This next chapter will mostly be a Final Mix chapter. In Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix, an extra boss was added and set the stage for Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and Kingdom Hearts II.
Chapter 49: Showdown with a Mysterious Stranger
Sora woke up to find himself in a hospital. He was laying on a hospital bed with his leg on support with a cast around it. He believed that he lost the match.
Sora: Can't win them all.
He looked to his left to see a get well card on a table. Sora knew that it was written by Dizzy. He then saw a door open, seeing Plucky and Dizzy enter the room. Dizzy ran up to Sora and licked his face. Plucky walked up to the boy, smiling with relief.
Plucky: Thank goodness you were OK. We were all praying for you, and you came through.
He then sat down on a chair next to his friend, slowly sliding down it.
Plucky: I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I didn't know you had it in you.
Sora: I didn't know I had it in me, too. It was one of the most intense fights I've ever encountered.
Dizzy: Dizzy was so worried. Dizzy thought Sora was going to-
Sora: Can't you ever have faith in me? I would have been fine no matter what.
Dizzy put his head down and Sora petted him.
Sora: I didn't mean to snap, don't be sad.
Dizzy looked back up and smiled again. Sora then turned to Plucky.
Sora: What happened?
Plucky: Well, it went like this. You were in an intense battle with that one winged freak, going at each other's throats. I haven't seen a brawl like that in my entire life. You really impressed me.
Sora: Thanks. Did I lose the fight?
Before Plucky could respond, the trio heard the door open. They saw Prof. Oak, Ash, May, Cloud, Ham-Hams, and everyone else enter. Prof. Oak held something that made Sora widen his eyes. It was a platinum trophy that was shaped like a tree. Pikachu ran into Sora's arms and licked him, making him laugh.
Ash: Calm down, Pikachu. Give Sora a chance to breathe.
Pikachu jumped off of Sora and the professor walked over to Sora, clearing his throat.
Oak: I, Prof. Oak, award the Platinum cup trophy to Sora, the champion of champions.
Prof. Oak put the trophy down, next to Sora's bed as the boy looked at it, feeling proud of himself. He knew that he won the match, but how did he?
Sora: I won? But I don't even remember how I could have won. I remember unleashing my ultimate attack and then I black out. What happened?
Cloud: The moment you two collided, he disappeared from the arena.
Sora looked at Cloud with a bit of disbelief.
May: It was weird. He never showed up after that attack.
Oak: And since he wasn't present in the ring, he was automatically disqualified. You won by default.
Sora didn't know how to know whether to be happy or disappointed. Sure he won and all, but it was only because Sephiroth bailed out. Then again, he didn't care. He was happy to be the winner and cheered.
Sora: I did it!
Cloud: You did well, kid. No one has ever been able to survive the onslaught of Sephiroth. You truly are a warrior and that's something to be proud of.
Sora: Thanks.
Cloud then began to leave.
Sora: Hey, where are you going?
Cloud turned back and smiled.
Cloud: I'm off to find my own adventure. I hope that our paths will cross again one day. As I have told you, keep your light strong.
Sora: Don't lose your light, too. Keep it burning strong.
Cloud gave the boy a thumbs up and left the room. Prof. Oak handed the trophy to Plucky to hold onto, a keychain called the One Winged Angel, and an Ansem report. Elder-Ham walked over to Sora.
Elder-Ham: Well, Sora. You've had quite a day, haven't you?
Sora: Yeah. I guess I was in over my head a little bit.
Dizzy: Luckily, Sora only get minor boo-boos.
Sweetie: Only a few minor injuries. You should be up and ready by tomorrow.
Sora chuckled lightly and laid back down. Plucky walked over to the other side of Sora and smirked.
Plucky: You've impressed me, Sora. You're definitely one of the most powerful people out there. We've got a surprise for you.
Sora then saw the door open, revealing Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny walking in with a giant cake. The cake has white colored frosting, red colored icing, and words that were written on it. It said "Congratulations, Team Sora."
Sora: Is this for us?
Ash: It sure is. You guys earned a piece of cake.
Dizzy: Ooh, Dizzy love cake.
Dizzy licked his lips and ran for the cake, but Plucky held him back.
