The Deep Jungle
Once again, the KH team had found their way to the one world where almost a decade before they had clashed against the Heartless, hoping to find King Mickey in the process. It was only Sora, Goofy, and Donald back then, and Sora was still a young teenage kid back then, considered still a boy and at a middle school age. His battle techniques were mediocre and rather primitive. Now, however, Sora was a man in his early twenties. His battle techniques had vastly improved. In fact, many of the techniques he used in the past were considered child's play to him now; which before were considered difficult for him to do as a kid. This time, instead of three, there were four, the fourth member being his best friend Riku. A decade before, this world was of little significance to the KH team, except to close the door. Now, there were two major goals to accomplish, one was to seal the door that had reopened, and two was to deactivate the Apocalypse Cannon, as well as to cease the present activities of the faction within that realm.
The gummi ship landed within a clearing amidst a thick bamboo forest. Riku was the first to step upon the green grass. He gazed about, looking for any possible danger.
"What do the sensors detect!" he shouted back to the cockpit.
"So far, the sensors detect no activity around here." Donald replied. "There is no sign of the faction within this vicinity."
"I wonder where we can find the faction then." Sora thought.
"First things first, I have to initiate the optical stealth, so no one can detect our ship, whether on radar, or visual." As the KH team exited the craft, Donald, with the use of a remote, activated the optical stealth and the ship vanished from sight.
"So, where do we start?" Goofy implied. There were two passage ways leading through the thick of the bamboo forest.
"Perhaps, if we were to split up…" Sora instructed.
"Well, you've been here before right?" Riku asked. "So, you should at least have some knowledge of where to go."
"I would love to be of great help, but I haven't been here for a few years, so I'm not really sure where led where anymore."-
"I think it's best that we stay together." Donald said.
"Donald has a point. We should first gain knowledge of where we are and the layout of the jungle." Riku added.
"Good point." Sora agreed.
"Let's head down that passage, through that narrow gorge." The KH team began their trek through the gorge and out of the bamboo forest. They had not gone a hundred yards before they reached what looked like an old campground.
"There must be civilization around here somewhere." Donald said.
"This is that old camping ground that we visited years before." Sora implied. "This is where we met…"
"Met who?" Riku asked.
"I can't remember their names. It was a young woman and the wild man. I just can't remember their names." He thought hard until it finally descended upon his memory. "Tarzan and Jane, that's it! That was their names!"
"Well, they still must be around. The place looks like its still being lived in."-
It was then that they heard a voice coming from a large canvas tent on the other side of the camp.
"Hello?" the voice uttered. "Is there anyone out there?" Sure enough as soon as the KH team heard the voice, a young woman emerged from the tent. The minute she saw them, her eyes were filled with a great nostalgia. "Sora…?"
"Is that you Jane?" Sora asked. "It's been quite a long time hasn't it?"
"It certainly has been a while hasn't it." Jane walked to the KH team. "I remember you and your two friends here. Donald and Goofy wasn't it?"
"That's right." Goofy chuckled.
"I see that you remember us." Donald added.
Jane then laid her eyes on Sora's other companion.
"And who is this strapping and handsome young gentleman accompanying you?" she asked.
"This is my best friend, Riku." Sora implied.
"Nice to meet you." Riku said.
"It is a pleasure." Jane replied. "So you were the young man that Sora was always talking about. You must be quite the lady's man." Riku could only blush and avert his eyes temporarily. "It's nothing to be ashamed of I might add. I'm sure that you are quite popular amongst the young ladies." She then looked at Sora. "Look at you. You have certainly grown to become a fine looking young man."
"I've been meaning to ask you, Jane," Sora said, "Do you know where Tarzan is?"
"He's gone off to do some foraging near the old tree house."-
"Perhaps you could help us with something then."-
"Of course."-
"Could you tell us if there has been any suspicious activity going on lately within the jungle?" It was then that he realized that Jane's smile had vanished from her face. She walked back to the tent and beckoned them over. The KH team wandered into the tent and Jane closed the flap behind her. She and her guest then sat down to converse.
"To tell you the truth," Jane implied, "There has been some suspicious military activity taking place not too far from here. I believe its ten miles south of the tree house. Tarzan and I have seen the activity commencing there from that elevation. There is a large military compound that has been set in a vast field. From there, we could see them constructing a gigantic contraption. From its shape, it looks like a massive artillery piece."
"Then that must be them." Donald said.
"The Midnight Faction." Sora added.
"The Midnight Faction?" Jane asked. "Who are they?"
"They are the reason why we've come." Riku implied. "Apparently, what you have seen was the Apocalypse Cannon, a highly destructive weapon capable of wiping away all life on a planet."
"Are you serious?"-
"Why would we lie about something like this?" Donald said. "This thing is capable of incinerating the entire jungle!"
