He stood, higher then ever as he now reached the roof of the Core. He stomped over to us as the MCP formed a data wall between him and us. I summoned my daggers, eyes narrowing as I turned to Sora and Tron.

"Get the MCP. Sark's mine." Sora shook his head, and I cut him off from speaking.

"Sora. Go." Understanding, he nodded. Tron and Sora ran off to handle the MCP, as I faced Sark. He laughed.

"This...shall be amusing." I scoffed, running forward.

"Come and get it, arsewipe!"

He swiped at me, and I skirted around the danger to get to his leg. What followed was a climb up his body until I stood on the Commander's head. Before he could even react, my daggers had found a home in his forehead. As he fell, I leapt to ground in time to see the MCP begin to disappear when Tron threw his ID Disc at it's center. MCP turned blue, sending all it's corrupted data into Sark. My daggers clattered to the floor as Sark vanished, and Tron jumped for joy.

"We did it!" Sora laughed, dismissing Oathkeeper.

"I see that Tron has a silly side." Tron shrugged, smiling.

"I learned from the best. Of course, I do have my silly limits." Sora smirked.

"Okay then, I'll just tweak your program when we go back to the User World." Tron blanched.

"You? Let's not try that." Sora nodded, then turned to me.

"All right, then how about Christie does it? Whaddaya say? Singing Tron? No...Dancing Tron!" Sora spun around, still smiling.

"Sound good?" I smothered my giggles behind my hand, and even Tron laughed.

"Ok, ok, fine. But before I crash...Sora, Christie...and all the User's out there among the Worlds...thank you. You really helped me. You taught me what Friendship really is, and I'll never forget that. As soon as I met you, I knew we were gonna defeat the MCP and free the system."

He held out a hand to Sora, who took it. Sora was surprised when Tron pulled him into a hug, but returned the embrace after a moment's shock. When they let go, Tron rubbed the back of his neck in confusion.

"Is that what User's do, when they're sorry to say goodbye?" Sora shrugged, and I crossed my arms.

"Well, Tron...it's kind of...a promise that we'll meet again, someday soon." Tron nodded, walking over to me.

"Okay. I understand." We shared a quick hug, and Tron backed away.

"I promise."

He backed up some more, and Sora stared as Tron got ever closer to the Core's edge.

"Tron, where are you going?"

Tron smiled, then waved as he stepped back into the Core. We stared after him, just in time to see him fall out of sight. The floor beneath our feet rattled as we returned to the Lab, where Evan, Mikaila and Yuffie were waiting. They all smiled in relief as we appeared in one piece. Yuffie waved.

"Welcome back!" Sora nodded, looking at the ground in defeat.

"How's the town doing?" Evan nodded.

"A lot better. The Heartless have run off, now that the MCP's gone. Everything's gone back to normal around here." Mikaila frowned, noticing the looks on our faces.

"Did something happen? Why the long faces?"

She wagged a finger in our faces, and I looked away.

"Tron...he vanished. After he promised that we'd meet again..."

We all jumped as an alarm sounded, then stopped as quickly as it had come. Tron's voice rang from the computer's speaker, and Sora smiled in relief.

"Greetings, freinds! System is up, and ready for user input. Stay in touch now."

He vanished, and Sora ran for the keyboard, typing in random searches, making Tron laughed.

"Hey! Stop that! It tickles." Sora stared, then got a devilish look on his face as he kept typing. I smiled as Evan and Mikaila walked over, grins on thier faces. Evan shrugged.

"Seems like Tron's been hanging around Sora a bit too much." I nodded, then turned to the computer as Tron finally managed to stop laughing.

"I want to show all something I dug up in the system Archive. You can see the town, back when it was first built." The image he showed us was amazing, and I smiled as I remembered the town where we had all lived.

Nii-san, everyone....this is home. I tilted my head, hearing something from outside.

"Is it...raining?"

We headed outside, where the cloudy sky had finally opened up, showering warm droplets of water down onto us. Sora raised his head to the sky, catching some of the rain on his tongue. I stared in shock as the old scar on his cheek suddenly healed in a green light, leaving not even a trace of the mark. Yuffie stared.

"Is this...magic?" I looked up at the sky, nodding.

"Planet's Prayer. A fifth level White Magic spell. It can heal anything, even bring back the dead....oh, by Bahamut!"

I ran off, leaping over the railing of the Postern to hit the ground running. Sora clutched at the rail, staring after me.

"Chris?!" I turned, stopping for a moment.

"This can help Cloud! We need to get him outside!"

Sora's eyes widened, and he followed after me as Yuffie ran for the Town with Evan and Mikaila on her heels. A massive crownd was standing in the Town Square, laughing and crying in relief. We shoved through them, running for the Borough. Before we could even get inside Merlin's house, the window of Cloud's room was thrown open, and a streak of black leaped from it, holding Cloud in it's arms. It's landing threw up a splash of water, and I covered my eyes with my hands. When the splash died down, I dropped my hands back to my sides and smiled. Holding Cloud upright as Planet's Prayer did it's work, was Zack.

His black hair had gotten longer in the past 13 years, but he was still mostly the same. In a flash of green magic, Cloud's Geostigma vanished and his eyes opened. As Bailey and Aerith looked on from the window, Cloud finally came back to the real world. He stared at Zack for a moment, his old friend breaking into a huge grin.

"Still with us, Spikey?" Cloud stared, wide-eyed.

"...Zack....?"

Zack nodded, and the girls above us shrieked in joy, vanishing from sight as they ran to head outside. Sora and I leapt out of the way as they came barrelling out the door, and Zack grunted in surprise as two girls and one boy hit him from all sides. The mess of friends hit the ground with a splash and tangled limbs, but none of them seemed to care. Cloud and Aerith had attached themselves to Zack's chest, with Bailey between them. Zack laughed, hugging them close as the warm rain fell all around us. It was peaceful, standing there with family and friends close by. Nii-san walked over, smiling at the scene in front of us. He looked skyward.

"You know, this place....it had another name once." Sora looked to Nii-san.

"Really?" Nii-san and I nodded.

"Radient Garden."

-----
About an hour later, after the rain stopped, did Sora remember we'd collected the final two pages of Pooh's storybook. He ran off for Merlin's house, with us behind him at a slower pace. Zack, Cloud, Aerith and Bailey were chattering behind us as we walked, and I smiled. Peaceful moments like this, they were hard to come by. We arrived at Merlin's house in time to see Sora vanish into Pooh's book, and I pulled up a chair to wait for him. We'd leave later.

For now...we were going to enjoy the peace.
----
Sora touched down lightly on the map page of Pooh's World, frowning as he was transported to a small cave, where everyone but Pooh was milling around the entrance. Sora waved.

"Hey, everyone....uh-oh...guys, where's Pooh?" Piglet ran over, clinging to Sora's leg and pointing into the cave.

"He went in there..." Sora's eyes narrowed, but he could see anything in the Darkness. Rabbit hopped over when the wind roared.

"Do...do you think there might be a jagular hiding in there?"

Sora shook his head, patting Rabbit between the ears as he walked into the cave, Keyblade in hand. After shoving thier fear away, they followed after Sora through the twists and turns to an alcove made of crystal. Pooh sat inside, tapping his head with one paw as he thought of something. Sora sighed in relief.

"There you are! Hey, we looked everywhere for you." Pooh looked up, confused.

"I was looking for a very dear friend of mine. I remember that I made a very important promise to him, but I could find him, no matter how hard I looked. He just doesn't seem to be anywhere..." Tigger suddenly tackled Pooh from the rocky ledge he sat on, surprising Sora. The tiger hopped up, smiling widely.

"Oh, Pooh boy! So there you are!" Pooh sat up, rubbing his head a little.

"But, Tigger, did you have to bounce me so bounce-ily?" Tigger's brow furrowed.

"Gosh, I thought a jagular had gotten ya!" Pooh's eyes widened.

"Oh dear...I hadn't thought of that. I do hope a jagular hasn't gone and gobbled up my freind!" Kanga smiled kindly at Pooh.

"Now, try to remember, Pooh. Isn't Sora the one you're looking for?"

Pooh frowned in thought as Sora's heart filled with Hope. Would he remember this time? Pooh's stomach suddenly rumbled, making the bear jump.

"Oh! The Jagular!" Smiling, Sora leaned down to Pooh's level.

"No, it's just your tummy grumbling. You must be hungry. Let's go home and get you some honey." Pooh nodded.

"I'd like that, Sora." Sora leaned back, falling to the ground.

"Pooh! You finally remembered?!" Pooh tilted his head.

"Remembered what, Sora?" Sora smiled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Pooh..." Pooh smiled.

"I like it ever so much more when you're cheerful, Sora." Sora nodded, smiling. Pooh's stomach rumbled again, and he rubbed at his stomach.

"Oh...there's a bit of a rumbly in my tumbly." Sora stood, offering a hand to Pooh.

"Then let's go home."

Pooh nodded, taking Sora's hand. They all left the cave together, and Sora escorted them to Starry Hill for a dinner of Honey. Pooh wandered up the hill, calling out when he got his head stuck in a honey pot.

"Oh, bother!" Sora whirled around, shaking his head when he saw the predicament that Pooh was in. He ran up the hill, spinning the bear around until the Honey pot went flying off into the river, catching Pooh in his arms. Sitting down on the log over looking the river, they both looked up at the river. Sora turned to Pooh, a question on his tongue.

"So, what were you doing up here?"

"I was thinking. Perhaps, there's a way to make it so you won't go away again." Sora frowned.

"You mean, a way to make me stay?" Pooh nodded.

"Yes. Would there be such a thing as a way to make it so you don't go away again?" Sora sighed.

"Pooh..." Sora looked back up at the moon, smiling.

"Don't worry. I promise I'll come back and visit you now and then."

Pooh smiled, but shook his head.

"Could you make it "now and now" instead? That seems a bit better to me. Sora, if I go looking for you, will I find you?" Sora smiled, pointing to Pooh's heart.

"I'll always be with you, right here. You don't have to go anywhere. Just stay here, and you can see me anytime you want too." Pooh looked up at Sora.

"You mean, I just have to stay right here?" Sora nodded.

"Yep. That's all you have to do." Pooh held out one paw to Sora.

"Would you promise?" Sora took Pooh's paw into his hand.

"Promise." Letting go of his treasured friend, Sora hopped off the log. Pooh frowned.

"You're leaving?" Sora nodded.

"Yeah. I really have to go now." Pooh smiled.

"Well, I won't be sad, becuase you'll always be right here, forever and ever." He touched his heart, looking up at Sora.

"Right, Sora?" Sora nodded, touching his own Heart.

"Yeah. And all of you, are right here too."

Pooh smiled, waving goodbye to Sora as he hopped off the hill and said his goodbyes to the others before leaving the Hundred Acre Wood. Pooh looked up at the moon.

"You would have liked him, Christopher Robin."

-----

I woke with a start as Sora reappeared from the book, and rubbed my eyes as he yawned. He stared in surprise at the fact that I was still down here, but said nothing as Nii-san padded down the stairs. Leon frowned, then looked at the clock with a wince.

"What are you two still doing up? Come on, it's past your bed-time."

He ushered us up the stairs and into one room with two beds. He stood in the doorway as we tugged off shoes and jackets, before walking in to tuck us in. He ruffled Sora's spikes as the boy was already asleep, then planted a small kiss on my forehead as he left the room, shutting the door behind him. I was sound asleep in minutes, waking with the Dawn some hours later.

Dressing quickly, I roused Sora. He understood what was happening, and we left the house quietly. The town was still asleep as we headed for the harbor, and we ran through the abandoned streets into that area. Well, at least most of the town was asleep. Nii-san and the rest of the family were all waiting there, all wide awake. Zack noticed us first, crossing his arms and tapping a foot.

"So, you thought you could leave without saying goodbye? Nuh-uh." Leon fixed Sora and I with a hard stare for a moment, then sighed and tossed Infinity's keys to me.

"Go on. You've got two friends to get back. We'll hold down the fort here." Sora and I nodded, exchanging hugs and goodbyes with just about everyone there. When we were done, Sora clambered up the ramp into Infinity with me on his heels.

"Christie." I turned, catching Nii-san's Griever Pendent as he threw it to me.

"You can give that back when you come home."

Before I could even say a word of protest, he was out of the Harbor after Yuffie. I shook my head, slipping the chain over my head to let the pendant hang around my neck. The ramp started to shut, and I slid into Infinity. Heading for the cockpit and launching us, I frowned at the map. Sora looked over my shoulder, frowning.

"What's that? That...big thing?" I shook my head, zooming in on it.

"I dunno...it maybe the source of that wierd reading we picked up before...and look. There's something strange about Twilight Town. There's...two of them?!" Sora blinked, staring at the map.

"Another energy reading? And it's coming from someplace near the town..." I scowled, focusing my attention on the space route in front of us.

