The Destined

Chapter 20 The Keyblade War

Well gang, another day, another chapter as the countdown to the conclusion of Destined moves along. Comments always appreciated, and I hope that you enjoy!!

Chapter 20 The Keyblade War

The foreboding castle seemed to rise out of the deserted island like an approaching storm on the horizon, Sora thought as he crested another dune. He stopped; sweat dripping off of him from a combination of the blistering sun and the heavy armor.

Sora bent low, sucking in as much air as he dared while using as little energy as possible, trying to conserve enough for the coming battle. He tilted his armored head upwards and took in the castle.

For appearances, it was nothing spectacular, an ancient fortress that was losing the battle against the elements as sections of wall and mortar scattered the remnants of architecture. The only thing that worried Sora as he gazed at the entrance, was that the mirage he saw glimpses of with each step closer, had not diminished but instead had spawned into two people, the first being adorned in a blue-black metallic armor and the other a cloaked man standing behind some sort of bundle.

As Sora squinted now, details became clear as a locket of red hair swung lazily down the bundles face. Kairi.

Sora grit his teeth and his eyes narrowed as the cloaked man reached for him, taunting him to come closer. With both Oathkeeper and Awakening Hope locked, extensions of himself, he stepped onto a stone encrusted path that lead to the castle.

The path curled around and led Sora to the main entrance, a drawbridge. Standing on the other side was the armored man, Nex and Princess Peach. Nex stood behind Peach, his arms crossed behind his swirling gray cloak.

“You have come then, to sacrifice yourself and all you know for our destiny.â€

Sora stood rock still, his helmet swinging between Nex and the blue man. “I’ve come here to stop you, to finish an oath from the key guardians of old to end this war.â€

Nex titled his head and cocked his right eyebrow and laughed. “So, my students survived our last encounter to pass their failings on to the youngests brother. How poetic that you will die almost exactly where I killed him.â€

The blue armored man stepped forward, causing Nex to turn out of surprise. “You aren’t him.†The warden spat, but under the resentment, Sora saw him physically waver. So Terra was right, he only has a few more days…

“I’d rather look at it as two brothers finishing off a corrupt family. Ven took away the man who should be wearing that armor,†he stated pointing Oathkeeper toward the warden, “Ironic isn’t it?â€

Nex took a step backward as if he had just been thrown from a cliff, Sora was surprised he didn’t collapse, but continued.

“You really think the Key Guardians would lose so easily? You never did ask yourself why Colevio didn’t come to your aid?â€

“You—How can you—“

“What?†Sora asked mockingly. “You think I’d stand by and watch your minions kidnap my friend?â€

Nex’s head snapped up, his emotional anguish instantly vanishing. A smile formed at the corner of his mouth. His hand flicked upwards as the unconscious body rose, Peach’s face concealed from Sora.

“You mean her? The weak girl screamed your name as she died. Not very fitting considering she is one of the revered Princesses of Hearts is it? I desired you to do JUST that and keep your nose out of this, and your childishness has forced my hand. That is why you have failed.â€

“…No…†Sora whispered staring at the body he thought was Kairi. Slowly all fear in his voice and eyes vanished, replaced by sheer determination and revenge.

Sora dropped to his right knee, summoning both blades and launched toward Nex. Warnings went off as a flicker of movement caused Sora to instinctually rise to block. Metal hit metal as Dest’s blade glanced away. Sora dodged, and with a twisting leap, began to super glide straight at Nex.

Nex unleashed a hearty laugh and summoned an unseen magic. Suddenly, the ground began to rock and quake as everything inside the drawbridge suddenly rocketed skyward, with Nex smiling menacingly at Sora.

Sora bared his teeth in disgust. This isn’t a personal arena, he thought but as he corrected his course, an energy ball erupted above him. Sora stole a glimpse over his shoulder and saw the warden flying atop his keyblade like a surfboard not far behind, with the blade launching orb after orb at Sora.

Sora swerved wildly till he found himself gliding backwards with both keyblades pressed together pointing straight at Dest.

Dest squinted in the rushing air, swearing under his breath as the twin blades formed a combination Magnet Slash and Eruption spell that no matter how much juking and diving would not find him.

As Dest struggled with the minefield of spells and began to drift further away, Sora released a long breathe. Looks like I can merge spells, he thought as he shot up over the newly formed cliff edge, landing in an Aerial Dive with both blades ready and waiting.

Nex turned to look back at Sora an annoyed grimace in his upturned frown.

“You know it’s kinda easy to track you down way up here, what with the sun blaring off your shiny head.â€

Nex twirled around, lifting Peach while simultaneously producing a faint glowing dagger, freezing Sora in place. “You think your childish threats can defeat me? I am Master Nex, harbinger of fate, prophet of destiny, what are you besides a reckless teenager?â€

“I destroyed your disciple Xehanort, put an end to Maleficent’s reign, walked between the light and darkness for over a year for another and toppled Organization XIII; all before my 15th birthday. So I ask YOU, what are you but a washed out, empty threat filled hermit?â€

Nex gripped the dagger tighter. “How dare you, your insolence will cost you the Princesses life.â€

It happened in slow motion.

Nex drew back the dagger his eyes flashing unparalleled joy while Sora was advancing a roar forming on the tip of his tongue as he slowly began to scissor cut the air in front of him. As the dagger drifted slowly closer, Peach’s eyes drifted open with confusion and caution, her face lightening up as a brilliant red fireball collided with Nex’s back, sending Peach rolling to the left while the dagger flew out of Nex’s hands and over the cliff edge.

“You think that you can just threaten our Princess and we’d sit back and watch?†a familiar voice yelled at Nex.

Nex swung around and lifted his head to see a silver and red clad Mario stepping from the cloud of dust, his blade pointed squarely at Nex. Slowly more figures holding a wide range of weapons and blades materialized behind Mario, Sora grinned wildly.

“Never thought you’d be seeing us again eh?†Sparrow chimed in holding his compass victoriously.

Nex stared at the new threats and with speed unthinkable, unleashed a curse of death aimed directly at Peach. The spell would have flown straight and true, if not for a massive wall of energy that absorbed the spell, dissolving it to nothingness. Sora stood on the tips of his toes to see Ty stepping through the crowd, one hand raised and mysteriously casting a protective bubble around Peach, the other holding a hissing orange lightsaber.

Nex scowled as Ty shot him a lopsided smirk. “We meet again Nexarlov. What’s it been, a long time ago in a kingdom far away?â€

Nex rose slowly, now more cautious than ever. “Padawan, this is most disgraceful. I was told—“

“That I died on Alderaan like all the others? You can thank Ansem for that, Master.â€

Sora and the group advanced slowly, encircling Nex around the cliff top edge. Sora stole a moment and looked to his right to see Rebecca freeing Princess Peach, Not Kairi…What have I done? I blew everything and wouldn’t look inside my heart Kairi, but this is what has to be done…for you…

Nex stood facing the sudden army and folded his arms slowly, every nerve ending in his body formulating and analyzing escape routes and his chances for success. “So you all mean to defeat me and return your Kingdom’s to a false peace and return your names to honor? I can not permit this. The challenge was summoned bringing you all here together, but were you the only ones to answer?â€

The group tensed and prepared to attack when to there surprise Nex leapt over the side. Everyone rushed over trying to make sense of it all only to see rising from the vast emptiness, Nex staring back at them as he stood securely on the bow of the Black Pearl.

“An eye for an eye.†Nex coolly stated as Barbossa drew the Pearl up and above the cliff, a mix of cheers rang from the ship as numerous beings stepped to the railings wearing the same gray and black cloaks Nex wore. Standing along side Barbossa, was Dest.