Plucky: Hold up, Dizzy. Don't you even think about it.
Dizzy: Think about what? Dizzy just wanted to admire cake.
Everyone started laughing at the comment. Everybody cut a piece of cake out and Plucky gave one to Sora, who was still in bed. The group chatted with each other, having a good time now that the fighting was over. The cake they had was very good. Sora was thinking about Ansem and how he knew there was still one more threat left to deal with. Ash and May walked over to Sora.
Ash: Hey, Sora. What's next for you?
Sora: Well, we have some unfinished business to take care of. I'll be off tomorrow.
May: Be careful. You're still injured.
Sora: I'll be OK. I have my friends at my side.
Plucky walked over next to the bed.
Plucky: Yeah, this kid has Mr. Muscles here and I can break anyone in half.
Plucky did a karate chop which accidentally hit a lever. That caused the support on Sora's leg to quickly lower, bringing his leg down, hard onto the bed.
Sora: OW!
Plucky: Sorry, let me fix that.
Plucky jumped onto the bed to try and fix it, but he kneed Sora's leg again.
Sora: PLUCKY!
Plucky: Don't worry, I'll fix it.
He then tried to press a button, but he pressed the recline button which raised Sora's upper body, knocking his head onto Plucky's head. The others were also trying to help stabilize the situation. Unknown to them, Dizzy was secretly picking away at the cake. Pikachu ran on the bed, only to press a button, which caused both parts of the bed to recline up, crushing Sora between the two mattresses. Everyone could hear Sora's muffled cries of pain. Everyone got on each side of the bed and pulled on it. Finally, they were able to pull the mattresses out of him.
Ash tumbled back and knocked the trophy onto the floor which rolled onto Dizzy. The Tasmanian devil lifted his foot and it landed on the trophy, tripping him back into the support that was holding the cake, knocking the cake off, sending it into the air. Everyone caught their breaths from their attempts to rescue Sora.
Sneezer: Are you alright?
Sora: I'm fine.(Moans)Now I'm going to be here for a week.
He the turned to Plucky with an evil glare.
Sora: It's all your fault!
Plucky: At least I didn't get on the receiving end of the blow.
He then looked up to see the cake falling on him. The cake landed on Plucky's head, causing a great big splat. Everybody else started laughing at Plucky who looked like a fool. The frosting slowly slid down his face. Dizzy walked over and licked Plucky's face, getting all the frosting off.
Dizzy: Mmm. That good.
Back in the arena, the seats are completely empty. But then, one person walked into the arena. That person was Cloud. He had a piece of paper in his hand and looked down at it.
Cloud: Meet me at midnight tonight. We shall settle this once and for all.
Cloud puts the letter in his pocket and pulls out his Buster Sword and walked in the arena. He looked around and then looked up to see a black feather falling down in front of him and landed on the ground. He looked up to see a familiar silver haired swordsman. It was none other than Sephiroth.
Sephiroth: I knew you would show up. You'd never back down from a fight.
Cloud stood up and stared his opponent down. The two enemies looked into each other's eyes. Cloud knew he had to end this nightmare once and for all.
Cloud: Indeed, I'm surprised you'd even show your face after a defeat from a child.
Sephiroth: You as well. Let's not forget that you fell to him twice. But, I left the battle because I did not want to have my face in the dirt, especially from the boy. I've been waiting for this moment a long time. It doesn't matter about the keyblade master.
Cloud: I've been searching for you.
Sephiroth: As have I.
Cloud: I can never escape from you. You're a nightmare I can never awaken from, a nightmare that haunts me as you continue to breathe. You are my darkness.
Sephiroth: Flattery will not help you in this fight. I shall draw you into a darkness, into a nightmare world that will deprive you of light forever, from which you can never awaken from.
Cloud: You make me sick. As Sora would say. I'll have you beaten so badly, that you'll be on the floor, crying like a baby.
Sephiroth: Oh, boo hoo. I'm so scared. Let's see the light save you from this.
Cloud grasped his sword with both hands. Electricity sparkled as the two powered up, the ground lightly shaking from their intense power, pebbles floating into the air from their force.
Cloud: So, winner takes all?