"I dunno what's going on here, Sora. But it sure looks like Twilight Town's in trouble now..."

When we finally got there, Infinity beamed us down to the Old Mansion. I was surprised to see Hayner and Seifer laying sprawled out on the grass. Sora ran over to Hayner as I headed to Seifer's aid. Hayner got up first, with a little help from Sora. My cousin frowned in confusion.

"What happened to you?" Hayner put one arm around his knees.

"I came here looking for Kairi. Then, those white things from before attacked us..." I shook my head.

"You have to be more careful." Sora nodded.

"Yeah, you didn't have to go and do that!" Sora suddenly intercepted a punch for his face from Hayner.

"Of course I did! Kairi's my friend too, ya know." Sora nodded.

"You're right...I never thought of it that way..." Seifer rolled his eyes as he rolled over, looking at the twilit sky. Hayner frowned as he looked at Seifer.

"Him on the other hand...I've got no idea why he's here." Seifer waved a hand in the air, pointing at Hayner.

"Come on, chicken wuss. Someone's gotta watch over you." Hayner shook his head, then stood up and looked towards the mansion.

"Word is, this place gets a lot of really strange visitors. We thought, it might be a gateway to some other place." Sora frowned.

"What do you mean, some other place?" Seifer stood, crossing his arms as he stared at me.

"The fact she was in and out of this place a lot the week before you showed up, for one. Also, a man in red came in and out of here, along with that friend you're looking for."

Sora's eyes widened, and he stared at me.

"Chris...what's he talking about?"

I looked away, cursing Seifer. Before I could even begin to explain, a scream came from the woods. Hayner jumped.

"That was Olette!"

He made to run off, but Seifer grabbed his arm to stop him. The elder boy glared at the tree line as Hayner struggled in his grip, only letting go when Olette, Pence, Fuu, Rai, and Vivi burst through. I cursed when Dusk's, Creeper's, and Berserker's came rushing out behind them, and I kicked open the rusty gate.

"Come on! We've got to get inside!"

Not even bothering to ask, they just followed me. Sora helped me get the statues and tables still strong enough to stand in front of the door, just in time. I sighed, hand over my heart as the door splintered, then held still. I frowned, looking up at the cieling.

"Ok...if Kairi's at the Organization's stronghold, there's a good chance that Riku's there too, along with the Real Ansem." Sora nodded, then frowned at me as he crossed his arms.

"All right, I've waited long enough, Chris. Tell me what you know about Riku!" I stared at him, eyes narrowed.

"Sora, it's not for me to say." Sora glared, stomping his foot down.

"But why! Why won't you tell me if he's still ok?! You know!" I shook my head.

"I won't break my promise, and you know it." Sora cursed, stomping off up the stairs and into the Library. He cried out.

"Chris! Get up here!" We followed him up, and I leapt down into the hole that was still in the floor. When no one followed after me, I looked back up.

"Coming or not?" Sora nodded, hopping down the stairs to follow me into the basement. The others followed at a slower pace, catching up as we walked through the maze of passageways towards the Computer Room. Pence walked over.

"So, is there something in here?" I nodded.

"Yeah. A computer that Ansem used. It'll take Sora and I to the Dark Realm."

As if on cue, we all waltzed into the Computer Room. It was still functional, just requiring DiZ's password to access the false town. I sat down in the chair, accessing the program and somehow ignoring Sora's unhappy stare. The beam coming on startled him and everyone else, and I turned to Seifer.

"As soon as those creature's leave, go home. They won't be coming back here again."

I don't know if he trusted me right then, but he nodded and began to lead the little group up the stairs. Hayner and Olette stopped at the base of the stairs as Sora and I prepared to enter the beam, and Hayner turned to us.

"We'll hold down the fort here, don't worry about it." Olette nodded, smiling.

"Say hi to Kairi for us!"

Sora waved, smiling. We stepped into the beam, and we were off. Whatever happened on the other side off this place, we would handle it then.
-----

Done for now. I have to warn you, however. The next chapter may take a while, and it will change some very important events. For the worse, or for the better, who can say. See ya then!

 

i still need to catch up, but the chapters ive read are really good ^^

 

You know I'm still reading it! xD
I love that chapter! :D Very, very, very good!
And I'm in it! Yay!

 

meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you almost let Cloud-sama die! :yelling: at least you had Zack in it :D

OH NO!!!!! TWILIGHT TOWN!!!!! THAT MEANS YOUR STORY IS ALMOST OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *cries*

 

Heh, Sorry Jap.

Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1

WARNING: Violent battle in later part of Chapter. You have been warned!

-----
When we re-emerged in the other Twilight Town's Computer Room, Sora stared.

"Are we back in the same place?" I shook my head, pointing to the computer that DiZ had destroyed.

"No. This is the other Twilight Town. The one that Roxas was trapped in." Sora stared at the totaled computer for a moment, before we walked into the Basement Hall. I nodded to myself when I saw the Dark Portal still there, and pointed towards it.

"There. That's our way in." I turned to Sora.

"Last chance to turn back. You sure you wanna do this?" Determined to see this through to the very end, Sora nodded. He summoned Oathkeeper, and we walked forward. Inside, at Betwixt and Between, Nobody symbols were floating around in all directions. Sora frowned as I looked around.

"Chris? Which way should we go?" Not really knowing, I just shrugged. Sora sighed, then cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Kairi! Riku! If you can hear me, gimme a sign!" Before he could call out again, we were set upon by Dusks, Creepers, and at least a Dozen Berserkers. Sora and I rushed into combat, but it was no use. They just kept coming from all directions. Sora's sides were heaving as we stood back to back, and I could tell he was losing hope.

"Start moving!" I swear, both Sora and I jumped a foot in the air as Demyx came to our rescue, Sitar and water clones swinging. The man turned to us.

"Get going, both of you!" Sora stared.

"Why?" Demyx turned to one of the Berkserkers, strumming a quick tune on his sitar. It suddenly turned on it's fellows, swiping away many Dusks and Creepers. But it was quickly defeated by it's own kind, and Demyx stepped back, looking over his shoulder.

"Don't ask me, just run!" He cried out in pain suddenly as he was hit from behind by an Assassin, and he hit the ground in a heap. Sora raced over, knocking the creature away, straight onto my daggers. He helped Demyx to his feet, then whirled around and took out a leaping Dusk. He snarled.

"Leave us alone!" Demyx's sitar was a constant sound during that long, hard battle. It was comforting, but the moment wouldn't last. We ended up back to back with one another, and Demyx huffed as he shook his hands to relieve the stinging. He smiled wryly at us.

"You know, I liked it better when they were on my side." Sora smiled.

"Feeling a little...regret?" Demyx laughed, shaking his head.

"Nah, I can handle this. Hope you don't mind getting wet."

He leapt away from us, fingers flying over his sitars strings as he played a desperate song. All the water in the area suddenly collected around him, forming a whirlwind that collected every single Nobody still attacking. He played the last verse of his song, and looked to me. I nodded. This was his grand finale. He was a dying player, and we were his final audience. The last note of his final symphony played out, and I snapped my arm out to the side, casting Protect to shield Sora and I from the raging water that utterly destroyed every Nobody in the small area. When the wave was gone, Sora stared in awe. I dropped the spell, and ran over to Demyx with Sora on my heels. Sora stared in disbelief as shards of black and grey wafted from Demyx.

"You're...fading away..." Blue eyes crinkling with a smile, Demyx nodded.

"Well, that's kinda bound to happen when you put all you've got into an attack." He winced, then looked to Sora.

"I digress. Go, find Kairi. Apologize to her for me, kay?"

Sora nodded, understanding what was happening. Struggling just a bit, Demyx lowered a hand into his cloak's outer pocket, coming up with a silver charm bracelet. He handed it to me, closing my fingers around it.

"Thats...for Namine..." Wincing again, he looked up to Sora.

"Kairi's in the Castle Dungeon. Go."

He raised up his hand, and with the last of his strength, opened a portal out of here. He closed his eyes as his hand dropped back to his side. With a smile on his face, he faded away. I offered up a little prayer for him, then stood. Sora turned to face the portal, and squared his shoulders as he stood as well. We shared a look, walking forward into the portal. The strange substance beneath our feet faded to give way to hard stone, and we turned the alleyway corner to see the Dark City and the Nobody Castle in front of us. I flinched as thunder cracked the sky above us, not prepared to be back here after what happened last time. I shook it off, leading the way through the town and into Memory's Skyscraper. Sora suddenly stopped walking as it began to rain, and he looked up to the sky. He tensed suddenly, whirling around to face the Skyscraper.

"Riku...?" My eyes widened. Was he seeing the past? He shook himself, rubbing his arms as he took a deep breath to calm himself. He nodded when I asked if he was all right, and we kept walking through the rain to reach Brink of Despair. My eyes narrowed at the sight of the massive Castle floating above a gigantic pit. Sora peered over the edge, staying a few steps back to avoid falling in.

"Dead end?" I shrugged. We needed Kairi to get in...

"There's gotta be a way in. Let's keep looking."

-----

Kairi sat with her knees to her chest, eyes squeezed shut. What had happened to Demyx since she saw him last? What about Riku, was he still alive? And Christie, her sister in practically everything but blood. Was she still keeping Sora safe? Or was she...no, Kairi was not going to go there.

Sora..A tear crossed Kairi's nose. Sora. She missed him so much. Every little quirk. His laughter, the way he'd smile at her, and even how he'd fall asleep on the beach. A wet nose to her hand made Kairi look up, and she smiled slightly as she scratched Pluto between the ears. The dog had been with her ever since the escape from the Islands, and she was grateful for his company. When the dogs black ears perked up, she stared at the bars of her cell. When the blue haired man that had taken her from Demyx appeared, it was all she could do not to snarl like Pluto was doing.

"What are you planning to do with me?" The man smirked cruelly.

"You are the fire that feeds Sora's anger."

Kairi's eyes widened, and she ran for the bars to try and question the man further. But he was already gone when she got there, and Kairi slumped to the ground.

"No...Sora's in danger, because of me..."

When Pluto began to bark, Kairi straightened and turned around. A hole had opened in the wall, where a man in a black cloak stood. Kairi backed up against the bars in fear, before Pluto nudged the mans hand. He recieved a pat on the head, and Kairi relaxed a little. The man gestured to the hole, and she took one step forward. Meeting aqua green eyes, she smiled in relief. So, he was alive after all. Patting her hip to call Pluto to her side, all three of them walked through the hole in the wall. Unknown to her or to Riku, Kairi had left a residue of Light in the cell. As soon as she was gone, all that Light began to glow brightly, catching the attention of two teens at the entrance of the Castle.

----
Sora and I winced, covering our eyes with our hands as a bright Light began to shine from a section of the Castle. Oathkeeper appeared into Sora's hand, and he understood. Pointing to the center of the Castle, a beam of Light flashed from the Keyblade, forming a path for us to take. I lowered my hands as Sora stared forward, determination in his eyes.

"Kairi...we're almost there." We ran up the ramp into Nothing's Call, and Sora cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Kairi! Where are you?!" I clamped a hand over his mouth.

"Shush! Remember, we're not here to draw attention!"

He nodded, and I let go of my cousin. We both tensed at the influx of Darkness from ahead, and we summoned our weapons as two Sorcerers flew forward to engage us. Sora smirked as we leapt forward.

"Come and get it!"
-----

Barely able to keep up with her companion, Kairi ran down the steps in the Castle with Pluto at her side. Riku suddenly came to a stop near the base of the steps, and Kairi crashed into his back. She shook her head, then clutched at her friends cloak as the man in front of them spoke up.

"So, this is where you were, Kairi." Riku backed up a step, taking Kairi and the snarling Pluto with him. Kairi peeked her head out around Riku's side, fearful but wanting to see what would happen. The man extended his left hand, imploring her to come with him.

"I'll take you to see Sora." When Kairi's head vanished behind her protecter again, the man withdrew his hand.

"You don't want that?" Burying her face in Riku's cloak, she shook her head.

"Of course I do. More than anything, I want to see Sora again. But not with you around." The man in front of them scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"If I had a heart, this is where I'd die of laughter." The man vanished, and Riku turned around. Placing his hands on Kairi's shoulders, he kneeled down to her level.

"You all right?" Sniffling a little, Kairi nodded. Riku nodded once, and they continued to run down the Castle.
----

Sora clenched a fist as our whirlwind elevator ride came to a stop, and we ran from the platform to enter the Hall of Empty Melodies. Inside, it was empty. For one moment, I thought that Saix just wouldn't show up. But my hopes were dashed quickly, as he portalled into view on a platform high above us.

"Sora, Christina, you've done well." Sora snarled up at him.

"Where's Kairi?!" Saix stared down at us.

"Who can say? I expect she's catching up with her friend from the Darkness. She just doesn't need you anymore." Summoning Oathkeeper, Sora glared at Saix.

"And I'm supposed to believe that?!" Saix shrugged.

