We are reaching the midway point of our story. Now, it's time for Sora and Riku to take their part in this plot, and see what happens when two pairs become one. Enjoy this epic story!
(I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Sword Art Online. All I do is form my imagination from both stories, and share it with the world!)
Kirito's Team so Far
Komory Bat (Komory) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Confuse (Sacrificed for Woeflower)
Zero Gravity
Zero Gravira
Drain Dive
Confusing Strike
Stat Boost
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Confusion Block
Attack Haste (x2)
Spirit Ability
Waking Dream
Sir Kyroo (Kyroo) MAXED
Techniques
Strike Raid
Blitz
Stat Boost
Water Boost (x2)
Cure Boost (x3)
Attack Haste
Water Screen (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Stop Block
HP Boost
Support Ability
Combo Plus
Woeflower (Woe) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Poison (Sacrificed for Kabuto)
Sleepra
Sleepga
Drain Dive
Poison Dive
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Haste (x3)
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Boost
Blindness Block
Support Ability
Treasure Magnet
KO Kabuto (Kabuto)
Defense/Technique/Magic
Link Block
Circle Raid
Fira
Stat Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Blizzard Screen (x2)
Defense Boost
Tatsu Blaze (Blaze)
Magic
Fira
Stat Boost
Fire Boost
Asuna's Team so Far
Necho Cat (Pina) MAXED
Magic
Thunder
Time Bomb
Sleepra
Stat Boost
Thunder Boost (x3)
Magic Haste (x4)
Magic Boost
HP Boost
Sleep Block
Confusion Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Tatsu Steed (Babaru)
Magic
Mini
Wheeflower (Petal)
Magic
Blizzard (Sacrificed for Ashika)
Blizzara
Blizzaga
Esuna
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x2)
HP Boost
Cure Boost (x2)
Water Screen (x3)
Magic Boost (x2)
Bind Block
Sleep Block
Chef Kyroo (Flambé)
Magic/Techniques
Cura
Aerial Slam
Stat Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Defense Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Item Boost (x2)
Support Ability
Air Combo Plus
Juggle Pup (Ashika)
Magic
Baloonra
Stat Boost
Blizzard Boost
Attack Haste
Blizzard Screen
Item Boost
HP Boost
Chapter 1: Dreams Become One
Kirito and Asuna were both fast asleep as they were heading to the next world. As they flew through who knows where, a pulsing, green light started emanating from a distance. "…Please, work together, be safe." Leafa's voice called out through the light, "My heart is reaching out for all of you." The two stirred as they heard Leafa's voice call out to them, but did not wake up. However, they were carried towards the light, where an unexpected change was about to happen.
(Cue 'Ignite' Opening)
Asuna's Story
Asuna opened her eyes, and looked about. She was in a place that seemed familiar to her. The sky was dark, the lights of the Victorian-styled town district shining brightly all around her, from the lights within the buildings, to the lamp posts outside.
"This place…" Asuna stated, looking about, seeing the golden fountain near her, "…I know I've been here before." Asuna pondered for a second, rubbing her head, then she realized where she was at, "I remember now! This place is where Kirito and I took on the 'Kingdom Hearts' quest in Aincrad the first time around." Asuna looked about, seeing the place in full. "Does this mean I've traveled back to the same place again?" Asuna wondered out loud, "But that can't be right…can it?"
Kirito's Story
Kirito had also woken up in the same area as Asuna, looking about and realizing where he had seen the setting before. "Maybe this could be the town the quest was made after." Kirito assumed, "If that's the case, what is this place called?"
Kirito started to walk towards the doors when he heard someone say, "Well, well, well. You weren't the people I was expecting to meet here." Kirito turned to the stairs near him, and saw a boy descending down them. He looked like a teenager with messy blonde hair and lavender eyes, wearing a light grey shirt that was buttoned down, dark pants, and white shoes with black soles and laces.
"Who are you?" Kirito asked as the boy approached. "My name is Joshua." the boy greeted, examining Kirito, and looking to one side of him, "Hmm…you two were different to what I had imagined." "You 'two'?" Kirito asked, looking about, "Who are you talking about?" "I'm speaking to you and the other who arrived in this world like you did." Joshua stated, "Here let me show you…"
Joshua waved his hand, and a Portal suddenly appeared right next to him. The atmosphere changed slightly, and suddenly, Kirito saw something form right next to him. It was Asuna, or rather, the slightly ghostly figure of Asuna, standing right beside Kirito. Asuna, who was on the other side, saw Kirito's ghostly figure appear right next to her, along with Joshua.
"Asuna?!" Kirito gasped, seeing her right next to him. "Kirito?!" Asuna responded, also shocked to see him and the boy. "Ah, so you DO know one another." Joshua stated, "Well then, I guess introductions will not be needed then." Both of them recognize the ghostly figures were similar to how they noticed one another in Twilight Town after defeating the monster in it.
"So does this world have multiple timelines, too?" Kirito asked, reaching out to Asuna, who reached back, only to have their hands pass through one another. "Not quite." Joshua answered, getting their attention, "The worlds you two are in are connected to one another, but at the same time, separated from one another. See, this world, known as Traverse Town, was split into two versions of each, separated by the Portal."
"Okay, so you're saying that instead of timelines, it is two different versions of the same world." Asuna realized. "In a way, yes." Joshua answered, "However, there is a lot more to it than that. I can't get into greater detail on it right now, but your arrival here did change things." "In what way?" Asuna asked. "I can't say for sure, but I sensed that someone asked you to come here in order to help the Players here." Joshua stated.
"Players?" Kirito asked, "As in VRMMO Players?" "Sorry, but the Players I'm talking about are part of a game called the 'Reaper's Game'." Joshua explained, "They're probably different to the Players you are thinking about." "The Reaper's Game?" Kirito asked, feeling the foreboding in the title. "It is where people who's existence were brought to an end, must team up with their Game Partners in order to take on quests in order to return back to where they came from." Kirito and Asuna guessed that it was similar to how they needed to beat SAO in order to return home as well.
"So what's the quest they have to do?" Kirito asked, "If there's anything we can do, we'll be glad to help." "Absolutely." Asuna agreed, "We feel like we understand what these Players are dealing with, and we know we should help stop it."
Joshua looked at the two's serious expressions, then smiled. "You two look like another pair I know." he stated, "They were able to help out the Players find their Game Partners here, too." "Who are they?" Kirito asked. "Their names are Sora and Riku." Joshua answered, "Do those two sound familiar to you?" Kirito and Asuna were stunned at this. "We know them!" Kirito and Asuna gasped simultaneously. "Both of them are good friends of ours." Kirito stated. "Yeah! Especially Sora." Asuna followed.
"I see. Well, that also takes care of another introduction, then." Joshua stated, "As a matter of fact, the two have just arrived in the two worlds already. This is probably also for the same reason you guys are here, too. Sora should be arriving in your side, Kirito, while Riku is arriving on your end, Asuna."
The two looked excitedly at one another. "It'll be great to see those two again." Asuna stated. Kirito nodded in agreement, then something came to mind. "Joshua, have you heard of a girl named Leafa?" he asked, "I was hoping you saw her here." Joshua shook her head. "Sorry, but the four of you are the only ones here and there." Kirito looked down, worried. "I see…" he muttered. Asuna looked to Kirito, also worried. They both hoped she was okay.
"However, if you want to see Riku and Sora…" Joshua continued, pointing to the large door, "You should head to the First District. Riku's already there. Sora's far off, but you should meet him in the Fountain Plaza, Kirito, if you pass through the Post Office next to the mailbox. The Players and their Game Partners are already there, dealing with a troublesome Dream Eater that they need to defeat in order to complete the Reaper's Game."
"Got it!" Asuna understood, turning to Kirito, "Don't worry, Kirito. Leafa's very strong. I'm sure she's fine." Kirito looked back at her. "You're right about that." he agreed, "Also…I'm glad to see you're okay, Asuna. Say hi to Riku for me, okay?" Asuna nodded in agreement. "I'll accompany Asuna to Riku, but then I'll meet up with Sora afterwards, explaining things as simply as possible for him." Kirito and Asuna giggled at this. Sora was still as childish as ever, it seemed.
Joshua activated his Portal, sending himself over to the Traverse Town which Asuna was in. Afterwards, the images of Kirito and Asuna on either side disappeared, no longer showing the two worlds. "Let's go, Asuna." Joshua told Asuna, who nodded in response. Together, the two entered the First District.
