Chapter 19

Twisted Insanity

"This is ridiculous," Sarah complained, shaking her head. "We're all going to go blind if we stay here any longer! I for one think that we should head out in the light."

"Maybe she's right," Anthony sighed. "I haven't heard anything for awhile. . . The last thing I heard was Darren say something, but I mean, other than that, nothing."

"Maybe you're right," Runea agreed. "It would be better than just standing here."

"Damn right I'm right," Sarah smiled. "Let's get out of here."

"I'll get Bardroy," Runea volunteered. She hoisted him onto her back, letting his arms dangle around her neck.

"Sorry Anthony," Sarah apologized. "I would take Miranda, but. . ."

"The baby. I know." Anthony did the same with Miranda when he pulled her onto his back. He took the lead as the headed towards the light. He sighed, "So much for ladies first. . ."

Sarah and Runea giggled as they followed Anthony into one of the lit up hallways. The first thing they saw when they stepped into the room was Sota and Darren heading over towards them.

"Yo," Darren said to break the silence.

Runea eyed the blood on Darren's shirt. "Did you get hurt again?" she asked, frowning.

"What? This? Naw, man. The blood's Adam's," Darren replied.

Sarah stepped over to Sota. She took his hand, "Did you defeat him?"

Sota nodded and motioned his head towards the bloody being that had been left to bleed out on the corridor floor.

Sarah closed her eyes and shook her head. "You know that it had to be done."

"I know. Anything happen with Bardroy and Miranda?" Sota asked.

"Not yet. . ." When Sota lowered his head, Sarah wrapped her arms around him. "Don't worry. He'll remember. . . Don't give up hope yet. . . How long ago did you kill Adam?"

"I don't know," Sota shrugged. "A couple minutes ago."

"Maybe it just takes awhile," Sarah suggested. "Maybe we just have to~"

"Bardroy? Bardroy? What's the matter?" Runea slowly lowered Bardroy to the ground. He pulled away from her and began to clutch his head. Miranda did the same. Both of the kids screamed in pain.

Sota pulled away from Sarah and set his attention on Bardroy. "Bardroy? Runea, what's happening to him?"

"I don't know," Runea answered. "He just started to have a fit. . . I put him down and now he just keeps screaming. . ."

"Same thing with Miranda," Anthony told them.

"Could. . . Could it be that they're getting their memories back?" Sarah asked.

"Maybe. . . We can only hope," Runea nodded.

Both of the ten-year-olds suddenly stopped. Sota took a step forward. "Bardroy?"

Bardroy looked up and looked around. "Huh? What am I doing here. . ?"

Sota blinked. "Do you. . . Do you remember now?"

"Remember what?" Bardroy asked. "What's going on here? I was in the forest with Runea and Darren. . . At least I thought I was. . ."

"Yo. Didn't Bardroy faint or somethin' when we was in the forest?" Darren questioned.

Runea nodded and touched Darren's arm. "Yes Darren. That's what he's referring to."

Sota stepped forward, knelt down, and wrapped his arms around his brother. "Bardroy! Thank god, you're all right! I promise! I won't let anything like this ever happen to you again!"

"What even happened. . ? Wait. . . I still need my antidote for the poison! We need to~"

Runea cut him off. "We already gave you your antidote. You're safe now."

"What? When?" Bardroy asked. "Thinking about it, I do feel a lot better. . . Why can't I remember anything."

Runea stepped forward. "You passed out Bardroy. The poison knocked you out. It was killing you Bardroy. But don't worry, you'll be fine. I already got you the antidote."

"We'll explain everything to you once we get out of here," Sota told him. "The most important thing now is that we all get out of here safely."

"What. . . What the hell. . ?"

Everyone turned to Miranda. She looked even more confused than Bardroy.

"Great man. 'ow we supposed to explain the problem to 'er?" Darren asked.

"I'll handle this," Runea stated, advancing towards Miranda. "Hello. I'm Runea. I know that you're confused right now and we understand why. But, just give us some time and we'll be able to explain everything to you." She smiled warmly.

Miranda sighed. "Whatever. All right. I guess going with you is the best thing I can do right now."

"That was easy," Anthony blinked. "I guess that you can always count on Runea."

"Yo man, dat why she belong to me," Darren said. "She'd keep me on track. I can count on 'er."

Bardroy snorted in disgust. "Why would she want to be with you? She obviously dreams about being with me. Who could love an idiot like you?"

