Chapter CCLXXXVI: The Final Battle Part XII
As the light vanished and the Keybladers disappeared into him, Xehanort couldn't believe it! Gripping his free right hand, he realised he was losing control! Enraged, he turned his eyes to where the warriors of light had raced away to, on their white dragon Dusk.
Looking on, he saw they were all doing their best to flee away from him! As they flew, he realised then, "...I need to tip the scales!" With those words, he moved his right hand forwards and-!
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"Here ya go!"
SPARKLE!
In seconds, the Royal Magician released a healing spell from his staff. His patient in his arms, breathed a sigh of relief, turning up to look at him, she said, "Thanks Donald, I feel a lot better now."
The white duck was pleased, then as Nozomi moved forwards to get up. She saw a hand was reached down to her, looking up she saw the Captain of the Royal guards, he asked her, "Ya need a hand up?"
She nodded, and replied, "Yeah thanks, Goofy!"
He nodded too, clearly pleased, and with that she was pulled back onto her feet. As she was, she walked forwards, and looking to Xehanort, she asked, "Did Riku, Sora and Kairi all make it through?"
"Don't worry, they got through just fine!" Hearing this, Nozomi saw that it was Mickey who told her this. As he stood beside her, he had a smile on his face as he added, "I saw them make it myself, it went through well with some help from our pals!"
"I'm glad," She told him. However as they flew stationary in the air, she asked, "So what do we do now, your majesty?"
Mickey was quiet, then as he looked to Xehanort, he told her, "We have to buy Sora and the others the time they need, to get the rest of the Vessels out, just like we did for you!" He also added, "We're gonna have to be careful doing it."
"Right!" Nozomi replied, however before she could move to do anything else-!
VOOM!
Suddenly Xehanort's body, began to burn with malicious dark blue power! Everyone felt a chill enter the air! As it they did, Pete looking on couldn't help but cry out, "What's that creep doin' now!?"
"I dunno!" Mickey replied, then-!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
Quickly the sea of appendages that were the Heartless below them, a huge swarm slithered up into the air!
Seeing them coming, Ody cried out, "Scriptium fly up now!" With that in seconds, the fiery dragon Dusk did just that! Together they flew on higher, missing all the grotesque dark hands. However their target wasn't them, instead-!
"HHHAAA!"
They joined with the enormous body of their Master! Forming one huge black mass, like disgusting swarming insects, that brimmed with ferocious dark power! As he did, everyone felt disturbed looking at this sight. Feeling apprehensive, Nozomi asked, "What is he-!"
"Yes! This is it...!"
In seconds, as Xehanort's terrible voice echoed out of this hideous mass. It was then his next form was revealed! The white in his armour had been replaced by a threatening purple shade, and the golden points of it had also become more jagged, making it lose the elegance it had once held, turning him into a deadly sight to behold.
His white eyes had also been replaced by a furious red, and as he spied them, he stretched out both his long muscular arms forwards and quickly-!
SPLIT! SPLIT!
Both of them split apart from the middle, and as the new appendages came to rest on his back behind him. It was revealed the Master of Darkness now had four arms in total, all of them armoured and ready to battle!
Everyone was horrified into silence... however as this shocking sight settled into his mind, Pete cried out mad, "Hey! What does he think he is! A Man-Spider!?" Then-!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
Quickly multiple shards of glass all came, and circling, over and over again. They became two long tall spears of transparent glass that were quickly held in Xehanort's newly formed arms! Then as he clutched these-!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
More Heartless poured out from his back and together they formed a new disgusting entity. It was coloured black and red, and somehow looked like a centipede combined with a snake, as it had thousands of long red creepy legs along the sides of its body, with reptilian scales along it's trunk, creating a threatening glowing pattern that pulsed in and out.
Watching on, everyone then saw the Heartless moved to fly over and behind Xehanort, then quickly-!
BITE!
….
Puzzled, Goofy asked, "It's biting its own tail?" For indeed that's what the monstrosity had done. Making it one giant grotesque ring, that looked like a dark halo behind its master! Then as it formed this shape-!
GLOW!
A giant orb of powerful dark magic was held in the centre of this treacherous ring, it throbbed and burned with menace, showing it would be lethal to any who came near it!
Ody gulped seeing this dangerous sight, he couldn't help but admit, "I'm not sure we'll have the speed to dodge all of that!"
Nozomi was about to say something herself when-!
SHINE!
Suddenly in Xehanort's right long arm, came to rest something else. To everyone's horror, it was another Keyblade! It was sharp and deadly, with a red gem burning in it's end, as the remaining female Keyblader looked at it. She recognised it, it was Hari's Keyblade, 'The Subtle Scythe!'
She couldn't understand, "How!? How does he have two of them!? How can he have Hari's-!"
Puzzled Mickey asked, "Hari?"
Nozomi explained, "She's the Vessel of the Fourth Fragment! She was created to be a Keyblader by her mother!" Then saddened remembering the terrible experimentation she'd gone through, she added, "It was horrific the way she was forced into gaining that power!"
Listening to this, behind them. Pete felt his heart ache... he knew it be true. Then looking to the popsicle stick that was in his hand, he uttered sadly, "Hari..."
The King though listening, thought to himself and realised, "He must be leeching off of her power, that's why he's been granted access to two!" Mickey replied, then realising this, he added, "This is gonna get really tough for us!"
"No kidding!" Donald replied! For he didn't know, if even his magic could stand a chance against this nightmarish monster!
As Xehanort's new body burned and throbbed with all these new dangerous powers, he told them with a terrible grin on his face, "I underestimated all of you, so you've left me with no choice!"
With that he poised all his new deadly weapons and powers, keeping them centred on Scriptium! He revealed his intent, "I will retrieve the Seventh Fragment you stole away, then I will reclaim the King-Blade, and you all will be plunged into the depths of the abyss of Darkness!"
Nozomi realised, this was it. Xehanort was serious... she was scared inside, shaking. Having to face this horrible monster. However thinking of everyone else, she knew that they couldn't falter, so shaking her head. Trying to keep her fire of courage lit, quickly she moved her right hand forwards and-!
FLASH!
She called forth her own Keyblade, and told him defiantly, "The only one who will fall here is you!" Then putting both of her hands upon her weapon, she declared, "Get ready Xehanort!"
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
GLOW!
With that he began his first attack and seeing this, Nozomi turned to her comrades, and told them, "Let's go guys! We've got to do our best, for all our friends!"
Impressed at her determination, Mickey nodded and replied, "Yeah, you're right Nozomi!" Then as he made his agreement, he added looking to the others, "Alright fella's! This is it, let's show him what we're made of!"
Goofy and Donald nodded in agreement with a couple of thumbs up, ready to follow Mickey to the very end! Then-!
BLAST!
The first huge blast of red laser fire came from the monstrous halo! As it did, and they all flew over it, Pete sweating with anxiety couldn't help but say, "I just hope there's even a speck of us left by the end of all this!" Then with those words, the intense battle continued!
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SHINE!
Opening his eyes, Sora was quiet. Then looking around himself as the light that led him there faded, he saw the endless sea of black that was the Interfusing Plane. As he did, surveying the environment. he said, "Okay, let's find who I'm looking for!" With that he took a step forwards and-!
Dim...
He saw the white wings, that had been on either side of his feet, had vanished. As they did, he couldn't help but say, "Oh, that's too bad... it was fun having those wings!" Then-!
GLOW!
In the distance he saw something in the darkness. As he did, he put his hand over his eyes and asked, "Is that, who I think it is?" To his question though, sadly the light gradually faded. But seeing it's colour, he knew then, "That's it! There's no doubt about it! Purple who's I'm looking for!" With those words, he started running and he added, "Don't worry Timbre! I'll make it to you fast!"
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"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"
BLAST!
Making it just barely over another huge blast of laser fire, as Scriptium performed a barrel roll. Everyone was holding onto the fiery Dusk with all their strength, then as they became upright again, Goofy couldn't help but echo, "Boy that was too close!"
Nodding, Odyeux replied, "You're telling me!" Then-!
"Hey! Look out!"
Quickly in their moment of relieved distraction, Donald saw the incoming slice that was coming from the Keyblade 'Annihilation!' "Look out!"
Immediately Scriptium moved fast and-!
SLASH!
They just managed to miss the attack! As it's terrible red eye looked at them from below them, Nozomi didn't know what to think. However as she looked ahead, she then saw, "Oh, look out for that one!"