Jack let out a soft whistle and gazed around till he found Tsukasa standing near Link wearing a bandana with his deck of cards at the ready, “Told you.â€

Nex levitated high and came and floated above the Pearl and the Declaration warriors. “Let there be no quarter. Disciples,†Nex called turning to face the Pearl occupants, “Your destiny has brought you here, accept it and you shall not falter.â€

The cloaks erupted in cheers and leapt overboard, landing while summoning their respective weapons. The warriors tensed preparing themselves for the battle to come, Sora especially because part of him already knew the outcome of the war, until two hands came to rest gently on both his shoulders. Sora looked back and his heart leapt.

“You didn’t think I’d let you take all the credit right Sora?†Riku asked, Way to the Dawn swinging circles around him.

“We stand united, not just for our Kingdom, but for the universe.†Mickey announced with a wink.

Mario stepped forward as did Ash, Leon Kennedy, Sparrow, Tsukasa, Ty, Lord Bosku, Link, nd Rebecca McMann, “You saved us once Savior, high time we repay our debt†he smiled and twisted his red hat till it faced backwards.

Sora turned back and watched the oncoming Disciples, he twisted the blade grips in his hands and flashed his childish smile.

This was destined.

 

short but sweet =D

 

holy crap

well doesnt that gives suspense?

 

Friggin awesome chapter! Can't wait till the next one!!!:D

 

All right folks, I have some announcements to make.

Chapter 21 will be up before around Thursday afternoon MST. I had originally planned to have this be the second to last chapter but due to the approach I want to take, It will broken up into the following Chapters:

Chapter 21 Duel of the Fates
Chapter 22 Crescendo
Chapter 23 Destined

As this means that there are now 3 chapters instead of one, you'll understand why there hasn't been an update in a little while. I've started spring semester again and have been working on this plus my regular school work.

I'm excited for the reactions i've received concerning this story and I'm now announcing that there will be a sequel that i'll be working on starting in February.

Thank you all, and remember that I appreciate all comments good or bad, and hope that you will enjoy the conclusion of Destined.

 

Sweet... we get more chapters before this half of the story ends...

 

Chapter 21: Duel of the Fates

Note:
Well, it's not exactly thursday afternoon, but i've finally finished this chapter and will post it to your content. I hope you all enjoy it and comments and critiques are always welcomed. This chapter alone is massive and 14 pages in WinWord, so enjoy the Keyblade War.


Chapter 21 Duel of the Fates

Like an approaching tsunami, figures raced forward towards the ready challengers, heartless and nobodies pooling up from beneath the castle as if raising from the depth’s of Hell. As the first clang of metal striking metal sounded, each person knew that their fates now rested in their experienced hands.

Sora paced slowly forward, his eyes locked on Dest who flew atop his keyblade above the heads of a battalion of Berserkers, smoothly sailing towards the castle’s entrance.

You aren’t getting away from me that easily, Sora smirked as he kicked up from the group and glided toward the lowered drawbridge.

Seeming to anticipate the impending attack, Dest swiveled in mid air and blocked a cross slice to his midsection.

“You will never learn, I HAVE no heart.†He jeered, coasting inside till he vanished amongst the inner shadows.

Sora paused, gazing over his shoulder. The war was raging at a feverish pitch, but he couldn’t abandon his allies, but he HAD to stop the warden. Solemnly, Sora fixed his chin and nodded.

This is the only way, isn’t it Roxas Sora asked desperately as he summoned a beam of light and entered the foreboding castle interior.

**********************

Riku dodged a spell and quickly rolled away from an explosion. He wiped ash from his face as he watched Sora enter the castle.

“Sora!! Don’t do it! Only I can stop him!†Riku yelled, except his voice became lost in the noises of war.

“Why on Earth would we let you do that?†a female voice laughed behind Riku.

He whipped around, raising Way to the Dawn while simultaneously dropping to a one knee squat, anticipating an attack that never came. Before Riku stood a medium height violet-red haired woman sporting a silver and black jumpsuit with a maroon ‘R’ embroidered on her chest. Standing to her right was a blue haired man similarly dressed but holding a pink flower.

“Especially after he found us this new Headquarters with a view,†He commented, raising the flower to smell its sweet aroma.

Riku stood before them, a dumbfounded lost expression on his face until something inside clicked and he tried to suppress the laugh. He looked up and the confused duo and pointed his blade at the man, “And I thought Marluxia was the black sheep…†he commented, a smile sliding across his face.

The man spun around producing a black pokeball and fire brimming in his eyes. “I’m not that girly Graceful Assassin you twit! Just for that you’d best prepare for trouble.â€

“While we’re at it I’ll make it double.†The woman announced.

“To protect the world from devastation,â€

“To blight all people within every nation.â€

“To denounces the evils of truth and love,â€

“To extend our wrath to the stars above.â€

“Jessie†she stated, sweeping her hands through her thick curly hair.

“James†he proclaimed, crushing the rose in his palm.

“Team Rocket blasti—“

Riku held up his hand, silencing them. “Are you seriously monologuing?†he asked, shocking and infuriating the team members.

James whirled back, grabbing Jessie by the arms. “I told you we should have let Cassidy and Butch handle this! That way, they would be trounced and the Boss would promote us!â€

“Well when you heard Giovanni’d be here YOU volunteered us for this, laser brain.†Jessie erupted.

Riku stared in awe as the two began to duel with each other, seeming to have forgotten about him entirely. He looked around and through a thick mass of soldier heartless, he spotted the King dismantling the Heartless Guard from Traverse Town. Riku looked back at the two and shrugged. Maybe some hungry heartless will find them…he thought as he moved towards the king.

James looked up form the ground, his right eye swelling shut with blood oozing from his nostrils. “You let him get away, now how are we going to get that promotion?!†he fumed.

Jessie looked at him incredulously and raised her arms to strangle him when she stopped and turned to see a red and gold Crimson Jazz heartless bobbing up and down, gazing at the two curiously. The combined set of eyes blinked as one. As Jessie and James opened their eyes they were met by a wave of scorching fire as the Crimson Jazz erupted and the proceeding blast launched the duo clear of the fight and high into the air.

“Well, looks lie—“ Jessie began before James ash covered hand wrapped around her mouth.

“Don’t even say it†he moaned as the two rocketed into the horizon.

************************

Sine the battle began to rage around him, Ash remained steadfast and determined as he watched Giovanni silently pace closer, his hood drawn low over his head. Ash squinted, his lips parted in anger. Giovanni stepped around a dying Assassin and removed the gray overcoat to reveal a charcoal pinstripe suit, close cropped jet black hair and a smirk fixed squarely on his face.

“Well, well. If its not the Kanto Warrior, dejected and lost. Still harboring resentment towards me after our last encounter?â€

Ash stood still, images of Pikachu’s death flashing in his minds eye. Ash said not one word as he reached up with one hand to twist his tattered cap while also sweeping his other hand past his belt, unclipping two pokeballs.

Giovanni smirked. “I take that as a yes.†With a lightning fast throw, two black pokeballs flew forward, where upon hitting the ground two creatures materialized from within. The first paced back and forth the ruby atop it’s black fur twinkled in the dim sunlight. The other stood on two large white legs, it’s body encased in a mysterious steel armor, a computerized display flashing before it’s eyes. “May I introduce Experiment 1137, MewTwo. Persian I think you may know…â€

Ash stepped back as MewTwo advanced in a single leap, landing inches from Ash’s face. He didn’t scream, he gazed defiantly at MewTwo, a single trickle of perspiration fell down his brow.

“What shall we fight for?†Giovanni taunted, “Feorre Region, Jhoto?â€

“No,†Ash said, the determination returning to his voice, “I fight for all those you and your gangsters have wronged, and for Pikachu.â€

“So be it, Trainer.â€

MewTwo leapt backwards, hovering in the air as it began to draw dark matter towards itself, Persian charging forward preparing to strike Ash. Ash readied himself for the attack. “Charizard Focus Punch, Lucario use Payback NOW!â€

An attack flew from behind Ash, and it’s powerful blast collided with Persian head on, sending it reeling backwards but not before Lucario sent a dizzying right hook at it. Giovanni grimaced. He looked from Persian to MewTwo and smiled.