"But I don't understand? Who is the Midnight Faction and why would they build such a monstrosity?"-
"Allow us to explain the entire scenario to you." Sora began. "The Midnight Faction happens to be a military organization whose soul purpose is to conquer all worlds and establish itself as a great super power."
"They plan to use the Apocalypse Cannon to force other worlds to submit." Riku added. "A powerful weapon like that would be able to wreak havoc, chaos, and destruction upon the target it hits."
"Oh my God." Jane gasped. "But don't they care for the lives that would be lost?"
"The Midnight Faction only cares about quick and easy victories in order to achieve their ultimate goal. And unifying all worlds underneath their banner is that number one achievement. It is absolutely vital that you show us where this compound is. Then, we'll be able to deactivate the cannon and render it useless for the faction."-
"Very well then, I shall take you to the tree house myself. There you can observe the compound from afar."-
"But with a structure like that protruding through the trees, wouldn't the faction also be able to see you and the tree house?" Donald asked.
"So far, we have been lucky that the faction hasn't bothered to fan out into the jungle. Besides, due to the heavy canopy of the trees, the tree house itself blends nicely into the background." Jane said.
"And how recently has it been since you last observed the compound and the cannon?" Sora asked.
"I had just been up there this morning, watching what was going on. The compound itself and the activity there has been stretching for several months now and there has been no sign of protruding military force since then. Thank goodness."-
"Well, we'd better hurry and deactivate that thing before the faction has the opportunity to transport it out of this realm and into a place we won't be able to follow." Riku said.
"If we take it out now, then we've cut the threat of mass destruction by the faction in half." Sora added.
"Then, let's get going." Donald implied.
"Just follow me." Jane said.
But as they exited the tent, something awaited them as they exited. From out of the blue, a company of Heartless appeared to do battle.
"Heartless!" Goofy cried.
"But how did they find us?" Donald said.
"The Heartless must've been observing and scouting this area." Sora said.
"We have to fight them." Riku implied. He deployed his keyblade. "Let's take 'em out!" The KH team stood ready to battle against the horde of shadows. Engaging in hand to hand combat, they made easy work of the Heartless, slashing through their ranks like a hot knife through butter. The Heartless had not changed their tactics since Riku and Sora started their journeys into other worlds a decade before, so their maneuvers were easy to predict. And with the new powers they had learned from the foes they fought during the reign of the Dark Empire, the devastation was side spread. Almost as quickly as they had appeared, the Heartless were dispersed.
"Well, that was easy work." Donald implied.
"That may be so," Riku said, "But even though that was a skirmish, the Heartless already know that we're here and they'll rally that news to the Midnight Faction. That's why we have to move out now."
"I hope that Tarzan is alright." Jane uttered, emerging from the tent after the fighting subsided. "Could it be possible that he might have encountered those fiendish creatures as well?"
"I'm sure he might have." Sora replied. "The Heartless I know he can take care of though. It's the faction soldiers that concern me the most."
"You said that he was somewhere near the old tree house right?" Riku asked.
"That's correct." Jane said.
"Then we better get over there and give him a hand. If the Heartless have managed to make it this far into the camp, I have no doubts that the Midnight Faction's rogue scouts will be out here patrolling as well." The KH team made their way to through the jungle, passing a lagoon, making their way into the canopies of trees, moving through thick underbrush and vines. Eventually, they made their way to the tree house.
The tree house, abandoned for so many years, had vegetation growing from out of its wooden floors and walls. Vines wrapped themselves about the pillars and supporting beams. Jane walked upon the old wooden deck and searched the inside of the house.
"Tarzan!" she cried. "Are you there?" There was no response. Instead, there was a lingering sense of uneasiness in the air. The KH team walked close to Jane. Again she cried out for Tarzan's name, but still there was no response. "I hope that he's alright. It's not like Tarzan to just disappear like this."
"Perhaps he decided to go back home." Goofy said.
"That's right; he could have taken a different path home." Donald added.
"I suppose you are right. But for some reason, it just doesn't feel natural that he wouldn't be here." Jane said
"You have that same feeling too, Jane?" Riku implied, "That feeling of uneasiness?"
"Yes, Riku, but how did you…?"-
"Something's wrong here." Riku gazed about in the empty house, looking around for any signs of danger. "We have to get out of here now."
"Riku, look out!" Sora cried, he pointed to one of the beams above. Riku looked up to see a large form pounce upon him. It was a jaguar, big and ferocious. It attacked Riku, knocking him down. Using the keyblade as a barrier, he held the big cat's teeth at bay. Sora side-kicked the cat off of his friend, and the jaguar retreated for the time being, moving amidst the darkness of the abandoned tree house. "That was a close one."
"Thanks Sora." Riku implied.
"You OK, Riku?" Goofy asked.