Unfortunately the group had forgotten about 'The Subtle Scythe!' It was coming straight towards them, and there was no time to back away! It was gonna hit them!
SLASH!
Nozomi closed her eyes in terror, there was no way they'd make it now! Then-!
"Arising Storm!"
CLASH!
Hearing this sound, she looked up, and it was quickly then, that she and the others saw making it to stop the terrible blow from hitting them. It was none other than, "Lightning!?"
The pink haired female warrior, empowered from her connection with Odin's finishing attack, quickly told her trainee, "Hope, you're up!"
He nodded and quickly he cried out his spell, "Light Guard!"
SHINE!
With that it threw the giant Keyblade back! As it did, everyone was amazed! But snapping them all out of their stunned moment, they heard Lightning tell them all, "Go on! Get going now!"
Hearing her, there was no hesitation and immediately Ody told his beloved Dusk, "Scriptium c'mon, let's go!"
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
The dragon quickly flew out of the way, getting out from under the shadow of the enormous Keyblade!
Seeing them go, Lightning said turning to look back, "Well done Hope! That was a good guard spell!"
He nodded in reply, pleased with the praise! But-!
"You really think this is time for giving praise?"
It was Xehanort talking to them! But before either could move-!
FLASH!
He unleashed the power of the Fourth Fragment and-!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Horrified, Nozomi saw her two friends being afflicted by its terrible red powers! She cried out, "Lightning! Hope!" But it was too late to turn back to get them and-!
Fade...!
Quickly Odin was finished and the two helpless warriors began to fall into the depths of darkness...
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Dim...!
Running ahead through the darkness, Sora again saw the purple light in the distance beginning to die away. Getting closer and closer, he could tell that it's brightness was being obstructed by something. He was puzzled, he asked quietly, "What could be making that light struggle to shine?"
Then as he ran on, he remembered Riku's words, of what he experienced when he'd first gone in. As he did, he realised, "That must be it!" With that-!
FLASH!
He called forth his own Keyblade to his right hand, then as he did this-!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
It was then, that he quickly saw what was causing the disturbance! His expression became bitter as he said, "Those must be the Flowers of Darkness!" Then-!
"Whoa!"
He leaped straight over their oncoming charge and-!
SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!
The dangerous plant shoots impacted the floor beneath him!
Landing fast, he ran on and said, "These thing's have got Maleficent's name written all over them!"
TWIST! TWIST!
Quickly the remainder came straight after him! As they did, he knew how to deal with them, thanks to Riku's advice and said, "Okay! Fire it is!" With that concentrating, he felt the power of his armour activate and quickly-!
"Flame Salvo!"
BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!
He unleashed blasts of fire upon the terrible tendrils! Concentrating, as he kept the fiery barrage up, he could see gradually the terrible plants were beginning to burn away, and as they did-!
GLOW!
The purple of the jewel pod was beginning to shine brighter! Pleased he said, "Okay! Just a bit more!" With that he kept his fierce concentration, as he was determined to free the prisoner trapped within!
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Everyone felt helpless seeing Lightning and Hope fall, for there was nothing they could do then! They were falling too fast, and there were no orbs close enough to them that Nozomi could use! They were going to be-!
"We got you!"
FLAP! FLAP! FLAP! FLAP! FLAP! FLAP!
It was then flying in fast, everyone in relief saw that it was, "Ruby!?" For quickly the giant red robin had flown straight in for the rescue! Then making it under them-!
"Ooph!"
"Urgh...!" Feeling herself be caught, Lightning was disorientated. Then opening her blue eyes, she saw that holding her, was none other than the monkey-tailed thief Zidane!
He grinned and asked her, "Hiya! You a fallen angel by any chance?"
Displeased immediately, she told him, "Oh, get off!" With that she moved herself up, though she was in clear pain, as the Fourth Fragment had hit her hard!
Zidane only laughed at this and said, "Well had to say it at least once!"
"You okay, Hope?" Hearing Shirma's voice, Zidane was quiet. For he didn't know if the white haired mage could cope with that blast of power, but then-!
"...I've had better days, ow!" He uttered stinging all over, with that he sat up too.
"But at least you're both in one piece!" Aerith told him with a smile, clearly trying to give him some relief.
"Yeah," Lightning agreed. However looking up to Xehanort with a glare, she added, "But now we have less attack power, and he-!"
GLOW!
GLOW!
Then quickly the giant glass spears in Xehanort's hands began to glow violently with purple light! As they did, everyone saw he was quickly going to unleash his next attack!
Everyone was terrified and they heard him say, "Now let's see how you all handle this blast of power!" It was then he moved and-!
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ZZZAAAPPP!
"Whoa!" Quickly avoiding another blast, from the last of the horrible thorns, Sora quickly turned with his Keyblade and told it mad, "Not today!" Then with another fast manoeuvre, he got close to the base of the dangerous dark creation and-!
SLASH!
He cut straight into it, slicing the sharp head off from it's main body! The thorn fell apart and-!
FADE...!
It finally was gotten rid of! Seeing this, he looked about himself to check for any others.
….
"Seems that's all of them!" With relief, he released a sigh. He smiled and said, "Looks like these things weren't too much of a problem after all!" Then with those words, he turned in another direction.
GLOW!
Finally he could see the full proper shape of the jewel pod. As he did, his eyes were amazed. Then he couldn't help but say, "Wow! Talk about Deja vu!" For walking closer, he saw that it looked similar to the pod he'd woken up from, when he first found himself in Twilight Town.
Putting his hands on it, tapping it, he couldn't help but add, "Wow! It even feels the same!" He couldn't help but add with a smile, "How weird is that!"
"Urgh...!"
Hearing this voice, Sora then properly looked inside. As he did, he saw someone lying inside of it, they were unconscious. Worried, he moved and-!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
He tried to coax them awake, crying out, "Hey! Hey, in there! Can you hear me!" However the person inside didn't respond to him, he tried again, "Hey! Wake up! You need to get up now, so I can-!"
GLOW!
Suddenly the jewel pod, glowed furiously with power! As it did, Sora quickly stepped back, he cried out, "What's this!? What's-!"
"Agh!"
He then heard the person inside the pod! They were in pain and quickly-!
SHINE!
It's purple light violently shone forth! Sora saw, they were now on their back! Their eyes were wide in horror, as their power was ruthlessly being called forth, to enact what his terrible captor wanted to do!
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BLAST! BLAST!
Quickly the spears in Xehanort's hands were launched forth like two giant missiles! Glowing all over with eerie purple light! As they came towards them all, Zidane cried out panicked, "Oh Ruby move!"
They all did, the heroes moved to get out of the way of this ferocious attack! As the spears flew forwards, they left two long trailing lines of purple light across the dark depths!
As Ruby flew, he saw that it formed a giant 'X' mark! Seeing this, he couldn't help but say, "That crazy guy wants to leave an X on everything!"
Aerith nodded, she also added, "Yeah!" Then looking back up to the dangerous monstrosity of a knight, she added, "We just gotta hope he doesn't 'X' us out of existence!"
Shirma looking to her, asked awkwardly, "Um...was that supposed to be funny?"
Aerith opened her mouth to answer when-!
FLASH!
Everyone saw everything around them begin to light up with purple light! As it all did, they were confused! Ruby then asked, "What's-!" But it was too late to ask anything as-!
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
They were all quickly subjected to Xehanort's wrath and power! As they were all quickly ensnared with a mixture of the Third and Second Fragment's powers!
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Meanwhile, running within the domains of the Interfusing Plane herself. Kairi was speeding ahead, towards the pink jewel pod! As she looked on, she thought quietly, "Hang on, Oralee! Just a little more and I'll get you out!"
She was getting closer and closer to them, she knew she could do something once she was there! Then the course of the battle would change! She knew it, they'd be able to-!
FLASH!
It was then she looked above, as she did. She saw a huge burst of purple power! As she did, she realised, "That's where Sora is!" Thinking this, she was worried about him. However she didn't have the time to dread, she had to complete their mission! So pushing on ahead, she said, "Don't worry guys! I'll help you save the day for once!" With that she charged ahead and got ready to engage with the Flowers of Darkness that would soon be coming her way!
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Grinning seeing all the vermin struggle against his powers of Thunder and Levitation. Xehanort knew it was over for them, as each of the heroes struggled to fight against the weightless magic he had cast on them!