Kirito rushed towards the doors as well, opening them up and entering within. Once in the new District, he turned to his right and saw the mailbox, along with a hole that led to the Post Office. "That must be where I need to go." He guessed. He raced over to it, and descended into the hole.
Asuna & Riku
In the First District, Riku had just woken up and was walking towards the middle of the lower parts. Riku looked slightly younger than how he did before. He wore a white and yellow zipped vest, with a black collar and stripe along the bottom as well as around each arm hole, and the Dream Eater Spirit symbol on the back. He also wore jeans and a black belt with a large silver buckle, and white hightops with black soles and laces and yellow stripes. On his wrists he sports thick black, cloth bracelets.
"Traverse Town? Why am I back?" Riku asked, looking about. He heard the sound of the door from the Third District open, and watched as Joshua entered within. "Joshua." Riku greeted simply. "Nice of you to join us." Joshua replied. As Joshua passed through the door, Asuna walked up right behind him. The two Keyblade wielders noticed one another. "Riku!" Asuna greeted happily. "Asuna?!" Riku replied, shocked at seeing her here.
Asuna raced up to Riku before Joshua could have a say. "Looks like you're doing well." Asuna noticed. "What are you doing here?" Riku asked, "Moreover, how did you get here?" "Nice to see you, too." Asuna huffed, "Honestly, your greetings are worse than Kirito's." "Sorry." Riku apologized, "It's good to see you again, Asuna." "That's better." Asuna said assuringly.
"I'd hate to break up this reunion, but we have other things to take care of." Joshua stated, getting Asuna and Riku's attention. "So what happened?" Riku asked. "Trouble happened." Joshua answered, "I was hoping one of you pairs could help." "Pairs?" Riku asked, looking to Asuna, then realized, "You mean Sora and Kirito? When did they get here?"
"Bravo, Riku." Joshua complimented him, "Why can't Sora be this quick on the uptake?" "Yeah, well, Sora's a little…" Riku started, amused. "I know what you mean." Asuna agreed, also amused. The two of them laughed at this.
"Now, let's get down to the problem." Joshua started, a little more serious, "We've got a nasty Dream Eater on our hands. It keeps jumping between worlds. Not only that, it knows how to summon creatures like it, pretty powerful ones, too." "That does sound like a troublesome Dream Eater." Asuna said, realizing the caliber of the opponent.
"The others are on a mission to stop it, but they need help." Joshua continued. "The others?" Riku asked, "You mean Shiki and her friends?" "That's right." Joshua answered, They all found their Game partners, and Shiki is over fighting in the other Traverse Town." "Yeah, and Joshua just sent Kirito to help them out." Asuna followed, "You said you were also gonna tell Sora." "After you guys, yes." Joshua answered.
"Good to hear." Riku stated, looking from Asuna to Joshua, "So what can we do?" "Actually, the Dream Eater just reappeared in the fountain plaza." Joshua informed them, "I sent Beat and his partner to face it." "Beat?" Asuna echoed, wondering if he was talking about Cure Beat. "It's a different Beat, Asuna." Riku corrected her, knowing what she was thinking, then to Joshua, "We're on it. Let's go, Asuna." "Right." Asuna answered, and the two started to walk to the doors opposite of where Asuna came in.
"Riku, Asuna. There's something else you need to know." Joshua added, getting their attention, "These two Traverse Towns separated by the Portal…I was under the impression they were parallel worlds, but it looks like I was wrong." "So, if they aren't parallel worlds, then what are they?" Asuna questioned. "That's where it gets tricky." Joshua replied, "After you, Riku, and Sora left, Shiki crossed the portal to join her Game partner. Did you notice Players have a mission timer inscribed on their hands?" Asuna had to imagine a countdown timer on the palm or back of someone's hand.
"Well, when she got to the other side, Shiki had more time left on her clock than her partner." Joshua explained, "And when Beat's partner crossed over from the other side, she had LESS time left."
"So time flows differently here and there?" Riku questioned, "So what? That's true of any two worlds." "Yeah. All worlds have their own time axis, and each world's time can be faster or slower than one another." Asuna added, "Even the home world they come from have to be running on a different time axis, too."
"Yes, I understand that." Joshua agreed, "But if these Traverse Towns were parallel worlds, then time would flow the same in both. But it doesn't, ergo they are not parallel worlds." "You mean there's a past…and a future." Riku guessed. "No. Impossible." Joshua answered, "The worlds are clearly separate; it's not just time that sets them apart. As you two yourselves noted, every world flows at its' own pace, which tells me that for all their similarities, these are two distinct worlds."
"Distinct worlds?" Riku questioned. "Yes…but this is all conjecture." Joshua replied, "It's like the same world imagined by two people. What does that tell you? That we're in…" "A dream…" Asuna and Riku finished simultaneously. "Yes. Bravo to the two of you, Asuna and Riku." Joshua commended them, "In which case none of this may matter one bit to me or my friends. But to the two of you, Sora, and Kirito, I think it might be a vital clue."
Riku looked to Asuna, who pondered on something. "Does this help you?" he asked her. "Possibly…" Asuna answered, "There was another pair of world like that for Kirito and I. It was two versions of Twilight Town. According to two people named Kyubey and Homura, the two worlds are considered different timelines of the same world. I thought that was the case, too. However, after all the information Joshua gave us, I'm starting to see it differently." Asuna turned to Riku as she finished, "One thing's for sure; If anyone were to tell Sora any of this, his head would explode." Riku didn't think of that, but he laughed nevertheless, along with Asuna.
The two turned to Joshua. "Thanks for telling us this." Riku thanked him, "So you need us in the plaza?" "Wow. I'm running out of 'bravos'." Joshua stated with amusement. "Be right back." Riku told him, then to Asuna, "C'mon. I know my way around here." "Lead the way." Asuna replied, and the two raced off to the door leading into the back streets of Traverse Town.
Sora
Sora's asleep when he heard Leafa's calling to him. He was carried to Traverse Town a little bit later than the others were, however. When he awoke, he found himself standing on the glass rooftop of the gardens in Fifth District. Sora's attire was similar to his look before entering the Mark of Mastery, but he looked a year younger than before. The new outfit contained large yellow shoes, a silver and black overjacket with crimson and white trimming, a black vest with a white 'X' on the front, similar to Leafa's X, crimson pants and a pair of black with yellow gloves with his signature crown necklace and crown chain.
Sora looked about at his surroundings as he wandered closer to the front edge of the roof. "Huh? I'm back in Traverse Town." Sora noticed. "Why, hello down there, Sora." called out Joshua's voice, "I've been waiting." Sora turned. He saw Joshua on the back building rising out of the gardens, sitting on the ledge of it.
"You do know you can wait on the ground, right?" Sora questioned, leaning back a bit, "Come down so we can talk." "Now?" Joshua asked. "Now? What do you mean, now?" Sora retorted, "You're the one who said you were waiting!" Joshua shrugged, dismissing Sora's comment, then descended down to him.
"You know you're turning more into Neku every day." Joshua pointed out as he stepped forward to Sora, "But listen, I'm glad you guys showed up because—" "You 'guys'?" Sora asked, "Does that mean Riku's here?" Sora asked. "Yes. But you and he are still a world apart." Joshua answered, "He didn't seem especially worried, though. He knows he'll find you." "Yeah." Sora agreed.
"Not only that, but it seemed two more entered into each world." Joshua continued, "They both know you, pretty well." "Really?" Sora asked, "Who are they?" "I'll let you figure that one out on your own." Joshua answered. "Oh, come on!" Sora moaned in an irritable way.
"Don't worry. I sent one of them to meet up with you, so you should be able to find one another." Joshua stated, "Just look at Neku. He and the others all found their Game partners." "Oh, they're back home safe now?" Sora asked, shaking off his irritableness. Joshua shook his head. "Remember what I told you. Their existence is on the line, and the Reapers are dead set on erasing them for good." he informed Sora, "But they found refuge in this world, and luckily each other too."
"Reapers?" Sora repeated, following Joshua to the front of the glass roof. "Right." Joshua answered, "If Neku and the others want to get back to where they came from, they need to win the Reapers' Game. It's like a series of missions. Those are the rules of their home ground. Except…this time, the mission is a tough one. They're pitted against a Dream Eater that can summon a hundred more like it. So, I was sort of hoping you, Riku and the others could help us out. You have your Keyblades, and with those, we might still have a chance."