"I'll be fine, but this cat…"-
"It can't be…" Jane uttered. "Is that…Sabor?"
"Sabor?" Sora asked. "You mean that big cat that we fought ten years earlier?"
"That's right."-
"But how can that be? Tarzan and I dispensed with that cat back then."-
"Tell that to the spotted monster with big sharp teeth!" Donald said.
"He couldn't just come back from the dead could he?"-
"Either that cat used one of his nine lives to return back from the dead, or he's a splitting image." Riku uttered. "Look at those eyes." Riku pointed out the eyes of the jaguar. Sure enough, what they saw were not the eyes of a fearsome predator, but rather the eyes of a Heartless. "That's definitely a Heartless disguised as an old foe. I was wondering why the aura felt so unnatural."
"Be on your guard." Sora said. Suddenly, the jaguar disappeared into the shadows completely.
"He vanished." Goofy said.
"Look out!" Donald cried as he turned around to gaze behind. Sure enough, the jaguar appeared again from the rear, attempting to slash at his victims. But as he approached, another individual appeared from the beams and stood in the way of the attacking feline. A tall, muscular man he was, with long brown hair, and dressed in nothing but a simple loincloth. He was armed with a strong wooded spear and used it to keep the cougar at bay.
"Tarzan!" Jane cried.
"Jane…you OK?" he asked.
"I'm fine."-
"Sabor…" he said as he pushed off the cat. "How could it be? I thought I killed him long ago." After a minor scuffle and the arrival of Tarzan, Sabor withdrew from the area completely. Tarzan stood to face Jane. "I'm so glad Jane OK?"
"I'm fine silly, nothing to be fussing over." Tarzan then looked at the faces of the KH team. He then gazed upon that same face he knew ten years before.
"Sora…" he uttered.
"It's been a while hasn't it." Sora replied.
"You and your friends helped to save Jane…"-
"Yes."-
"I thank you." He looked at the faces of Sora's companions. "What are the names of Sora's friends?"
"These are my closest companions, my best friends, Riku, Donald, and Goofy."-
"Riku…Donald…Goofy…" He then approached Riku, laying his hand upon his chest. "Riku…"
"Uh…Sora…" Riku uttered. "What is he doing?"
"It's his way of acknowledging that you're my friend." Sora replied. "Ten years ago, when I mentioned your name, he thought that your name meant friend. In many cases, that rings true."
"I see."-
"Riku…Sora's friend…" Tarzan chuckled. "Me Tarzan…"-
"Nice to meet you…"-
"I really hate to break up this little moment of male bonding," Donald said, "But we're still not out of the woods yet!"
"Don't you mean jungle?" Goofy asked.
"That's not what I meant, you halfwit!"-
"He's right." Riku said. "We have to get down to the compound and deactivate the Apocalypse cannon."
"Tarzan," Jane said, "Sora and Riku need your help. Will you help them?"
"Yes," Tarzan implied, "Tarzan will go with Riku and Sora."
"Sounds like a plan." Sora implied. "Let's go!"
"Jane," Riku said, "Are you sure that you're up to this challenge?"
"I know I can't leave Tarzan alone." Jane chuckled. "Besides, he'll definitely need me when he gets himself into trouble."
"Well, I'm glad to see that you don't need anyone to hold your hand, Jane."-
"Oh tish-tosh, I haven't been living with a wild man all this time to act like a servile lady of quality."-
"Then, let's go you guys!"-
The KH team and their new companions worked their way down to the compound, traveling silently amongst the thick vegetation of the forest.
Meanwhile, within the compound of the Midnight Faction, the Heartless possessed Sabor had appeared. The jaguar walked about the compound as if no one noticed its presence. The jaguar worked its way to a large tent almost at the center of the compound. The tent itself was large and rather grand, as if it were the quarters of someone of high position. Before the entry of the tent, there were two sentries who guarded it, which could only indicate that the tent did belong to someone of great authority. The big cat presented itself before the tent.
"Sabor as returned." One of the sentries implied. "Inform the colonel at once."
"Sir!" said the other and entered the tent in a respectful manner. Sure enough, the sentry reemerged with a young woman soon appearing from the tent after him. She was sleek and slim, with a perfect figure. Her skin had a well tanned appearance and revealed no blemishes, from atop her head, dark brown hair draped down freely. Using a brass hair band, she bound it into a ponytail and allowed it to spout up into a bushy arch and fall upon her shoulder. Her lush brown eyes gazed steadily at the jaguar that sat respectfully before her. She placed on her black uniform, which was a solid black frock with gold trim and a white collar. The sentry stood at attention when she emerged. "Sabor has returned, colonel."
"Excellent." She implied. She kneeled down and stroked her hands across the back of the cat. "You certainly finish your missions very quickly, don't you? You must have some information for me am I right?" She then held her hand firmly on the jaguar's head and sensed the inner feelings of the creature. Upon reading the mind of the jaguar, she saw visions of past events. Gazing deeper and deeper, she came across the memory that she was looking for, the vision concerning the battle against the KH team.