"Well, you certianly don't have to. But you can believe this. Organization XII has no further use for either of you. Just look there."

He turned around, pointing to the Heart shaped moon high above the Castle.

"Our Kingdom Hearts. Thanks you you, we've collected countless Hearts. Can you hear thier euphoria? Now...all they'll need is one last helping from the Keybearer and the Koukennin no Ariake!" He spun around, snapping his fingers to open at least a dozen Dark Portals, calling forth hundreds of Shadows. I called my daggers, turning to Sora.

"We have to fight!" Sora hesitated.

"But, if they finish Kingdom Hearts!" I never got to answer Sora's desperate question, becuase the girl he'd been searching for so long appeared.

"Sora!" Oathkeeper fell from Sora's hands as he looked up, eyes widening as he caught sight of her. She smiled as thier eyes met.

"Kairi!" We were both sent tumbling to the ground with no time to react as Shadow's attacked from all sides. I heard Kairi call out to the Heartless.

"You leave Sora alone!"

------

Taking a few steps away from the ledge's railing, Kairi ran forward, leaping to the lower level before Riku could grab her.

Cursing, he leapt after the girl in time to save her from the Shadows that were assualting her. She was able to stand with a little help, and he held out a hand. She gasped as her old staff appeared in his outstretched arm, still gleaming with fresh paint. She smiled, Mana beginning to flow into her again. After muttering something to herself, Kairi tapped the staff against one hand as she turned to Riku.

"You know Sora's completlely helpless without us. Come on, Riku!" He stared after her for a moment, smiled, and raced into combat with his blade drawn.

Next time, she's not staying behind.

-----
Further into the Castle, King Mickey ran up a white passage, gloved hand clenched tightly enough around the hilt of his Keyblade to actually hurt. Riku, Sora, Christie, Kairi. Ansem. They were all here. It was the final stand, Xemnas would go down tonight. Knocking away a Creeper with one swipe, he cleared the last turn in time to see Ansem laying face down on the top level, several Dusk's swaying around him. Crying out a battle oath, he leapt forward, knocking them from his old friend before helping him up. Ansem sat back as the bandages fell from his face, and Mickey sighed as thier eyes met. Ansem looked to the Mouse King.

"It's been too long, my friend." Mickey frowned.

"Ansem the Wise. Why in all the worlds didn't you call me before this got so bad?!" Ansem stood, looking up at the moon.

"Xemnas, the Organization's Superior, is the Nobody of Xehanort, my foremost apprentice. The burden was mine alone to bear." Mickey scowled, crossing his arms.

"Is that all?" Ansem shook his head.

"I won't deny that there was more. I was...obsessed with thoughts of revenge, so much so that I forgot my own Daughter. My apprentices may have stolen everything else precious to me, but I should have put more of myself into protecting Kairi..." Mickey frowned sadly.

"I can't help you with revenge, Ansem." The old man nodded.

"I know. Riku and Christina have told me a thousand times." Mickey tilted his head.

"Where are they, anyway? I mean, I know they're in this Castle, but..." Ansem looked down onto the ground.

"They must be reuniting soon. Christina and Riku have both been great aids to me. I found them, wandering in the Darkness, after you lost track of them." Mickey smiled wryly, shaking his head.

"I didn't lose track of them, they...they didn't need me there. But I'm still wonderin' about something. Why is it, that Riku looks like that when he's still Riku at Heart?" Ansem sighed.

"I am to blame. When I first met Riku, he still maintained the appearance of a boy. Either because of his strong Heart, or Christie's presence, I'll never know. I asked them to find a young man named Roxas from Organization XIII, and bring him to me." Mickey nodded.

"And that's when I found them again. He'd transformed, but they had Roxas." Mickey sighed.

"I still don't get it. Why did Riku decide to fight Roxas alone, when he coulda won with Christie's help?" Ansem shook his head in grief.

"That was also my fault. A symptom of all the time they spent in Darkness, both Riku and Christina were able to sense a person's intentions, if the feeling was strong enough. My desire for my revenge, they sensed it and were wary. If living in Darkness was what it took to keep Sora and Christie safe, then Riku was willing to do it. My Heart ached when I saw them again....three more victims of my revenge." Mickey frowned, keeping his eyes on his old friend as he continued to speak.

"And I made one fatal error in my plan to erase Roxas and Namine. I forgot, that I'd brought Christie here from a world where these worlds are simply an amusement. She knew too much, and was able to save them both. In my rage, I shot a dear friend of theirs. I do not even know if the man survived..."

Taking a deep breath, Ansem stooped down and picked up the device that was sitting at his side. He turned to Mickey.

"My friend, the time has come. I must make amends to these young people."

------

I shoved a Shadow off of me in time to see Saix vanish, and hear Sora's muffled curses as he shoved off the Shadow's on his back.

"Get off, dammit!" With a flash of light, the Heartless on top of him vanished. He stood, eyes widening as he saw Kairi fighting alongside Riku. Of course, only I knew it was really Riku. Sora saw him as Xehanort's Heartless.

"What in the world is going on?" We jumped back as a glowing bullet lodged into the floor between us, destroying the Heartless as Xigbar came out the door from the elevator side of the room. He smirked at us.
"Have you two been good kids?" Sora snarled, and Xigbar laughed.

"Oh, it seems that you haven't been a good boy, Sora. Do you want Santa to put coal in your stocking?"

Sora huffed, and Xigbar shook his head. He looked up to the moon above, a sad tone to his voice.

"Listen, I don't wanna have to do this. So, we're just gonna walk away from this, and say we fought. How's that sound?" Sora was wary of Xigbar, but he nodded. Dismissing his guns, Xigbar gave us a two fingered salute.

"Be good kids now!"

I shook my ponytail from my shoulder with a smile. We'd see him again someday, I just knew it. Turning on our heels, Sora and I ran from the Hall, heading up the path to the upper level. Sora slammed the door open just as Riku and Kairi destroyed the final Shadow with a burst of Fire magic. Kairi smiled, tapping her staff onto the ground. Riku gave a little wave to us, and Kairi turned around to face Sora as I raced past her. Sora licked his lower lip, not sure of what to do.

"Hi, Kairi..." She left her staff leaning against one of the walls, and took a few steps forward.

"You..you never came back for me. So, I decided I'd come look for you."

Sora looked away, distressed.

"I'm sorry." Kairi couldn't have cared less about an apology from Sora, and rushed forward to embrace him. Jolting in shock for a moment, Sora stared at the wall behind us. He soon regained his emotions, and embraced Kairi. She buried her nose in his collar.

"This is real...You're really here."

Sora nodded, burying his chin in her hair. The sound of footsteps made me look up to a higher ledge, in time to see Ansem and Mickey vanish into the Castle. Sora suddenly looked up, catching sight of Riku trying to make a break for it.

"Wait." In Riku's moment of hesitation, I grabbed his hand to keep him from leaving. Sora took a deep breath, eyes filled with understanding.

"I never thought that I'd ever see you again, after what happened last year. But...you helped Kairi. I'm grateful for that. Thank you." Riku nodded, and I had to dig my feet in to keep him from running away again. I grit my teeth.

"Oh no, you're not leaving now." I looked over my shoulder as Kairi and Sora seperated.

"Kairi! A little help please!" She nodded, half dragging Sora over to us. Riku stopped when she grabbed his hand. Sora frowned.

"Kai, what are you doing?" Kairi smiled, clasping our hands together. She turned to Sora.

"Close your eyes. You'll understand." Sora looked between the three of us, then closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them again, realizing just who was in front of him. Kairi and I backed away, giving the two best friends a moment to reconnect. Sora's knees buckled beneath him, and he fell to the ground, still clutching Riku's gloved hand.

"Riku...Riku's here." Tears rolled down Sora's face, and he shook his head.

"I looked for you!" Not trying to get Sora to let go of his hand, Riku leaned down to his friend's level.

"C'mon Sora. You've got to pull it together." Sora looked up, tearfully glaring at Riku.

"I looked everywhere for you!" Riku sighed, looking away.

"I didn't want you to find me. Not...not like this." Sora continued to glare at his friend, and Riku shrugged a little.

"I fought with Xehanort's Heartless, when he invaded my Heart..and I won. But to use the power of Darkness, I had to become Xehanort myself."

Helping Sora to his feet, both boys-turned-men stood up as Kairi and I walked closer. Kairi turned to Riku, confused.

"Does that mean...you can't change back?"

Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, Riku shrugged.

"I really don't know. But I do know that this battle isn't over yet. And until it is, I still need the power of Darkness." Sora wiped his eye with the back of his hand, looking up at Riku.

"Then, let's finish it. You're still Riku, no matter what." Riku sighed, but nodded.

As we turned to head up the stairs, I looked over my shoulder at the moon. Soon, it would be gone. Soon, we could return home.

-----
At the Altar of Naught, Xemnas stood, hands raised to the moon as Hearts flowed into it.

"Yes...Kingdom Hearts...Rejoice, and feast upon these Hearts we offer to you. Shine your pale light on this empty realm...Share your power, with all Nobodies!" Xemnas turned as Saix Portalled in behind him. The blue-haired man spoke.

"Xemnas. Is Kingdom Hearts ready?" Xemnas nodded.

"Very soon."

"Then, I can end this charade?" Xemnas nodded again, smirking.

"Indeed. Kill the girl, if you wish." Saix smirked evilly, full of desire.

"How I've waited to hear that."

----
Deeper in the Castle, Mickey and Ansem stood on a ledge at Twilight's View. Ansem looked up towards the moon, and nodded.

"This spot will do." He set the device down on the ledge, setting up a stand and flipping various switches. Mickey frowned.

"What's this gadget for?" Ansem frowned, making some last minute adjustments.

"It's a device to reclaim Kingdom Hearts, and encode it as data." Mickey stared at his old friend, then shook his head.

"I'm not sure I get it..." Ansem nodded, smiling wryly.

"I do not claim to know the outcome of this venture, either. After all...Heart's are unpredictable."

Flipping a switch, the device started up, firing a steady green beam at the moon above. Unknown to just about everyone in the Castle, the device was unsteady. The man holding it would not be leaving this world alive.

-----
As we climbed up another flight of stairs, Kairi paused. We turned back to face her, and she laced her fingers.

"I think...I think that my father is here." I nodded, looking out a small window to the Moon above, a beam of green light piercing it's center.

"Yeah, he's here all right. Mickey's here too, I think." Riku's eyes widened a little, and I shrugged. We continued walking through hallways and up many flights of stairs, until Sora stopped this time. We turned to face him, and I flinched at the look in his eyes.

"All right, I've had it. You said you would explain once we found Riku. Well, we found him. Explain." I frowned, letting my breath out as Sora stood firm. Cursing, I turned to my cousin.

"Fine. You really wanna know, Sora?" When he nodded, I clenched a fist. This could change everything...I shook my head. There was no getting out of this. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed my hand.

"On Earth, everything that's happened to us so far, and everything that will happen, is a video game. I played that game a lot." Sora's eyes widened, and he took a step back.

"Wait...so you're saying...that you knew what would happen to Kairi...to all of us?"

I nodded, looking to the ceiling as Sora and Kairi processed the information. When she noticed that Riku wasn't shocked by this turn of events, Kairi turned to Riku.

"You're not surprised?" My boyfriend shrugged.

"I already knew. She told me a couple days before you woke up, Sora." Sora frowned, then laced his hands behind his back and smiled.

"Well, it does explain why we're still here. You knew what would happen, and helped us avoid it, right? So, you were using what you knew to help us. That's no crime." Riku and I stared at Sora, then laughed. He frowned, and I caught my breath.

"It's just..I thought you'd be mad..." Sora shook his head with a smile.

"No, I'm not mad. I was curious on how you knew so much, but now that I know, it makes sense."

Kairi smiled, taking his hand as Riku put his arm around my shoulders. We continued upwards towards Proof of Existance, and I sighed when I saw Demyx's unlit stone. Only Luxord and Saix's stones were still lit and whole, the rest were broken. Even Axel and Roxas, who's stones were still lit up, were broken straight down the middle. I kneeled near Axels, examining the broken edge.

"Definitley Claymore. I'd say Saix did this." Riku winced, and we turned towards Luxord's stone, heading to Havoc's divide. Near the edge of the platform, Sora looked up at Kingdom Hearts, catching sight of the beam. He crossed his eyes, confused.

"What's that?" Riku looked up, cursing.

"That'd be Mickey and DiZ--I mean, Ansem the Wise. They must be higher up. We'd better hurry." Sora nodded, and we turned to leave. Sora ran on ahead, but Luxord suddenly appeared in a Dark Portal, snapping his fingers to make large cards rise up from the floor, seperating us. I could hear Sora curse, before my world went pitch black. When the color came back, Sora stood with Oathkeeper in hand, looking a little banged up as Luxord faded away. Kairi ran over to him, taking his free hand into her.

"You ok?" Sora nodded, patting her on the back.

