CHAPTER 15.12: Sora's Chain Of Memories Part 12
After Eda successfully repaired the last memory, the group is eager to continue.
Luz: Alright, Naminé! We're ready for the next memory! Three more to go!
Naminé: *nods* Yes.
As Naminé began to motion a memory frame toward the group, she immediately stopped in place with fear. The group notices this.
Luz: Naminé? What's wrong?
Naminé seemingly began quivering.
Eda: Hey, what's the holdup?
Luz approached Naminé and tapped her right shoulder, causing her to jolt and turn around, scaring Luz.
Naminé/Luz: Ah!
Luz: Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Are you ok?
Naminé stood there and looked at Luz as if she had seen a ghost.
Luz: Naminé?
The second fragmented Inner Sora approaches Naminé.
Inner Sora (KH2): Naminé. What's wrong?
Naminé said nothing for a moment before looking at Inner Sora and Eda.
Naminé: I need to speak to you both. Alone.
Naminé then looks at the teens.
Naminé: Please give us privacy by watching this memory.
Naminé motions another memory frame to the group.
Luz: But wait, what about-
Naminé: Please.
Luz wanted to interject more, but Inner Sora interrupted her.
Inner Sora (KH2): It's ok, Luz. I'm sure this won't take long. Just give us a few, and we'll be right back. Ok?
Luz: I...ok.
Naminé: I'm sure you all will enjoy this. This memory is of Sora at a dance festival.
Teens: Dance festival?!
Inner Sora (KH2): Wait, you mean at-
Naminé: Yes. In the Kingdom of Corona, Rapunzel's world.
Inner Sora (KH2): Oh. That. That was fun.
Luz/Willow/Gus/Amity: Ooh. Now, THIS we gotta see.
The teens began walking towards the memory frame, leaving Naminé, Eda, and Inner Sora in private.
Eda: Alright, Naminé. Spill. What's got you so spooked?
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
Naminé looked back at the teens watching the memory play out, then at Eda and Inner Sora.
Naminé: This next memory...I believe you should handle this alone as well, Eda.
Eda: Why?
Naminé lowered her head with her eyes closed.
Naminé: The next memory needing repair is of Kairi being struck down by Xehanort.
A sense of horror shrouded Eda and Inner Sora.
Eda: You're...kidding...
Naminé shook her head.
Eda then looks at Inner Sora, who turns his head to advert Eda's eyes.
Eda: Oh, Sora... *looks at Naminé* Of all the memories, why that one? *sigh* And, of course, since Luz is a placeholder for Kairi in his memories...Luz seeing this would no doubt scar her pretty bad.
Naminé: That is precisely what I fear. Even though Sora wished for them to know everything, I don't think they are ready to witness such an event.
Eda nods as she places her hand on Sora's shoulder.
Eda: Hey...it's alright. We all know Kairi's out there in the Isles. That's why you came here, right?
Inner Sora (KH2): ...Yeah.
Eda: Yeah. Keep the others company. I'll take care of this one fast.
Naminé: As you should. All you have to do is strike Xehanort once.
Eda: Only once? Alright.
Inner Sora (KH2): No.
Both Eda and Naminé look at Sora with surprise.
Inner Sora (KH2): I already told Eda...and Luz the story. And I trust the others to learn everything as well. We've come this far. No turning back now.
Eda: Sora...
Inner Sora (KH2): Also, since Luz has the power now. *lowers his head with eyes closed* She'll face stuff like this someday.
Eda/Naminé: ...
The three were lost in thought for a bit until they looked at the group enjoying the memory.
[Cut Luz and the others watching the memory]
Gus: Wow! Look at him go!
Luz: Did you all see how he breakdanced on that barrel? Wicked!
Amity: He really knows how to move.
Willow: He really is talented.
[Cut back to Naminé, Eda, and Inner Sora]
Inner Sora (KH2): We can't hide this from them. They have to know.
Naminé: Very well. However, they at least deserve the option to go through with it if they wish.
Inner Sora (KH2): You're right.
Eda: *sigh* This isn't gonna be good.
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
The three walked toward the group with sad yet severe expressions. As they reached the teens, they had just finished watching the memory of the dance festival.
Inner Sora (KH2): That was fun, huh?
[Play Kingdom Hearts - Oopsy-Daisy]
The other teens turned around to see Inner Sora, Eda, and Naminé.
Luz: Oh, Sora! Yeah. You really know how to move.
Amity: *folds her arms with a smirk* Especially with all those girls you danced with.
Eda: Popular with girls, as always.
All the girls look at Inner Sora with smirks.
Inner Sora (KH2): *blushes* What? Me? No way. I was just partaking in the festival for fun.
Eda/Luz/Amity/Willow: *smirking* Uh-huh.
