Sword Art Kingdom III

by Jacob Pendra-Huth

After so many years of waiting, the next chapter of SAK, with the final battle awaiting the trio of Keyblade wielders, Sora, Asuna and Kirito. With swarms of enemies coming from all sides, the heroes must not only gather the Guardians of Light, but also the Lost Princesses of Hearts, all the while doing their best not to let the enemy win, in any world, in any dimension.

12. Darkness Within Light! Trial of Trust!

Sorry for the incredibly long wait, everyone. I know you were all waiting anxiously for me to continue writing the story, and were wondering if I gave up. That wasn't true in the slightest. In fact, I wanted to write for so long, but I had trouble doing so thanks to an incident a few months back. Some of you are aware of what happened. To those who don't let me explain:

In early June, I was in a car crash. A truck carrying a trailer ended up going off the road and hit me on my side of the lane. I do not remember what happened that entire week, or even the accident itself, but of what people told me. I was miraculously alive, especially since the truck hit me in the driver's side of the car, but God protected me. I was in the hospital for a while, then I spent months in speech and physical therapy. During those times, I had kinda lost myself, and was unable to write because of it. My fears and despair, which were only amplified no thanks to a darkness called '2020', and I was struggling to find my way back.

I had only started getting back to my old self again in these past couple months, and was assisting my dear friend, Coral the Leviathan, in a crossover work called 'Symphogear XD Unlimited: Free the Hearts and Dreams with a Song', a crossover between Symphogear and Persona 5, more specifically using the characters of my unfinished work of 'P5: Phantom Drive'. It was getting my story-writing abilities back to normal, and I had started to write my own work, little by little, till I was able to finish now. Forgive me for my lateness in my work, but I assure you that I am back.

I am not sure if my writing is up to snuff like it was before, so forgive me if my story-writing is still a bit off in this chapter. But after hearing so many people wanting me to get back to writing again, waiting for my work, I can honestly say I am blessed by so much support. I am so glad so many people love my work. Please, continue supporting my work, as well as other writers such as myself, especially in these trying times. I hope you are all happy and healthy, and I hope you enjoy this story!

---

"What are you doing?!" Naofumi's outcry woke up Kirito from his slumber. He noticed bird feathers flying in the air above them, before feeling the heaviness and softness all over his body. At some point during the night, he fell asleep amongst the filolials. Their feathers were so soft and comforting, that the majority of the group practically fell instantly to sleep on them.

Kirito yawned as he stretched his arms up, with Naofumi forcing the filolials near him to get off of him. Asuna was already preparing food a good distance from him as she noticed him waking up. "Good morning, Kirito." She greeted, "You and the others slept like rocks."

"Morning, Asuna." He answered, looking at the scene. Some of the filolials were already wandering off thanks to Naofumi's outburst, who clearly didn't like being smushed by the oversized birds. Goofy and Sora were just getting up after the birds departed, while Yui was already awake, along with Donald.

"Did you guys sleep well?" Raphtalia approached the group as she checked up on Naofumi.

"Sort of." Kirito answered, "Took a while for me."

"I was out like a light." Asuna answered.

"The filolial's feathers were warm and fluffy." Yui noted.

Sora yawned as he stretched his arms up, too, with Goofy taking longer to wake up.

"Hey, Kirito." Naofumi approached the black swordsman as he got up from his sleeping area. The two looked at each other, thinking back to last night. The final words of Fitoria still rung in their ears.

"If you cannot get along with each other, then I must eliminate all four Cardinal Heroes."

"You still thinking about that threat last night?" Kirito asked Naofumi.

"Yeah…" he answered, "And I can tell that was no idle threat. The moment she said it, I could feel the bloodlust from her. She meant it."

"We told her of the situation you and the rest of us are in, and she still wants to kill all four of you?" Kirito questioned, "What would that accomplish?"

"Well, from what I hear, it'll just replace us four with another group of heroes instead." Naofumi answered, "Still, I don't plan to die, so let's not give her the chance." Kirito nodded in agreement.

"Is something the matter, Master Naofumi?" Raphtalia spoke up. The two boys were unaware that she and Asuna both were approaching the two with breakfast in bowls.

"You both have serious expressions." Asuna noticed, "I saw that before last night. Did something happen?"

"No, nothing to tell right now." Kirito answered, taking his breakfast, and eating it, and digging into it.

"We'll explain later." Naofumi answered, taking his breakfast, "We should hurry up and leave as soon as possible. Where's Filo and Melty?"

"Filo's with Donald and Yui, over there." Asuna answered, pointing her head towards where the breakfast was at, where the trio was sitting together, enjoying Asuna's breakfast, while the filolials were all around them, looking hungry. Sora had just arrived to join them, anxiously looking at the meal, as well, and taking a bowl to serve himself. Goofy slowly followed him

"As for Melty, she's up there." Raphtalia followed, pointing up to one of the upper parts of the ruins. Sure enough, Melty was there, speaking excitedly with Fitoria, who was happily sharing stories with the young princess.

"From the moment she woke up, she was bombarding her with questions." Asuna stated, "Looks like Fitoria has a lot of tales to tell. Wish I could hear them, too."

"Right now, we should probably steer clear of her." Kirito told her, gaining a look of curiosity from Asuna in response to this, "We need to go and find the person responsible for the Heartless."

It was then that he thought back to Saïx's words last night. "Then tell me, Guardians of Light, should a wielder of light choose to use it's power to protect the darkness, would you extinguish that light?" The foreboding question was rather unsettling. He could understand people who use darkness to fight for the good of people, like Riku, but for light to be used to fight for the darkness? How was that possible?

"I agree. If you guys are right, then there's somebody who's using the Heartless to frame me for a lot of crap I had no connection to." Naofumi stated, "I wouldn't be surprised if this led all the way back to that trash king and the bitch princess."

"Or someone within the Three Heroes Church." Kirito added, "Either way, we need to search for more clues."

Naofumi quickly gobbled his meal as Melty noticed the group awake, and called down, "Hello! You finally awake?"

Naofumi finished before calling up to the two little girls on the ruins, "Hey, Melty. We need to get going!"

"What? So soon?" The princess asked, surprised.

Fitoria's eyes narrowed as she looked at him. She then whipped her palm towards Melty, before chanting, "Wind Prison." All of a sudden, Melty's body floated upwards as she was encased in wind, swirling about her with a glow. Everyone became stunned at what happened.

"Mel!" Filo shouted, standing up in shock at the sight of her friend in trouble, along with Yui and Donald.

"Wha-what is this?!" Melty questioned, touching the wind around her, before feeling a cut on her finger. She retreated her hand, looking at the said finger, which started to bleed.

"Do not try to fight. It is dangerous." Fitoria answered, "But as of right now, you are my hostage." Melty was stunned and confused, while the heroes below were frustrated at what was taking place.

---

(Insert 'Adamas Amalee ver.', TV version)

Music intro

(Rushing through black darkness, glittering shards of light pass by. As music starts, the three main Keyblades suddenly shoot forward like shooting stars, circling around from a distance, then crossing one another, shining brightly, forming the logo of the series.)

I'm trying to understand it but it's making me numb

(Left half of Sora's serious face, the other half hidden by the teeth of his Kingdom Key.)

This swirl of karma leaving such a bitter taste on my tongue

(Right half of Asuna's determined face, the other half hidden by the Lambent Light's teeth.)

'Cause I know the pain and sorrow, it has only begun

(The upper half of Kirito's face, with glaring eyes, the lower half hidden by the Elucidator's teeth.)

Who-o-oa, Who-o-oa, Who-o-oa

(Flashing through the faces of each hero; Donald, Goofy, Yui, Mickey, Riku, Leafa, Kairi, Axel, and Kayaba.)

Now I'm surrounded by my enemies, but luck's on my side

(In the dusty fields of the Keyblade Graveyard, the camera pans around the circle of the six main heroes as they ready their weapons.)

So I shatter through the walls and change the course of the tide

(In the same field, the camera pans the opposite way around the six other heroes as they ready their weapons.)

Can't stop this surging fate like a volcano set to break, Take a breath until you're set to

(Allies of the multiple worlds they will or have visited pan across the screen, finally ending with the silhouettes of the four Lost Princesses of heart, with the one in the center opening her hands to reveal a bright light.)

face that voice of fear. That god of death that's always looking down on you

(Philia stands on a lone green hill, staring at a card with the picture of Castle Oblivion on it. She feels a hand behind her, and looks to see Flair and Hinata standing behind her, giving assuring smiles, with Tinkerbell coming out of her pocket, and Samson giving a thumbs up.)

"Do you believe yourself?" I won't stop til I've won

(Maleficent and Dr. Temna stand together, with Pete and Tears next to them, and a swarm of Heartless and shadowed foes ready to strike.)

A glimpse of that bright future that's just begun!

(Xehanort's maliciously smirking face appears, as he and fifteen others float together in a circle. Screen splits in half as half of Heartless Oberon and Gouxus take the screen, their eyes shining from yellow to violet.)

Shining like a diamond, The emotions in your heart reflect like crystal

(The six heroes team up together, taking down Heartless, Nobodies and Unversed that come across their path with their weapons, skills and magic.)

As we vow an oath that will ignite your light and mine - And we will rise!

(A Demon Tower nearly falls on top of the six, but they get away, with Kirito, Asuna and Sora in the air, performing Soul Bursts and Keyblade transformation, creating Cloud's Buster Sword, Asuna's SAO Lambent Light, and Sora's twin guns, unleashing a sword beam, ice spears, and magic shots as one.)

So many times I've gotten back on my feet to make it to this moment

(A group of dark energy orbs shoots down the trio from a cliff above, hitting them into the ground. The attack comes from Xehanort, Heartless Oberon, and Gouxus.)

It's time our prayer that's waiting in the dark. Is set free so light the spark and let it shine!

(Sora, Asuna and Kirito get back up on their feet, shaking off their injuries, and raising their Keyblades as they charge forward, beams of sunlight shining upon each of them as they all take a leap at the Organization XVI, with their friends, the other heroes, including Roxas, Xion, Recon, Terra, Aqua and Ven, joining them from behind.)

Song ends.

---

"Now hold on!" Asuna shouted, "Why are you taking Melty hostage?!"

"Because the heroes must not fight amongst themselves." Fitoria answered, "That is why I need you to promise me, Shield Hero, to reconcile with them?"

"You're asking me to reconcile with them?! After everything they've done?!" Naofumi demanded, "That's never gonna happen!"

"You must reconsider." Fitoria retorted, "My goal is to protect the world. But I cannot do that by myself. I need the four heroes to work together. I made a promise to the hero who raised me."

"You…promised the hero who raised you?" Sora echoed, understanding the importance to uphold such a promise.

"And should the heroes not be able to cooperate, then I have no choice but to kill all four of you so I can call forth new ones." Fitoria's glare down at the group made them shudder. Apart from Naofumi, Kirito, and Sora, the others were shocked at her words.

"You'll kill all of them? Including Naofumi?!" Asuna questioned.

"You can't!" Raphtalia pleaded.

"I don't know. She took out that Heartless pretty easily yesterday." Goofy recalled, thinking of how she defeated the Tyrantragon effortlessly.

"Yeah. If she could do that, then there's no way we could beat her." Sora admitted.

"If you reconcile with the other heroes, I won't have to kill you." Fitoria told Naofumi.

"I understand what you are saying, but I still can't do it!" Naofumi growled, "And nothing you say or do will change that!" He gathered his rage as he prepared to summon the Rage Shield once more. However, Fitoria raised her hand towards him, which glowed. This negated Naofumi from summoning the Rage Shield.

"You mustn't use that cursed shield." Fitoria warned him.

