Epilog: Tying Up Loose Ends
From their portal emerged Yusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei and Kurama onto the streets of Tokyo.
"Man, that had to have been the weirdest case yet," said Yusuke as the portal closed up behind them, "I mean, seriously, a bathhouse for ghosts and spirits? Teenage Monsters? Mutants and all that other crazyness? It's like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon."
"I thought you liked Saturday morning cartoons, Urameshi," said Kuwabara.
"I do," said Yusuke, "if it's a good cartoon."
"I find that the quality of televised animation is in the eye of the beholder," said Kurama, "the show in particular may be liked for its storylines but hated for the animation style. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy the animation style but hate the voice acting. There are those who enjoy for the sake of enjoyment and hate for the sake of hating."
"Humph!" said an annoyed Hiei, "personally, I think that television is overrated. The amount of time humans waste gazing at that idiot box is disgusting."
"Hey, don't you badmouth TV!" said Kuwabara irately, "if we didn't have TV, then we wouldn't have pay-per-view sports."
"Pay-per-view?" Yusuke asked nervously, "what day is it?"
"The day after yesterday, obviously," said Kuwabara.
"I know that, you blockhead!" shouted Yusuke, "I mean what day of the week? Is it still Saturday?"
"I was," said Kurama, "but it's now Sunday."
"Oh crap!" exclaimed a horrified Yusuke, "Keiko's gonna rip my head off!"
"Huh? Why's Keiko gonna do that?" Kuwabara asked.
"We were supposed to watch Wrestlemania at her house," said Yusuke, "I promised her that if she'd get her folks to order the show, then I'd pay them back."
"Why would you make such a promise?" Kurama asked.
"And since when could you afford to pay for Wrestlemania?" Kuwabara asked suspiciously.
"Because I really wanted to watch Wrestlemania," said Yusuke. He then continued in a sheepish tone, "and I'd figure out how to pay them back later." he then frowned, "but that doesn't matter since I completely blew Keiko off to go after Shadowcast. She still doesn't know that I'm a Spirit Detective, so I can't tell her I was off in spirit world chasing after energy vampires and fighting dark creatures and saving all of existence from a fate worse than death."
"Well, good luck with coming up with a convincing excuse, detective," said Hiei, "I'm out of here." With that he vanished in the blink of an eye.
"I should be going as well," said Kurama, "I have a lot of homework to catch up on and my mother will no doubt be worried." With that he ran off.
"Betcha wish your mom worried about you like that, huh, Urameshi?" Kuwabara asked.
"Oh shut up, Kuwabara!" said Yusuke irately, "just help me think of what to tell Keiko. I just know she'll try to beat my head in with a hammer the second she sees me."
"Well, you've got two choices, my friend," said Kuwabara in an overly bravado tone, "you can either avoid her for a week, or two, or for the rest of your live, or…"
"Or what?" Yusuke asked suspiciously.
"Or you can take your lumps like a man and beg Keiko for forgiveness," said Kuwabara.
"Thanks, but I'll just skip school for a few days until she calms down," said Yusuke, "and only talk to her when there's not a hammer in sight."
"Oh, come on, Urameshi," said Kuwabara, "how mad could she be?"
Just then they saw a girl about their age with long brown hair tied in two pony tails with brown eyes, wearing an orange sweater, a blue skirt and plain tennis shoes, carrying a hammer in her hands and an outraged look on her face as she glared hatefully at Yusuke.
"She's that mad," said a visibly nervous Yusuke. "Uh, hi, Keiko, sorry I forgot about Wrestlemania."
"I'm gonna kill you, Yusuke!" the girl, Keiko shouted as she rushed at Yusuke with the hammer raised. Yusuke easily got out of the way from her hammer swings and ran for it, with Keiko hot on his trail.
"Just take it easy, Keiko!" Yusuke shouted as he ducked a blow aimed at his head, "I didn't mean to forget! I had work!"
"I don't care!" Keiko shouted as she continued to swing her hammer at Yusuke, "you told my mom and dad that you'd pay them for ordering your stupid wrestling show and then you never even showed up to watch!"
"I said I was sorry!" Yusuke shouted, "I'll still pay your old man back!"
"You'll pay more than money after I'm done with you!" shouted Keiko.
"Love sure can be rough sometimes," said Kuwabara as he watched Keiko chase Yusuke out of sight.
…Metamore…2065 A.D…
Andrew emerged from his portal into his workshop in the castle.
"Never thought I'd be coming back from that one," said Andrew as he took his jacket, holster and watch off. He placed them all back in the chest, locked it and looked at the key, as if unsure what to do with it.