They were helpless as they were held aloft in the air, unable to move their bodies to their own wishes, with the added paralysing effects of the thunder magic. They could no longer resist his will.
Then he saw one particular blazing form, caught in the throws of his terrible float spell! The white dragon Dusk, he smiled and said, "There you are!" Then with a wag of his finger that held 'Annihilation', he added making the magic bend to his whim, "Now you will return to me!"
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"Urgh!" Feeling the pains of the thunderous power, that had been unleashed, Nozomi couldn't help but say as she floated helplessly, "This is...the worst!"
"I'll say!" Donald agreed, for he couldn't feel his arms! Irritated he cried out mad, "I can't cast...any magic!"
"Oh, you useless duck!" Pete cried mad, floating upside down, "That's all...yer good fer!"
"Shut up!" Donald cried back mad!
"Fella's!" Goofy said harshly, he then added as he floated in-between them spinning around, "This ain't... no time...to be squireling!"
Annoyed, Donald corrected him, "Quarrelling!"
"Yeah and that!" Goofy said, he then told them, "We need...to stop Xehanort...and get ourselves...outta this mess!"
"We know... Goofy!" Mickey said, then quickly, he said trying to manoeuvre in the weightless space, "C'mon fella's! Get out...yer Panancea's quick!"
Grimacing, Nozomi asked, "...The what?"
Mickey then hearing her ask this, realised, "Oh wait, you don't...have any Nozomi... do ya?" To which she shook her head, seeing this he added, "Hang on, I'll-!"
FLASH!
Suddenly, Nozomi's body glowed a brighter shade of purple than the rest! As she did, her eyes widened, she asked, "What's-!"
SWOOSH!
Then quickly to everyone's horror, the female Keyblader was being dragged away from them! As she floated away helplessly from them, Ody cried, "Nozomi!?"
Panicked, she struggled and trying to fight the paralysis, she swam in the air and cried out reaching out to them, "Guys!" But she couldn't do anything against the powers of the third Fragment, as it continued to drag her away!
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Seeing her helpless form begin to float away from the dragon Dusk, Xehanort smiled pleased and then-!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
He saw his two giant spears return and as they did-!
GRIP! GRIP!
He grabbed ahold of each one again with his new limbs! Doing this, his smile remained as he waited for the Seventh Fragment to come to the right position, so he may Unlock her pitiful form once more!
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BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Gasping, hearing these loud series of bangs. The pink haired boy couldn't understand what was happening. But there was one thing he could feel... and that was pain! "Urgh...!" It was awful, as he could feel something was being forced from within him to move, it was squeezing his heart tightly. He didn't want it to! He didn't want this... what this was, was-!
"Hey!"
He heard a voice. Did he though? He couldn't tell, his mind was so muddled that-!
"Wake up! You've gotta get it together!"
No he wasn't imagining it, he did hear a voice! Opening his heterochromia green and yellow eyes, it was finally then he saw him. A boy, dressed in red armour with spiky caramel brown coloured hair and blue eyes. Seeing him, he asked, "Who...are-?"
Pleased he heard him say, "You're awake, great!" Then with a smile he told him, "I'm here to get you out of there, Timbre!"
The pained and puzzled boy repeated, "Timbre?"
BA BUMP!
He recognised it! That name, it was, "That's... my name, isn't it?"
Nodding, the smiling boy told him, "Yeah it is!"
The pink haired boy, no Timbre didn't understand, "Why?"
"Huh?" The smiling boy then became puzzled himself and repeated, "Why?"
Timbre then asked, "What reason have you come... to get me out for?" Then as he grimaced, feeling the horrible tightening around his heart that was forcing out his power, he guessed with some anger, "Because... you want to, use my power too?"
Blinking the boy was quiet, Timbre didn't know if he understood him or not. But then he heard,
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
He burst out laughing! Perplexed, he asked him, "What? Why're you...laughing!?"
"You're hilarious that's why!" The spiky haired boy told him, then recovering from his laugh, he told him, "I didn't come here for power, I came to get you, so I can get you back to where you belong!"
Surprised, Timbre asked, "Where...I belong?"
Nodding, the boy said, "Yeah, that's right," then with a warm smile he added, "Because we're friends, right?"
"Friends?" Timbre repeated, then he asked him in disbelief, feeling this was too good to be true, "Who...are you?"
The bright smile still there, the spiky haired boy told him, "I'm Sora!"
As he heard this name, Timbre asked him, "Sora?" Then in his mind, he saw flashes of images, where the two of them had interacted together! He was really-!
CRACK!
Then quickly the jewel pod, cracked! In alarm seeing this, Timbre asked, "What's... happening? Is this-!"
"It's your way out, Timbre!" Sora told him enthusiastically.
Then as Timbre looked to his unexpected rescuer, he heard him continue to say, "The more you remember about yourself, when you have the image of yourself back in your heart, that's when I can set you free!"
Amazed, Timbre couldn't believe his luck! Seeing Sora's smiling face, he could feel it. There was no trace of dark deception in that grin, also that terrible squeezing pain he was feeling. It was easing up, he really was there to save him! Realising this, he couldn't help but reveal a small smile too, he told him, "You are...for real!" Then putting his hands against the glass, he told him, "Sora thanks!"
The spiky haired boy laughed, then he told him, "Don't praise me too soon! I still need to get you out!"
Timbre then finally laughed too and said, though with a little pained difficulty, "Well you better...hurry up, then!" To which he saw him nod again brightly, however before they could say more-!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
He saw something appear behind the caramel haired boy, something sharp and dangerous! Alarmed, he cried out, "Sora, look out behind you!"
"Huh!" As he turned to look behind, it was then-!
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"Oh c'mon!" Nozomi was desperate! Trying to fight the pull of the Third Fragment's power! She was trying to do something, anything to resist it! But her body couldn't thwart it, and as she looked behind, she saw that the others were just as helpless, for even Ruby couldn't fly over to aid her! Desperate and angered, she uttered mad, "This is so... not fair!" Then-!
GLOW!
To her horror, she felt a terrible familiar pulse of power! It was then, that she saw the light of Unlocking, shining upon 'Annihilation!'
Shivering as she saw it's enormous glow, she heard Xehanort tell her, "You are mine again!" This was it! There was no chance now! She couldn't-!
CRACK!
Hearing this familiar sound, Nozomi looked ahead and saw-!
"Urgh!"
Xehanort wince in pain, as there in the centre of his chest, the purple jewel that was there grew a huge dent! With wide eyes, Nozomi realised with a smile, "Sora! He's doing it! He's beginning to save, Timbre! So-!"
Dim...!
In amazement, she saw the power of the Third Fragment was beginning to wane! She could feel some control coming back! Pleased, she knew now that maybe she could do something, she turned to move but, "Urgh!" The paralysis was still spread throughout her, stopping her from completely moving the way she wanted!
Irritated she uttered, "Just my...luck!" For if she could just get rid of it then-!
"Nozomi!"
Surprised, it was then she saw struggling to get closer to her, fighting against the terrible float of the Levitator Fragment, it was Scriptium using her wings to pull them forwards, and upon her head, it was none other, "King Mickey!"
For looking on with fierce determination, he had something in his hand! Clutching it, he moved and cried out, "Here, use this!" With that he moved and-!
THROW!
Quickly an item was thrown in her direction! She reached her hand out and quickly-!
GRAB!
She took hold of it! There in her hands she saw a small orange potion bottle, as she looked at it. She realised quickly, "This stuff is-!"
"Drink it quick!" Mickey told her! Then to all their frustrations they were all pushed back again by the Fragment's power!
Looking on troubled at this sight, she didn't hesitate to do as ordered! She popped it open, and drank its contents, and quickly she felt the paralysis fade away! She could move again now to-!
"You won't get away from me!"
GLOW!
Nozomi looked behind herself, and she saw the horrible glow of the Keyblade, Xehanort was going to Unlock her again! She looked on with terror, but as she looked around, she saw something that could be her way out! She reached her right hand forwards and-!
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"Whoa!"
SMASH!
Sora just in time avoided another attack from the Flower of Darkness's thorns! Seeing them surround him on all sides, he realised to his dismay, "Darn! So they've grown back already!" For there indeed-!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
More of the terrible dark thorns had returned! As they did, he gripped his Keyblade tightly, and turning back, he scratched his head with an awkward smile on his face, he said, "Sorry there Timbre! I thought I got rid of them all!"