Sephiroth: Agreed. This showdown of fate will prove that I, the darkness, am far stronger than you.
The two charged at each other and clashed their swords with each other. They both then flew up in the air, with Cloud activating his wings. The both clashed their swords again, with Cloud charging at Sephiroth, who flew up avoiding the attack.
Sephiroth: Good form, Cloud. You've improved greatly. But I've only warmed up.
Cloud: So have I.
The two lunged at each other again, screaming at the top of their lungs. The two swords finally gave on final clash as they collided, creating a giant flash of light. As the light dimmed, they were long gone. Cloud and Sephiroth were never seen again at the coliseum. The next morning, Sora was slowly helped out of bed by his friends. he slowly moved around, getting the feel back to his body. Knowing they didn't have time to waste, they headed for the gummi ship, with Ash and his friends sending them off. Plucky held onto the trophy as they arrived at the door. All of Sora's summons, including Gatomon and Gohan, returned to their summon gems. Sora turned to Ash and shook his hand.
Sora: I had an amazing time here. The Pokemon are the most amazing creatures I've ever seen.
Ash: You should try being a Pokemon Trainer yourself, Sora. You'd have lots of fun. You could even become an Pokemon Master.
Sora: It's hard enough being the keyblade master, so I think I'll pass. We'll get going now and we'll never forget any of you.
May: Are you going somewhere? It sounds like we'll never see you again.
Plucky and Dizzy both glanced at Sora who made a nervous look. He knew that they were onto him. Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Ash.
Sora: Sorry, I meant I'm sure we'll see you soon.
Oak: Then take care. Don't be a stranger. You're always welcomed back here.
Sora: Good luck at becoming the world's greatest Pokemon Master, Ash.
Ash: Thanks, Sora. Not a lot of people say that.
Sora then turned to May.
Sora: You too at being the world's greatest Pokemon Coordinator, May.
May: Thanks, Sora. You follow your dreams too.
Ash: Say good-bye, Pikachu.
Pikachu jumped into Sora's arms and licked his face. Sora chuckled as he received gentle licks from the Pokemon. The Ham-Hams are talking to Sweetie and Sneezer.
Hamtaro: Will you guys come back to see us again?
Sweetie: I'm sure we will. We're good friends after all.
Bijou: I hope so too. Be safe you guys.
Sneezer: Don't worry. We will.
The group said good-bye to everyone and boarded the ship. Sweetie and Sneezer started the engine and blasted off into space. Everyone sat back in their seats, knowing that the tournament is over. Sora sadly turned to the window, knowing that his journey was almost over. All the adventures he had was coming to an end. He felt happy knowing that he was finally gonna come home, but he wish he didn't have to leave his friends. Plucky, Dizzy, and Elder-Ham were in a group discussion.
Elder-Ham: What's troubling you, Plucky?
Plucky: The kid is hiding something from us. Ever since we left Hollow Bastion, I saw the look in his eyes, like something was disturbing him.
Dizzy: Sora not himself. He hiding something from Dizzy.
Elder-Ham: You could be right. Perhaps we should comfort our dear friend about this. It's unhealthy to leave something bottled up inside.
Plucky: OK, so we get it out of him.
Elder-Ham: I agree.
Dizzy: Dizzy agree, too. What did we agree about again?
Sora sadly sighed out of the window, seeing all of the beautiful stars in the sky. He thought back to the strange and wonderful worlds he traveled to. From the jungles of Mystic Ruins, to the futuristic city of Megaland, to Planet Namek. Sora held back the tears that came into his eyes. He felt like he was being watched. He turned and saw Plucky, Dizzy, and Elder-Ham looking at him. Before they could say something to him, the group heard a voice that was not even their own.
?: Keyblade master, can you hear me?
Dizzy: A ghost!
Plucky: A ghost? Let me out of here!
Plucky and Dizzy hid behind the couch and cowarded. Sora recognized that soft female voice right away?
Sora: Serena? Is that you?
Serena: Yes, keyblade master. I'm glade you responded.
Sora: I don't see you anywhere though.
Serena: I'm talking to you telepathically. Sora, I need you and your friends to return to Hollow Bastion.
Elder-Ham: Something wrong, princess?
