Seven Floors Down - Six Floors Left

We Can't Stop Now…Not Yet

ANOTHER CHAPTER FOR MY FANS! Enjoy peeps.

(*)

Zexion snarled and roared in atrocity. He gripped the crystal ball, clawing into the image of an unconscious Alirah. He heaved and snorted fumingly. The empty space where his heart once resided ached in agonizing pain. He plastered his forehead to the crystal ball, thoughts buzzing and whirling in a storm. "What the Hell is this?" His voice rumbled gruffly. "Why am I…? Why do I…?" His sights fell onto Alirah once more. Her lifeless body taunted Zexion in the most horrific fashion. "Why did you…?" His shoulder quivered. His rage rising. "Why are you…?" A thunderous roar erupted from Zexion. "WHY WON'T YOU WAKE UP?" He swatted the crystal ball to the wall.

The ball was halt by a pair of large hands. "You should take care." Lexaeus grumbled monotonously. "We do not own too many of these." Zexion scoffed with little care for the paper weight. Lexaeus replaced the ball, staring confusedly to the usually emotionless Schemer. "What did you see that would provoke you so heatedly?" Not wishing to speak of it, Zexion touched the ball and turned away. For a moment Lexaeus only saw swirling clouds. His eyes widened in horror when the view became clear. "Alirah?" Zexion curled into himself. "How did this happen?"

"An unfortunate result of my experiment." Vexen announced, he and Axel entering the lower basement via portal.

Zexion squared himself off to Vexen, hand glowing dangerously. "What do you mean a result of your experiment?" He demanded an answer. "What did you do, Vexen?"

"That's what I'd like to know!" Axel hissed, sleepy rings under his eyes. "One minute I'm sleeping, the next thing I know I'm sensing a powerful dark energy just snuff out." He snapped his finger, "Like a damn candle." Which he was assuming was Alirah. Her dark energy is some of the strongest he's ever sensed. "So what happened to her, Vexen?"

"Due to him being poisoned," Vexen studied the crystal ball, "Alirah was forced to kill Hiano – the spirit snake with whom she formed a special bond." Vexen explained slowly, attempting to ignore the disdainful gazes. "The force of her attack, coupled with his death overwhelmed and exerted her mind and body, forcing her into a state of stasis."

"You mean she's unconscious." Axel dumbed down.

"In layman's terms, yes." Vexen rumbled, perturbed by Axel's scientific ignorance.

"Will she awaken?" Lexaeus asked, hiding his fret.

"Of that I am not certain." Vexen responded apologetically. "Alirah is strong yet fragile. On top of the strain deriving from the blow dealt to Hiano, her heart couldn't bear losing another one she loved."

"She killed him." Zexion stated as a fact. "Does that not mean she willingly-"

"Yes and no." Question marks formed over their heads. "Yes – because Alirah would sooner end her own life than allow Hiano to linger in pain. And also no – because despite her choice to end his pain, Alirah had Hiano taken by a poison which she had no control over."

"How is this part of your experiment?" Lexaeus demanded to know.

"My experiment entails the strength Alirah's resolve." Vexen smirked victoriously, "Which we all know is rock solid." He purred, "Since she was a child, Alirah has been a fighter. There is no challenge she would not face. This unconscious state is no different." His three protégés of darkness nodded in agreement. "Alirah will awaken. And when she does we can expect her determination to be as fiery as ever."

(*)

"It's cold…" Ice coursed through her veins, chilling her body into an icy stasis. "I can't breathe…" The air was stifling, heavy…thick. Breathing required deep inhales, putting uncomfortable pressure on her lungs. "My body…won't move…" Her muscles and limbs were stiff, rusted stagnant. "It's so…familiar…"

"As it should be." Alirah shot her eyes open. Aside from the glow her body gave off, Alirah was greeted by an endless darkness. Ebony purple swirled within the black. Were it not for her lit up body, Alirah would have sworn she had gone blind. "You've ventured here once before." Alirah shot straight up, hovering in the darkened space, darting her head in every direction as she searched for the voice. "I believe it was after my heartless stabbed you." The gargling gravelly voice whispered right in her ear. Alirah yelped and whipped completely around, coming face to face with a pair of sadistic yellow eyes.

