Author's Note: Alright, so first…I am sorry this took so long. I have been on-and-off editing this due to a number of things; work (as always this time of year); my grandfather being hospitalized five times in the span on one month for a minimum of three days at the time (and having to help my sister watch my grandmother with Alzheimer's); my best friend coming in from out of state (which happens twice a year, this time while my grandfather was hospitalized) and wanting to read my FFVII Fic "In the Archives" (which, if you're a FFVII fan, and a Turks/Reno fan in particular, you should DEFINITELY look into…it's by far my favorite thing I've ever written. EVER.).
…Yeah, it's been a stressful month. I am so very sorry this took so long to post. Since I only have two chapters and an epilogue to post, I will be finishing this story, just so you know. I just have to finish editing them, lol. I am hoping to have the next chapter up in two weeks; however, this is our busiest time of year at work (as my manager puts it, it's Christmas in August, just with less employees working). I'm not going to lie to you; I really want to get this up in two weeks, but I can't make any guarantees. I suppose the good news is that it will eventually be posted!
That being said, enjoy Chapter Ten – part one of the two-part epic fight for Kingdom Hearts.
Chapter Ten
A chilly breeze shuddered across the wasteland, dust churning in a haze before their vision. Barren earth stretched as far as the eye could see, cliffs hung in the distance like the lazy plumes of clouds above. Gliders erupted in light as the group of six landed in the badlands, and their armor dissipated. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Lea stepped forward, Sora and Luci close behind. The others hesitated, and finally it was Ven that spoke up.
"I never thought…I'd be back here again," he said quietly, eyes studying the cracks beneath his feet. Terra gazed distantly across the wasteland, eyes dipping into craters and climbing the towering cliffs as he studied the land. His features were stern and unwavering, but uneasiness lingered in his eyes as he gave a soft nod.
"…It was so long ago," he replied, voice almost a whisper. A cool breeze drifted past them, and he closed his eyes. "I was stupid then…I let him use me. But…no more… He'll pay for what he did to the Master – and to us." Aqua smiled to herself; in the past, his anger would have concerned her. But…it was different now. Hate and rage fed his darkness, but this was neither. Light sprouted in the darkness, and he only longed for closure – to set everything right again.
And yet…heaviness hung in her heart. This place…held so many terrible memories. It was the last time she'd seen them before she had fallen to darkness. Before they'd all been lost. And she'd learned that Terra had helped strike down the Master, and that Ven was supposed to forge a legendary weapon. And despite all of the years they'd lost…that weapon still distanced them.
"…the χ-blade…" she said distantly, and fingers squeezed around the Wayfinder in her hand. "We can't let darkness win." Her voice was firm, and Lea nodded. He turned, crossing the desolate path that lead up to a peak. They approached the height of the ground, overlooking a desolate badland that seemed unsettling quiet. Below them, a crater dipped beneath rocky surface, and an obscuring mist drifted up from the edges. It was darkness that swirled in the distance, creating a barrier.
"…It has to be him…" Luci said quietly. "It has to be the King." She looked up to Lea, fiery red framing emerald eyes that gazed across the landscape. They were unyielding and battle-hardened, glistening with some unknown distance; and yet, fear seemed to flicker behind bright green as he studied the land before him. Wordlessly, he activated his Keyblade Armor, light rushing across their dimmed surroundings as bronze formed over him in a thick second-skin. White drowned her vision for a moment, and the other guardians donned their own armor. She hesitated, activating her own Keyblade armor as she silently wondered if Lea had called it only to hide the dread that hung heavily across his features.
"Let's go save King Mickey," Sora said finally, peering over the side of the ledge. It was steep, but not too far from the wasteland below. He leapt, breath caught in his chest like being held underwater before metal finally scraped over stone. The brunette stumbled to catch his footing, quickly signaling the others it was safe. They followed obediently, dust kicking to the air like a sandstorm. Wordlessly, they approached the dark aura – the cage. Light flickered, and Sora was certain he saw a Keyblade moving behind it.
"Mickey?!" Luci called into the shield of darkness, and the group listened intently.
"…Luci?!" came the response, shrill and squeaked.
"King Mickey!" Sora cried, reaching a hand towards the aura.
"Don't touch it!" Lea snapped quickly as he pulled Sora backwards.
"He's right, Sora," Mickey said. "It'll swallow you up if you do. Master Xehanort created this barrier. His darkness is strong…stronger now than it was before."
"How do we break it?" Aqua asked quietly.
"…Master Aqua…?" Mickey realized, voice almost silent. "Is that…is that you?"
"It is," she beamed. "Terra and Ven…we're all here."
"Gosh, I'm so glad y'all are all safe!" he said. "Me and Master Yen Sid…we tried so hard to find you!" The three exchanged looks, warm and grateful. "But…breaking it isn't easy. We have to all pull together and break the seal all at the same time, using our Keyblades."
"Using…the light?" Sora asked, watching glittering flecks of light, like falling shards of glass, fade as Lea called the Fiery Waltz.
"Mm-hm," the King hummed, "Exactly. But…once you break the barrier, Master Xehanort will know you're here. Be careful!"
"All seven lights…" Lea realized absently, almost anxiously. "Let's get this over with." The darkness trembled as they called their weapons. Side by side, the Keyblades rose, light resonating from the tips. Through the darkness, a light shown through weakly as the King lifted his own weapon. Suddenly, it burst, and beams pierced the aura before them. Warmth blistered past, kicking up dust as they squinted. White glistened across metal as it erupted, extinguishing the Realm of Darkness for a moment as it broke through the barrier. The wind died, and so did the light that had surrounded them. A chill brushed them as the dust settled, and Luci offered the King a hand as he climbed from the crater.