"'S'cuse me? I don't think I 'eard ya correc'ly."

"Runea will never end up with you. When I get older, I'm going to propose to her and she's going to marry me."

"Ya bastard. . . Runea will never choose you over me!" He grabbed Bardroy by the scruff of the shirt and lifted him off of his feet. "Quit tryin' to take my woman 'way from me! She belong to me!"

"You?! You? Ha! Don't make me laugh! You and Runea, a couple? That's just not right!"

"Why not, yo?"

"Do you really think that she'll fall for you and not for me!?"

"Ya wanna bet?" Darren asked.

"Try me."

Darren frowned and then held his fist up for a punch.

"Darren!" Sota charged up to them and then grabbed Bardroy and tossed him over his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"Your bro thinks that 'e can beat my charm and get Runea!" Darren yelled.

What charm. . ? Sarah immediately thought. The kid's ten and Darren's dumber than a log. . .

"Do you really think that Bardroy could beat you? He's just fooling himself! Do you really see Runea falling in love with Bardroy?" Sota asked.

"No. That crazy, yo."

"It will happen!" Bardroy protested.

"I belong with Runea. Everyone know that," Darren stated. "Tell the kid to keep 'is paws off Runea. She mine."

Sarah shook her head. As if Bardroy would ever touch her. Oh Darren. . . You may be handsome but you have to brain of an idiot. Seriously, I've never ever seen a ten-year-old and a twenty-three year old man fight. You actually think that Bardroy could be with Runea? The kid hasn't even hit puberty yet. Then again, he probably doesn't even know what it is.

"Just let it go Darren," Sota told him, putting his free hand on Darren's shoulder. He put Bardroy down. "As for you, stop causing trouble!"

"What?"

"Quit picking fights with Darren!"

"But I wasn't~"

"I don't want to hear it," Sota cut in.

"He was the one spouting lies about him and Runea being together," Bardroy huffed, crossing his arms.

"Lies? Why I outta~"

"Darren!" Runea snapped. "That's enough! Quit fighting!"

Sarah joined. "Instead of fighting over fake love, shouldn't we be trying to get out of here? I would rather not spend the rest of my day in this dark, creepy castle."

"I second that," Anthony voted.

Darren sighed and gave Bardroy a glare. "We'll continue this later."

"No, you won't," Sota growled, taking Bardroy's hand and dragging him away. "Anthony, do you know the way out of the castle?"

Anthony nodded. "Yeah. If you head into the forest, there's a tree with a Keyhole that should lead you back to the college."

"Keyhole?" Runea questioned.

"Yeah, each and every world is connected by a Keyhole in which only a Keyblade can unlock. It's how we easily get around without a ship or transportation system," Anthony explained.

"Are you coming with us?" Sarah asked.

Anthony shook his head. "Sorry, but no."

"You don't belong to~"

"I know," Anthony said. "I'm going to ask Elza to leave with me once I get you guys out of here safely. Maybe we'll meet again sometime."

"I'm sure we will," Sarah nodded. "Thanks for everything, Anthony."

"It was nothing," Anthony smirked. "Like I said, I had nothing better to do."

Sarah rolled her eyes.

"Come on." Anthony took the lead. "I'll take you to the forest, but that's as far as I can go."

"Thank you," Sarah smiled. "Without you, I would have never made it this far." She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

Anthony ran his hand along his cheek. He grinned and then turned around on his heels. "Let's go."

"Yo, we almost there?" Darren asked.

"Yeah, just a few more corridors, down a staircase, turn to the left and we're there," Anthony answered. "We just have to run into the forest after that and then~ shit!" Everyone came to a stop.

Kira stood directly in the middle of the hallway, smiling ever so creepily. Joshua stood next to her. Kira spoke two words that left everyone silent. "Hello Sota."

Sota stepped pass Sarah. Quickly grabbing Sota's hand, Sarah whispered, "Sota, don't. I don't want her to hurt. . ."

"Don't worry, she won't hurt me," Sota whispered back in a reassuring voice. "If that was her plan, then I would have been dead a long time ago."

Sarah let go of Sota's hand and watched as he approached Kira. "What do you want, Kira?"

"I came to find out what all the commotion was about. The whole castle was shaking before. I should have guessed that it was that group." Kira pointed to Sarah. "And her. . . I should have known that she'd come for you."

