Battle
Of
The 1st Floor
Facing the Darkness
This is the final battle of the fic folks. Enjoy.
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In the beginning it was only them. A grandfather and his granddaughter, living a seemingly perfect life together in a tower none – only a select few – knew how to find. A four year old girl, with a smile brighter than the sun, laughing giddily as she explored the tower and its grounds, casting her imagination and heart above and beyond. Never once had she allowed the disappearance of her father nor the death of her mother to influence her emotions or how she viewed life. The young girl would always find a reason to smile, and in doing so would entice others to do the same. Her smile was more contagious than the most severe of illnesses. It was warm, inviting, hopeful. In this, the grandfather was able to look beyond the darkness that existed in life and always see the beauty.
One day, the granddaughter had to be sent away. Not out of malice or lack of love. She had taken hold of a mystical and wondrous weapon known as the keyblade. Serpents Cry. The key which held the Soul of the Soul devouring guardian known as Hiano. The granddaughter was sent to a land where the grandfather was once part of a council of Keyblade Masters. A land where those who wield these magnificent weapons could be trained and cultivated into future masters, guarding and protecting the light. It was in this land the young granddaughter met three whom she would revere as elder siblings. Those three protected and guided her, making her feel proud to be the young Necromancer she was, just like her mother before her. They taught her to wield a keyblade, hone her magic, and grow into a kind and just warrior. However, the two masters who remained…were not so supporting.
One master sought to control and manipulate the darkness. Utilize its powers to cast the worlds into darkness, and for another goal not divulged, but anticipated. Control over Kingdom Hearts and the forging of a Keyblade of immeasurable power.
The other master sought to destroy the darkness, be rid of it like you would be rid of a rabid animal or traitor. In this sense, the fearful master subconsciously chastised the granddaughter and the one whom she loved like a brother due to their power over darkness. He denied the brother a place as master, and kept the granddaughter at arm's length. This created a rift between the four. A rift which may still exist nine years later.
A girl blindly loyal to her master became a master herself. A young boy who always seemed to be an empty shell stood by the dashed brother just as the granddaughter did. But when the brother left, the granddaughter went after him and traveled with him. The shell tried to follow. The blind master chased after the three, wanting to bring them home. But that outcome was not so.
The brother, believing the dark master's words over the words of his heart, left the granddaughter in the care of another wizard, hoping she would be safe. He swore in a letter that he would return. Little did he know, he would return possessed by another…and made an attempt on the granddaughter's life.
In the shell's desperate attempt to bring the brother and blind master together, he tried to bring them to a fair and remind them of their good times together. That a simple master exam could not tear them apart. But because the blind master chose duty over friendship, making the rift grow wider. The brother vanished, continuing his quest to prove he could control the darkness in his heart. The shell roared at the blind master, demanding to know why she would treat him so harshly. But the two did not part before giving the same vow to the granddaughter that they would return.
The blind master's armor returned, with the master gone. She saved the life of the brother, without realizing it was not him. The shell…the shell remained hidden somewhere. Somewhere close. Where? That was anybody's guess. Only the blind master knows. And she was wandering the realms aimlessly.
The fearful master was slain by the brother. The dark master got his wish. A vessel, the blind master removed. It was only the shell who failed him. Now all that remains is the granddaughter, a girl who always seemed to evade his grasp. Despite the pain and anger in her heart, regardless of joining the dark witch in her quest for the seven princesses – three of whom the granddaughter was friends with – the dark master could never gain a firm hold on her or the dark powers she possesses. Even using the seven she held in esteem equal to the three young keyblade masters, the dark master still could not claim her.
Fear, terror, nightmares – nothing he did could ever bring the granddaughter under his thrall. Threats of death, promises to take everything from her – everything the dark master did only fueled her desire to press forward, no matter how much in the past she retreated.
Now that the granddaughter has accepted her powers, and is now prepared to face that which plagues her fears…Alirah may very well be out of Xehanort's reach. But for how long was anyone's guess. Xehanort may be exorcised from her heart, from her fears, but Alirah knew he wouldn't stay away forever. Somehow, in some way he would come back. But Alirah would set it in stone for him. He's more than welcome to come back as many times as he pleased. Alirah will cast him away every single time. Even if he wins the upcoming battle, and he somehow takes her body as his vessel, Alirah would fight, and she would find a way to escape.
Terra, Aqua, Ven – Guide and protect me, so I may avenge you.
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Step-step, step-step – Alirah's boots clopped loudly to the marble floor, echoing throughout the massive straight-line hallway. Step-step, step-step – each step drew her closer to the end, where Xehanort – the fear of her heart – awaited her. Step-step, step-step – The hallway seemed to extend itself with every step, prolonging the agony of the upcoming battle. Perhaps the castle was sensing her apprehension, her unsure feelings towards the fight impending.
Alirah had every last right to be nervous. Up until now, the Xehanorts she has faced were shadows and imposters. Now, as she sauntered sternly down the hall, she could feel it. The thick, suffocating, ominous power of the master who plagues her heart with fear and terror filled the air.