“MewTwo, psychic attack on the enemy now! Persian, let up and use Hyper Beam on that Lucario.â€
Mewtwo brought both of it’s arms high, gathering more energy before bringing his arms and the attack to the ground, slamming into both Charizard and Lucario.

Ash gasped, Lucario looked on the verge of fainting. He looked up to see Persian preparing to attack. “Dodge the attack Charizard.†Obediently it flew high, the beam passing harmlessly below.

Giovanni smirked, he looked up at MewTwo who nodded its encased head, projecting a safeguard around the group. “What’s the matter trainer, a bit rusty?â€

Ash smiled back, at least I’ve got a few tricks up my own sleeves. He peered back at Giovanni and uncharacteristically removed his hat, sending it high into the sky. Giovanni and MewTwo gazed at it confused, but both didn’t have time to react as Lucario used Dark Pulse against MewTwo and Charizard hammering the weak Persian with another Focus Punch.

Giovanni stared in shock as Persian fainted and returned to the pokeball. Never in 13 years had he lost the first pokemon. He fixed his anger toward Ash and roared. “FINISH HIM!!â€

Mewtwo leapt into the air, one hand collecting a massive amount of energy, the other cutting through the air towards Ash. Ash smiled, knowing he had found the weakness.

“Charizard Heat wave, Lucario, do it.â€

Lucario stopped tilting his head sideways and he pointed towards MewTwo. Suddenly both of his ears flew horizontal to its head, his eyes began to glow a milky white and a long thin black beam shot from his hand, wrapping around MewTwo, constricting and freezing it in the air, unable to move or attack. Charizard roared and unleashed a rolling wave of fire from high in the air that flew straight at the captive pokemon and continued on till it slammed into the ground in a 30 foot arc, setting fire to the dry brush and all heartless and nobodies caught within the blast.

MewTwo grimaced, it’s health quickly dissolving away as the black line held it firmly in check. “Lucario, Charizard, merge Dragon Pulse.â€

The two pokemon joined each other high in the air and instantly the entire area was a swarm with powerful attacks focusing themselves one after the other at MewTwo until Ash recalled Lucario, sending in its place Blastoise. “Blastoise, Charizard, on my mark†Ash instructed, removing another pokeball from his belt.

He held the shining orb to his face, the red and white reflective metal swam in the dim lighting. Above the center button, was a small, yellow pulsating lightning bolt. He nodded and threw the pokeball into the air. A small yellow pokemon erupted from inside, it’s black tipped ears and tail flicking in the air.

“HYRDO CANNON, FLAME BLITZ, THUNDER FANG NOW!!!!†Ash cried.

MewTwo gazed up as the triple attack exploded around it, incinerating the air, soaking it and electrocuting at the same time. When the smoke cleared, MewTwo and Persian lay on the ground faint, not far behind lay a smoking Giovanni.

Ash approached him, Pichu leaping up to rest on his shoulder. Giovanni’s suit lay in burnt tatters, blood dripping from his face. He opened his eyes, to see a blurry shape standing over him, he blinked trying to focus them to no avail. He began to cough, with each intake of air, his body raked in cold numbness, he gazed around and made out the image of his Persian and MewTwo laying near him, and closed his eyes with acceptance.

“For thirteen years I’ve chased you across my world. I’ve fought to bring down your grunt’s your leaders. And now I can finally say this to you Giovanni : Team Rocket is finished.â€

“Maybe so,†Giovanni weakly stated, “but as long as there is a desire for power and control, Team Rocket can never die.â€

Ash looked down at the once famed team leader. “You’re right, unless I’m right there ready to take them on with others like me.â€

Giovanni opened his eyes fully, staring at Ash and with his last breath of air, laughed defiantly.

**********************************

Rebecca McMann rushed over, hoisting her staff skyward, “HEAL!†Ash looked up and watched as a glowing white light emanated from the staff tip and surrounded his pokemon.

Ash turned and started to open his mouth in thanks, but was lifted up and thrown backwards over the cliff by and unseen force, Charizard in chase to catch its master. McMann began to turn to confront the attacker but found herself anchored in place. She began to slowly lift high and rotate, while the invisible force slowly constricted around her.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,†a man asked stepping behind Rebecca, so close that she could hear leather rubbing against itself. In her peripheral vision, McMann saw a fingerless glove wave back and forth behind her.

“Not so tough without your Prince Charming or Blazer here to save you, Becky.†If Rebecca could use the wrath of the Gods, the man behind her would have deeply regretted the comment; instead had to suffice to grinding her teeth into powder.

Slowly the magic that bound Rebecca turned her around to face her assailant, so that she stared into the maniacal face of the leather biker clad enemy of her brother, Zack Powers.

Powers raised his hand to his ear mockingly, “What cat got your tongue? DATA not beeping streams of information on my weaknesses? Welcome to the real world Becca, the true reality, not that alternate failure you call home.â€

“I might have warned you, but she hates that name†a voice materialized behind Powers, causing him to whip around while drawing up his sword in a lateral lunge. Axel ducked from the oncoming death sentence, summoning his dual key sphere cakrums. He looked up at Powers and scoffed.

“I’d say you need a new hairstyle also,†Axel said while messing up his own spiky flame red hair, “This one is taken.â€

Powers released his Polar Crush spell from McMann, and unleashed a storms worth of lightning strikes towards Axel. The bolts deflected and lanced away as they collided with a barrier of light that encompassed Axel.

Powers looked back an curiously watched McMann assuming a fighters stance.
“You think you can fight me? Only one person has and he’s—“

“My Brother. He thought me a few things and I don’t need a window to throw you out of to beat you.â€

Powers smirked at the reference to the old days and the battle with Michael. He gazed up at the picturesque sky and began to silently whisper an incantation. The sky instantly became covered clouds as the sun became swallowed up casting the castle into an eerie twilight.

Rebecca and Axel raced forward, weapons at the ready as Powers readied himself for another attack. Rebecca skidded to a halt, barely able to build a Pondero Refero around herself before a wall of flames rushed past her.

She gasped in amazement as Zack stood strong as ever, the flames casting a wicked glow off his shiny leather jacket, making it seem that he himself were ablaze as he turned to face her, his face something out of an inferno.

A groan rose from across the charred circle where Axel knelt, smoke rising off his cloak. Powers switched directions and moved towards the defenseless man, his sword, Death Soul, ready to pounce. “Too hot for you old man?â€

Axel looked up at Powers, his emerald eyes chilled to the core, “You kidding? I’m just getting warmed UP!!â€

A wall of flames leapt up encircling the two men, Rebecca stuck on the outside. She stared in awe and worry, her brother had only beaten him once, but that was years ago. This could be interesting she thought as she slowly circled the firewall.

“Only a matter of time Powers, Only a matter of time…â€

*****************************

Wave after wave of cannon fire rained down upon the castle as the Pearl slowly sailed above, raining destruction down on the war zone.

Leon Kennedy rolled to his right, pistol whipping a NeoShadow while stabbing a Dusk in his line of site. He gazed around his eyes locating the rocket launcher he had dropped just before the guard house he had been standing on had exploded from one of Barbossa’s well aimed cannon shots.

As he reached down to grab it, he left a tap on his shoulder and dropped to the ground, bringing the gun around to bare on Jack Sparrow, with his hands held high. “Parlay?â€

Leon shook his head and holstered his sidearm. “Don’t worry about this Sparrow, I’ll take care of the ship.â€

Sparrow tilted his head and squinted his eyes, “You mean to say that you plan to blow another hole in MY ship? Why is everyone trying to shoot down me ship?†He asked waving his hands about.