Kira wrapped her arms around Sota and pulled him close. "She's becoming a nuisance. I thought that maybe she would just learn and except that fact that you belong to me Sota, but now, she's gotten in the way. Joshua, this is an order, kill Sarah. . . And the child that rests within her."

It took a few moments before Joshua summoned his Keyblade and began to step towards the group.

"Joshua, stop!" Sota shouted.

When Joshua didn't listen, Kira yelled next, "You heard him! Stop!"

Joshua came to a halt. "Oh, so I'm supposed to take orders from him now?"

Kira ignored him. "Sota. . . What's the matter. . ? Please, talk to me darling. . . Don't tell me that you've fallen under the spell cast by that witch." Kira narrowed her eyes at Sarah.

Sarah gave Kira an icy glare.

"Please Sota. . . You're mine. Webelong together. . ." Kira wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his.

Sota quickly pulled away and shoved her back. "Get away from me you bitch!" He backed away and stood next to Sarah.

Kira stared at Sota in shock. "No. . . Sota, don't tell me that. . ."

"Kira, I've never loved you. You're just fooling yourself. The love that we had for each other was fake. I love Sarah."

"No." Kira shook her head. "You don't know what you're saying Sota. . . She's. . . She's making you say it. . ."

"If you thought that I ever loved you Kira then you're mistaken. You're just a heartless, cruel, evil bitch who lives in the Darkness. No one could ever love you. . ."

It felt as if each word had planted a blade into Kira's dark heart. She froze where she stood, trying to take in what Sota had said to her.

Joshua had paused too. He blinked, staring at Kira.

Sota took Sarah's hand and whispered, "We'll just slip past her, all right? Follow me." Sota took the lead, Sarah following him. Anthony was after her followed by Runea, Bardroy, and Miranda.

Runea stood still for a few moment, staring at Joshua. Her concentration was broken when a voice spoke to her. "Runea? What's the matter? Why'd you stop?"

Runea blinked and smiled. "Nothing Bardroy. I'm fine." She took his hand and pulled him along. Darren finally brought up the rear.

As soon as they passed Kira and Joshua, they broke out in a run, Anthony once again taking the lead.

"There's the entrance!" Sota shouted.

"Just a little ways farther!" Anthony called out. Once they all ran out of the castle, they all came to a sudden halt.

Joshua was standing in front of them, stalk still. He was staring at the ground, completely still. He never moved an inch.

"It's Joshua!" Sota growled. Damn it. . . He'll never let us through. . . We need to get out of here somehow. . . "Runea, Darren, take the kids and Sarah and get out of here! Anthony and I will hold him off!"

"Hell no," Sarah protested. "I'm staying here. I'm not leaving you here alone."

Sota sighed. "Please. . . Sarah. . . Ugh. . . Fine. . . Just stay out of the way."

"But Sota," Bardroy began. "We can't just leave you here. . ." He grabbed his brothers hand.

"Are you insane?" Miranda asked, turning to Bardroy. "We'll get killed if we stay here!"

"But. . . But. . ."

Sota squeezed Bardroy's hand. "I promise that I'll come back, Bardroy. Right now, you have to get out of here. Please, just listen to me this time."

"Sota, no! I'm staying too! I can help!" Runea tried to sound as confident as Sarah had.

"No Runea! You's and Bardroy are comin' with me and Miranda!" Darren shouted. "Yo man, let's go!" He grabbed Runea and Bardroy's hand.

Runea yelped as she was dragged away. She stared at Joshua all the while.

They didn't get very far when Raven appeared in front of them. "Miss me?" she asked, pointing her gun at them. She shot at them several times, making all of them scatter.

Darren dived to the side, pulling Runea along with him. Bardroy and Miranda ran in the other direction. "Yo! Who da hell do ya think ya are?! Get the hell outta 'ere! If ya don't, I kill ya!"

"Ooh, I'm so scared," Raven joked. "Please, you don't scare me. But, you are the strongest one in this group." She pointed her gun at him. "I'll kill you first."

Darren's Keyblade materialized in his hand as he charged at her. "You ain't gettin' 'way!" he screamed, slashing at her. She simply disappeared and reappeared behind him. He quickly lurched his body to the left to avoid the bullet that had been shot at him. He spun himself back around in a retaliating slash. Raven caught his blade in her hands and shoved him back, shooting more bullets at him. He was able to block them all except the one that found its way into his side.