"C'mon," he beamed. "Let's put an end to this." White radiated from him as he activated his own Keyblade armor. Brass, accented with silver, coated him as the light dissipated once more, and the group trekked across the wasteland, armor donned and Keyblades ready. The ground had leveled into an open battlefield, a cool breeze creating a screen of dust across the rows of broken Keyblades. A single plateau rose stories above them, the highest point across the graveyard. Cobalt eyes studied the sight from beneath the visor, and Sora swallowed against the lump in his throat. Through the haze, seven figures approached.
The elder stood in their center, hands clasped behind his back and hunched forward slightly. Amber eyes cut through even at a distance, and a smirk lingered across his lips. To any unknowing, he might appear to be frail in his age, but the seven knew better; he was agile and powerful – a cunning Master never to be underestimated. To one side, his longtime conspirator stood tall, his eye glistening with ambition. Another incarnation of Xehanort stood to Xigbar's side, older but still young enough to hold youthful features; no doubt a vessel of Xehanort after he was named a Master. He stood tall beside the hooded vessel, whose eyes flashed beneath his shroud and a barely-visible tuft of silver.
Hearts sank as they realized who stood to the Master's other side; silver locks draped his face, citrine gleaming emotionlessly beneath them. His gaze was empty – lingering somewhere between the battlefield and his opposition. Sora swallowed hard against the dryness that clung to his mouth as the icy gaze met his own.
"Riku…" he whimpered quietly, the name prying itself free. It landed soundlessly on the bitter air, and he allowed his eyes to fall. To his longtime friend's side, the youngest incarnation of Xehanort sneered, standing arrogantly as he walked. On the other end stood another hooded vessel, a little shorter than the other, but equally confident. Their eyes locked – though the vessel's were just barely visible beneath its shroud, a pang resonated against Sora's heart; an ache…distant…remorse? They stopped across from each other; shattered Keyblades scattering the ground between them like lingering memories.
"For too long, I have awaited this fated day, where light and darkness would collide," the aged Master began. Throaty words hung on stale air like poison, a cool silence laced between them. "Keyblades will clash, to forge a weapon of ancient and incomparable power – the χ-blade. I spent a lifetime calculating, planning, and ensuring every detail was set, the pieces of the puzzle perfectly in line with the next. The seven hearts of pure lights have been harvested, and everything is set in motion." The wind whirled suddenly, gusting across the figures and creating a sandstorm between them. Despite the rush, words still pierced the air unhindered.
"Light and darkness will become one, and I will open the door…to Kingdom Hearts! I will cast away the broken and imbalanced world, and create the New World. One of both darkness and light. All that remains…is to forge the χ-blade!" Darkness shuddered, and Keyblades appeared to their sides. The guardians followed suit, light breaking through the haze.
Vessels raced past their Master, charging the seven as the battle commenced. The guardians defended, rushing to make the most of the first attacks. Metal sparked across the field, shrieking and clattering as Keyblades crossed. The Kingdom Key met pale metal as Sora clashed with Xigbar. His eye gleamed with ambition, and he pushed the brunette back. Violet light burst from the tip, the darkness cutting through thick air as it streaked towards the guardian. Magic met magic, and the Firaga exploded as they made contact. Flecks of hot ash caught in the wind and extinguished, and he faintly caught the scent of smoke. The brunette whirled sharply, and Lea turned from him, engaging in his own battle. He leapt upward, dodging the younger Master's swing and landed gracefully behind him. Feet shuffled as the Fiery Waltz slash wildly through the air, and it clanged as it met steel.
"Lea!" Mickey called, and the redhead whirled sharply. Light burst before him in the nick of time, intercepting the dark magic. The King jumped into the battle, brass flickering with sparks as he landed behind Lea to face the hooded vessel. Keyblades crossed, and the young Master matched the redhead's move; light flashed before bronze, and Lea winced as the powerful clash nearly broke his guard. From nowhere, the Wayward Wind cut through the battle, and the young Master leapt backward from the sudden interference. It boomeranged back, and clanged as Ven caught it with expert timing. Lea sent him a silent gratitude, and Ventus charged the young Master. Sparks flashed as they collided, and Ventus leapt back, Xehanort close behind him. A second vessel approached the redhead, and Lea accepted the challenge of the hooded vessel.
Gracefully, the vessel dodged the redhead's assault, summoning its own Keyblade. Lea's heart leapt, skipping a beat as glitters of light revealed the silver Keyblade. He stole a quick glance over his shoulder, eyes finding the Kingdom Key – and its wielder. Breath shuddered over his lips, and suddenly he recognized the vessel. Empty, void of the emotion Xemnas claimed she could never feel. The redhead inhaled, turning back to his opponent; she wasn't his friend, then. At least, not here – not now. She had been Xemnas' puppet, an empty shell once the fragment of Sora's soul had found Roxas. Boots scuffed over barren soil, smudges of taupe staining the bottom of her cloak as dirt clung to the fabric. Lea charged, not holding back.
It wasn't her. Not anymore.