Naofumi grimaced at her interference, before starting, "You wanna know why I have that shield? How I got it?" Fitoria paused, looking a bit curious at his words.

"It's because those bastards looked down on me." Naofumi growled, "The kingdom, the church, the three other 'heroes'. They used their game plans only to advance their own agendas, and they condemn other from a safe distance, myself and my friends included. People like them are what granted me this power! If you're going to be threatening anyone…if you want to blame someone for degrading your dream, it should be them, not me!"

The six otherworlders could fully understand now where his rage truly came from, and why he used such a dark weapon. Saïx was right in saying that he was filled with rage, but not made by himself. Rather, it was due to the actions of every person he spoke of. From what they knew of Myne, the soldiers, the three heroes, and all others that they encountered in this world so far, they condemned Naofumi and his allies from petty to no apparent reason. No way that wouldn't cause someone to rage against the world they were sent to. And with his darkness, it made things easy for the Organization to pin the blame on him for the Heartless.

"What the shield hero is saying is probably right." Fitoria agreed, "I understand how you feel. In that case, I will postpone your demise. Instead, I'll test to see if you and your party have what it takes to fight the Waves of Catastrophe, as well as the Heartless infecting this world."

"Hold on! The Heartless are our responsibility!" Kirito noted, "We can handle them so that'll be one less problem for Naofumi's group, as well as the rest of this world."

"That is true. Your part is also involved in this endeavor." Fitoria admitted, "However, it is as I said before, your group is not responsible for the Waves of Catastrophe. That duty lies in the four heroes. That said, I shall test both of your parties."

"And how do you plan to do that, huh?" Naofumi asked, "Do you plan to fight all of us?"

"No, only a select few." Fitoria pointed to the group containing the three smallest characters of Filo, Yui, and Donald, "The three of you shall face me."

The trio was startled, as was everyone else. "Why me?!" Filo asked.

"Why are we the only ones allowed to fight?" Yui questioned.

Fitoria ignored this as she spoke to Filo, "You must lead this fight, Filo. If you are able to show you three are strong enough for me to acknowledge you, I will release Melty. If you don't fight, I will end all of you."

Filo, Donald and Yui looked to one another, before Donald squawked, "Fine! We'll show ya!"

"I don't really get it, but I want to save Master and Melty. So I accept!" Filo declared.

"I agree. We will win this fight!" Yui finished.

"Y-Yui!" "Donald!" Asuna and Sora gasped in shock, finding it hard to believe they would accept such a challenge.

---

Within moments, Fitoria set a stage for herself and the trio, and with a bit of her power, created a dome barrier around the field, preventing any interference from the outside, while keeping all of them inside.

"We will fight in our human forms, Filo." Fitoria explained, "Other than that, there are no other rules. You can fight with any weapon or magic you have." With the rules understood, the trio readied their weapons for the fight, with Filo pulling out gloves.

Outside the dome, the others watched intently, with Malty still trapped in the barrier above them. "This doesn't make much sense." Naofumi muttered, "If she really wanted to test my party out, Raphtalia would've made a better choice."

"I agree. She said she was testing us on our ability to fight the Heartless, so why pick Donald and Yui?" Kirito questioned, "They are both capable of fighting them, but shouldn't she pick someone who's skilled with a Keyblade? Yui's not as capable as Sora, Asuna, and I, and Donald can't even use a Keyblade."

"I don't know. She must have a reason." Goofy assumed.

"I'm coming for you!" Filo declared, "Yui, Donald, let's save Master and Mel!"

"Right!" "Okay!" Donald and Yui answered simultaneously.

They each attacked in their own respective way; Filo taking to the sky for a diving kick, Yui charging forward with her tessen, and Donald striking from a distance with a Blizzard spell. Fitoria needed only to move one step to avoid both Filo and Donald's attack, while effortlessly catching Yui's slash with one hand, before tossing her hard into Filo, making the two girls topple over in pain.

"Too slow." She told the trio.

"I'll show you slow!" Donald growled, jumping up and unleashing Thunder. However, Filo vanished in a blink of an eye, before reappearing behind Donald, who turned in time to get blasted in the face with a powerful blast of wind, sending him flying towards Yui and Filo, who were just getting back up. They witnessed Donald coming to a halt, only to get back up again, and they charged in together.

"Filo!" Yui shouted, unleashing a whirlwind that created a small tornado in front of them.

"Right!" Filo responded, leaping into the tornado so she can get tossed into the air, spreading her wings, and shooting straight at Fitoria, while Yui shot forward with her tessen.

"Predictable." Fitoria answered, creating a barrier around herself, not only nullifying the attacks, but with a little more energy, pushed the two back. They managed to land on their feet as they came to a halt next to Donald.

"She isn't giving either one of them a chance!" Sora noticed.

"Guys, don't just charge ahead! Use your heads!" Naofumi ordered.

Filo looked to him, then answered, "Like this?!" And she charged at Fitoria, moving quick enough to get in close, then headbutt her. The result didn't even faze Fitoria, but it did give Filo a headache.

"That's not what I meant…" Naofumi muttered.

"Filo, watch out!" Yui cried out, as she and Donald used their Whirlwind and Fire spells together to create a fiery tornado at Fitoria.

"Anti-Zwei Tornado." Fitoria called out, using a spell that blew Filo away, while diminishing the attack sent by the pair. She vanished and reappeared in front of Yui and Donald, knocking them right into the airborne Filo, before reappearing above them, and slamming them hard into the ground.

"Yui!" "Donald!" "Filo!" Asuna, Goofy, and Raphtalia all cried out in shock at the damage that the trio took.

"You cannot win this if you fight like that." Fitoria stated, as the trio struggled back to their feet.

"I thought Filo was a strong fighter?" Sora questioned.

"Yeah, in her filolial form." Naofumi answered, "But she has less experience fighting in her human form." He looked up at Melty, still trapped in the winds made by Fitoria. He had to do what needed to be done.

"I won't give up!" Filo declared, "I will keep fighting!"

"Yui, use your Soul Burst!" Kirito called out.

"Right!" Yui answered, "Soul Burst: Second Form!" Yui summoned her Keyblade, stretching it out in front of her, as it bursted into flames, turning into the deletion sword.

She flew forward, raising her sword above her head, before bringing it down at Fitoria. However, she was able to create a barrier in front of her to nullify her burning slash. She slashed to the side, and she was blocked again. However, she could tell that Fitoria was at lead struggling.

"Your strength is great, but you forget the importance of your role in this world, as well as in this fight." Fitoria stated, leaping back to avoid the blade, before approaching Yui's face, getting in between her weapon and she, "You are not the one to finish this fight!" She blasted Yui with a gust of energy that sent her flying backwards.

"Blizzard!" Donald shouted, sneaking into close range when she was busy with Yui, and unleashing an icy magic shard at Fitoria, striking her. Donald was impressed at his achievement, only for his face to fall as he saw Fitoria was unscathed. She was, however, glaring at Donald, and in a second, he got shot into some ruins, collapsing to the ground.

Filo took the chance, charging up her magic energy, before shouting, "Zwei Tornado!" She sent a powerful cyclone at Fitoria, who didn't even miss a beat as she prepared her own magic.

"Anti-Zwei Tornado." She summoned her counter magic, nullifying Filo's attack, "That will not be enough to win this fight." She zoomed at Filo, striking her so hard, she flew right into ruins like Donald, injured, and her clothing tattered.

"Can't they do anything?!" Asuna questioned, looking to her boyfriend, "Kirito, you should see an opening, right?"

Kirito didn't respond, but watched the trio get back onto their feet, going after Fitoria again, only for each of them to be knocked out once more. It wasn't that he didn't see any openings. In fact, he had some ideas. However, it was what Fitoria told Yui just a moment ago.

"Your strength is great, but you forget the importance of your role in this world, as well as in this fight. You are not the one to finish this fight!"

That wasn't a throwaway line. It was, in fact, something Fitoria intentionally told her. A clue to winning this fight.

"Hey, what's Naofumi doin'?" Goofy asked, pointing to where Melty was at. The team looked over and saw that unbeknownst to them, Naofumi snuck away from the scene, and got himself right next to Melty.

"Is Master Naofumi trying to break Melty free?" Raphtalia asked.

"Wait…isn't that against the rules?" Sora questioned.

"It is." Fitoria spoke up, having knocked the trio back again, and unleashing a blast at Naofumi. He tried to block it, but the attack was so strong, his defenses meant nothing as he crashed into the wall, his waist side bloodied from the impact.

"(Master) Naofumi!" Melty, Sora, and Raphtalia all cried out in shock.

"No, Master!" Filo gasped, only to get smacked hard by Fitoria, causing her to fall towards the panting Donald and Yui.

"That attack was necessary from cheating." Fitoria told them, "And you know why he did that? It is because you are weak. How can you be of any use to your master if you are unable to fight for yourself?"

"I will become stronger!" Filo argued, rising to her feet thanks to Yui and Donald, "And then, I will beat you!"

"Not with willpower as weak as yours!" She answered, unleashing a powerful blast of wind at the trio.

"No!" Yui shouted, coming in front of the others, and blocking the attack with a swing of her large sword, canceling each other out.

"Heal!" Asuna cried out, as she and Raphtalia joined Naofumi's side. Her Cure spell healed his wounds, and he got back to his feet.

"Master Naofumi, are you okay?" Raphtalia asked.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks, you two." His thanks was appreciated by the two girls.

"The heroes, and the queen's candidate are far too weak. They rely on those who aren't even responsible for this world." Fitoria looked from the trio she was fighting, to the trio near Melty, "That is why I believe I should kill all the heroes, as well as their parties, and start anew."

"I won't let you harm my Master anymore!" Filo growled, "I will keep fighting, and getting stronger, so that I can protect him!"

"I get it." Kirito spoke under his breath, drawing the other's attention, "This fight…she's teaching Filo and us something."

"She's what?" Sora questioned, wondering.

"Filo, stay calm!" Naofumi cried out, "You can do this! I believe in you!" The words seemed to surprise Fitoria. They were words she felt she had heard spoken to her.

"Hey, Yui, Donald!" Kirito shouted to the pair, "Give an opening for Filo! You have to work together, but make sure Filo is the one to finish the fight!"

"What are you talking about?" Sora asked him, "Does it matter who ends this fight?"

"It does, since the fight is against just a person from this world. It's not even someone controlling the Heartless. Therefore, it's not our responsibility." Kirito's words rang true to those of Team Keybladers, "Our job is to return the world's order back to the way it was, without Heartless or the Organization interfering. Anything else, even this fight with Fitoria, should finish with those who are here."

"Right…" Sora understood, realizing there was truth to that. He had been warned many times before, one example being King Triton of Atlantica, when he was butting his nose into things that weren't his responsibility. He remembered getting chewed out by the king of Atlantica like it was yesterday, too.

"It's the Heartless that do that, not us!"

For a moment, in his mind, words suddenly appeared, shouted by someone. He looked about, wondering what that was. He swore he heard that voice before.

"Alright! Let's do this, Yui!" Donald's voice snapped him back to the battlefield.

"Right. Filo, ready yourself for your next attack." Yui told the human filolial.

"Understood!" She answered, focusing her magic energy around her. While she did that, Yui and Donald charged forward at Fitoria.

Donald leapt high and unleashed his Thunder spell down onto Fitoria, who created a barrier to block the attack. This was what they planned, as Yui charged forward, unleashing her Finisher onto Fitoria's barrier, encasing her in a sphere of flames. She struggled, but kept up the barrier for as long as she could.

"I told you that this isn't your fight to finish." Fitoria told Yui.