Puzzled hearing this, the pink haired boy asked him, "Got rid...of them?" Then seeing the thorns properly, he asked still pained, "What are...those things?"
"Flowers of Darkness, or their thorns I should say!" Sora told him, then walking forwards cautiously, his Keyblade at the ready he explained further, "They were created by Xehanort, so they'd help get rid of your memory, so he could use you, and the other Fragment Vessels to make the ultimate Keyblade!"
Silent, Timbre then asked, "Xehanort?" It was then he had a flash in his mind-!
"It's over for you!"
GLOW!
He remembered the moment it all happened, when he'd been Unlocked! He was-!
CRACK!
Again the pod cracked! As it did, Sora grinned brightly and said, "So that was enough to trigger some more memories, huh?"
Timbre was quiet hearing this, he didn't know what to say. But quickly-!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
More of the thorns came to hit Sora, but instantly with his fast agility-!
CLASH! CLASH!
He smashed each blow away! As he did, he smiled eager for a fight and said, "Alright! Time to nip these in the bud!" With that he went to proceed into battle, to again get rid of these weeds once and for all, as Timbre watched him from behind.
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"Shimmering Sewing!"
In seconds, a shining thread came from one of the orbs that had come from the King-Blade, it reached straight over to her, and as it made contact!
"Ah!"
Nozomi felt its pull and quickly, she was was drawn forwards and away into the distance and as she was-!
SHINE!
The beam of light that was released from the Keyblade missed her, she'd made it! She avoided being Unlocked!
Amazed, Donald cried out, "She made it!"
Relieved, Ody couldn't help but say with a hand to his chest, "Oh, thank goodness!"
Mickey was filled with relief too, but before the group could say anything else-!
"So I missed!"
Xehanort was talking again! Nozomi at that point had arrived on the awaiting orb! With her wings now lit on either side of her, she stood ready to engage him, with a defiant look on her face, with her own Keyblade in both her hands.
As she looked up to Xehanort, she saw he had a displeased expression on his face. As he did, she wasn't surprised in the slightest! Quiet she heard the giant monstrous man say, "But it's no matter, now come!" With that-!
GLOW!
His newly formed arms, came together with the giant glass spears held in their clutches! As they did, quickly above his head, they created another 'X' above him and as they did, glowing with purple power, it was then-!
"Ah!" Nozomi felt to her frustration, the pull of the third Fragment! As she did, she felt it trying to pull her forwards again! However, with determination before it could pull her anymore forwards-!
"Shimmering Sewing!"
She created another thread again! As she did, the orb pulled her out of his magical grip! As it did, the new sphere platform kept her in place, with relief, she said, "I'm glad this power of mine is working at least!"
"So your power of the Seventh, is giving you autonomy is it?"
Nozomi looking up to him, seeing his angered red eyes staring down at her. She was quiet for a moment, then she decided to ask, "I've messed up your day, huh?"
Xehanort it was clear was angry, however his sinister smile continued to grace his monstrous features. As they did, he told her, "This is merely an inconvenience!" With those words, he then poised all four of his weapons again and told her, "It is only a matter of time now, until you-!"
CRACK!
However again, the purple gem in the centre of his chest fractured once more! Seeing this, Nozomi was amazed. Then-!
"Tch!"
Xehanort clearly was in pain, seeing this, Nozomi then told him with a smug smile, "Looks to me, it's you who's running out of time now!"
Hearing this as he continued to grimace, Xehanort was quiet. However after a moment, he did something unexpected, he grinned and agreed, telling her, "Indeed, which is why...!"
HISS!
It was then the giant snake/centipede Ouroboros creation spun around and around! As it did, quickly-!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
It created a new wave of Heartless! These ones were bigger and more muscular than the previous ones, they were pure bloods! They had huge fiery red horns upon their heads that twisted into Heart like shapes, as their yellow haunting eyes gazed on at Nozomi, they then quickly brandished two sets of gold swords from their newly formed arms, mimicking their Master!
Seeing their hideous golden blades all poised at her, Nozomi then watched as-!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
They all violently pulsed with powerful thunder! Their blades were ready to cut her into pieces, and seeing all this, Nozomi sweated badly! She really should have known to keep her dumb mouth shut!
Xehanort though smiling seeing her discomfort, finally finished his sentence, "I'll need to accelerate your demise!" With those words, his Heartless all flew in to attack the lone Female Keyblader, as he brought his two Keyblades out forward and ready, making them-!
GLOW! GLOW!
Both glow with the power of Unlocking, ready to take her Fragment at the right moment!
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"HHHAAA!"
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
Amazed, Timbre within his jewel prison watched as Sora sliced into each and all of the thorns! Looking on, he could tell the Chosen Keyblader was strong! He didn't slow down at all!
"Explosion!"
BLAST!
Quickly the thorns were sent flying back from a huge burst of magical attack power! As they were-!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
They all quickly retreated away from him! Seeing this happen, Timbre couldn't help but cry out, "You did it! You're driving them back!"
"Ain't nothing to it!" Sora said with a grin, as he wiped his nose brightly.
Timbre laughed too! Then as he did, quickly another memory came back to him!
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"Whew! I'm beat!"
Sitting on a bench that was within the Summon Zone that had been set aside for the contenders of Juan's Tournament match. Timbre sat against it, trying to get his bearings back.
As he thought about the battle he'd been going head to head in, he couldn't help but say, "Man, Keybladers sure are something else!" Then looking to his clawed right hand, he said gripping his fingers tight, "I really gotta train better so I can keep up! I don't wanna be left in the dust!"
"Hey!"
Surprised, Timbre turned and saw that there approaching him, was the new spiky haired Keyblader. As he did, he saw that he had a big grin on his face, looking on, he heard him ask, "You got room for another there?"
Timbre smirked and replied, "You see a sign here about reserved parking?"
"Nope!" Sora smiled, with that he sat himself straight down, a space away next to Timbre.
As he did, the pink haired Sphynx then asked him as the new arrival released a sigh, "You know, you're a real terror to deal with in a fight, right?"
"Am I?" Sora asked him surprised.
"You are!" Timbre replied, then looking up into the blue sky. He couldn't help but add, "I couldn't believe it! The rapid pace you shot your spells at, gave me no time to retaliate! I couldn't do much at all, even when Ori hit you with that Graviga spell!"
Quiet, Sora though grinned and said, "Well you were pretty tough to deal with too! The way you swooped in and retreated, I was lucky to get the few hits in I did at that time, if I didn't have Nozomi on my side with me, I don't know how I would have got through it all!"
Timbre hearing this, said with a sharp toothed grin, "Glad I was able to give you a challenge then!" With that as he looked up above, he couldn't help but begin to reminisce saying, " You know, having a partner on your side when it counts, really makes all the difference in battle."
"I know!" Sora replied. Then looking up himself, he couldn't help but admit, "To be honest if I didn't have the friends I have now... there's no way I could have made it this far."
Timbre then asked him, "You mean your dog and duck pals, yeah?"
Nodding Sora then said, "Yeah, Donald and Goofy have been with me though thick and thin... we've accomplished so much together it's crazy." Then closing his eyes, he added, "I never thought when I left my island, I'd ever have the adventures I'm having now with them."
Timbre looking over to him was quiet, however after a moment. He decided to admit, "Yeah same."
"Huh?"
Hearing Sora utter this, Timbre then explained, "I left my home of the Sphynx's world long ago, then with my sis, we-!"
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"Sis?" Timbre gasped, for quickly he was remembering more and more! He was a Sphynx, and the one person he wanted to save, was-!
CRACK!
Again his Jewel Pod incurred damage, it was near to the breaking point now! Just a little more and he'd be-!
ZZZAAAPPP!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Quickly Timbre though was pulled out of his realisation! For there he saw to his horror, "Sora!?" For before him, the spiky haired Keyblader had been ensnared by more thorns of the Flowers of Darkness! He hadn't got rid of them all!
As they continued to damage him with their horrible electricity, Timbre moved and-!
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
"Sora! Hang on!" For he wanted to do something, anything! He had to get out of that jewel pod quick, or there'd be no hope for any of them at all!