Just then Elyon burst into the workshop, "you…you're back!" the former queen shouted.
"Yep," said Andrew, "I'm back, and this time it was surprisingly easy. I didn't even get to use half of my ordinance. Guess having susbspace pockets for pockets can lead to overkill." He then looked at Elyon, "but we don't have to worry about that anymore. That truly was the last time."
"Then you did it?" Elyon asked, "you avenged your world and friends?"
"I put Joseph Rombie in his grave," said Andrew, "Jill and the others can finally rest in peace. Yes, I'm finished being a Rambler. I'm home and I'm never leaving again."
"Thank God!" said Elyon happily as she hugged Andrew, "for a moment I thought I'd lose you, big brother!"
"It's okay, little sis," said Andrew as he hugged her back, "so, anything big happen while I was away?"
"Nothing serious," said Elyon, "I had to help my granddaughter settle a few minor trade disputes and redraw a property line. Oh, Kadma and Halinor are coming for dinner, do you mind making a little more of your fabulous casserole?"
"You know I always cook too much whenever I'm planning a feast," said Andrew, "Yan Lin's also coming and so is Cassidy, so the more the merrier."
"That's perfect," said Elyon. With that the two unofficial siblings walked out of the workshop hand in hand, happy that things turned out well for them and their loved ones.
…a parallel Japan…
Kotaro and Battle Hopper emerged from their portal onto the streets of their Tokyo. They stopped and Kotaro looked back at the closing portal. He then smiled and drove ahead. He rode with a confident feeling that all was well, yet remained vigilant for any sign of evil. Kotaro knew that if the forces of darkness should ever rise again, then so would he rise to face them as Kamen Rider Black.
…Canterlot…Equestria…
"That was so COOL!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she hopped around Luna, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, "we were all like inside this girl's mind and there were these really creepy zombies and this horrible tentacle thing! And then we helped that really nice human save that other really nice human! It was so cool! Let's do it again!"
"Not on your life, Pinkie Pie!" shouted Rarity, "one journey into another being's mind was enough."
"But we seriously kicked some zombie butt today!" said Rainbow Dash.
"You said it!" remarked Applejack, "if anything, bucking zombies is more fun than chasing a greased pig at a summer picnic. We sure showed those things."
"You do realize that those horrible creatures weren't truly real," said Rarity, "that they were merely the product of dark magic."
"Real or not, they were real scary and dangerous," said Rainbow Dash, "but I wasn't scared, no sir!" just then a butterfly landed on her hindquarters, startling Rainbow Dash so much she yelped in fright and shot towards the ceiling, leaving the butterfly dizzy and disoriented.
"Oh, you poor thing," said Fluttershy in a concerned tone as she stood underneath the butterfly and allowed it to land on her back, "here, let me take you back outside. I know a shortcut to the palace gardens where there's so many flowers full of yummy nectar, you won't know which one to taste first!"
"Thanks for worrying about me!" Rainbow Dash called from the ceiling, where she was tangled in a crystal chandelier.
"Do you think Sora and Kairi are alright, Princess Luna?" Twilight Sparkle as the elder Alicorn used her magic to untangle Rainbow Dash.
"I believe so," said Luna, "hearts such as those belonging to Sora and Kairi can overcome any obstacle. Fear not, Twilight Sparkle. If my understanding of fate and destiny is accurate, then before too long, our new friends will come to visit us," she then frowned slightly, "and may the stars help us if they bring their troubles with them."
"Then we'd better get ready for them," said Twilight Sparkle.
"Easier said than done," Luna remarked, "for when preparing for Keyblade Wielders, expect the unexpected."
"You won't get any arguments from me," said Twilight Sparkle.
"Hey, why so serious?" Pinkie Pie asked, "turn those frowns upside down! I know what will cheer everyone up! CUPCAKES! Last one to the kitchen doesn't get to lick the spoons!" she then galloped for a nearby set of doors and was about to open the one on the left.
"Wait! Not that one!" shouted Luna, but Pinkie Pie had turned the handle with her hoof and opened the door. She was then buried by an avalanche of closet clutter, ranging from fishing poles to hat boxes, from empty ink bottles to decorative accessories, even a chipped kitchen sink.
"My stars! Pinkie!" Rarity shouted as she, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and Luna rushed over.
"Pinkie Pie! Say something!" said Fluttershy as Applejack began pawing through the clutter, while Twilight Sparkle and Luna moved the junk with their magic.