"I know. And I know this attack won't defeat you." Yui answered, "But it'll weaken you for the one to really do the job!" Her attack diminished, and she fell back, only for Filo to appear from behind, who had one hand ready. It suddenly transformed into an energy, three-claw talon, and she shot herself like an arrow. Fitoria was not expecting such a quick succession of attacks, and she couldn't even recharge her shield in time before Filo struck it. It was so strong, that it broke right through, and struck Fitoria in the gut, causing her to fall back.

"They got her!" Sora cheered.

"Can you believe Filo and the others did that?" Raphtalia asked.

"I can. Yui and Donald made sure that Filo could get an easy shot at Fitoria." Asuna stated.

Suddenly, everyone noticed Fitoria had easily rose to her feet. The attack was spot on, but did very little damage. Meanwhile, Filo, Yui, and Donald were completely wiped out. The damages and attacks they unleashed worn them down.

"You expected me to protect myself, and utilized your combined strength so that I was vulnerable for Filo." Fitoria stated, "You made sure I was able to be defeated by one of this world. And Filo, you created a move based off of my own, and with your heart, you were able to surpass me." She closed her eyes, and smiled as she finished, "Very well. You passed."

The trio looked perplexed at this, while the barrier surrounding the battlefield died down. Not only that, but the barrier surrounding Melty died down, and she touched the floor, unscathed.

"Yui!" "Donald!" Kirito, Sora, and Goofy charged towards the trio. Naofumi, Raphtalia, Asuna, and Melty were not far behind.

"Let me heal all of you." Fitoria told them, and she used magic to heal the trio of their wounds.

"Yui!" Asuna went and embraced her daughter, "You had me scared so many times. But you were able to do it. I'm so proud."

"You were amazing, Filo!" Melty cheered, hugging her dear friend.

"What did we even pass?" Donald questioned, looking confused.

"My test. I was testing the resolve the three of you had." Fitoria answered, "I wanted Filo to learn how to fight, even in her human form. And I also wanted to see if you knew where your place was in this fight."

"She did say Filo had to take the lead in this fight." Goofy recalled.

"Right. And Donald and Yui were suppose to support, not end the fight for her." Kirito added.

"It doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but you guys were only meant to deal with fights that were never the heroes's problem in the first place." Naofumi summed up.

"Exactly. Should you fail any part of this test, I would kill all of you." Fitoria's calm, smiling demeanor as she said this almost gave chills to the group. She rattled off killing all of them as if it was nothing.

"Well, I'm glad papa was able to figure it out." Yui sighed.

"Same. I'm glad we were able to win together!" Filo stated, looking happily at Donald and Yui. Yui was pleased, as well, while Donald looked a bit smug at this.

"As a reward for passing my trial, I have something to give each of you." She told the trio, looking to Yui, "For you, since you are able to channel the power of souls, I believe this reward would do." She raised her hand out, and a glowing ball of light appeared in it.

"What is that?" Sora asked.

"A Soul Pact!" Kirito answered, shocked, "Is it yours, Fitoria?!"

"No. It wandered into this realm quite recently. A wandering soul that was lost, though I am not sure about where its' owner is." Fitoria explained, "I believe you should take care of it, Yui."

Yui raised her hand to it, and the Soul Pact reacted to her. It suddenly floated off of Fitoria's hands, and into Yui's body. She felt the soul connect with her, and she saw, for a fleeting moment, a vision of a girl. She looked barely starting her teens, with short brown hair, and emerald eyes.

Yui's Keyblade suddenly appeared as she rose up, and pointed the Keyblade upwards. "Soul Burst: Sakura Kinomoto!" The ghostly image of that same little girl appeared from her Keyblade, twirling a wand before pointing it forward, and it dove into her Keyblade. The weapon vanished, apart from her keychain medallion, which transformed into a different appearance. It then glowed with energy as it bursted forth, transforming into a pink-staffed wand. The head was a silver six-pointed star with five smaller stars on each point, within a golden spiked circled that looked like Axel's chakrams, and big-feathered wings spreading out from underneath.

"This is the weapon of your new Soul Pact?" Sora asked.

"Another wand weapon." Asuna noted.

Just then, three clear cards suddenly appeared, and fell into Yui's free hand, examining them. They each had pictures, with the names 'Aqua', 'Gale', and 'Reflect' on them.

"Cards?" Goofy noticed.

"What do they do?" Donald asked.

"Seems like they're the cards I can utilize magic from." Yui assumed, "And from what I can feel, the magic is randomized, but I can only use three cards at a time."

"Looks like you're gonna have to learn how to use that power." Asuna told her, as she diminished her Soul Burst.

"Now, we shall continue." Fitoria interrupted the curious moment, turning to Donald, "As for you, odd filolial…"

"I'm Donald Duck!" He squawked.

"…I present you with this." She didn't even get phased by Donald's anger as she placed a palm to his chest. All of a sudden, Donald's body glowed, causing the group to question what she was doing. She lowered her hand, and Donald's body stopped glowing.

"What did you do to Donald?" Goofy asked.

"I allowed his soul to be accessed to unleash greater power." Fitoria answered, "You'll understand when the time comes." She then turned to Filo, and without a word, summoned a silver, jewel-decorated tiara in one hand.

"What's that?" Filo asked.

"Your reward. Lower your head for me." Filo did as she was told, and Fitoria placed the tiara on her head. From a distance, the group could hear the sounds of the other filolials calling out, as if responding to the crowning. "Filo, I am delighted to announce that you will be my successor."

"As in, the next queen of the filolials?" Naofumi questioned.

As Filo looked exasperated at this, the tiara suddenly shined and vanished. In its' place, a cowlick suddenly sprang from Filo's head, curling upwards.

"What happened to the crown?" Donald asked.

"It turned into a cowlick?" Asuna questioned.

"It's adorable!" Melty praised as Filo touched the cowlick.

"What is this doing on my head? Get it off!" She cried, plucking off the cowlick, only for a new one to replace it.

"It will stay on your head. And as you grow, more will appear, so you should get use to it." Fitoria stated. Filo puffed her cheeks in frustration at this.

Naofumi eyed the new cowlick, noticing from his point of view that Filo's stats increased in response to this new accessory.

"Shield Hero." Fitoria addressed him, then to the trio of heroes, "As well as you Keyblade wielders. There is something I must speak to you alone about."

"Um, sure." Naofumi answered.

"We don't mind." Sora added, with Kirito and Asuna nodding in agreement.

"Let's give them some space then." Yui told the group.

"Do I really have to go?" Filo asked.

"We should." Raphtalia answered, "Melty, Donald, Goofy."

"Okay…" Melty sighed, as the six left the scene, leaving Naofumi, Kirito, Asuna, Sora, and Fitoria alone.

"So, what's up?" Naofumi asked, "You gonna explain what that test was really about?"

"It was as I said; to determine the strength of the Shield Hero's party, as well as where your duties lie, Keyblade wielders." Fitoria answered, "Though through Filo, I was able to see you are not a bad person, Shield Hero. No bad person could raise a future filolial queen like you would."

"Well, I'm pretty much the devil from everyone else's point of view." Naofumi retorted.

"We don't think that." Kirito pointed out, "If anything, you're a pretty cool guy."

"I agree. Plus, with what Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty say about you, I think what everyone says about you is absolutely wrong." Asuna added.

"So we trust you, Naofumi." Sora finished, "And we'll squash the rumors about you controlling the Heartless for sure."

"Sora, Kirito, Asuna…" Naofumi huffed a smile, before saying, "I honestly wished you guys were the three other heroes instead of those idiots who are so easily manipulated by that bitch princess and that trash king."

"Tell me something; Did you ever try to make up with the heroes, or clear your name?" Fitoria asked Naofumi.

Naofumi paused, before answering, "No, I didn't. I felt like they wouldn't listen because they made up their mind about me."

"If you don't tell them anything, that'll only make them believe you are acknowledging your guilt." Fitoria answered, "That is why that when I send you back out, I will drop you off near one of the other heroes. It is your job to explain your innocence."

Naofumi grimaced, and Fitoria knew he was still being stubborn about this. She sighed as she stated, "There will come a time where all four heroes need to stand together, and where great sacrifices must be made. If one of you is killed before that time comes, it would be best to kill the other three."

"What sacrifices are you talking about?" Asuna asked her.

"There will be a time where the heroes will have to choose what you are fighting for." Fitoria answered, "Will you choose to fight for the world, or for the people in it? Should you choose to fight for the world, many will lose their lives, but your duties as heroes. However, the other path is difficult."

"The world or its people?" Sora echoed, looking down. Kirito and Asuna looked to Sora, then at one another. In most cases, they could be given the same question, as well. Were they fighting to protect the worlds, or the people within the worlds?

Sora smiled, and answered, "The worlds have hearts, and so do the people in it. However, I remembered a story Kairi spoke to me about. That even when the worlds faded into darkness, the lights of people's hearts were able to create new worlds. So I'd say that as long as we protect them, then we can restore the world."

"Sora…" Asuna looked at him, a smile forming on her face, "You're right about that."

"Yeah. As long as there are people, then worlds can still be made." Kirito agreed, "But first, let's take care of the Heartless in this world, and any other."

"I guess that means I have to go and prove my innocents to the other heroes, huh?" Naofumi sighed, ruffling his hair, "Fine, I'll try to, at least."

"Good." Fitoria understood, "Before I send you on your way, I should give you this…" she waved her hand to the jewel in Naofumi's shield, pouring magic energy into it. "I made it so the corruption of the cursed shield will slow, but I'd suggest not using it so much."

"Okay…" Naofumi answered half-heartedly. The Wrath Shield was his best shield, and honestly, he needed it to fight the waves. Still, he had to at least listen to Fitoria's warning, though he wasn't sure if he could keep it.

"I will send you somewhere close to where one of the other heroes are at. It will be your job, Shield Hero, to convince them of your innocence. As for you, Keyblade wielders, it will be your job to exterminate the source of the Heartless."

"Right." The trio answered.

"You won't come with us?" Naofumi asked.

"I have done as much as I should do." Fitoria answered, "I leave the rest in all of you."

---

Moments later, on a plain hill beyond a town, Fitoria's carriage reappeared with teleportation magic in the nearest area with trees. Naofumi's party and Team Keyblader's came out of the carriage, seeing the large castle wall off in the distance, which was a border crossing checkpoint.

"Thank you for bringing us all the way out here, Fitoria." Melty thanked her.

"So one of the other heroes is nearby?" Naofumi asked.

"Yes. Now, I will leave Filo and everything else in your hands." Fitoria answered, looking to the Keyblade wielders, "I wish you the best of luck in searching for the source of the Heartless."

"Thanks. We'll do our part, and aid Naofumi if he needs it." Kirito answered.

"I just hope I won't need it, but I'll take anything, right now." Naofumi stated.

Fitoria looked to Filo as she said, "And Filo, I will leave the Shield Hero in your hands, as well. Do you best."

"I will!" She replied. With their final goodbyes given between the group, they left Fitoria alone, wandering to the castle walls.

As they made their way there, they suddenly encountered more Heartless in their path. "Looks like they were waiting for us!" Naofumi argued.

"Or someone knows what we're doing, and putting them in our path." Asuna assumed, stabbing several times against a pair of Soldier Heartless.

"Whoever that guy is, he really doesn't want to have Naofumi see the other heroes." Sora stated, avoiding the long beak of the Choke-O-Break Heartless, before unleashing a Fire spell.

"Honestly, I don't want to see him, either." Naofumi grumbled, using an Air Strike Shield to block a sliding Fat Body Heartless from going into him, before Raphtalia came from behind, slashing it a few times to destroy it.

"Master Naofumi…" Raphtalia looked to him with sympathy.