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CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
"Tch!" With difficulty, Nozomi was barely managing to fend off the Heartless that were coming for her! She had to be careful, leaping from orb to orb, so that she could maintain her control, and to stop the Third Fragment from pulling her towards Xehanort. However-!
SHINE!
"Oh not again!" Quickly she leapt into the air as another light of Unlocking came for her! Then as she spun in the air-!
SLASH! SLASH!
"Agh!"
She was cut into by another Heartless! As she winced from the pain, it quickly tried to strike into her, with its remaining pair of arms! But-!
"Glitter Spiral Kick!"
KICK!
She smashed straight into the Heartless with a strong kick from her right leg! As her power glittered with light, she looped backwards quickly landing on another orb! Breathless from the exhilaration, she saw though to her dread!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
More Heartless limbs from below, come to try and grab her! As they did, she had to move fast! So she did, but-!
"NOW!"
SHINE!
Another beam of Unlocking light came straight for her!
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"
Her wings, flapping hard in a hurry on either side of her, she made it! Flying higher into the air! When-!
CLASH! CLASH!
Again a Heartless came for her! Mad, she couldn't help but complain saying, "I can't catch a break can I!?" With that she continued her desperate bid to survive and fight, as the dark assault continued!
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"Her agility is certainly astounding..." Xehanort commented, as he saw the Vessel continue to thwart his efforts to obtain the Seventh Fragment that dwelled in her body. However as he looked on, and saw the attacks his Heartless were doing... he made a consideration, and then decided with a sinister smile, "I say this calls for a different tactic!" With that, he called upon another of the powers that was his to command!
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"What is...happening?" For there trapped within a pink jewel, was a blonde short haired girl, who's face was hidden away by longer silk strands on her right side.
As she lay within the dark domains of this unknown space, she couldn't understand what was happening. How did she get there? Who was she, and what was-!
GLOW!
Suddenly the pod around her glowed with vibrant pink light! As it did, she asked, "What is-!"
ZZZAAAPPP!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
She was subjected to terrible pain, as the thorns that surrounded her prison, ignited with their awful power! As they did, it was then the person who imprisoned her, forcefully used her power!
Her hidden right eye was revealed, showing it's vibrant pink and as it did, she saw-!
SLASH!
"AGH!"
A dark haired girl fall in the air, as she sliced into her with a golden sword! Wait, no?She stopped and realised, seeing the monstrous body she was looking through. This wasn't her, she was-!
"Now Seventh Fragment?"
Hearing these words, the blonde haired girl wondered, 'Seventh Fragment?'
"Why don't you give up? You won't survive against my Heartless, when they fight under my control using the powers of the Sixth Fragment."
Not understanding, the girl was frightened and confused, who was this man? Why was he attacking this dark haired girl? Why was this happening?
The blonde haired girl was quiet, then she saw the dark haired girl stand from a glowing white orb. With wings by her feet, she heard her say breathless from fatigue but burning with fierce determination, "Never! I don't care what you send at me! I'm going to keep going no matter what happens! I'm going to keep trying, until we save everyone from you!" With that she aimed her weapon ahead to the source of the terrible voice.
Save? Hearing this word, the blonde haired girl looking at this fierce interaction felt something inside. She felt she knew her. That she-?
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
Shuddering, hearing this malicious laugh, she then heard the evil voice say,
"Obstinate until the very end, how typical of those who are of the Light!"
The blonde haired girl, then felt herself within this new body being forced forwards! As she was, it moved in to attack with it's long terrible four arms, and as it did-!
CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
She was forced to go against the girl, attacking into her. Over and over again! Then other countless monsters did the same! However the blonde haired girl didn't want this! She didn't want to hurt this person! For they were-!
"FIRE BLASTER!"
BLAST!
The monstrous body she was in, flew back. But quickly-!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
The dark haired girl was inflicted with terrible damage! Then immediately, the monster she was trapped in flew forwards again and-!
"NNNOOO!"
The girl was forced to watch the horrible attack, as the power of the Sixth Fragment that lay within the domains of her Broken Heart. Held her captive in the monster's body, to witness the terrible assaults that the Heartless were unleashing upon the poor dark haired girl!
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"NNNOOO!"
Hearing this pained cry, Kairi's eyed widened with anxiety! She had to get there fast! She was only meter's away now! She called out, hoping that the girl might hear her, "Don't worry! I'm coming, you'll be-!"
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
Quickly though to her dread, there like she had been warned about, came the terrible Flowers of Darkness! Their sharp tendrils were aimed straight her, however ready-!
BLAZE!
She called upon her own fiery power, with the hopes that she'd get rid of them fast!
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Sora still affected, by the terrible paralysing effects of the thorns all over his body. Could barely feel himself! Annoyed, he realised he shouldn't have been so over confident! Mad as he stared at these dark tendrils, he couldn't help but utter, "Wish I'd... brought some...weed killer!"
SQUEEZE!
"Agh!"
The dark tendrils only increased their grip! As Sora winced, he couldn't think of what to do! He couldn't call any magic, Donald and Goofy weren't there! He couldn't-!
"You need a hand there?"
"Huh?" Hearing this voice, Sora was baffled. Who was that? Then-!
GLOW!
Suddenly his armoured red body, began to glow with a vibrant white light! As it did, his eyes widened, and as it did, he asked, "This power, it's-?"
"It's mine, I'm gonna give you some aid here."
As the voice said this, Sora was quiet but then he said, "Hey, I'm not doing that bad! I can still-!"
SQUEEZE!
"Urgh!"
The thorns though just squeezed into him tighter, as though trying to shut him up! Irritated by this, he then heard,
"Ha! Ha!"
Hearing this chuckle, Sora became annoyed and was about to say something more when-!
"I beg to differ! But hey, that stubbornness can be a good trait to have in the right moments!"
Sora was quiet, he was about to speak his mind more. When he realised something, that voice sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before? Was it-?
"C'mon, let me help you, I wanna make right what I couldn't so long ago."
Puzzled, Sora asked, "Make right?"
It was then within his mind, he saw a figure surrounded by white light. It was a boy, the same age as him, he was dressed in a short sleeved jacket that was black on the right and white on the left. He also wore underneath it a high-necked black shirt. That was underneath a grey vest with angular white lines on it. With some armour that was protecting his midsection, with another gold piece on his left shoulder.
He also wore pants that consisted of grey, black and white with armoured shoes on, which tops reminded one of crown shapes. As this figure turned to look at Sora, he saw that he had spiked golden blonde hair and blue eyes.
Seeing him, Sora was quiet, but then he was struck by a memory. Thinking back to the 'World that Never Was,' looking at the boy, he asked, "Roxas?"
Again the boy laughed, he told him,
"I thought you'd make that mistake."
"You're not Roxas?" The mysterious boy shook his head in response, Sora then started to ask, "Then who're-!"
"I'm afraid we don't have long for conversation, because-!"
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Hearing this banging, it was then-!
"Sora! Sora hang in there! C'mon!"
Worried, he realised, "Timbre!"
"As I was gonna say, you have people you need to save,"
With that the blonde haired boy reached his left hand forwards and-!
SHINE!
The glow around Sora's body grew! As it did, he felt a new power being born! As it was, he turned back to the boy and heard him say,
"I'm letting you use a power my Great Uncle taught me how to use, long ago... though of course it could never match his technique, it'll be enough to help."
"What do you-!" But quickly he was taken out of the moment, as he heard-!
"I'll see you again, good luck, Sora!"
It was then as he returned back to reality, that-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
The thorns of darkness that held him down, were all quickly wiped out! Amazed as he landed back on the floor, he asked, "Just what-!"
SHINE!
He saw around and behind him, were six glowing blades of light! In amazement, he saw that they looked similar to the swords of light Riku had used, however these blades weren't that of just pure light, he could feel the power of the wind in them as well!
Feeling their warm radiance, he couldn't help but smile and say, "Wow! This is so cool!" Then quiet he held his hand to his chest, doing this he whispered, "Thanks...whoever you are!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Hearing this laughter from within, Sora looked up to the thorns, and there he saw them-!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
Had doubled in their terrible numbers! However he wasn't frightened of them, with these swords of light on his side. He was sure now, he wouldn't have any trouble now! Then he heard-!
"Sora those swords!?"
Turning to look behind, he saw Timbre was staring at him with amazement. Sora in reply, grinned and said, "I've been loaned new a power to help us out!"
Puzzled, Timbre asked, "Loaned?" However-!
SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!
LEAP!
The thorns came to attack again, as they did. Sora launched himself away! As he did, he continued on to say, "Now it's time we finish business!" With that he launched forwards and cried out, "Let's go!"
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
With that he attacked straight into the thorns to put an end to all this fighting once and for all!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"TAKE THIS!"
Slicing into each and all the terrible thorns that were coming for her, Kairi was determined and feeling her power grow, she cried out, "Brightening Blitz!"
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
She cut into each and all of the thorns that were there! Then leaping up high into the air-!
GLOW!
Her power ignited and quickly-!
BLAST!
She destroyed the thorns that were ahead of her! However much to her dread, there were still many others to get through! It looked like this was never ending! Then she heard-!
"Please! Stop it!"
A distressed voice cried out, it hurt to hear it! Then as she listened on, she heard them say in terrible anguish,
"I don't want to hurt anyone! Please, no more!"
Listening on, Kairi could feel her pain. It broke her heart, so much to the point that tears began to line her eyes! She had to stop whatever horror was happening in there! She needed to-!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!
However the thorns rose back up again! They weren't going to let her stop this torture!
Angered seeing them, Kairi told them mad, "I'm not going to let you stop me!" With that she raced on ahead and-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
She started cutting into them all again! However at this rate, even if she used 'Flame Salvo,' again, she was sure more would just grow back! She had to do something to stop-!
"I can't go on with this! Please!"
As the pained voice reached her again, she thought to herself desperately, 'I need to help them! I need to get there now or-!'
GLOW!
Then suddenly around her body, a white light began to shine brightly! As it did, she asked, "This power? Is it-?"
"I'll aid you now, allow me to bestow to you another skill that once belonged to her,"
Hearing this, within her mind, Kairi again saw her. Amazed she asked, "Aqua, are you going to-?"
However the blue haired female knight simply smiled. Then she told her,
"I hope this will give you the assistance you need, please save those that we couldn't."
With a nod, Kairi told her, "Don't worry, we will!" Then Kairi lifted up her Keyblade and quickly-!
GLOW!
On its tip above her head a light began to glow brightly, then quickly she felt as though she was being guided into something like a dance. As she began to twirl upon her right foot, her Keyblade guided her forwards, following the call of this beautiful light that pulsed upon it's tip!
In seconds, as the light from her weapon made contact with each and all of the terrible thorns that came in her direction!
Fwoom...
They were all quietly being disintegrated, unable to withstand the power of light that poured forth from her! Then as Kairi danced and twirled, with each movement, she felt her power, pulse powerfully as it grew and grew!
She couldn't help but smile, enjoying the warmth of the light as it embraced her! Then quickly she felt it reach its peak, "This it it!" With that she moved her Keyblade as though unlocking the light that had grown above! She unleashed the power of the ancient technique,
"Shining Spellweaver!"
SHINE!
Immediately the light was released everywhere, and quickly, whatever creation of darkness remained within that space was utterly annihilated by countless beams of light and-!
GLOW!
The true light of the pink jewel was finally allowed to shine properly again! As it was, Kairi looked ahead. There she could see who she needed to be rescued, a blonde haired girl dressed in a trendy long-sleeved silky white top, and purple shorts, along with pink trainers. She was holding her head in her hands, and she was in clear distress!
Kairi didn't hesitate! She ran forwards, though she whispered to herself, "Aqua thank you again!" To which the image in her mind, smiled softly before fading away, as she went to properly initiate the next stage of the rescue.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Trapped within the body of the Heartless, the girl watched on in horror as the monster she was, had landed many terrible blows of damage against the dark haired girl, along with the rest of the terrible hordes it flew with!
She didn't want to harm this person! For she could feel it, they were an important person to her! She didn't know how or why, but she felt it! They were-!
SLASH!
"AGH!"
As the girl was thrown into the air from another terrible cut that had been inflicted on her. The girl winced and then watched as the Heartless along with many others chased after her! She didn't want to hurt her anymore! She didn't want to-!
However the girl who had looked damaged beyond repair, came to stand upon another one of the orbs! As she did, she aimed the odd weapon that she had forwards, and quickly she unleashed an attack,
"Luminous Sparkling Tornado!"
Quickly the Heartless she was within was swept up by a mighty gust of spinning wind! As it was, she then saw that it's body was being struck by pulsating orbs of light, all over that were within the amazing spectacle.
She was quiet and then she heard,
"Shining Star Rays!"
Comets of light came forth and quickly they struck the monster and-!
"Ah!"
She was forced out of the monstrosity! Quiet as she felt the warmth of her body around her again, the girl was quiet. Then looking around the space she was confined in. She asked, "I'm back?"
However quickly-!
GLOW!
The awful power of the pink jewel was being reactivated again! Shivering as she saw this around her, the girl huddled over and whispered desperately holding herself, "No please! I don't want to go through that again! Please I-!"
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
Distracted out of her thoughts, she heard, "Hey! I'm here now! Can you hear me!?"
"Huh?" Puzzled, the blonde haired girl, turned to where she thought she could hear this voice. As she did, it was then she saw a girl, one around about the same age as herself. With red hair and blue eyes, dressed in pink coloured armour.
Seeing her there, she heard this new mysterious person say with a look of smiling relief on her face, "I've come here to save you, it's alright now, Oralee!"
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Breathing in and out hard, after going against what felt a thousand or more Heartless. Nozomi stood on the orb she was on. She was getting tired out, that Luminous Tornado had taken a lot out of her along with the burning strike Xehanort had launched before and the Heartless attacks, if things didn't change soon, then-!
"Growing weary are you?"
Looking up agitated at Xehanort, she could tell, the evil man was just mocking her at this point, as he grinned at her! Then quickly-!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
He manoeuvred all four of his weapons again! Quickly all of them were glowing with ominous power, the two Keyblades in his hands with the power of Unlocking and finally the spears, with the powers of the Third and Second Fragment!
Nozomi prepared herself for another terrible onslaught, however she heard Xehanort say,
"I'll implore you again, just give up, fold to the Darkness and you won't have to feel anymore pain, wouldn't it be more rational than bringing prolonged and unnecessary suffering upon your tormented being?"
Angered Nozomi then told him mad, "I already told you! I'm not giving up! I refuse to!" Then tensing her hands around her Keyblade, she added, "I'll never let you win!"
"How adorable... tenacity, it truly is so enjoyable to behold!"
As he said this, with sinister amusement in his tone, Nozomi then felt the air become tense as the Master of the Heartless then decreed,
"However, I grow bored, the time to end this game is now!"
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"This is the last one!"
SHINE!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
As he cut and cut away, Sora felt his power course strongly throughout him! Then the finale of the technique came! The swords all pointing downwards, penetrated the floor, and quickly he flew down too! Immediately the space was filled with light from circling intricate patterns of spells and-!
Fwoom...
Sora at last destroyed the very last of the Flowers of Darkness's thorns! As he did, he said releasing an excited breath, "Wow! That was great!" Then looking to the swords that were around him, he couldn't help but say, "Whoever that guy's Great Uncle was, he knew some really amazing tricks!"
"Great Uncle?"
Hearing this voice, Sora turned again and there he saw the pink haired Sphynx staring at him puzzled. As he did, he heard him ask, "What happened back there? What's with those swords?" Then as he thought what had been told to him, he questioned further, "What did you mean before, that you were loaned those?"
"Hm?" Sora was then quiet, he folded his arms and thought quietly. However he told him honestly, "I don't know really?"
"Huh?" Timbre asked him perplexed.
Grinning, he told him, "Well, I think it's to do with this red armour, I'm wearing now." With that putting his hand to his chest, he added, "It was given to me, so I could help in saving those Xehanort stole from us..." With that looking back to him, he added, "That much I do know."
Timbre was quiet as he heard this. However he quickly sighed and said, "Okay, I'll just leave it at that for now." But he added, "I just hope you can give me better answers later, Sora!"
Laughing he replied, "Yeah same!" However looking at the dents that were in the purple jewel pod, he asked, "Anyway, we need to do a bit more, so I can finally get you out!"
"Yeah we do!" Then quiet, as he thought to himself, he asked, "How do we do that?"
"I dunno..." However remembering to what Nozomi, along with what Riku had said, Sora asked,"Well, let's try this, can you tell me what you've got back so far when it comes to your memories?"