"Has Sabor brought any news, ma'am." One of the sentries asked.
"Yes, yes." She replied, "And quite excellent news I might add. Apparently, we'll be having company soon."
"Company, ma'am…?"-
"Alert the troops and send out at least a hundred men, in groups of ten, to fan out into the jungle and create a perimeter on the eastern side of the compound."-
"Are we expecting to engage in battle, colonel?" the other sentry asked.
"That is correct. Apparently, the key bearers are on their way."-
"The key bearers…?"-
"That's right. They must have come here to deactivate the Apocalypse Cannon. Well, little do they know that we'll be ready for them when they come." She turned to the sentry. "Hurry and give the order now!"
"Yes ma'am!" One of the sentries ran off to inform the other units.
While she continued to stroke the jaguar's head, two powerful officers, supposedly mercenaries, due to their fearsome appearance, emerged. Both were wearing heavy chest armor and shiny black helmets with tinted visors concealing their face. However, the weapons they carried were different. One carried an old Imperial katana, perhaps scavenged off an officer of the former Dark Empire. The other carried a broad sword which was slung on his back in an orange colored scabbard.
"What is your bidding, colonel?" the 1st officer asked.
"I am glad that you came at my bidding, Captain Tyran, Major Cedor." The colonel implied. "You are the men in charge of this operation."
"We understand." Tyran implied. "Who is the enemy that we must face?"
"The key bearers…"-
"The key bearers…?"-
"I understand that they have gained a rather ruthless reputation within the faction." Cedor added.
"That is right." The colonel continued. "And I have a feeling that they intend to deactivate the Apocalypse Cannon and render it useless for our cause."
"Then, we'll just have to initiate a new access code for the cannon."-
"The situation is not that simple. In order to change the code, we must first eliminate the data inscribed on the red card. I'm sure by the presence of the KH team; they have defeated General Knives and managed to retain the card. That is where you two come in. I want you to capture them and retrieve the card. Then, we can input the card and deactivate the present code and replace it with a new one."-
"You want us to capture them?" Tyran asked.
"Would it not be more advantageous if we just kill them?" Cedor added
"No. I believe that the KH team would be more valuable to us if they are alive." The colonel continued. "If I present the key bearers in tact and unmolested to his Excellency, then we might be promoted and perhaps well rewarded."
"As you wish then..." Cedor replied. "Your command will be our bidding."
With that, the two officers turned about and walked away to lead the troops into battle. The colonel continued to stroke her hand on the jaguar's head.
"Besides…" she uttered to herself. She continued to rewind the image in her mind. Especially when laying eyes upon the elder of the two key bearers…Riku. "I think I could well do with such a talented and handsome subordinate."
While nearing the compound, the KH team could see the bulk of the new weapon appearing from over the tree tops.
"Man," Sora implied. "I forgot just how big the Apocalypse Cannon really is."
"We wouldn't want something like that to explode prematurely now would we?" Riku added.
"By the way," Donald asked, "Where's Tarzan gone?"
"He's scouting for us just above us." Jane pointed out. Tarzan was swinging from one branch to the other. "If there are any enemies about, he'll see them."
But as soon as Jane had uttered those words, Tarzan landed on the ground, by a swinging vine.
"Hide!" he said.
"Hide?" Goofy asked.
"Why, what's the matter?" Donald asked.
"Men come in this direction." Tarzan replied. "Many of them dressed in black."
"Black you say?" Jane asked.
"The Midnight Faction." Sora implied.
"Quick, hide!" Riku said. The party quickly hid amidst the thick underbrush, hoping not to be seen. Sure enough, from all around, faction soldiers began to appear.
"How on earth can there be so many? This is too big for an expeditionary force."-
"Then there's only one logical explanation. They already know we're here."-
"But how could they have known?"-
"I don't know."-
"Keep it down you two." Donald whispered. "Otherwise, we're bound to be discovered." The KH team watched as the parties passed them, one man at a time. At times, the soldiers came so close to the underbrush they were hiding in that it seemed as if they knew where they were, but were waiting for the opportune moment to strike. But that moment never came and the soldiers of the faction continued to pass them, unaware of their presence.
It seemed that the last of the soldiers had passed without knowing their location. That was until fate stepped in. One of the soldiers straggling behind almost tripped on a vine and flicked the pollen of a flower into the underbrush. Goofy, by fate, was sitting closest. The pollen was inhaled when he took a breath and soon he began to huff an puff in a manner that could only indicate that he was going to sneeze. Again he huffed and puffed, delaying his reaction. Donald quickly streaked his hand across Goofy's nose, hoping to prevent the sneeze from happening.