"Yeah, yeah. I promised Fitoria I'd do it." He sighed, "I just hope it's Ren or Itsuki."

"Yeah. I know they are more open to hearing than that other idiot." Kirito stated.

As the fight went on, Yui unleashed her new Soul Burst, taking on her new weapon. Her cards were Gravitation, Gale, and Lucid. "Let's see what this first card can do." Yui started, tossing up Gravitation, and striking it with her wand. The card shined, and Gravity magic suddenly appeared in front of her, pulling all the enemies together into one spot.

"That's like that Magnet magic we used a long while ago!" Kirito stated, in his Second Form, unleashing a Vorpal Strike Sword Skill to rocket right through the swarm of Heartless, destroying them.

"Then how about this!" Yui declared, using the Gale card, and striking it with her wand. It suddenly unleashed blades of wind at a Bizarre Archer from a distance, destroying it.

"Now, for the final card!" Yui declared, looking at the last one, "It looks like it's better suited for someone other than me." She then noticed Goofy and Melty were being chased by a couple rowdy Soldiers, and used the card on the former. The spell suddenly casted itself onto Goofy, who vanished.

"Wait, where did you go, Goofy?!" Melty questioned, looking about.

The answer? He stopped, completely invisible to the naked eye, and neither the princess or the Heartless noticed him as they passed by him. He looked at himself, before calling out, "Hold on, Princess Melty!" Goofy called out, throwing his shield like a discus, and destroying the two Heartless. The moment he got his shield back, the spell wore off, and he was opaque again.

"An invisibility spell?" Asuna noticed, taking out the last Heartless.

"I can do that kind of spell on myself with my Light magic!" Raphtalia pointed out.

Yui saw her cards were used up, but channeled her magic, and summoned three more cards, being Aqua, Gale, and Siege. "The cards reloaded on me!" Yui noticed, "But two of them were different."

"I get it. You can use three cards at a time to fight with." Sora understood.

"It can be hit or miss, depending on the cards you get." Kirito assumed, "A high risk, high reward sort of Soul Burst."

"I wonder what I can do, though." Donald squawked, "I don't feel any different."

"Fitoria said that you did get some sort of power. We'll just figure it out when the time comes." Sora stated.

"We'd better keep moving. That town isn't getting any closer with us standing here." Naofumi told the team.

"Okay, (Master)!" The others answered, making their way to the castle walls.

---

As they finally reached the checkpoint, where they stopped and looked up the wall. There were soldiers scrambling, some coming down, their lances and swords at the ready. From what they could hear, they could tell that they knew of Naofumi as the Shield Demon, as well as Kirito, Asuna, and Sora's group.

"Looks like they won't allow us to pass quietly." Raphtalia assumed.

"Remember, we can't provoke them. We just need to find the hero Fitoria brought us to." Kirito told the team.

Just then, Naofumi stepped forward, and shouted, "Hey, other heroes! Show yourself! I came to talk!" The call startled the soldiers and even the rest of the group.

Just then, someone entered through the gate, and it was the last person they'd hope to meet; Motoyasu, the Spear Hero. And by his expression he held, he was very pissed off about something, or just at the sight of Naofumi.

"Crap." Kirito grimaced.

"Why did it have to be the guy with the spear?" Filo asked as she and Yui huddled behind Asuna and Goofy.

Naofumi stepped towards him, starting, "Listen. I didn't come here to start a fight. I only came to talk. Where are Itsuki and Ren? I'd like to-."

"You dare say their names, traitor?" Motoyasu questioned, lunging his spear at Naofumi, who blocked with his shield, "You dare ask where they are, after you killed Itsuki and Ren?!"

The news stunned the group. How could this have happened? And more importantly, he thinks Naofumi killed them?

"Is what you say true?!" Naofumi demanded, "Did Ren and Itsuki really die?!"

"You doubt my words?! You forget your actions?!" Motoyasu demanded, thrusting with an electric surge at Naofumi, who blocked it again, "You said we should band together, but you just deceived us! And as a result, you killed those two, murderer!"

Naofumi was frustrated. He promised Fitoria that he would find a way to reconcile with the other heroes, but not only were the other two dead, but Motoyasu was hellbent on believing that Naofumi was the killer. And she already told them that stopping the waves required all four of them. If two of them were gone…

"Master!" Filo cried out.

"No, wait!" Naofumi waved his hand out, stopping he from approaching.

"Hey, Motoyasu!" Kirito called out, getting his attention, "Listen, we weren't even near those two after we split up! Naofumi was-."

"You're just as much of a traitor as he is!" Motoyasu barked, "Looks like that guy was right. You and your party really were sided with Naofumi."

"We weren't, until we knew he wasn't the one controlling the Heartless." Kirito responded, "Someone is clearly behind the Heartless, and they and Saïx is pitting you and the entire kingdom against Naofumi and the rest of us. So let me ask you like Naofumi did; Did you witness Naofumi killing Ren and Itsuki, or did someone tell you that? And if you did, who?"

"Don't bother answering his questions." A familiar female voice answered. Naofumi and the Keyblade's group all recognized it, as they saw Malty appear, with two female mages alongside her.

"Her again." Asuna growled, as she, Sora, and Donald all looked angrily at her.

"The information was given to us by the Three Heroes Church." She told the group, "They told us that the Shield Demon unleashed the spirits sealed in the city, and used that moment to kill Itsuki and Ren."

"Don't tell me…" Naofumi looked harshly at Malty, a conclusion coming to mind, "Did you kill them?!"

"Sir Motoyasu, beware of his brainwashing shield." Malty called to him.

"Do not worry. I will not be fooled by him!" Motoyasu answered.

"That bastard woman is the real brainwasher here." Kirito grimaced.

"Yeah. She really is a…" Asuna started, but heard a small whimper from Yui, and held her tongue. Though she heard it a few times, there was no way Asuna could really call Malty a 'Bitch Princess' in front of her daughter.

"Enough talk!" Melty shouted, holding a ball of energy in her hands, before tossing it up high. All of a sudden, a blue lightning cage suddenly formed around Motoyasu's party, Naofumi's party, and the Keybladers. They were trapped.

"You use a lighting cage?!" Melty demanded to her older sister.

"You won't be getting away from us!" Motoyasu growled at Naofumi, "I will avenge them!"

"Calm down, Motoyasu! Think this through!" Naofumi barked at him, "Are you seriously going to believe everything they say without confirming it yourself?!"

"I believe in my allies! Their words are true!" Motoyasu barked, lunging his spear into Naofumi's shield. He was not gonna listen to reason.

Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty all joined the fight, as did Malty and the other mages. Sora was about to leap forward when Kirito whipped his hand out to stop him. "What are you doing?!" He demanded, "Those guys need our help!"

"Unless the Heartless or Nobodies are involved, we can't interfere, Sora." Kirito answered, "Fitoria told us where our place is. This is their fight."

Sora grimaced, knowing he was right, but wishing he could do something to help. Asuna, Donald, Goofy and Yui all were thinking the same thing. Kirito was even more irritated, as he wanted so desperately to stop this nonsense. He wished something could allow him to fight.

"Look, outside the cage!" Donald cried out, looking at the soldiers outside. They were emanating a dark aura, then suddenly became consumed in it. All of a sudden, they transformed into Heartless.

"They turned into Heartless?!" Asuna gasped, watching as they vanished into darkness, appearing near their position.

Motoyasu saw the Heartless, and growled, "You are bringing those monsters into this fight? Is there no level of cheating you will go to?!"

"I didn't bring them here!" Naofumi barked.

Raphtalia looked back at the others, calling out, "Guys, will you be okay?!"

"Don't worry. We won't let these things mess with your fight!" Sora answered, the six of them producing their weapons to deal with the Heartless. Finally, they were able to fight a battle.

The swarm was filled with Shadows, Soldiers, Bizarre Archers, and a couple Large Bodies. Asuna didn't waste any time, and entered into her Soul Burst; Tifa Lockhart. She started punching and kicking all the enemies with ferocity. Everyone else made sure to keep the fight away from Motoyasu and Naofumi's group. They seem to keep coming, one wave after another, and the group kept fight.

Near the end of the fight, Kirito and Donald were together as they had a small group in front of them. Suddenly, Kirito's Keyblade and Donald's body glowed the same light hue. The same color as the Soul Pacts. "What's going on?" Donald asked.

"I dunno. But I feel my Keyblade connecting to you." Kirito answered, looking at his weapon, "Could this…could this be the power Fitoria spoke about? Let's see what'll happen!"

Kirito backflipped away from Donald, then waved his Keyblade at him, shooting a beam straight into his back. Donald gasped, then felt himself surge with power from within. He channeled all that power, before jumping up, squawking as he raised his wand up, "Donald Summon!" He suddenly glowed, and an aura of what looked like a regular yellow filolial appeared around him. The aura then cried out, and a swarm of portals appeared around the group of Heartless, and a storm of those yellow filolials appeared charging through and trampling over the enemy in a large dust cloud. Suddenly, as soon as they appeared, they vanished just as quickly, but defeating all the Shadows.

"What was that?!" Kirito gasped, as Donald panted from the amount of magic energy he used. He suddenly felt the crystal orb in his pocket activate, and he pulled it out as Donald came to his side, while the others were clearing up. Gretinal's figure appeared from the orb.

"So now you finally learned the power of the Soul Release." She started, "Good job on Fitoria's part for activating the first level."

"Wait, Soul Release?" Kirito echoed, "What kind of power was that?"

"Consider it a sort of Finisher combined with a Team Attack." Gretinal answered, "Those who's souls are open to allies able to utilize them are allowed to unleash the power within. Such powers are very difficult to use by one's self at the state they are in without the power of the Keyblade used by a wielder of souls."

"So, you're saying I was able to help Donald use a powerful attack because I can use Soul Pacts?" Kirito asked.

"Yes. You, Asuna, and even Yui are able to unleash this power. Sora's ability to use souls is no longer awake, so he is unable to unleash it."

"Poor Sora." Donald sighed.

"Well, he can still use Team Attacks with you and Goofy." Kirito stated, "And from what you said, Yui is able to work with Donald to unleash an awesome attack, so even if we're not around, they can still do awesome without us."

"It's about time!" Donald squawked, "I'll have my time in the light!"

"You will, Donald." Gretinal chuckled, "By the way, this power does have three levels, but are unlocked in due time. And the higher the level of power, the more Keyblade wielders of souls needed."

"And I bet Goofy will be able to learn this power, too." Kirito assumed, looking to Goofy, who finished the last Shadow, signaling the end of the fight with Shadows, "Thanks for the information, Gretinal. We'll put it to good use."

"I know you will." Gretinal answered, "Take care." With that, she vanished, and the crystal orb died down.

Just then, the group heard an outcry, and they turned. Filo and Melty had just merged their powers together to perform a typhoon spell, knocking Malty, Motoyasu, and his party upwards, before collapsing, defeated to the ground. Naofumi and his party were still standing, and still strong.

"Looks like they defeated Motoyasu's group!" Goofy noticed.

"Way to go, Naofumi!" Sora cheered.

Motoyasu struggled to get back up, glaring at Naofumi as he questioned, "Dammit! You haven't even upgraded your class! How are you this strong?! Does that brainwashing shield give you that strength?!"

"It's because we actually had to face real fights!" Naofumi answered, "While you guys were having fun putting on airs of strength, we grew up from fighting tough battles, gaining skills."

"Liar! It can't be that simple!" Motoyasu barked.

"Would you shut up for a second?" The Shield Hero sighed, "I beat you, so it's about time you listen to me."

"No…" Motoyasu used his lance to get to his feet again, "I'm the only one who can truly avenge Ren and Itsuki, and save Filo, Raphtalia and Melty from your brainwashing. I won't lose to you!"