Her mind screamed for her to stop. Her legs begged her to turn around and go back. But her heart silenced these words. For nine years, whether she was conscious of it or not, Alirah had been running away from the man – this monster – for far too long. He has taken her brothers and sister – Ven, Aqua, and Terra, he coaxed Even, Ienzo, Braig, Isa, Lea, Dilan, and Aeleus into joining him, and worst of all he has caused the same rift between Yensid, Merlin, Mickey, and Alirah that he did with the previous three keyblade wielders.
"He's made people suffer for far too long." She stroked her fingers along Hiano. "I won't let this continue."
"You won't let this continue?" Xehanort's voice reverberated mockingly from the walls and ceiling. Alirah came to an abrupt halt. "What makes you think you have any say in the matter?" He chuckled loudly from within the shadows.
Growling rabidly, Alirah summoned Oblivion to her hand. "XEHANORT!" She roared his name, letting the venom in her word spatter over the hall. "WHERE ARE YOU, YOU COWARD?" Alirah boomed. "SHOW YOURSELF!"
Xehanort chuckled derisively once again, humored by her brave tone. "In that much of a hurry to fail, are you?" He taunted her. "You always were impatient. Hadn't you learned anything from Aqua." A sharp dagger pierced Alirah's heart, hearing Aqua's name come from those deceitful lips. "If you truly wish to meet the fate of your friends, I am awaiting your arrival in the heart of darkness. The same darkness that is inside of you."
Alirah growled in the back of her throat. Gaining strength back into her legs, Alirah sprinted down the hallway. Hiano constricted himself tightly around her so not to fall.
The hallway whisked past her. The pedestals and wall art blurred in her vision. Closer and closer she drew, faster and faster she went. Xehanort's power glided over her skin. The pasty blue coloring significant to his person covered the walls.
In the hall, leaning against the wall, images of people Alirah has lost to get to this moment presented themselves. Aqua, Ven, Terra, Eraqus, Zack, Braig, Aeleus, Dilan, Even, Lea, Isa, and Ienzo. In the back of her mind, Alirah could see Aerith, Cloud, Leon, and Yuffie, along with the princesses, Merlin, and those of Disney Castle all staring at her, as if they could see past the worlds.
When I get out…I will begin anew. She swore to herself. I will apologize, beg, and plead for everyone's forgiveness! I'LL FIX WHAT I'VE BROKEN. Sora, Donald, and Goofy filled her heart. And when you three wake up, I'll get on my hands and knees, and apologize for the pain I caused you due to my grief. Especially you Goofy. "No matter what it takes! I CAN'T LOSE! "
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The hallway ended in at an open room. A dead end to her journey. No doors, no cards, just an elongated hallway. One which be made unavailable to her the minute her battle begins.
Hiano, wanting to give her time alone, vanished into his charm. He would wait, see what would develop. But the moment his master, his friend asked, he would emerge and dispatch their enemy.
Alirah took a deep breath, then closed her eyes as she exhaled. The tension in her nerves all but disappeared. The aura she sensed was thick in the air. Opening her eyes, they narrowed to the wall before her.
"I can see you, Xehanort!" She announced. "Come out!"
Black feathers erupted from the ground with a black vortex. In the blink of an eye, Xehanort had appeared. His hands behind his back, but a grim expression on his face. He seemed…disappointed to say the least. As if the fun he had mocking her in the hallway had gone and was replaced with…disconcertion.
"For years I have watched you fight." Xehanort began. "I know your strength, your weakness – everything about you is an open book to me." Alirah stood firmly, gazing stoically to the elder master as he proceeded with his dissertation. "Your strength is your determination and stubbornness. Every challenge met, including your own darkness, has been accepted and conquered. Your powers and skills have matured due to this." A compliment from Xehanort? A rare spectacle. "However," He quickly added, "Your weakness is those around you." He pointed to her pocket, seeing the chain of Hiano's charm hanging from her pocket. "Hold one hostage and you cannot think. Lose just one and your powers flare out of control. They are your strength and lynch pin." Alirah would not deny this fact. Her friends were strength as well as her Achilles heel. She couldn't bear to see them hurt. "The only thing I cannot fathom is, despite my knowledge of who you are inside and out and how much you fear what I am capable of, why is it that you choose to still fight me?" He questioned with the utmost bewilderment. "I am sure you realize you cannot defeat me. And I can sense the fear you feel towards me. Why fight me? Why not join me like Terra and the others did?" Alirah's fingers tensed. "I know you can sense it," Xehanort stated, extending a hand towards her, "But refuse to admit it." He shook his head somberly, curling his fingers closed. "We are the same, you and I. Master manipulators and wielders of darkness. Both who feed off the darkness and draw power from it. The only difference is the darkness comes to you naturally, whilst I struggle to maintain it."
"You're right." Alirah agreed hoarsely, ashamed she was agreeing with that monster. "We are the same." Xehanort was taken aback by her candor. Never did he imagine she would admit such a travesty. Alirah looked him dead in the eye. "Necromancer or not, you and I are exactly the same. Just as Riku, Terra, and Ansem are similar."
"Then why?" Xehanort pressed. "Why refuse me?" He arched a curious brow. "Does some part of your heart still fear the darkness?"