"Well, I'm glad Riku's here with me." Sora stated, "And I can't wait to figure out who the other two are. If it is who I think they are, I'll be even more glad." "Well, if he and the others are, Riku and one of them are on one side of the Portal, and you and the other one are on this side. The two might be by your side, or they might be a million miles away. You can't measure the distance in time or space. Even without the wall between you, it's hard to say."
Sora understood, but he smiled as he replied, "Don't worry. Both Riku and the mysterious person are with me, even when it might seem like they's not." Joshua looked away, smiling at Sora's carefree answer. "Then you four are lucky." "You and your friend are lucky too, Joshua." Sora assured him. Joshua chuckled at this. "I appreciate you saying that with conviction, even though you have no idea what you're talking about." Joshua stated. "Hey!" Sora barked irritably.
"Anyway…" Joshua continued, "Neku and his partner are pinned down in the fountain plaza. I already sent the person I mentioned before over there. I can count on you to join him, right?" "Always!" Sora answered, leaping down from the rooftop and onto the ground. He summoned his two Dream Eater Spirits, which were composed of a Flowbermeow named 'Flow', and a rare Sudo Neku named 'Sudoku'. "C'mon, you guys!" Sora told his partners, "Let's go help Neku, and discover who the person Joshua's sent!" The two cheered in response. Sora waved to Joshua, then rushed to the Fountain Plaza. All of the heroes were ready to tackle the challenges in this world.
Chapter 2: The Mission Ends with You
Asuna & Riku
Asuna and Riku entered into the Back Streets of Traverse Town, and started walking through it. "So tell me, how are you doing with the Mark of Mastery?" Asuna asked Riku. "I've unlocked five of the seven Sleeping Keyholes." he answered, "How 'bout you?" "Same here." Asuna answered, "I guess we're going at the same pace with one another, aren't we?" Riku nodded, smiling at her.
"Are you having any problems at all with the tasks?" Riku asked her. "Not really." Asuna answered, "Although, in one world, I did encounter Gouxus." "Gouxus? You mean he's here, too?!" Riku asked, shocked. "Too?" Asuna repeated, hearing the word, "Who else is here, unless you are also talking about Recon, then he's here, too." "Even Recon?" Riku asked. "Yeah, but he seemed a lot different to what I remembered." Asuna muttered, "He says it's due to being behind the Door to Darkness, but I can't say for sure."
Riku pondered on the thought. Knowing what it was like to being behind the Doors to Darkness, he could understand if Recon had changed at all. But based on Asuna's words, he sounded like he had made a drastic change. That didn't happen to him. Therefore, something was wrong about that.
"Based on your words, it seems that Gouxus and Recon aren't the only ones uninvited in the Mark of Mastery." Asuna pointed out, "Did you have some bad encounters here?" Riku nodded. "A couple of them, actually." he answered, "There was one guy I didn't know, but he was dressed in the Organization's black coat. The other was Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness." "Ansem?" Asuna repeated, thinking back to her adventures in Sora's dimension, and recalling what Heartless Ansem looked like, from the picture in his office, to Riku looking like him.
"I'm not sure how Ansem can still be alive, but I'm hoping Sora hasn't encountered him." Riku finished. "Yeah…me too." Asuna agreed. With two of their worst enemies, a friend with a different personality, and a mysterious figure all being inside the Dream Worlds, something was going on.
Just as they went up a hill, the two encountered multiple Dream Eaters. They were composed of Chef Kyroo and Thunderaffe, giraffe-like Dream Eaters with parts of its' body showing lightning bolts. "Now these enemies, I'm not surprised on finding." Asuna stated as she and Riku pulled out their Keyblades, ready to fight, "Riku, let me introduce you to my teammates. Let's go, Flambé! Ashika!" Asuna summoned out her two Spirits, who were raring to go to fight. "You aren't the only one who's gained allies." Riku stated, "Come on, Fang! Bones!" Riku summoned Fang, the Komory Bat, and Bones, the Fishboné.
The two teams begun mowing down the series of Nightmares as they made their way through the back streets. Riku recommended taking the waterways to reach the road to the Fountain Plaza. They did so, grinding on top of the water as they went through the narrow waterways through the backstreets, making it to another part of the streets. Riku was right; he did know his way around the streets. Not only that, but Riku had incredible fighting skills and was better at using Flowmotion than Asuna was. His attacks were composed of six commands; Zero Graviga, Drain Dive, Dark Break, Dark Firaga, Confuse, and Gravity Strike.
When they were done with cleaning up one set of Nightmares, the two took a short break. "You and your Spirits are very strong!" Asuna commended Riku's skills, the two watching their Spirits playing with one another. "You're not doing so bad, yourself." Riku replied, drinking down a potion to heal himself, "You sure know how to fight in the Sleeping Worlds."
"So, are these your only Spirits?" Asuna asked, seeing Fang and Bones. "No, I also have two more." Riku answered, pulling out two more cards, "They are Piranha, a Fin Fatale, and Rhino, the Kab Kannon." "Nice. I have three more with me." Asuna stated, pulling out three cards, "I have Pina the Necho Cat, Petal the Wheeflower, and Babaru the Tatsu Steed."
"Sounds like quite the collection of comrades." Riku stated, "So what about your other skills?" "Here, let me show you." Asuna answered, pulling out her Command Pad, and displaying what she had on her. Riku did the same, pulling out his Command Pad. "You have some decent skills with you." Riku stated. "What do you mean 'decent'?" Asuna asked pridefully, "I'm much better than that! Maybe you might need some extra power, too!" Riku chuckled. "Yeah, you're right about that." he answered amusingly.
Just then, both of their Command Pads reacted to one another, startling the two. They watched as both of them glowed slightly, followed by a new power that had been added to their set of skills. Riku had been granted a new dodge skill called 'Dark Roll', while Asuna had been granted the defensive skill 'Light Barrier'.
"Whoa!" Asuna gasped, seeing her new skill on her Command Pad. "How did this happen?" Riku asked, also seeing his. Both of them looked at one another, then decided to try out their techniques. Riku's Dark Roll allowed him to melt into the shadows and move a short distance very quickly. Asuna's Light Barrier was basically forming a spherical shield of light around her, similar to the Reflect spell, only without a counter. "I'm not sure how we gained these skills, but I'm not complaining." Asuna stated. "I agree. They will come in handy." Riku agreed, "Let's put them to the test, and help out Beat and his Game partner." With the allies set, they moved out to face the enemies and help their friends.
Kirito & Sora
Kirito had just went through probably the largest and most confusingly made Post Office he had ever been through. While it had massive amounts of things to deliver about, there were also grind rails, conveyor belt platforms, and all other things about. He was getting pretty lost in figuring out his way around, not to mention dealing with several waves of Nightmares before getting to his destination, but he eventually made it out, arriving outside the Fountain Plaza, where he could hear fighting from a distance. He raced towards the noise, hoping to find Sora there.
Meanwhile, at the plaza itself, two teenagers were just finishing off a set of Nightmares, but were slightly worn out from the constant fighting. One of them was a lanky boy with orange spiky hair, blue eyes, and a set of purple headphones with the audio player around his neck. He wore a black, purple, and white-lined, high-collared shirt, white shorts with a loose black belt, a yellow armband, and shoes that had the same color coordination as his shirt.
The other person was a girl, tall and slender, with maroon hair that curled outward in three parts down her back, and she had a brown cap over it. She had on a short, white and yellow hoodie over an orange and black tank top, a necklace with a puzzle piece pendant, a pair of green short shorts, with a brown belt equipped with a pouch on the side, and knee-high brown boots. She also had a ring around her pinky finger and a black plush cat in her arms.
"This is starting to wear me down." the girl stated, looking at her plush cat, then turned to the boy and asked, "Can we get a time out?" The boy nodded in response. However, before they could get a break, a series of lightning strikes caught them off guard, and the girl tumbled backwards into the fountain. "What?!" the boy gasped, startled at what happened. Nightmares appeared from where the lightning struck, composed of several Tatsu Blaze and Thunderaffe.
The boy turned to see one of the Tatsu Blaze charging up, then unleashing a fireball at him. He shielded with his hands, but the attack was blocked by Sora, who came in the nick of time, with Flow and Sudoku. "Miss me?" Sora asked the boy. "Sora?" the boy replied in surprise as the girl flipped herself out of the fountain.
