Summary: When Carly, Sam, and Freddie buy a new video game from a shady shop, just how crazy will things get when they try to play it?

Disclaimer: I wish I could come up with the genius that is these two fandoms ;_; But Dan Schneider and Tetsuya Nomaru already did that. I only own this story that combines them both.

iFight For the Light: Chapter 10

Alright, this is getting a little old. Someone has to say something. "Freddie?" I ask lowly, curiously.

After a pause, he speaks. "She was right," he says so low I almost can't hear him.

Suddenly, I'm reminded of his conversation with Valerie. But that was just a dream, right? I shake my head. I know I couldn't have heard what I thought I heard. "What?"

"I said, she was right," he repeated while turning around. Freddie's glaring at me harder than ever. "Valerie was right!"

"Valerie?!" I ask, surprise evident in my tone. I can feel Gibby and Shane's shocked eyes on me.

"She said you'd forgotten all about us—that you had new best friends, that you were just lying." His voice got softer. "I didn't want to believe her," he said, shaking his head slightly. "But she was right, Sam! You know, I should've seen it sooner; you've never been hard to read."

Each word cut like a dagger, and I fought to keep my voice steady as all my rage, anger…pain bubbled to the surface. "Obviously I am hard to read, Freddork! Because that's all a lie! We're working on searching for Carly and—"

"Really?" he interrupts, completely disbelieving. "Is that what you call having chats with friends in little safe houses and jumping off of buildings? 'Cause I'd just call it wasting time!"

"We were trying to seal the keyhole to this world so that no more darkness could get into it, you idiot!" I yell back. This is another one of those "pure anger" moments, and I don't like it one bit. But this time, there's no Carly to stop the fighting. There's no Carly to give us a time-out. There's no tree house for me to hide in and no waterfall to sing to me 'til I'm calm again.

"You were trying to block the darkness?" Freddie asks in his rage. "Why would you try to shun what just helped me find your best friend?" At this, he stepped aside to reveal Carly sitting on the floor. Her eyes were trance-ish, glazed over, dead—just like back on the island.

"Carly!" I called out. I wanted to reach for her but Freddie just stood in the way again and threw my outstretched hand back at me. Oh, that was it. I was going to beat his nerd butt to the ground. I stood right in his face, but he just glared down back at me. I bared my teeth, but even that had no effect.

"Or should I say ex-best friend?" He tilted his head and spoke with mock concern in his voice. "What's the matter, Sam? Got tired of having a conscience?"

"That's not it at all, Freddie!" I yelled, my voice slightly tinged with unintentional desperation. "Come on! You know that!" I noticed then that my voice was pleading. But why? I shouldn't be pleading. I should be kicking his butt all around the floor for what he said to me—about me. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. Why?

"You know what? I'm sick of your lies," he called back, his face so close it was almost touching mine. I just continued to stare. I couldn't break this time, even though my glare felt weaker than normal—tainted by some emotion that I didn't want. He finally walked backward and away from me. "Here, why don't I give you another new friend to play with?" he suggested as he snapped his fingers.

Instantly, I was face-to-face with my shadow. I couldn't help myself from being shocked—from being speechless as my dark reflection stared back at me, smirking.

I heard Gibby and Shane gasp from behind me. "He gave into the darkness!" Gibby yelled. "No wonder I had a bad feeling about him!"

"Freddie, dude!" Shane called, as if trying to reclaim his old friend from whatever dark emotion now clouded his mind. "What the hell?!" he asked, unable to contain himself.

But Freddie never took his concentration off of me. "Nothing left to say, Sam?" he asked. "Finally accepted the truth?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't. What would I say? What could I say? I just stared, blankly.

"Good," he ended. Then, Freddie reached down to pick up Carly as a swirling portal of darkness appeared behind him. "Now I have more important places to be—more important things to do. Like saving the one I really care about."

I thought I had been numbed by his words from before—that that was it and I wouldn't feel anymore—but I was proved wrong. His last sentence stung me, and I found it really difficult to hold back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes.

"Do me a favor," Freddie said while backing into the portal. "Don't follow," his echoed, now-seemingly-disembodied voice called from the darkness.

And then with the portal, he was gone.