Serena: I can't explain it here. Please, you must hurry. Something terrible has gone wrong.
Sora: We're on our way.
He then called to Sweetie and Sneezer.
Sora: Sweetie, Sneezer, back to Hollow Bastion!
Sneezer: Aye, aye, sir!
Plucky: Come on! We're so close to facing that white haired freak, and every single time, we either answer a call for help, or partake in a tournament. Are we everyone's babysitter?
Sora: Look, I know this is getting annoying, but this will be the last time we help anyone. I promise.
Elder-Ham Plus, I'm sure this isn't a plea from just Serena. The other princesses are probably in need of our help.
Plucky: Fine! To Hollow Bastion, then.
Sweetie used the warp drive to bring the ship back to Hollow Bastion. Sora's group made their way into the main hallway and then into the library. Inside, they walked up the stairs and arrived to see Tuxedo Mask and Serena. The princess was on the floor, legs cross, and eyes closed. Her breathing was light as she sat there. Sora curiously walked up to Tuxedo Mask and whispered in his ear.
Sora: Hey, man. What's she doing?
Dizzy: She taking nap?
Plucky and Elder-Ham shushed Dizzy up. Tuxedo whispered back to Sora..
Tuxedo Mask: She's meditating. She's trying to establish communication with the source of the strange energy she's been sensing.
Sora: What energy?
Tuxedo Mask: I don't know.
Serena gasped and came out of her trance. Her entire body was trembling from the force she felt. Her mind was boggled with questions, and at the same time, she was completely stunned. Tuxedo Mask put his arms around her, comforting her.
Tuxedo Mask: Serena, are you OK?
Serena: I'm fine, Darien. But I couldn't establish communication. I've sensed major powers before, but none like this. This was simply...words can't even describe it.
She then turned to Sora.
Serena: Sora, I believe that the only was to find what it is-
Plucky: We know. We've got to investigate.
Serena: It would put us at ease. I can count on you, right? Perhaps, the others could give you some more information about this power. I suggest taking Darien along for help.
Serena turned to Tuxedo Mask and hugged him.
Serena: Be careful, my love.
The two kissed each other, holding their love strong. Plucky impatiently tapped his foot.
Plucky: Would you two stop and let's get moving?
Tuxedo Mask: I'll see you later, Serena.
The five made their way into the secret elevator and used it to rise up to the chapel entrance. The group easily dispose of all the heartless and ran into the next room where the princesses of heart were all in group discussions. Sora noticed a strange dark portal that appeared in the center of the room. He recognized it as the same one that lead to Ganondorf. He felt his spine tremble, wondering of the King of Evil was alive. Peach approached the group with the other princesses behind her.
Peach: Sora, Plucky, Dizzy, thank goodness you came to help.
Tuxedo Mask: What appears to be the problem?
Krystal: A dark portal has appeared. I don't knew if it's a sign of something bad or good.
Peach: From this gate that suddenly appeared, I can feel a power of darkness.
She then sensed it again, realizing something horrible.
Peach: Wait! This isn't darkness at all. It's different from anything I've ever felt. Maybe even more dangerous than darkness.
Sora and Dizzy restrained Plucky as he tried to run.
Plucky: Let me out of here! I want my mommy!
Sora: Plucky, you look like an idiot right now.
Plucky: I'm willing to risk my reputation right now to look like one!
Tuxedo Mask: What reputation?
Zelda: I just have a bad feeling about this.
Kari: I'm sure that we could hold back the power of darkness just a little bit, but this is completely different. A power other than darkness.
Sora: Other than darkness?
Kari: A third power between light and darkness. What could this mean?
Saori: What could it be for that matter? We'd check it ourselves, but the force is holding us back.
Sora: Don't worry, we'll investigate.
Peach: Thank you, Sora. I knew we could count on you. Just be careful.
Sora nodded and left for the portal. The others followed into the portal as well. They arrived in the same room where they defeated Ganon. the room was completely silent, not a word was said. The four didn't notice any changers since their last time here. The four split up and looked around for anything strange.
Plucky: You guys find anything?
Sora: Nope. It's all peaceful here. I can't help but feel like something's wrong.
