*Everyone is gathered in the studio's auditorium. They are currently waiting for my announcement*

Jen: Wonder why Archer called us all here?

Riku: Who knows?

Benson: I heard from Ryan that he came up with a new story. Could it be an original?

Tucker: Or maybe a sequel? I'm getting jitters just thinking about it.

Kyle: Only one way to find out.

*They see me coming in*

Kaitlyn: Here he comes.

Me: *adjusts microphone* Ahem. If any of you haven't heard already, I have come up with a brand new story.

*Everyone murmurs in wonder*

Me: For this story, I will need ten fandoms. I will tell you which ones will appear once I make my decision. Until then, please return to what you were doing.

*Everyone left the auditorium*

Me: This will take me a while to find some inspiration for the new story. Well, guess I'll find what I could. You readers enjoy this chapter.

The 7 Medallions

Chapter 35: Into the Darkness

As the remaining heroes left the Hall of Empty Melodies, Riku and Lexaeus are standing face-to-face with their weapons in hand. They give each other an intimidating stare, but neither of them is fazed by it.

"So, Riku, you dare face me once again?" Lexaeus asked.

"I defeated you years ago, I can do it again." Riku retaliated.

"I'd like to see you try." Lexaeus said as he began charging power.

(Battle Music: Crush 40 – I Am… All of Me)

Riku charged towards Lexaeus and swung his Keyblade, but Lexaeus blocked the attack with his axe sword. He tries again, but Lexaeus dodged it this time. He sent a quake towards Riku, but he jumps to avoid it. He shoots a Dark Firaga at him, but Lexaeus blocks it with his blade.

"Is this your best? I am not impressed." Lexaeus taunted.

"I'm just getting started." Riku scoffed.

Meanwhile, the other heroes are heading through Naught's Skyway. Along the way, they are slaying numerous Nobodies. After the last enemy was slain by Mason, they enter the upper level of the previous room to see Riku and Lexaeus fighting on the lower level.

Riku and Lexaeus were clashing their swords against one another. Due to his size, Lexaeus had the advantage over Riku. He shoots a Blizzaga, but it is blocked easily. Seeing that Riku has exhausted his energy, Lexaeus knocks him towards the edge of the battlefield.

"Riku!" Kairi shouted with worry. Lexaeus attempts to finish him with his axe sword, but Riku anticipates this and rolls out of the way in time. He knocks him all the way to the other end of the platform.

"I'm not giving up yet." Riku said as he prepped his Way to the Dawn.

"It would be easier if you did." Lexaeus retorted.

With that being said, Lexaeus and Riku charged at each other full speed and delivered one final slash. Both of them had their backs to each other as a dead silence fills the air. After a quick second, Riku drops his Keyblade and falls to one knee. The Princesses of Heart gasp in shock.

"I guess I have triumphed this time." Lexaeus said as he started walking away.

"No…" Sora said with sadness as he witnessed Riku's defeat. As he began to walk away, Lexaeus felt something. He dropped his weapon, fell to his knees, and began to fade away.

"This can't be… I… lost?!" Lexaeus asked himself. "Impossible. No one has ever defeated me. Forgive me, Zexion. This was a battle I should not have started." With that being said, his axe sword disappeared and Lexaeus faded away completely. Riku looks up to the other heroes and gives them a heartwarming smile. He leaps up the upper level to meet with them.

"Riku. You did it." Mason congratulated. Riku gave a thumbs-up before falling to his knees in pain. "I see that fight took a lot out of you. This should help. Heal!" He took out his own Keyblade and cast a Curaga on Riku.

"Thanks. We should get those Medallions while we can." Riku said as he got up. The others nod and leave the Hall of Empty Melodies behind them.

After clearing Havoc's Divide and Addled Impasse of Nobodies, the heroes are close to the top of the castle. Upon entering Naught's Approach, Saïx and Zexion appear from a Corridor of Darkness.

"You two again?!" Riku asked.

"Who were you expecting?" Saïx retorted. "You have some nerve getting rid of Lexaeus, Riku."

"Cut the act. Give us the Medallions and we'll save you the trouble of taking them from you by force." Vanellope threatened.

"Even if you do stop us and get the Medallions, you'll never stop the multiverse from plunging in eternal darkness." Zexion laughed smugly.

"We'll see, Zexion." Mason warned. Saïx and Zexion left through the same Corridor of Darkness. They come in to Ruin and Creation's passage and see that it appears to be a dead end.

"Great, just great. How are supposed to get across?" Taffyta asked sarcastically. Sora steps forward and the others notice he's floating.

"The paths, they're invisible. I get it. Come on, we don't have much time." Mason said as he led the other through the passage using the invisible pathways as a guide. Upon reaching the end, the Princesses notice something.

"Sora! Riku! Mason!" Jasmine shouted as she pointed to one of the windows. A swarm of Shadows enter and begin to flood the entire room.

"How are we going to deal with all of them?!" Mason asked. They were about to panic until Ulrich pulled out his twin swords.

"Ulrich, what are you doing?" Sofia asked.

"We've gone too far just to back out now. If we were to go down, we should at least go down fighting." Ulrich explained. Danny steps forward to join him.

"He's right. We'll hold these guys for you. Go!" Danny added as a green aura enveloped in his hands. Odd, Yumi, Aelita, Dani, Gwen, Kevin, Rook, Raven, Nightwing, Shazam, Hawkgirl, and Cyborg step forward after hearing Ulrich's pep talk. As the swarm of Heartless approached them, they charged with all their might, hoping to hold off the swarm.

*I'm researching my idea journal in the security room when I hear a buzzing sound. I take a look at one of the monitors and see three people.*

Me: Identify yourselves.

?: My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Jedi Republic. This is Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano.

Me: Hmm. I was expecting them. Enter. *I buzz them in and the three Jedi enter the studio*

Anakin: Why is it that you called us here?

Me: Oh, yes. I have recently come up with a new story and I need ten fandoms.

Obi-Wan: Interesting.

Ahsoka: Master Anakin, do you think it is a good idea to trust him?

Anakin: Beats me, Snips.

Me: Well, to get started, I'll give you the tour. Follow me.

*One studio tour later…*

Obi-Wan: You seem to be quite the activist, Archer.

Me: Thank you, Kenobi. You three are more than welcome to stay here.

Ahsoka: Glad to hear you appreciate our company.

Me: Same here. *checks watch* Guess I better come up with a plot for the new story. You readers review. Peace out!