Alirah's eyes trembled, her heart ready to leap from her chest. "Xeha…nort…"

"Now you're here once again," He narrowed his smirking gaze, "Only this time," Xehanort steadily approached, his hand glowing in silver and black, "Terra will not save you."

(*)

Riku cradled Alirah in his arms, holding her close, not wanting to let her go. "Ali…why won't you open your eyes?" He whispered woefully. Alirah's breathing was shallow, but normal. Her heart beat as strong as ever. The fair skin did not lose color, blemish, or fade into the air. She was not dead or dying. But she was not awakening either. "Hiano and I are both here – regardless if it's spiritually." In Hiano's case it was spiritual. "Come on Ali." Riku encouraged, keeping Hiano's charm to her chest and praying somehow Hiano would guide her back to him. "You can't just give up! Not now!" Riku hugged her close, burying his face into her hair. "You've made it through seven floors! You've fought the Heartless, those Nobodies, and the Fakes! How can you just quit?"

"Because she has nothing left to fight for." Ansem snickered, emerging from a black portal. Riku quickly, but gently, set Alirah down and drew Soul Eater. Ansem ignored the threat. "She has nothing left in this world, so she does not see the need to awaken."

"What do you mean she has nothing left?" Riku spat, affronted by being referred to as nothing. "She has me."

"Apparently you aren't enough." Riku gritted his teeth. "Alirah has lost all of those she once loved and revered more than anyone else in the world." Ansem proceed to elucidate, meandering away but slowly towards the ready to strike Riku. "The Seven boys from Radiant Garden – now Nobodies serving the twilight, and discarded their friendship with Alirah. Her old Master, Eraqus – As extinct as history. Ven and Aqua – nowhere to be found or heard from. Terra – brother and boy she loved," Ansem touched his chest, claiming responsibility, "Possessed and forever out of her reach." Riku lowered his gaze at Terra's name. Alirah still loves him. "And now Hiano – as dead as the souls he claimed, forever out of her reach." Riku glanced up, horrified to find Ansem towering over him. Ansem gripped him by the neck, hoisting him from the ground and slamming him into the wall. Riku grabbed the wrist, fighting for freedom, legs kicking over Alirah. "Why would she return to you? A boy too weak to defeat Sora even with the power of darkness." Ansem brought his face closer, forcing Riku to meet his sadist golden eyes. "A boy who fears the very darkness he wields." He narrowed his eyes, "And she sees it you know. Your fear. She may not use her sight, but Alirah knows you fear the darkness. She knows you fear her."

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" Riku blurted, choking against the hold. "I'm not afraid of her!"

"You've witnessed Alirah when she's lost control!" Ansem pressed. "When her rage takes hold, and she becomes a rabid fighting machine!" He pointed to the staircase, "Moments ago you watched a blaze erupt from the palm of her hand, incinerating the Replikira into nothing more than a pile of ash." Riku will never forget the heat behind the force of the blaze either. Alirah conjured the blaze with minimal effort…and with little to no emotion. "Imagine her power should she truly lose control. The darkness she commands is greater than you or I ever imagined."

"You make her sound like a monster."

Ansem scoffed, glimpsing to the unconscious Alirah. "Perhaps she is." Ansem set Riku onto the floor. "Without Hiano to monitor her, Alirah is no better than a monster." Riku clenched a fist. SO long as Hiano was around, Alirah was tame. "And monsters should be put out of their misery." Ansem bent to Riku's ear. "Especially a monster who has chosen to give up on life."

Riku squeezed his eyes closed, gritting his teeth. Alirah's always been saddened by the loss of those she's loved. By the pain of the ones she cared for betraying her. Even more so by the return of the man she's hated her entire life. "And yet…" Riku mumbled, making Ansem cocked a bewildered brow. "And yet, despite everything's she's been through…despite having everything taken from her as soon as she got it…" Riku glared defiantly into Ansem's eyes, "ALIRAH HASN'T GIVEN UP!" He lashed out with Soul Eater, missing and repelling Ansem away. Riku took his stance. Ansem gazed indifferently to the boy. "Alirah may be brash, impulsive, and downright terrifying," He admitted forehand, "But she's also passionate, kind, driven, and stronger than anyone I've ever met!" Riku felt strength rise in his heart and body. "Since the day I met her, I've never seen Alirah give up without a fight. Now is no different!" He promised Ansem. "Alirah will wake up! And when she does we're going to walk out of this castle TOGETHER, and put everything as far behind us as possible!"