"Give us a sign you're still with us!" shouted Applejack.
Pinkie Pie then burst out from the pile of junk, holding a bag of candy corn between her hooves, "hey, I think this is still good!" she said as she began happily munching on the sweets.
"I knew I forgot something," said Luna, "I really should clean out that closet someday." At that she and the other Ponies laughed.
…Hogwarts…
"And that's it, Headmistress," said Tara as she, Jana and Hezekiah sat in McGonagall's office, while Harry, Ron, Hermione, Max, Andrew and Jill were there too, as well as Angelina, Neville, Cho, Ashley and J.D. All around them were portraits of the previous Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts, with the portrait of Albus Dumbledore behind McGonagall's desk, all of them snoring loudly.
"So, all is well again with young Sora and Kairi," said McGonagall.
"Thank goodness," said Hermione.
"I can't believe that our viewing device couldn't follow you after you left the other New York," said Jill.
"Must have been something strange with that world," said Ron.
"And there's the question of Columbina," said Max, "what's her story?"
"As far as we know, she's a psycho bitch with a major chip on her shoulder," said Hezekiah.
"And a really horrible sense of fashion," said Jana, "but that's my opinion."
"Nevertheless," said McGonagall, "the three of you have performed outstandingly, especially you, Ms. Underhill, far beyond the most that any student of Hogwarts could ever be asked of."
"It wasn't really that serious, Headmistress," said Tara modestly.
"On the contrary," said McGonagall, "you've accomplished something no other Hogwarts student has ever done before."
"You're the first witch from our world to travel to two consecutive worlds and returned unscathed," said Cho, "no doubt there'll be books written about your experience, not to mention a whole chapter in the next edition of Hogwarts: A History."
"You two earned your Brownie Points as well," said Ashley to Jana and Hezekiah.
"For your first field mission, you were utterly fantastic," said J.D.
"I'll admit, it wasn't easy," said Hezekiah.
"Does it ever get easy?" Jana asked Jill, Andrew and Max.
"Never," said Max, "only less difficult."
"Some days you get more lucky than others," said Andrew, "and sometimes, you wake up on that one in a million day where you finish the mission with no collateral damage."
"I'm just glad that you managed to complete the mission without anyone else dieing," said Jill. She then looked at Andrew's watch, "is Leon still down in the village?"
"He and Aberforth are still seeing who can out drink the other under the table," said Neville.
"And here I thought he was getting a handle on his drinking problem," said Jill, "oh well, you can't get everything you want."
"But it does feel good when you do," said Andrew. "I'm just glad that that other me managed to find a good place to live, a new family, a new home."
"And my counterpart is on her way to finding new love," said Jill. She then looked at her husband, "where as I am happy with this love right here."
"Likewise," said Andrew. With that he and Jill kissed.
"So, what happens now?" Jana asked.
"Now, you and Hezekiah return to Washington to give Assistant Director Walker your report," said Ashley, "and also work on your speeches."
"What speeches?" Hezekiah asked.
"For accepting your Congressional Medals of Honor," said Ashley, "it'll be a private ceremony of course, Bureau personal, plus friends and family in the know, but you'll receive the honors for the mission without a doubt."
"And you, Ms. Underhill, are surely to be nominated for the Order of Merlin First Class," said McGonagall.
"Order of Merlin?" Tara asked in a slightly shaky tone, "but…Headmistress…I didn't do anything that important."
"You took The Necronomicon back from that vile prick, Olaf," said Jill, "and helped save Sora and the others nearly half a dozen times."
"Rowena Ravenclaw and the other Founders wouldn't be more proud of a student in any of their Houses," said Cho.
"But I can't accept the medal," said Tara, "I don't want to be famous. I just want to be the best witch I can be."
"You'll take the medal and all that goes with it," said Angelina in an insisting tone, "you'll take it and like it because you earned it."
"I don't feel like I earned it," said Tara in a subdued tone as she looked down at her shoes.
"How do you feel?" Harry asked.
"Like I've been dragged through Hell and back," Tara, "I saw the worst of humanity and inhumanity. I've seen evil in its purest form, darkness of the worst kind, and I feel like I'll never be the same again."
"Ditto," said Jana, while Hezekiah nodded in agreement.
Tara then looked up, a more confident expression on her face, "but that's no reason for me to wallow in misery. I stared right into the face of evil and spat in its eye! I helped save two innocent hearts from being torn to pieces and saved two worlds from a fate worse than death. If anything, it makes me want to keep fighting the darkness, not for fame and glory, but because it is right."