"You better not sneeze, you chucklehead." Donald uttered.
"I'll…try not to…" Goofy replied, barely able to hold it in. After a few seconds, Goofy calmed down and his attempt to sneeze was over. Donald sighed relief and removed his feathered hand from his friend's nose. But the minute he did, like a moment from an old cartoon short, Goofy sneezed anyway. And the sneezing reaction was loud.
"Great…" Donald uttered.
"Bless me." Goofy chuckled.
"There they are!" a voice shouted out, "Underneath that vegetation!" The KH team looked about to find the faction soldier running towards them at full force. Alongside them, several Heartless units also appeared.
"Well, this is great!" Sora implied.
"Well, at least we don't have to worry about being inconspicuous anymore!" Riku added. He drew his keyblade and jumped out of the heavy brush. He charged and began to cut his way through the ranks of faction soldiers and Heartless.
"Where are you going, Riku!"-
"Head for the compound and deactivate the cannon!" Riku took out the red card and threw it to Sora. Sora caught it as the card descended.
"What about you?"-
"I'll divert them for as long as I can!"-
"Alright, Riku, but don't do anything reckless!"-
"You know me!"-
"I know and that's what worries me right now!"-
"Just get going, Sora!"-
"You take care!" Sora and the rest of the team ran off in the direction towards the compound while Riku stayed behind to go against the hordes of troops. He used the Shadow decoys to make the soldiers believe that he had increased in numbers. He struck soldiers simultaneously, wounding one after another. He hoped not to take anymore lives, so he went for crippling his foe out of action. But at the same time, he would slay the Heartless, knowing that could only be defeated if their essence was diminished completely. However, despite his valor, he was not able to prevent many of the soldiers from pursuing Sora and the others.
At the same time, the forces of the Midnight Faction and the Heartless continued to harass Sora and the rest of the KH team as they attacked from all directions. Heartless continued to appear from all round them. It seemed as if they would be caught by this oncoming horde.
"I will slow them down!" Tarzan cried. He suddenly stopped and went to face the oncoming hordes alone.
"Tarzan!" Jane cried.
"Jane go with Sora! I stay here to face these enemies!"-
"Come on, Jane!" Sora said, taking her by the hand and rushing as fast as they could.
"Tarzan!" Jane cried as she could only watch as Tarzan was overwhelmed by the numbers.
Now, only Sora, Jane, Donald, and Goofy remained. But despite Riku and Tarzan sacrificing their own safety, the faction soldiers continued to close in. This time, many of them were coming from the compound itself. Using as many techniques as he knew, he plowed many of the enemy soldiers down like they were nothing. He continued to clear a path through the jungle with the faction soldiers regaining their stamina and continuing their pursuit.
Once again, they found themselves being attacked by Heartless and faction soldiers from all directions.
"Sorry, Sora…" Donald uttered. He suddenly stopped.
"Donald," Sora shouted. "What're you doing!"
"Keep going, Sora!" Donald implied. "I'll keep the pursuers at bay! It's up to you three now!"
"Donald!" Goofy cried.
"Go, Goofy! Make sure that Sora gets to the cannon!"-
"Donald!" Goofy could only look forward and continue to follow Sora.
"Goofy!" Sora implied. "We gotta fly!" Sora picked up Jane. "I beg your pardon, Jane!" Sora then leaped up and glided all the way to the compound itself. Goofy took flight and was quick behind him.
The three flew straight into the compound where even more soldiers awaited them.
"Where on earth are they getting their manpower?" Jane asked.
"No time to explain." Sora said. "We gotta get going!" But sure enough, they found themselves surrounded. Sora grew agitated. "We don't have time for this!" He unleashed a foot stomp and blew the faction soldiers away. Sora suddenly unleashed Saiyan Devotion and teleported as quickly as he could to the cannon. Jane and Goofy were quick behind him. But as he lunged towards the cannon, he was struck by a strong electrical surge. Sora was blown back with great force.
"Sora!" Jane cried, as she and Goofy came running to his side.
"Are you OK?" Goofy asked.
"There's a barrier protecting the cannon." Sora implied.
"Did you think that you would get to the cannon that easily!" The three looked up to see a figure descend from the air. It was infamous Captain Tyran. "It was a good thing that I stayed behind to protect it." He unleashed his Imperial katana. But instead of deploying the sword from its sheath, Tyran kept it tucked away in the scabbard. "In order to break down the protective shield, you'll have to go through me first!"
"If that's what it'll take, then that's exactly what you'll get!" Sora unleashed his keyblade and unleashed both the Saiyan Devotion and the Rage.