"Yeah, no worries! Let's keep going." We returned to the Proof, and Riku stopped before we entered Saix's stone. He spoke up when Sora and I turned to him.

"I can sense Saix. He's using something to boost his power. If we can fingure out what he's using, we could turn it against him." Sora and I nodded, and we headed through the stone. My heart lurched for a second as we entered Addled Impasse, but I shook it off as Sora and I stepped forward, catching Saix's attention. Claymore in hand, he turned.

"Only you both could have made it this far in one piece, Keybearer, Christina." Sora and I glared at him, and he laughed.

"You dare defy me?" I snorted, planting my hands on my hips.

"What's there to defy?"

Looking back on it, I really shouldn't have done that. Regardless, I don't think it would have made any difference. Saix's claymore extended to it's full length, and he swung it. The wind it created swung Sora backwards, past a recently formed Barrier. I whirled around, then back to Saix. I was trapped in here with a madman bent on killing me. Wonderful...I called up my daggers, wincing as my Heart lurched again.

"Child, you're almost out of time!"

I swallowed, ducking out of the way as Saix lunged at me from in front. If I lost here...it was over.
----

Riku cursed, pounding on the Barrier as Christie and Saix locked one another in a deadly dance. Sora and Kairi stood beside him, watching the fight with wide eyes. Realizing that all the pounding he was doing was only hurting Christie's chances of making it out alive, Riku let his hands drop to his side as the fight continued. Ducking another swipe from Saix's weapon, Christie threw one dagger towards the far wall, giving Saix an impromptu haircut but not actually injuring him. The Nobody snarled, attacking with more force. Becuase of that, Christie was forced to dismiss both daggers and go on the defensive, bobbing and weaving around Saix's thrusts and swings. One fierce swing kicked up a wind that sent her flying towards the window, but Christie managed to catch onto the metal bars that crisscrossed the glass overlooking the city below, kicking off of it and hopping off Saix's shoulders to come to a safe landing. She stood up straight as he recovered.

"If that's the worst you can do, Saix, I dunno why I'm so worried. " She suddenly winced, and Riku's heart lurched.

Chris? What's happening to you...?

Her one moment of weakness was all it took for the fight to turn, and Saix lunged forward. Christie couldn't react in time, and was sent flying into the far wall. Crying out in pain as she impacted with the hard stone, Christie hit the ground. Saix stalked over as she managed to stand on shaky legs, and he smirked.
"Worst I can do? Perhaps, if you were dreaming!" He lunged forward, Claymore swinging. Barely dodging his attacks, Christie rolled over to the wall closest to the Barrier, panting as she cast a Dark Shield of her own. Saix leapt forward, Claymore impacting with the shield.

Christie bared her teeth, forcing more power into the Shield. With almost all his attention on the battle in front of him, Riku barely noticed Kairi drop to her knees and prey to Leviathan for Christie's safety. It wouldn't have made a difference, becuase Saix upped the power of his attack, sending cracks through the Shield. It snapped, sending shards of Mana throughout the room. For one moment, it was if Time itself stood still. Kairi praying, Sora watching his cousin in fear, Saix smirking down at his cornered prey, Christie's eyes widened in fear, and Riku panicing beyond the barrier, wanting to help so badly, but trapped away from the Battle. Time began to move again, and Christie didn't have time to react before the blue-haired Nobody reached down, lifting the wounded girl up by the collar of her vest. He smirked cruelly.

"Revenge is sweet." Not even giving her a chance to scream, Saix threw the girl through the wall. Whether the sound that followed was bones or the concrete breaking, the Worlds would never know. The dust cloud that followed was too thick to see through, and by the time it cleared to reveal a massive hole in three thin walls, Saix was gone. Kairi stopped praying, and Sora began to pound on the Barrier as Riku's legs gave out beneath him. The bond he shared with Christie was slowly fading away, he could feel it.
She was dying, and there was nothing he could do about it.

----

The Darkness all around them un-nerved Axel, but he continued to run. Xigbar had suddenly appeared out of nowhere to warn them that Sora and Christie had made it to the Castle, and that Saix was going to kill the girl the first chance he got. Axel had bolted for a portal, with Namine and Roxas straight on his heels, begging for an explaination. Throwing one over his shoulder as they ran scared Namine, but the two blondes continued to run with him. Axel made a note to give them the biggest hug he could when this was over, and leapt through the portal in time to see Saix lift Christie's near lifeless body up above the ground. Roaring a battle cry, Axel lunged forward. He startled Saix back out the massive gaping hole in the wall, and the blue-haired man dropped Christie to the ground.

Roxas raced after Saix to keep him away, as Namine ran for the Barrier to knock it down. Axel kneeled down, fingers jammed onto Christie's neck to try and find a pulse. When he found one, however weak it was, Axel sighed in relief. He gathered up the girl in his arms, walking forward towards the Barrier. The three on the other side gasped at the sight they saw when he stepped through, but Axel couldn't have cared less. He kept his eyes on Saix and Roxas, locked in combat. When it became obvious that the Keyblader Wielder would win, Axel turned his attention to Christie. Her breathing was shallow and labored, and it seemed that she was fading in his arms. Fearing for her life, Axel clutched the girl just a little tighter.

"Come on, Squirt. Don't you dare die..."

Roxas's cry of warning made Axel look up, and he barely managed to step aside as Saix lunged forward, getting his claymore stuck in the wall. Abandoning his weapon, Saix whirled on Axel, eyes having gone red with anger.

"Give me the girl, 8!" Axel backed away, shaking his head. Seeming to calm down a little, Saix's eyes returned to thier normal amber color. He glared at Axel.

"What's that?" Taking another step back, Axel snarled.

"I told you. I won't leave Christie to die here. I refuse to let her go!"

For a moment, the jealousy that poured off of Roxas could have kept Saix's anger going for a very long time. But when he actually looked at the girl in Axel's arms, he banished the feeling from his mind. Saix took a few steps forward, but was forced back as a Firaga spell from Axel appeared at his feet. Green eyes filling with rage, Axel looked up at the man who had once been his commanding officer.

"I don't claim to know why you want her so badly, but I'll never hand Christie over to you!"

Snarling, Saix summoned his Claymore from the wall. But it was too late. With a sound of breaking glass, the Barrier that seperated Christie from her friends broke, and the Keyblader's surged forward against Saix. Three different blades against Saix proved to be too much to handle, and he backed towards the window as he clutched at his non-existant heart. The glass broke, and he tumbled to the city below. Riku ran over to Axel, gently taking Christie into his arms.

"Chris? Come on...don't leave me..."
-----

"Wake up, you goof." Kia? I groaned, opening my eyes a little. Kia huffed in front of me, tossing long light brown hair over her shoulder.

"Bout time. I thought you'd never wake up." She gestured around the area we were in. Floating in silver fog, there was no place to stand. I spun around, then turned back to face her.

"What is this place?" Crossing her arms, Kia sent me a blank stare.

"Your Heart. It's basically falling apart at the seams, since I've been been on Earth." She shrugged, crossing her legs. I frowned, looking around as the fog lightened a little. Kia cursed, "standing" up in a flash.

"Damn...we're out of time."

She lunged forward, and I understood. Clasping my hands with hers, I closed my eyes. Almost two years of memories suddenly flowed into me, all the emotions Kia felt during that time, every heartbreak, every smile, every frown...they were mine now. I looked up at her, shaking my head.

"You don't have to do this..." Kia smiled, shrugging a little as she held on tighter.

"You're right, I don't have to. I want to."

She closed her eyes, and the world around me changed. White fog was slowly pushed away by a pale blue sky, with grass and flowers turning into sand and ocean water. I felt solid ground beneath my feet, and looked up in time to see Kia begin to fade away into the sky. She smiled, arms crossed on her stomach. Smiling, I saluted her as she faded away into my heart. I could feel her and Griever get settled with one another, and closed my eyes.
-----

To be completley honest, I wasn't expected to see Riku hovering over me when I woke up again. We stared at one another for a moment, before I smiled.

"Hey, handsome." There was more than one sigh of relief in the room, including one I didn't think I'd hear. I sat up against Riku's chest, letting him cling to me for a few moments. Axel smirked, walking over to his blondes as Riku and I stood. Sora walked over, Oathkeeper in hand.

"You ok?" He sighed in relief when I nodded, dismissing his blade. Namine walked over to Sora, looking a little apprehensive. He tilted his head, biting his lip in thought as he looked her over.

"Namine, right?" She nodded, lacing her fingers. Sora smiled.

"Thanks, for whatever you did."

She nodded with a smile, and introductions were made. The sound of metal in my pocket jogged my memory, and I walked over to Namine. She looked up in surprise, tears filling her eyes as I placed the charm bracelet from Demyx in her hand. Axel and Roxas cursed, looking away. I shook my head.

"I'm sorry. There was nothing we could have done."

Namine nodded, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist as she wiped the tears away. We turned from the broken window, all seven of us returning to the Proof. Inside, the main path towards Twilights View was open, and we all ran up the path in time to see Ansem's device begin to shake. Sora ran on ahead, calling out to King Mickey.

"Majesty!" Ansem turned to us, meeting Sora's eyes.

"Sora, the rest is up to you." He looked to Axel, Roxas, and Namine, then looked away.

"No apology I offer now will ever take away the pain I caused you, but know that I am sorry." Axel shook his head.

"There's not a need to apologize. We're all still here, that's what matters." Kairi suddenly lunged forward for her father, and I snapped my arm out to stop Sora from running after her. When he protested, I looked over my shoulder at him.

"Wait. Give her a chance to say goodbye."

Kairi embraced her father tightly, and Ansem lifted one arm from his machine to hold his daughter close. They exchanged words, and Kairi let go, backing away. She ran back to Sora, and Ansem turned to face the boy who'd won his daughter's heart.

"Sora, she is in your hands now."

Sora nodded. The machine began to rattle more, and Mickey lunged forward to try and grab his friend. But Riku leaned down, grabbing his friends arm. Having noted the disturbance, Ansem turned to his oldest friend.

"My Heart is telling me what I must do. Please, allow me to do what it commands!" Mickey shook his head, leaping out of Riku's hold.

"No!" Before Mickey could reach Ansem, Riku and I managed to pull him back. Riku kneeled down to the tiny king's level.

"His Heart's decided, we can't change that!"

Before anything else could be said, a Dark Portal opened up on a higher ledge, and Xemnas stepped through. He glared down at Ansem.

"I was wondering who would dare interfere with my Kingdom Hearts. And look, here you all are. How convenient for me. Ansem the Wise...you are pathetic." Ansem scoffed.

"Have your laugh. I deserve as much for failing to see you for the fool you really are." Xemnas smiled cruelly.

"Students do take after thier teachers. Only a fool would ever been your apprentice. After all, none of this could have happened without your foolish mistakes. You are the source of all Heartless. It was your research that inspired me to go further than you ever would have gone."

Ansem closed his eyes, shaking his head.

"I admit...my disregard brought chaos to more worlds that one. But..what were you seeking? You erased me from the world, only to take my name and continue the research better left forgotten. Was this the answer you were searching for?" Xemnas nodded.

"All that, and more. I'm carrying on what you yourself began, and I'm creating a brand new world, free of pain and strife." He crossed his arms, disappointed.

"I thought that you'd praise me, but all you ever did was hold me back. I understand though. Unlike me, you are imperfect, you have a Heart. You're powerless to control it, and are comsumed by the jealousy for the student who surpassed you." Ansem's shoulders straighted, and he looked up.

"Xehanort. Foolish apprentice of a foolish man. You have surpassed nothing, only proved how little we truly know. We may profess to know the Heart, but it's essence is beyond our reach. We're both ignorant, and still as oblivious as when we began. I'm afraid that any world you try to creath...any world of yours...would be an empire of ignorance. That is why you and your creation...are destined to fall!"

Unable to hold the Hearts it had collected, the device in Ansem's hands began to spark and smoke, sputtering as it slowly gave up the ghost. Ansem snarled at Xemnas.

"We've said enough!" He turned to Riku and I, eyes kinder.

"Riku, Christina, you know what to do!" We nodded, and Ansem turned to Mickey.

"King Mickey, my friend, forgive me! Farewell!"

With one final spark, the machine in Ansem's hand just...blew up. Xemnas portalled away as the Hearts chambered in the machine turned to pure Light, tunneling up to create a massive hole in the Heart Moon above. Before Sora and Mickey could run forward to try and save Ansem, Kairi and Riku had grabbed them. We took a few steps back, but there was no time to get away from the blast that followed. The Light tunnel shook, spreading outwards, then imploded on itself. Sora grabbed Kairi as Axel shielded Roxas and Namine, while Riku shielded Mickey and I from the blast.

The last I saw of him before passing out was a smile on his face. The next thing I knew, I was face down on the floor, waking up as my friends did the same around me. I smiled when I saw that Riku had returned to normal, but my heart stopped when I didn't see his chest rising and falling with any sign of breath. Sora got up and ran to his friend, trying to rouse him.