Dizzy: Is Sora sick?
Sora: I'm fine, I just have a bad feeling.
Tuxedo Mask: Weird. I feel bad, too.
Plucky: While you feel bad, I'll run like mad for the exit.
Before Plucky made a run for the exit, the portal disappeared. In it's place was a black-coated figure walking towards Sora. He started to sweat upon seeing it. the black-coated figure approached Sora at a fast rate.
Plucky: Sora, watch out!
The boy turned around to see the mysterious figure walking towards him. It walked straight through him. A flash appeared in Sora's mind and he saw all of his memories of everything that happened up to this point. Sora fell backwards. The others ram to his aid, making sure he was OK.
Tuxedo Mask: Sora, what happened?
Sora: It's so weird. I felt like everything we ever did flashed before my eyes. I lost control of everything in that instance.
Plucky: Don't look now, but we have an uninvited guest.
Sora turned around to notice a cloaked figure with his back turned to them. His entire body was covered, showing no sign of skin, nor showing if the person was male or female. The figure's face was hidden away in his hood, making it impossible to see the face. Sora stood up and bravely stepped forward, trying to establish communication with this person.
Sora: Who are you? Why did you sneak up on us like that?
?: Ah...it seems you are special, too.
Plucky: I don't wanna stick around anymore.
Plucky tried to run for the exit, forgetting that it disappeared. Plucky gulped nervously, his heart beating rapidly. He knew that they were in for it now.
Dizzy: Ansem?
Sora: Are you sure?
The figure looked over his shoulder, glimpsing at the four.
?: It sounds familiar to me.
The figure held out his hand. All of a sudden, a strange blue light came out of his hand. Sora took his keyblade out, gripping the handles tightly.
Tuxedo Mask: Get ready, everyone! He doesn't look very friendly.
Sora notice the figure looking at him.
?: You look just like him.
Sora didn't know what that means.
Sora: What's that suppose to mean?
He gasped as the figure turned around. Sora quickly put his keyblade up and held the back with both hands. The figure fired electricity at Sora who blocked it. He gave all his effort and pushed the electricity back at the ceiling.
?: It shows...you're incomplete. You remain incomplete. However, that power you hold...
Sora got ready along with the others. They knew this battle won't be easy, but they had to give it all they've got.
?: Allow me to test your power.
The figure ran towards the heroes and pulled out two red beam sword and attacked the heroes. But Sora, Plucky, Dizzy, and Tuxedo Mask moved away. Sora rolled down on the floor and saw the figure running towards him. He then saw the figure fire blue energy balls at him. He rolled out of the way and clashed with the figure, locking his keyblade with the figure's beam sword. Then he cast white walls attacking the others. It caused alot of damage, but the heroes managed to fight them back.
Sora: Can I actually defeat this guy who has more power than Myotismon, Nightmare, Frieza, Mewtwo, or Ganondorf?
Sora then charged and he and the figure locked blades. The figure pushed Sora aside and Sora fell down to the ground and the figure put his foot on his back. He pointed his red beam sword at him. Then Plucky and Dizzy headbutted him, knocking him aside, allowing Sora to get up. The figure then cast his shield again, knocking Plucky and Dizzy aside. Sora got up and saw him walk towards Dizzy with the beam sword. Sora kicked him aside and use Sonic Blade to do some damage to the figure. Sora got his team up and they attacked the figure altogether.
The figure got up as Plucky ran up to attack him, but then he fire blue energy balls at him, knocking him back. Sora got up again and charged. The figure then slashed him hard with his beam sword. Sora was hit and was sent flying back, but he got up and landed on his feet before he could hit the wall. The figure began slashing him again, this time with a violent combo attack. Sora gasped in pain and panted heavily. Tuxedo Mask and Dizzy attacked the figure with the Tuxedo Smoking Bomber and Spin Attack, but the figure dodged their attacks and slashed them. Sora leapt into the air and use Ragnarok on the figure, delivering a slashing combo and finishing with a bunch of energy balls. The figure stumbled down on one knee. He was looking at Sora, who was clutching his injured arm. It seemed that Plucky and Dizzy are hurt too. Tuxedo Mask seemed fine, but he was out of breath.