"Let's see what you've got."-
"You intend to fight me with your sword still sheathed?"-
"That's what I intend to do! Fighting someone at your level with a drawn blade would be an insult to me."-
"Why you…" Sora attacked head on. But as soon as keyblade and katana made contact with one another, even with both the rage and the Saiyan Devotion deployed, this new foe was equal in strength to his own. "This guy…he's powerful. I can sense his inner strength. His power level surpasses even my own." The two continued to grapple. At first, the battle was rather simplistic as both clashed their weapons against each other. But after the first couple of minutes, the battle began to go skyward and the two began to do battle in the air. Sora deployed magic spells and a few energy attacks to attempt to break his opponent. But the more he tried, the more it seemed as if this new foe knew his every move.
"Come on, now!" Tyran chuckled. "How am I supposed to get a proper work out if you keep fighting me at this pace? C'mon fight me right."
"Shut your mouth!" Sora shouted.
"Not good, getting emotional."-
"I don't understand this." Sora uttered to himself. "Even with the rage and the power of Saiyan Devotion deployed, I'm still no match for this guy. But how can that be? Not even General Kai had this much power." Sora landed back on the ground. He turned to Goofy, "Fusion Goofy!"
"I gotcha!" Goofy replied. His being was suddenly absorbed into Sora and the key bearer's strength suddenly doubled.
"A fusion this time, eh?" Tyran chuckled. "Then, I guess I'll just have to increase my own strength." Tyran unleashed even more power and continued to battle against the young key bearer.
"I don't understand this." Sora uttered, as he continued to battle, "How can he obtain this much strength?"
"You see, I'm in a completely different class from you." Suddenly, Tyran slammed his sheathed sword upon Sora's shoulder, forcing the key bearer to drop his weapon. Instantly, the fusion ended and Sora and Goofy once again were divided into separate beings. Goofy lay on the ground, birdies flew around his head. Sora on the other hand, now transformed back to normal and his strength diminished to what it once was, attempted to rise to his feet.
"That style of combat." Sora uttered to himself as he saw Tyran suddenly stand over him. "And his strength…Why does it seem so familiar?" he gazed up at his opponent. "And why is it that he did not bother to strike me until that last minute? Was he just wearing me down?"
"It would be easier for me to kill you and get it over with." Tyran chuckled. "But then again, it would have been a waste of talent." Tyran searched Sora's pockets and retrieved the red card. "It looks like you lose this round."
By this time, the battles that had taken place had subsided and astonishingly, all the members of the KH team had been taken prisoner. They had been bunched in a large group and were marched before the Apocalypse Cannon. Riku, Tarzan, and Donald were escorted next to Goofy and Jane.
"Sora!" Riku cried as he ran to his friend's side. He slung Sora's arm over his neck.
"Hey…Riku…" Sora uttered.
"Are you alright?"-
"I've had better days…I tried to get to the cannon, but there was a powerful barrier protecting it…I couldn't get to it in time."-
"Well, at least you're not hurt."-
"Just in pride though."-
"You certainly fought well." Tyran chuckled. "Unfortunately, your efforts were just not good enough."
"Though I must admit that both key bearers were tough challenges…" Cedor chuckled as he rejoined Tyran. "I had the privilege of battling against the infamous Child of Darkness. Though despite his strength, he was no match for me."
"And now, we have what we came for."-
"Colonel, we have captured them all alive as you had requested."-
Just then, that same female officer with the fair figure presented herself before the KH team, her possessed pet next to her.
"Very well done, Major Cedor and Captain Tyran." She implied. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Colonel Ophelia Billiard, the commander of this little operation. These are by two most trusted officers, mercenaries by origin and personally hired by me, Captain Vale Tyran and Major Stent Cedor." She approached the KH team. "I must congratulate you on your efforts and that you have strived so hard to achieve your goals. However, by engaging in such actions, you slow down the progress of the Midnight Faction. And that is something that we cannot have continuing."
"The faction's only goal is to cause further chaos and open the paths of war once again." Sora uttered.
"That may be so, but the path to chaos is the only path that can be taken if such a radical dream like that of Lord Sirius Viicous can be achieved."-
"That nutcase is going to spread death and destruction amongst masses of people." Riku said, "But you intend to see it through?"
"I have learned that there is nothing more to life than the path to chaos! Only the strong will survive, only the mighty will prosper. That is the only true destiny for all things that exist in this universe!"-
"But to think in such a way, to have such notions, only gives people the right to force others to suffer!"-
"But why would someone like you be having so much talk of passion, Riku! You are just like me, always wishing to be the best and to see your own desires fulfilled! Is it not true that you abandoned your friends, family, and home long ago for the sake of wanting to see other worlds? Was it not you who was willing to ally yourself with the darkness in order to find your friends? And was it not you who was willing to kill one friend in order to save the other?" Riku could only look downward, not able to look anyone in the eye. "Your heart only knows how to throw away! It keeps no memory sacred and you are able to dispense with anyone! Your heart is like that of a rogue, who cares only for himself and no one else! That is why you have been dubbed the name Noctin Tilandir, the Child of Darkness!" She approached him. "That is why I have a proposition for you. The Faction could use someone like you in our ranks. If you were to join the faction and become my subordinate, then I will see to it that the lives of your friends are spared and you are given anything that you desire."
