Sora found himself sprawled atop a cozy bed, still wearing his clothes, albeit all of them were fresh and clean, and he too was washed and without injuries. "What… happened?" he asked, surprised. "Where am I?" He didn't recognize the room, and it was quite simple with nothing more with a bed, a wardrobe and a small desk. The world outside the window was too bright, he didn't know what was out there, he couldn't see it. We tracked him down, and fought him, but then… Sora's eyes widened in fear. "Did he won?"
The boy jumped out of bed and rushed out through the door, entering a long stone foyer with simple decorations. It led to hall of the same temple where they had fought. There were several more doors on his side, and across the hall the corridor continued on.
"Sora!"
The boy spun around, looking for the one speaking his name. It was Kairi. She was standing in a doorframe behind him, and darted towards the spiky haired boy as soon as he looked at her. Sora pulled her into a hug, "Kairi, you're alright! Thank Kingdom Hearts!"
"Yeah, he didn't actually harm me," she said stepping back. "But he saw through my trick, and realized I wasn't a Princess anymore."
"You aren't?"
Kairi shook her head. "Skuld is the Seventh Princess. And she was the target all along. But the Master knew you wouldn't be able to stop her from coming, because of me. Sora, I'm sorry!"
"No need to," Sora shook his head, giving her a smile. "What is done, is done. But where are we? Is this… the Master's Realm of Light? Did he actually win?"
"I do not know," Kairi shrugged. "Maybe, let's take a look?" Sora agreed, but just in case, he tried summoning his Keyblade. There was nothing. So he really did seize my power, he concluded somberly. "Is anything the matter?" the red-haired girl asked.
"No," Sora replied, and he turned towards the hall of the temple. "Let's go."
The two of them walked towards the center of the sanctuary, and unsurprisingly, the whole thing was beautifully refurbished and decorated. Ornate benches were lined on both sides, and the roof was a grand mural depicting the Master's triumph over Kingdom Hearts. Beneath the seven circular windows, there were seven mighty statues depicting the Foretellers. Dozens of small candles were lined up around them. "So, they did win actually," Sora noted feeling anxious about this turn of events. "What happened to the worlds?"
"I have no idea," Kairi admitted, staring at the mural. "I think we'll have to go and see?"
The two of them exchanged a look, and headed for the exit. Several monks were inside the temple, praying by the benches or the altars, or the statues. They were all wearing deep brown cowls, with hood hiding their faces. Their murmuring echoed throughout the chamber. As they neared the front door, it opened without either of them touching it. Beyond the double-winged door, the great green fields were now basking in the sunlight. Sora saw several towns rising above the horizon, and recognized Twilight Town, Traverse Town, and even Daybreak Town amongst them; and even further, from the invisibly far Radiant Garden, a ray of Light shot up to the Heavens. His eyes widened, as turning around, Sora saw the ocean licking the shores of the land to the other direction. Not far off the coast, a small island was braving the tides, and it looked just like…
"The islands!" Kairi pointed at them in a shock. "They are… connected?"
"Everything is connected," a monk murmured, passing by the two of them. "By the Grace of the Master's Light."
"What now?" Kairi looked at Sora, seeming quite hopeless, just like their situation. "Where should we go?" Almost as if someone had been waiting for this specific question a carriage rolled into the courtyard, and stopped right in front of them. The door to the carriage opened, and a grey-haired boy, wearing red scarf looked out at them. "You are… Ephemer, right?" Kairi asked, looking back at him. Sora looked at Ephemer, then Kairi, uncertain what was going on. "How are you alive?"
"By the Grace of the Master's Light," the boy said, smiling. "Come, join me! I shall take you to your friend." Kairi glanced sideways at Sora, but he was just as unsure, as she was. Ephemer gave them both a wide smile. "I don't bite, don't worry! I'll take you both to Daybreak Town, which is kind of the central town of the region. Not as important as Radiant Garden, though."