Darren gasped in pain when he felt the bullet shred through his skin and pierce his insides. He fell onto one knee, clutching his side. He breathed heavily. Looking up at Raven, he hissed through clenched teeth, "Ya think that this enough to kill me?"

Raven laughed. "I know it's not enough to kill you." She pointed the gun at his head. "But this shot will kill you."

Runea quickly held her Keyblade in the air. "Prote~" The spell was delayed when Raven suddenly appeared next to her. She held the gun above her head and brought it down, smashing it into the back of Runea's skull.

Runea cried out and then slumped onto the ground, unconscious. "Runea!" Darren screamed. "Yo! I kill ya for that!" Darren forced himself onto his feet. He ignored the pain from the injury and raced towards Raven.

Raven held out her gun and pulled the trigger. Darren dived to the side just in time to avoid the attack. Damn it. . . This ain't gonna work. . . I can't even get close to 'er. . . And she keep teleportin', yo. . .

Darren's eyes widened when Raven teleported in front of him. "Surprised?" she asked as she shot his shoulder. Cursing, Darren fell onto his knees again.

"Now," Raven pointed the gun to Darren's head once again, "you die." Just as she went to pull the trigger, Bardroy latched onto her arm and knocked off her aim. In attempting to pull away from him, Raven pulled the trigger various times shooting off haphazardly into the sky. She grabbed Bardroy by the hair with her other hand and then pushed him back. She aimed the gun directly at his chest and pulled the trigger.

"Joshua!" Sota shouted. He held out his hand and let his Keyblade appear. Sarah did the same. Anthony pulled out his dagger and readied it for battle.

Joshua slowly rolled his head up and cocked it to the side. A smile began to spread across his face, continuing to grow bigger and bigger.

The expressions of the three went from confidence, to puzzlement, to horror.

Joshua's eyes dilated. He finally spoke in an evil voice, "Hello."

Sota gripped his Keyblade, his knuckles turning white. "What do you want?"

Continuing to smile that unearthly smile, Joshua replied, "What do I want. . ? Hmm. . . Let's see. . . What do I want. . ?" Each word came out increasingly slower than the last. Joshua stared at Sota, making him take a step backward. "Well. . . I. Want. You. Dead." He held out his hand and his Keyblade appeared, all the while smiling.

Then, faster than Sota could blink, Joshua was in front of him. Their faces were only inches apart. Sota's eyes widened with fear. What. . . What the hell. . ? How could he possibly move that fast. . ? Shit!

Joshua closed his eyes and grinned as he slashed a deep cut across Sota's chest, sending him flying past Anthony and Sarah and into a tree.

Sarah gasped. She slowly turned her head to where Sota had landed. "Sota. . ? Sota. . ?"

Joshua's smile somehow grew even larger. He lunged towards Sarah. She screamed in fear and put her Keyblade up in an attempt to protect herself.

Joshua's Keyblade ripped into flesh, making fresh blood splatter onto his clothes.

Anthony had taken the hit after he had shoved Sarah out of the way. He clutched his blood-leaking wound, gritting his teeth. "Damn it. . . Shit. . ." Anthony hissed, breathing hard. He looked up at Joshua. "Joshua! What the hell's wrong with you?" he demanded to know. "This isn't like you!" Anthony could see the change in Joshua's expression. "Josh! You've got to listen to me!"

Joshua didn't listen. He swung his Keyblade around. Anthony staggered backward to avoid the attack. He gripped his dagger in his hands, cursing more profanities.

When Raven pulled the trigger, Darren screamed desperately, "Yo! Don't!" But he was too late.

A sharp jolt of pain entered Bardroy's chest, sending more pain throughout his entire body. Blood entered his mouth as he fell forward onto the ground, his blood beginning to circle around him. "Bardroy!" Miranda cried, falling onto her hands and knees beside him. She gave him a shake. "Bardroy! Bardroy!"

Darren gritted his teeth. "You bitch. . . You'll pay for that. . . Just ya wait. . ."

Raven rolled her eyes. "Please, save your breath. You'll be joining him."

Miranda looked up at Raven, her eyes full of anger. "You. . . You bitch!" she screamed, diving onto Raven's back.

Raven cursed as she tried to push the ten-year-old girl away. Miranda dug her fingernails into the flesh of Raven's face, making Raven scream curses. She dropped her gun, letting it clatter across the ground.