“Don’t be mad Leon, Jack’s still upset because a stray spell destroyed his jar of dirt.†Tsukasa interjected, only to have Sparrow turn on him.

“It’s Captain Sparrow, and no stray spell; your lazer bolt…or whatever it is that you say it could be. Now,†he stated turning back to Kennedy, “Might I enquire a bargain?â€

***

After a few short minutes and a few fights with nobodies to boot, Leon stepped back, watching Jack tug experimentally on the end of a rope while checking the angle.

“You’re deranged.†Tsukasa stammered as lengths of the same rope were wrapped around him, connection to the grappling hook crudely fastened around the tip of the rocket.

Jack stood up, and handed to Kennedy his guiding compass. “It points to what you want most.†He stated while also picking up and handing him the laser guide and launch button.

Kennedy raced forward and leapt onto a slight embankment besides the castles outer wall, Jack’s compass spinning wildly till it pointed to the Northwest. He reached down picking up the rockets laser guide and the ignition switch. Jack was waving a thumbs up while Tsukasa feverishly shook his head to not do it, Kennedy merely stared doubtfully forward,†This is madness.â€

“Thank goodness for that because if it wasn’t, this would probably never work.†The captain threw out as he pushed the switch forward.

The rocket leapt out of the launcher, drawing the rope taunt as Sparrow and Tsukasa trailed behind, each screaming their black guts out as the Pearl appeared from behind the Northwest Spire, a flashing green laser painting the ships rear mast.

Barbossa peered around the ships battle worn wheel at the smoking trail that raced closer to his ship. As it appeared to almost collide with the mast, Barbossa ducked for cover, but the rocket merely veered course and raced out into the empty nothingness of Davy Jones Locker, but what made him take any more notice was the length of rope flapping lazily in it’s wake.

A gun hammer was cocked behind Barbossa, the curiosity immediate left his face as he rolled his eyes, already knowing the man standing behind him. “I see that morale has not improved at all, and I’m afraid to say that the tact line is improperly stowed Hector.â€

“Jaaaack, I’d not been planning on running into you this far inland, what for it being the Locker and all.â€
“It’s interesting where ones destiny will take them now a days isn’t it?â€

“So what’ll it be Jack? Duel with sabers till the trumpets sound?â€

“Or you could surrender…†Tsukasa suggested, but was met with a smile from Jack and a glare from Barbossa.

Barbossa shook his head and drew his saber and lunged forward committing Jack to fight him.
Leon stood staring gape mouthed as he watched Sparrow and Barbossa begin to duel through his binoculars, “Bloody Pirates.â€

*****************************

Sora walked silently through the marble arched entrance and gazed around the hallway. Lining both sides stood a total of twenty marble statues engraved for all of time to take notice of. Sora swept his eyes among those few that retained any emotion not hidden by cobwebs or layers of dust, until his eyes fell upon a monument gracing the end of the hallway that let into a large anti-chamber. He stepped closer, his mind appearing to play tricks on him, for situated next to the statues dust laden plaque, was a single photograph. Sora bent over slightly and retrieved the picture. The face staring back at Sora was not what he expected. Before his eyes, stood Roxas, imprisoned behind a multitude of energy beams deep within what he assumed was a cave overlooking a forested mountain in a distant land.

As Sora’s mind began to try and sort out the turn of events, a whisper of movement sent him on the defensive as Dest launched himself down from an adjoining statue, his blade glancing off of Oathkeeper with such force that it caused Dest to veer off course. Sora leapt into action, twirling Oathkeeper in an upward chop and spitting fire streams from Awakening Hope.

The sudden explosion of light dissolved the shadows Dest had tried to hide among, and also painted more to the mystery of the castle. The chamber Sora was currently battling was the entrance hall, its vaulted gothic interior and unending staircases rose toward the darkened ceiling far above, the only other light trickling down from a far off candle flickering many stories above Sora.

A concussion wave blasted from the archway Dest had been standing in, forcing Sora to raise his hands to block, but also sending him flying into the wall thirty feet behind him, the pain rippled through his body, as the recent stab ripped open, a crimson stain grew across Sora’s chest.

“This is a battle you can not win boy. You’re other tried to stop me and he failed nearly a year ago, what makes you think that you can win?†Dest asked, ran up the staircase that corkscrewed around the main chamber.

“I’m full of surprises.†Sora rebuked, as the nearest statue to Dest erupted into hundreds of stone shards, some finding their mark and criss-crossing lines of split skin across Dest’s face.

He looked down the staircase and froze. Sora stood at the very bottom most stair, a swirling wind wrapped around him and to Dest’s astonishment, Sora dissolved into a black version of himself, the only difference being that his icy eyes now burnt of goldenrod, and Oathkeeper and Awakening Hope were replaced by a single keyblade, a blade that appeared to have been the by product of a combination of both blades as one.

“It’s impossible!†Dest stammered, realizing that he had miscalculated inmate 3029.

Anti-Sora tilted his head slightly, eying the transformed keyblade with ravenous hunger, “When one has nothing to lose, anything is possible.â€

Dest raced up the stairs, the feeling of pain in his shoulders present but distant as his blood pumped faster and harder through his body. He reached the terrace and skidded down the narrow hallway that was illuminated by a single hovering candle.

As he approached the door, it ripped open, surprising Dest as he flew into the Chamber of Destiny. He whipped around and to his horror saw Sora bleed through the granite floor and re-emerge in full body feet away, his keyblade within striking distance but the darkness was seeping from his being as his limit break slowly ticked away, and with it, a victorious outline of a smile grew.

Dest stepped backwards, colliding with the dais, the place where he first came into existence. It was ironic, that the prophesized legend would be slayed where he was born he noted with a grim displeasure. Dest readied himself to go out in a final battle but was surprised when Sora holstered his blade.

“What…what are you doing?â€

Sora looked at him, as if he was seeing him for the first time and his determined eyes clouded. “Do you even know why you are doing this?â€

The question took Dest back for only a moment before he regained his composure. “I’m the prophecy. I am not required to understand why, only that I must.â€

“What prophecy?†Sora asked cautiously.

Dest gazed at the warrior standing before him and chose his words carefully,â€One shall be born to traverse between both realms, fulfilling his destiny. I am the enigma, the man bread from a man corrupted by evil but not consumed by it, one who has no soul to destroy, a heartless nobody. I must fulfill the destiny.â€

“What destiny is that?†Sora asked, “it just says one shall walk between both realms, I’ve become a heartless, and I have another, what right does Nex have to tell you that you are the one that this encircles?â€

Dest shook his head in confusion and anger, the boy didn’t understand, it was all apart of the plan Nex had prepared, and the boy’s death would be merely an improvising to the ultimate goal: Peace. He looked up, resignation and determination rolling off of him in waves. “It is my destiny, and if you interfere, you shall fall.â€

Sora set his jaw, summoning both blades again, “Then it’s to the death.â€

Dest repositioned his blade’s grip, and smiled; his golden eyes burned like a wildfire spinning out of control. “Let’s finish this.â€

Kairi, my heart has always belonged to you…Sora thought, as both warriors rushed forward, blades meeting blade.

********************************************

As enemies clashed with rivals and beings past away, Ty cringed feeling another spirit pass on to join the force. But as he chopped and sliced away a grouping of heartless, an odd weight began to form in the pit of his stomach. It was somewhat familiar, but hidden, waiting.