Mickey charged the other cloaked vessel, unhesitating and resilient. Polished gold struck the deep vermillion and the Kind hesitated; he knew this weapon. It was once his friend's – once Riku's. Briefly, the realization struck him, almost paralyzing as beady eyes searched the battle field; saffron eyes hardened beneath furrowed brows as the Way to Dawn shrieked against bronze, audible despite the distance. What irony; Riku dueled the very person who gave him his light – his Keyblade. Quickly, Mickey's mind scurried back to his own battle, and he ducked beneath the Soul Eater.
Though two separate battles, the pair of hooded vessels worked in tandem; like a rehearsed dance, choreographed to the last motion. The redhead staggered backwards as he tried to defend, parry, block the quick movements, and Mickey rolled to the side as he dodged a fluid strike. Both Keyblades glowed with a plum light, and darkness radiated across the weapons as the darkness erupted. Thinking quick, Lea raised a hand to knock it out with Fire Magic, but sudden light burst before him. He took a quick glance behind him as Aqua shuffled back from a quick strike from the youngest incarnation of Xehanort.
Rainfell crossed the Ethereal Time as she focused on the battle before her. Bright blue glimmered across the visor of her helm as it streaked passed, and she ducked beneath the swing. It cut through the air above her, wind howling quietly in its wake. Seizing her opportunity, the Keyblade cut swiftly through the air, and landed across him. The vessel stumbled backward, boots scuffing the ground as he caught his footing, and smirked arrogantly as he realized he'd underestimated the guardian. She sent a spell towards him, and the Blizzaga blew through the air. The vessel shielded, ice splintering through the sky. Taking advantage of the cover, the youngest Xehanort slid behind a veil of darkness, disappearing. She whirled, expecting him to rise behind her. Quickly, she turned again; like an animal, hunted and trapped.
Darkness struck her suddenly, the blast throwing her from her feet. Rock scraped metal, hissing as she slid to a stop. The blow cracked her visor, and the fractured image of the vessel stepped closer. The Chained Blindness whirled past, the Strike Raid hitting its mark as it struck the incarnation. He stumbled backward, and Luci landed between them as Aqua stood. Suddenly, light streaked the wasteland; battles halted briefly, silence – eerie and unsure as she winced.
The Fiery Waltz and the Key of the Kingdoms radiated white. Like a floodlight, light swept over them, masking the hooded vessels. For a moment, they were suspended in that light, wind shrieking in hollow ears; but it faded, figures fading with it. A pair of lingering hearts flickered like weak candle flames as they drifted upward and extinguished. Muffled noises reached her ears, soles crunching on loose dirt; pewter caught her eye and metal scraped noisily as she narrowly moved in time. Aqua lost her footing from the sneak attack, stumbling as she crashed to the rocky ground.
Footsteps scuffled in sandy soil, metal clanging and scraping behind her. Eyes found the scene through her cracked visor, and hands tore the broken image away. Terra had intercepted the young Master, and she let out a breath, though the scent of dried earth lingered over her tastebuds. Feet scraped the ground behind her, and the guardian turned quickly; blue metal crashed against her Rainfell, sparks catching on fierce eyes as her gaze locked on his. The young Xehanort smirked, almost satisfactory, and leapt back from her guard. Nearby, light caught over ebon metal, and she caught a glimpse of The Wayward Wind as it streaked past her. Pale metal blocked the attack, the weapon ricocheting like a boomerang. An ambitious grin tugged at chapped lips as Ven approached him.
"Ha, that same angry look," Xigbar chuckled. Metal screeched as he parried another strike, matching the guardian's moves. Darkness shot past him, and Ven leapt aside to dodge it. Thinking quick, the vessel quickly lunged; a crooked Keyblade guarded the swift attack, though Xigbar took pleasure. A wild smirk contorted his expression, eye gleaming like a hungry predator glimpsing fresh prey. Smothering his anxiousness, Ven swung, lunging towards him; darkness rushed before him, Keyblade slicing through the vaporous ringlets. It whirled, howling quietly behind him, and the guardian took another swing. Gold flashed and darkness gusted, only air meeting metal. Ears pricked, catching the whispering howl behind him. Suddenly his body ran cold, senses submerged beneath icy water. Drowning, like being held beneath the surface – smothered. He felt himself falling, his body suddenly heavy; the distant, hollow sound of metal clattering against the barren soil tugged at his senses – either his Keyblade or his body, though both were vague and fading.
"Ven!" Aqua called, the light drawing her from her own battle. She ran, stumbling like a child learning to walk. Her vision tunneled and sweat beaded over her brow; she could hear the footsteps behind her, knew he was close on her heels. Suddenly, metal screamed, and she whirled quickly. Periwinkle eyes found the brass-clad guardian as he caught his Keyblade; the King had intercepted the youthful wielder. Turning, she staggered to a stop next to her fallen comrade, metal knees scraping into stone as she collapsed beside him. Water swelled in her eyes, nipping at her vision; Xigbar chuckled at the Master's emotional reaction, and he dodged her swift blow.
"You are down one guardian," the young Xehanort scoffed. Brows furrowed behind his visor, and he said nothing as he charged the other. "The first of seven to fall!" Metal scraped, and he knocked the King to the side.