Another Tatsu Blaze was about to attack, but it got struck to the side by a energy shot. Sora turned and was both shocked and happy to see Kirito there, with Woe and Kabuto right next to him, Kabuto firing the attack. "Kirito!" Sora shouted eagerly, "I knew it was you!" "Great to see you too, Sora." Kirito greeted him, "But let's save the greetings until after we knock some Nightmares out." "Right!" Sora agreed, getting ready to fight, "Neku, we'll take it from here!"
Neku and his Game partner looked from Sora to Kirito. "No. I don't need your help." "'Course you do!" Sora answered, "Where are your Dream Eaters? How else can you fight?" "I don't need them anymore." Neku answered as the girl came to his side. "Oh, right. Your Partner." Sora realized, "Well, don't you want to make it out of the Game? Who's gonna help her if you get hurt?"
Kirito smirked at Sora's statement. "Hey, you know you can't win!" he called out to Neku and his Partner, "Once Sora makes up his mind to help someone, there's no stopping him. So you might as well take it, and don't complain." Neku and the girl looked to one another, then he sighed, "Okay, you win." Neku answered as the girl went to a safer part of the plaza, "I'll let you do the sweating." Sora nodded in response. Kirito and the Spirits also readied to fight before they dove in.
The battle against the fire and thunder-based fighters were pretty tough, but the two parties were able to take them on by working together. Having Sora by his side made Kirito feel a lot better than when he was on his own. Sora was just as good of a fighter as he was, and his skills with Flowmotion and Reality Shift were second to none. Sora's attacks were composed of Curaga, Sparkra, Faith, Circle Raid, Thunder Dash, and Thundaga. Just like Kirito, Sora also had a Link Block technique on him, allowing him to protect his Spirits from trouble. It took a while, but the two managed to clean out the Fountain Plaza of all Nightmares.
As soon as they were done, Kirito and Sora grouped together with their Spirits. "We still make a great team!" Sora stated. "Sure do." Kirito replied, raising a fist, and the two bumped fists with each other. "So, if you're here, who's helping out Riku in the other Traverse Town?" Sora asked. "That would be Asuna." Kirito answered, "I don't know where Leafa is. I hope she's okay." "I know she is." Sora answered without hesitation, "I mean, she's your sister. You know how tough she is." Kirito chuckled at this. "You sure know how to cheer someone up." he stated.
Sora looked to Kirito's Spirits, and asked, "So, are these your partners?" "Yeah, along with Komory, Kyroo and Blaze." Kirito answered, pulling out his Spirit's cards, "I've got a great set of teammates to work with. How 'bout you?" "Well, I have my Meow Wow, which I didn't name, and my Cyber Yog, which I called 'Prog', you know, short for 'program'." "Catchy." Kirito stated.
Just then, the two heard an outcry from above, and looked up to see a weird Dream Eater floating on top of a building. It had a bird-like look to it, with a magic cap that also doubled as an open magic book. Its' wings had piano-like keys on the back of them, and it carried a magic staff that also looked like a broom. The bottom frame of the Dream Eater had a hollow brim, decorated with bells. "Is that the Dream Eater Joshua was talking about?" Kirito asked, seeing the Nightmare. The Nightmare waved its' staff, and in a blink of an eye, it vanished. "It got away!" moaned Sora. "Hope Asuna and Riku got it for us." Kirito stated as both of them placed their Keyblade and Spirits away.
Neku and his partner joined up with Sora and Kirito again. "Sora." Neku called out, getting their attention. "So, you must be Neku's partner." Sora assumed the girl, who nodded. "Yeah. I'm Shiki. Nice to meet you." the girl introduced herself, "Neku told me all about you." Neku looked to Kirito, who greeted, "I'm Kirito. I'm a good friend of Sora's." "Hey. I'm Neku." the boy introduced himself.
"It's cool that Neku told you about me." Sora told Shiki, "But you should have seen him. He looked everywhere for you." Neku was getting fidgety at this. "Hey, Sora, stop talking!" he pleaded. "What? Why?" Sora asked, confused, "You said you need her. That's a good thing." Neku probably wants to keep his cool demeanor. Kirito thought to himself, seeing Neku looking embarrassed, Reminds me of myself, at times.
"That's sweet, Neku." Shiki said happily, blushing a bit. "I need you to stop annoying me." Neku corrected Sora's statement. "Mm-hmm. Well, I still think it's sweet." Shiki repeated, hugging her plush toy, "It's nice to be needed." Sora and Kirito looked to one another, smirking. They understood that feeling, too, both needing and being needed.
Just then, both Kirito and Sora's Command Pads started to vibrate. Startled, they pulled them out, and saw that the two were reacting to one another. The two glowed slightly, then died down, but not before revealing a new skill for each of them. "Awesome! I got a new power!" Sora noticed, seeing his new Reprisal technique, Sliding Sidewinder. "Same here." Kirito noticed, seeing that he gained a new dodge technique, Slide. The two looked at one another, wondering if they gave one another the new skills.
"I'm sorry, is this a bad time?" questioned a familiar voice. Joshua was approaching the four, who turned to him, "Because that Dream Eater we're after has retreated to the other imagining of this world." "Other imagining?" Sora repeated, "You mean…where Asuna and Riku are at." "Yes." Joshua answered, "He and our other friends will do what they can. But we'll just run ourselves in circles at this rate."
"Then what we need to do is corner the Dream Eater in one place, and have both teams in each Traverse Town form a pincer attack on it." Kirito stated, "If we do that, it can't escape either way. We'll have it trapped, and defeated." "That's just the plan I was gonna come up with." Joshua stated, "You're already thinking way ahead of us." "Only with the plan. But what about the location?" Kirito asked the group. "The Third District." Joshua answered. "Okay!" Sora answered, "Let's get there right away!"
Kirito and Sora led Neku and Shiki back to where Kirito came from, but Neku stopped abruptly, his back turned to Joshua, who looked questionably at his movements. "Joshua." Neku called back. "Yes, Neku?" Joshua asked. "Tell me; are we really gonna make it home?" Neku asked. "But Neku, I thought you couldn't afford to lose." Joshua reminded him, "Give up on yourself and you give up on the world."
"Right…" Neku understood, "So I'll see you there?" Joshua looked surprised at this. "Me?" he questioned. "Yeah. You're my friend." Neku stated, "It's your home, too." Joshua smiled at this. "Maybe it's you that's turning into Sora." Joshua stated, walking right next to the confused Neku, "Thanks." With their hearts set, the two raced to catch up with Kirito, Sora and Shiki.
Asuna & Riku
Asuna and Riku had raced out of the back streets to find the large fountain in the middle of the Plaza. Right by the fountain, the two could see two characters fight the same Dream Eater that Kirito and Sora were going after. One of them was a brawny boy with blonde hair hid under a black beanie with a skull in front, a white and red-rimmed sleeveless shirt, a chain necklace with a skull on it, baggy cargo pants, with a heavy steel chain hanging on one side, and black and red shoes with white soles. He also had black arm bands with silver spikes on his left wrist.
The other person was a young girl, whose hair and beanie nearly matched the boy, only showing a little more blonde hair, and a much smaller skull. She had on an orange sweatshirt, with a black skull and crossbones on it, along with a bell necklace. She also wore white, knee-length cargo shorts, and yellow and black shoes with metallic soles.
"Beat!" shouted Riku, leading Asuna over to the two fighter's side. "About time, yo!" Beat barked at Riku. Asuna had already pulled out her Dream Eater book, and hurriedly flipped through the pages to find the Dream Eater. "Looks like this is a Spellican." Asuna read, "According to the book, this is considered one of the strongest Dream Eaters known to the Sleeping Worlds!"
"Who's the chick? You got's a girlfriend now?" Beat asked abruptly. "Wh-What?! No!" Asuna stammered back, "I already have a boyfriend, thanks!" "Never mind that!" Riku stopped them, "Beat, what happened to your Dream Eaters?" "Don't need 'em when I've got my Game partner." Beat answered, "And I don't need you or your girl!" Asuna wasn't amused by Beat's gangster-style attitude, nor did she enjoy him calling her Riku's 'girl'.
"Oh, here we go again." the young girl sighed, "Five seconds ago, it was 'Where's Riku?', and now the act?" "Bwaaah! Don't tell them that." Beat begged to her. The girl giggled at his reaction. Everyone was now ignoring the Spellican in front of them, who looked slightly irritable.
"It's so nice to meet you." the girl greeted the Keyblade wielders, "I'm Rhyme." "Nice to meet you, too." Asuna replied back, "My name is Asuna, and I'm only Riku's friend, not his 'girl'." Asuna snapped her head to Beat, who raised his hands in defense at the look she was giving him.