Ty felt the attack coming and leapt forward into a tucked summersault, his saber deflecting the crimson laser beams back toward their hosts. He landed, crouching on one knee, and gazed up in amazement as white and black armor clad Stormtroopers entered the battle, fighting to take down King Mickey and any of the other so called Rogues. Stormtroopers were not supposed to exist anymore, he thought, his mind racing for an explanation. I watched the Galactic Core go nova, nothing survived…what if… Ty’s blood froze as he heard a robotic respirator exhale and inhale behind him. Only one being in the entire universe could instill fear by breathing, let alone the appearance of the black body armor.

Darth Vader stepped over a fallen Stormtrooper, his crimson blade pulsating and hissing as it sliced through the air. “At long last, I meet the last of the ancient Jedi Order, my destiny to rid the universe of you and your kind will finally be achieved.â€

Ty raised his flame orange lightsaber into a defensive block, his face illuminated behind. “You are not real. Master Skywalker destroyed Darth Vader and the Empire aboard the second Death Star. You became Anakin Skywalker again in the force!!â€

“That name no longer has any meaning for me.†Vader’s robotic voice proclaimed between the continual respirator.

“This makes no sense! Search your feelings, you know that the Rebellion defeated the Empire above Endor, you are dead! I watched the second Death Star explode myself!†Ty rebuked.

Vader tilted his head upward, as if the mind behind the menacing face mask, pondering. “It is you who are misinformed, the Rebellion was destroyed on Yavin IV, the Grand Moff Tarkin made sure of that, and there is only one Death Star.â€

Ty straightened, this was making no sense. A dark lord of the Sith who has been dead for near of two decades claiming that the Rebellion was destroyed with the first Death Star… “What is the color of your son’s lightsaber?â€

Vader tensed, his head became dipped and he appeared to be grappling with inner demons from his past. “I have no son; Padmè was killed on Mustafar by my actions. As will you.â€

Ty stepped forward, raising his saber into a high spinning downward chop that was quickly blocked by Vader, then swung up and back to parry a jab to his neck. Ty leapt high and backwards, looking around for anything he could use to bring down the Sith Lord. He focused and a section of the castle turret burst apart, raining debris upon Vader.

Vader deflected and incinerated a multitude of the bombardment, but was soon overcome by the sheer amount and was soon encased in a rubble tomb.

Ty remained where he was, his senses going beyond their normal limit as he tried to feel any signs of life beneath the rubble, but where the dying Sith should have been, was only an empty dead void. He snapped his eyes open to see Vader stepping through the rubble, no speck of dust or mechanical malfunction present on the hulking figure.

Ty stared in disbelieve, knowing that Vader should have been killed or lay dying but instead continued to advance on him. Vader lifted a gloved hand and a body of an Assassin Nobody flew like a missile toward Ty.

He leapt aside as the body crashed into the castle wall. Ty looked up from the ground and blinked. He blinked again, thinking what he was watching was a mistake but near Vader’s boots and flowing cape, were digital code streams shimmering weakly before fading entirely.
Ty smiled, understanding. “Did the Empire ever tell you the real reason Padmè betrayed you?â€

Vader paused, “She brought Obi-Wan to destroy me, and she was a traitor to the Galactic Empire.â€

Ty snickered. “Because she never told you the truth, you were to be a father, of TWINS, and the secret of Master Nexarlov.â€

A long silence swept between the two combatants the only sound coming from the hissing sabers and Vader’s respirator. “You will pay for your lies.†He announced, his arm rising up, creating an invisible hand cutting off Ty’s airway.

Ty clawed desperately at his throat, trying to pry the energy aware from his throat, the edges of his eyesight already turning black. “You---He never told----real---reason---Nex is----your father.â€

The weight vanished as Vader rushed forwards, swinging his blade toward the hurt jedi. He raised his arms to bring down a slice, but was stopped as Ty’s saber burned through his stomach, scorching flesh and machinery.

Vader stumbled back, half in pain but half because his feet and body slowly dissolved away into computerized code his head staring straight ahead, his unforeseen eyes never wavering. “No, Nex is the other of—“

Ty stood still as Vader vanished entirely, angry and ashamed. It was a fake Anakin Skywalker, but what had he meant by Nex is the other of….who? He stared into the glowing orange aura he held in his hand, knowing the secret of Nexarlov had died with him.

“I have failed.â€

Failed you have not. Follow the guidance of the Force. Always Two there are, no more, no less. Master Yoda’s distant voice whispered in his subconscious, leading Ty down the path the force desired.

Ty opened his eyes as understanding dawned on him, it made perfect sense but scared Ty more than anything he had read about in the Jedi Archives.

“He lives.â€

*****************************

The gurgling of chemicals and tinkering of the multitude of scientific experiments radiated through the castle’s tallest spire, the astrologic chamber.

Sitting at his ancient wooden desk that was just barely a few years older than himself with his eye penetrating the telescopes viewing lenses, sat Doctor Ludwig Von Drake, his brow knit all day, something seemed…different. Leaning back, he checked the Kingdom’s many worlds and noticed that each were accountable. No signs of heartless, or even nobodies this soon after the Organization’s defeat, but the unknown was what worried Drake.

Hours ago the Castle had received word from the King of the Keyblade War, a plethora of new worlds in other kingdoms and the continual flash of arriving refugee ships over Disney Castle showed the severity of the distant war.

In the old days, the only news would be planetary conflicts or trade disruptions, but now, every report seemed to worsen and only dictate war. Drake shook his feathered head and sighed frustrated. He sagged backwards in his chair and closed his eyes. He’d been here already longer than he had wanted and it was confirmed to him by the setting sun.

Looking to his watch and confused, rechecked it: 2:29 pm. Drake glanced again out the spire window well and noticed that far below, castle tenants were migrating outside and all appeared fixated skywards. Drake quickly grabbed his charts and frowned deeper. There were no eclipses for near of a season, but the castle slowly grew darker. Drake ascended a flight of stairs and gazed out the chambers telescope to the stars and his blood turned to ice.

His hands shook, he reached over and picked up his direct line to the King and Queen.
“Your Majesty, your Highness, we have a large problem.â€

All Drake received back was static as he stared horrified as the Death Star grew ever closer to Disney Castle.

***********************************

“Sir, we are receiving a partial subspace distress beacon from Disney Castle.†A junior cadet announced from his communications bay.

Fox McCloud spun around, an unsure expression wedged into his furry brow. “Distress Beacon? Are you sure it wasn’t a mistake?â€

The cadet leaned forward to check the message again; his hands placed against the transmitting earphones and shook his head. “No sir, it’s ing from Disney Castle by way of General Aran. It’s the Castle all right. Met Fleet will be arriving in…now.â€

The cadet keyed in a series of commands and the main view transitioned into a static laced image of Disney Castle, and an orbiting moon as Met Fleet slowed to cruising speeds. As the image cleared flashes of light were seen criss crossing the space between the world and the moon. Suddenly, it clicked.

“It’s a trap!†he bellowed, his mind in both a daze and cold fear. Nex had baited them to all arrive at Worlds End, while he attacked and destroyed the governing world of Kingdom Hearts. Fox leaned forwards, his hands becoming wet with sweat; all eyes of the crew were on him. Even if Nex and his extremists fell, Kingdom Hearts would never be the same.

“Checkmate.â€

Yes indeedy, i've allready begun work on Chapter 22: Cresendo, but I don't think i'll have it ready till this coming weekend, maybe the week after. Until then, comment, praise, tear apart or completely ignore and all that jazz.

 

Heh. My character finally gets some action. And teamed up with Axel of all people. :)

Other than some minor grammar mistakes, effin' awesome, dude. Make the climax spectacular, baby!

:whatsthat:

:sideways:

"Got it memorized?" :xp:

 

i liked it, put u keep forgetting to put rinn in!
or are you?... o.O

 

....

This chapter ALONE is 14 pages on Word....If i had decided to add everything into just this chapter it would likely be closer to 50+. That's why i'm breaking it up into 3 chapters. Trust me, Rinn has not been put the wayside, if it is a question of what she's been doing...it takes awhile to travel across space....maybe they took a wrong turn...