"Was everyone brought back by the Master?" Kairi asked, taking a careful step towards the coach.
"No," Ephemer shook his head sadly. "The children of the past are gone, forever. So are the Foretellers. They had all given their lives for the Master's plan. But whom he could bring back, the Master did so. Your friends are all in Daybreak Town."
Sora exhaled, shaking a bit. So the Master really did win the war. But so far, he didn't seem to be as cruel as Sora would've thought so. Maybe, he really did the right thing? Even the idea was bizarre, to think that the madman behind all those Keyblade Wars, behind all those tragedies would become a good and just ruler. But Sora had no other choice, he had to give him a chance to prove himself. "Very well," he agreed, stepping to the carriage. "Take us to our friends." They both climbed in and the driver commandeered the chocobo in the front towards Daybreak Town.
Along the way, Sora watched the landscape change, from the low meadows to the taller hills and saw the ramping mountains towering above the land. The forests were singing their natural melody, which seemed like an ode to the Grace of the Master's Light. It all felt different somehow, like everything wore the imprint of the Master's soul upon it. After the forest clearing, the bustling city appeared and the clock tower belled cheerfully above. "Home, sweet home," Ephemer noted with a grin as the chocobo turned onto the cobbled road, slowing down.
"So all our friends are here?" Kairi asked. "Riku, the King?"
"Not everyone, I'm afraid," Ephemer shook his head. "Several of them fought against the Master even after his succession. They were locked away and will be cleansed of their corrupted Light. After that, they too will be released," Ephemer explained, but seeing the anger and shock appearing on Sora and Kairi's faces, he quickly continued. "But that takes time. The dreaded Light of the past Kingdom Hearts has caused many problems. The Princesses, for example, are not awaken. They have fallen into a comatose state after the succession. They could cleanse us, but for now, they are in a deep slumber, while we are wilting away." The carriage continued its way alongside the main road of the town, passing by many buildings, squares, plazas; Sora saw several familiar faces amongst the populace. Lauriam and Elrena were sitting under a tree, holding hands. Myed was playing his strings by a fountain, a group of small children playing to the rhymes. He saw Merlin through a window, teaching magic to the young ones in the large house. They, and many others, were enjoying their new lives under the care of the new Light. But others were missing: Riku, Roxas, or Xion, amongst others.
"Wilting away?" Kairi asked suspiciously, turning her attention back to Ephemer, who gave an affirmative nod. Finally they stopped just under the clock tower, which went silent as they came to a halt.
"I'll walk you to your friend. Come!" The trio headed towards the building and Ephemer explained that Kingdom Hearts' Light did not expire completely even after the Master of Masters took over. "It remained with us, inside us, and began to corrupt us from within. But we're hoping that you might be able to help us." He stopped and looked at Sora. "You, Sora, you still possess a power unlike any other of us."
"Me?"
"Yes," Ephemer nodded. "You possess the χ-blade, the weapon forged from the clash of Light and Dark. It is a weapon, we are unable to remake, and which might be able to bring back the Princesses from their sleep."
Sora stopped and shook his head. "No, I cannot use that weapon anymore. I cannot conjure Keyblades. The Master of Masters had taken that power from me."
"Oh but the χ-blade is not a simple key," Ephemer smiled. "That is a part of Kingdom Hearts itself. Even if your ties to the Light were severed, that is a fragment of Kingdom Hearts inside your body, so that cannot be taken away from you. And since it is Kingdom Hearts, that ails our friends, we hope that the χ-blade might be able to undo the damage." While Ephemer explained the details to them, the trio ascended the clock tower. After several staircases, long foyers and corridors, single and double-winged doors, they reached the top, which used to be the Master's workshop. It remained untouched. The only additions to the room were the Princesses, who were sitting on their chairs around the roundtable. "We tried everything," Ephemer said, shaking his head sadly. "But all was in vain."