My gaze fell, and my whole body threatened to give-out on me. I wonder if this is what getting beaten up feels like. I wouldn't know—I was always on the other end of that whole thing. But now…I'd never felt this helpless—this weak.

I was letting myself fall. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I was falling and guarding myself off with barriers of my own thoughts and memories. How could things have gotten this bad?

Suddenly, Gibby and Shane broke through the icy cage of my sadness, their voices lifting me high up off the ground as they called my name in warning. And I lifted my head and keyblade just in time to block an attack from my shadow.

This fight was going to be easy, I decided. And I even told Gibby and Shane that when they offered to help me. But, please, I was fighting myself. I think I know my own weaknesses.

But that ended up being the problem. I knew myself—I knew my weaknesses, but so did the shadow. The shadow also knew my fighting style, and used a different one to fight for itself. The shadow's fighting style used a lot of moves I wasn't familiar with, not to mention how it occasionally sank into the ground and attacked me from behind.

I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't go on fighting. As I began to fall, two bodies crashed into me—rushed me and grabbed my arms. They sat me on a bench, and I recognized Gibby's voice when he called out to heal me and then rushed into battle.

Shane patted me on the shoulder, and I looked up weakly at him. He smiled. "We'll take it from here, okay?" He didn't wait for an answer. I don't think he would've taken "No" anyway.

As I was left by myself on the bench, I felt my eyes sting as the tears I had held back from before broke through any walls of defense that I had still standing. And they weren't just the tears from now. I hadn't allowed myself to cry back on the Destiny Islands when Freddie disappeared, and I hadn't allowed myself to cry when I'd exited Principal Franklin's swamp. And I hadn't cried just now—just now when Freddie's words, and his face, and his tone took my soaring spirit and sent it crashing down to earth; just now when he'd broken me and all my exhilaration—broken me and all my hope.

So that's why I cried. Because I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I wasn't strong enough to take all this emptiness, and all this change, and all this hurt.

Gibby might've healed me, but I still felt weaker than ever before. Principal Franklin's speech echoed through my head—about keeping Freddie and Carly in my heart. Sure I had kept Freddie in my heart, but right now, in reality, he was gone. He didn't want to be in my memories. And that definitely hurt—definitely made me feel one step closer to being completely alone.

But then, I looked up to the fray happening before me. I saw Gibby and Shane and they were destroying the darkness—they were winning. The struggle actually brought a smile to my face.

Suddenly, I remembered Freddie's last words before he left—how he told us not to follow him—and there was that same strange background tone to his voice that he had had on the island. On the island where he had asked me to be his light in the darkness.

It was then that I knew what we had to do.

But as I was about to stand—to rejoin the fray—ringing filled my ears. I realized now that it was the ringing of the bell in my head. And I fell back facing the emptiness of the now starless sky 'til nothing but pure darkness filled my sight and I slipped away from consciousness.

The next thing I know, I'm standing again, but at least this time I know what's happening—I'm seeing another conversation between Freddie and Valerie. Only this time, I have no idea where this is taking place.

It's all dark around us. And when I say "dark," I mean just about pitch black. There are no lamps or lanterns or anything. There's this distinct "castle" feel to the place I'm in now, so I know we're not in Traverse Town. Traverse Town is pretty medieval, but it's still too modern for castles.

Freddie's on the ground panting in front of Valerie. She's just standing there, staring at him. She's not trying to do something to help him or anything! How could he have believed her over me? I mean, I know I've been a mess of a friend in the past, but if Freddork looked like that, there'd be no doubt I would him. He should've known that. Stupid nub.

"Freddie," she finally speaks, her tone stern. "You must not abuse your powers of darkness like that. If you do, it will swallow your heart. And you will lose yourself forever."

"But what do I do?" he asks desperately through shallow breaths. "I still need to be stronger than this. This isn't enough!"

"Well," Valerie gives a Cheshire Cat grin. "What you really need to do is unlock your true potential."

Oh no…what does this kook have planned for him next?

Freddie's breathing's back to normal and he looks up at her. "How?" he asks, and I have this horrible sensation of déjà vu.

Stop it, you moron! Erg! You all have no idea just how badly I want to yell at this kid! Has he lost his mind? I mean, really, Fredward.