"Riku, wake up. Come on man, this isn't funny...Riku?"

I ran forward, skidding on the tile as I dropped to my knees. Placing two fingers on his neck, I jumped back when there was no pulse beneath my fingertips. Sora put his fingers on his friends neck, mouth dropping and eyes widening when there was nothing to say he was still alive. Putting my head to his chest, I waited for a heartbeat. After a few moments when there was none, I buried my hands in the cloak he was still wearing. Sora put his hand on my shoulders, and I looked up into wide blue eyes. I shook my head, and Sora looked away. Kairi took a step forward, and Sora looked up at her as I buried my head into Riku's cooling shoulder.

"Riku's dead."
-----
Yeah. See ya next time.

 

You should know that I absolutely hate you for this.

 

No. Freaking. Way.

No....No. I refuse to believe that Riku died. I refuse. Please tell me he's going to come back somehow. :huh:

This was a really good update and sad at some points. You almost made me cry.

-Kairi

 

what the heck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what the heck did you do to Riku?! you friggen killed him! i didnt want it to happen like that! i was waiting to see the Riku-gone-normal scene! you just ruined everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(Phew, I finally caught up, I read the whole trilogy in 'bout a week...)
Hehee, Kairi is 9 days older than me! But I'm older than Sora! Muahahahaa!
Nooooooo!!!! DEMYX! *sniffs* Okay, beat the original death, but still *sniffs some more* And Riku too! *burst in tears*

 

Mikaila: Yes, I know you hated me for that. You made it pretty clear.

Kairi: You'll just have to read and see.

Jap: No need to shout. All is well.

theonly9one: Thanks for reading this!

ANd on a very happy note, this is my 100th Post!

----
Disclaimer: Check Chapter 1
----
I don't know how long the seven of us stayed in that hallway, struck with disbelief that a life had ended. Mickey broke the silence first, hands fisted at his sides.

"We...we have to stop Xemnas. He has to pay for this." Sora nodded, and put a hand on my shoulder. I shrugged to let him know I felt it, and he sighed.

"We'll give you a minute."

Seven pairs of footsteps heading back downstairs fading into silence told me I could finally open the dam, and I did so. Clutching at Riku's cloak, I cried enough to make my voice hoarse and my eyes red and aching. Sniffling, I backed away until I could see his face again. Closed aqua eyes were still covered with the black blindfold from so long ago, never to open again. I brushed his bangs from his face, biting my lip as they fell back to his forehead.

"You needed a haircut so badly..."

I shook my head, vision blurring as more tears came. They spilled down my cheeks as I put my head on his chest, still crying a little. Placing one hand above his heart, I jolted in surprise as my hand pulsed for a second. I shook my head, passing it off as my own pulse. Giving him one last kiss, I stood and took a breath.

"I'll see this through to the end, I promise."

Sneakers clicking on the tile beneath my feet, I returned to the Proof. Inside, Sora stood up as I entered the room. The sympathy in his eyes made my flinch, and I walked past him towards the other exit. Axel took a step after me, and I turned to look at them over my shoulder.

"Could you...could you both take the body back to Infinity?" They nodded, and I ran off to head outside. I needed air, badly.
----

With a sigh, Sora turned to head up to collect the body of his best friend. Axel fell into step beside him, offering a sympathetic arm around his shoulders. Sora squeezed his eyes shut.

"How could this have happened..." Axel shook his head.

"I dunno. I'm sorry."

Sora shrugged, then gasped in surprise at what he saw before him. When they'd left Christie to say her goodbyes, Riku had been laying flat on his back. He now sat up, knees tucked beneath him as he worked the knot of cloth at the back of his head. Sora stared for a moment, then took a step forward.

"...Riku?"

Dropping the blindfold to reveal teal-blue eyes, Riku looked up, very much alive. The sound of boots and cries of joy from behind told Sora that Axel had gone back to tell the others the good news, but he didn't care. Taking a few steps forward to stand before his old friend, Sora fell to his knees. As Riku stared in confusion, Sora lunged forward, bursting into tears as he threw his arms around Riku's shoulders, knocking them both to the ground. Riku blinked, shocked that Sora had hugged him so tightly and suddenly. When Sora let go after a moment, Riku tilted his head.

"I'm glad to see you too, but why the hug?"

Sora stared, stopping the wiping of tears from his cheeks. Kairi took a step forward, placing her arms around Sora's shoulders as she looked to Riku.

"You...you were dead. You died, Riku."

Riku's eyes widened, and he shook his head.
"No, that's...that's impossible." He suddenly looked up, noticing the lack of the most important person to him.

"Where's Christie?" Sora and Kairi shared a look, and Sora shook his head.

"We don't know. She ran back down the Castle...but I dunno where she went."

Riku was off in a flash, running through abandoned halls to try and reach her before it was too late.

"Chris..."

----
"Child, I'm so sorry..."

"Christie..."

I buried my face further into my knees, sniffling away the last of my tears. There would be no consoling me for a while, and they knew it. I looked up to the rumbling sky, eyes narrowed as the clouds cracked up, spilling rain onto the streets. Extending one hand out past my knees, I called one dagger. I hiccuped a sob back at the sight of the black blade. Riku had given these to me, on my 17th birthday. I treasured these, using them every chance I got. But now....I just couldn't bring myself to use them. I dismissed the blade, looking out across the city and listening to the falling rain on the ground and buildings. In my grief, I didn't feel the bond that Riku and I shared perk up, nor did I hear his footsteps until he came barreling around the corner.

"Christie!" I stiffened, slowly turning around to face his voice. He stood there, panting from what had to have been a long run. Not really believing it was really Riku, I stood up slowly. He took one step forward, and I backed away, shaking my head.

"No, this can't be real. You...you're dead!" Sympathy and understanding filled his eyes, and he took another step forward.

"Chris, I'm real as you are. It's ok." I closed my eyes, turning my back on him.

"No. It's not ok. This...this is just a dream."

I heard a sigh, and footsteps. A hand was placed on my shoulder, and I didn't have time to react until I was pulled into a hug with one very much alive Riku. He settled his chin on my head, arms around my back.

"It's ok. I'm here."

It took a minute for the reality of the situation to set in. He was here. He was alive. Burying my face into his chest, I hugged him as tight as I could. We must have stood there for a very long time, becuase my legs were stiff when we finally broke apart. He looked at me, gently smiling as he wiped a stray tear from my cheek.

"See? Everythings all right now."

I nodded, smiling a tiny bit. Yes, everything was all right again. Hand in hand, we returned to the Castle. Of course, he shed the cloak midway through the trip back up, revealing jeans and that silly top. I smiled.

"We never did get that crazy zipper fixed, did we?" Riku chuckled, shaking his head as I fiddled with it, finally managing to get it closed all the way.

"Well, it's fixed now."

We shared a small laugh, and continued our trek back up to the Proof. Once inside, both Riku and I were charge-glomped by Sora and Kairi, both younger teens blabbering on about how happy they were. They backed off when Kairi unleashed a yawn of massive proportions, and Namine soon followed. Sora ran a hand through his spikes, looking like he was also about to drop.

"Guess it got pretty late, huh?" I glanced at my watch, and let out a low whistle.

"Late is an understatement...it's 4AM Destiny Islands time..."

Sora blanched, and looked around at our current location. He frowned, turning back to me.

"How much space does Infinity have?"

I shook my head. There were eight of us here, Infinity couldn't hold that many sleeping people, even if one of them was a three foot tall mouse. Mickey sighed, hopping onto one of the platforms and curling up against the wall.

"Whelp, we'll just have to rest here for the night."

Giving us all goodnights, he curled into a ball and dozed off. Axel, Roxas, and Namine curled off on the highest platform, curled around one another as Sora and Kairi took the platform across from Riku and I.

Kairi was asleep against Sora's shoulder in seconds, while I took a few moments longer to fall asleep, my head on Riku's lap. I dozed off, lightly at first, before falling into a deep sleep in my true loves arms.

----

Riku smiled as Christie finally fell asleep. She needed the rest, after what had happened just an hour before. Feeling a pair of eyes on him, Riku looked up to his best friend, tilting his head at Sora's concerned stare.

"What's up, Sora?" Sora blinked, realizing he'd been staring. He shook his head, looking to the exit where they'd come from.

"I just keep thinking I'm dreaming, and I'll wake up to find you gone. I...I couldn't take that again." Riku nodded, understanding where his friend was coming from.

"I'll be here, don't worry about it." Sora took a deep breath as he nodded, but one question wouldn't stop nagging at him. He looked to his oldest friend.

"There's something I wanna ask you. How is it you're alive? You had no pulse, I felt it myself."

Sora shuddered at the memory. It would be a very long time before he would lose that memory, no matter what happened. At first, Riku had looked to the cieling in thought, before looking to the girl sleeping in his lap. Sora followed his gaze, then looked back up at him.

"Christie?" Riku nodded.

"Yeah. She gave me some of her Darkness, and brought me back." Riku leaned his head back, eyes closed and a gentle, knowing smile on his face.

"Life seeks out balance. I took in too much Light way too fast when..it happened, and my Heart stopped. Christie, she gave me some of her Darkness to even it out, so here I am." Sora frowned.

"I'm not really sure I get it. I'm just glad you're back." Riku nodded, already beginning to doze.

"Me too, Sora...me too."

----
Footsteps.

I was up in a flash, dagger appearing in my hand at the sound. The movement woke Riku, and he summoned Way to Dawn when he saw my dagger. Sora had already woken up, and was gently handing Kairi off to the already awake Axel. He turned to the exit, summoning Oblivion as we readied ourselves for combat.

"Gawrsh, Donald, are you sure they're here?"

"Positive. Infinity's here, right?" Mickey's ears twitched, and he leapt up to stay Sora's blade. When my cousin protested, Mickey raised a finger to his lips.

"Don't you recognize those voices?"

Sora tilted his head, then dismissed Oblivion as Donald and Goofy came around the corner. Mickey and Sora raced forward to hug them, waking Kairi with all thier racket. Riku and I shared a look, dismissing our weapons as the happy reunion came to an end. Donald and Goofy seemed well rested and ready for combat, and as I looked over our little group, I realized we were all ready to go as well. Sora and I shared a look, and I walked to the tallest ledge. Fingering my necklace, I looked over my friends.

"I'm...I'm not very good at speeches. What I'm trying to say, is that after we defeat Xemnas...I'm going to Radient Garden to live."

Sora nodded in understanding, Kairi stared in shock, and Riku sighed in relief. I walked back to Riku's side, and we proceeded up the Castle. Nobodies got in the way every step up, but with the ten of us, it was easy going. When we reached the highest ledge of Twilight's View, Kairi stiffened. She and Namine ran to the gaurd railing, looking over the edge at all the Shadow's crawling up the side to try and reach us. They crested the edge of the railing, forcing the girls back. Namine smacked at them with her sketchbook if they got to close, and Kairi knocked them away with her staff, the closed off area to small for her Hell-Spells. Before the Heartless could claim any of us for thier ranks, a barrier of green fire went up. Riku and I stiffened as Maleficent and Pete appeared on our side of the Barrier. Maleficent looked over her shoulder at us.

"Begone from here, all of you! Leave these foul ones to us!" Pete stared.

"But there's now way we could take them all on our own!" Maleficent pointed towards us with her staff.

"We must hold them off, while these...children...handle Xemnas. Or would you rather fight him yourself?"
Pete blanched, taking a step back.


"Frankly my dear, I'd rather run!" Maleficent scoffed, opening a Dark Portal for her cowardly subordinate.

"Off with you then." Pete made to run off, but then Mickey caught his eyes. Pete planted his hands on his hips.

"Well, if it ain't the boat boy King." Mickey smiled wryly.

"Time to weigh anchor, Captain Pete." Pete frowned.

"What? Like, abandon ship? I dun think so!" He turned back to Maleficent, walking to her side as the witch began to down the barrier. She turned to us.

"Sora, "your highness", Do not forget. Once they've all been destroyed, this castle will be mine!"

The barrier dropped as Maleficent and Pete ran into the fight against thousands of Shadows, and we ran towards the Passage of Ruin and Creation. Sora skidded to a stop as he nearly fell into what he thought was a bottomless pit, but Roxas kept running forward. The path we had to take formed beneath his feet, and we followed after the blond until we reached the highest point. Axel suddenly stopped, turning around. He cursed.

"Crap. SQUIRT!" I turned, facing where he was pointing in time to see at least 500 Berserkers working thier way up the pathways towards us. Riku cursed.

"There's gonna be no end to them!" Sora patted his friend on the shoulder.

"Together, we can stop them!"