"Of course." Alirah admitted steadfast. "But that's a given." She shrugged. "Everyone fears their own power once in a while." She assured him. "So that isn't why I refuse you?"
Xehanort narrowed his brow, becoming annoyed with her cryptic behavior. "Then why?" He growled.
"Why?" Alirah repeated, finding the question ridiculous. "Because…" She slid a hand over her eyes, "My eyes allow me to see everything that a person is. Inside and out." She clarified. "That said…" She slid the hand down slowly, revealing the pure gold filling in over the crimson, "I know you inside and out as well!" She blurted, summoning Oblivion to her hand. Xehanort furrowed his brow. "I was the only one able to see you for who you truly are! A manipulator and a coward! Someone who uses others to do his dirty work while he watches from the sidelines! And I can't stand the sight of you any longer!"
Xehanort laughed insultingly, throwing his head back. "Foolish child!" He guffawed. "If you know me inside and out, then you should know my powers well now." He forewarned.
"Yeah, I know." Alirah remarked indifferently. "Or have you forgotten? You came to me when I was unconscious." After Hiano was sent into a state of stasis. "And I managed to graze your shoulder."
Xehanort grunted in affront, touching a self-conscious hand to the once wounded shoulder. "Your point?" He tried to shake off.
"Either you're still an imposter," A bold smirk glided onto her lips, "Or the old man is slipping." She giggled brazenly. Xehanort gritted his teeth. "I'm not at all impressed by your powers. I'm not even sure why I was scared of them!"
"HMPH!" Xehanort stomped his foot. A ring of high energy dispersed across the floor, traveling up the walls and ceiling, cutting off Alirah's escape. "If that is the case…" Xehanort growled, his auburn eyes glowing with rage, "I shall reintroduce you to your fear…" He drew both hands from behind his back, "AS I DROWN YOU IN THE ABYSS!" A wave of darkness erupted from Xehanort's body, casting itself and filling the entire room. Alirah threw her hands and Oblivion up, protecting her from the onslaught of darkness. The room around her vanished into the black.
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Eyes squeezed tightly closed, arms still raised defensively – Alirah panted heavily, able to feel the Xehanorts darkness smothering her. An unbearable pressure weighed on her heart. But she did not waver. No matter what he did, she was not going to show signs of waning.
A gentle, cool breeze brushed over her arms, perplexing Alirah. The dry feeling of dust filled her nose. Dust? As she lowered her arms, Alirah's eyes opened. She gasped in horror. The darkened grey sky with riddled with thick thundering clouds, a heart shaped moon in the center of the sky, miles of a barren wasteland with covered in rocky cliffs and gorges. Alirah staggered for a moment, her legs losing their strength as she mowed this place over in her head.
"No…" She trembled, wobbling on the towering cliff in the dead center of the barren land. "This can't be…" When Alirah turned to gaze upon the rest of the land, she gaped in disbelief and terror. Little did she know, Alirah stood in the center of a mass of rusted Keyblades. Hundreds, thousands of atrophied keys planted firmly in the ground, forming a large X. There was no doubt in Alirah's mind. This place was, "The Keyblade Graveyard."
"I see you haven't forgotten." Xehanort chuckled, appearing behind her. He stood in the middle of the X, the heart shaped moon beaming onto him. "Yes." Xehanort spanned his arms to the area. "This is the place where all Keyblade masters before you have fallen and left their mark on destiny. It is also the same place," He guided Alirah's attention with a single gloved finger, "Where your friends fell to my power."
"UGH!" Alirah staggered away. On the edge of one of the sections of discarded keyblades were three familiar Keyblades. Alirah listlessly approached the keys, wanting to get a closer look before she succumbed to her fear. "No…" All three keyblades which once belonged to Terra, Aqua, and Ven were part of the vast collection of fallen keys. "No…" Alirah shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No this can't be!" Her voice shook. She dropped to her knees, running her hands over the keys. "They can't be…" He hands hugged onto Terra's keyblade. She inhaled her grief and smashed her forehead into his keyblade. "THEY CAN'T BE GONE!"
Xehanort smiled in triumph. "I'm afraid they are." He moaned mockingly. "Just like Eraqus. Your friends were dispatched to the realm beyond life." Alirah sobbed heavily, shaking her head as she whispered no. "Behold…" He cast his hand to the mass of Keyblades in the distance, "Like the keyblades of your friends, those lifeless keys used to be full of power. United with the hearts of their masters." The wind carried dust over the lifeless blades, emphasizing the ages they must have been there. "On this barren soil, Keyblades of light and darkness were locked in combat…AS A GREAT BLADE WAR WAS RAGED!"
Alirah seethed at the old man, her face soaked in her tears. "WHAT?" She roared. "Did you start that too?"
"This war went on before and during my times." He corrected her. "No. Countless Keyblade wielders gave up their lives, all in search of one, ultimate key." He elucidated. "A power that would have been mine if Ventus hadn't failed me."
"Ven?" Alirah hummed, rising to her feet. "What ultimate power?" She demanded. "What was so important that everyone killed each other for it? That you killed my friends for?"