"What an idiot." Sora grimaced.

"I've known so many idiots in the virtual world who had hero complexes, but he's clearly the dumbest of them all." Kirito muttered, not mentioning that Klein technically falls into that category, though he at least has a better heart, and knows to turn it off…sometimes.

Just then, Filo sensed something in the sky, and she looked up, causing Melty to look to her, asking, "What is it, Filo?"

Raphtalia and Goofy's ears perked up, with the former starting, "Something's off. I can't hear any soldiers around."

"I'm sure there were some still around, after others were turned to Heartless." Kirito pointed out, looking at the castle walls with everyone else. There were no signs of any soldiers anywhere along it.

"Guys, move to Master's side, quick!" Filo shouted to the Keybladers, before dashing towards Motoyasu, judo-tossing him to Naofumi's side. She did the same with Malty and the other girls of Motoyasu's party.

"What're you doing, Filo?!" Naofumi questioned as she came back to his side.

"Quick, put up that black shield, along with a bunch of shields above us!" Filo shouted, her face filled with panic, "Hurry! Do it, or we're all gonna die!"

"What are you talking about?" Raphtalia asked.

"Just do it, quickly!" Filo shouted. By her expression, this was no where near a joke.

As Kirito and the others joined by Naofumi's side, he summoned his Wrath Shield, before shouting, "Shield Prison!" The group was suddenly enraptured inside a cocoon of shields and chains.

"Air Strike Shield! And Second Shield!" Naofumi followed up by summoning two sets of glowing green barriers above their position.

"Best get our shields ready, Goofy." Sora stated, switching to his Hero's Origin Keyblade, and transforming it into the shield form. Goofy nodded sternly, readying his shield.

"What do you think you are doing to me?!" Malty demanded.

"Shut up, sister!" Melty snapped back at her.

"Here it comes!" Filo cried out.

Just as Sora, Asuna, Kirito, and even Donald sensed the tingling of something dangerous in the air, it happened. A massive beam of light shot down on top of the group, continuously blasting on top of them. It shook the ground hard, and caused the group to panic. The two air-formed shield broke apart eventually from the attack, and the Shield Prison was barely holding on.

"Guys, to Sora and Goofy!" Kirito shouted to the group, bracing himself with Sora, along with Asuna, while Goofy was braced by Donald and Yui. Their shields raised high with Naofumi's, they channeled all they could into the protection of everyone with them. After what felt like forever, the beam finally died down.

Sora, Goofy and Naofumi were all worn from bracing themselves and protecting everyone from the impact. However, when they looked around, they realized how lucky they were. Not only were there no deaths among any of them, but apart from where the Shield Prison stood, the rest of the ground in a wide radius around them was burnt black and molten red. It even looked like they sunk down several levels.

"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia came to the exhausted Shield Hero's side.

"Is…everyone okay?" Sora asked, looking about.

"Yes. Everyone's safe." Asuna answered, looking from Donald, Yui, and Goofy, to Filo and Melty, to Motoyasu and his group.

"What the hell was that?!" The Spear Hero questioned, looking to Malty, "Myne, do you know what happened?"

Malty was shocked, looking at the devastation as she muttered, "This power…it couldn't possibly have come from…"

Just then, the group heard someone applauding from above their position. They looked towards and up at where the applause came from, and saw someone standing at the edge of the hole. Upon closer inspection, they could tell it was an elderly man, wearing the attire that made him look like a pope of some church, including spectacles over his eyes. And what's more, it looked like there were other people behind him. The way they were dressed, they looked like members of the church.

"Well, that was quite impressive." The man spoke up, smiling at them, "You took 'Judgement' head-on, a high-level ritual magic, and are still unscathed. I'd expect nothing less from the Shield Demon."

"Is that…a pope?" Asuna asked.

"I know you. You're the pope from the church at the capital!" Naofumi recognized.

"Wait. As in the church we saw before we met the other heroes?" Sora recalled.

"I'm so glad you remember me." The pope answered, "Then surely, you realized your sins."

"What sins?" Naofumi questioned.

"Not only did you never thank us for the benevolence we gave him in the form of holy water, but has also misled the citizens by making them turn against our kingdom. As God's proxy, I shall purify you."

Sora had a cold shiver go down his spine. The feeling this pope had was the same feeling he had when learning of Judge Frolo in Quasimodo's world during the Mark of Mastery exam. The man was claimed to be a saint of the church, but in truth, he was a villain. One misguided by his warped ideas with the church.

"How dare you, Pope Balmus!" Malty barked up at him angrily, "Did you know that we were here when you did that attack?! The Spear Hero, as well as the future queen of this kingdom could have died!"

"The Spear Hero and the next queen were brutally killed by the Shield Demon and his party." Pope Balmus formed up, "At least, that will be the story I will create. As far as God is concerned, you are all walking corpses."

"What is he saying, Myne?" Motoyasu questioned, but she was just shocked at his words.

"Do not worry. We've already prepared a successor to the throne. And if you all disappear, then all shall be right, by the will of God."

"Hold on…" Kirito started, stepping forward and glaring at him. He could feel the darkness emanating off of him. "This guy… Despite his role, he's filled with darkness." He realized.

"Seriously?!" Asuna gasped, "A pope is filled with such darkness?!"

"That twisted logic…kinda reminds me of Malty." Yui noted, looking to the angry princess in question.

"I totally agree on that part." Melty admitted.

"You'd dare betray me?!" Malty hissed, "We are royalty! We have always ruled this kingdom!"

"Betrayed? You abuse your power and look down upon everyone." The pope answered, "And as for the heroes, you descended upon this world to save it from disaster. However, you caused more trouble than even the Waves. The Spear Hero, the Sword Hero, and the Bow Hero all have caused more damage and lost the faith of the people. WE are the ones who were betrayed."

"But…I have been fighting for the sake of the world!" Motoyasu answered, stunned at these accusations, "So have Ren and Itsuki. How could you-?!"

"I think I get that part, too." Kirito understood, stepping up, "Hey, Pope. Are you the one who really killed Ren and Itsuki?"

"I gave them the same 'Judgement' as I gave the rest of you, yes." He answered.

"Wait, it wasn't Naofumi?!" Motoyasu realized.

"Starting to actually listen to me?" He responded.

"Then I bet you were the one who were using the Heartless!" Kirito growled, "You send them all about to harm the kingdom, all to blame Naofumi for the actions?!"

"It was by God's blessing that we were given such powerful creatures to serve the church." The Pope answered, looking to one side, as a familiar large Heartless approached his side, "I even attempted to abolish the Shield Demon's party with this particular one, which was my most faithful servant."

"That Heartless…the Goetria!" Yui gasped.

"The one that took Melty and Filo!" Donald realized, as the pair looked scared at the said Heartless.

"And now, my loyal servants…" the Pope spoke up, as he was given a heavy-looking golden sword, "Let us join forces to bring judgement upon the fake Spear Hero and the Shield Demon."

"Watch out, everyone! That sword he wield is dangerous!" Melty cried out, as the Goetria leapt down into the pit, hissing at the group. At the same time, the Pope raised the sword, which glowed brightly as it charged up energy. The Keybladers readied themselves to face the Heartless, as it lunged forward at them, swiping with its' claws. They dodged the attacks, before Asuna lunged forward and stabbed several times, before Goofy uppercutted it in the head with his shield.

"Right. As long as it doesn't have someone to draw power from, like Filo and Melty back then, it's easier to defeat." Kirito recalled, looking from the Heartless to the Pope, "But I bet that Pope isn't just charging up that weapon for nothing."

Just then, the Pope pointed the sword at the group of heroes, and unleashed a beam of powerful energy. "Get down!" Naofumi shouted, getting in front of Kirito and taking the blow of the attack with his shield. He skidded backwards, but Kirito grabbed ahold of him from behind, helping him endure the attack. The attack died down eventually, but the two were shocked.

"What kind of attack was that?!" Naofumi questioned, "Freakin' nearly numbed my arms, and all it took was one swing!"

"That weapon the Pope's wielding…" Kirito muttered, looking to Melty, "Hey, Melty. You seemed to know what that weapon was, right?"

"Yeah. It's a weapon designed to replicate the Legendary weapons." Melty answered.

"Seriously?! That thing is a replica of our weapons?!" Motoyasu questioned.

"Yes. It was made centuries ago, but from what I heard, it was lost for so long." Melty stated, "Did the Three Heroes Church really hide it away from being noticed by the kingdom?"

"If that thing exist, there would be no need to summon the Heroes." Naofumi pointed out.

"It is only a replica, so it requires a massive amount of mana." Melty explained, "With that one swing, he must've drained all the mana from many of his fellow priests and nuns."

"As expected from the first princess." The Pope stated, "Your education is truly remarkable, unlike your older sister. But you are correct. And that is why my fellow worshipers of God willingly give their mana to this weapon everyday, so that it would be prepared for this day. When we rid the world of the fake Spear Hero and the Shield Demon." As he spoke, his weapon transformed, going from a sword to a spear, like Motoyasu's.

"His weapon transformed!" Goofy noticed, looking as he guarded against the impacts of the Goetria's claws, only to be saved by Kirito and Donald.

"This guy's seriously crazy." Kirito muttered, glaring up at him.

"Damn you!" Motoyasu barked, his tone mixed with rage and bravado, "I will never forgive you! You tricked us with your words, then disposed of us with your twisted logic when you feel like it?! You are truly the scourge on this country, and as a Hero, I will never forgive you of this! I will defeat you in revenge of Itsuki and Ren!"

He then turned to Naofumi and demanded, "Naofumi, we must work together!"

"Huh?!" Naofumi looked incredulous at him.

"I cannot fight him alone, and I know you want to avenge them for tarnishing your name." Motoyasu stated, "That is why we have to work together. Help us!"

"You will pay for trying kill your next queen!" Malty growled.

"Oh, shut up!" Asuna shouted to them, as she and Sora made the Goetria back off, "You have no right to demand for any assistance after the crap you put us through!"

"You guys didn't even listen to us, and believed we were responsible for the Heartless!" Sora argued, "We even protected you guys, and you still put us through so much!"

"And we're not even counting all the crap you put Naofumi and his friends through, which from I heard was solely based on your arrogance and that bitch princess's deceit!" Kirito finished, "You guys are the worst of the worst, and you still ask US, the people you condemned, to help you idiots out?!"

"Between you guys and the enemies ahead of us, I don't see any difference." Naofumi growled, glaring down at Motoyasu, Malty, and the others, "If the other Heroes are already dead, then you can die for all I care." Motoyasu and his party were having a hard time finding a good way to retort to this, while Malty was unsure of how to counteract this without losing her pride.

"I hate to end this little entertainment…" The Pope spoke up raising his spear as it glowed, "But I believe it's time for the lot of you to perish in God's name." The Goetria backed off from everyone, as they prepared to take on whatever came their way.

"Hundred Swords!"

"Meteor Bow!"

The two familiar outcries were followed by a storm of energy swords and a beam shooting like an arrow all at the Pope, who produced a barrier to guard himself against the attack. The force of the attack was strong enough to damage the barrier, and he crumpled.

"Those skills…" Naofumi recognized.

"Well, we can't have you killing them off like that." Said a voice. Everyone looked to the other side of the hole, opposite to where the Pope stood, and saw two people that took them by surprise. It was Itsuki and Ren, both still in the world. They both skidded down into the pit to join them.

"Itsuki! And Ren!" Motoyasu gasped.

"They're okay!" Donald cheered.

"But I thought…" Sora started.

"Don't go killing us off." Ren told them.

"Did you even check for remains?" Itsuki called to the Pope, "Though, I guess that Judgement spell was suppose to not leave any remains."