Unsure as the situation looked, Sora's confidence was very inspiring. Axel stayed behind with Donald and Goofy to gaurd the Kairi and Namine, while the rest of us leapt forward into battle. Bond of Flame came alive in Roxas's hands, and he was able to disarm several Berserkers and use thier own weapons to knock them into the gorge. The heat of Axel's weapons and the constant sound of Namine's sketch creatures mixed with Kairi's spells to create a battle symphony. Sora and Riku quickly cleaved through their own targets, as I leapt from Berserker to Berserker, kicking thier heads together and making them aim at one another to get at me. But for all we tried, it was just too much to handle. After they nearly knocked Mickey off the pathway, we retreated to the ledge where the girls waited. Sides heaving, we stared down the remaining 20 creatures.

They just stood there, mocking us. If we went up, they'd follow and we'd be outnumbered with Xemnas as a threat. We couldn't go down either, they were severly blocking the path. Sora dismissed Oblivion, curling into himself to try and drive. I felt the pull for a moment, but it dissipated quickly as Darkness raced into the area. Sora screamed in pain, then ran past us in a flash of black. Riku and I tried to grab him, but he slipped right through our hands and into the Berserker's ranks. Kairi cried out after him, but either he didn't hear or he was ignoring us. Biting Axel's arm as he tried to hold her back, Kairi ran past us to get to Sora. She managed to reach him, but the Berserker's closed in on them before we could run to help. For a few tense moments, we stood there, waiting for something to happen. And boy, did it ever! A flash of white light made Riku and I turn away, but when we looked back, Sora was standing there with Kairi in his arms, Oathkeeper and Oblivion swirling around them. Sora's black clothes had become white, with flame designs on the shorts. He floated over back to the ledge, setting Kairi down.

"Wait here."

He literally flew back into the fray, killing the remaining Berserkers. Once they were gone, he floated back over to us, dismissing Final Form as he came to a firm, safe landing. Kairi ran forward, hugging him tightly for a moment, then smacking him upside the head. He yelped, but said nothing as she kissed him fiercely on the mouth. We looked away to give them privacy, only turning back when, after a minute, they were still at it. Riku and I shared an incredulous look as they finally broke apart, smiling at one another. Axel clapped.

"Nice show, kids. But, we gotta go."

They nodded, and we turned to leave. Before we could get up the stairs to the Alter, the sound of breaking stone made us turn back to Twilights View. Quickly running down the pathway, I had to grab hold of the doorframe to stop myself from falling off the edge. Sora peered over my shoulder, whistling at the site of the deep pit that led to the city below. Maleficent's dragon roar above us filled in the blanks, and we returned to the high ledge back in Creation's Passage. Sora led the way up the stairs to the Altar's peak, where Xemnas had his arms raised high up to his destroyed Kingdom Hearts. He turned around when he heard us, eyes narrowed.

"Warriors of the Keyblades! Go forth, and bring me more Hearts!"

Mickey, Sora, and Riku glared, summoning thier blades and snarling in unison.

"No!" Xemnas shook his head, almost pensive.

"Denizens of Light, tell me this: Why do you hate the Darkness?" Mickey lowered his Keyblade, looking to the ground.

"We don't hate it...it's just kinda...scary." He shook his head, looking up at Xemnas.

"But the worlds are made of both Light and Darkness. You can't have one without the other, 'cause Darkness is half of everything. It sorta makes ya wonder why we are scared of the Dark..." Riku glared towards Xemnas.

"It's because of who's lurking inside of it."

Xemnas nodding, and I thought he understood for a moment.

"Then allow me another question. You accept the Darkness, and yet, choose to live in the Light. So, why is that you loathe and despise us who teeter on the brink of nothing? We who were turned away by both Light and Dark, never given a choice?"

Riku lowered Way to the Dawn, almost sympathetic.

"That's simple. It's because you've messed up our worlds." Xemnas nodded, taking full responsibility for his actions.

"That may be...However, what other choice might we have had." Sora scowled.

"Just give it a rest already! It doesn't matter what you say, we're taking you down!"

Xemnas chuckled.

"You don't miss a thing, Isumaru. No matter what misery will befall this world, no matter what you think, what you feel, or how you choose to exist, you will end me."

He raised his arms, making both he and Sora vanish. We called out to Sora, but there was no response. Kairi ran to the gaurd rail of the Altar, screaming.

"SORA!"

----

Sora lowered his arm, gasping in surprise. He was standing in front of the Skyscraper outside of the Castle, but it was if it was in another dimension entirely. Sora jumped to attention as Xemnas appeared in front of him, hands forming some kind of sign. Sora winced in pain as a barrier formed around him, sapping his strength away by the second. Xemnas vanished, reappearing at the top of the Skyscraper. Sora snarled up at him, leaping to the entrance door and somehow running up the side of the building. Xemnas leapt down, conjuring two red beam swords as he flew towards the teen. They met in front of a giant video screen, and Sora slammed Xemnas into it's surface with Oblivion, stunning him. The barrier on Sora faded away, and they both fell to the ground. Sora managed to right himself to land hard on his feet, while Xemnas crashed headfirst into the ground. He faded away, and Sora sighed in relief. Keeping Oblivion in hand, he looked around for some kind of escape route. When there was none he could see, Sora gently tugged Kairi's charm out of his pocket, clutching it to his heart.

"Sora! Where are you?!"

"Sora! Answer me!"

"Sora!"

Sora smiled, lifting his head to the rain as he was able to use the Hearts of his friends to return to the Altar. What he didn't expect, however, was to fall face first onto the floor as he was dumped from a portal in the "sky". He shook his head as Riku and Christie tugged him from the ground, shaking off the King's concern for the bigger picture.

"Where's Xemnas?!" Donald peered around, suddenly sqauwking in shock as he looked up to see Xemnas embedding himself into the Moon.

"Hear me, Kingdom Hearts! It seems we must begin anew. Ah, but know this: I will give you as many Hearts as it will take. Mark my words! You can no more be complete without me, then I without you. Heed me, Kingdom Hearts! Lend me your power, so that we may be complete! The power to erase the fools that hinder us."

Mickey called out to the man, trying to reach Xehanort within.

"Xemnas, no!"

"Hearts, quivering with hatred." Sora shook his head, glaring up at the man.

"Xemnas! Don't do this!"

"Hearts, burning with rage!"

---

I snarled, hands clenching at my sides.

"You'll never get away with this!" Xemnas still ignored us, attention fully on his still half broken dream.

"Hearts scarred by envy. That fool Ansem said that the Heart's true nature was beyond his understanding. But it's not beyond mine! Hearts are the source of all power!"

Kingdom Hearts suddenly glowed insanely bright, forcing the humans in our groupt to shield our eyes from the Light. When we were able to look back again, Xemnas was gone. Sora cursed.

"Xemnas! You can't hide from us!" I clenched a fist, glaring up at the moon.

"We're not letting him get away now!" Kairi suddenly turned, pointing up towards the broken moon.

"Look!" We all whirled around, as the Door to Kingdom Hearts appeared. Goofy tilted his head.

"What's going on?" Mickey looked to the door, not really surprised.

"Kingdom Hearts..." Riku squared his shoulders, walking over to the pathway that led up to the door.

"Let's go. Xemnas must be inside." Mickey nodded, looking up at us.

"The worlds gave us this doorway. They chose us to be the Guardians of thier destiny.." Sora nodded,
Oathkeeper in hand. Riku turned to his friend, determined.

"Once we go through, there's no turning back. It's either victory, or oblivion. So, Sora...are you ready?"

Sora nodded, and the three Keybearers raised thier blades to the sky. Three seperate beams of light shown from the tips, opening the door. Sora lowered his blade, focused on the door.

"Get ready, Xemnas. It all ends here!"

Riku offered his hand to me, and I took it. Sora led the way, with us just behind him as he headed into the world beyond that door. Inside, Xemnas stood on top of a tall building, staring down at us in contempt. Without even having to shout, we could hear him from here.

"So...it seems your hearts have led you to Oblivion. Perhaps it does not pay to be loyal to ones Heart. I will have to be sure and remember that."

He raised one arm, sending a building after us. With the ground shaking beneath our feet, we bolted for the door. A strong rumble sent Riku, Sora, and I tumbling to the ground, carrying the others outside of the door. Sora reached out to Kairi as the door shut.

"NO!"

Snarling, Sora stood up and summoned Oathkeeper. Way to Dawn appeared in Riku's hand as my daggers we called form the Void, and we ran forward. Xemnas's defense consisted of building's careening up from the ground, forcing us apart. Riku grabbed me, pulling us into a small alcove as Sora slashed through the buildings. As harrowed as the battle was, the sound of Riku's steady heartbeat beneath my ear and the feel of his hands on my back was comforting. I wish the moment had lasted longer, but duty called. As soon as the buildings crashed in a pile of dust, we were off after Sora, clambering over the debris in time to reach a platform that raised up as Xemnas sent another building crashed towards us. Sora cut this one in half, and we could barely keep up with him, leaping across building pieces to a metal platfrom. Nobodies appeared, and we knocked them into the Core of Xemnas's attack ship. After a few of the flying creatures were knocked into it, the core began to pulse red with heat. Sora cursed, and we made a break for it, running across the grating to the other side of the ship. Just in time as well, for the core we'd been attacking exploded the second we were out of the way, throwing us to the steel grating. Sora got up first, back on the warpath. Riku stared after his old friend, eyes wide.

"What's he doing?"

I shrugged, helping my love to his feet as the grating shook beneath us with Sora's tossing of Nobodies into the Core. That battle was over before it began, and Sora panted as he ran back to us. Using the explosion's power, we were able to get up to the Central Core. Various Berserker's were waiting for us when we got there, and Riku narrowed his eyes at something behind them. Sudden knowledge flooded his eyes, and he ran for the Core at the back of the room, leaving Sora and I to handle the Berserkers on our own. I'd had enough of these things to last me a dozen lifetimes, and attacked the ones that Sora left behind as he stole thier weapons. The Ship shook beneath our feet as the Core came to a stop, and Riku called out.

"Guys! This way!"

We ran after him as we used the elevator cleverly hidden in the Core to reach Xemnas, arriving on the top level. We could see Xemnas's creation from up here, a city of Darkness and despair. Sitting on a throne of Cards, the self-proclaimed King of this land faced us down. He called a spear to his hand, starting the attack. When Sora ran in on his own, Riku and I shared a nod. Grabbing his hands, we spun around until Riku let go, sending me towards a wall. I spun in mid-air, landing on my feet and pushing off the wall to soar over Xemnas head and pepper him with Thundara and Fira spells. He cursed in rage, letting Sora get in multiple blows before the evil man cast up a shield, blocking my spells and forcing Sora back. I landed on my feet, running back to my friends as Xemnas panted behind his shield. Sora turned to us, taking advantage of this brief respite.

"Either of you know a shield breaking Spell?"

I snapped my fingers, already back in the fight. Riku caught on as I dropped to my knees, head bowed as my fingers laced in prayer. He tapped Sora on the shoulder, gesturing to Xemnas. I heard the shield break, and looked up in time to see Sora and Riku leap forward, floating on Dark Energy as the boys threw Dark Firagas at Xemnas, catching him off gaurd again as blades of Dark and Light spun around them, cutting deeply into his armor. To end it all, the threw thier keyblades into the air, letting all the energy in the sacred weapons wash over Xemnas. I rose to my feet as the man howled in agony, and we were returned to the Altar of Naught as Xemnas feel to the ground, clutching at his chest.

"I need...more rage...I need more...hearts..." Sora frowned in pity.

"Xemnas. There's more to a Heart than just anger, or hate. It's full of all kinds of feelings. Don't you remember?" Xemnas looked up, eyes fading out of focus as he stared at Sora.

"Unfortunately...I don't..." He fell to the ground, fading away. When he was gone, we dismissed our weapons. Sora took a step back as Kairi tackled him, and I batted at Axel's hand as he messed up my hair. Mickey smiled up at the three of us, eyes filled with joy.

"Gosh, you all did great!" Footsteps made Sora and I turn in time to see Riku walk over to one of the gaurd rails, and I nodded to my cousin. Gently extracting himself from Kairi, Sora walked over to his friend, and I could hear them from here. Sora hesitated for a moment, then spoke up.

"You're coming back with us, right?" Riku shook his head, looking up at the sky.

"I...I had given into the Darkness." Sora frowned.

"Riku!" Riku whirled on his old friend, hands in front of him.

"How am I gonna face everyone?!"

"Like this!" Sora squished his face in like a fish, crossing his eyes. Riku stared for a moment, then laughed. I walked over to the boys, and Riku pulled me into a surprised hug. He leaned his head down to my ear, whispering.

"I'm going home with you. Don't say anything to Sora or Kairi."

I nodded into his chest, and we broke apart. Before we could try and leave, the ground shook beneath us, heralding the destruction of this world. Mickey ran over.

"Hurry! We've gotta go!"

Riku nodded, and we ran for the portal that Axel had opened to take us to Twilight Town. Kairi and I ran ahead of Riku and Sora as Pluto bolted past us, running alongside his master. Feeling the Darkness wobble behind us, Kairi and I turned around to see Riku and Sora sprinting for the portal.