 

XDDDDD
k =D
XDDDD

 

Graet chapter>_< though, i think it's most likely your longest one... but you still haven't said where Roxas disappeared to! I miss Roxas, man... (This coming from the guy who hated Roxas when he first started kh2O.O) ... oh, and i don't mean to pest But will Alex or Heiro be making an appearance?

 

where has roxas disappeared too? I mean, Namine only reappeared to Kairi to lead her to the light...

all will be answered about Roxas shortly....or i'll have a mutiny on my hands.

As for Alex and Hero, they will be making an appearance near the end, like i promised.

 

^^

XD yes! Roxas! mwahahahahahaha:D

ty, for letting Alex and Heiro into it...

 

USER NOTE: This chapter is the the third to last, and I think it's by far the most personal, plus we find out the fate of Keyblade Card Master's character Tskuasa (sorry Destiny Force and KingdomKey13, next chapter, DMaster, 2 chapters away).

I hope you all enjoy this, and comments are always appreciated, but I ask you the question: Who Shall Fall?

Chapter 22 Crescendo

The clash of metal serenaded across the Black Pearl as Captains’ Barbossa and Sparrow danced around each other’s life ending blows. Tsukasa stared in amazement as the swordsmen chopped and hacked away at each other from behind the safety of an up turned rum barrel. He sat transfixed, absorbing each movement and different style readily, while slowly flipping his card around his fingers.

Not far away, the crew was in a similar struggle, they approved of the leadership of Captain Barbossa, but enjoyed the candor and thrill around Captain Sparrow…plus they still felt somewhat responsible for mutinying against him in the first place. One of the crew members nearest to the hidden Tsukasa was absentmindedly polishing and whittling himself a new wooden eye to fill the empty space from some unholy attack.

Suddenly the ship bucked as a barrage of cannon fire lit up the sky and tore chunks of timber from the Pearl. The pirate stumbled dropping the makeshift eye and lost it amongst the parade of feet as the crew prepared to fire against this new attacker. Tsukasa reached out and grabbed the rolling ball and promptly stood to try and find the man who had dropped it but instead stood grasping the railing as another ship grew ever closer, its fire sweeping between the castle and the Pearl.

“It’s the Dutchman!!” a crewman screamed down from the crow’s nest to the combating Captains.

Sparrow and Barbossa paused, and looked to where the man pointed. Not far from them, Master Nex also took noticed and silently cursed this betrayal. Jones would pay for this act of vengeance, he thought as he raised his hand up to cast a powerful spell toward the ship, but stopped as the power drained from his hand, replacing itself with a burning black deformed mark on his palm.

Nex’s eyes grew wide in realization and quickly moved towards the bow of the ship, trying to put as much distance between himself and his Angel of Death.

Barbossa broke out of the trance first, he turned and advanced on Jack, knocking both blades away as he grabbed Jack by his overcoat, dragging him to view the ship. “The Dutchman wants you Jack, and I aim to honor that agreement.”

Jack cringed as the image of Davy Jones crept into his inner eye. He lunged quickly, throwing off Barbossa’s grip and made his way dashing towards the ship wheel with Barbossa nay but mere feet behind.

Barbossa swung up the near side stairs in one foul swoop, came around the wheel first, hoping the winds were on his side and scowled as the canvas sails hung limp.

“Time to hand over the mastermind, Hector Barbossa” a deep, disembodied voice sung behind him.
Barbossa reached backwards and jabbed with his blade and unexpectingly found it catch. He turned his head to find the sword protruding from Davy Jone’s chest.

“You missed.” Jones laughed as he raised his sword to bring it down, Jack ran up the stairs, trying to unsheathe his own sword.

“YOU!” Jones bellowed, his tentacles twitching in annoyance.

Jack stood in midstep, his mouth hanging slightly ajar and his sword stuck snugly in it’s sheath. “Well this is an odd spot of coincidence eh?”

“A perfect end to the chapter. The death of Jack Sparrow and the downfall of a dictator at the hands of a monster.”

“CAPTAIN, if you please.”

“I don’t. It’s a shame that a poor defenseless sparrow never learned how to fly” Jones laughed pushing Barbossa aside and leapt at Jack.

Jack ran back down the stairs, sprinting across the deck till he came to the bow and stood staring at the dead end, his mind trying to piece his escape together. He was reaching for a line of rope when Jones materialized from the nearest mast support beam. His sword trained on Jack’s heart, “Do you fear death?”

Jack defeatedly dropped his eyes to Jones feet and was about to answer, except his eyes noticed a flash of red movement coming from one of the castle windows, his eyebrows rose slowly. “If this were a regular day I would say more than anything, but seeing as how it’s not, I must merely say this: Coddlefish.” He looked up and smiled and leapt over the side, hanging on to a length of rope and a yard of canvas as the laser found its target and a barrage of bullets ripped into Davy Jone’s body.

Jones swung around, grasping at his chest as dark purple slime colored blood began to ooze from the wounds. He glared at the castle to see Leon Kennedy racing inside the entrance, and Sparrow comedically wrestling to control the canvas as he began to sail further away. Jones squinted as he

realized what Jack’s intentions were and laughed, dissolving into the Pearl and returned to the Dutchman.

****

Barbossa watched as Jones disappeared and Nex soared high above, making his way down towards the castle, he smiled as he swung the wheel starboard away from the war.

“Let the whelps fight amongst themselves, I have a longing to see tomorrow’s sunset.” Barbossa announced to his stunned crew.

Instead of the expected elation, they remained staring just past Barbossa toward the collection of barrels and supplies. He began to turn but felt something small pass, brushing across his spine, he looked down and stared in amazement as his body began to slowly turn translucent.

He gazed around helplessly and confused till he saw Tsukasa standing off to the side, holding a playing card in his hand.

“What are you doing boy?” Barbossa demanded trying to move but finding himself frozen to the deck.

“My part” Tsukasa responded, stepping closer, he began to turn the card toward Barbossa.

“You are making a grave mistake lad, you have not but a piece of blank parchment and I, a whole ship and crew.”

Tsukasa shrugged, “Ya, but I’ve got your soul.” He stated smiling.

Barbossa stared at the card and blinked, hoping what he saw was a figment of his imagination. But as the card grew more detailed, his eyes grew large as he saw his image slowly begin to appear on the card.

“You betrayed your friend, leaving him to die on an island without nothing but his name, force him into the debt with Jones because you sabotaged the Pearl, and now you joined a corrupt man trying to rule the universe? Welcome, Captain, to Purgatory” Tsukasa stated as he threw the card towards the Captain.
It struck Barbossa near the center of his stomach, and within a mere second a white light erupted from the card, encasing Barbossa, before evaporating again into nothing more than a simple playing card lazily floating to the wooden wheel housing.

Ragette stepped hesitantly toward Tsukasa, his one good eye bouncing from the playing card to Tsukasa to the wooden eye he held clutched in his hand. He watched Tsukasa step forward and reclaim the card with his left hand the other rolling the eye around unconsciously.

The crew stood before him in amazement and watched as he placed the card inside his cloak’s chest pocket. “Or—Orders sir?” Ragette asked.

Tsukasa looked at him oddly then as he slowly realized the question his eyes widened as his eyes darted from the eyeball, to the crew to the image of Barbossa on the playing card. He stared in shock, but it soon past to a wicked smile.

“All hands, attack any Heartless or Nobody. We have a war to turn.”

********************************

Mario and Link stepped back, allowing the Phantom to crash lifeless to the ground.

“Looks like we make a pretty good team eh?”

“Just like the old days Mario” Link laughed, brushing dirt and sweat from his face.

Mario was about to comment when a large shape passed between the sun and the war. He raised a gloved hand high and stared in wonderment as the Dutchman began to veer lower.