"How can you leave this castle?" Ansem folded his arms, summoning Guardian. "You won't even make it out of this hallway?"

"WANNA BET?" Riku raced for Ansem.

(*)

Alirah glared vengeful daggers into the heart – however nonexistent – of Xehanort, desperately craving to kill him with looks instead of her lack of Keyblade skill. Xehanort merely smirked, chuckling in a raspy tone as he watched Alirah quake in his presence. Alirah made an attempt to summon Oblivion. Nothing materialized. She tried again and again and again. Oblivion would not come. Alirah stared at her hand in distress. Why can't I…? Images of Hiano flashed within her thoughts. A pain struck her heart. Is it because…?

"It has nothing to do with Hiano." Xehanort diagnosed as if reading her mind. "If a Keyblade Wielder's powers were determined by summoning spirits, half of us would not still possess our blades."

"Then you must have done something!" She shouted shrilly, only serving to widen Xehanort's grin. "ANSWER ME! What have you done?"

Xehanort spread his hands, "Ab-sol-lute-ly nothing." For the first time in her life Alirah sensed sincerity in his words. He had nothing to do with her blade not appearing. Then why…? "If you wish to place blame on someone," Xehanort meandered listlessly for the bewildered girl, "Blame yourself." Alirah flinched. Blame herself? Why? "After all…" Xehanort stood an inch away from her, hand extended to her stomach, "You're the one who's given up." A silver and black flame blasted Alirah back, bouncing her to the floor. "All the invitation I need."

(*)

Riku lashed out with numerous strikes and kicks. Ansem parried and counter struck, missing just as many times as Riku. Guardian dove into the ground, hoping to pull a sneak attack. Riku leapt for the ground and stabbed Guardian through the head. Guardian retreated behind Ansem.

Alirah winced and cringed in her corner of the hall. Her face contorted uncomfortably. She moaned and groaned dryly. Dark streams emitted from her body, seeping around her like tentacles constricting their prey. "And so it begins." Ansem purred cackling triumphantly.

"ALIRAH!" Riku ran to her side. He knelt down to hold her. When his hands made contact, a powerful force shocked his hands away, denying him.

"I'm afraid you'll have to wait your turn." Ansem taunted, dusting himself off. "Alirah is otherwise engaged at the moment."

Riku hissed back to the Seeker of Darkness, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

"Not me." Ansem feigned innocence. "But my elder counterpart."

"Xehanort?" Riku gasped in terror. Alirah cried out in pain. Bruises appeared on her skin. Her lip bled.

"And it would seem he's making sport of her before her completely eradicates her."

"But how? How did he get inside?"

"What makes you think he never was?" Riku raised a perplexed and fearful brow. "Like me with you, Xehanort resides within Alirah. A piece of him dwells within the depths of her nightmares." Riku gaped in disbelief. "And he intends to keep her there until she fades from existence."

"That's not going to happen!" Riku declared firmly.

"You bet it's not!" A high voice shouted. "I won't allow it!" A bright orb floated from the ceiling, hovering in front of Riku.

"Your Majesty!" Riku cheered.

"Leave Alirah to me Riku. I'll get her out." Mickey promised. He floated to Alirah, entering her body via chest.

"Good luck, your majesty."

(*)

A swift kick to her abdomen. Multiple stomps to the chest and ribs. Yanked up by the hair and punched countless times in the face. Tossed to the ground like trash. Levitated and smashed into nonexistent, but very real walls. Xehanort showed no mercy to the defenseless Alirah. By the leg, arm, or head, Xehanort tossed Alirah around and beat her down like the dog he believed her to be.