"Riku, right?" Rhyme asked Riku, "Sorry my partner's acting like a doofus to you two." "I am not!" Beat retorted, "You always gotta go around and…and garnish my reputation!" "I think you mean 'diminish' your reputation." Asuna corrected him, slightly amused. "Since when?" Rhyme asked, "You burned that bridge all by yourself. 'Nobody raises his reputation by lowering others'." Asuna and Riku started to laugh at Rhyme putting down Beat.
"Yo, Riku, Asuna. You gonna sit there and let her get in my grill?" Beat asked. "Sorry, it's just…you two are cut from the same cloth." Riku stated. "Yep. You're a match for one another." Asuna giggled. "I know!" "I ain't made of cloth!" Rhyme and Beat said simultaneously. Both Asuna and Riku laughed at their different answers.
"Beat looks and talks like a punk, but there's a heart of gold in there somewhere." Rhyme told the two. "Yeah. He's come through for me, so I know what you mean." Riku agreed. "There, see, I'm a…" Beat started, but he stopped after realizing what Rhyme said, and barked, "Rhyme! You didn't just call me a punk again!" "Now if only he were to show that 'heart of gold' better to everyone, then he wouldn't have such a 'reputation'." Asuna mocked. "Hey, quit getting in my grill!" Beat shouted. The group started to laugh at their little argument.
Unfortunately, the Spellican was getting extremely annoyed at being ignored all this time. It screeched at the group, who went back on the offensive. "Oh, almost forgot about you." Asuna stated, realizing how ticked off it was. "All right, now we ruffled its feathers." Riku added, "Ready to do this?" "Yeah!" the other three replied.
The Spellican pulled out its' hat book, and read off of it, summoning more lightning with Dream Eaters popping out to fight them. The Spellican produced a large broom, and rode away on it into the back streets. "Me and Rhyme'll handle things here." Beat told Asuna and Riku. "You go after that thing!" Rhyme finished. "Right!" the two Keyblade wielders answered, going in pursuit of the Nightmare.
They rounded the corner into the back streets, and found a swarm of Dream Eaters getting in their path. The two produced their Spirits, and started cutting down the competition. Thanks to their teamwork, the two were able to keep up with the Spellican as it kept summoning Nightmares. It flew off the bridge to the lower parts of the streets, and the two leapt off to meet it. It rounded the corner, and the two followed, only to see a stampede of triceratops racing towards them, which were Dream Eaters called 'Cera Terrors'. "Quantity vs. quality, huh?" Riku taunted.
"Flambé, Ashika, let's give these Nightmares our combined powers." Asuna declared, and her team focused as she shouted, "Dual Style! Rising Wing!" Asuna emanated her light blue aura, with her Undine Wings on her back. "I'll join you!" Riku added, focusing himself with Bones and Fang, "Dual Style! Ghost Drive!" Riku's Spirits merged with him, too, and he emanated a dark aura.
The two charged in with their individual Link Styles, unleashing them with all their fury. The Cera Terrors were extremely tough and enduring, relying on charging and horn attacks at the two, trying to knock them back. Asuna's Rising Wing form was able to help her fly around the bulky Cera Terrors in the narrow streets, retaliating with midair assaults and whirlwinds. Riku's Ghost Drive form was great for him in teleporting around on the ground, striking the Cera Terrors on the sides or behind, unleashing a multitude of attacks, one after another. Within a couple minutes, the two were able to defeat every Nightmare brought on them, but the Spellican disappeared further down the streets, towards the First District.
As soon as they were done, Riku felt his Command Pad buzz, and pulled it up to see that he gained a new command slot for his attacks, and the Confusion Strike was added to it. As soon as he gained this, his Dream Eater book started to glow. He pulled it out, and revealed a new Dream Eater recipe, for a Cera Terror. "Looks like I got some new power, and a new ally to create." Riku stated. "Congrats." Asuna applaud him, "Now if only I can gain myself a new Spirit, too…"
Just then, the two heard a sound, and saw Joshua up on the bridge with a Portal right next to him. "Riku, Asuna, the Third District!" Joshua called down to them. "We're going to pin it between both worlds!" "Got it!" Riku answered. "We'll be right there!" Asuna shouted, and the two took off as Joshua teleported away. The trap was about to set off.
Chapter 3: Battle at Third District
Asuna and Riku raced through the streets, taking out a multitude of Nightmares on the way. They arrived at the First District, and was heading to the door to the Third District, but found a barrier blocking their path in. "It won't open!" Asuna moaned. "Don't worry. We can swing around to the Second District, then we can make our way to the Third District." Riku explained, "Follow me!" Asuna nodded, and followed Riku's path as they raced towards the Second District via Flowmotion.
They arrived at their destination, and Riku used his Flowmotion to make it up to the roofs, Asuna joined him, and were stopped abruptly by a group of Dream Eaters, taking them down, one after the other. They descended into the back alley of the Second District, and found more Dream Eaters waiting for them, there. "That Spellican doesn't want us to follow it!" Asuna stated as she and Riku started to take out the Nightmares before moving on to the Third District.
When they arrived, they found the Spellican about to put up a barrier, but was stopped as they barged in. The Spellican tried to flee, but Asuna and Riku used Flowmotion to cut its' path off, blocking it on either side. "No where to run!" Asuna shouted. "We've got you now!" Riku declared. Beat and Rhyme both arrived into the Third District the same way as the other two did. "This is my street, yo!" Beat shouted to the Spellican. "You gotta play by the rules." Rhyme added.
Just as they thought they had the Spellican done, the Nightmare summoned a Portal. "Oh, no!" Beat shouted. "Hey!" Rhyme called out. Asuna and Riku charged in to take it out, but it disappeared before they could even strike it. It escaped to the other Traverse Town.
"Looks like it's out of our hands, now." Asuna told Riku. "Yeah." he agreed, looking up into the sky, "Sora, Kirito, you got this." Asuna followed Riku's gaze, then heard Beat moan, "This is so tired, yo. Every time we chase him down…" "I know. But we've got allies on the other side." Riku assured them. "Rest assured, those two will not let that Spellican get away." Asuna told Beat and Rhyme. "Yeah, well I still don't like it." Beat huffed.
Just then, Joshua floated down from the roofs above, landing in front of the group. "You know, you are such a good listener, Beat." he stated, "You're like a sponge, really." "Me? I'm not a sponge. I'm just me." Beat corrected him, making a fist pump. Rhyme giggled at this.
"You mean 'Daisukenojo Bito'?" Joshua asked. "Hey!" he shouted, shielding himself, "Don't use my full name!" "That's a weird name." Riku stated. "In Japan, there are a few weirder ones, trust me." Asuna assured him, "But I have to say, that does make the top 10." "Hey!" Beat barked at them. The group laughed at this, particularly Asuna and Riku. All they could do was wait for results.
Kirito & Sora
It took a while to get the the area where the trap was to be set, but the two boys managed to lead Shiki and Neku through the area towards the Third District. While Shiki and Neku took the route around to the Second District in order to take the back way, Sora and Kirito took the direct route between First to Third District.
When they arrived, they waited patiently for the Dream Eater to reveal itself. Joshua was already there, and Neku and Shiki arrived a few minutes later. The team waited, then finally, the Portal the Dream Eater was using appeared before Sora and Kirito, followed closely by the Nightmare itself.
"I got it, Riku!" Sora declared, summoning his Keyblade. "Leave it to us, Asuna!" Kirito followed, also summoning his Keyblade. "It's working!" Joshua stated, "He pulled through for us!"
The Spellican summoned multiple Tatsu Blaze Nightmares, and sent them flying over Neku and Shiki, towards the Second District. "We'll handle things here." Neku told Sora and Kirito, "You take care of the boss!" "Will do!" Sora answered as Neku raced after Shiki. "I'll go check up on Riku and Asuna." Joshua told the two, "Good luck, Sora, Kirito." "You can count on us!" Kirito told him as Joshua disappeared to the other Traverse Town.
(Cue KHDDD OST 'Untamable')
The two turned to see the Spellican summon multiple lightning bolts, converging on one spot and forming a large circle of light to appear on the ground. Moments later, a Hockomonkey Brute surfaced out of the circle, roaring as it raised itself to level ground. "That Hockomonkey looks different to the one I fought!" Kirito noticed. "I fought one like this before." Sora stated, "Don't worry. It'll be a piece of cake to beat together!"