"And you're down by eight!" the King jested, and amber flickered with fury; the King was right, after all: the battle raged with five against six, odds in the favor of the guardians. The Ethereal Time sliced thick air, and Mickey rolled out of the way; it hissed as it collided with rock. Dust settled into the wind, and the mouse stood, dodging another quick swipe. Feet skidded on dirt as he landed at a distance and fierce eyes landed on the youngest Xehanort. The King was agile, but so was the vessel he fought. A smirk slithered over pale lips, and in a moment saffron disappeared behind a veil of darkness. Mickey hesitated, ears pricked, waiting, listening…intent…
With no warning, the Keyblade fell, and the King slammed to the ground. His helm rolled off, cracked metal framing a splintered visor. Mickey staggered to his feet, exerted limbs drunken beneath his weight, and eyes search for golden yellow in the haze before him. Wind howled behind him, and he turned sharply; black blurred in his vision, streaked with blue and pale silver as the blow threw him back to the ground. Those brilliant sunstones loomed over him, gazing down arrogantly at the defeated guardian. Mickey reached sorely for the Key of the Kingdoms; it shuddered in light, reappearing in his fingertips. But the guardian knew he didn't have the strength to deflect. Distantly, he heard Sora call his name, but the syllables were faint and muffled.
"And now, you are down by two," he smirked. Amber gleamed with satisfaction, and he could vaguely make out the Keyblade above him. Metal hissed miles away from him, and he hoped Sora would intercept the darkness in time. Lids forced themselves open wearily, and light danced across ice-blue. It plunged, though the contact was painless; his racing heart felt cold, and veins swam with static.
"Mickey!" Sora called, trying to free himself from his own battle. He dodged a strike from the Omen of Malevolence, and leapt backwards. He turned quickly, only hoping he wasn't too late to save him. Cerulean gleamed with light as the heart glimmered over the fallen guardian, and Sora's own fell to the pit of his stomach. Even the King had fallen…this battle was hopeless! Suddenly, pewter caught the light, and The Shadow Keeper shrieked as it crossed the Kingdom Key.
"It is inevitable," Master Xehanort retorted, pewter hissing across silver as he drew free from the guard. He stepped back, Keyblade to his side, and smirked. Amber eyes gleamed, and Sora felt his heart shudder behind his armor. It was him…the great Master Xehanort. The one that had thrown worlds to darkness – had taken his best friends' hearts. "For the χ-blade to be formed, only one can remain."
"It won't be you!" Sora yelled, and he charged the Master. He chuckled at the youth's optimism, but guarded his strike with ease. The brunette whirled, and the Kingdom Key sliced through tense air. One-handedly, the Master blocked the blow, feet planted firmly against the mild threat. Teeth ground like grinding metal as Sora tried to match the other's skill, but knew that this challenge would not end well. He parried a fierce strike, arms quivering against the force and he knew that the Master would be too much to face alone. Sudden darkness rushed before him, plum bursting before his eyes. Metal clattered against him as the armor scrapped rocky terrain, and dust settled around him. The visor shattered, and one eye remained shielded behind the other half. Weakly, Sora struggled to get to his feet, knowing that the Master's footsteps were ever-nearing.
"Xehanort!" Bronze flashed before him, and the Ends of the Earth pierced the ground between them. Amber studied the weapon knowingly, and a smirk flitted across his face. Silence seemed to sink over them as the armored figure approached, uneasy tension heavy in musty air. Sora stood, eyes flickering between the two, heart racing anxiously.
Without warning, darkness burst before him and feet scraped rock as he stumbled, nearly losing his footing from the sneak attack. He turned, barely deflecting ebon metal in time. The young Master smirked, not quite arrogant or impressed as the brunette pushed him back. He leapt away, and Sora chased.
"Because of you…I failed Master Eraqus…" Terra said, eyes fierce behind the visor. "And not just the Master…but my friends, too." Fingers gripped the hilt, and the ground shuddered as metal was ripped from it. "I promised I would set things right." The Master chuckled, readying the Shadow Keeper.
"I told you then that you were only one of many roads I might have taken," he replied. "You wouldn't submit to darkness because you were too weak to embrace it." Teeth ground, and Terra charged him. Pewter clashed against bronze, meeting each move with elegance and expert timing. Sparks flickered as metal met, gleaming across golden irises. "Let's see how well light suits you." Terra stumbled backward as Xehanort broke his guard. Both hands gripped the hilt, and the Ends of the Earth rose as Terra leapt. His Keyblade caught on the Master's sending him stumbling to the ground. Determined, he turned; but Terra froze. In his recovery, the Master had disappeared and silence swept over him, alive with the whisper of each breath of wind. He whirled, eyes darting across the battlefield.
Suddenly, pewter scraped armor as the Shadow Keeper struck him. Feet kicked up dirt as he stumbled backward, barely managing to miss the second strike. A purple aura shrouded the master, and citrine sank beneath the darkness. Terra swallowed the lump in his throat as he turned, knowing it would be only moments before the Master struck again. The darkness swirled suddenly behind him, and pewter lashed out like an angry viper.
"Terra!" Light cut the air, and Aqua's breath caught in her throat and muscles stiffened. Her body felt cold as the light left her, and saffron struck her.
"Again, you sacrifice yourself to save your feckless comrade?" he chuckled. Her body shuddered as it fell to the ground, and periwinkle eyes glazed as her heart rose from her chest. Terra watched, dumbfounded as Aqua rested against barren earth, lifeless.
"A…Aqua…" he whispered, and he stepped towards her. Blue metal streaked past, and he dove back to the ground. The youngest incarnation stood before him, the aged Master no longer the one he faced. A smirk flitted across lips, and the robed vessel raced towards him. Anger burned in Terra's heart, a fire that ate at his insides, knotting and gnawing his stomach. Aching and churning the way it had when he'd ended Master Eraqus. Twisted, he didn't know what to feel; he wanted to feel sick, but the hate burned stronger. Something surged through him, like when Xehanort had provoked him, convinced him to use the darkness – but it wasn't that; instead, calmness settled over him, blood alive with a light that was stronger than the darkness had ever been.