"So I take it you caught onto the trap?" Kirito asked Ren.

"No. We were lucky." Ren answered, "We investigated the Three Heroes Church as you requested, and we not only found out about the weapon they had hidden away, but that they were responsible for the Heartless."

"They lured us into a trap, but we were saved by some people who served the queen." Itsuki continued, "They called themselves 'Shadows'."

"Oh, yeah. You mentioned them at one point to us, right?" Yui recalled, looking to Melty, who nodded in response.

"Kirito, I'm sorry we blamed you and your friends for the Heartless." Ren apologized, "We were wrong to believe that man in black for setting us up against you guys and Naofumi."

"He must've been conspiring with the church." Itsuki assumed.

'No. Saïx was also using the church, too.' Kirito pondered, 'I bet he set up the Heartless for them to use, and manipulated the kingdom to believe that Naofumi was controlling them. But for what purpose?'

"The queen's army is already on their way." Ren told the group.

"Mother is on her way here?" Melty asked.

"Yes. However, we must buy them time before they arrive." Itsuki answered, "We have to stand our ground and keep them here."

"Believers, you must not waver! These heroes are naught but fakes!" The Pope shouted, "It seems we have no choice but to cleanse this kingdom of its false heroes and those who side with them. With all of you at my side, this weapon of legend, and the blessing of God, we shall embark on a crusade!"

"Have you gone mad?!" Asuna gasped.

"That depends on who is truly the mad one here." The Pope answered, raising his spear high. Suddenly, the Goetria reacted to him, and it bounded towards him, leaping up high as it dove towards the Pope. "I offer myself and this weapon to God's blessing, so that we may extinguish the false heroes and the Shield Demon!"

Everyone was shocked to see the Goetria's tails suddenly surround and consume the Pope, before darkness shot upwards, consuming them both. When it died down, they saw that the Heartless was standing on its hind legs, with the Pope encased in the orb of darkness on its back. However, something was very different. The tails looked thicker, stronger, binding and hiding the orb more than they did with Filo and Melty. What's more, the Heartless had, in its' front claws, the spear form of the weapon the Pope was using.

"What just happened?!" Malty gasped.

"It's just like how it held the Princess and Filo captive!" Motoyasu compared.

"But it seems different." Sora noted, looking to Yui, "Does that analyzer have any reason why?"

"No, it doesn't." Yui answered.

"Maybe…" Kirito started, "I bet the difference between them and the Pope is that this guy willingly allowed himself to be used by the Goetria."

The Heartless leapt down, and landed down in front of the team. It then swung the spear, unleashing a gust of dark wind that blew against the group. The Keybladers endured the gust as best as they could. Naofumi's party braced themselves behind the said Shield Hero, as he held his shield against the wind. Everyone else, however, were blown away from the wind, unable to endure it as well as the others. They toppled a good distance away. At this time, the church followers from above were chanting a spell.

"I guess I should start by liberating the world of the Shield Demon and his party first!" The Pope spoke up from within the dark orb, "Then, I shall eliminate the false heroes afterwards! Time for the highest defensive spell: Cathedral!" All of a sudden, dark energy shot from the Goetria, fed by the magic made by the church followers, creating a massive done of dark green energy, with what looked like an eclipsed sun high above them. The dome separating the Keybladers and Naofumi's party from the rest of the heroes outside.

"Guess we're fighting him alone." Kirito understood.

"And just when we were finally all together." Sora sighed.

"It's okay." Naofumi responded, taking the lead with his shield ready, "I haven't given up on my promise to Fitoria. But right now, we need to take care of the Pope and his Heartless."

"Right. We can't go forward, unless we take them down!" Raphtalia declared, with Melty and Filo shouting in agreement, the latter transforming into her Filolial form.

"Then let's save this world from the true deceivers!" Asuna declared, all ten of them readying their weapons against the Goetria and the Pope.

"Foolish followers of the Shield Demon. You shall be purged under God's name!"

The Goetria lunged forward, unleashing a thrust that spurred energy forward with the spear at hand, causing the group to dodge, apart from the Naofumi and Goofy, who endured with their shields. Sora and Asuna both shot Water and Blizzard spells at the enemy. He took the hits, but wasn't phased in the slightest. It instead jumped high, and slammed down at Sora with its spear. Sora barely dodged the weapon that plunged into the ground, but the energy waves of the attack damaged him, and he got toppled backwards.

"You okay, Sora?" Melty called to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" Sora answered.

Kirito took this moment to come from behind the Goetria as it pulled its weapon out of the ground, and swung his Keyblade at him. Raphtalia also took this opportunity for a strike, too. However, their attacks suddenly got blocked by a pair of magical barriers that impeded their blades.

"What?!" Kirito gasped.

"He blocked it!" Raphtalia noticed.

At this point, the Goetria's weapon transformed, becoming a sword like before. It then swung the blade at the two, creating an energy wave from the swing that sent the two of them flying.

"Raphtalia!" Naofumi called out, leaping into the fray, using his shield, and unleashing an Air Strike Shield as a projectile at the dark orb where the Pope was encased. However, the thickened tails blocked his attacks. Fortunately, his attack wasn't in vain, as it was used by Filo in her filolial form, leaping off of it, before reverting to her human form, and unleashing her talon strike, the move she gained from her fight with Fitoria, right at the back of the head of the Heartless, causing damage.

"Be purified in God's light!" The Pope called out, and the Goetria raised its' sword, unleashing a burst of light energy that encompassed the area around it. Goofy arrived in time to raise a shield to protect Filo, and he took the blast for her. The two got sent flying, toppling to the ground.

"Goofy!" "Filo!" Sora and Melty cried out, seeing the damage they took. Goofy was dazed from his attack, while Filo got up and assisted him.

"Here, give this to Goofy!" Kirito shouted, tossing a Hi-Potion to Filo, who caught it, and forced the drink into Goofy's mouth, restoring his health.

Kirito entered into his Soul Burst: Second Form, leaping into the action. At a similar time, Sora had his Shooting Star Keyblade ready, transforming it into the Double Arrowguns form, his garments gaining a blue hue, before gliding along the ground, shooting energy shots at the Goetria, giving cover fire for Kirito and everyone to ensue the fight. The attack was working for a time, as Sora, Kirito, Raphtalia, Asuna, Melty, and Donald delivered a good bit of damage from a distance and close up. The Goetria gave some retaliation to them, but they kept their distance, even Naofumi blocking some of the attacks to counter with some of his own.

"You spawns of villainy!" The Pope growled, transforming the weapon into a bow form. It leapt high to avoid more attacks, pointing the arrow down, and firing a volley of light arrows at the group. They all scattered to avoid damage, with Melty and Kirito each getting struck by the attack, but able to keep going. The Goetria landed a distance from the group, before taking aim, and firing a stream of energy at Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Sora's position. Naofumi took the blow with his Wrath Shield, but it wasn't enough, and he got blasted backwards, with the other two also hurt.

"First a sword, then a spear, now a bow?!" Kirito questioned, "This guy's seriously cheating with these weapon changes."

"I told you; It can imitate the four Legendary weapons!" Melty reminded.

"So it can be a shield, too?!" Yui questioned.

"Possibly, though I doubt even the Pope would use the weapon to take the form of a demon like me." Naofumi retorted.

"It's a good thing we're use to fighting all sorts of weapon-users." Asuna stated, "SAO, ALO, and all the adventures of to this far. This guy's no different!"

"Right. Let's push forward!" Kirito shouted, his Elucidator shining as he charged forward, and jumped into a Sonic Leap Sword Skill as he closed the gap on the Goetria. Everyone regained themselves, and continued the fight.

The Goetria was indeed powerful, unleashing the power of the Pope it had encased, along with the sacred weapon bestowed upon it. With each weapon form, it had a sort of set of moves, as well as a range of which the attacks came from. For the Spear form, it was more mid-ranged attacks, with repetitive jabs that unleashed beams in front of it, to jump-and-dive attack at distance opponents, similar to a dragoon fighter. For the Sword form, it was more close range, but unleashed beams of energy with a swing of its' blade, flaming slashes that looked like phoenixes, and a burst of holy light from all around it. For the Bow form, it kept a long distance, and fired arrows and streams of energy at the team, with ones it charged up doing more damage. And in between each shift between weapon, barriers were formed to prevent the team from getting the jump on the Goetria. It had a lot of bases covered, and the team was barely keeping up with it.

"Can't he just stay down!" Donald squawked angrily, as he, Sora, Filo, and Melty riding on top of her, were gathered together.

"I know my mother will be coming soon." Melty reminded, "We just have to keep fighting until then."

"Sora, I feel kinda funny." Filo suddenly spoke up, "Did I eat something weird."

"No. This feeling…" Sora realized, "I think we can pull something off together! Donald, Filo, together!"

"Okay!" Donald replied, as Melty got off Filo, and they readied themselves.

Donald and Sora leapt onto Filo's back, before she shouted, "High Quick!" She suddenly went into blinding speeds, coming at the Goetria, moving so fast, she almost looked like three Filo, until there were actually three of them, through magic. Donald and Sora rode the side ones, as they shot forward with their weapons, striking the Goetria each, causing magic energy to be left behind. The central one charged forward, transforming into her human form, before unleashing her Spiral Strike attack, her energy claw forward as she pierced right through him, causing a great explosion from the magic energy. She came to a halt as the two boys came to join her side, their steeds no longer around, and they cheered together at the impact they delivered. This was the 'Triple Filolial'.

"Was that a combo attack?" Naofumi questioned.

"A Team Attack, actually. But it looks pretty effective." Kirito noted.

"Nice work, Filo! Nice work, guys!" Melty cheered.

"Thanks!" Sora answered, before getting the Goetria's attention as it brandished the Spear, leaping at them with a jumping stab.

"We'd best follow after them!" Asuna told Raphtalia, as the two and Yui were together.

"Right. We have to stop him before he causes too much damage!" Raphtalia agreed.

"I'll help you two out, as well!" Yui finished, the trio to harness their Team Attack.

Asuna and Raphtalia nodded to each other, before charging as one, bodies bent as they increased their speed towards the Goetria, with Yui in between them and the enemy. She cheered as they passed by, her magic energy pouring into them, encasing them in light. They then shot forward, becoming to piercing beams of light, before striking at the Heartless continuously from multiple directions. They then reappeared back to either side of Yui, whipping their weapons to one side, ending their Team Attack, 'Swords that Pierce Darkness'.

"Nice!" Sora cheered, seeing the damage take its toll on Goetria.

"You insignificant servants of the devil!" The Pope growled, "You dare damage a servant of God?!" The Goetria switched to the sword form, and bounded high into the ceiling of the cathedral, suddenly vanishing from sight.

"He's gone!" Donald squawked.

"Brace yourselves, you guys!" Kirito called out to the team, as he, Goofy and Naofumi prepared themselves to defend.

Suddenly, the walls around them glowed, till they almost had a kaleidoscope effect to them, showing off the day sky. Everyone looked about, before seeing the Goetria appear on many of the screens from one side. They slashed, unleashing flaming birds down at the group, which caused them to scatter, though Filo and Yui got burned by one bird. The Goetria vanished from one side of kaleidoscope panels, before reappearing from another, sending more flaming slashes down at the Kirito's group. The trio raised their shields and Keyblade to block the attack, though it took a bit of effort to pull off from all the attack.

"Keep moving!" Asuna cried out as the next set of flaming birds came near her, and she ran like hell, "We don't know where the Heartless will show up, so we have to keep running!"

"But how can we even fight back?!" Raphtalia asked, narrowly avoiding a burn from one of the bird wings. That question was on everyone's mind, too.