Sora stepped closer to them and inspected the princesses. He shot Kairi a quick glance, pleading for her input, but she was just as clueless as he was. I can't… this all seems so real, and yet I still fear I'm making a mistake. But if it is true, then really, I may be able to salvage what remains of our world. Why do I have to be here, when there are so many others more fitting for this role! Riku… what would you choose? What would you do? He felt nauseous. The burden was just too great; the Master was cunning, and that could've been his ploy easily. But to what end? Why would he want me to use it? He already accessed Kingdom Hearts. What more there is for me to do?
"Do it, Sora," Ephemer prompted him with a smile. "Our lives and future are in your hands."
Sora gave a shaky nod, and reached out with trembling hands, conjuring not his Keyblade, but the χ-blade; that great and powerful weapon, that was assembled at the clash of Light and Dark. The boy looked at the weapon for a while, thinking back to all those adventures, recounting the many battles he waged against Master Xehanort or one of his avatars. He stepped back and pointed the great weapon at Skuld, who was sleeping soundly at the table. A thin ray of energy shot out of the weapon, and a lock appeared above the roundtable.
At that moment, Skuld opened her eyes and reached out, yelling "No! Don't open the Door to Light!" but it was too late. Ephemer collapsed as his strings were severed and the World fell apart around them.
- O - O - O - O - O -
As Kairi looked around, the image shattered her and she was once again standing in the collapsed, ruinous sanctuary; in front of them stood the Door to Light, opened at last. The Master of Masters was by the door, hands spread wide, devilish grin on his face. "Can you feel it, Kingdom Hearts? My Rage Awakened, and I will finally have my revenge!"
"You won't!" Kairi shook her head, calling him out. "We are not done yet!"
The Master turned around and gave them a meek smile, before slashing towards them with his weapon. Had their reinforcement not arrived on time, they would've both died in that instant. But Riku did not hesitate, and his Dark Shield protected both of them from the attack. Meanwhile the Master jumped across the door, which then proceeded to close behind him.
"Are you two alright?" Riku rushed over to them, panting from exhaustion. He was covered in wounds and bruises. "I've hurried as fast as I could, but Ira..."
"Where are the others?" Sora asked, sounding worried.
"Fighting Ira, or treating the wounded," Riku replied. He turned to Kairi then, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left this get so much out of hand. I should've stopped you from—"
"You did what you had to," she said with a smile. "Thanks for trusting me, Riku." She looked over to Sora, who was now averting both her and Riku's gazes. "You too should make up after all this is over. This whole love-hate relationship you two have is getting old. Pick one and stick to it." Riku gave a smiling approval, and Sora grimaced.
"So how do we stop him?" Riku asked, stepping closer to the closed Door. "Can we open this?"
"With the χ-blade, yeah." Sora stepped in front of the other two and summoned the weapon. Skuld appeared by the side-benches, looking at the three of them. She was wounded and sprained her legs.
"You three go on, I will treat myself and the princesses. I'm afraid I'd be just in the way," she sighed.
"Thank you for everything," Kairi said, stepping over, and giving her a hug. "We'll be back soon. And… we'll have to talk about Ephemer."
"Ephemer?" Kairi nodded and gave her a smile, but didn't say those promising words she wanted to. Not yet. First, we have to concentrate on the Master. We'll face the future afterwards. She stepped back beside Riku and gave both boys a nod.
Sora pointed the weapon at the door, but it wouldn't budge. "I don't have enough power to use it," he said. "He took it away."
"Why don't you… use Ludor's card?" Riku asked, and Sora's eyes widened with surprise.
"Oh yeah, he left me that card! Wonder if it still works, though." Sora pulled the card out and looked at it. "The Wheel of Fortune," he said out loud. Sora looked up at Riku and Kairi, both giving an affirmative nod. The boy raised the card high and evoked its power.