"Likewise," said Hezekiah, while Jana nodded in agreement.
"Well, if that's what you want," said Harry, "then the next step should be applying to the Auror Office."
"I think I'd like that," said Tara, "but I've been working to become a historian."
"And you'd make a fantastic scholar of historical magic," said Cho, "but you'd be an even greater Auror."
"You did achieve Outstanding's in your O.W.L.s in Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts," said McGonagall, "it shouldn't be too difficult to ensure that the rest of your 7th year prepares you for the proper N.E.W.T's next summer."
"An Auror," said Tara as she smiled brightly, "that actually sounds good. If it's alright, Headmistress, I should go tell Cass, Kylie and the others."
"By all means, inform your friends of the good news," said McGonagall.
"And you two should go down to the village so you can call your friends and comrades back in Washington," said J.D. to Jana and Hezekiah.
"Will do!" said Jana. With that she, Hezekiah and Tara hurried out of the room.
"I'm still figuring out how to get cell reception inside the school," said Ashley in a thoughtful tone, "the conundrum of The Hogwarts Effect will haunt me to my grave."
"There are some aspects of magic that cannot be combined with science," said Cho.
"I can still try," said Ashley in a confident tone.
"In the meantime," said Max, "we'd better get ready."
"For what?" Hermione asked.
"For the next crisis that Columbina talked about," said Harry, "I don't like the idea of getting involved in more trouble, my niece and godson are involved already, so I'm going to do everything I can to help them and the rest of our friends from other worlds."
"We all are," said Max, while Jill, Andrew, Hermione, Ron and the others nodded in agreement.
Just then the door burst open and Draco stormed in, "Am I to understand that Underhill and those two Meta Humans have returned?"
"You just missed them, Malfoy," said Angelina, "they told us everything."
"And you did not think it was wise to inform me!?" Draco shouted.
"No, we didn't," said Andrew in a matter of fact tone, "now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll slip down to the kitchens and teach the House Elves my recipe for lasagna."
"I think I'll join you," said Hermione, "it's been a while since I checked in on the House Elves."
"I thought you were done with spew," said Jill.
"Don't bring spew up again!" Ron groaned.
"It's not spew!" Hermione exclaimed as she, Harry, Ron, Jill, Andrew, Max, Ashley, J.D, Neville, Angelina and Cho walked out of the room, "it's S.P.E.W, the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare! Honestly!"
"Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Malfoy?" McGonagall asked.
Draco then realized that he and McGonagall were the only ones left in the room. "Uh…no, Professor McGonagall, there isn't."
"Then I bid you a good afternoon," said McGonagall as she sat at her desk and began sorting through some paperwork. Draco stood there for a few seconds before walking out, a disgruntled look on his face.
Just then the portrait of Dumbledore woke up and spoke to McGonagall, "the more things change, the more the stay the same. Wouldn't you agree, Minerva?"
"I'll admit, Albus," said McGonagall, "that there are aspects of our childhoods that we never grow out of." She then sighed, "another war is approaching, one greater than anything before."
"I won't make any predictions, Minerva," said Dumbledore, "but considering how often my guesses have been correct, then I'd say that we are on the verge of a crisis that will change everything."
"Then I agree with Mr. Kildare," said McGonagall, "we had best get ready."
…Washington D.C., Bureau Headquarters…
"Well done, ya'll, well done," said Patricia as she sat with Julia, Mark, Steven and Felicia, "I'll expect a more official report later, but what you just told me makes things that much better."
"It wasn't easy, Patricia," said Julia, "for a moment, I thought we were all finished."
"Oh, it wasn't that hard," said Steven, "I wasn't worried."
"At least until Shadow Moon showed up," said Mark.
"Yeah," said Steven reluctantly, "that guy made my skin crawl."
"We stopped Dai-Shocker, this time," said Felicia, "but they'll be back."
"And we'll be ready for them," said Patricia, "oh, and don't worry about your prisoner. I'll make sure that lunatic never sees the light of day again."
"Good," said Felicia. "So, how's Jill and Violet?"
"They're doing alright," said Patricia, "Violet's still depressed, but that's normal. Jill plans on letting Violet mourn for another week or so before getting her back on her feet. I heard she's gonna take Violet shopping, to a spa for a full makeover and then clubbing."
"God help her," said Julia.
"And God help Toralei when she learns about the hazing she'll be put through," said Steven, "she'll rip out our eyes for that."
"That's assuming she's approved to join," said Patricia. Her phone then chimed with an incoming memo. "Hmmm…imagine that, she's been approved."