"If I refuse?"-
"If you refuse, then you and all of your friends will die today." Riku could only lower his eyes again.
"Don't listen to her, Riku." Sora implied.
"Yeah," Goofy added, "She's just trying to get you to join them."
"Don't lower yourself to their level." Jane said.
"They're just gonna use you like they did before." Donald agreed. Riku could only look down. His head filled with questions of what is more important. What was the right decision? What was worth more? He looked to his past and the consequences of his actions. Finally, he raised his head.
"If I join the Midnight Faction," Riku implied, "I would be following my old path of a rogue and would throw away everything I ever knew. I would throw away my friends, my family, and my home, as well as the cause that I have sacrificed so much for." Riku stood to his feet. "I refuse to throw away anything dear to me ever again! I had made it my vow when I was brought back to life six years ago! And it is a vow that I will keep until the day I die! I may lose my life, but my friends will always be within my heart and there will always be someone stronger to take my place!" The response given by Riku was one that infuriated Colonel Billiard.
"If that is your final stance on the matter," she uttered, "Then you and your friends meet your fate here and now!" She stepped back. "Kill them!" The soldiers drew their weapons and attempted to strike.
"Now, now," Tyran uttered, "Was it not your idea to bring them in alive?"
"Even though Tyran and I are officers of the faction," Cedor added, "We are still mercenaries. And as mercenaries, we expect a large reward for our troubles. I'm sure that Lord Sirius Viicous would more than happy to reward us for our troubles. We know that he wants us to execute Noctin Tilandir, but what would he be worth if we brought him and his friends to his Excellency alive." Colonel Billiard drew up her hand to cease her soldiers. "Like you said…we'd be well rewarded for our efforts."
"I suppose you're right." The colonel implied.
"But before we take them back to our HQ, how about we perform a last Coup de Grace for them, by letting them watch as their last goal is snatched from their fingers by rendering this card useless."-
"That would be a sight wouldn't it." Colonel Billiard stepped aside. "Then commence as you will."
"Thank you, ma'am." Cedor turned to Tyran. "I will let you do the honors, Tyran."
"With pleasure…" Tyran replied. Taking the card, he deactivated the shield, slid the card into the slot and inputted the data. It had finally ended for the KH team. Or so they thought.
Suddenly, the loud speaker bellowed out when the data was inputted.
"Destructive capacity of Apocalypse Cannon diminished." It shouted. "Increased power functions ceased. Mass destruction capability deactivated. New access code implemented. Former data no longer applicable."
"What are you doing, Tyran!" the colonel shouted. "You idiot, your deactivating the cannon!"
"Well, he's doing as I told him." Cedor chuckled. "He's rendering the card useless. Funny thing is that I forgot to mention that we'd also render the cannon useless along with it."
"You dare to betray the Midnight Faction!" she turned to her soldiers. "Seize those traitors!"
"To tell you the truth," Tyran said, "We were never traitors to begin with." It was then that he began to take off his helmet. "Oh yeah, any by the way, my name's a fake too." When he revealed his face, it was a face that was all too familiar to the KH team. "My real name is Son Goten."
"Goten!" Sora cried.
"It's Goten!" Riku added.
"It's good to see that you guys weren't too badly injured after our little masquerade." Goten chuckled.
"Then, who's the other guy?"-
"You've never met me," Cedor chuckled as he took of his helmet. The KH team gazed upon the youthful face of a young man with blue eyes and purple hair. "My name is Trunks Brief."
"And we're agents of the Universal Alliance."-
"How did you manage to deceive me!" Billiard shouted.
"You were too focused on catching the KH team that you were willing to take in anyone with battle experience." Goten implied. "Even us."
"So that was a big mistake on your part." Trunks added.
"You fools!" Billiard turned to her men. "Kill them all!" The faction soldiers and the legions of heartless descended upon the KH team and their allies.
"Riku, Sora," Trunks threw the keyblades to the two, "You two might be needing those."
"Right!" Riku and Sora replied.
"The same goes for you three!" Goten shouted as he tossed the spear, the magic staff, and the shield to Goofy, Donald, and Tarzan.
"Great!" Donald shouted. The group drew their weapons and began to do battle against the forces of the Midnight Faction. Seeing the situation, Tarzan swung to a near by tree and began to bellow.
"What is Tarzan doing?" Sora asked.
"What else," Jane implied, "He's calling for reinforcements."