They didn't make it time. The portal closed, leaving them stranded in the Darkness.
----

Sora skidded to a stop, staring in shock as the Portal closed, cutting him off from Kairi. A bright flash of light made both boys turn, in time to see a nesting Core in the distance. Riku and Sora stared in shock as a large, flying Dragon Mecha burst from the Core, roaring as it flew over to the tower, knocking into the structure. Both boys tumbled to the ground as the Altar began to collapse, sending them sliding across it's surface. Riku looked up, seeing a small, two seater hovercraft floating on a lower level. Eyes narrowed, Riku stood up and ran for the edge, ignoring Sora's panicked cries as he leapt for the craft, landing right in the drivers seat. Sending up a small prayer of thanks to Leviathan for the motorcycle races in Traverse Town, he managed to pilot the little craft over to Sora in time to catch him from his free fall plummet into the Darkness. When Sora stood up on the second seat, Oathkeeper in hand, Riku took off after the Mecha, lasers on the tiny craft blazing.

As Sora knocked down the various Nobodies attacking them, Riku kept on the offensive, peppering the larger craft with laser fire to knock it down. The two energy cores under the tail went down first, then the wings, and finally, the armor shielding the head. Riku pulled the hovercraft to a stop as the larger ship crashed to the ground, destroying the city below with it's death thrashes, filling the air with smoke. As the boys watched, energy swirled around the ruined machine, bringing it back to life and making it bigger. Riku cursed as he swerved the hover craft through smaller laser fire, pulling away to a safe distance. Sora dismissed Oathkeeper, eyes narrowed at the Darkness around them. Riku shook his head, they couldn't stay here forever. Eventually, Xemnas would catch up to them, or the hovercraft would run out of fuel. Taking a deep breath, Riku took up the controls of the craft, turning to Sora.

"Hang on!"
----
We all must have stood there for at least five minutes, before I ran for the Transport Beacon at the Station. Kairi and Mickey outran the rest of the group, and we were quickly on board Infinity as Axel and the others caught up, panting. Mickey flung himself into a seat as I brought up the map, heading for the only world close to Twilight Town. But before we could leave to save the boys, the ship shook beneath our feet, doing a 180 degree turn for home. Bracing myself on a seat, I called out to Infinity. She appeared, tugging on her pom-pom.

"I'm sorry, captain. We're returning to Radient Garden, per your brother's order."

I closed my eyes, silently fuming as I pulled myself into the captain's chair. Infinity stared for a moment, then vanished as Kairi walked over and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"...Christie?"

"I'll kill him. I swear, he's dead meat."

Kairi backed away, and for the rest of the trip, I sat in that chair, fuming. When we arrived, I stood up and stalked down the aisle to the hatch. It started open as we landed, and I leapt the two feet distance to the hanger floor. Nii-san took a step back as I stalked over to him, and he stared in open shock as I slapped him, hard. Hands clenched at my sides, I got up in his face.

"Who do you think you are?! Telling Infinity to come back here like that!"

Rubbing his cheek with one hand, Nii-san stared at me, ranting and raving as our crowd of friends gathered while Mickey, Donald, and Goofy hopped off the ship. Panting as I finished my rant, I stalked back on the ship. Slamming the hatch shut to keep everyone else out, I started up the engines again, pulling the manual flight controls. Kairi walked over, hands laced in front of her.

"Where are we going?" Eyes set on the hanger doors ahead of us, I smiled.

"After Sora and Riku, of course. We're bringin' em home."

Kairi and I both looked up as metal screeched, and I cursed as the hangar doors began to screech closed. Kairi understood the gravity of the situation, and raced for a seat. When I heard the seat belt click into place, I turned the engines to high-speed fuel. The radio keyed on, and Zack's face appeared, gravely staring at mine.

"Go. Bring them home." I nodded, and the man's face vanished from the display. I managed to pull us through the doors just as they slammed shut, and we left Radiant Garden airspace before they could follow.

----

Leon cursed, whirling on Zack with his weapon raised. Gunblade met Buster Sword in a clash of sparks, and Leon's weapon went flying into a crate. Glaring at Zack, Leon calmed down a bit.

"Why did you let her go?" Zack lowered his weapon, eyes calm.

"Becuase if it was Yuffie back there, you'd be doing the same. We'd all do the same for anyone here, and you know it. Besides, Riku's my godson."

Zack smiled a little, tossing a loose strand of black hair over his ear.

"Not to mention, she didn't return your pendant. She'll come home."

Everyone turned to the Hangar doors, various emotions running through thier eyes. Suddenly understanding, Leon nodded. Reclaiming his weapon, the man walked off to find Cid.

----

Back at the World that Never Was, Riku had finally managed to get himself and Sora to the makeshift throne room where Xemnas sat. Both boys leapt from the hovercraft to the ground, suddenly turning around as the sound of screeching metal made them look back to see the hovercraft get drawn into the swirling void of space.

Turning back to thier opponent, Sora and Riku summoned thier blades and leapt forward, meeting Xemnas attack for attack, sword swipe for sword swipe. One of Xemnas's sword blasts knocked them from the platform and to a floating building below, Sora crashing through a window to fall inside. Riku leapt in after him, pulling his friend from the floor.

"You ok?" Sora nodded, shaking glass from his shorts. They jumped back outside, and Sora leapt to another discarded building, carying Riku towards it. Dropping his friend off, he glided around towards it's rear, just as Xemnas seemed to speak in his head.

Sora...are you certain you can trust Riku? Snarling, Sora knocked the building towards Xemnas, with Riku hanging on to finish the job. The silver haired boy leapt from the building as it crashed into the mecha, shaking his head as Xemnas spoke again.

Riku....are you sure you're not jealous of Sora? Eyes livid, Riku slashed the building down the middle, sending the parts slamming into Xemnas. With a large explosion, both Keybladers and Xemnas were sent into a void, black and white patterns playing out across the floor and walls, cieling pitch black. Xemas stood before them, black cloak having turned into something that melded with the floor.

"Heroes from the Realm of Light...I will not allow it to end this way. Not yet. If Light and Darkness are eternal, then surely we nothings must be the same...Eternal!" Riku shook his head.

"You're right. Light and Darkness are eternal. Nothing probably goes on forever, too. But guess what, Xemnas." Sora glared.

"That doesn't mean you're eternal!" Xemnas laughed, lifting his hands.

"No more eternal, than that radience of yours..."

Hands sparking with blue energy, Xemnas summoned thousands of blacka nd grey thorns, catching Sora and throwing him into the air. Before he could get to his friend to try and aid him, an image of Xemnas appeared in front of Riku, blocking his path. Battle cries and screams rang throughout the area for what must have been hours, before the Xemnas Clone vanished in front of Riku's eyes. The silver-haired male turned to his freind, offering a smile and a nod before they were torn away from one another again, dodging and weaving around Xemnas's blades of red light and dark thorns. But it was all a trap, and Xemnas had snared them both. Grabbing Sora in a ball of blue energy, he began to slowly drain the teens strength.

"Can you spare...a Heart?"

Snarling, Riku leapt up to try and stop Xemnas, but was struck by the energy stream and knocked to the ground. Shaking his head to clear it, Riku stood again, coming face to face with the Xemnas clone. It smirked at him, then vanished and reappeared behind him, knocking Way to Dawn from his hand. Instead of making a leap for his weapon, Riku ran for Sora, Dark Aura's flying whenever the clone got to close. Summoning Way to Dawn as he leapt into the air, Riku punched Xemnas in the face, grabbing his hand to stop the energy. It burned, but the thump and cry of his name told him that Sora had broken free, and he spun Xemnas around, throwing the heavier man into the air. Landing on his feet, Riku smirked up at the seething Xemnas.

"Is that all you got?"

Xemnas snarled, summoning spheres of red energy into his hands, lifting them and melding them together. Spikes of black energy covered outwards, blackening the arena until the only light was coming from the sphere in Xemnas's hands. The energy suddenly vanished, plunging the teens into pitch black darkness. For a moment, niether boy moved. But then, it was if the darkness came alive, points of red forming all over the room as Xemnas cackled. Leaping to cover one another, Sora and Riku somehow managed to deflect all the laser blasts until they seemed to explode, and Xemnas knocked Riku aside and back, holding his other lightsaber to Sora's head. Riku looked up in time to see Xemnas raise his arms to finish Sora off, and leapt forward, blocking the attack with Way to Dawn. Xemnas spun around to attack Sora again, but Riku saw it coming, and sent his friend flying with a gentle shove. Riku cried out in pain as both of Xemnas's weapons struck him in the left hip, cutting into flesh and burning the wound closed. Sora's eyes burned with rage as Riku fell, and he righted himself, leaping forward to take Riku's falling Keyblade and slammed them into Xemnas, sending the man spinning away. Crossing both Keyblades in his arms, Sora knocked Xemnas into the air, spinning both of them around until the boy landed safely beside his friend. Riku was picking himself up from the ground, and looked up at Sora as he offered Oblivion to the injured one. Nodding, they both sent a beam of Light towards Xemnas, ending him.

"Cursed...Keyblades..." Angry at being defeated, Xemnas reached out to the Keybladers as he faded away in wisps of gray smoke. Sora sighed in relief, happy it was finally over
.
"We did it!" Riku shook his head, snarling as at least a thousand Dusks suddenly appeared, the last of Xemnas's forces here to avenge thier master.

"I wouldn't be too sure of that..." Sora glared, Driving into Final Form to defend his friend. Oathkeeper and Oblivion swirling around him, Sora cut through the Dusks until there were none left. He dismissed the drive, and Riku tumbled to his knees.

"Sora...I can't..." Sora kneeled down beside his oldest friend, concerned.

"Don't say another word! It's not over yet. It's just not." Taking Riku's arm, he swung it over his shoulder and helped him stand. Peering through his bangs at the younger boy, Riku stared.

"How can you say that? Even if we could go on...look where we are."

Sora shook his head, smiling a little.

"Aw, c'mon, Riku. You've been hanging out in Darkness too long. Try and think positive. Besides, if you give up now, Christie's gonna fry you." Riku nodded, understanding what his friend meant. Still, he was exhuasted and in pain.

"Sora?"

"Hm?"

"You lead." Sora nodded, smiling gently.

"Got it." As Sora led, they walked as long as they could. Before they'd gotten very far, Riku spoke up again.

"You know...I always figured I was better at stuff than you..." Sora tilted his head.

"Really?"

"Are you mad?" Sora shook his head, crinkling his nose in amusement.

"No. I kinda always thought you were better at everything, too." The younger of the two boys suddenly looked up, squinting his eyes.

"Hey, Riku, look. What's that Light?"

Riku looked up, and they continued to walk towards the Light. When they passed through the portal, Riku looked up and around thier new surroundings. Black sand petered out to dark blue water, with a silver disc moon above, lighting the rocks on the beach and the ones jutting out over the water. Frowning, Riku shook his head.

"End of the road?" Sora nodded.

"Seems that way." Riku turned to his friend.

"Put me down, I can walk." Sora nodded again, letting Riku stand on his own with a little help as he nearly fell down again. Seeing that he'd be ok, Sora walked away and headed towards the water. Sora looked out across the horizon, taking a deep breath of the metallic smelling air.

"You know...maybe the Darkness has gotten to me, too..." A 'thump' from behind startled Sora, and he turned around. His Heart stopped for a moment as he caught sight of Riku lying face down in the sand, and the memory of his brother lying dead back in the Castle flashed before his mind's eye.

"Riku?!" He ran to his friend turned brother, and heaved a sigh of relief as the silver haired boy kneeled on the ground, shaking sand from his hands as he looked towards the water.

"This world is perfect for me. If this is what the world really is...just this...then maybe I should fade back into Darkness." Sora's eyes flooded with sadness. What was Riku talking about?

"Riku..." Riku squared his shoulders, looking determined.

"If the worlds are made of Light and Darkness...we'll be the Darkness." Understanding, Sora nodded as he sat beside his friend.

"Yeah. The other side...The Realm of Light is safe now. Kairi, Christie, The King, and the others are tehre." Riku nodded.

"That's what I mean." He turned to Sora.

"Hey, Sora...could you give me a hand? I want to get down to the water." Sora nodded, standing and brushing the dark sand from his shorts. Riku's hand was extended, palm up in a gesture of trust that made Sora's heart break a little. After everything the older boy had been through, he should know not to trust so openly. Throwing Riku's arm around his shoulder, they began the trek to the water. Riku made no act that he could support himself now, and let Sora slowly drag him to the surf. Eyes closed, he sighed.

"At least the waves still sound the same..." A few moments later, as they sat where the water met the sand, Riku spoke up again, slowly swallowing.

"What I said back there...about thinking I was better at stuff then you..." Sora turned to his friend, confused as to where this was going.

"Yeah?"