Terra lunged, bronze screeching against blue. Though features held firm, saffron eyes trembled, quivered softly as the Ethereal Time guarded the blow. But Terra's newfound strength bore down, and the vessel knew he'd chosen a losing battle. Feet scraped across dirt and the young Xehanort fell to one knee under the force, wincing at the sudden power within his opponent. Teeth ground, and suddenly light shattered before him. Metal split into, and the vessel fell beneath the broken Keyblade. Blue fragments glittered in the loose dirt, scattering like fragile flecks of snow, like shattered ice. Golden eyes studied the shards as they faded to light silver. Bronze cut through the air, and cobalt struck his gaze as the Keyblade pierced his heart. A scream pried itself from his throat, and he reached towards the armored brunette. Light flooded them, and he felt his body begin to fade.
Jade eyes glanced back to his own battle, and uncertainty flickered over rugged features. Xigbar growled at the demise of another of their own, and Lea smirked at the opening. Firaga blasted through the air, and Xigbar barely managed to shield it in time. Sniper beams shot from the Precise Ambition, and Lea deflected the attack with ease. Seizing the moment, Xigbar lunged towards the redhead, and Lea met his clash. Choreographed. Nearby, the Kingdom Key streaked passed, barely missing them, and Xigbar leapt back for good measure. White light gleamed from the corner of his eye, and Lea stole a quick glance to the other battle.
The Kingdom Key reappeared faithfully, and guarded against ebony. The Omen of Malevolence hammered silver, and Sora's hands felt numb. But he kept fighting. He had discarded his helm once the visor broke, the cracked vision only hindering his performance, and he struggled to match blows with the young Master. Though less experienced, he still proved almost as skilled as his elder. Ebony hissed as it slid free from the attack, and the young Master leapt back, feet barely making a sound as he landed. He smirked arrogantly, and ran a hand through pale locks. Suddenly, Riku's voice echoed over the graveyard as he voiced a frustrated battle cry. Sora turned sharply, and behind him the young Master chuckled.
"Father and daughter," he said, "such a…unique relationship." Cobalt flashed angrily, still focused on his longtime friend. With expert skill, Luci deflected the blast of darkness that streaked towards her, the shield timed perfectly. She leapt across the settling air, lunging towards her opponent. Sparks sprayed over vermillion as it met the Way to Dawn, light catching like fireflies across amber eyes, and feet shuffled as she tried to withstand the force. Turquoise eyes studied the other through the visor, and metal scraped ebony armor as Riku broke her guard. Light gathered around her free hand, and Holy Magic burst around him. Black fabric tore as it caught on rocky terrain, and he skidded to a stop. Determined, she walked towards the fallen vessel. No…her father.
He struggled to stand, dirt-smeared gloves fisting sandy soil as trembling arms fought to keep him aloft. Black fabric was coated in a thin layer of taupe that made the ragged cloak look aged. She took in a breath, held it there, thinking that it would make her stronger – make this easier. Hands tore her dented and cracked helm free, strands of silver messily draping her face and shoulders; the hollow sound echoed over the wasteland, over the moment as it landed against the ground. Finally, the Chained Blindness aimed, teeth near his heart as he sat up on weary arms. Brows furrowed with determination, gaze hardened as she hesitated; she had to do this. She knew she did – for his sake, for the sake of all worlds. Citrine eyes glimmered, glassy but void of emotion as their eyes crossed.
Finally, she exhaled, the breath both exasperated and defeated as she lowered her Keyblade. Eyes sank to the barren earth, and tears bit at her eyes like salty seawater. She fought them back, and finally admitted her weakness. "I…I can't…" she whispered, a silent tear slipping down her cheek. Sudden light erupted before her and her blood froze inside her veins. Her chest felt crushingly heavy and sore, and it smothered the breath inside her. Topaz watched emotionlessly as the heart glittered across glassy eyes, and she felt another tear streak downward. The aged Master chuckled at the ease of eliminating another guardian, and saffron eyes locked with his.
"Another one bites the dust!" Xigbar yelled, and Lea found himself back in the real world. The redhead cart-wheeled, dodging the dark magic as it rushed by. Fiery locks danced in his eyes, like anxious embers; a hand brushed them aside, and he smirked.
"What are you getting so excited about?" he asked cockily, letting his Fiery Waltz fall by his side. "It doesn't matter of all of the lights are taken down. In the end, Master Xehanort plans to be the only one left – whether he has to eliminate you himself or not."
"That's a lie!" the battle-worn vessel exclaimed. "Once we eliminate the light, we will be the ones to open the door – to Kingdom Hearts!" He charged the redhead, and Lea leapt backward to avoid him. Metal flashed with sparks as Keyblades crossed, and Lea laughed.