Miranda was finally knocked off of Raven's back. Cuts and blood marks covered her face. "You damn brat. . ." Raven cursed. When she went to point her gun at Miranda, she realized that she didn't have it. She searched along the ground but didn't see it anywhere.

"Yo. . . Bardroy. . ." she heard Darren begin behind her.

Raven spun around to see Bardroy standing in front of her. Blood covered his entire side from the bloody bullet hole. He pointed her gun at her, gripping it in his trembling hands. He was breathing heavily, using all of his will to keep the pain from taking him.

Raven smirked. "You? You're going to shoot me? You must be joking."

"Try me. . ." Bardroy challenged.

Raven shook her head. "You're such a mischievous little boy. Why don't you give me that before you hurt yourself?"

"No."

Narrowing her eyes, Raven continued, "Come on. You can't possibly kill me. We both know that you won't~"

Bardroy pulled the trigger.

Joshua stumbled towards Anthony. "Anthony. . ." he began, "The only time I'll like you. . . will be when you're a corpse."

Anthony stiffened and gripped his dagger. "I didn't want to have to do this. . ." Joshua ran towards him, slashing. Anthony jumped away, almost losing his balance. When he ran at him, he stopped.

Joshua tilted his head and then gasped.

Sota shoved his Keyblade into Joshua's back and watched it protrude out of his stomach. Joshua licked his lips. He grabbed the blade and pulled it all the way through his body. Whirling around, he stabbed Sota through with the Keyblade.

Sota gasped and cried out in pain as Joshua twisted it, tearing him into even more pieces. Using the edge of his Keyblade, Joshua cut the letter J into his cheek. He pushed Sota backward, letting his Keyblade be ripped from his body. Sota fell to the ground, his blood beginning to pool around him.

A bullet hole was formed between Raven's eyes. One of her eyes began to spill blood while the other rolled into the back of her head. She was only able to let out a groan before she fell to the ground, dead.

Darren blinked. When the bullet when through Raven's head, it sprayed out blood, showering Darren in it. He looked up at Bardroy. "Yo Bardroy. . . You okay?" he asked.

Bardroy breathed deeply. He let the gun fall from his hands. He placed one hand over the bullet hole in his chest. He slowly turned his head to the left, gazing at the scene that was taking place with Joshua and Sota.

He was able to see his brother collapse to the ground before his vision began to grow blurry. Blood rolled down Bardroy's chin as he choked out, "S-Sota. . ." And with that, he collapsed onto the ground and passed out.

Darren forced himself onto his feet. "Yo. . . Bardroy. . ?" He made his way towards him. "You aight. . ?"

Miranda looked up at Darren, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "No, he's not all right! He's bleeding to death! He's gonna die. . ."

"Yo Runea!" Darren called, only realizing afterward that Runea had been knocked out. "Damn it. . ." Darren slumped to the ground, confused. He didn't know what to do.

"Sota!" Sarah cried, immediately racing over to his side. She fell to her knees next to him, staring horrifyingly at his wounds.

Sota wasn't even focusing on her. He was gazing into the sky, his eyes wide with pain. His one hand was clutching the gaping wound that ran through his torso. He lifted his trembling hand, staring at it for a few moments before his strength was depleted and he let it drop back to his side. His heavy breaths turned into grunts of pain. He rested his head on the ground and closed his eyes, his breaths growing quieter.

Sarah grabbed Sota's hand and squeezed it. "Sota! No! Don't give up on me yet! You can't! You can't. . ." Tears streamed down her cheeks. They dripped off of her chin and onto Sota's face. "Please! Please. . . You can't leave me. . . Not like this. . ."

"That's enough!" Sarah turned to see Anthony rip his dagger through Joshua's collarbone. Joshua stood still for a moment, an expression of pain covering his face, just before he fell to the ground. He never got back up.

Sarah was too worried about Sota to care about what was happening. She quickly turned back to him. "Sota. . . Please, I need you. . . You can't just die on me. . ."

Sota opened his eyes slightly. He weakly lifted his hand up and ran it along Sarah's cheek, leaving traces of his own blood behind. His hand trembling against Sarah's cheek, Sota slowly began, "Sarah. . . I. . ."

That was all he managed to say before the exhaustion took over his body and his hand fell to the ground. "Sota. . ? No. . . Sota. . ?" She pried one of his eyelids open. The luster that was always in his green eyes was gone. Already had they begun to glaze over.

"No. . . No. . . Don't tell me you're~" She paused when she put her head against his chest. There was a heartbeat, but it was incredibly faint. Sarah ran her hand along Sota's forehead. He was deathly cold.