"To tell you the truth, Sora...I was jealous of you." Sora's eyes widened, and he stared.

"What for?"

"I wished that I could live life the way you do. Just, following my Heart." Sora chuckled, leaning back on his hands.

"Yeah, well, I've got my share of problems, too." Riku turned to his friend, curious.

"Like what?"

"Like...wanting to be like you." Riku chuckled, looking across the water.

"Well, there is one advantage to being me...Something you could never imitate."

"Really? What's that?"

"Having you for a friend." Sora smiled, flopping over to his back on the black sand.

"Then I guess...I'm okay the way I am. I've got something you could never imitate, too." The boys must have stayed there for hours, just staring up at the starless sky in thought. After a while, Sora leapt to his feet.

"I'm gonna go take a look around. Don't go anywhere."

Riku nodded, and Sora walked off for the rocks at the opposite end of the beach. He climbed up the slick stone, then stood still as an iron rod as he crested the top. Beyond the tiny beach, was the destroyed city and castle, rubble coating the ground and making a lethal obstacle course. Sora stared, sadness filling his heart. He had thought that they might have been able to find a way home, a portal, a pathway, maybe a ship! But this...he'd never expected to find this. There'd be no way that Riku could climb this, and Sora wouldn't leave his friend behind. A sudden roar made Sora look up, towards a white streak appearing on the horizon. Blue eyes narrowed, and his heart soared at Infinity soared over the town, looking for them. Vaguely hearing Riku's surprised sound, Sora raised Oathkeeper to the sky, creating a beam that caught the attention of whoever was flying the ship. Creating a lot of wind, she soared over, hatch flying open to shed golden yellow light on thier tiny world. Kairi burst from the hatch, latching onto Sora and crying into his shoulder. He patted her on the back as Christie appeared, and the Keybearer nodded to his cousin. She sighed in relief, catching sight of Riku further down the beach. She hopped off the stone as Kairi let Sora go to help the two friends get Riku on board Infinity. Christie gasped at the sight of Riku's hip, giving him a light slap on the arm.

"Goofball." Riku nodded, hissing in pain as he put too much weight on his bad leg. The world grumbled beneath them, and the teens picked up the pace as they carried thier injured friend to safety. Axel had to help them get Riku over the tall stone, but they were in Infinity just as the beach cracked, spilling ocean water into the void. As the hatch closed, Roxas stared out at the world that had been his home for months.

"Goodbye."

----
Sora and I set Riku down on one of the larger seats, and he winced as he settled into place. Placing a hand on his cheek, I gave him a worried glance. He covered my hand with his own, and he nodded. Worries abated for now, I raced for the cockpit and flew us out of danger. Turning for home, I cursed as the radar squawked a warning.

"Damn." I leapt from the chair, powering the shields as the Hunter X from before fired off a warning shot, rocking the ship. Gathering my feet beneath me, I ran for the rear hatch. The levers to release the Teeny Ships were stuck fast, but Sora grabbed the second one and yanked it hard, releasing the tiny ships for extra fire. When we returned to the main cabin, Axel, Roxas, and Kairi were on thier feet, waiting. I stared for a second, before nodded.

"Sora, get in the copilots chair and hurt that thing! Axel, Roxas, man the laser turrets upstairs! Kairi, sit there and tell me if anything falls below 50 percent!" They nodded, running for thier recently assigned
duties. As I ran past the bench that Riku and Namine shared, Riku grabbed my hand.

"Chris...if we don't make it..." I shook my head, brushing hair from his eyes.

"We'll make it. You've played your part. Let me finish the job."

He nodded, understanding enough to let go of my hand. Running for the cockpit, I plunked myself down in the captain's seat and flew us around and through the blasts. The constant sound of Axel, Roxas, and Sora firing everything we had at the creature was comforting, but when I pulled Infinity to a full stop, the weapons fire from btoh sides ceased. Infinity appeared, feathers of her Chocobo form messed out of order.

"Captain! It's charging a weapon! 85 Percent power! Shields will not hold!" Cursing, I leapt from my chair, calling out to Axel and Roxas on the higher level.

"You two, get down here and hang on!" They climbed down the ladders, plunking into seats and buckling up as Sora and I withdrew the teeny ships. Infinity was beside us every step of the way, informing us of the Hunter's Firing process.

"90 Percent Power! Routing all available power to Shields! Negative, still will not hold!" I shoved Sora into a seat as Namine buckled herself and Riku up for the blast to come. Kairi buckled herself in, and I glanced at Infinity as the Hunter prepared to fire.

"100 Percent! Brace for impact!" The shields held as best as they could, but I never saw how it ended. In the blast, Infinity was rocked back and forth, and I tumbled to the ground. Everything went black.

----
Thinking about it far, far back
The future was shining everywhere
----

Disney Castle, Throne Room. Daisy and Minnie turned around, before Minnie gave a happy cry and ran to embrace her husband. Daisy engulfed Donald in a tight hug as Goofy patted Max on the shoulder in pride. The Nephews and Scrooge laughed as Donald flailed under his loves embrace, but they all turned towards the doors as a black haired, green eyed human girl stepped through. Minnie stepped forward, a little apprehensive. The other girl nodded, and Minnie hugged her tightly. She had her best friend back. That was what mattered.
----
Beneath a beautiful blue sky
We were only afraid slightly.
--

Twilight Town, Sandlot. The Announcer gave the cry to begin, and Seifer and Hayner launched at one another, laughing the entire fight. Bonds had been repaired, since Sora had come and gone. Maybe...he may not have been trying, but he repaired the family that had once been. And that was enough.

----
The window is dyed in a familiar colour.
-----

HUndred Acre Wood, Starry Hill. Hand in hand with his friends, Pooh sat, looking up at the moon. Pooh laughed, remembering two promises he'd made his friend.

----
If we keep heading forwards will we meet again?
----

Land of Dragons, Bamboo Grove. Ling, Yao, and Chien-Po peeked around a bush, watching as Mulan and Shang drew in for a kiss. Yelping, Ling toppled them all to the ground, breaking the two captains apart. As Shang moved over to scold his men, Mulan smiled when Mushu popped up on her shoulder from behind. They shared a smile.
----
The future continues to infinity
----

Beast's Castle, Ballroom. Belle spun around, clasping hands with the now human Prince as the servants watched with a smile, also returned to normal.
---

Beneath the big signboard,
We were looking at the changes of our era.
-----

Olympus Coliseum, Arena Entrance. Hercules wiped his brow, smiling alongside Meg, Phil, and Pegasus as they admired the newly restored Coliseum. From a distance, Auron and Rikku watched the happy group, smiling as well. Hand in hand, the couple returned to Spira.
-----

To the people we'll never meet again there
We'll open a window.
-----

Port Royal, Black Pearl. As Jack, Will, and Elizabeth sailed on the open ocean, the moon revealed it's silver disk face. Jack gave himself a check over, kissing the silver medallion in his hands as he saw he was still human. The Pearl sailed on tonight.

----

Thinking about it far, far back
----

Halloween Town, Dr's Lab. The Mayor, Sally, and Jack in the Dr.'s lab, arranging a special Halloween Surprise. Sally laughed as Jack swooped her up into his arms, kissing her passionately.
-----
The future was shining everywhere.
----

Space Paranoids, I/O Tower. Tron smiled as he recieved one of Evan's programs on his ID Disc. Slipping it back into place, he hopped from the platform, dancing and spinning to leave the tower
---

And beneath a beautiful blue sky,
----

Timeless River, Wharf. Captain Pete shook his head, then fixed his hat as the little steamboat of his left dock. Mickey ran from the dock, making the jump to the ship just in time.
----

We were sleeping forever.
----

Agrabah. Jasmine clung to Aladdin as they flew around the city, with Genie beside them. Smiling, Aladdin kissed Jasmine on the cheek, and they flew off towards the horizon.
----

Those people we loved long ago
It looks like a child will be born in winter
----

Atlantica, Prince Eric's boat. Ariel waved to her family as the wedding finished up, and Triton's proud smile brought peace to her heart. She turned to her husband, smiling as they kissed.
----

Those things that were certain long ago
We would like to question them.
-----

Pride Lands, Pride Rock. Simba stood at the cliff's edge, waiting for Nala and Rafiki. His mate padded over to his side, giving him a nuzzle as Rafiki walked over, thier baby girl head in his strong hands. The mandrill raised Kiara to the sky, letting her grandfather's love shine down on her.
-----

Those things we could never forget
Are like mementos attached to a photograph.
----
Leon nodded his thanks, taking the ship keys that Cid handed to him. Giving Yuffie a kiss, Leon boarded the Highwind Peak, leaving Radient Garden to search for his baby sister. He smiled as he left, knowing he'd find her alive.

-----
Those things we couldn't do,
I will remember them fondly.
-----
The dark insides of Infinity, lit only by the soft glow of the radio.

"R.G.S Highwind, calling R.G.S Infinity, Please respond." A distinctive female groan sounded, and Christie forced herself from the ground. Walking on shaky legs, she keyed the radio.

"R.G.S Infinity here."

There was a sharp sigh of relief from the other side, and the male voice continued.

"I'm taking you home, Infinity."

Infinity's captain nodded, holding onto a doorframe as the tow line from the other ship jerked Infinity a little. Once the movement smoothed out, Christie walked over to Riku, gently brushing silver bangs from his eyes. The male woke with the gesture, capturing Christie's hand with his own. The girl smiled.

"We made it." Riku nodded.

"We made it."
------
Several hours after our rescue, I gently pushed the door to Riku's room open, letting in a little bit of light. He looked up at me, smiling as I entered the room. I mirrored his smile as I sat down in the chair at his side, holding onto his hand. He would be all right. The damage had been severe, and he'd have a limp for the rest of his life, but he would be okay. Abandoning the chair for the space he offered me on the bed, I cuddled up to his right side. He wrapped an arm around me as I placed my head on his chest, and we both fell asleep with the Dawn.

Born of Lion's courage and Night's will, the Dawn's Gaurdian shall fade into rest with the Dawn.
----
Note: And we're done. The only thing left is the Epilouge, which I will post tomorrow.

 

Riiiikuuuuuuu!!! Welcome Back!!!! But that still leaves Demyx dead...

 

NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ITS OVER!!!!! *cries* but that was soooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hehe, Sorry Jap.

As promised, here is the Epilogue.

----
"By the power invested in me by the Church of Bahamut, I hereby prounounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Amidst cheers and whistles, Nii-san lifted Yuffie's veil and did so. The passionate kiss was soul searing, and I could feel the love that poured off of them from my place as flower girl. Taking Yuffie's hand, Leon led the way back down the aisle, over to the Borrough, where the outdoor reception was taking place. Long into the night did the party go on, and there were many dances shared. I smiled when Nii-san walked over, extending his hand to me.

"May I have this dance?" I took his hand, smiling.

"You may."

We headed towards the dance floor as Yuffie and Vincent had a dance between friends, and Nii-san put his head on mine. Understanding why he was so apprehensive, I gave him a quick squeeze.

"You know...just because you married Yuffie doesn't mean our relation is going to change."

He nodded, and we danced until the song stopped. I passed Nii-san over to Yuffie, and returned to my seat to watch the show. The dance floor cleared of everyone but Nii-san and his bride as they got lost in thier own little world. Riku's hand in my own made me turn, and we shared a smile. He leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"Someday, that'll be us."

I nodded, kissing him. The dancefloor refilled as the Bride and Groom dance ended, and when the bride and groom left, I snuck away to the Bailey with Riku. We stared out at the Great Maw as the sun began to rise, and I hopped up onto the ledge wall. Riku took a seat beside me, wrapping me in his arms. We sat there for a while, before Riku buried his chin in my hair with a sigh of happiness.

"This is home now." I nodded, leaning into his chest.

"Yeah. It is."

Footsteps made us both look up, and we smiled at Sora and Kairi as they walked over, hand in hand. They had also chosen to stay here, once we'd come home. It was a choice they hadn't made lightly, but they didn't regret it. Helping Kairi up onto the ledge, Sora took a seat next to her. After a few moments of comfortable silence, he spoke up.

"You know..Ansem brought you here, right?" I nodded, and he continued.

"Do you think he knew you knew all that you did?" I shook my head, brushing some brown hair from my eyes.

"He didn't know. But it doesn't really matter, right? We're all still here, we're all still alive. I think that's what matters. Don't you?"

Sora and Kairi nodded, and we returned to stare out at the slowly rising sun. I knew this moment of peace wouldn't last long, but for now, it was enough.

For now, bieng safe in Riku's love was more than enough.
----

I know, it's quite short. But still....

I've closed the book on this chapter of my life. The past year has been spent in a lot of turmoil, and writing these three stories has helped me get through it. But, like all things, this must too come to an end. I'm sad to see it go, I've babied this thing so much it's pretty much my own child. I know, I'm nuts. But regardless, thank you all for reading this.

Silver