Quiet as this question was put to him, Timbre then after moment answered, "I remember I met you, back in the Radiant Gardens."
His eyes opening in amazement, Sora asked, "The Radiant Gardens?"
Nodding, Timbre then said, "Yeah, I faced you in battle, I fought you with some guy called Ori...and you were with a girl, her name was Nozomi."
"We fought?" Sora asked him. Then as he stared at him, he squinted and after a moment, he realised and said, "Oh yeah! That did happen! Didn't it! We fought and..." quickly smiling widely he said, "I won against you!"
"Urgh, you really know how to remember the real crucial details don't you?" Timbre asked him.
"I try!" Sora smiled.
Staring Timbre couldn't tell if he was joking or not. However he couldn't stay mad and smiled too. Then he continued on to say, "Well anyway, I remember we sat down to rest afterwards and we were talking about how the partners in battle we have, really help to make a big difference."
Listening on quietly, Sora said as he looked through his own thoughts too, "Yeah we did say that...didn't we?"
Timbre then said, "Well that's as far as I've got, I know I have a sister I need to save, but..."
"A sister?" Sora asked surprised.
Nodding, Timbre then said, "Yeah, but I don't remember who she is... I can't remember much beyond that point, I..."
Looking on, Sora could tell that this lack of memory was painful to the young Sphynx, as he looked down sadly, so he told him, "Yeah, I know how that feels... the painful hole in your heart that's left, when memories are ripped away from you, it's the worst."
Surprised himself Timbre asked, "You know about it?"
Nodding, Sora told him, "Yeah, a long while ago, my memories were taken from me and messed with, so I would become some puppet or something... it hurt not remembering who I truly was anymore, or anyone else."
"You went through something that bad?" Timbre asked.
"I did," then Sora told him, "But don't worry, I won't let you be used like that! I'm gonna break Xehanort's hold on you!"
Surprised, Timbre smiled and said, "Thanks Sora!"
The Chosen Keyblader brightened too. Then quietly he thought to himself as he tried to think of what might aid Timbre, as he remained quiet, and he thought back to that moment, he said, "Yeah, I'm beginning to remember it better now, we were sat on the bench and you started talking about your sister."
"What did I say?" Timbre asked.
"Well..." Sora couldn't really think of the right words, so was honest and said, "I can't really sugar coat it, but she sounded like a real pain to deal with!"
"Huh!?" Timbre cried out.
"Yeah..." Feeling a bit awkward, Sora said, "Well you said, she had the bad habit of falling for the wrong guys, stalking off in the night, doing who knows what and... landing you and your crew, in a real bad mess one after another."
Quiet hearing this, Timbre asked, "A crew?" Then thinking a little more, he couldn't help but say with an uncertain smile, "I'm not sure I want to remember if she was that bad!"
Laughing, Sora replied, "I don't blame you," However becoming softer he added, "But you did also say, that despite all that, she always went above and beyond to protect you and your crew... cause she took you from your home world, and gave you a new family to belong to."
His eyes widening, Timbre asked, "A new family?" Then as he heard this, it was finally, that he was granted the key, that would bring him back to his full realisation!
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"I left my home of the Sphynx's world long ago, then with my sis, we travelled to other worlds, when we joined with my Boss Balthier and the rest of my crew!"
Sora listening asked him, "You had to leave your own world?"
Nodding, Timbre then explained, "Yeah, you see people in certain worlds hunt Sphynx's like me... they come after us, wanting our fur, and our eyes."
Shocked Sora asked him, "Your eyes?"
"Yeah, you see... there's a legend that circles around certain worlds, that says if one obtains the golden eyes of a Sphynx like me, they'll be granted immortality... powers beyond reason." Timbre explained .
Blinking, Sora asked, "You're serious, people hunted after you both because of that!?"
"Yeah..." With that putting his hand, upon the emerald eye patch that concealed his single golden left eye, he continued, "It's because of these eyes, that we lost our parents too, people came hunting after us and... sis and me, were the only ones that made it."
…
There was then silence between them, Timbre couldn't help but release an awkward laugh and say, "You know, I don't usually tell this story to a lot of people... it's weird."
"Yeah?" Sora commented, it was clear he was uncertain of how to react. However after a moment, he asked, "But what makes you feel comfortable enough to tell me?"
Quiet, Timbre didn't know the answer straight away. Then he admitted as he looked to him, "I guess, it's because, you got a warm aura about you, Sora."
"A warm aura?" He repeated puzzled.
"Yeah," Then Timbre explained, "When I look at you, I just feel this warmth... like looking at the sun, on a warm summer day."
"Um...thanks, I guess?" Sora replied, still clearly uncertain as to where this was leading to as he scratched his cheek.
Timbre chuckled, then he replied, "Well, we Sphynx's have always been able to sense certain aura's about people, so I guess its just that my natural instinct came kicking in," then getting up and stretching his arms and tail, he added, "I've always had a better ability at reading people, than my sister! I can't begin to tell you how many times she's got it badly wrong!"
As Sora heard this, he smiled and asked, "She really that bad, huh?"
"You don't know the half of it!" Timbre laughed.
"Give me some examples then, I wanna hear them!" He told him, wanting to know more.
Shrugging his shoulders, Timbre replied, "Okay, but I'm warning ya, they're real doozies!" Though he had to add, "But before I continue, I will say this, my sister Jona, she's the one that's let me live my life in the comfort of family, thanks to us meeting Balthier and the rest... it was thanks to her, that I've had a place to belong, that I feel safe in."
Smiling Sora then replied, "Okay, I get it..." Brightening he added, "I won't hold it too much against her when we meet!"
Timbre nodded, though he added, "But I'm not gonna tell you every story, I gotta find time to meet up with Oralee, she and I are gonna be goin' on a date real soon!"
Amazed, Sora asked, "You guys have got a date planned?"
"Well we gotta arrange it! She promised me some time together, since she didn't get to thank me properly before, when I saved her from that witch!" Then he added, smiling happily, "I can tell she's a real sweetie!"
"Good luck to ya then!" Sora said, then with that he said, "Now let's hear some of those stories you promised!" With that Timbre indulged him, and told the various tales that got him and his crew into trouble while they travelled the worlds...
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Tears coming to his eyes, Timbre uttered, "My sister...Jona!"
Seeing him weep, Sora was surprised, then he asked, "You remember her now?"
Nodding rapidly, Timbre replied, "Yeah! I also remember my family, Balthier, Fran, Zidane, Noel and Yeul, they're all-!"
CRACK!
Quiet hearing this, Sora asked, "Jona?" It was then in his mind, he remembered too! A rich orange haired Sphynx, with a cocky look in her eye that grinned at them all, as she stood next to Maleficent, she was-!
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
The pod couldn't withstand Timbre's will anymore and-!
SMASH!
"Whoa!"
"Agh!"
It was then Keyblader and Sphynx, saw along the surface of the purple pod a shining shape emerged! Their hope had been realised, the Keyhole had finally been revealed!
"That shape, it's-!"
With a nod, Sora said, "It's your way out Timbre!"
"My way out?" He asked.
Sora then said, "Yeah," however looking a little troubled he had to tell him, "But Timbre if I Unlock this, there's something that's gonna happen to you, that I need to tell you about."
"What?" He asked looking troubled.
Sora then told him, "When I get you out of the pod," With that putting his hand onto his chest, he told him, "You and the Fragment will be taken into my heart."
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GLOW! GLOW!
Nozomi then saw that he was aiming both of his terrible Keyblades at her! Angered she went to immediately fly out of the way, saying, "Don't you ever learn! You can't-!"
HISS!
Suddenly the giant Ouroboros Heartless moved, spinning quickly in the air and as it did-!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
Four portals of Darkness emerged around her body and quickly-!
GRAB! GRAB! GRAB! GRAB!
GRAB! GRAB! GRAB! GRAB!
"Agh!"
Her limbs and middle were quickly grabbed by multiple Heartless limbs as they peered at her from the four portals, staring down at her with eerie glowing pink eyes! This had made her unable to move! She wouldn't be able to get out of the range of the attack! Her eyes widened in terror as she heard,
"It's over for you!"
With those horrible words, Xehanort finally went to claim what was his!
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Shocked, Timbre couldn't believe it! He demanded, "Wait! What do you mean I'll be taken into your heart! Why!? How can that-!"