"Reinforcements…?"-
It was then that there was the sound of rumbling emerging from the underbrush. The ground began to shake violently. Not too long after, from out of the jungle brush, hordes of angry animals began to charge. Elephants were the first to emerge out of the jungle at an angry charge. Soon following were the members of Tarzan's group consisting of a number of angry gorillas and baboons. The animals in waves joined the fray, running over the faction soldiers like grass.
"Those are our reinforcements?" Goofy asked.
"Well," Donald implied, "They're better then nothing."
"Now, we're sure to win!" Goten said.
Now with hordes of jungle beasts aiding them, and Goten and Trunks now fighting on the side of the KH team, Riku and Sora had no trouble at all sweeping through the compound, defeating many of the faction soldiers. However, these faction soldiers were ones who chose death before dishonor and many of them lost their lives in the process. They were a dedicated lot, who even though maimed would continue to engage despite their injuries. The keyblades for the first time in their history began be covered with the blood of many soldiers. However, Riku and Sora saw it as a necessity to kill, or be killed. Though severely crippling many soldiers, or knocking them unconscious, they couldn't help delivering a death blow to some of them.
In the midst of the battle as the fighting raged on, Riku suddenly came face to face with the infamous Colonel Ophelia Billiard herself.
"Noctin Tilandir." She uttered. "You are the true enemy of the faction. If you are not willing to join me and become my subordinate, then you must be eliminated!"
"You will not have my life so easily, Miss." Riku replied.
"Come and do battle with me then."-
"Very well."-
"But not here." Billiard's eyes suddenly began to glow. Riku was suddenly caught in strange trans. Then, at that that moment, the two vanished from sight. Sora and the others had witnessed the phenomenon.
"Riku!" Sora cried.
"He…he vanished…" Goten added.
"Guys!" Trunks cried. "We have bigger problems on our hands. He pointed out to reveal that Heartless giants were beginning to make their appearance.
"Where the heck are all these Heartless coming from?"-
"We have to seal the door this world." Sora implied.
"Well, you have the keyblade now, don't you?" Goten said. "Why don't you just find the keyhole and close it while we battle these guys."
"It's not as simple as that anymore. Closing the doors now require two key bearers instead of one. I need Riku for that."
"Sora," Goofy cried, "Look out!"
Sora looked to see the Heartless version of Sabor attacking him. The possessed cat, with its claws drawn, swiped at the key bearer. Sora evaded the attack, eluding the sharp claws by just a couple of inches.
"Stupid cat…" Sora implied. "If you want a piece of me, then come and get it." The creature attacked head on again. This fight was easy for Sora though. In the process, he unleashed Tundra Canister and froze the cat in place. Then, with his keyblade, he sliced through the cat. The Heartless Sabor diminished into the shadows. "You should have known better than to deal with me in battle." But there was no time to rest for Sora as he continued to battle against hordes of Heartless and faction soldiers. He continued to fight the masses of soldiers who came at him from every direction. "I sure hope that you're having more luck than I am, Riku."
Riku and Billiard suddenly found themselves near a large waterfall. The water splattered upon the rocks there, letting a series of droplets splash upon the faces of the combatants.
"How did we get here?" Riku uttered. "What happened to my friends? What is this place?"
"I have brought you here because I want no one to interfere with our battle." Billiard inquired. "We have traveled to the realm of the keyhole."
"The keyhole, the keyhole is here?"-
"Behold there." She pointed towards the water fall. Riku gazed up at the roaring falls and sure enough, the glowing outline of a large keyhole emerged.
"Why have you brought me here?"-
"I wanted you to see where the keyhole was before you met your demise. That way you could realize that your efforts were in vain."-
"A little overconfident aren't we Colonel Billiard?"-
"It is you who seems to be overconfident. I wanted to see the power of the legendary Noctin Tilandir for myself." She pulled out what looked like a black iron fan. She unleashed it and revealed its beautiful ironwork in a style that would put most other Victorian style fans to shame."However, your tactics and skills are still no match for my own. Not only do I have the power to transport my opponent and I to another location whenever I get the urge, but I also have the ability to read everything in your mind by placing my bare hand upon your body." She drew the fan closer to her. "But I have no interest in your past! Your past is probably better off being kept from me! Otherwise, I may begin to sympathize with you. And sympathizing with an enemy you have sworn to kill is something I wish to avoid."
"That's alright with me." Riku drew his keyblade. "I don't intend to have you find out anything about my past anyway."
Suddenly, Billiard attacked with her fan drawn. Riku made ready to engage her. But suddenly, from behind the iron fan, Billiard unleashed a sleeve dagger and struck at Riku. Riku, nearly taken by surprise blocked the incoming dagger. The dagger came so close that it cut a hope in his black trench coat. Ophelia landed upon the shoreline with both fan and dagger drawn.
"Not bad don't you think." She chuckled.
"She just might be more trouble than she's worth." Riku thought to himself.