"Is that what he told you?" he asked smugly. "I thought you weren't the 'trusting type.' The old man said that only one would remain at the end of this battle, and you know damn well it'll be him. What do you stand to gain from this, uh…arrangement?" Teeth ground and the vessel struck wildly; Lea parried, knowing that this was the vessel's weak point. His anger, the fury that burned behind topaz eyes like a wild fire. And it was, a wildfire; it would burn his insides, his reasoning, his rational – until all that was left was the brash behavior that had a tendency to leave him vulnerable. Darkness enveloped him, and he disappeared from the battle. The redhead smirked – after all, he was aware of this trick. But, Xigbar had forgotten one thing: he knew the sound of darkness. The rushing wind that appeared as it swirled through the air, and the nearly silent howl it created as the corridor appeared; the chill that swept over as the darkness appeared, the scent that preempted…
He met each strike with ease, turning and twisting to deflect the flurry of blows. Agile swipes from the Precise Ambition collided against the Fiery Waltz with accurate timing; sparks danced with each strike, and he could feel Xigbar growing more frustrated with each clatter. Suddenly, the darkness ceased; Xigbar had vanished, and Lea whirled anxiously. Silence surrounded him, only the distant shriek of metal reaching his ears. He closed his eyes, calming his nerves, and listening for the slightest sound.
Suddenly, wind rushed across him. Lea whirled sharply, but too late; the force of the darkness pushed him to the ground. His helmet cracked and splintered as he crashed down, and dust churned into stale air. Dazed, he struggled to push himself from the ground. The corridor appeared before him, and sunstones gleamed.
"You clever little sneak," he said smugly, and a smirk tugged at chapped lips. Lea tried to pull himself upward, but the last blow kept him stunned. A shrill whistle cut through the air as the Precise Ambition fell, and Lea braced himself. Suddenly, metal hissed, and he heard the other stumbled backward, boots catching on rock as they stirred up dust. Bright silver gleamed before him, and Lea caught a shock of blue as the brunette skidded to a stop. Fierce determination gleamed across cerulean eyes, and Xigbar bore his teeth with frustration. Knuckles whitened beneath his gloves, and he drove the Precise Ambition hard against silver.
Sora said nothing as he guarded the attack. Citrine eyes blazed with fury, and he leapt back from the guard. Xigbar fell downward, striking a penetrating blow from above, but Lea was quicker. He took the opening, and suddenly light burst before them. Xigbar cursed aloud as the Fiery Waltz pierced his heart, and his own shimmering heart appeared before him.
"Damn it…Axel…" he said, body fading. Peridot glittered with smugness.
"It's not 'Axel,'" he smirked. "It's Lea. Got it memorized?" Amber lingered for a moment, but dissipated as the twinkling heart extinguished. He looked down to Sora, who beamed up at him. Childish blue eyes sparkled with some unknown hope, and Lea studied that optimism distantly. He wanted to smile back, to assure the youth – and himself – that this battle wasn't pointless…that darkness wasn't destined to defeat them. And yet…Yen Sid's words hung heavily in his heart.
"…What about…Sora?" Lea asked. Bright eyes found malachite, lingering upon his gaze for a moment before his eyes closed.
"I am uncertain of the particulars of his fate, Master Lea. However…it appears that Sora…will not return."
Sparks caught his eye, and Lea found himself back in the present: the future. Metal shrieked as it met ebony, and Sora deflected the Omen of Malevolence.
"Lea!" he called, pushing the young Master away. "Pull it together!" The brunette leapt after him; Keyblades danced, metal screaming as they met, parried, and pulled free. A smirk crossed the young Master's face, and he charged the brunette. Sora leapt from the attack, the battle distancing from Lea.
The redhead stood idle. Alone. Heaviness sank over him, and he realized how tired he was. The battle had exhausted him, and muscles felt sore and stiff as they held his Keyblade limply to his side. Green studied the Fiery Waltz, a brass and bronze phoenix wing that extended out gracefully from a chakram-shaped hilt.
Light flashed nearby, erupting around the battle field. Wind rushed across him, a thin layer of dust creating a haze across the wasteland. A distant cry tore from the young Master's throat. It dimmed, and the heart flickered like a candle flame as it extinguished. Five now remained, he realized, and the guardians had the advantage. Knuckles whitened around the hilt and he gazed across the battle field.
Keyblade wielders. He'd once wondered if he was actually worth wielding one. Lea had always fancied it – even before he'd met Roxas and Xion. But…now they were all wielders, and so equally worthy by the Keyblade's mind. All twenty. After all, didn't one have to have the makings to wield it? And yet…something separated them – the wielders that fought to protect the light and those that fought against it. Metal crashed nearby, two Keyblades colliding. His mind flickered back to the battle, and he turned.
The Ends of the Earth collided with the Way to Dawn, and Lea watched the battle distantly. With his tie to the light now broken, Riku fiercely battled. Eyes gleamed with ferocity, and he fought with an almost uncanny agility. Terra struggled to block every blow, and from a distance, they might have been intertwined in an elegant dance. Sparks glimmered across cobalt eyes, and the youth ground his teeth as he tried to keep up. Riku swung left, and suddenly Terra's Keyblade slid across the Graveyard. Dust settled at Lea's feet and he studied the Ends of the Earth as it vanished in a sudden rush of light.
Suddenly, that light multiplied, and Lea winced as it engulfed their battle. His heart fluttered as it dissipated, and he searched for the victor. Terra slumped to the ground, lifeless and empty as his heart drifted for a moment, like a firefly, flickering…fading. Riku smirked, and Lea's heart sank to his stomach. The odds were now even, and he knew neither of them would want to take on their comrade. Jade found amber, and the Shadow Keeper shuddered as it disappeared in an orb of darkness.