"God help The Bureau," said Mark, "with Toralei Stripe as an agent, things will never be the same."
"Things are already different," said Patricia, "Lilith von Hellscream was approved just this morning."
"Now I know we're in trouble," said Felicia.
Deep within the bowls of The Bureau was a level dedicated to keeping dangerous humans, Meta Humans and other creatures locked up. One of these cells was secured with a door with a dozen locks, each in a different style raining from a simple deadbolt to optic and palm print scanners. The door and the padded walls of the cell had pressure sensors to detect any tampering, while multiple cameras covered the room from all angles.
Gothel sat in one corner of the room, bound in a straight jacket, an empty expression on her face. Yet behind her expressionless eyes, her mad mind was waiting for the right opportunity to escape, the right opportunity to resume her vendetta against Rapunzel, the right opportunity to seize revenge.
…Monster High…
"Oh my Ra, Frankie!" shouted Cleo, "you actually popped all your stitches?" She and the other Ghoulfriends were sitting under one of the trees outside the school with Frankie, along with Deuce, Clawd, Heath, Jackson, Operetta, Clair, Lilith, Chad and Andy.
"That must have hurt like a kiss from a hagfish," said Lagoona.
"Actually, it didn't," said Frankie, "I was shorted out before all my stitches came undone. Next thing I knew, I heard Rapunzel singing and I was back. That girl's got a really great voice."
"Wish you recorded a demo for me," said Operetta, "I could have written and mixed an album for her."
"She's certainly on my 'awesome' list," said Howleen, "her and Chihiro."
"Two Princesses of Heart," said Clair, "good luck to them, it's not something I'd want. It's dangerous being a Princess of Heart, all those villains out for your blood and that bitch Columbina out to turn you evil."
"I'd give her cold shoulder she never forget!" said Abbey.
"And I'd really turn up the heat!" said Heath.
"Yeah, well, she lost and won't be bothering anyone for a while," said Frankie.
"Good," said Lilith, "it'll give us time to get ready. Columbina said that another crisis was coming, something worse than anything before. I for one intend to be ready."
"Shouldn't you be at The Bureau in Washington?" Clawdeen asked.
"I don't start until tomorrow," said Lilith, "and by the way," she then indicated the form-fitting tan jacket with the BPRD symbol on the front, "this is absolutely perfect!" she then twirled around so everyone could see, "I'm serious, Clawdeen, you're a fashion genius."
"I'm just glad you'll get to show it off to your new coworkers," said Clawdeen.
"Make sure you get one for me," said Chad, "as soon as I finish the paperwork, I'm coming with you, Lilith."
"Chad, dear, sweet, Chad," said Lilith as she touched his shoulder, a compassionate look on her face, "I know now how much you care for me, and I care for you too. But seriously, how can you expect to join The Bureau? You're not a Meta Human and you're not a warrior."
"I'm still a man willing to do what is right and stand against the darkness," said Chad, "they'll teach me how to fight."
"Don't argue with him, Lilith," said Clair, "he's not letting you go," she then looked at Jackson, "just as I know you'll never let me go."
"Ain't that the truth," said Jackson, with that he and Clair kissed, while the rest of the Monsters embraced their respective significant others.
But then Frankie's I-Coffin chimed with an incoming email. She opened it and was surprised to see that it was from Alegra.
Dear Frankie,
Words alone cannot express the gratitude I feel for you and your friends. What you did proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are a true champion of truth, justice, freedom and all that is right and good in existence, the same goes for your friends.
I must also offer my most sincere apologies for horrific ordeal you went through; first with being dragooned into the fight to recover the Necronomicon, nearly being sacrificed to Yog-Sothoth, dragooned into the mission to Yubaba's Bathhouse and nearly being destroyed. Words alone cannot express how sorry I am to have used you, and your friends, to stop the evils that you stopped.
Yet evil must be confronted so that good can live in peace, as you are surely aware. Sacrifices must be made, lives must be risked and sometimes lives must be lost, but in the end, so long as there are those whom stand against the darkness, the light will never be extinguished, as you are also surely aware of.
For someone whom has experienced life for such a short time, the past few days have asked far too much of you. But I must ask you and your friends to be ready to give more of the same. Columbina wasn't lying when she said another crisis was approaching and it will be worse than anything before. When the time comes, you and your friends must be ready to stand firm against the tide of evil.
I wish I can leave you with more cheerful words, but needless to say, you've done outstandingly. I know that come what may, you and your friends will do your best. And who knows, we might even see each other again someday, hopefully not for a while that is.