Kairi watched Sora and felt his aura change slightly, becoming stronger and more brilliant. It was, once again, filled with the power of Light, just like before the Master had severed his connection to Kingdom Hearts' power. The boy looked at them, and beckoned both. "I think, this is temporary. I cannot be sure that I will… you know."
"Sora!" Riku uttered in a frightened voice.
"Don't say that!" Kairi scolded him.
"I know!" he raised his hands protectively. "But still. Please, I want to share the χ-blade with you two, so we can all access it. Whatever happens, this weapon might come in handy. I would feel safer if the two of you could wield it." Kairi and Riku exchanged a worried look, but they agreed. They both put their hands on Sora's hand, and Kairi felt the weapon's power rush inside and through her body, empowering her. "This is it. Kairi, Riku," he said and turned towards the Door. "This is the last battle."
The χ-blade shone up and the thin ray of energy shot out, unlocking the Door to Light, which opened up before them and revealing an infinite source of Light. "How do we know, where he is?" Kairi asked.
"I can sense him," Sora said with a calm voice. "I can see the thread. Follow me!" and he hurried through the door. Riku and Kairi exchanged a small smile, and rushed after him.
Beyond the Door to Light, everything was blindingly white, warm, and felt like the fresh scent of the ocean and the sands, and the palm trees. She heard the waves, and felt the caressing winds. It all felt like home.
And unknown to Kairi when, the three of them had wandered onto the sandy beaches of Destiny Island.
"The island?" Kairi asked in surprise. "What are we doing here?"
"This isn't the island," Riku shook his head, staring into the distance. "This is…"
"Kingdom Hearts," the Master of Masters finished the sentence for him. The trio turned towards the man, heading their way, Keyblade in hand. He clicked his tongue with a dissatisfied look, as his cat-like eyes lingered on Sora's weapon. "So Ludor's little gift granted you just enough power to use the weapon again. Not unexpected, but highly unappreciated."
"You have nowhere to escape. This is a neutral ground!" Sora said, raising the weapon towards him. "You can't beat the three of us!"
"Can't I?" The man's mouth twitched into a maniac smile. "Oh I think I can." He replied, and his mouth twitched into a wicked smile. "So this is the famed Destiny Island," he remarked, looking around and taking a step towards the small island with their favorite spot. "Quite the fitting name."
"Why does Kingdom Hearts look like our islands?" Kairi asked suddenly.
"Kingdom Hearts can take up several shapes. It will appear as the place you love most, where you feel most at ease. For you, it is this lovely little island in the middle of the vast sea," he commented, thinking. "Destiny Island. It is the perfect place to break the wheels of destiny, don't you think?"
"We'll break you," Riku noted, raising his weapon and taking up his battle-stance. "If that's what you want."
"Bold words boy," the man noted, turning back towards the group. "Very well. Let us clash one more time, before I sever the bonds of Light forever. Show me your powers then, children!"
Riku roared up fiercely and Kairi felt the presence of Darkness growing beside her. She looked at the boy and saw Riku's garment change into that he had, when he wielded the powers of Darkness. Riku… He's doing the best he can! You too should, uttered another voice in her head. "Skuld?" You were a Princess as well. For a short while, we can lend you our power. Use it to defeat him! And she felt it. A power of pure Light rushing into her, and empowering her beyond recognition. She exhaled and breathed in again. Her clothes changed, turned white, bearing the symbol of the Seven Hearts as tiny sparkling stars. But even with this… he is— Don't give up! Face you fears, Kairi! You can do it!
"Oh, so you're not completely without surprises then," the Master noted. "Well, this might even be enjoyable." And without further wait, he darted forward, slicing towards Kairi. Riku appeared in front of her, using his Dark Shield to protect her, while Sora countered the Master with a combination of attacks and kicks. Kairi rushed after the man as well, shooting spheres of Light out of her weapon, but the powerful Keyblade wielder dodged and parried every attack both from her, and from Sora at the same time. "Too easy, I've seen that coming ages ago!" he laughed, dodging Sora's attack, and slapping the boy with his gauntlet.