The sphere balanced above his hand, violet swirling among black. Around him, seven hearts rose from their prisons, radiating still with a pure light. Warmth. They circled around it, dancing as they grew closer to the center. And, for a moment, the battlefield disappeared into light; warm, like the sun itself had engulfed the wasteland. White surrounded him, and Lea's breath hung in his throat. Wincing he tried to focus on the single glimmer of plum.
And just as quickly, it dissipated; the Keyblade Graveyard shuddered, darker, clouds churning above him like a storm brewing over open seas. Light trembled over sky like flecks of lighting, and wind blustered over the badlands, swirling, swimming in a haze of dust. Light peeked through the parting clouds, the eye of the storm painting the wasteland velvet-blue. The moon glowed, heart-shaped against a nighttime sky and he swallowed the knot that caught in his throat.
Kingdom Hearts.
Jade eyes lingered over the sky, the moon, the swirl of clouds that danced around it. Finally, his gaze fell, locking with striking amber. A smirk tugged at chapped lips as the elder taunted, mocked him over distance. Teeth ground, like nails across his nerves; Lea accepted his challenge, quickly closing the distance. Ebony sparked against fire as the Keyblades crossed, screeching like a wounded beast. Lea didn't underestimate the elder; despite his age, he was swift and agile, movements timed and precise. It would take more than just a false swipe to take down the seasoned wielder.
Lea guarded the swift uppercut, and swiped downward as the other blocked, movements so exact, one might have thought it planned. Steeled-face and determined, he refused to let the Master get the upper hand. Sensing the looming edge of the plateau, Lea quickly, gracefully leapt away. Quickly, Lea turned, but it was a moment too late; a streak of darkness whizzed past him, and his cheek went numb. Reflexively, a hand groped the wound, wiping blood, hesitating as they found none. Instead, leather-clad digits lingered over a deep and rigid scar.
Reality crashed around him like a wave, like the waves of Destiny Islands. The Shadow Keeper cracked and scuffed against stone, shrieking as it struck, and jade eyes lingered on the flicker of a smirk over taught and unyielding features. For a moment, he wondered if Xehanort was enjoying himself, glad that the battle wasn't over yet; but the thought was fleeting as he focused on striking, parrying, each opening. Exerted, Lea's mouth was dry and sticky, teeth clenched, knuckled aching over metal…mind moving in slow motion, and his movements even slower. Muscles protested as he kept fighting, striking…
Suddenly, ice shot through his veins; like falling into too-deep snow. Fingers released the Fiery Waltz reflexively, and eyes caught a glimpse of light as it vanished mid-fall. His body was done, exhausted, withered. Chuckling quietly, almost disappointedly, the Master aimed his final blow, and it plunged towards his heart.
He watched it in slow motion; the sneering expression, arrogant, satisfied, as amber gleamed with victory; rigid hands tightly gripping the hilt of the ornate Keyblade, the gloves, nearly worn bare from battle. A breath filled the redhead's lungs. He could let it end here. Be done with it, give up and let the darkness have him. Let the darkness win. He exhaled, whispered as it grazed chapped lips.
He could let it end here. But he knew better – knew he wouldn't; after all, Ienzo had assured him that his future self was safe. His future…he didn't give up – wouldn't; ears pricked as he caught the determined cry of the brunette, vague and muffled over distance. Fire swelled inside him, hot and fierce, erupting around him and exploding as it met metal. It surged through him like wildfire, and Lea smirked as the Master stumbled back to gather his footing.
Firelight burst before him, the Fiery Waltz forming in the flurry. Hot metal clattered against ebony, like forged steel. Lea didn't think about his movements, didn't bother predicting, didn't worry what might happen. Graceful, agile, swift – natural – and for a moment, Lea thought he caught a glimpse of fear flicker behind venomous amber. It wasn't planned, but he saw the opening as ice glittered to nothing through fire; the opening, the final opening. Brows furrowed, pearled with sweat and dirt and soot, and he took it.
The world stopped. Suspended. Like watching himself, like a movie, like slow motion. Pewter gleamed against pale moonlight, and he could almost make out his reflection peering up at him. Awed. Cold crept over him, cold like winter, like icy rain pelting exposed skin. Vaguely, he heard his name, the sound muted against a diminishing conscious. Glassy eyes shuddered as they caught on sunstones, but they slurred in his vision as it swirled and faded.
"Lea!" Sora called, hoping his desperation might save him, but knowing well it wouldn't. His light faded, a star blinking out, a candle extinguished, and cobalt eyes fluttered back to his opponent. His childhood friend. The brunette blocked, dodged, guarded, and metal shrieked around him like a wounded child. "Riku – please! It's me – Sora!" Moonlight danced over shuddering silver tresses, as he moved to attack again. Blocked, dodged, guarded. Shrieking. Each strike resonated over his mind, trembled through muscles, and bones, and skin.
"The χ-blade…" Throaty words caught on his ears, tugged at his mind, and Sora whirled instinctively. Dripping, like a leaky faucet, beams and tendrils of light danced downward, reaching like fingers to barren soil. Cascading, light danced beneath the moon, beneath Kingdom Hearts. The elder turned, impatiently, and saffron eyes gleamed, illuminated; Sora's heartbeat rose in his throat and he gulped the lump as he tried to force it back to his stomach. "One guardian remains…the χ-blade is almost complete!" Light caught on cobalt from the corner of his eye, and Sora quickly parried. Riku leapt back from the sudden interception, and a dark aura rose around him.