“It looks like she’ll crash.” Link commented as the ship swayed nearly ninety degrees, passing flush with the market square in front of them.

Mario’s mouth dropped as he watched three humans leap from the side heading towards the castle, while following them over the railing, leapt the unmistakable mass of Bowser and the tall framed body of Ganondorf.

The honor guardsmen raced toward their arch-enemies, keyblades at the ready. Bowser turned his head and began to point in alarm as he and Ganondorf summoned their own battle weapons.

“Plumber!! I’m going to crush you!” Bowser howled as he swept his enormous key club along the rocky terrain. Mario leapt high and brought his blade down, striking Bowser square on his horned head.
Stars flashed before Bowser, but he quickly shook it off and leapt high into the air, encircling his body and slamming down, creating a shockwave. Mario nearly lost his footing, but regained in to leap clear of another tremendous impact. As he did so, he was unable to block a swift slash from Bowser’s tail, sending him skidding into a market vendor.

“Mwahaha, you’ve got nothing new! This is going to be bittersweet actually beating YOU!” He laughed as he advanced twirling the club like a javelin.

“MaaaaAAARRIO!!” Peach yelled from across the square, waving her hands wildly. Mario followed where she was pointing and grinned. He leapt into a double backwards wall jump and snagged a glowing shimmering orb adorned with a horizontal T.

The orb swallowed Mario whole, shocking Bowser who stared in suspicion which soon turned to fear as Mario re-emerged, his clothes releasing columns of steam and smoke. “Bring it on pipsqueak.”

Mario’s eyes turned white hot as he threw his gloved right hand forward, releasing his blade like a missle, trailed behind by a wall of inescapable fire balls. The blade connected first, chopping and hacking at least five times before merging with the impending flames. The resolting explosion created a large mushroom cloud with Bowser lying in the eye of the cloud, a charbroiled piece of lizard.

The fury left Mario’s eyes and the steam slowly dissolved. He stepped toward the downed lizard King.
“Looks like it’s another loss to you Bowser.” Mario sneered as he removed his keyblade from the smoldering crater.

Bowser weakly opened a bloodshot eye. “When is it ever over Mario?”

In an instant Bowser went from being near death to being teleported high up, into the waiting alien spacecraft that gyrated smoothly. “Next time Mario. Next time.”

********************************

As the Dutchman sunk past the castle’s new plateau, Auron, Kairi and Aerith leapt off, landing near the outskirts of the raging battle.

“I hope Axel knew what he was doing,” Kairi proclaimed, annoyed at him for leaving the ship before they entered orbit.

“He’s doing what he feels is right,” Aerith commented, gazing around at the madness, “Just like we are.”
Kairi gazed around and her heart beat faster as he saw Riku fighting off a number of heartless towards the castle’s arched entrance. She began to run toward him, but Auron stepped in front, blocking her path. “He is not your fight, Sora is. If you wish to save him, you must concentrate on finding him.”

Aerith stepped forward, placing her hands softly on Kairi’s twitching shoulders. “Sora moved oceans to make sure you were always safe. He wouldn’t want you to risk anything that wasn’t necessary. Never let go of that devotion, you’ll never release how much it meant till it’s gone…”

Kairi nodded slowly, simultaneously summoning a floral designed keyblade. “That’s why I can’t fail.” She soberly stated, racing off to find her guardian.

Auron watched her leap past a jet of ice until she vanished inside, his eyes flicked skyward and watched Nex sail towards the castle’s highest terrace.

“Do you think he can do it?” Aerith slowly asked as she watched Sora and Dest exit from the inner depths of the castle, fighting atop a marble walkway. “Do you think Riku can save him?” she pondered looking up into the guardians scarred face.

“This is his story, only he can tell the final chapters.”

A sudden reflection shot toward the two as another ship entered the fray, its rear engines coughing deep plumes of black smoke as spell after spell hammered the dying craft. Auron’s posture swiftly changed as he drew his large katana and raced toward the blue spiked head visible from the black cloak wrapping his muscular physique. The last Maester of Spira stood laughing as his final spell hit home and the craft veered wildly, impacting the west wall of the castle.

Suddenly three figures leapt from the smoldering craft, two hoisting blades, the other bouncing a blue and white blitzball over his head. “It’s a small world after all,” he thought as he smiled under his maroon shawl, as he leapt into the fight along with Chappu, Tidus and Wakka.

*********************************

Aerith watched Auron leap towards the disciple and she stood in shock as the small ship crashed into the resolute castle. She began to head towards the direction Kairi had rushed to but stopped as a cape fluttered down from above. She drew her Aurora Rod and stared in disbelief as Sephiroth slowly floated down to greet her.

“Well, well. Looks like the betraying crustacean was wrong about you Cetra.”

“Sephiroth, why are you doing this?!”

He stood slowly, drawing his silver Masmune. “Because Mother wants me to right the balance. I killed on Midgar, yet you lived. I struck you down on Hyrule, yet here you stand resolute as ever; answer me how this can be?!”

Aerith closed her sea green eyes, “Because I know what is important and that alone can’t kill me. Your arrogance is hat blocks you from seeing the truth. You don’t fight for anyone but yourself, not even Mother.”

The smile left Sephiroth’s face, replaced by disdainful frown. “You understand nothing. You don’t see the truth.”

Aerith opened her eyes and stared at the one winged angel defiantly. As she did she glimpsed a movement behind him. “To your ends then?”

The smile creeped back to his satanic face, fire burning in his eyes. “To the end.”

“As you wish.” A loud voice exploded behind Sephiroth as Mickey leapt high, his keyblade glistening in the light as it split into multiple clones, each representing a different world under his domain. With a flick of his wrist, each blade sliced through Sephiroth, the final blow stabbing clean through his heart.

Sephiroth stared in bewilderment as his body slowly grew numb with cold. His voice seemed hollow as the fire extinguished from his eyes slightly, “Mother…” he whispered, before falling to the granite courtyard.
Aerith stepped forward, helping Mickey to his feet as he withdrew his keyblade from Sephiroth’s back.

“It’s finally over Aerith.” The king humbly stated, closing a dark chapter from a world long extinct.
Aerith gazed as Sephiroth’s body transform into a multitude of pyreflies, and smiled, holding Cloud’s charm in her hands. Her gaze shifted to staring off into the distance, past the war and back to a small garden

gracing a dilapidated church; seeing a man crouching low with a yellow rose in his hands.

“It’s only the beginning.

***********************************

Link and Ganondorf stood across from the other walking cautiously in a wide circle. Ganon raised his head to watch Nex rocket towards the terrace high above. “There is no honor in this. Look at me boy,” he demanded, an odd sadness and anger in his eyes, “I’ve held your world as my own multiple times, always imprisoning the Princess from my own means. That man, turned the tables on me, making me a prisoner in his own games. Do you blame me?”

Link relaxed his stance, his mood cautious and stonewalled. “Yes. You supplied him with information that lead to Zelda’s death. Her blood is on your hands.”

“I don’t deny anything, and it is that guilt that lead me to convince Bowser to hide the last of the bloodline

from him.”

“Explain.”

“Bowser and I took our own lives to the gallows by betraying Nex. He needed Princess Kairi’s death to fulfill his maddened self promoting propaganda. It felt odd, switching sides, to try and play the hero; but it had to be done.”

Link stood still, sizing up Ganondorf and sheathed his sword. “Well?”

“Well indeed.” He nodded, dropping his own sword.

Ganon raised his head up, watching as Nex flew directly above, “why let our personal differences destroy another Kingdom?” he asked.

“Link remained staring at Ganondorf, “I know you’ll strike Hyrule again.”