Valerie lets out a sickening giggle. "Stand up, Freddie," she commands with all the morbid cheer in the universe in her voice.

The stupid, crazy nub stands like she says to. She extends a hand and suddenly he's glowing green with some sort of energy. He just stays there with his arms outstretched and head back, sucking it all in.

Valerie's grin grows wider but Freddie's looking frustrated—pained. He's still standing there, though!

"Move out of the way, you stupid dork!" I yell, and to my surprise, I think he hears me. 'Cause just before my eyes flashed open, I swear I saw his head shoot back up.

I instantly jolt up into a sitting position. My heart and breath are racing, and I turn to see someone next to me.

I almost let my fist fly at the guy when I notice that it's Rodney. He's got his hands up in a peaceful motion. "Easy there, kiddo," he says in a soothing tone. "Gibby!" he calls over his shoulder. "Fetch me that bottle right there, will ya?"

"This one?" Gibby calls back.

Rodney holds up his index finger to me and then turns around. "Yeah, that's the one."

Gibby walks over with it and hands it to Rodney. My old friend who goes by another name pours me a glass of the liquid that's inside the bottle and then pushes it over to me. "There. It's a potion. A strong one. Heard you got quite a beat-down out there, Sam."

"Yeah," I mutter, taking the glass. "Both physically and emotionally."

It's silent and I turn around as I down the glass of liquid. Shane and Gibby are both averting their gazes, sadness written all over them.

Breaking the ice, I ask louder, "Where are we?"

Rodney puts his hands in his pockets. "The upper-part of my shop," he answers. "Heard you been passin' out a lot there, kid."

I'm not in the mood to play around right now. I don't laugh and I don't smile. All I do is reply in the most serious tone manageable. "I have to tell you what I saw."

Everyone's still for a second, but after that silent pause, Rodney nods. And I told him everything I "dreamt"—everything I saw, everything I heard, and everything I felt.

Rodney sighs after I finish talking. "Sounds like Hollow Bastion."

"What's Hollow Bastion?" Shane asks slowly.

"The place where we suspected might be the base for all of this heartless stuff." He nods. "Look guys, were you able to seal the keyhole here?"

Gibby and Shane's faces scrunch with guilt. "No," the shirtless one answers regretfully. "Sam passed out before she could."

"Alright," Rodney nods again. "You three go do that. I'll go get Spencer and the others. Meet us by the big doors here in the first district, okay?"

I nod. "Sure, Rodney."

He stands and heads for the door. Once he opens it, he turns around. "And be careful out there, kids. It's gonna be a rough trip."

He wasn't kidding. The heartless we faced on our way back to the keyhole had to have been the toughest we've ever seen. Well, maybe. Probably not as tough as the big suit of armor we had to fight but you get the picture.

As soon as we got to the now-changed fountain, I lifted my keyblade, as Spencer said I should. Suddenly, everything began to glow and a beam of light shot from the tip of the key turning the once hollow keyhole solid.

I smiled. "We did it."

Shane nodded. "Yeah, I was a bit nervous at that one point, though. Man, thank goodness we've got Gibby with us, right?"

Gibby laughed. "Dude, what are you talking about?" he asked, waving a hand. "What about that thing you did where you spun around like a top and hit all those heartless down?"

"Yeah!" I tacked on. "And what about that one time where you two were reminiscing about stuff that happened about five minutes ago and then I totally kicked both of your butts because you were wasting time we didn't have?"

Shane furrowed his eyebrows. "I don't remember that…"

I let my face fill with mock amazement. "I must've seen the future!"

Gibby and Shane's eyes went wide with panic. Yeah, they knew how I could be.

I grinned. "The future, it's coming…now!"

Instantly they took off into a run back to the first district. Gibby screamed while he ran, but I laughed while I did. For some reason, I just had a good feeling running through me. It was probably due to the sudden absence of heartless in Traverse Town. It felt good to just be able to run free, and everything like that.

We came to a halt when we were approaching the big doors Rodney said we'd all meet by and saw what looked like a giant van with wings on it. "Whooooa, momma, what is that?" I asked.

"That," Spencer began, grinning. "Is your Gummi ship that will be flying you three to Hollow Bastion."