The attack went on for a while longer, at least injuring each person once, before the walls faded to dark, and the Goetria reappeared in the center of the area, panting from exhaustion. "I am rather surprised you are all still alive after that." The Pope stated, "You are a tenacious group of villains led by the Shield Demon. I must gather more power from my followers outside!" The Goetria transformed its weapon into the Spear form, raising it high as energy from the outside started to pour in, being absorbed by the weapon. At the same time, two magic barriers started to spin around the Goetria, blocking the team from approaching.

"Quick! We gotta hit him while he's charging!" Sora cried out, concentrating, "Link: Trinity Soul Drive!" He unleashed his Summon powers, bringing forth the magic energy figures of Vaan, Naruto, and Pit around him, before coming together, placing their hands in Sora's outstretched one, causing him burst with energy, floating off the ground as the three orbs of his friends were surrounding him.

"Sora's glowing!" Filo noticed.

"He's using the power of friends he bonded with!" Yui explained.

Sora charged forward, unleashing Naruto's power as he produced a large Rasengan, hammering into the first magic barrier with all he had. It was able to withstand his attack, but he pushed off, before switching to Vaan, unleashing Red Spiral to damage the barrier even further. Finally, he switched to Pit, unleashing a charged up arrow of light from a bow, before firing it, striking the barrier. The combination of attacks broke the first barrier.

"Our turn!" Asuna shouted, as Filo and Melty unleashed a Typhoon spell, Yui utilizing her Keyblade to assist Donald, helping him unleash the Donald Summon, while Asuna entered into her Soul Burst: Lightning Farron, charging in with Raptalia, blades at hand. The two combo magic attacks did a great amount of damage against the second barrier, before Asuna and Raphtalia's stab at it broke through, striking the Goetria, causing it to screech in pain.

"Master Naofumi/Kirito! Goofy!" The two girls shouted simultaneously at the three remaining boys, who stood prepared.

"Okay, guys. Hit me with all you got!" Naofumi told the two, readying his Rage Shield.

"Let's hope this works." Kirito answered, with Goofy nodding in agreement, and they readied themselves.

Kirito ignited his Keyblade like he was preparing a Flamestrike, and raised it up in front of him, as Goofy did the same. Their weapons connected, and the flames channeled into Goofy's shield, setting it in magic flames. They then ran at Naofumi, who readied his own shield, and the two bashed and slashed their flaming weapons into it, causing it to absorb not only their flames, but the impact of their attacks. He then turned it towards the Goetria, roaring in rage as he thrust his shield forward, unleashing the gathered energy into a flaming burst that struck the now defenseless Goetria hard. He lowered his shield as he glared at the results, while Kirito and Goofy stood behind. This was their own Team Attack, 'Rage Counter'.

"Did that do the trick?" Goofy questioned.

"Guess again." Naofumi retorted.

"Yeah. He's still got more power left in him." Kirito noticed.

The two boys were right, as the Goetria still stood there, the last of the energy it was gathering finally ready. "Fools. Your demonic powers are pointless on sacred grounds such as my Cathedral." The Pope chortled, "Now, let me show you the power granted to me by my followers, so that you will be struck down by God's judgement!"

"Give it a rest with that 'God's judgement' crap!" Kirito snapped, "You are only doing all of this because of your inflated ego. You may think of yourself as the judge and the jury because you somehow ended up the pope of a church, but you're so corrupt, you might as well be the devil cloaked in a false light!"

"It's just as Saïx warned us about whether all people of light should be protected." Asuna recalled, "This guy is pure villainy, driven by his warped ideas of God."

"Naofumi has always fought for everyone's sake, not just for his own." Raphtalia noted, "He's risked so much, much more so because of the false accusation that stupid princess placed upon him, and he's done more good than any of the other three heroes!"

"Enough! I am an apostle of God!" The Pope shouted, the Goetria raising its lance, before thrusting it towards Asuna and Sora's group, nearly evading the attack, "Your words only show how corrupted you are by the Shield Demon! Therefore, you must all be purged from existence before you spout more falsehood, and corrupt this world even more. And once I am done with all of you, the three false Heroes, the royals of this kingdom, and any who follow you or they shall be brought to justice!"

"He won't listen to a thing we say!" Yui exclaimed, as Filo had her and Melty on her back as she ran, while the Goetria leapt up into the air, before slamming down near where they were seconds before, nearly sending them flying.

"He doesn't even realized that he is consumed by his own darkness!" Sora stated, unleashing Vaan's Cataclysm, causing stalagmites to shoot along the ground towards the Goetria, damaging it.

"We're not going anywhere like this." Naofumi growled, looking at his Rage Shield, "Sorry, Fitoria, but I need to use the full extent of the Rage Shield's power." He concentrated as he unleashed more of his shield power, making it glow a dark aura, which also consumed him, making his eyes glow red as he roared in rage. The pulsing anger, the sources from his anger, from the false accusations, the punishment for crimes he never committed, the anguish this whole world had put on him even after summoning him as one of the four Legendary Heroes. He couldn't escape, nor could he die. He was in a pit of despair and anguish that he could not get out of. He hated everything and everyone. He wanted to burn it all. Destroy it all. Kill everyone and everything in this corrupt world.

The dark red aura pulsed from his body, and dark armor pieces started to form on his body. His shield became larger and more scary than ever before. Team Keybladers looked startled at the amount of rage and darkness coming from him. Even the Goetria stopped to look at him. Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty raced towards Naofumi, calling out to him to stop his actions.

Just then, Kirito placed a hand on his shield, and suddenly, Kirito found himself connected to Naofumi deep within his consciousness. The red eyes looked to him, as he felt the darkness suddenly go onto Kirito. He gritted his teeth as he endured the darkness attempting to consume him, but looked to Naofumi as he pulled off a serious expression, before starting to speak.

"Listen, Naofumi! I know you have been treated unfairly since you came to this world. This rage, this darkness, was built up not from yourself, but from the people who put it on you. But you gotta realize…there are still good people in this world! Raphtalia, Filo, Melty, Fitoria, and so many others you probably met and saved. Don't you care about those people?!"

"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia cried out, reaching Naofumi, and grabbing his arm. The burns of the raging darkness hurt her, but she didn't let go.

"Come on, Naofumi! You gotta snap out of it!" Melty cried, also grabbing him and burning herself.

"Master. I'll eat away all the anger you have, so you won't have to be alone!" Filo cried, standing in front of Naofumi, before her cowlick suddenly shined. All of a sudden, the darkness consuming Naofumi suddenly lifted, bringing him back to his senses.

"Guys…" he muttered, looking to the three girls.

"Glad you came back to us, Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia sighed in relief.

"You had us worried." Melty noted, "You're so crazy to pull of something like that."

"Filo's new powers from Fitoria must've helped purge the consuming darkness from you." Kirito noted.

"We're just glad you're okay." Goofy finished, chortling at the end.

"Kirito…" Naofumi just noticed the lingering darkness still on him, "Sorry. That was my fault."

"Want me to eat that, too?" Filo asked.

"Nah. I've dealt with my fair share of darkness." Kirito assured her, "In fact, let's make that Pope and his pet monster eat it instead!" He channeled the darkness he gathered from Naofumi, and suddenly grew twice in size, before his body transformed into a demon he had taken form a couple times before. He had become the Gleam Eyes once more, only not as big as he once was.

"Kirito?!" Melty gasped.

"What happened to him?" Naofumi questioned.

"Kirito's taken on that form again?!" Asuna asked, horrified at what her boyfriend had become.

"It's just like what happened to Sora when the Rage Shield's darkness consumed him!" Yui noticed.

"Yeah. I became a being of rage, but I still felt in control." Sora recalled, "Is Kirito also the same."

"So the Shield Demon has now spawned his own demon at the cost of one of his allies. More proof of his blasphemy in the presence of God!" The Pope shouted, "I'll shall purge it to save the poor soul you took!" The Goetria lunged forward with its' spear, about to skewer Kirito. However, his eyes glowed, and he evaded before grabbing the shaft of the blade, putting a stop to the attack, startling everyone.

'A demon, huh?' Kirito mentally spoke up, unable to speak in this form, 'Not a bad way of calling this form. Fine then. If Sora's is a Rage form, then mine's a Demon Form. And I'll make sure this guy realizes he messed with the wrong demon, too!' He pulled the weapon in, clasped his teeth around the shaft, before pulling the Heartless off of its' feet, and tossing it around, sending it flying off onto the other side of the battlefield.

Kirito looked to Goofy, Naofumi and his party, before nodding to them, assuring them his sanity, before going after the Goetria. "Looks like he's still with us." Naofumi noticed.

"That's a relief." Asuna sighed.

"Come on! Let's go after him!" Donald declared, following Kirito's lead.

"Right. Let's charge!" Sora declared, following behind, with everyone else joining him.

"Let's finish this up!" Naofumi declared.

"Right!" The rest of his party answered, before they and Goofy charged in.

"Impossible!" The Pope growled as the Goetria got back up, "How could this be?" The Goetria struck an energy shot at Kirito, striking his arm, but he continued forward, roaring as he struck the Goetria in the head. It tried to block the next attack with its spear, but Kirito grasped the shaft hard, pressing down on it to prevent the Heartless from even using the weapon. This was his plan.

Sora fired off a volley of arrows with Pit's power, while Asuna, donning Lightning's Soul Armament, shot Ruin spell over and over again, imbued with Thunder magic thanks to the armor she had on, as each got closer. Yui and Donald unleashed Whirlwind and Blizzard together, while Melty on the other side used Zweit Aqua. The combination of long ranged attacks did a number on the Goetria, while Goofy, Raphtalia, and Naofumi riding Filo charged in for their close-ranged fighting.

The Goetria screeched as it shoved Kirito away, before leaping up to avoid the close ranged team. It wasn't enough, however, as Filo leapt high into the air after it. She unleashed her High Quick to get in close, before unleashing a kick that sent it going the other way. Naofumi dove right off Filo, and came barreling down at the Goetria, slamming it in the face, and making it flail as it crashed to the ground.

"Curse you, you demon!" The Pope roared as the Goetria slowly got back up, only to get slashed by Raphtalia, before she leapt back, caught her feet onto Goofy's shield, and he thrusted her back at the dark orb encasing the Pope. Her sword managed to get in between the thick tails wrapping around the orb, cracking it.

"Nice one, Raphtalia!" Asuna cheered, as the Demi-human was sent back from the recoil of her attack.

"I will not let you have another chance!" The Pope roared, backing away from everyone as it transformed the weapon into a bow form, and it leapt to the ceiling once more. The walls gained the sky kaleidoscope effect again, with the Heartless appearing on one part, firing down a rain of arrows at the group. They scattered, while avoiding the arrows of light as best as they could. The volleys kept coming from every side, and it caused the group to go on the defense to avoid getting any damage.

"I won't let this power go to waste." Sora growled, unleashing the last of his summon's power. He pointed upwards, as the three orbs surrounding him shot upwards. Naruto appeared first, throwing a Rasen-Shuriken. This was followed by Pit, unleashing the three Sacred Treasures, and firing a powered up shot from his bow. Finally, Vaan appeared, unleashing Pyroclasm. The three attacks merged together, and formed a massive explosion of wind, light, and fire, which encased practically the top half of the Cathedral. Any arrows in the vicinity were instantly evaporated. They could even hear the Heartless screech from being blinded by such an attack.

The Heartless suddenly came down from completing its assault, exhausted. The Pope grimaced as it saw the condition it was in, and shouted, "Followers! I require more mana from all of you to vanquish the demon and his party! The Heartless raised the bow, but no energy came towards him. "What is going on? Why are my followers not responding?"