“Not today though,” Ganon smiled, baring jagged stained teeth, while summoning a gigantic evil aura around himself, resembling a large fist. Link unclasped and lit a handful of arrow tipped bombs.
They both aimed true and fired. The fist wrapped around Nex, affectingly stopping his advancement as the bomb-arrow exploded, sending him sailing off course, toward the sinking Dutchman.

“Until we meet again…hero.” Ganondorf sneered and vanished into the swarm of heartless, leaving Link standing watching the battle around him reach a fever pitch.

******************************

The grand doors leading from the Chamber of Destiny blew apart, pieces of timber and twisted hinges rained down as Dest and Sora continued to duel, each matching the other without fail, Sora with a slight advantage.

Dest unleashed a furry of different combinations but sora calmly swatted away each attack.

Terra, Ven…Kairi…it’s almost over. Sora stepped backwards, hoisting his blades high and charged

toward Dest, his movements became a blur as he began to appear in different locations at ounce, Dest barely able to block or dive away.

Dest lay on the stone terrace, panting and near exhaustion. His vision began to blur and swim as he held up his hand to stop Sora’s next attack, but it didn’t come.

“Giving up already?” Sora asked as a bead of sweat fell down his chin, burning as it passed over his injured face.

“This can’t happen, it’s not what was prophesized. I can’t die, I have no heart.” He whispered in a defeated voice.

“What are you talking about?”

Dest closed his eyes, “One shall walk between the light and dark, and in his path to destiny, one shall fall, he who’s heart swells for his kingdom…but I have no heart to lose.”

“Everyone has a heart, some are just lost, but some are just lost, either way, each exist.” Sora stated, stepping hestitantly backwards.

“Then it is inevitable…” Dest resigned.

Sora felt a welling of sadness for the being in front of him. The heartless creation of a nobody. Riku had given up more to reunite his friends than Sora or Kairi had ever realized. Images of their struggle toward the Door of Light and battle to control Ansem’s heartless swam before him as he stared sadly down at the weak white haired boy.

“The future isn’t written yet, we can figure a way out of this.”

“No…there is only one way,” Dest rose, favoring his right side, holding his hand still out towards Sora, “we both die.”

Before Sora could react, a blast of ice slammed into his chest, the keyblades growing heavy and falling from his numb hands. Dest limped forward, placing his hands around Sora’s armored neck and lifted him into the air, the armor slowly turning icy as Dest’s hands radiated chilling air.

Stars began to wink out as the cold and lose of oxygen began to drain from Sora. “Goodbye Key guardian, goodbye Kingdom Hearts.” Dest laughed sending another blast of freezing spell on Sora.
Sora fought to stay awake but felt a growing orb of peacefulness slowly bleeding through his body as he welcomed the biting cold.

“Kairi..” Sora whispered as his eyes fluttered shut and began to walk down the deepening tunnel of light before him.

“NO!” Riku exploded as he rushed through the tattered door frame, blasting a spell at Dest’s raised arm, sending the limp body of Sora off to the side and Dest trying to regain composure as his blue armor split along his arm.

Dest watched Riku advance with a gleam of satisfaction and wickedness. “it is done, Destiny is ours.”
Riku charged at his alter-ego, vengeance coursing through him as he hammered his keyblade into Dest’s face multiple times. He didn’t flinch but leaned back and planted a solid kick square into Riku’s chest, causing him to fall ackward, all air forced from his lungs.

In the challenge to breathe, a voice screamed behind him, but Riku refused to turn, instead he focused on the growing strength flowing through him, a power he had been able to keep in check for only so long, begged and pleaded to be released. Black energy surged around him as he began to transform as he accepted the darkness in his heart, becoming Ansem’s heartless again.

He examined his surrounds then sneered at Dest. “You’d better run now, Mr. Hyde is back in town.”

Dest’s golden eyes grew in fear and he quickly leapt over the castles battlement trying to fly away but instead flew headlong into a column of darkness, coming out and colliding with the castle’s sloping roof. He regained himself and stared in awe as Riku stood 20 feet away, “It ends here.”

**************************

Kairi sped up the stone stairwell, Riku’s feet constantly disappearing as they both ascended the tower. Her mind ran rampant as everything slowly began to skim into her memory: C-3PO’s story, Aqua’s warning, now Sora was above her somewhere fighting to the death for her.

You won’t let him down Kairi, your strong and both of us can take whatever anyone sends out way, Naminè encouraged.

From a head, Kairi heard Riku yell something, but as she swung around the final corner and stepped out the into the murky light, the nightmare unfolded around her.

Numbly she watched Riku charge at an armored man, but her eyes slowly moved around, her heart stoppinig as she witnessed Sora fall against the stone battlement, unconscious.

Kairi raced over, grabbing Sora, trying to lift his slumped body up, but quickly pulled away as the frozen armor burned her hands. Kairi began to panic and screamed as her eyes fell to see the hideous gash running down his unresponsive face, his eyes closed, no breathe or pulse present.

One shall fall…Naminè spoke in a hallowed whisper.

“NO!! I WON’T LET YOU GO!! SORA!!!” Kairi fought the pain in her hands as she fumbled to lay sora down. Memories flooded her mind of all the moments she shared with Sora ever since her arrival on Destiny Island.

A calm peaceful smile spread across Sora’s face, his lips parted slightly. Kairi and Naminè began to weep as they realized that they would never see him grow up, any hope that he’d pluck of the courage to ask her to prom, gone.

Kairi brushed away her tears and leaned forward, lifting up his head, brushing away a lock of sandy brown hair from his face, inhaled through quivering lips, and kissed him.

Her tears cascaded down, searing heat through her eyelids, painting swirls on Sora’s cheek. Kairi kissed him long, drawing every emotion she could to this very moment, trying to breathe life into her Prince Charming.

Kairi…Kairi you have to let go, Naminè pleaded.

“No. Sora gave his heart to me once, I only wish I could do that same fo—“

“That’s IT! Can you still feel Sora in your heart?”

“Kairi closed her eyes and felt the connection she and Sora shared beating slower and slower. Her eyes snapped open, hope alive again and began to perform CPR.

The moments ticked by slowly the war raging around her a thing of the past but as she bent down to fill his longs for a forth time, Sora convulsed, and began to cough.

Kairi cried hard, holding her breath as Sora’s boyish eyes slowly opened, adjusting till Kairi completely materialized over him. Sora weakly smiled, causing Kairi to laugh and embrace him long and hard.

“You’re back” Kairi cried relieved into his shoulder. Sora pulled away slightly, looking deep into Kairi’s face, lifting his head up and brushed his lips with hers.

“I’m home.”

********************************************

 

o.O
Oh
My
Gawd
one word:
ROCKIN!!!!!
i thought sora was a goner for a second o.O
lolz

 

A great chapter... i can't believe Sora died... even if it was just for a moment, wow... great chapter again...

 

Yeah Bowser, when is it over?

It's never over because if it was, Nintendo would have to stop your game series. They would lose a lot of money then. Got it memorized?

Great story so far!

 

Thanks for the comments folks, but as Xaale, has stated when is it over? Well....i'm looking closer to later this week for this chapter but i'm trying to consider waiting till all the last two chapters are up cause they come fast and heavy. either way, It's been an awesome ride.

 

Omg! My Heart Stopped Beating!!

my... heart... nearly... stopped... when.... Sora... almost... died... OMG!! THAT WAS SO COOL!! *notices droll* *Whips away droll from the 1st chapter.
1 word. DAMN!
THAT ROCKED! IT ROLLED! AND YOU BETTER MAKE MORE! don't let sora died plz, as I am a sora fangirl, and if you let him die you will die a slow and painful death, K?
a couple of questions, btw..
1) I've played Legend of Zelda and that crap, BUT WHO THE F*** IS GANON!
2)What with the hatred of Sora much?
3)Star Wars? I got confused there.
GOOD STORY THO!!!