"Damn it. . . Damn it. . . Sota. . ." She buried her face into her hands. As she cried, so many different thoughts rushed through her head. Why? Why did this have to happen. . ? All I wanted to do was find Sota and bring him home. . . We were going to be a family. . . Why can't anything just work out properly. . ? Why, damn it. . ? Why!?

Sarah clenched her fists. Her eyes were full of tears when she began to mutter to herself. "Why. . ? Why did you take him away from me. . ? Why!? Why did this have to happen!? Why, damn it!?"

Sarah wasn't talking to anyone in particular, but someone replied anyway.

"Are you addressing all those comments to me?"

Sarah opened her eyes and took a glimpse around. No one was there.

"Who. . . Who's there?" Sarah demanded. "Answer me!"

All at once, Sarah surroundings melted away and were replaced by a pure white room. The room looked never ending, going on forever in every direction. When Sarah looked down at Sota, she gasped.

He was gone.

She quickly stood up, ignoring the sudden pain that found its way into her belly. "Sota? Sota! Where. . . Where. . ."

"You won't find him here."

Sarah looked straight ahead. In front of her, some yards away, was a beautiful young woman. She wore a white dress that glistened in the pure whiteness of the room. It hung down to her glimmering glass heels. Her long blonde hair was tied back. Her crystal blue eyes brought out her lovely red-lipped smile.

Sarah couldn't lie to herself. The woman was gorgeous. A lot more prettier than herself, she had to admit. Still, she was pretty suspicious. "Who are you?"

"My name is Fate."

"Fate?"

"Yes. I am the one who controls what happens over time. I choose what will happen in the past, present, and future. I also have the power to control who will live or die."

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "If that's so. . . then I have a request."

Fate raised an eyebrow. "Wow, that was quick. We've only just met and you have a request. Obviously it must be important. I like you Sarah. I've been watching you lately. You have a strong, fiery will. . . And I like that. I'm just waiting for it to be crushed."

"If you can control who lives and who dies, then I want Sota back," Sarah requested. "I'm not leaving here without him."

Fate smiled. "Oh really? What if I say no, then what will you do?"

Sarah's Keyblade appeared in her hand. "Then I'll make you do it!"

"You do realize that I could kill you with the snap of my finger, don't you? If you fight me, you'll be putting more than just one life in danger."

Sarah caught Fate glancing at her round belly. "That's. . . That's a chance I'll have to take. . ." she replied, holding her Keyblade out in front of her. "I swear, I will get Sota back."

"Hold that thought. Instead of a battle, how about we have a challenge?"

Sarah narrowed her eyes. "What kind of challenge?"

"Well, I'll bring Sota back to life. . . if. . ."

"If what?" Sarah urged. "I'll do anything."

"If you can survive all the pain that has been inflicted on him."

Sarah balled her fists. "What?"

"If you can survive all of the pain that has been inflicted on Sota from when he arrived at Kira's Castle, then I'll bring him back. I'll heal him. He'll be as good as new," Fate explained.

"But. . . That's not fair!" Sarah protested. "If someone gets hurt that badly, they die! If that wasn't so then what other reason would I be here?!"

"It's your choice alone," Fate shrugged. "I don't care what happens to Sota. He's your love, not mine."

Sarah bit her lip. Damn. . . What do I do. . ? I'll get myself killed if I do this. . . I. . . I at least have to try. I have to try for Sota's sake. Before Sarah could state her answer, she clutched her round belly. A pain continued to fill her body. She winced and fell to her knees.

"If I were you, I'd just let Sota die. The pains that you keep getting are signaling that you're going to give birth soon. And when I say soon, I meanreallysoon," Fate told her. "Just give up."

Sarah, with a grunt, forced herself onto her feet. "Just. . . Just wait a little longer. . ." she softly said to the unborn child within her. "Everything's fine. . . You just need to hang on. . ." Sarah stood up tall and accepted boldly, "Fate, I accept your challenge!"

Fate smirked and shook her head. "Well, I warned you. If something bad happens, then it was your fault, not mine, because you made the decision."

Sarah nodded. "I understand. Let's do this."

"Well," Fate began, "I'll let you know that Sota had a lot of damage placed upon him when he was here. A lot."

Sarah nodded. "Just start however you like." She stood up tall, waiting for the first burst of pain to come.