?: Truly fascinating.
With his last bit of will and strength, Sora stood up, confused by the figure's words. The figure stood ready.
?: This, I'm going to enjoy.
Fed up with the figure's riddles, Sora took his keyblade and ran at him.
Sora: What are you talking about?
Sora leaped into the air, keyblade held high. He was about to strike, only to miss as the figure half fades in and then back. Sora turned to the figure, annoyed and tired.
?: At your present state, you'd probably not understand. However, you've got my attention.
The figure looked over his should to see the boy.
?: My work here is done. In any case, the time when we can meet again will doubtlessly come.
Plucky, Dizzy, and Tuxedo Mask joined their friend as he staggered back, too tired to even stand up.
Tuxedo Mask: Man, he did a number on you.
Sora's eyes began to close, he felt himself losing consciousness, he was too weak from the blows he received. He weakly spoke up one more time.
Sora: What are you?
Everyone gasped as the figure faded away from them, indicating he was moving away from the group.
?: I am...
Sora couldn't hold on any longer and finally fainted. In his mind, he heard the voice one last time.
?: A mere shell.
A few hours have passed. Sora woke up to find and ice bag on his head. His vision was blurry as it came to. He saw a purple blur in front of him. He knew who it was right away.
Sora: Dizzy?
Dizzy: Hi, Sora. Take it easy!
Sora remembered his fight against the cloaked figure. Such a power he never felt. He didn't know why, but he had a feeling that this wasn't going to be the last time they would meet the cloaked figure. Sora turned back to Dizzy and pet his head.
Sora: Hey, little buddy. Are you alright?
Dizzy: Dizzy should be the one to ask that. Sora fell down and went boom.
Sora: Guess you're right about that, Dizzy.
?: Well, at least you're OK, kid.
Sora recognized the voice. He knew it was Plucky's voice. He noticed the duck sitting at the edge of his bed with a relief look in his eyes.
Sora: Plucky, you're OK too?
Plucky:(Sarcasm)No, I'm in a wheelchair,and I can never move again.
Sora: Heh, heh, good old Plucky. What happened?
Plucky: Well, we were in a fight with that cloaked freak. He seemed to be speaking in tongue though. I had no idea what he was talking about.
Sora: Who was he?
Plucky: Beats me. If you ask me, that guy is probably just a lost soul, looking for a good time.
Sora: Yeah, we should be going after Ansem. He needs to be dealt with first.
Dizzy: Others outside. They worry about Sora.
Sora: Then let's go see them.
Plucky: Hold up! Before we go outside, there is something we need to discuss. Now, that it is just the three of us here, no other interruptions. It's time you told us what you're hiding.
Sora sweated nervously. He knew that wasn't going to get off so easily this time. He wish he didn't have to tell them right now, but there was nothing he could do. Dizzy walked over and sat next to Sora.
Dizzy: Sora, if you don't tell, Dizzy going to make that face.
Plucky: Confess now, kid, or prepare to have extreme cuteness rain upon you!
Dizzy widen his eyes which caused a sparkle to appear in his pupils. Dizzy shook his lower lip, whimpering lightly at Sora. He tried to resist the look, but it was too adorable. Sora couldn't take it anymore. Dizzy was winning over the keyblade master.
Sora: Alright, alright! You win. I'll tell you.
Sora took a deep breath in and out, ready to confess his secret. He feared the results when he told them how they were never going to see each other again. Plucky probably would understand, but Dizzy, that's another story.
Sora: Guys...You made my adventure alot of fun. I'd rather be here with you than go back to my island. It would be alot more fun if Riku and Kairi were here, but I'm just glade I had this chance to travel to other worlds.
Plucky: So, your point is...
Sora: When we beat Ansem, the worlds will become separate again. We'll go back home to our own worlds.
Plucky: Is that what's this about? Oh, kid. Just tell us where you live and we'll-
Sora: There's more. The reason we never knew about other worlds was because we were all surrounded by barriers. The barriers were destroyed by the heartless and when we beat Ansem...
Plucky: Those walls will return.
The trio remained silent for a moment. Sora put his head down, extremely upset about the whole thing. He felt tears pouring into his eyes.