"The power to control kingdom hearts, of course!" Xehanort blurted excitedly. "The almighty and unmatchable X-Blade!"
Alirah's eyes widened. Her fingers curled into a darkness engulfed fist. Kingdom Hearts? The same thing Ansem sought when he took control over Riku. "You mean to tell me…" She struggled to keep her rage in check, "That my friends, my master, ALL OF THESE KEYBLADE WIELDERS, died for something that cannot be attained!"
"How do you know that it cannot be attained?" Xehanort quizzed her scathingly. "Ventus almost brought it forth to me." He stated, catching Alirah off guard. "But due to a contingency known as Aqua, the blade was lost to me."
"Ven? Aqua?" Alirah said his name again, sensing a pattern. "How do they fit into this?"
"Simple." Xehanort shrugged. "When Ventus first arrived, he was nothing more than an empty shell." Alirah knew that. Sometimes Ven looked like a zombie when he walked around. "When he refused to do my bidding, I had ripped the darkness from his heart, creating a being known as Vanitas. Ventus was supposed to die afterward, but was saved by an unknown light. But to my great joy, the Ventus and Vanitas merged into one, creating the X-Blade just as I had envisioned."
"Aqua stopped him." Alirah assumed. That had to be the contingency.
"Correct." Xehanort admitted. "Aqua defeated Vanitas and destroyed the X-blade." Alirah heard the annoyance in his voice. "Afterward Ventus returned to his comatose state. His heart ravaged from the strain. Aqua abducted him and hid him away, beyond my sight." He shook his head. Hope rose in Alirah's eyes. There was a hole in his story. How could Terra, Aqua, or Ven have died if… "But I'm afraid," Xehanort interrupted her wishful thinking, "With his heart gone, Ventus was doomed to his previous fate. Without a heart, a body cannot remain." He held out a victorious hand. "Ventus passed on within a week." Alirah gasped. "And to think Aqua journeyed out to save him." He cooed tauntingly. "Only to be strangled by Terra, whom I had dispatched from his body earlier."
"No…" Alirah trembled. Her memories of that night drifted into her mind. "That can't be true." That would mean the armor on the ground, "That couldn't have been Aqua."
"I'm afraid that is all I will be telling you." Xehanort declared. "I did not bring you to this graveyard so I can give you a history lesson." He summoned his keyblade to his hand. Alirah grunted, feeling the battle about to begin. "This will be the place where your keyblade will rot in the wind, and your body will waste away into dust. Just like your friends."
Alirah gritted her teeth. Her fingers grinded together. She glanced back at the three keyblades, feeling her heart ready to burst. "Huh?" Something was wrong. The keyblades didn't look right. As they shouldn't. "You're lying." Alirah declared.
"Pardon?"
Alirah bore her heated gaze into him. She summoned Oblivion to her hands. "You're lying! THESE KEYS ARE FAKE!" She swiped her blade through them. They turned to dust, joining the breeze. "Just another cheap trick conjured by you." Xehanort growled in the back of his throat. How dare she insult him like that. "Terra, Aqua, and Ven never died!" She stated confidently. "Terra was in Radiant Garden, possessed by you with Aqua's armor at his feet! The armor was empty!" Xehanort bit his lip. "As for Ven…" She trailed off, "I can't explain it, but he's out there somewhere!" "I'm going to find them." She swore. "And when I do," She shifted her stance, adjourning to her fighter's stance, "We're going to look back on these last few years and laugh!"
"Grr…" Xehanort clenched his keyblade. He lost his advantage again. "Hmph…" He smirked. "You're going to find them?" He hummed disparagingly. "My dear, little Alirah," He purred her name. Alirah knew that tone, "How are you going to find anyone," Xehanort took his stance, "When I've ripped those eyes from your head and leave you for dead?"
Alirah narrowed her eyes. Xehanort's smirk widened into a wolfish grin. He vanished from sight. Alirah was taken aback by the sudden disappearance but remained calm. She tightened her grip on Oblivion. The air shifted behind her. Alirah whipped around. Xehanort's keyblade collided with hers, being stopped dead in its tracks. She smirked boastfully to the master, just as he smirked to her. The old man vanished once more. Alirah blindly flourished her blade, catching a twinge of something, and reached it behind her back. Xehanort's keyblade connected again, being denied a strike. Alirah grunted, kneeling slightly on her knees under the thrall of Xehanort's strength. Turning about, Alirah and Xehanort's blades grinded, becoming deadlocked in an X. Their eyes bore daggers into the other. Xehanort's strength was great, Alirah could admit that. But strength was not the decider of a battle.
Xehanort and Alirah drew their hands back. Dark energy amassed in a vortex in the center of their palms, forming orbs of dark power. Wrenching their keyblades down, the lunged their arms forward, both orbs colliding in the middle. A shockwave exploded out from the orbs, pushing Alirah and Xehanort back several feet. Alirah whipped her arms apart, shaking away the shock. When the dust cleared, Xehanort had vanished again.