"What about this!" Riku bellowed jumping up high, and sent spheres of darkness with his Dark Aura. The Master grinned and avoided every sphere without even lifting his weapon, only deciding to actively parry, when Kairi got close enough and tried to pierce him with her weapon. He retreated a few steps and thrust his Keyblade into the ground. "Light versus Light. Let's see which Heart is stronger!" he shouted, summoning forth his wave of Lux which began to circle around them like a gigantic serpent, burning away everything in its way.
"Gather together!" Sora yelled and jumped beside Sora and Kairi, using his magical power to conjure a shield. Riku did as well, using Darkness, and Kairi with Light. Their combined shields managed to withhold the Master's Lux, which dispersed shortly after its unsuccessful attack.
As the last bits of the Lux disappeared, Kairi rushed over to the man, stabbing towards him multiple times, while avoiding his counterattacks just like she trained to. For a long moment it seemed like the two of them fought on equal grounds, but shortly, the Master unleashed a small array of Lux from the palm of his hand, burning Kairi's side just a bit before she retreated.
"Sora!"
"Riku!"
The two boys rushed the Master before he could've reacted and unleashed their own combos upon him alongside each other. For a while they only used their Keyblades alone, but after a while the two weapons seemed to have become one, striking down precisely at the same time against the man who by then was completely on the retreat.
At one point, Sora dashed behind him and he was caught in a pincer attack, when the two unleashed all the powers inside their Keyblades. The powers of Darkness and Light clashed precisely where the Master stood, and he was caught in the crossfire, burned from both sides by tremendous powers.
Kairi watched the two boys in awe. They did it! They beat him! She rose to her feet after she cured her bruises, and hurried over to the two of them. Riku and Sora stood there, panting and grinning at each other. "Nice work! Nice work!" she cheered loudly, smiling widely. The two of them turned towards her and suddenly their smiles disappeared. "What?" At that moment, Kairi saw the shadow appear on the sand, and she turned automatically.
The Master thrust the weapon towards her, but Riku appeared in the final moment and pushed her out of the way, taking her place. "Not this time!" he yelled fiercely, unleashing the powers of the Darkness to its fullest. The Dark Barrier withheld the Keyblade for a while and Riku wasn't finished yet. "I will become Darkness if that's what it takes to protect everything that matters!" he bellowed, as his aura turned into pitch black.
"Even with all that power, you will fail!" The Master bellowed in return and pierced through Riku's shield. There was a large explosion and Riku cried out in pain as he flew past Sora and Kairi, landing in the sand.
"Riku!" the two yelled in unison.
"No time to fear for him, kids!" the Master yelled victoriously, appearing beside Sora. "This is it!" Before he could've cut down Sora, Kairi deflected the hit and kicked the Master back a few paces. He stumbled backwards and looked at them. "Still not broken? Heh, it is only a matter of time."
"We have to stand firm," Kairi said, and Sora nodded. "We cannot lose faith now."
"You should've thought twice before engaging in this battle," the Master shook his head, stepping closer to them. "You've done all you could. But even with your friend, you stood no chance. Now, you two can barely even stand. Renounce this pointless hassle. Return home and await my ascension. All will be forgiven, for I am merciful!"
"Keep dreaming," Sora said, looking to Kairi. "This is our home, and our friends. And we'll never stop protecting them. And we don't think twice." The moment Sora said the words, Kairi darted ahead, attacking again. The Master of Masters was of course stronger, and faster, but Sora joined in and relentlessly, the two attacked one after another, dancing the sandy beach. And they both knew where the sand was quicker or softer. They had fought on those sands for so long, so many times, and those memories came rushing back. Every battle she participated in, or saw from the sidelines; every duel between those boys, every game of tag, every long nap. And she wouldn't allow him to steal that from them.