The Hockomonkey immediately came in with a pair of backhands, causing the two and their Spirits to split up. Kirito twirled around a pole using his Flowmotion, then spun at the Hockomonkey, unleashing a spinning combo. Kabuto crawled up to higher ground, and started firing down at the Hockomonkey from a distance, while Woe unleashed thorn vines, whipping it at the legs.
Sora kept using his Flowmotion, from bouncing off the walls and drilling into the Hockomonkey, and using pole spins just like Kirito. He then turned it around and unleashed his Thundaga spell on top of the Nightmare, causing it incredible pain. "Keep it on its' toes, Sora!" Kirito shouted, unleashing a Fira spell at the confused Nightmare.
The Hockomonkey roared in frustration, and started swiping about angrily. That meant it was not only frustrated, but desperate on delivering a hit. "Not gonna happen." Kirito muttered, "Sora, get him to stop moving!" "On it!" Sora answered, and he came together with Flow and focused. "Link Action! Meow Wounce!" Sora hopped onto Flow, and started bouncing about, creating shockwaves on each landing. The Hockomonkey tried to swipe in mid-bounce, but missed. It was, however, being pushed back by the attack, and it eventually fell to its' knees when Sora was finished.
Kirito raced toward Sora, shouting, "Switch out!" Sora and Flow backed off as the two noticed Kirito carrying the little Woe on his back. "Unleash your dandelions, Woe." Kirito told his Spirit, who did just that, striking the Dream Eater and poisoning it. Kirito made his Keyblade glow, and he unleashed his Horizontal Square technique on it, striking it on all four sides. The attack caused it to roar loudly, then disappear into crystal lights.
"Way to go!" Sora cheered as Kirito turned to Sora, giving a thumbs up. However, the Spellican was far from over. Creating a barrier to protect itself, it chanted something from its' book, and more lightning struck down, producing a new Dream Eater; The Ground Wargoyle. "Another one?!" Sora gasped. "At least this one is a familiar face." Kirito stated, "Let's keep the iron hot, Sora!" Sora readied himself, and the two charged at the resurfaced Wargoyle.
The Nightmare brought down a fiery fist, and the two boys dodged it using their own dodging skills. Kirito turned around and unleashed his Circle Raid, sending his Keyblade spinning around him and striking the Wargoyle. Sora came out of his Dodge Roll, and unleashed his own Circle Raid, catching the Wargoyle in between the two Keyblade wielder's attacks.
The Wargoyle got angry, and whipped its' fiery tail at the two, knocking them back. Woe, Flow and Sudoku attempted to charge in for an attack, but the Wargoyle unleashed a fiery fist, bringing it down upon the three Spirits. Kabuto fired shots at the Wargoyle, hitting it. The Nightmare retaliated by firing a rain of fireballs in the air, which nearly pelted everyone and knocked Kabuto onto its' back, making it unable to get back onto its' feet properly.
Kirito endured the raining fireballs, and saw Kabuto struggling to get back onto its' feet. "I gotta get to him." Kirito told himself, and he attempted to run towards the stairs, but was blocked by the Wargoyle. It was about to unleash another fiery punch, but Sora dashed in, unleashing his new Sliding Sidewinder attack, countering the Nightmare's attack. "Go aid your friend!" Sora told Kirito, who nodded and raced underneath the Wargoyle's legs, up the steps, and helped Kabuto onto his feet.
Sora looked about, seeing all of the Spirits worn from the last attacks. "I can attack and heal everyone at the same time!" Sora stated, seeing the Wargoyle fire more fireballs into the air. Sora unleashed his Faith attack, which was a colonnade of lights that spread about him, not only stopping the fireballs and damaging the Wargoyle, but healing him, Kirito and their Spirits. Kirito felt the replenished energy, looked to Sora, and smirked. "I gotta learn that attack." he stated. He leapt back down into the battle, unleashing his Zero Gravira to slow down his decent, then unleashing a Blitz technique onto the Wargoyle, causing a great amount of damage.
The Wargoyle attempted to strike back with a couple fiery punches and a whip from its' tail, but the team was now more than prepared to avoid or block its' technique. In fact, the last fiery punch the Wargoyle attempted to pull on them not only missed, it tumbled to the ground and was dazed for a while, giving the team a chance to unleash multiple attacks on it before it unleashed an explosive ring of fire around it before rising to its' feet again.
Kirito, Sora and their individual Dream Eaters backed off, singed from its' flames, but still able to continue. The two noticed wooden barrels with stars next to them, which began to glow pink. Seeing this, the two looked to one another, knowing what they needed to do. "Shift!" the two shouted, entering their Reality Shift, which was the same for Kirito as the one in Twilight Town. Using the barrels as ammo, the two pulled back the balls of light, aiming towards the Wargoyle. They then released the balls of light, which in reality sent the barrels, also in a ball of light, arcing through the air, landing down onto the Wargoyle, destroying it.
The two Keyblade wielders came out of the Reality Shift, seeing the results of their work. "Now that's more like it!" Sora cheered. "There's more where that came from!" Kirito warned him as the Spellican came out of nowhere again, protected by a spherical barrier. It pulled out its' book again, chanting something to produce another Nightmare. Suddenly, another portal appeared out of the ground, and with it came a Char Clawbster. "Okay, this one's new to me." Sora stated. "It's not to me." Kirito replied, "That's the Char Clawbster. I just fought one in the last world, and it is quite the fire-fighter. Let's take it out!"
Sora and Kirito charged in from either side of the Char Clawbster, who roared as it turned to Kirito, swinging its' claws at him. Kirito leapt over one, and unleashed a close-ranged Fira that struck the head, but it didn't do much damage. What did to a good amount of damage was Sora's Thunder Dash technique, charging in while encased in electricity.
Kirito was in the air when the Nightmare fired bombs up at him. Kirito braced himself, and was blasted by the attack, consumed by smoke. "Kirito!" shouted Sora. Kirito came flying out of the smoke, diving back down at the Clawbster, unleashing a Drain Dive, healing himself and damaging the Nightmare. "I'm alright, Sora." Kirito called back, "Don't lose focus!" Sora nodded in response.
Flow and Sudoku charge forward, unleashing a horn attack and a wheel roll of flames each. The attacks struck hard, and the Nightmare turned to them, causing them to panic. It then unleashed gas at the two Spirits. While Sudoku managed to get out of the way, Flow wasn't so lucky, and fell asleep. The Clawbster then swung a claw at it, knocking Flow into the air. "No!" Sora shouted, racing to a pole, unleashing his Flowmotion, then taking off to catch his Spirit before it fell to the ground.
Kirito and Woe were concerned about Sora and Flow as they landed onto the ground. The Clawbster turned to Kirito and Woe, and roared at them as it unleashed bombs at them. The two ducked out of the way, and Kirito unleashed his Horizontal Square while Woe unleashed its' thorny vines.
"Flow, are you okay?" Sora asked his partner. Flow meowed as it rolled onto its' feet again, but it was clear the attack did some damage. "You need to rest up." Sora told his partner, "I'll have Prog take things from here." Flow agreed, and it was replaced by the Cyber Yog, Prog. "Okay, Prog, let's help out the team!" Sora declared as he and his Spirit charged in for the attack.
Kirito backed off as Woe and Kabuto made their way to his side. He could see Sora's new partner, and gave him an idea. "Guys, I have an idea." Kirito told his Spirits, "Kabuto, switch out for Kyroo. Let's use his water powers against this fiery opponent." Kabuto agreed, and swapped out for Kyroo, who croaked at the ready.
"Kirito!" Sora shouted. "Right, let's take it out!" he responded. The two teams came in with a pincer attack onto the Nightmare. It fired bombs towards Sora, who used Sparkra to unleash two crystals to spin around him, destroying the bombs. Prog and Sudoku unleashed their fire and thunder attack each, while Kirito, Woe and Kyroo unleashed strikes of their own.
The attack dazed the Nightmare, and Sora saw the pink aura, and knew what to do. He unleashed his Reality Shift again, this time grabbing the Char Clawbster as the ammo, and tossing it high into the air, landing onto the ground near the fountain. Sora came out of the Reality Shift as Kirito and his Spirits came to his side. The Nightmare roared as it recovered, but it looked like a couple of powerful attacks would finish the job.