"Grr…" Alirah strained her senses. Straining her ears and eyes, she watched every crack in the ravaged ground. Rapid footsteps were heard scattering across the ground. Puffs of dust puffed from the cracks. He was everywhere. Which meant he wasn't disappearing. "This is his speed." She whispered.
"Correct." Xehanort chortled from behind her. Before Alirah could turn around, Xehanort kicked her square in the back. Alirah bounced onto the ground, coughing up dirt. Xehanort wrenched her back by the foot, whipping her around and onto her back. Alirah coughed up, feeling her spine almost break. Xehanort pulled her again, raising a fist over her. Alirah propped herself on her elbows and kicked the hand away. She stomped the other holding her foot, managing to get it back. She rolled back and sprang off her hands, putting distance between her and Xehanort. "XELLA!" Alirah sent a barrel of fire roaring for the master. Xehanort stood rooted and smiled. The fire made contact, gusting up the dust. Alirah eyes the dust cloud in eager anticipation. "HUH!" The dust cleared, revealing an empty spot. "Where?"
A turquoise and black torpedo cloud roared from the sea of keyblades. Alirah saw it and dodged to the side. The torpedo flew past her, exploding against the planted keyblades behind her. The aftershock from the blast shook the ground, and cast a slight heat onto her. Two more torpedoes soared from the sea of keys, but from different spots. Alirah dodge rolled under one and leapt over the other. Immediately another roared for her. Alirah threw her arms up. The torpedo burned into her skin, blowing her back. Alirah flipped her body around, landing square on her feet.
"Urgh…" She grumbled. Smoke emitted from the small scorch mark on her skin. Alirah released a breath. Darkness slithered over her skin, erasing the wounds. Alirah glared to the keyblades, searching for the slightest inkling of Xehanort's presence. "HM!" Power gathered in a small area. Alirah dashed forward. The power shot out in another torpedo. Alirah jumped over it and landed on the keyblade hilts. "Forgive me." She ran over the keyblades, dodging and evading the torpedoes as they came. "HA!" Alirah leapt into the air, dodging three torpedoes. Sheathing Oblivion, Alirah erected two fingers. Thunder surged around the fingers. "ZANARA!" She aimed the thunder down. A roaring stream of thunder shot from her fingers. Diving into the keyblades, the thunder spanned with the aid of the keyblades.
Xehanort was weeded from his hiding place, roaring in pain as the thunder electrified him. "THERE YOU ARE!" Alirah dove down for him, Oblivion extended out to the side. Xehanort huffed, his wounds smoking. But like Alirah he shook it off, removing the wounds. Seeing Alirah darting straight for him, Xehanort crossed his wrists, summoning the same turquoise and black cloud to his aid. Alirah summoned the dark mist to her blade. Xehanort whipped his arms out. Three torpedoes soared darted for Alirah, spiraling and combining into one large missile. Alirah whipped Oblivion up. The powers collided, grinding and burning into one another. Xehanort leapt into the air and cast one more torpedo.
The torpedo exploded on impact, causing a huge midair implosion, blasting Alirah into the keys below. She slid and bounced along the dirt, leveling a few keys from their places. She came to a painful stop when her head connected with a key. "Ow…" She groaned, massaging her head. A shadow loomed over her. "UGH!" She panicked. Xehanort, standing atop two keyblades, gathered dark energy at the tip of his blade. Alirah scrambled to her butt.
"DIE!" Xehanort plunged the keyblade down. Alirah brought Oblivion in front of her. Dust exploded around them, engulfing them in a massive cloud of dirt. Xehanort chuckled victoriously, knowing there was no chance she escaped that attack.
As the dust cleared, Xehanort stepped down from the keyblades, and leaned down to admire his work. Some of the keyblades were gusted over, creating a small clearing. "WHAT?" He roared. A gold and white armor had encased Alirah's arm and Oblivion, creating a small shield. "NO!" He roared. Alirah's body quivered, shaken up by the attack. She moved the shield over, allowing half her face to smirk at the flustered master. "HOW CAN THIS BE?"
"Have you forgotten?" Hiano chortled, poking his head from the shield. Xehanort seethed through gritted teeth. "I am My Lady's sword and shield! This time," He dismounted from her arm, "YOU FACE US BOTH!" Hiano bared his fangs and lunged forward. Xehanort jumped backwards. Hiano grew in size, hissing with venom dripping from his fangs. He coiled himself, striking out at the dodging dark master.
As Xehanort's foot touched down after his dodge, Alirah appeared beside him. "HN!" Alirah sliced Oblivion, cutting a deep graze into his side. Xehanort cried out. Hiano's tail coiled around him. The serpent whipped Xehanort around and tossed him, sending him flying through the keyblades.
Xehanort managed to flip his body around, clawing his gloved hand and digging his boots into the ground as he slowed to a halt just outside the sea of keyblades. The old master huffed, panting exhaustedly. "How could she this happen?" He heaved. "How could her powers be at this level?" He could not comprehend it. "Where does this strength come from?"