"Enough!" the Master bellowed, jumping back, and raising his Keyblade, but Kairi didn't let him finish the attack. She unleashed the powers bestowed upon her by the Princesses. Seven spheres shot out of her Keyblade, exploding around the Master as he tried to dodge them. After the seventh, Sora landed just in front of him, slashing towards him with the χ-blade. The Master barely, but avoided the attack, and countered. Kairi pulled Sora out of the way, and used her remaining magical energies to blind the Master's eyes for a moment with a powerful ray of light.
"Sora, now!" she shrieked, and Sora jumped ahead.
"Too slow!" the Master cried out, slashing towards Sora. The boy, however, caught the attack with his two empty hands. "What?!" The Master had only a moment to see it; Kairi descending from the heavens, like Kingdom Hearts' angel of death, the χ-blade in her hands. "Let it go, brat!" the Master yelled at Sora, who was holding onto his Skeleton Key, but the boy didn't budge, no matter how strong the man pulled. And the time was up; the sword finally came crashing down, piercing through the Master's chest, delivering the killing blow. He gasped and stammered backwards, releasing his weapon and reaching for his chest.
Kairi landed beside Sora. The boy helped her up and the two looked over to the Master, who stood there baffled by what had just happened. "This… wasn't supposed to happen," he said with a shaky voice. He looked at them with his cat-like eyes, and suddenly his eyebrows went high and his mouth turned to an ugly, smirking grin. "So… that's it. That was the ploy." He let his hands drop and fell to his knees. "Kingdom Hearts… I was so close…"
"Enough, Pati." The man, Kairi, and Sora all turned and saw six people dressed in white and golden cloaks walk towards them. Kairi pulled Sora out of the way and they watched from the sideline at the six lined up in front of the Master of Masters. Their leader stepped closer and helped him to his feet. "Pati, why do all this?"
"Why? To avenge you all, Casti!" he said, gritting his teeth. "I did all this, for you! Because the Light had forsaken you!"
"It had not," Casti replied calmly. "On that day, we were relieved of our duties. But as Darkness could've taken hold of our hearts, Kingdom Hearts had elevated us and called us back to its warmth. But you. You have forsaken Kingdom Hearts and pursued power. You have manipulated events throughout ages, caused pain and sorrow, brought death and plague."
"I… all I've done," he objected. "I've done for you! I… I did not know. How could I have known?"
"You couldn't," Casti shook his head. "All you needed to have, was faith in the Light, in Kingdom Hearts. And you had no faith."
The Master fell to his knees again, this time not due to his physical injuries. Kairi saw it in his eyes, which lost their cat-like shape. They were ordinary hazel eyes; full of pain and sorrow. "What happens to me now? Will I be cast back into the dark? Will I be ripped apart?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling.
"The Light is merciful," Casti said, smiling down upon his brother. "Rise to your feet, brother. We shall walk with you for the rest of the journey."
"What?" Sora asked, looking shaken. "He's off the hook?"
One of the other five turned to look at them. "Kingdom Hearts is Light, pure Light. It embodies the Seven Virtues, and as such, it is merciful and benevolent, and generous. More pain, more sorrow, shall never lead to a better future. It will take time for the wounds to mend and heal, but we can only begin the treatment, if we cease injuring it first."
Kairi took a step towards the Master, but the knights formed close ranks to separate them. "Let her pass," Pati said, coughing. The knights stood aside and Kairi walked over to him. He looked up, smiling painfully. "You are much like her; Ava."
"Where are they?" Kairi asked quietly. "How can we retrieve them?"
"Heh, so you've seen through the mirage. You did see them. Good." Pati nodded with a complacent smile. "Good. They reside in the shadows, tucked away in the far corners of the Light. But that is a journey not for you."
"I know. But will they find them?" she asked.
"I need no Gazing Eyes to know the answer to that," he chuckled. "They most certainly will."
"Pati, brother. It is time," said Casti, helping him stand once again. The Master nodded and took off his hat, and gave it to Kairi.