"Because not everyone here in this place has the full image of themselves back in their hearts!" Sora explained, with that he said further, "The King said, that until everybody does... they won't be able to fully materialise as themselves again."
Quiet as he heard this, Timbre then remembered when he'd encountered Aqua in the tomb with Nozomi and the others, what her explanations had been. As he did, he asked sadly realising the truth, "Really?"
Sora nodded and explained further, "Yeah, Nozomi came back fully... but only she realised her own existence, and at the time, you were all linked together," Then he paused and explained what had been told to him, "The King thinks her will was strong enough at that moment, that she was able to come back with help, thanks from Riku being there too, along with all your power being connected in the same place, but because she's not linked with you all right now, that means-"
"We won't have the same privilege?" Timbre asked.
To which Sora nodded, though it was clear he felt bad as he said, "I'm sorry Timbre, I wish it could be different to this but..."
Seeing him act this, Timbre again felt no dishonesty. So sighing he replied, "Well, I don't get it completely, but if that's how these dumb treasures work, I'll just have to go along with it." Then looking around his prison, he added, "Besides, anything is better than staying in this awful thing!"
Surprised, Sora asked, "You mean you're okay with-?"
"Let me out, Sora!" Timbre told him with determination, then with a smile he added, "Let me join with you, I need to get out of here, so I can help my sister!"
Amazed, Sora couldn't believe Timbre was willing to trust him to this extent! However with a nod, he smiled too and replied, "You got it!" With that-!
FLASH!
His Keyblade came to his hand! Then aiming it quickly, he made the power come forth and immediately-!
SHINE!
It entered into the Keyhole and as it did-!
SMASH!
At last the pod was smashed to pieces, letting the Vessel of the Third Fragment break free!
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GLOW! GLOW!
Nozomi seeing the brightness of the light of Unlocking coming for her, she squeezed her eyes shut! Dreading the horrible pain that was going to come! However-!
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
Hearing these sounds, Nozomi looked up and there she saw with amazement the purple gem on Xehanort's chest was cracking furiously all over! As it was, the monstrous man uttered, "This is-!?"
SMASH!
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"
Suddenly Xehanort screamed in agony! As he did, the purple gem was utterly obliterated as it shattered into countless pieces!
With amazed eyes, Nozomi asked, "It's broken?" Then quickly she realised with delight, "That means Sora! He's saved, Timbre! He's-!"
"Nozomi!"
"Huh?" The female Keyblader looked up, but before she could move to do anything-!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
With amazement, Nozomi saw the limbs of the Heartless were all wiped out and quickly-!
"Whoa!"
She was quickly grabbed by her now freed right hand, as she was, she looked up and saw with delight, "Vincent!"
Her voice getting his attention, he told her, "Nozomi, hold on tight!"
Nodding, she replied, "Okay!" With that she held onto his clawed hand, as his demonic form carried her away to quickly rejoin Mickey and the others, who had all been finally freed from the power of the Third Fragment!
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GLOW!
Quickly the Third Fragment took Timbre's physical form that had been contained within the jewel pod. Then immediately it flew to Sora, his hands out, he gently held it in his palms.
"It's warm," he said. Then looking down at the mysterious purple glass shard with a gentle smile, he placed it against his chest, and quickly, he felt the treasure enter his chest and into his heart. As he did he gasped, then quickly he saw within his mind-!
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"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
"Timbre come back here!" It was then the small pink haired boy was caught by someone's strong grip. Looking up puzzled, he saw that it was sister, who told him with a sigh, "I told you not to run around the deck, you don't know what might come and take a little kitten like you, you don't-!"
"I can look after myself!" Then with a cheeky grin, he added escaping her hold fast, "Besides, I'd just float back onboard, I won't sink!"
"Oh really?" She asked him, smirking.
"Yeah! Besides, you're way heavier than me!" Then running ahead, he added, "You don't wanna turn into a porker do ya!?"
It was clear, his sister was mad and quickly she cried out, "Timbre!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Then quickly his taller orange haired sibling chased him around and around the deck, trying to get a hold of him! However as he jumped about here and there, it was clear his sister had no chance!
Grinning, as he made it up some ropes, he told her as she looked at him from down below, "You'll never catch me!"
However she quickly smirked and replied, "That's what you think!" Then-!
POW!
She released her power, glowing brightly all over with orange energy! As it was released into the wood of the ship-!
"Hey! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"
Timbre couldn't handle the vibrations and quickly fell towards the floor of the deck before-!
"Oof!"
He was quickly grabbed in his big sister's arms! As he was, and he looked up to her startled, he heard her say, "Looks like I win again!"
Blinking, the pink haired Sphynx mad said looking away, "You play no fair!"
Laughing she then told him, "Well sometimes you gotta play dirty to get ahead..." However she added, as she moved him to sit upon her right shoulder, giving him a lift, "But no matter what tricks I play, you and everyone else here, are always number one in my heart... I wanna be there to catch you all, so no bad guys ever catch us out again," then sadly she added, "Cause after all, I never wanna lose anyone like we did Mom and Pops."
Surprised hearing her say this, Timbre asked, "Sis?"
She looked up to him, she was about to say more when-!
"Joanna! Timbre!"
They both quickly became awkward, then looking behind themselves. It was then the two of them saw the rest of their new family, Balthier who had called out, Fran and a younger Zidane who looked puzzled in front of her.
Seeing them looking at them, Timbre was quiet as he heard his sister say, "Ha! Ha! Sorry, we cause too much of a ruckus for ya?"
"If that's the softer form you wish to call it?" Fran replied, clearly unimpressed.
"Yeah?" Jona replied, then quickly she said, "Sorry...it's always like this before bath time isn't it?"
"I should say so!" Balthier replied, then with that he told them all, "We actors must always be at our pristine and best, the audience does not appreciate grime of any kind!"
Zidane looked puzzled at this word, as young boy and asked, "Audience?"
Shaking her heard, Jona then said, "Yeah, yeah I know boss, We'll all get down below now!" With that placing Timbre down, she told him, "Now go on, get washed, I'll play with you and Zidane up here later!"
It was clear though, the young boy was annoyed as he pouted, however sighing he replied, "Fine! But only because you won!" With that walking over to his young pal and Fran, he told his sibling, "But I'll win next time! Just you wait!"
Waving her hand, Jona replied, "Yeah, yeah!" With that as Fran led them down below, to get washed, Timbre heard his sister call out, "See ya soon little bro, I love you!"
Timbre was quiet as they walked down the wooden stairs, however he revealed a small smile. But there was no way he was gonna be all mushy then, he was gonna be covered in bubble soon anyway!
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Feeling and seeing these memories, Sora was quiet. Then he couldn't help but smile, feeling a tremendous warmth in his heart, "Wow, your sister really is strong!"
"You got that right she is!"
Surprised, Sora asked, "Timbre I can hear you!"
"Wait? You can!?"
Sora nodded, "Yeah!" Then quickly he added, "That's great, I'm glad I can hear your voice!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Puzzled, Sora asked, "Wait, why are you laughing?"
"Never thought I'd feel happy from a guy saying that! But..."
"But?" Sora repeated.
"Thanks Sora... I'm glad too."
The chosen smiled brightly. Then he said, "Okay! Now it's time we go get your sister, let's save Jona!"
"Right! But where is she? Do you know where-!"
GLOW!
It was then above them, they both felt a radiance of light! Then looking above, it was then they saw an orange light shine on from above! As they did, Sora remembered it from Timbre's memories, and said confidently, "I think we got our answer!" However, looking at his body, he said, "But I can't fly now, the Pixie Dust has run out and I don't have Nozomi's wings, so how can I-?"
"You forgot about my power already?"
"Huh?" Sora was about to ask him what he meant when-!
GLOW!
His body glowed all over with purple light! As it did, he then saw, "Whoa!" He started to float up into the air! As he did, he couldn't believe it, "I can fly now!"
"Well personally I think of it as floating, but I guess its close enough?"
"Okay then!" Sora laughed, however knowing they needed to hurry. He concentrated his sights above them and said, "Well lets go Timbre! We'll save Jona together!"
"Right!"
With that the Chosen Keyblader floated with Timbre's power, and with that they went to release the Vessel of the First Fragment! As they flew on together, Sora whispered, "I hope that everyone else is succeeding like I am!" For he wanted to be reunited with everyone soon and finally end the Nightmare had Xehanort had started!