"AS I SAID!" Alirah roared, speeding in on the head of Hiano. "YOU'RE SLIPPING, POPS!" Alirah drew her hands back. "XELLA!" Fire roared from her palms. Xehanort sprang back, the fire creating pot marks in the ground. Alirah heated cast the fire at him, fueling it with her hatred towards him. Xehanort's back came to a large rock formation. Hiano coiled to a halt. Alirah pushed off his head, Oblivion retracted back for a strike. Xehanort furrowed his brow and summoned his key back to his hands. The two blades clashed, sending crackling streams of dark lightning into the stormy sky.
Alirah and Xehanort grunted growled, deadlocked and in a match of strength. Xehanort managed to hold off Alirah with one arm, but her strength continued to grow. Xehanort pushed her back and lunged forward. Alirah brought Oblivion up. Xehanort's blade struck hers again. Alirah repelled him and struck back.
Hiano watched in awe as Alirah and Xehanort battled heatedly. Their keyblades' metal rang out like warring banshees. Sparks rained down from their blows. One strike after the other, Alirah and Xehanort attacked and repelled in a barrage, neither one letting up.
For every strike Alirah dealt, Xehanort struck twice as much and hard. Alirah could feel her fingers begin to grow numb. Pain traveled up her arm. She ignored it. She flourished her blade and thrust forward. Xehanort reached a hand out and caught the blade. He raised it and Alirah's hands up. He drilled a powerful punch into Alirah's stomach, robbing her lungs of air. Hiano roared in outrage. Alirah lost feeling in her legs, falling to her knees. Xehanort grabbed a fistful of her hair and tossed her into the air. He plunged a kick into her abdomen, sending her into the wall of the rock formation. Hiano lashed out, fangs bared. Xehanort saw the snake and held his hands out. Hiano collided with the hands, shoveling the master for the wall. Alirah fell to her knees, winded from the blow. Xehanort smirked and jumped out of the way, letting Hiano's head crash into the wall.
"GRR!" Alirah winced, feeling the blow. Xehanort landed a few feet from her, smirking in triumph as he summoned his blade back to his hands. A platinum glow slithered around the blade. "Return." She commanded Hiano. He vanished into his charm.
"DODGE THIS!" Xehanort swept his blade through the air. A crescent wave ripped across the ground, drawing rocks into the razor blow. Alirah touched her hands to the wall and planted her feet firmly. The wave drew closer. Alirah, with all her strength, pushed off from the ground. The wave impaled the wall, leaving a deep gash pelted with rocks.
Xehanort appeared in the air with Alirah. She hissed at him. Xehanort thrust his blade for her heart. Alirah sheathed Oblivion. The blade was a foot from her chest. Images of the dagger haunted her mind. Alirah touched her hand to the blade, pushing herself up and out of the way. The blade pierced the rock wall, making Xehanort gape in disbelief. Alirah touched a foot down onto the blade, crouching low. She whisked her other foot, connecting with Xehanort's cheek. Her boot tore his skin. But he remained in the air. Xehanort hissed and grabbed the foot. Alirah shift her hands to the blade and bronco kicked with her other foot, smacking dead center in Xehanort's face. He released her other foot. Alirah sprang off and behind Xehanort. Diving for the ground she roared, "GLACIA!" A mist of ice and snow flew for the master. Xehanort climbed to his planted blade and pushed off. The ice encased his blade. He soared up, frothing at the mouth. Alirah hissed in irritation.
"HIANO!" She cast her hand out. A yellow beam slithered down her arm, and went to the ground. Hiano materialized from the light in his full grown form. Alirah flipped herself around, landing neatly on his head. "Uh…" She groaned, holding herself.
"Are you well?" Hiano worried.
"Not in the conventional sense." She grunted. Slapping her hands to her face she glared up the rock formation. The clouds gathered over the rock, swirling around with thunder and lightning crashing. "Heal!" She cast. Green leaves flickered around her body, easing the scratches and scars. The bruises and muscle pain were a little beyond what she could do in the allotted time. "That will have to do!" She bore her eyes to the top of the cliff. "GET AFTER HIM!" Her voice quivered. "NOW!"
"YES, MY LADY!"
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Xehanort stood in the center of the large rock formation, eyes closed, allowing him to her the tempered land rumble around him. Inhaling the fresh dusty air in order to calm his raging nerves, Xehanort placed his thoughts onto Alirah. The agitated clouds circled above him, casting the beams of the moon onto him like a spot light. It became apparent to him. In his current state, Xehanort might very well lose.
The elder master chuckled derisively to himself. "It would appear, little Alirah, you have grown much more than I realized." He looked at his hand, cursing himself. "The little girl I managed to render unconscious with a single blow is long gone." Turning his indifferent expression to behind him, Alirah and Hiano sauntered from the ledge they climbed up on. "I miscalculated when I chose to underestimate you." He ran a hand over the gash in his side, zipping it up. "I shall not make that mistake again."
Alirah's soul sight came to his eyes. Hiano shrank and slithered to her left arm, forming chainmail. "THIS ENDS NOW, XEHANORT!" Alirah screeched, aiming her blade at him.