Alirah lied on her side, panting heavily. Her muscles ruptured and burned with each breath. Xehanort wiped off pretend dust from his cloak, pulling his gloves to refit them to his no doubt boney fingers. Staring to Alirah he relished in the pain she endured. When she rolled onto her stomach, Xehanort raised a curious brow. "Now this looks familiar," He mused, tapping his chin pensively, "Where have I seen this before?" Alirah steadied her upper body on her elbows. "Let…me…think…" Alirah snarled past gritted teeth, desperately wishing she could burn him into charcoal. Xehanort beamed elatedly, "OH YES! I remember! This is exactly the same state you were nine years ago…" He knelt to Alirah, smirking provokingly, "Before I stole Terra away from you." Alirah's rage surged. He knees found their way under her. She launched an electrified hand for Xehanort's face. Xehanort gripped the wrist, crushing it. He hoisted Alirah up and drove a quick jab into her stomach, knocking the wind and some spit out of her. Alirah collapsed to the ground, holding her stomach. "And since we are repeating past history, perhaps I should make good on my end as well." He yanked her roughly by the hair, bringing her to eye level. "I'll return you to the state of unconsciousness. And by the time you awaken," In the palm of his other hand a miniature Riku materialized, "Your precious Blue Eyed Knight will be another marionette in my collection." He crushed the miniature Riku.

Alirah's eyes widened in petrified fear. "No…" An image of Riku being consumed by Ansem/Xehanort flooded her mind. Then an image of Terra being consumed by Xehanort plagued her fears. Alirah ruby red eyes ignited into gold. "NOOOO!" Alirah slapped her hands into his chest, sending thunder traveling and bursting throughout his torso.

Xehanort was blown back a few feet, hissing in pain as his abdomen smoked. "That…" He cringed, massaging his sore stomach, "That almost hurt." In truth it actually stung. But to allow an enemy to know he was hurt was not in his mental programming.

"I WON'T LET YOU!" Lavender thunder swelled all around Alirah's body, hair whipping and rippling violently. "I WON'T LET YOU TAKE ANYONE ELSE!"

Xehanort howled with laughter, ignoring the minimal pain. "YOU ACTUALLY SOUND AS IF YOU HAVE A SAY IN THE MATTER!" Alirah gathered a ball of thunder over her head and launched it for Xehanort. The old man stretched out both hands, catching the ball. But it did not dissipate or burst. The ball drilled into the gloves, tearing the fabric and reaching the skin. Xehanort roared and tossed the ball into the air. The ball burst into streams. The backlash energy gusted Xehanort's cloak, and Alirah's skirt and hair straight back. "Impressive." Xehanort hissed, his gloves and burnt skin healing themselves. Alirah panted heavily, the strain of her attack wearing her down. The gold faded into red. "But I'm afraid you lack the power necessary to defeat me."

"SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO DEFEAT YOU!" A high squeaky voice announced. "She just has to make sure she doesn't lose!"

"I know that voice." A bright, warm ball of light arose from the floor, spiraling around Alirah, healing her exhausted body. "Mickey, is that you?"

"You bet it is!" Mickey materialized in his intangible form before Alirah, arms spread protectively. He glared Xehanort down.

"Why hello there, Mickey." Xehanort mused. "It's been far too long. How's Minnie doing these days? Hopefully better than Aqua and Ven?" Mickey gritted his teeth in aggravation. Alirah forgot. Mickey's known Xehanort just as long as she has. And what's more is the mouse king is friends with Aqua, Terra, and Ven as well. Aqua and Ven were the last one's he saw.

"Listen to me, Alirah," Mickey mumbled, ignoring Xehanort's taunt, "Riku's outside, fighting Ansem as we speak."

"Riku…?"

"He's waiting for you to wake up. And he isn't going to stop fighting until you do." Mickey glanced back, staring sternly to the aghast girl. "Which means you must fight, and keep fighting so you can reach tomorrow like Hiano wished for you to do." Alirah clenched a hand to her heart. Before she lost consciousness, Alirah heard Hiano say he'd await her in tomorrow. She wasn't sure what he meant, but she knows Hiano didn't die so she could remain trapped in a perpetual nightmare. "You and Riku have traversed seven floors so far. There are only six left." Mickey smiled cockily. "Do you plan on staying here?"