"Let's see." Fate bit her lip, "What happened first. . ? Oh yes. Sota was slapped hard across the face. We can do that."Fate took a few steps towards Sarah. "You ready to begin?"

Sarah nodded. Fate slapped her across the face firmly, her perfect long nails digging into her cheek. They left marks. "Damn. . ." she shook her head, hoping that it would get rid of some of the pain.

"Did that hurt?"

"Don't mock me," Sarah hissed. "I just want to get this over with. Keep moving."

"As you wish," Fate sighed. "Hey, did you know that after I inflict each injury onto you, the injury on Sota's body heals?"

"If that's so, then keep moving. I won't stop until he's fully healed," Sarah growled.

"Okay. . . Next is when Sota battled Adam. He was kicked in the jaw~" Fate vanished and then reappeared in front of Sarah, the heel of her shoes meeting Sarah's chin. The impact knocked her off of her feet and into the air. "And then he got kicked in the face." Fate quickly appeared in front of Sarah, her foot smacking into her face. Sarah was sent crashing into the ground.

When her body collided with the ground, the wind was knocked out of her. She gasped for breath, slowly sitting up.

"Hmm. . . The next thing is going to be pretty painful. . . Do you still think that you can handle it?"

Sarah nodded. "I'm not giving up so just keep hurting me! I can do this. . . I can do it!"

"He was slashed across the chest." A glistening Keyblade materialized into her hand. "Brace yourself."

When Sarah was slashed across the chest, it felt as if a knife had been planted deeply into her heart. A sudden pressure began to build up in her belly, making her feel as if she was going to burst. She fell to her knees, blood beginning to wet her clothes. Tears brimmed in the corners of her eyes, tears full of pain. With a shaky hand, she placed her hand over her belly, hoping that some of the pain would subside.

"And now for the finale."

Sarah wasn't ready for what was coming next. Fate plunged her Keyblade through Sarah's body, making her eyes widen. The pain came all too quickly, engulfing her body. The tears spilled down her cheeks. Although the horrible pressure she had been feeling before had been released, excruciating pain replaced it. Sarah placed both of her hands over her belly and slumped forward onto the ground, her blood circling around her. Her breathing was starting to grow weaker. She forced her vision to stay clear.

"And the final touch."

Sarah felt Fate slice something onto her cheek.

"Ooh. . . Looks like it wastoo much after all. I'm sorry to say this Sarah. . . But~"

Sarah blocked out Fate's words. Even though she didn't listen, she knew what Fate had told her. Tears streamed down her face and mixed with her blood.

Her child was dead. She should have known from the start that she wouldn't win the battle having saved both her child and lover. Life wasn't that simple. . . Life wasn't that fair. Deep down inside of her heart, she knew that one of them would die, but she didn't want to accept it. Now she had no choice.

"Why. . ?" Sarah choked out, blood following the word. "All I wanted to do. . . was find Sota. . . and bring him home. . . I just wanted. . . to get out of this safely. . . I just wanted. . . wanted Sota and I to have a family. . ." She was sobbing now. "I'm sorry. . . I'm so sorry. . . Please. . . Forgive me. . ."

Fate stood over Sarah, the blood staining her white heels. Fate sighed. "Sometimes I wonder why I do these kinds of things. . . Oh well. . . Sarah, I want you to know that you're the first one who has ever won this challenge. All the others I've challenged either gave up or died long before victory. I have to congratulate you."

Sarah didn't respond. She glanced up, her tear-filled eyes stained with pain. Fate could already see the life disappearing from them. "Congratulations Sarah. Because of you, Sota's alive. . . But, more importantly, so is your child."

The life that had been disappearing suddenly seemed to revive in Sarah's eyes. "W-What. . ? But. . . that wasn't part of the. . ."

"What can I say? I'm merciful sometimes. Your strong will has proven that you're worthy of having another chance." Fate smiled. "I'll heal most of your wounds, but that's it from there. I can't help you after that."

"Thank you. . ." Sarah smiled. She rested her head on the ground. "Thank you so much. . ."

The exhaustion took over Sarah's body and she passed out.

Fate smiled and turned around on her heels. "I look forward to seeing what will happen in the future. . . Sora, huh? Well, he's an interesting one. . ."

Sota blinked his eyes open. All the pain that he had been feeling had subsided and all the wounds that covered his body were gone. It was when he sat up that he noticed Sarah on the ground next to him. "Sarah?" He eyed the slash across her chest and the bruises that covered her body. She let out a groan and then grunted in pain. She clutched her belly, grimacing.