May the light shine on you and your friends,
Alegra Wells
"What was it, Frankie?" Andy asked.
"Oh, nothing," said Frankie as she put her phone away, "just a letter from a friend."
…Radiant Garden…
"I can't believe it," said Aerith as she Yuffie, Leon, Quistis, King Mickey and Queen Minnie stood at one end of the meeting hall in the castle, "it's finally happening."
"All the heroes and Princesses gathered under one roof," said Leon, "what a sight."
"Well, nearly everyone," said Yuffie.
The room was filled with a congregation of heroes and Princesses the likes of which never seen before. Milling about, talking with each other and sampling the foodservice table was Alice, Mulan, Belle and Beast, Tarzan, Ariel, Eric, Melody and Sebastian, Hercules, Jack Sparrow, Jack Skellington, Aurora and Phillip, Aladdin and Jasmine, Cinderella, Snow White, Sara and Ranma, Violet Parr, alias Shielda, Lyra and Pantalaimon, Will and Kirjava, Teddy and Victoire, Nessie and Jacob, Hayner, Pence and Olette.
Nessie and Jacob was with Hayner, Pence and Olette, while Cinderella and Snow White were talking. Aurora and Phillip were together, Jack Sparrow was amazing Melody with his pirating exploits, with Ariel and Eric looking on disapprovingly, while Sebastion looked like he was ready to pitch a fit.
Alice was talking with Violet, Sara and Ranma, Mulan was in a serious discussion with Tarzan and Hercules, Belle and Beast were talking with Teddy and Victoire, Jack Skellington was sampling wine and cheese, while Lyra and Will were avoiding each other, but their daemons kept sneaking glances.
"I'm still disappointed that not everyone showed up," said King Mickey.
"Usagi and Mamoru wanted to sit this one out," said Yuffie, "while Miley's got her own problems. We still never heard from Simba or Peter Pan."
"We still got a great turnout," said Aerith, "and a few more of our friends said they'll be here later on."
"I think we'll get a lot done here," said Leon, "assuming we can ever agree on anything."
"Why so pessimistic?" Quisits asked, "we're here to figure out what to do about Maleficent and Xehanort. It's obvious that whatever differences our friends and allies have, they'll put those differences aside for the greater good."
"Wanna bet?" Leon asked.
"I'll take it," said Quistis, "if this meeting breaks down into petty arguments, I'll do your laundry for a month."
"I'll do the same if the meeting goes well," said Leon. With that they shook hands.
Just then Donald, Goofy, Daisy, Selphie, Tidus and Wakka walked in, "They'll be here in a moment, your Majesties," said Daisy to The King and Queen.
"Right," said King Mickey, "then we'd better get things started." He then hopped onto the big table in the middle of the room, "can I have everyone's attention please!" he said in a raised voice, causing everyone to stop and look at him.
"Thanks," said The King as he hopped off of the table, "now, I'd like to thank everyone for coming to this Grand Conclave of the Realms of Light. You all know why we're here, so I won't waste time with unnecessary speeches. As soon as Master Yen Sid and Ansem the Wise come, we'll begin."
"We're already here," said Ansem as he and Yen Sid stood at the doorway.
"Hot dog!" said King Mickey eagerly. He then sat in one of the chairs around the table, "if everyone would take their seats, we can talk some turkey."
…someplace else…
On a distant asteroid orbiting a dark red sun, a single patch of green and blue stood out from the gray rock and dust. This patch of green and blue turned out to be caused by The Lord of Illusions.
The trickster had set up a tropical beach, complete with white sands, blue waves lapping at the shore, clear blue skies with a few cawing seagulls, palm trees and a minibar underneath with two serving girls in grass skirts.
The Lord of Illusions sat on a beach chair under an umbrella, enjoying the ambient sound of waves crashing and the cries of seagulls.
He then saw Columbina walking towards him, "I was wondering when you'd come to see me," the trickster said. He then summoned another beach chair, "please, sit down and enjoy the scenario."
"Thank you," said Columbina as she sat in the chair, "you have a true talent for bringing your imagination to life."
"This is just a trifle," said The Lord of Illusions as he indicated the environment around them, "believe me, I can imagine much grander and more insidious things than this." He then picked up a coconut shell full of wine and sipped some of it through a straw.
"Of that I'm sure," said Columbina.
"Oh, forgive me," said the trickster, "I should have offered you refreshments." He then looked towards the serving girls and waved one over.
"I never drink until after business is concluded," said Columbina, "so I'll get right down to it. We share a few things in common, you and I; chiefly among them is our mutual hatred of Sora and his companions."