"Mouse, you've known me for nine years." Alirah boasted, smirking proudly, "You should know by now I have a hard time remaining in one spot for too long." She mused with a wink.

Mickey's smile brightened. "Just the response I'd expected from you." He replied with a sense of pride. "Riku and I will wait for you."

"Don't get too comfortable out there." Alirah smiled menacingly defiant to the aggravated Xehanort. "This won't take long." Mickey returned as an orb, exiting from the realm. Xehanort hissed incredulously, despising the mouse king every second. "So let's hurry this up, shall we." Xehanort coked a baffled brow. "It's as the mouse king said, he and Riku are waiting for me." Alirah inhaled deeply, then stretched out her hand. "And it's unwise to keep Riku waiting for too long." A sparkling beam of light materialized, filing from the center point of Alirah's hand. Alirah gripped firmly, dispersing the bright light. Oblivion appeared. Xehanort gaped in angered awe. "Not to mention I'm tired of looking at your ugly face." She smirked. Xehanort growled in outrage, remaining stationary. "What's wrong old man?" Alirah pressed. "Is the bold and brave Alirah not to your liking?" A dark mist engulfed Oblivion, raging like a flame, startling Xehanort Oh that's right," she teasing scathingly, "You only like kids who are scared of you." She keened her gaze, drawing Oblivion over her head. "WHO CAN'T FIGHT BACK!" She axed Oblivion down diagonally, sending a massive wave of dark energy charging for Xehanort.

Xehanort dodged rolled to safety. As he regained his footing, Alirah appeared from out of nowhere striking and grazing his shoulder. "DAMMIT YOU BRAT!" She threw a punch, landing the blow in her face. Alirah fell onto her butt. Brushing off her cheek she continued to smile defiantly. "One day I shall remove that smirk from your face forever!" Xehanort vowed heatedly. "All you will know is pain and sorrow! You WILL slip back into the pit of despair, and be consumed by the very darkness you command!" Eyes wide he smiled crazily. "And on that day I shall return and you will become another puppet just as Terra, Aqua, and Ventus were." Xehanort teleported from the plane. "MARK MY WORDS!" The warning echoed.

Alirah spat dubiously. "What an old coot!" She waved a carefree hand. "Hasn't changed a bit. Now then…" She sneered at the swirling darkness. "HOW THE HELL DO I GET OUT OF HEEERRREEE?" She cried out. Her question was answered. "Hm?" A familiar warmth touched her heart. When Alirah placed a hand to her chest, something hard fell into it. Hiano's charm. Astonished by the charm, Alirah felt someone behind her. It was a transparent full grown Hiano, coiled into a ball with a tender smile. "Hiano…" Hiano bowed his head. His pointed his tail piercing into the darkness. A bright door formed. Hiano wordlessly gestured for her to enter. Alirah, apprehensive of the door, stopped in front of Hiano, exchanging saddened gazes. Alirah reached a hand for her serpent, only to have it go right through him. Alirah's hand fell limply to her side. "You're really gone…aren't you?" Hiano did not respond. Not a nod or shake of his head. Alirah clenched a fist. "Then…" She placed his charm at the foot of him. "This should remain with you." Aches surged through Alirah's hand, wanting to forever hang onto Hiano's charm, but knew it would do her no good. It was no better than a trinket now. "I meant what I said, you know." She forced a smile, fighting back heartbroken tears. "I do and always will love you." She looked up to him. "And know that I would never change a single moment of our time together." Alirah wished she could hug Hiano, but she would just fall right through. Facing the door she walked on through, sprinkles of tears trailing behind her.

The door completely closed behind Alirah, not for a second did she look back. Hiano snaked his tail into the chain of the charm, admiring it and all the memories it holds. "And I love you Alirah." He whispered. "Take care."

(*)

Riku and Ansem stood on opposite sides of the hallway, panting and heaving heavily, body's hanging exhaustedly as they kept themselves up on one knee. "How much longer…do you think…you can last?" Ansem taunted through pants. He pushed some of his hair back. "Why not surrender and make things easier on yourself?"