"Sarah? Sarah, what's wrong?" Sota leaned over her. "What happened!?"

She didn't reply, just continued to groan in pain. Sota finally realized that she was unconscious.

"Yo. . . Sota? You aight, man?"

Sota turned, Darren stepping towards him slowly. "Darren? Yeah, I'm fine. . ."

"You's wasn't 'fore yo. You was bleedin' out. . . Sarah was beside ya, but then she kinda jus' slumped over to the side after awhile. . . She the ones who 'as the wounds now. . . You's all 'ealed up."

Sota blinked and then focused back onto Sarah. "What did you do. . ?" he slowly asked her, knowing that she couldn't hear him.

Once again, Sarah groaned in pain.

"Yo, was wrong with 'er, yo?" Darren asked, noticing the change in her expression.

"Uh. . ." Sota bit his lip. He honestly didn't know. Finally, something clicked in his brain and he figured it out. "Oh no. . . She's. . . She's about to give birth!" Sota panicked. "She's in labor!"

"Labor? Yo, I didn't know Sarah worked," Darren replied.

"Not that kind of labor! She's about to have the baby!"

"Yo, what?! We gotta do somethin'! Ya know 'ow to birth a kid?"

"No! We-We have to do something! Anything! Darren, what should we do!?"

"You askin' me? 'ow the 'ell am I s'posed to know?!"

"We have to get her back to the hospital! Darren, we have to go now!" Sota quickly took Sarah in his arms bridal style. He ignored her heavy weight and turned to the direction of the forest. "Anthony said that there's a keyhole that will take us back to the college. That's our ticket out of here! Darren, let's go!"

"But what 'bout Bardroy an~"

"Just grab them too and get moving! I'll go on ahead!" Sota charged off into the forest, disappearing into the blackness.

Darren blinked and quickly ran back over where Runea and Bardroy were lying. Miranda stood, a confused and frightened look on her face. "Where's he going?"

"'e's takin' the lead with Sarah. You's comin' with me. We's followin' 'im," Darren explained. He hoisted Bardroy onto his back and then advanced over to Runea. Just as he went to pick her up, she groaned and opened her eyes slightly.

"Darren? Is that you. . ? What. . . What happened?" she questioned, slowly sitting up.

"You's got knocked out," Darren told her. "Ya got quite a bump on the top of ya 'ead. I can carry ya to the hospital."

Runea seemed to stare into space for a few moments. Darren blinked, "Yo Runea? Can ya 'ear me?"

Runea looked Darren in the eyes. "Yeah. Don't worry, I can walk. There's no need for you to carry me. . ." Runea gasped. "Bardroy! Darren, what happened?!"

"'e was shot yo," Darren answered. "That why we hurrin' to the hospital. I was shot too yo. Sota already wen' 'head with Sarah. She's about to 'ave 'er baby."

Runea lowered her head. "Oh please, please let the baby be all right."

"It'll be fine, yo." Darren put his hand on Runea's shoulder. "Don't worry."

Runea smiled. "I know Darren. Sarah will be fine. You should go on ahead. Get Bardroy to the hospital. I'll catch up."

"Ya sure?" Darren asked.

Runea nodded and smiled reassuringly. "I just want to catch my breath. Take Miranda and go."

Darren nodded. "Aight, yo. See ya later. Be careful."

"You should follow your own advice," Runea muttered as Darren ran off. She waited until he disappeared into the forest before she turned around and quickly ran over to Joshua's aid.

Anthony leaned against the wall, sliding down to the ground afterward, a smearing of blood left behind him. From where he was sitting, he watched as Runea healed Joshua. He smiled and closed his eyes. Looks like I'm not the only one who cares for Josh. . . At least I know that he'll survive this. . . Can't say the same thing for me though. . .

"Anthony! Anthony!"

Anthony narrowly opened his eyes and looked back over to where Runea was with Joshua. He saw her Keyblade thrust above her head, pointing to the dark sky.

A sudden warmth spread over Anthony's body, a green light beginning to float around him. The blood that was soaking through his clothes was now gone and the wounds had all been closed. Anthony sighed and managed a weak smile.

He saw Runea smile back at him, wave good-bye, and then quickly run off.

Anthony rested his head against the stone wall of the castle and then let himself slip off into a deep sleep.