"Let's finish the job, Sora!" Kirito told Sora. "Let's do it!" Sora answered. The two focused with their individual Spirits. "Dual Action! Ragnarok!" Kirito declared. "Dual Action! Chaos Snake!" Sora declared. The two unleashed their individual Link attacks, Sora and his Spirits unleashing a dark and light stream of energy from Sora's Keyblade, while Kirito and his Spirits unleashed a salvo of light bullets down at the Char Clawbster. The two attacks consumed the Nightmare, who shrilled in agony as the two attacks consumed it. After several seconds of unleashing their attacks, the Nightmare disintegrated, and vanished. The last Nightmare was done.
Chapter 4: The Unison is Not Over
Kirito, Sora and their Spirits were panting after unleashing so much power onto the set of Nightmares the Spellican set on them. Neku and Shiki reappeared into the Third District around the time the two were unleashing their Dual Actions. Joshua also appeared, after meeting with Asuna and Riku, and stood in front of the door to the First District. The Spellican floated down towards the two Keyblade wielders and their Spirits, who despite their exhaustion, were ready to finish it off.
They were about to go when something caught the Spellican's eye. In the night sky above them, the Sleeping Keyhole of Traverse Town suddenly appeared. Seeing this as a chance, the Spellican flew up towards the Keyhole, and disappeared right into it. "Not again!" Sora moaned. "It flew into the Keyhole?!" Kirito gasped, not sure how the Spirit did it.
Joshua, Neku and Shiki all gathered about Kirito and Sora as their Spirits recalled to their cards. "Hey Josh, where'd it go?" Neku asked. "Somewhere else." Joshua answered, "Out of Traverse Town, and out of my reach. We'll just have to let it go."
Neku didn't look satisfied with the results of their attempt to defeat the Spellican. "Great…" he moaned, placing his hands into his pants pockets. "So we failed the mission?" Shiki asked Joshua, who wasn't sure.
(Cue KHDDD OST 'SOMEDAY')
"We'll go after it!" Sora decided, indicating himself and Kirito, who agreed whole heartedly. "What?" Neku asked, surprised. "C'mon, we're not actual Players." Sora pointed out, "Can't we bend the rules?" "Technically, I am a Player, but a different kind." Kirito corrected Sora, "But then again, I'm also a Beater, which is part beta tester, part cheater. Guess that means I'll cheat in this mission of yours."
Shiki giggled at the two boys' carefree statements. "Well, I guess the rules of the world don't apply if your hearts are connected, right, Sora?" Joshua asked, "That's how you roll." "Yep, and that way has rubbed off of me, too." Kirito agreed, smirking at Sora. "Right!" Sora agreed, "Then it's settled. Let's go, Kirito!"
The two were turning to head out when Neku called out, "Sora, Kirito." The two in question turned back to him. "Thanks." he thanked the two, "It wasn't easy, but you two made it easier. Especially you, Sora." Kirito looked to Sora, who nodded in approval back at Neku.
"Wow, Neku. You've changed." Shiki noticed. "Huh? You think?" Neku asked. "Yeah, you're less dorky." Shiki answered bluntly. "What?" Neku gasped as Shiki giggled at him, then the two looked to Kirito and Sora. "Once you find your friends, guys, you should come hang out in our town!" "Definitely." Neku agreed, "See you in Shibuya." "Sure. It's a deal." Sora agreed. "Do you even know how to get there?" Kirito asked. "Nope, but…" Sora started. "Let me guess; our hearts will guide us to their world, right?" Kirito assumed. "If you knew, why bother asking?" Sora asked. Kirito had to laugh at this.
Sora and Kirito walked back to Joshua, Neku and Shiki. Sora raised a hand towards them. Kirito placed his hand onto Sora's, and the two looked to the trio, asking them to do the same. Neku, Shiki, and after a pause, Joshua, all placed their hands on the two's hands. "Anything I should pass onto Riku and Asuna?" Joshua asked. "Nah. We'll see them soon." Sora answered. "But make sure to tell them that we're still thinking of them, okay?" Kirito asked. Joshua, Neku and Shiki smiled at the two.
Just then, Kirito detected something, and turned to see the back alleyway of the Third District. Within it, the door at the end started to glow around the ridges. Kirito walked over to the alleyway, with Sora at his side. Neku and Shiki joined them as Joshua quietly disappeared to the other Traverse Town. "What's that?" Neku asked. Kirito and Sora were also confused.
Just then, a Keyhole appeared on the door. Kirito and Sora looked to one another, nodded in what do to, and produced their Keyblades. They pointed them to the door, and a beam of light shot out of each, connecting with the door simultaneously. There was a bright light as it opened, consuming Sora and Kirito, who walked towards it, feeling that they needed to go in.
Asuna & Riku
Asuna, Riku, Beat and Rhyme were waiting for Joshua to give them the news about what happened in the other Traverse Town. After a few minutes after Joshua left, he returned using the Portal. "There you are!" Asuna noticed. "So did it work?" Riku asked, "Did Sora and Kirito finish it off?" "Almost, but it got away." Joshua answered, "It escaped to another world, that's for sure." "Ah, man!" moaned Beat, "This seriously bites!" "So we weren't able to complete the mission." Rhyme sighed.
Asuna and Riku looked to one another, concerned. Then something came to their mind. They knew that if this happened, Sora was gonna do something about it. Sure enough, Joshua stated, "I'm sure you two realized it, but Sora and Kirito did say that they would chase after the Dream Eater, and finish the job for us." "Why did we see that one coming?" Asuna asked amusingly. "Sora and Kirito are just that kind of people." Riku answered.
Just then, the same door in the alleyway started to shine, calling Asuna and Riku towards it. The two looked at it questionably before a Keyhole appeared on the frame of the door, same as the others. "Well, it's time to go." Riku told Asuna. "Yep." she nodded in response. The two started walking towards the Keyhole.
"Hey, Riku, Asuna, thanks." Rhyme thanked the two. "Yeah, stay cool." Beat added, "We'll catch up with you soon." "Say hi to Sora." Rhyme requested, waving them off. "Sure." Riku responded, him and Asuna waving goodbye as well.
"Riku, Asuna." Joshua called out, "Remember what I said. Be careful." Riku and Asuna stopped to look at Joshua as he continued, "If this really is a dream, it's going to lie to you to try and make you think it's real." "We got it." Asuna answered, her expression serious.
"What?" I don't got it." Beat said in confusion. "You and Sora would break your heads on this one." Joshua pointed out. "Bwaaah?!" Beat yelped, causing Rhyme, Asuna and Riku to laugh at this statement, joined in by Joshua and Beat.
Asuna and Riku walked to the alleyway, and produced their Keyblades. They directed them at the Keyhole, and the tips shot beams of light, connecting with the Keyhole. There was a bright light as the door opened, and Asuna and Riku walked into it. The door closed behind them, and the light died away.
When Asuna, Riku, Sora and Kirito opened their eyes, the two pairs found themselves in a place that was familiar to all of them, particularly Asuna and Kirito. "We're back here again." Asuna pointed out as she and Riku looked about, standing in front of the Usual Spot. Kirito and Sora looked around, standing at the doors of the Train Station. "We're back in Twilight Town." Kirito stated, knowing the location.
Leafa
Leafa had arrived at the top of the World Tree, and was wandering along the tree branches, looking about. "This isn't Yggdrasil City." Leafa noticed, looking about, "I wonder if this is just as Kazuto remembered?" She looked at a distance, and saw what looked like a large bird cage in the distance. "Is that a bird cage?" she questioned, squinting to see it better, then realizing, "Hold on. If I remember correctly, Asuna was trapped inside that cage before. I wonder…" She raced towards the bird cage, hoping that Kazuto and Asuna were still okay.
When she arrived at the cage, she looked about the interior from outside the cage. It was just as it was when Asuna was trapped inside of it, only it was vacant…at first. As she stepped near the entrance, she saw a black portal open up behind the central table, and someone stepping out of it. It was Saïx.
Leafa pulled out her Keyblade, but was surprised to see who it was. "No way…" Leafa gasped, "You're Saïx, aren't you? That Organization member that Kirito and Sora took out." "We have been waiting for you to arrive." he stated, not answering Leafa's question. "You've reached the end of the road, and with no way of returning to the light. How pitiful."
Leafa glared at the man before her as Saïx wandered around the table as he continued, "I honestly couldn't see why you were thought to be troublesome to the others. Already, four of use have left to deal with that little problem you produced." "What 'little problem'?" Leafa asked. Saïx stopped at the part of the table closest to the door as he answered, "You don't know. Well, it is no wonder. You have no control over your ancestral powers." Leafa remembered what Gretinal told her, about how she had the powers of Bonds.