"I agree." Xehanort extended his hand out. His blade returned to his hand, escaping unscathed from the ice. "It is time to end this." A dark mist gathered around Xehanort. A golden glow emanated from his body. The darkness within the Keyblade Graveyard gathered around him, imbuing him with power. Alirah's eyes widened. She took a step back. Xehanort chuckled forebodingly. Beyond a level she imagined, Xehanort's powers grew significantly. Xehanort released a pleased breath, smiling maliciously to Alirah. "This ends…now." Xehanort flourished his blade like a wand. Powerful gusts of wind herded together, forming into three tornados made of dirt and keyblades. Alirah gaped at the tornados in horror. The tops broke away from the sky, barreling for Alirah.
Alirah pushed off, dodging the first twister. The next two circled around on opposite sides. Alirah timed it. As the twisters came close, she jumped up, expecting them to collide. The tornadoes pulled up, the keyblades erected straight up. "DAMMIT!" Alirah brought Oblivion and her arms in front of her. The two vortexes combined, swallowing Alirah up.
The keyblades and ripped and tore into her. The bounced off Oblivion, only to circle around and strike her. The sides, the hilts, the tips – every keyblade part struck Alirah, tattering her skin and clothing. The pain was unbearable, but Alirah kept curled in the fetal position, enduring it until it ended.
A gloved hand grasped Alirah by the wrist, yanking her to the side. Xehanort had appeared in the vortex. He slapped his other hand to her face, knocking her into the wall of whirling keyblades. Alirah bounced off, being scarred further by the blades. She flew for Xehanort again. He knocked her back again. Alirah ricocheted off the key wall again. The vortex tossed her about like a ball. And each time, Xehanort would knock her back, sending her in for another round.
The vortex eventually dissipated into the clouds in the sky. The keyblades rejoined the ground below. Alirah flew a higher into the sky a small ways, her body arched and battered. She fell listlessly for the ground, wishing she would connect with the ground. Her hopes were dashed when a hand caught her by the scruff of her shirt. Xehanort laughed aloud, cackling to the heavens. "I knew you were no match for me." He mocked. "Even after he killed Eraqus, not even Terra had the fortitude or power to vanquish me." He brought the semi-conscious Alirah closer to his face. "Instead he became my vessel. To do with as I please." Hiano's head poked from the armor. He too was battered and weak, but he would not allow his master to fall. Xehanort grabbed Hiano by the neck, crushing him until he was unconscious. Alirah choked and coughed, feeling her neck contract. Xehanort grasped Hiano and ripped him from Alirah's arm. He continued to squeeze. "Shall I dispatch your Guardian again?"
"Re…" Alirah wheezed, fighting to speak, "Turn…" Hiano disappeared into trickles of light, returning to his charm.
"Wise choice." Xehanort mocked. "I'd hate for him to see you perish." Xehanort released her shirt and clamped his hand to her face. "Not that it will matter. He will die along with you." Xehanort drilled another fist into her stomach, making her cough up blood. Xehanort released her head. While she was in mid-air, Xehanort unleashed a barrage of kicks and punches, battering Alirah like a punching bag.
The entire time, Alirah's body steadily grew numb to the blows. Unfortunately her body could still feel the pain as her muscles ruptured. All she wanted was for it to stop. She wanted him to stop, let her be. Put me out of my misery.
Xehanort raised an elbow and plowed it into her head, sending her flying into the ground. Alirah crashed head long into the ground, creating a small crater. Xehanort touched down on the ground, kneeling to the crater. To his pleasure and eternal delight, Alirah lied bloodied and unconscious in the middle of the crater. Her porcelain skin was broken and bruised, blood trickled from her head and mouth, her muscles spasmed and fidgeting in attempts to keep her conscious.
"A valiant effort, Granddaughter of Yensid." Xehanort commended contemptuously. "But like your fellow keyblade masters before you, you stood no chance against me." With his hands behind his back, Xehanort meandered into the crater. "Now rest and be at peace." He summoned his keyblade. "This will all be over quickly." Using his foot, he turned Alirah onto her back. He aligned his keyblade with her heart. "You too shall be my vessel."
No…Alirah rasped in her mind. Get up…Her eyelids fidgeted, fighting to open. It can't end this way. Riku, Mickey, Yensid – I promised to came back. Xehanort drew his keyblade back. I promised to start over. Even, Lea, Ienzo, Aeleus – I swore I would keep fighting. A swaying dark and white gathered at the tip of his keyblade. That I wouldn't lose. Aerith, Cloud, Leon, Yuffie, Merlin – I said I'd see them again. The seven princesses, Minnie, Sora, and Kairi – I need to make amends. Xehanort smiled. I need to get out. Eraqus, Aqua, Ven, Terra – They…Hiano's charm pulsated, Will…Her heart pulsated, Be…Xehanort thrust his blade. "AEVENGED!" The liquid slithered up her body from the charm. Her palm stopped the blade inches before it touched her heart. Xehanort gaped in utter shock. Alirah's eyes flared open to golden snake slit orbs. Her clothing transformed into black and red tunic. Hiano's charm hung around her neck. Alirah smiled demonically, laughing with two voices in her throat. Hers and Hiano's. Xehanort's eyes quivered, transfixed in awe. "Something wrong, Master?" Alirah mocked him. "I thought…" She pushed his blade back, "You wanted…" She got to her feet, "TO END THIS!" She drilled a flame engulfed fist into his face, feeling the bones in his cheek begin to give. The master went soaring out of the crater.