Sora: That means...we'll never see each other again.
Dizzy was shocked. He couldn't believe that Sora was gonna leave him forever. Tears rushed down his face. His heart felt like it was smashed into a million pieces.
Dizzy: WHY? Sora promised that we stay together forever. Sora can't leave Dizzy!
Sora: I wish I could stay. But I can't.
Dizzy jumped off the bed and ran for the door.
Sora: Dizzy, please wait! Let me explain.
Dizzy: Sora don't need. Sora lied to Dizzy. He said we stay best friends forever and now, Sora have to leave?
Dizzy ran up the door and slammed it. Sora ran up to the door and pressed his face against it. He felt like a fool. He should have told them when he had the chance. Plucky walked over to Sora and patted the boy's back.
Plucky: Sora, I'm sorry. I didn't know how painful this was for you.
Sora: This is all my fault. I should have told you earlier about this.
Plucky: I know how badly you feel about this. I'm going to miss you too. We're your friends and we have the right to know. You've been a good friend. You'll always be a memory that can never be forgotten.
Sora: Thanks, Plucky. What about Dizzy?
Plucky: Oh, no! He ran out of the room. He could have ran somewhere in the castle. Come on!
Sora and Plucky left the room and headed down the main hallway. The duo arrived back in the chapel, where the others all ran up to them.
Zelda: Sora, are you OK?
Sora: I'm fine now. But Dizzy ran off and we need to find him!
Peach: Oh, dear. What were you saying, Sora?
Sora: I said that Dizzy ran off.
Peach: Goodness. We have to find him. Everyone split up!
Everyone ran off into separate ares of the castle to find Dizzy. Zelda and Krystal checked the room where the keyhole was, Saori and Kari checked the upper hallways, Peach checked the lower hallways, Serena and Tuxedo Mask checked the library, Sora and Plucky checked the basement. Inside the basement, he heard a familiar whimper.
Sora: That must be Dizzy. Let's go!
The duo followed Dizzy's whimper until the reached the end of the basement. They found Dizzy, curled up into a ball, shivering with his back against the wall. Sora walked over to him, but Dizzy waved his arm at the boy, telling him not to come any close.
Dizzy: Keep away from Dizzy! Sora a big liar.
Plucky: Dizzy! Sora isn't a liar.
Dizzy: But...he promised we best friends forever.
Sora: And we are. But you can't blame me for something I can't control. If there was some way to prevent the walls, I would have found a way to stop it. There's nothing I can do about it. I didn't want to tell you, because it would break your heart. I'm just as upset about it as you are. No matter what happens, we'll always be best friends forever.
Dizzy looked up at Sora and ran into his arms. Tears poured down his face. He felt so bad for being rude to Sora.
Dizzy: Dizzy so sorry, Sora. Can Sora ever forgive Dizzy?
Sora: You know I always do. I'm going to miss you so much.
Dizzy: Dizzy going to miss Sora times a million.
Sora smiled and stroked Dizzy's back. He pulled him away and held him in the air. Dizzy looked at Sora's eyes, seeing the joy and carefreeness that Sora had.
Sora: Right now, we have a mission to complete. The three of us need to stick together.
Dizzy nodded with a sign of seriousness in his eyes. Sora then turned to Plucky who also nodded. The trio looked at each other, knowing they may never see each other again, but their hearts would stay connected, no matter what.
Plucky: Let's go! To our destinies!
The trio left the basement and headed back to the chapel, where the princesses awaited their arrival.
Peach: Thank goodness, you found your friend. I was getting worried.
Sora: It's OK. We'll have to go now. We're gonna miss you all.
Peach: Take care, Sora. Always remember that you have friends by your side.
Sora nodded and said good-bye to the other princesses as well. He then shook Tuxedo Mask's hand.
Sora: Bye, Tuxedo Mask.
Tuxedo Mask: Take care, kid. Wish you could travel to other worlds though. Could have stopped and see our world.
Sora: I think I'll pass on that.
The trio said good-bye and headed for the gummi ship. The gummi ship left Hollow Bastion and flew off into space. The final battle with Ansem will begin soon.
That's it for chapter 49. Now that the side quests are over, we can return to the main story next time.