"When the light shined from your body as you rose up here, you caused the other four that were taking their trial to meet with one another in pairs." Saïx explained, "Sora and Kirito, along with Asuna and Riku, have now met up with one another. It is making Master Xehanort's job much more difficult."
"So, the others are together now?" Leafa asked, relieved to hear them fine. "Yes." Saïx answered, his eyes closed, "However, it is for that reason that we need to hasten our actions." He summoned his claymore, and waved it into a fighting position. He opened his eyes, glaring at Leafa. "I must take you down in order for our mission to proceed as scheduled." he stated. Leafa readied to fight, with Kooms and Wowzer at her side.
Leafa dashed in, and unleashed her Fire Windmill, dashing in with a rotating, flaming Keyblade. Saïx countered with his claymore, and the two canceled each other out. After a few second struggle, Leafa backed off, unleashing her Vacuum Blade spell, sending blades of energy down at Saïx, who countered each of her attacks. Wowzer used its' horn attack while he was doing this, thrusting into him. Saïx knocked it back, but Kooms pulled the ground from underneath Saïx, and flipped him backwards, making him land on top of the table.
Saïx looked up to see Leafa dive down, gripping her Keyblade in two hands as she thrusted it towards him. He rolled off the table as Leafa broke it, destroying the table. Saïx turned around and did a heavy slash at Leafa, knocking her into the bed. Leafa sat back up, and saw Saïx hammer his claymore onto the ground, causing a shockwave to go towards Leafa. She dodged it, and the bed was destroyed.
Leafa shielded herself at the shrapnel of the bed, and unleashed a Fira spell at Saïx, who attempted to shield with his claymore, but was blasted backwards by the attack. He skidded to a halt, only to see Leafa leaping at him using Flowmotion, drilling into him and slamming him into the ground.
Leafa, Kooms and Wowzer gathered together as Saïx rose to his feet. Leafa casted the Curaga spell on all of them, healing the entire group. "Your fire is just like his…" Saïx muttered, his head bowed, and his face shielded from Leafa's view, "Ever since his demise, you have shown an affection for the fire he wields." "I wouldn't call it an affection." Leafa stated, "But Axel was my favorite member of the Organization. I also have a feeling that you and him have a history, as well."
Saïx stood there, motionless. "He's of no concern to me." he muttered, "Especially now, since he is a somebody again." Leafa was surprised at this. "Axel? He's not a Nobody?" she asked, then she recalled what Axel said his somebody's name was, "So, that means he's now…Lea." "He told you his name?" Saïx asked. "Yeah, well, I had it memorized." Leafa quoted, "His name is kind of like my name. Get it? Lea-fa."
Saïx chuckled softly at this, then he looked up, his face consumed in rage. "That is a further reason why I hate you so much!" he roared, and his claymore took a more fiercer look, and he charged in. Leafa was too shocked at this sudden change of behavior. He swiped at her and her Spirits. Leafa was knocked back heavily, crying out in pain. Kooms and Wowzer were just as badly hurt, and the trio hit the side of the cage, and toppled to the ground.
Leafa rose to see Saïx dash at her again. Leafa unleashed her Spark spell, sending a crystal spinning around her, and striking Saïx. Leafa backed off as she shouted, "Spirits, let's go!" Kooms and Wowzer shakily got back to their feet, and concentrated. "Dual Action! Whomperstomp!" Leafa shouted. Wowzer sucked Kooms into him, and Leafa got onto Wowzer as it grew to a much bigger size. It started bouncing about, landing continuously onto Saïx who was damaged either by the heavy weight or the shockwaves it made. Saïx, however, was too enraged to be flinched by the attack.
Leafa's Dual Action ended, and she and her Spirits were at the cage door again, this time on the inside. Saïx saw this as a chance. He unleashed a heavy gust of wind with his claymore. Leafa braced herself, but Kooms and Wowzers were sent flying out of the cage. "Guys!" she shouted, about to race towards them. The door of the cage suddenly closed up, leaving Leafa alone inside with Saïx.
"Your friends won't be able to help you now." he told her, his rage subsiding, "Your fate was sealed the moment you entered into this cage. Once closed, the Dream Eaters, both Nightmares and Spirits, cannot re-enter." Leafa's forehead was starting to sweat. She couldn't see anyway out of this. She couldn't recalled her Spirits, and she couldn't summon Rebbi without doing so.
"You're all alone, now." Saïx told Leafa, "You have no Spirits, no friends, nothing to come to your rescue." Leafa looked down, her eyes shadowed from view. "Accept your fate." Saïx taunted, "In moments, your heart will drown in darkness, and you'll be a part of us. And the best part; No one will be able to stop it. "
Leafa paused before gripping her Keyblade tightly, and answering, "No, that's not true." Saïx looked at her, questionably. "I am never alone, nor have I ever been." she told the man before her, "I always had someone with me, like Kazuto, and Asuna, and Shinichi, and all those other guys. They are always by my side, giving me the strength to keep fighting."
Leafa then recalled all her times in the other dimension, from meeting Naminé, to meeting Hayner, Pence and Olette, to being introduced to Riku and Kairi, to meeting Sora, Donald and Goofy. Finally, she recalled her and Recon meeting Axel, and remembering her transition from loathing him to caring for him, even missing him when he passed away. The way he smiled and acted in such a carefree demeanor, the way he cared for Leafa's feelings, and the way he was willing to help her. Looking back, Leafa didn't realize it, but…
"I also know something else…" she muttered, "The more I think about it, the more I realize that Axel and Naminé were lying to themselves." Saïx looked concerned at this. "Because I knew, without a doubt, that my heart was connected to THEIR hearts." Leafa stated, "You and the entire freakin' Organization. You all lied to them! I know their hearts are still with me, even now!"
Just then, the ghostly images of all her friends and family that she was thinking about, along with King Mickey, Kayaba, Wowzer, Kooms and Rebbi were standing right behind her, with Recon, Axel, Kirito and Asuna standing the closest to her. "It's just as Sora had taught me, and it is something that will always be engraved in my heart…" Leafa told Saïx, "…that my friends are my power! And if I can't beat you, I know they will deliver the final blow for me!"
Saïx was surprised, seeing the multiple hearts connected to Leafa, who had begun to glow with a green aura. "Your strength is growing much larger than what we comprehended." he stated, "I underestimated you. We must finish you before your powers prove too much."
Just then, the cage behind Leafa opened and closed, and she turned to see Recon standing there. "Recon!" she gasped. "I guess this means you will need my assistance, Saïx?" he asked, producing the Void Gear Keyblade, and directing at Leafa. At first, she panicked, not wanting to fight her dearest friend. Then suddenly, she looked at his eyes, and realized something. She smirked softly.
"How foolish." she told herself, "I am such a foolish person. I didn't realize it until it was too late." She glared from Saïx to Recon as she stated, "I now realize more than just the truth about Axel and Naminé." she muttered, "I also know YOUR secret, 'Recon'." The boy in question wasn't fazed at her words. Both he and Saïx charged in at Leafa, who gritted her teeth as she unleashed her energy, and she readied herself to fight the two challengers.
From outside the cage, there was a vortex of green, dark red and dark blue energy that exploded from out of the cage. Kirito, Asuna, Riku and Sora. Leafa thought to herself, I will fight with all my heart, and with all the power you have given me. You have to keep fighting, too, and learn the truth of the Organization, just like I did. Once you do, then defeat them, and don't let them make you fall into their fantasy of darkness. I know we can do it, so long as our hearts are as one, and bright…
Dang, this just keeps getting crazier and crazier. First Kirito and Asuna join Sora and Riku in Traverse Town, and now the two teams are in Twilight Town? What's going to happen to Leafa? What is the secret behind Recon that she spoke of? And what of the other Organization members? You'll learn about that some other time. For now, leave a reply, tell your friends, and be patient for the next episode. All the support is appreciating!
Next time on SAK: FF
Asuna: With Traverse Town settled, we've got to deal with Twilight Town, now.
Riku: Only now, there is a new Spellican from the one we just encountered, and the girls residing in this town are after it.
Sora: Kirito, you're gonna have to explain to me who your new friends are.
Kirito: Sure, but let's also take care of the Nightmare, too.
Asuna: 'gasp' Oh, no! Ansem & Gouxus are here!
Kirito: So are Xemnas and Heartless Oberon!
On the next 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy'
Twilight Return! Hunters and Prey!
Sora, Asuna, Kirito & Riku: The Dreams have yet to be discovered!