Xehanort whipped himself around, skidding to a halt just before flying off the ledge. "Ugh…" He groaned, touching his face. Blood stained his white glove, making him glare in horror and insult. "NO!"
"YES!" Xehanort looked ahead. Alirah, soaring through the air toward him, unleashed a devastating kick to Xehanort's jaw. The master was hoisted from the ground a small ways. Alirah touched to the ground, pirouetted and drilled another kick into his stomach. Xehanort flew off the rock formation, crashing into a series of protruding rock formations on a neighboring cliff.
Xehanort groaned in agony. His body indented the rock a way. He moved to free himself from the rock. Alirah touched down onto the elongated, protruding rock. She smashed a hand into his face, crushing him into the rock again. Alirah, in a fit of rage, summoned all of her strength and began to relentlessly punch Xehanort in every part of his body.
"THIS IS FOR ERAQUS!" Her fallen master and Terra's father figure. "FOR AQUA!" Her sister and shrink. "FOR VEN!" He little big brother and lounging buddy. "FOR TERRA!" Her brother and sparring partner. Tears trickled down her face as she drew one more fist back, gazing disdainfully upon the batter and barely conscious master. "FOR…EVERYTHING!" Alirah clasped both of her hands together. Gathering all her might, she brought them down. A white light filled the air.
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Bruises, scratched, fractured bones and pride – Alirah and Xehanort, with their keyblades firmly planted to the marble floors of Castle Oblivion, panted and heaved in exhaustion as they struggled to remain standing. Through blurred vision, the two glared each other down, wishing animatedly for the other to fall. Neither did. Their will, their stubbornness, their hatred for each other kept them aloft.
"Hu…hu…hu…" Xehanort heaved dryly, feeling his old back ready to break.
"Gn…ngh…gah…" Alirah choked, barely able to keep her eyes open. Her tunic had gone, leaving her back in her weakened state.
"This…" Xehanort exasperated, shaking his head, "This will not end…this way…" He struggled to say. "I am your fear! The plague…of your darkness." He gritted his teeth, igniting the rage in his eyes. "YOU CANNOT BE RID OF ME!"
"Don't you…get it, you old…coot?" Alirah panted, wobbling as she stood without the help of her keyblade. "I'm not…afraid of you…anymore." Blood spilled from her mouth.
Xehanort's breathing quickened. He curled his fingers into an outraged fist. His body quaked. "INSOLENT BRAT!" In one last ditch effort, Xehanort called a massive ball of darkness to his hand. Lightning crackled inside the flaring ball as darkness spiraled around it. "YOU ARE NOT FIT TO BE MY VESSEL! NOW DIE!" He sent the ball flying.
Alirah's eyes turned gold one last time. Bringing Oblivion up, she caught the ball. The force sent her sliding back. Alirah stopped herself. With all the strength she could muster, Alirah swiped her blade and cast the ball away, sending it into the ceiling. "XEHANORT!" Ignoring the pain and burning in her body, Alirah sprinted forward, Oblivion extended out. Xehanort gaped in dismay, staggering back.
In one motion and with a clean strike, Oblivion sliced through Xehanort, bringing Alirah to stop a few feet behind him. Xehanort stood frozen in his place. Rooted to where an underling struck him…and he could not stop it.
"This is…" Alirah wheezed, "Over!"
Xehanort tilted his head back, looking to the all-white ceiling. "This…is far…from over.. GYAH!" He choked. Alirah, her body wavering, turned to face the seemingly defeated master. "This power you wield…the darkness you control…none of it would be feasible…were it not for me!" Alirah furrowed her brow. "My dark shadows…my very essence…all of it lingers! Someday…" He choked, "When my powers are at their peak…" He whipped around sharply, boring his golden eyes into Alirah, "I…WILL…RETURN!"
The power within Xehanort gradually began to overload. When his powers reached their limit, they along with him imploded into nothingness. Nothing more than mere mist floating through the air and vanishing from sight. Alirah breathed heavily, her body rising and falling. Weakly, her eyes wandered around the open room. Wondering if she truly had done it.
"He's gone…" She rasped in a hush. "He's really gone…" The air was light and pleasing to inhale. The pasty blue aura which tainted those halls was no more. Alirah's very person felt…released…free of torment. As if…after nine years…her demon had just been exorcised. "I did it…Terra…" Alirah let Oblivion fall to the ground, "I beat him..." She dropped to her knees. A half smile of pride graced her cheeks. "He's finally…" She fell forward, "Gone…" Alirah collapsed to the ground, drifting into a deep slumber. She couldn't move anymore. All of her strength was sapped. "I'm sorry…grandpa…"
A warm, see through hand glided over Alirah's soft hair, caressing her cheek. Were she able to tilt her head eve n a little, Alirah would see…an apparition of Terra kneeling over her, smiling proudly. "One more time." He chuckled.
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TO BE CONTINUED…one last time.