"I hate Tess the most," said The lord of Illusions, "but yes, Sora has become rather irksome. But you know why I hate the Keyblade Wielders, what did they ever do to make you so irksome?"
"That's my dirty little secret," said Columbina, "needless to say, our ambitions to destroy the Keyblade Wielders would benefit from our working together."
"I've heard that before," said the trickster, "Brother Courtney came to be with the same song and dance routine. I knew all along that he couldn't be trusted, though I would ever have guessed his true identity. Joseph, Rombie, what a common name."
"He was common to start, but rose to greatness," said Columbina, "I made him that way, just as I made The Enigma Order and Dai-Shocker great. And though Brother Courtney didn't know it, I made those he called his true masters great."
"And just who are his true masters?" The Lord of Illusions asked.
"Another dirty little secret of mine," said Columbina, "needless to say, they are the instigators of the new crisis. They are brewing a storm on the horizon that, though slow approaching, will completely blow away Sora and his companions. When that storm breaks, The Realms of Light shall be permanently extinguished."
"How utterly vile," said The Lord of Illusions, "I'd like to be a part of that storm."
"I was hoping you'd say that," said Columbina, "you may now poor the wine."
The trickster waved over the serving girl, whom poured wine into another coconut shell and handed it to Columbina. "A toast then," said The Lord of Illusions, "to the destruction of The Realms of Light."
"And to the deaths of Sora and everyone he loves," said Columbina, "may their ends be humiliating and drawn out."
"I'll drink to that," said The Lord of Illusions. He and Columbina then touched coconut shells and drank the wine.
…Yubaba's Bathhouse…three days later…
"I feel more relaxed than I can ever remember," said Kairi as she and Sora sat on the balcony outside Yubaba's apartment on the top floor.
"Me too," said Sora, "it's a shame we've got to go home now."
"Yeah, but The King is probably pulling his ears out in worry by now," said Kairi. "Well," she and Sora then stood up, "at least we're going home together."
"And we've got company," said Sora, "I'm kinda surprised that Eugene and Rapunzel wanted to visit Radiant Garden before they go back to their kingdom."
"I'm surprised Chihiro and Haku didn't want to come with us," said Kairi, "but Chihiro said she had to go back to her world and Haku didn't want to argue with her. He just changed into his dragon form, Chihiro got on his back and they just flew away."
"They probably have their own thing," said Sora, "and we've got to get back on track with The Mark of Mastery."
"You think King Mickey would talk with Professor McGonagall and let us go back to Hogwarts for a while?" Kairi asked, "we really didn't learn that much about magic while we were there."
"You'd think we could have just one adventure were we didn't have to save a world or something like that," said Sora.
"Yeah, I think we're kind of owed that by now," said Kairi, "maybe next time."
"Next time," said Sora. With that they went downstairs to the lobby where Riku, Tess, Aiden, Malcolm, Roxas, Namine, Rapunzel, Eugene, along with their respective horses and Pascal the chamelion, waited.
"And here are the lovely newlyweds," said Tess in a teasing manner, "enjoying your honeymoon?"
"Oh give it a rest!" said Kairi, "we're not really married."
"They way you've been insisting on being alone the past three days, you'd think you were consummating your marriage," said Malcolm.
"We're not married!" said both Sora and Kairi at the same time.
"And stop doing that!" exclaimed Aiden, "nearly all the time we've seen you over the past three days, you're either finishing each other's sentences or speaking as one, it's creepy."
"Your girlfriends speak as one," said Riku.
"Well, Reina and Rita are twins," said Aiden, "and they're not my girlfriends, not yet, at least I hope they will be."
"Speaking of twins," said Sora, "where's…"
"…Yubaba and Zeneba?" Kairi asked.
"Zeneba went back to her house at Swamp Bottom," said Lyn as she walked up to our heroes, "and Yubaba's gone to a meeting with a building contractor. No doubt she'll try to get the repair work done with as little damage to her profits as possible, the cheap old goat."
"And you're still working for her," said Rapunzel.
"I signed a contract," said Lyn, "and I still have my promotion. But believe me, I'm getting out of this place someday."
"I hope you do get out," said Kairi, "I hope you find some place where…"
"…you'll be happy," said Sora.
"Stop that!" said Aiden, "it's really creepy."
"Do they even realize they're acting like this?" Tess asked.
"I'll bet they're doing it to bug us," said Roxas, "they don't finish each others sentences when they're alone."
"How do you know…" said Kairi.