It crawled the length of red metal, trickling down from the hilt like a spider through a web. Shuddering, it exploded, like the storms of darkness that swallowed the islands all those years ago. Like in Hollow Bastion, when Riku threatened to end him. Reflexively, he created a shield, just as the silver-haired Master had taught him; static stung at his veins like lightning as darkness seeped through the shield. Suddenly, light exploded around him, wind ripping through russet locks like a hairdryer. Feet left the ground as he was thrown from the impact, and he winced. Metal cracked as it slammed against rock, stars burst over his vision. A trickle crept over his forehead, warm against chilled skin, and he winced as the pain reverberated against his skull. Limbs were stiff, weary and giving up as Sora tried to move. Cerulean eyes studied the vessel that approached him, and a haze clouded his vision. He knew his consciousness was fading, but he forced himself awake, focusing on golden eyes that gleamed back at him.
"Ri…ku…" he whispered, voice straining to break free from his throat. "P…lease…" Amber studied him, unfeeling and unwavering. For a moment, remorse broke through his stare as he stepped ever closer. Distant thuds echoed against the throbbing in Sora's head, heavy as they pounded against desolate soil. The aura glowed around him still, and a distant ache twanged in Sora's heart.
Suddenly, the aura weakened, wavered…faded…and violet cascaded into pale gold. His body froze, and sunstones flickered to cyan. The Way to Dawn clattered as it hit rock, falling from stiff fingers. Light crawled across the form, and he struggled to retain control. Sapphire eyes watched him, fading fast as unconsciousness fought to consume him…eating away at his vision, at his mind…but Sora refused. Eyes flickered once more, turquoise battling saffron, and Riku sank to his knees.
"You willingly gave yourself to darkness," the Master chuckled. "No amount of resistance can break my hold over you, even in your strongest moments." Fingers twisted, pulling the invisible strings, a marionette to obey a master's beckoning. Pure, golden radiance wavered, the candle flame suddenly dark. Bright irises faded into back to amber, and the vessel stood; empty eyes gazed back at him, and Sora swallowed. His heart hit his stomach, knotting almost sickeningly as the Way to Dawn appeared in grasped fingers. He could sense it…the last of Riku's light dying, smothered inside him, a sun behind a squall.
And even still…he hesitated.
Footsteps neared, and Sora turned; the elder approached on slow, even footsteps, and desperate fingers sought the Kingdom Key. Muscles screamed in protest as he forced movement, quivering beneath his weight as he pulled himself upright. Feet stumbled as Sora fought to keep his footing on drunken limbs. Amused, the Master chuckled as the brunette readied his sword, still teetering slightly.
"Stay…away from…my friend…" he managed, focusing more on keeping himself upright than looking fierce. Determination blazed behind weary eyes, and the Master smirked.
"Your friend is no more," he replied. Thuds, like the heartbeat that pounded against his ribcage, echoed behind him, and Sora turned; Riku charged, his Keyblade lunging. Weakly, he managed to block, stumbling backwards, staggering, fighting to regain himself. Limbs suddenly gave, knees hit rock, and Sora balanced himself on one hand. A weak, trembling hand. The vessel dashed towards him once more, and Sora scarcely stood in time. Metal clashed, and he pushed Riku away from him. Panting, he watched as the vessel raced towards him again, no longer hesitating in his Master's orders.
And yet, something was off. Sora had fought Riku times before – both in good fun and with dangerous intent. As weak as he stood, Riku would, no doubt, have the upper hand. But something held the darkness back, keeping him from striking at his full force. Almost as though…somewhere in there…the light still lingered, resisting the Xehanort within.
Metal cut through his guard, and Sora fell back to the ground. He skidded across the wasteland, stopping distances away from the citrine eyes that pierced through his heart. Salty liquid tainted his mouth, and he felt another trickle slide down from his forehead. Fingers reached weakly for the hilt of his Keyblade, barely moving as they touched metal. Sora crawled to all four, rubies sparkling in pale light as they landed gently on the ground. Sora winced as he tried to stand; pain cut through his stomach, and he gripped it tightly. Finally, he found himself upright, and the vessel patiently waited for him to gather himself. He stumbled forward, feet unsteady and vision spinning like a child on a merry-go-round.
Amber watched him as he faltered, and he crashed back to the rocky earth. Sora tried to pull himself up, his own weight heavier than he ever remembered. Finally, limbs caved, and he could no longer pry himself from the ground. Eyes gazed across the wasteland, and saffron flickered turquoise briefly through the hazy wind. He studied the other, the dark aura wavering as he still fought the darkness. Waiting patiently, hoping that Riku might break through. Footsteps tugged his attention away, both sharp and indistinct, as though coming for everywhere. Fabric rustled, shuddered in the brisk breeze that urged him to move, to fight, to stand…
He knew what was coming a moment before it happened; moonlight reflected over the Keyblade, and his body was buried beneath an avalanche of fresh snow. Gravity pinned him to the ground, and his body lurched – he could almost feel the light pried from his heart, and the rest withering…fading.
White. Brighter than the moonlight, brighter than the wicked gleam of golden eyes. It obscured his vision as it lingered, and for a moment, he imagined waking beneath the warm summer sun of the islands. Of their islands. But darkness ate away at it, like twilight pushing the sun beneath the horizon, like all of those summer nights he and Riku would stargaze on the sandy shores. Like the storm that took away. Weakly, he searched for the figure across the graveyard. Eyes, crystal blue like the sea-blown waters of those nights, shuddered in the moonlight, and Sora smiled faintly.
"Ri…ku…"