"The coordinates are already set," said Rodney, who shrugged while his hands remained in his pockets. "All you guys gotta do is get in and turn the thing on."

"Cool!" Gibby remarked jumping inside. "This thing has everything! It's got an instant sandwich maker! How awesome is that?"

Shane peered in the doorway. "Is that an interspatial capacitor?" he asked in astonishment, making his way inside.

Rodney nodded, walking over. "Yep," he laughed. "Nothing but the best for this thing." Rodney clapped a hand onto the Gummi ship and beamed proudly.

"Guys," I smiled. "How can I ever thank you?"

Shannon giggled. "Well, you could at least wait until we're done giving you gifts to figure that out."

"There's more?" Gibby asked enthusiastically as he poked his head out of the door.

"Mmhmm," nodded Mrs. Benson. "We're each going to touch our hands to the Gummi and give you a gift from deep in our hearts to help you along the rest of your journey."

Shannon beamed brightly and friendly. "A part of ourselves."

Shane stuck his head out, too, to see the gift giving. But that's when I noticed that someone was missing from the group. "Where's Pri—?" I wasn't even able to get half of the question out before Principal Franklin appeared before us.

"Sorry I'm late," he gave a frank nod. "I had to deal with an angry fairy godmother." Ted then turned to me and smiled warmly. "I'm glad I was able to make it in time to see you off, though."

"You're more in time than you think, Merlin," Spencer replies. "We're just about to give her our last gifts."

"Oh! Good!" Principal Franklin exclaims happily.

Rodney nods and starts off, putting his hand to the side of the Gummi. "For your journey, I give you the gift of stealth." Immediately, the place where his hand was began to glow a bright and shimmering orange.

"I give you the gift of strength," Spencer said, touching the Gummi and lighting it red.

"I give you the gift of agility!" Mrs. Benson said excitedly as she placed her palm on the Gummi's side. Her spot glowed a bright green.

Shannon smiled genuinely and warmly. "For your journey, I give you the gift of health." As Shannon placed her hand on the Gummi, the whole area turned a light pink.

"And finally," Principal Franklin spoke in his deep and authoritative voice. "I give you the gift of knowledge on your journey." When Ted put his hand on the ship, the whole thing glowed a sky blue.

We said pretty normal goodbyes to everyone. I fist-pounded with Rodney, though he kind of had no idea what I was doing, and gave Spencer a pat on the back. I only waved to Shannon and then stuck my tongue out at Mrs. Benson. But when I got to Principal Franklin, I gave him a hug. What? He gave me that motivational speech that kept me going. Without him, I wouldn't have been so anxious to continue through this place. I might've just stayed here in Traverse Town and not cared at all when Freddie insulted me. Okay, maybe I'm over exaggerating, but what I'm trying to say is that he really helped me.

Ted was even a bit surprised by the hug, but he just squeezed back and smiled. When we broke the hug, he left a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You can do this, Samantha," he said with not a hint of doubt in his voice. "I know you. You can overcome anything. And as long as you keep your friends in your heart, you will definitely be able to get them back." When I frowned, he tacked on, "Even Freddie. Don't be so quick to dismiss him, Sam. There may be more to his actions than meets the eye."

I felt my mouth lift into an uncontrollable smile. That whole warm glow overtook me again and I slowly walked towards the Gummi. Before getting inside, I waved everyone a quick goodbye again.

"Sam," Ted called again.

I looked back to him.

"And miles to go before you sleep?" he asked, smiling brightly.

I couldn't help but beam and nod. "And miles to go before I sleep, Principal Franklin."

And then we were off, with no idea of what lay ahead of us, or what we were about to face. Only one thing was for sure—if we kept the ones we loved and cared about in our hearts, there was nothing we couldn't do.

--

AN: There we go! Chapter 10 is done with. Are you guys feeling antsy about the stuff coming up? I've had it all planned for a while and I can't wait to write it for you all! Thank you so much again for your kind reviews! I'm so glad you all liked last chapter, and I hope you all like this one. Sorry if some parts were…eh. (I usually think that and then everyone ends up liking it anyway .) But yeah. Can't wait to hear your responses to this stuff!

-Fictions