I was still coping with the loss of Ven and Terra while Riku cradled Sora in his arms, trying to do the same. Both the boys looked pathetically small and frail, but I knew that they could be far from that. And yet there they were: Riku weeping in a way I never knew he could, Sora looking strangely happy and like he could break apart at any moment.

Xehanort was gone, there lied victory...

but so many were gone with him.

I remember the battle that happened only minutes before: Vanitas had stolen Kairi's heart, leaving Sora to hold her and break into fragments of sorrow while she died. Vanitas only continued to taunt them. Terra and the others were fighting Xehanort(all thirteen of him), but Ventus was the first to rush over. He and Vanitas clashed again while I tried to console Sora into fighting again. I shuddered at the memory of his eyes filled with tears and pure suffering.

Then Ventus called to me while still fighting Vanitas. He gave me a sad smile and one last goodbye before they merged, then destroyed each other. A howl of pure rage and despair from Sora told me that Kairi died moments later. He then set Kairi's body on the ground, and screamed with so much rage and suffering as he charged at Xehanort "LEAVE THAT BASTARD TO ME!" I never even perished the thought of Sora ever sounding like that. He was always bouncy, happy, bright; these darker feelings of hatred and sorrow didn't suit him. Then they fought, light against darkness-

Sobs disturbed my recalling. I looked at everyone else, and not a single face was dry. Just like mine, knowing I absently wiped at my tears. I didn't want to lose Ven, but it was the only way to forever defeat Vanitas. And Terra... had been transformed into Xehanort... for good, and had to be struck down.

I watched helplessly as Sora's breathing slowed, and his eyes closed. He finally fell still.

…

Donald and Goofy started howling with sorrowful pain.
Mickey uttered Sora's name, traumatized.
I wailed like a child, unable to repress my grief and loss anymore, and fell to my knees.
Another soft thud told me Roxas had done the same.

And I just sat there.

I looked at Riku, clutching Sora's body and screaming from his loss. They both looked so broken, so sad. I wished that we never gave them their Keyblades, so they could remain those sweet, innocent boys forever. But that couldn't happen now, not when they were both brought beyond bright innocence and into depressing darkness.

…

I don't remember what I sobbed,

all I know is that it was one last dirge, for a sweet boy

an amazing friend,

and the truest hero I know.

A dirge for you, Sora.

and NOW we are done. The tear-fest can end now.

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