"Take this home, and tell them…" he stopped for a moment, his mind seemingly lingering on the right words.
"I'll tell them you saw the truth in the end," Kairi promised.
"Thank you," the Master of Masters replied, and together with his comrades, his brethren, he departed leaving the three of them behind.
- O - O - O - O - O -
"Ugh" Riku sat up, holding his aching head. It was all a blur, but based on his grinning friends, everything was alright. Well… almost everything, he thought somberly. He stood up and dusted his pants, before walking over to Sora and Kairi.
"Is it over?" he asked.
"Indeed it is," Kairi smiled. "Had a nice nap?"
"Had better," Riku replied. "How do we get out of here?"
"We will send you on your way momentarily," said a voice behind them, and the trio turned around and looked at the red-cloaked man walking towards them. It was a familiar, elderly man; Ansem, the Wise.
"Master Ansem?" Riku asked in surprise. "Are you—"
"Ah, apologies, we are not Ansem. Well, not only Ansem, to be more precise." The trio exchanged a shocked look. "You see, this is an Avatar we wear, so it will be easier for you children to grasp this situation. We are the Conscience of Kingdom Hearts. We are made of all those, who have rejoined the Light."
"So we are speaking to Kingdom Hearts?" Kairi asked.
"You could say that, young Keyblade Wielder," the man nodded. "We wish to thank you for your great endurance, throughout the years. If it weren't for the three of you, and your many friends, Kingdom Hearts, and the Realm of Light would've been torn asunder. After Pati, a Guardian of Light, had witnessed the fall of his brethren, a strong rage took over him. That was an unforeseen move from the Darkness that had ravaged the Realm for many eons. Using the young Guardians sorrow and hatred, Darkness sipped into our Realm and began its long, tireless work."
"Is the war over?" Riku asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer to that.
"We are afraid, this is a war, that will never end. Light shall never exist without its counterpart. The end goal is not Light triumphing over Darkness, but keeping the equilibrium of Light and Dark."
"So what now?" Sora asked. "We leave, and all is well?"
Ansem nodded. "You leave, and all is well. Tomorrow comes a new day, and life goes on. New foes will emerge, just as new champions. What lies beyond tomorrow, we will see in due time." The man raised his hand and behind the three of them, in the middle of the beach, a large Door appeared and opened up.
Kairi was the first one to turn and head towards the door. Sora and Riku lingered, both having questions of their own. In the end it was Sora who asked first: "What of those, who gave their lives? Will they return?"
"No life is eternal, young man." Ansem shook his head. "Just as Pati, you too must accept it. Life has its course. The old life withers away, giving birth to the new ones. This is the cycle." Sora looked saddened by the news, but he had accepted it. He gave a firm nod, and joined Kairi. Riku wanted to ask, but he knew it wasn't the time for it yet. He turned and followed Kairi and Sora towards the gate.
Kairi disappeared without looking back, but Sora stopped to wait for the boy. He grinned at Riku and reached out for his hand but the silver-haired boy did not take it. "What? Are you still angry?" Sora asked, pouting a bit and putting his hands on his hips. Riku smiled and shook his head. He even stepped closer and gave Sora a kiss on the forehead.
"I've protected what matters the most," he said and saw Sora's eyes widen with fear. "This gate is not here for me." He saw that Sora was be ready to argue and fight over it, so instead of giving him further explanation, Riku simply shoved him through the gate, closing the Door behind him.
We were so close, yet so far we are. He lingered there, his hands clenched into fists, his eyes narrowed. The Consciousness moved closer, and he felt the change in the air. "You have accepted it easier than I would've thought." said a voice, deeper than Ansem's. It was Ansem alright, but not the wise one. It was the Ansem Riku had preferred as company. Of course you would take his shape just for me. He is… the closest thing I have to myself, after all. "Long time no see, Riku," said Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness, and the boy turned to face him.
- O - O - O - O - O -
Stay tuned for the final chapter on the 15th!