"Because…" Riku gruffly huffed, regaining his wind, "The King and Alirah aren't back yet."

"They aren't coming back!" Ansem roared, annoyed by Riku's naïve faith. "Do you not understand yet?" He returned to his feet. "The darkness will consume them both! Alirah"

"Don't count on it!" Mickey announced, emerging from Alirah. He materialized in his full see through form. Ansem bared his teeth resentfully. "So to be the bearer of bad news, Ansem," Mickey smirked complacently, "But Alirah is no more consumed by darkness than me or Riku!"

"You mean…" Riku brightened.

"Yep!" Mickey nodded happily. "By the time I arrived, Alirah was already fighting back, and dealt serious damage to Xehanort." Ansem hissed. "And she promised to be out as soon as she's finished with Xehanort!" Riku pumped his fist in victory. "I know you can sense it Ansem. You and Riku both!" Riku and Ansem glanced to Alirah. The mist, bruises and cuts vanished. "Xehanort's hold is wavering! She's expelling him!"

"NO!" Ansem roared.

"YES!" Riku jumped victoriously.

"Hmm…nnn…GAAAHHH!" Alirah rasped, writhing. A ball of dark blue and black mist formed in her chest. With a loud shrill cry from Alirah the ball burst in a beam from her chest, flying into the wall by the stairs. Xehanort cried out in pain as his back was slammed against the wall.

Ansem gaped in horror. "It can't be." He mumbled inaudibly. Riku and Mickey cheered, leaping for victory. Xehanort struggled to his feet. "Impossible. She couldn't have…"

Hiano charm flashed and quickly dimmed. Alirah's eyes fluttered open. Her bright red orbs coming into focus on the white halls she had seemed to grow quite fond of. Holding her dizzy head, Alirah leaned up on her one hand. Darting her eyes about, she met the overjoyed faces of Riku and Mickey. "Hey guys." Alirah saluted two fingers, "Hope I didn't keep you boys waiting." She chortled flirtatiously.

"Nah." Riku waved off. "Barely noticed you were gone."

"Right." Alirah retorted sarcastically. She, Riku, and Mickey laughed heartily.

"Yes…" Xehanort gargled, "Laugh you pathetically sentimental fools!" The three glared to the darkness seeker. "Enjoy your joyous moments, because your journey through this castle has yet to reach its conclusion." He folded his hands behind his sore back. "We will return." Ansem stood next to Xehanort. "And when we do," Xehanort stretched a challenging finger, "You both will become our puppets." He clenched a fist. "Until then we shall tug your strings until you yield entirely."

"Then you'll be tugging for another nine years," Alirah decreed rebelliously, Riku helping her to her feet, "Because Riku and I don't plan to yield to anyone."

"We shall see." Xehanort smirked demonically. He and Ansem ported out, leaving Alirah, Riku, and Mickey to enjoy each other's company.

"How'd you find your way back?" Riku wondered.

"Hiano opened a door way for me." Alirah gazed to Hiano's charm lovingly. "No matter in what shape or form, the old man always finds ways to help me." This one - she wasn't sure why - she decided to hold onto it and put it in her pocket. "And I believe thanks goes to you as well, Mouse King." She tilted her head adorably. "So thanks." She blew a kiss in his direction.

Mickey blushed madly. "UH-UH-UH NO PROBLEM!" He stuttered, mind a buzz. Riku and Alirah chuckled at his bashfulness. "Back to business," Mickey tried to change the subject, "I'm almost to the castle." He swore, still sounding sad he had yet to arrive. "Until then I need you both to continue your journey, no matter what those two may do."

"We will." The two promised.

"Good. You've got six floors left. See ya soon." Mickey faded out.

"Well you heard him." Riku gripped Alirah's hand. "Only six floors left."

Alirah squeezed the hand back, smiling warmly. "Then let's get moving." Subconsciously her other hand found Hiano's charm. Oddly enough it was warm.

Enough! Neit! Done! Stick a fork in me! I'm finished with this chapter! See you guys soon.