"…what we do when we're alone?" Sora asked.
"You'd be surprised what we can do," said Naminé.
"Yeah, well, at least we're going home," said Aiden.
"Do me a favor," said Lyn, "don't come back for a while. I know Yubaba conned you into signing up for membership, but seriously, you kids are too much trouble to be worth it."
"Trouble?" Riku asked.
"I talked it over with Kamaji and the others," said Lyn, "we're not happy with the chaos you all caused."
"We saved your lives and the bathhouse!" said Aiden, "you should be thanking us."
"Yubaba showed gratitude enough for all of us," said Lyn, "we're not being ungrateful, just cautious. So please, for all our sakes, stay away, at least until the repairs are done and we've had a chance to get Yubaba to agree to disaster insurance."
"A lawyer for you workers wouldn't be a bad idea," said Eugene.
"It's on my to-do list," said Lyn, "now, please get out of here before Yubaba comes back and decides to throw you out."
"We're going already!" said Malcolm. With that Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden and Tess summoned their Keyblades, brought them together and summoned a portal.
"Next stop, Radiant Garden," said Riku. With that he, Tess, Malcolm, Aiden, Roxas and Naminé walked through.
"Goodbye, Lyn," said Rapunzel, "and thank you."
"Yeah, whatever," said Lyn. With that she walked back inside.
"Charming lady," said Eugene, "we'll have to send her a fruit basket for her birthday. Well, let's get going."
"You're going to love Radiant Garden," said Kairi, "the city's been through a lot but we're making progress." With that she, Sora, Rapunzel, Eugene, their horses and Pascal, entered the portal.
Once they exited the portal, arriving at the crystal wastes outside the city limits, they were horrified to see the city in smoldering ruins. Not a building was left intact, with rubble and charred remains all over the place, while an enormous gaping hole was in the side of the castle, along with other holes and forms of damage.
"You call this progress?" Eugene asked.
"Jesus fraking Christ!" exclaimed Kairi.
"Riku said worse things," said Tess as she, Riku, Aiden, Malcolm, Roxas and Naminé walked up to them.
"I don't get it," said Sora as he gazed dumbfounded at the ruined city, "we were gone for a like a week or so."
"A lot can happen in a week," said Aiden.
"Well, I'm going to find out what happened," said Kairi stubbornly, "and help anyone there who need help. Something caused this and I'm going to see that someone pays for it!" with that she hurried towards the ruined city.
"What now?" Rapunzel asked.
"We go after her, of course!" said Sora as he, then Riku and the others, hurried after Kairi. They caught up with her at The Postern. The area was empty of people, but they saw that there was still a fire burning in The Market. Our heroes hurried to the next area and saw Yuffie, Selphie, Tidus, Wakka, Sara, Ranma and Violet helping a team of firefighters putting out a burning building. They all looked as if they had just been through something horrific; ripped and singed clothing, cuts and bruises that were in various stages of healing.
"Are you sure everyone's out of there!?" Tidus shouted to Ranma.
"I just checked, the building's clear," said Ranma, whom along with Violet and Sara, were covered in soot and ashes, while Violet was coughing a bit and Sara was drinking from a large bottle of water.
"Thank goodness," said Wakka, "we were lucky with this one."
"Can we save the building?" Tidus asked as a window in the building blew out with a gush of flames.
"I don't know," said Selphie, "I don't think anything can be saved in this entire God forsaken city. It's almost like this world is cursed."
"SELPHIE!" Kairi shouted.
"Kairi?!" Selphie asked as she, Tidus, Wakka, Yuffie, Sara, Ranma and Violet saw Sora and the others.
"Hey, Sora!" said Ranma.
"We didn't expect you any time soon," said Sara.
"Believe me, it's worse than it looks," said Violet. At that time the building collapsed, spewing flames and smoke high in the air.
"From where I'm standing, it looks pretty awful," said Eugene.
"Selphie," said Kairi as she walked up to her, "I'm only going to ask this once. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!?"
"I kinda knew you'd ask that," said Selphie. "Well, it's a long story."
"Figures," muttered both Sora and Kairi.
The end of Volume 6.
And that's that, fellow readers and writers! I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did making it. But fear not, Sora and the others will return, but not for a while. Next volume will change perspectives as we find out just what happened to Radiant Garden as a crew of unexpected heroes arrive in the Realms of Light to partake in a battle that will change the course of destiny.
Coming Soon:
Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
In
Kingdom Hearts: Path of the Keyblade Wielder
Special Volume: Zangyack Attacks
See you then!