"All that great power comes at a cost." Naofumi growled at him, "If the price of the power of God is the lives of your followers, then you must give little value to life!"

"We wouldn't sacrifice one another so aimlessly. We respect each other's hearts and lives." Asuna stated, readying her sword, "That is why you will fail!" She unleashed her Finalé, Army of One, unleashing a series of sword slashes as she danced about the Goetria in lightning speeds, before bounding high into the air, raising her blade over her head, as rose petals flourished about her, before bringing her blade down onto the Goetria, creating a tower of flames to finish the job.

The Goetria was barely on its last legs, before the Demon form Kirito leapt through the tower of flames, hammering his fist over and over again onto the monster and the orb encasing the Pope. It then backed off, inhaling deeply, then as his eyes flash, he unleashed a blue stream of flames at the Heartless, causing it to screech in pain. As the flames continued to course, Kirito's body shrunk, and he reverted back to his normal self again.

The Goetria was unable to continue after all the damage it had taken, and it collapsed limply to the ground, the weapon falling out of its hand, which disappeared in a glistening of lights. The Pope was next seen backing far from the fallen Heartless and the blue flames, injured, but still holding onto the sacred weapon.

"This…cannot be." He grimaced, looking at what happened to the Heartless, watching the heart float into the sky, before vanishing, "Even God's blessing in beastly form was unable to stop the Shield Demon?!" He looked at Naofumi and his party, along with the Team Keybladers. He growled, before stating, "If you think you have won, you are surely mistaken. I am God's chosen savior to vanquish the you villainous demons!" He readied his spear, prepared to fight.

"Be silent, shameless fool." A female's voice echoed throughout the Cathedral, coming from the outside, "Al-Dreife Icicle Prison!" All of a sudden, ice rose from the ground at the Pope's feet, encasing him all the way up to his neck. The sudden spell startled the heroes.

"Who said that?!" Donald gasped.

"Someone from outside is aiding us!" Yui noticed.

"Mother?" Melty muttered, recognizing the voice.

"Now's your chance!" The woman spoke up before, more specifically, to Naofumi, who gathered up his rage and the darkness of his shield, preparing to unleash a new move. "Foolish sinner, I sentence you to cast your screams onto the heavens you worship." He chanted, emanating a dark purple aura, "The jaws of the dragon born from my flesh and blood shall swallow you, and you shall become an offering to the Gods as you howl in pain! Blood Sacrifice!"

All of a sudden, the dark energy seeped into Naofumi's body. A second later, blood spewed from many parts of his body, causing him to fall to one knee, the ground beneath him drenched in his own blood. Everyone was horrified by this sight, wondering how could this have happened to him. Did the spell backfire? Was the darkness too much for him to handle? Would he be okay?

For a moment, the Pope seemed pleased, thinking the move was too much for the Shield Demon to handle. However, this was soon short-lived, as Naofumi's blood seeped into the ground, before a black and red machination suddenly shot out of the ground, like a demonic, mechanical dragon with several sets of teeth. It snatched the Pope into its first set, pulling him into the air like a rising snake.

"How could this be?! I am an apostle of God!" He exclaimed, the spear the only thing prying the jaws apart. Just then, the second pair of jaws at the Pope's feet opened up, and he was dangling over them as he looked at his spear. Suddenly the glow of the weapon died, as the weapon snapped. He fell into the several open jaws, before they snapped one after another onto him. All that could be seen was blood spewing out of the open parts of the many-fanged summoned beast, cascading onto the ground below. After a few seconds, the beast shot back down into the ground, disappearing from sight. All that remained was a pool of blood, along with the glasses the Pope wore. He was dead, and in the most gruesome way most of them had ever seen.

Just as they stared at the pool of blood, the Cathedral spell suddenly vanished, and they were introduced to the sky and area around them once more. The followers that surrounded the scene before were either unconscious from using too much mana to aid the Pope, or in anguish from losing their leader. At the same time, the three other Heroes, as well as Motoyasu's party, were all standing there, now seeing the result of the battle.

"What the hell happened in there?" Ren asked.

"I'm not sure, but it looks like we won." Motoyasu assumed.

"The battle is decided!" The woman's voice called from above, "Lower your weapons and surrender!" The majority of the group looked to the broken border wall, and saw an army of knights and soldiers, led by a woman on her horse. Based on the decorative gold crown on her tied purple hair, this indicated to those who didn't know that this was the queen. She wore armor that, while was greatly suited for battle, did not shy away from showing her status of royalty.

"Looks like the queen and her military made it." Itsuki stated, while Ren sheathed his sword.

"So that's the queen of this kingdom." Asuna understood, before hearing someone collapse. The Keybladers and Naofumi's party to see the Shield Hero himself had collapsed.

"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia cried out, crouching down to him.

"No, Naofumi!" Kirito gasped, horrified at his state.

"Master, please get up!" Filo pleaded, turning to everyone, "Someone, help him!"

"We can do something!" Sora declared, looking to Kirito and Asuna, who understood immediately, and pointed their Keyblades at him, shouting, "Heal!" Their combined Cure spell made Naofumi's body glow, curing him of the wounds. However, he still was barely conscious.

"How come that didn't work?!" Raphtalia asked them.

"Our magic was able to heal his wounds, but it can't replenish his blood." Kirito answered, "Plus, that curse power really did a number on his body. I doubt our spell would be enough."

"Don't tell me…that skill ended up being too much?" Melty wondered.

"No. Master Naofumi, stay with us!" Raphtalia cried, shaking him in order to keep him alive.

"Please, don't die on us!" Donald squawked in a worried manner.

"It can't just end this way. Not after we got this far!" Sora shouted, unable to forgive himself if their friend was gonna die. Kirito and Asuna were also unable to accept this to be the end of Naofumi, not after clearing him of his crimes, and stopping the Pope.

"The Shield Hero will not die today!" The queen spoke up, now entering into the pit, "Medical team! Your first priority is to treat the Shield Hero! You must absolutely not allow him to die! This is a royal decree!"

At her orders, many medic soldiers came down, passing by the three other heroes, not even giving them a second look as they raced to Naofumi, bringing a stretcher and medical supplies to aid in taking care of him.

"I am sorry for not arriving sooner to aid you, sir Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatami." She told him as he barely held onto conscious, looking up at her, "I am the sovereign ruler of this kingdom. I am Mirellia Q Melromarc." Naofumi could only glare at her as he was carried off, leaving the rest of the team to watch them go.

"Please tell me you will take care of Master Naofumi." Raphtalia pleaded to Mirellia.

"Rest assured, I will not allow him to die. You have my promise as queen." She assured them.

"Don't worry. Naofumi is in good hands." Melty assured the others.

"That's a relief." Yui sighed.

Queen Mirellia looked to the Keybladers, stating, "I have heard of your actions from my Shadows. You defended the Shield Hero and his party, as well as saved Melromarc from the monsters that were being used by the Three Heroes Church. You have my eternal gratitude."

"It was why we came here, your Majesty." Kirito answered her, "Though, to be fair, things would've been a hell of a lot easier if it hadn't been for Malty and her turning the Heroes and the kingdom against us." He glared over her shoulder, seeing the three Heroes pulling themselves out of the way, while Malty was nervously looking back at her mother as she tried to leave with Motoyasu.

"K-Kirito!" Asuna stammered, shocked that he would state so bluntly in front of the queen herself, regardless of it being true.

"I know, and I cannot apologize for all the trouble she has caused." Mirellia apologized, "But rest assured that she and the king's action shall be brought to light, once the Shield Hero is fully recovered. These false accusation onto him shall not go unpunished."

"Good." Kirito nodded in understanding. With that, the queen left the scene, leaving the group alone with Naofumi's party.

"I guess our mission was accomplished." Yui stated.

"I sure hope Naofumi will be okay." Goofy muttered.

"I hope so, too." Raphtalia muttered, looking back to where her master was taken out.

"He'll be fine." Sora answered, surprising the group, "After all, he has you guys to be there for him when he wakes up, and the queen told us that he'll be okay, too."

"Are you gonna stay around until he wakes?" Melty asked.

"Sorry, but there are other places that we need to go to." Asuna answered, "The Heartless, as well as the Organization, are causing more trouble than just in this kingdom."

"I see…" Melty sighed.

"Will we ever see each other again?" Filo asked.

"Count on it." Sora answered, "We'll come back to check on you guys to see how Naofumi is doing."

"Until then, we should really get going." Kirito told the girls.

"Okay. Have a safe journey." Raphtalia told the group.

"Come back soon!" Filo waved them goodbye.

"Our kingdom will be more welcoming to you when you return." Melty assured them.

"See you guys!" Sora answered as they walked away from the three girls, with the others saying their goodbyes. With that, Raphtalia, Melty, and Filo raced after Naofumi, to stick by his side again.

---

Moments later, the group was closer to the spot where they were dropped off by Fitoria once more. As they left, Kirito ended up finding a new Keyblade Keychain, which was a silver chain with a gem like the one on Naofumi's shield as the medallion. According to Yui, it was called the 'Rising Legend' Keyblade.

"I gotta say, this world was tougher than most." Kirito sighed.

"It certainly tested us, no doubt about that." Asuna stated, with Donald and Goofy nodding in agreement.

Just then, Kirito sensed something, and looked to see a dark corridor open up nearby, only for Saïx to enter onto the scene. "Back again?!" Kirito questioned harshly as he and the others were ready to draw out their weapons.

"Go away!" Donald squawked.

"I merely came to see the outcome of your fight." Saïx replied, "You did a grand job in destroying the light of this kingdom. I didn't expect your group would have it in you."

"That pope's light was all falsehood! He was corrupted by his power and his views." Kirito retorted.

"That's right. His heart became consumed by the darkness that festered onto his selfish desires." The blue-haired man replied, "They were drawn to his darkened heart, and he ended up getting used by the Heartless, regardless of how he thought otherwise. And the one that was darkened thanks to the corruption of the kingdom was somehow able to be protected by the light."

"Of course we would protect Naofumi. He hasn't done a single thing wrong." Goofy stated.

"Yeah. He's a better hero than those other guys!" Donald declared.

"And that's why we stood by his side." Yui finished.

"You are mistaken." Saïx's words took the heroes by surprise, "It was not your light that was able to save him, but rather, the ones that were close to him. Two of them, in particular, were filled with a pure light that was able to save him from his own darkness."

"What do you mean?" Kirito asked, "Are you taking about Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty?"

"Yes. For you see, they were the ones we were really testing." Saïx answered, "We were wanting to see how could hearts filled with light stay close to one of such darkness. Turns out, it was because of his darkness that made their lights shine brighter."

"Their lights shone brighter through Naofumi's darkness?" Sora echoed, before questioning, "Wait, could that mean one of them is one of the Lost Princesses of-." Before he could say anymore, Asuna and Goofy clasped his mouth to shut him up. He couldn't tell the Organization member the truth about who they were searching for. However, it was all in vain.

"Their lights are not one of the lost ones you were searching for." Saïx answered, startling the group, "Their lights have already been found in their hearts. However, there are those who have yet to realize their true potential. Even so, should you fail to find your seven Lights, or the four lost ones, we will replace them with one of the hearts of light I spoke of."

"You leave Raphtalia and the others out of this!" Asuna ordered to him.

"Then you'd best keep searching." Saïx answered, opening up a dark corridor, before disappearing from their sight. The words he left them filled the group with worry. The Organization was aware of the Lost Princesses of Heart. Could this mean that they were searching for them, too? Either way, they had to stop them, or else one of their new friends would be placed into a dangerous battle they would not be able to handle.

---

Next Time on Sword Art Kingdom III:

The Battle Tower! Trial to Reach 100 Floors!