Inner Sora (KH2): Seriously. I was just being my usual self. Besides *rubbing the back of his head sheepishly* I could never think any girl would see me that way. Also, what did you mean by "as always," Eda?
Everyone else widened their eyes at Inner Sora in deadpanned disbelief.
Group: *thinking* Is he serious? ...Or dense?
Gus: Are you serious? Sora. Practically every girl in Hexside has—
Luz and Willow quickly cover Gus's mouth.
Luz: *whispering* Shut it!
Willow: *whispering* He can't know! Not yet, anyway!
Inner Sora (KH2): Uhh...what were you saying, Gus?
Luz/Willow: Nothing! He wasn't saying anything! *chuckles sheepishly*
Inner Sora (KH2): Riiiiight. *exhales* Guys, listen.
[End Kingdom Hearts - Oopsy-Daisy]
Everybody looked at Inner Sora as Eda, and Naminé suddenly took a somber expression.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
Inner Sora (KH2): We need to talk about something serious about the next memory.
Luz and the other teens became nervous.
Luz: W-What is it?
The Inner Sora, Eda, and Naminé shared a look before nodding.
Inner Sora (KH2): The next memory that needs to be repaired is something very...dark. And we need to talk to you all about it before going in.
Teens: ...
Inner Sora (KH2) takes a breath while clenching his fists. The teens noticed this, making them even more nervous. Luz became even more as she started to feel where this was going. Sora exhaled and relaxed his hands.
Inner Sora (KH2): The next memory that needs to be repaired is...Kairi...being struck down by Xehanort.
Luz and the others widened their eyes in horror. They felt all their hearts sink.
Amity: W-What?
Gus: When you say "struck down,"...
Willow: You mean...she—
Inner Sora (KH2): Yes.
The teens were about to express their feelings, but Inner Sora cut them off.
Inner Sora (KH2): But she's not gone. She's still out there. Alive.
Naminé: It is true. Kairi is indeed alive.
Gus: But how?
Naminé: Because...I was in Kairi's heart before arriving at Sora's.
Gus: Really?
Amity: Wait, wait, wait! I'm confused. Can you explain?
Naminé: That will be explained at a later time. Right now, the memory is our main priority. Sora.
Inner Sora (KH2): *frowning* Guys, this is serious. So, listen.
The other teens look at Sora.
Inner Sora (KH2): *glaring towards the ground* Towards the end of my last adventure, my other friends and I were fighting against Organization XIII or the Seekers of Darkness. During the battle, Xehanort struck her down with his Keyblade...right in front of me.
The teens couldn't believe it. Just when they thought this Organization XIII couldn't be any more evil, they learn this information. The group of Dark Seekers is cruel enough to strike one of Sora's friends down in front of him.
Naminé: Which leads us to this moment... The next memory is of Kairi being struck down, and the only way to repair it is by striking Xehanort once.
The teens share a frown.
Amity: Then, what are we waiting for? *fist pumped* Let's take him out!
Naminé: No...you don't understand the whole situation.
Amity: What? What do you mean?
Naminé: In this memory...you will witness Kairi being stuck down before you. And since Luz is acting as a placeholder for Kairi...
The teens widened their eyes, starting to understand where this was going.
Inner Sora (KH2): This is why we wanted to talk to you before going in. This will no doubt be the scariest thing you might see, which is why we're giving you an option. You can choose to sit this one out or repair the memory.
The teens stood there. Not a single one of them uttered a word, not that they could be blamed for it. If they choose to repair this memory, they will witness someone's alleged death. Are they ready for this type of danger despite the dangers they've faced so far? Are they brave enough to see something like this? Will they be strong enough to process this? These thoughts ran through their minds until Eda spoke.
Eda: Listen up.
The teens turn their attention to Eda.
Eda: In my honest opinion, you kids should sit this one out. I personally don't think you're ready for stuff like this. I can handle doing this one myself.
Inner Sora (KH2): *looks directly at Luz* I don't want to force any of you to do anything you don't want to. Though, I think this might be something you want to face sooner rather than later.
Luz and the others noticed the Inner Sora looking at her, which confused her.
Luz: Sora?
Inner Sora (KH2): ...Since you have the Keyblade's power. I believe you'll have to face stuff like this in the future.
Luz's eyes widened.
Inner Sora (KH2): Despite everything I've seen and experienced, I never thought any of it would happen when I first got my Keyblade. I even said I didn't ask for the Keyblade to choose me and didn't ask for all the responsibilities falling upon my shoulders that Master Yen-Sid told me about. I didn't ask for the things and people I've lost.
Luz: Sora...
Luz looks down in sadness. Hearing those words has made her start to understand the downsides of having the Keyblade's power. Despite the pros of traveling to other worlds and exploring, it doesn't come without a price. With Sora's memories being prime examples, Luz is starting to have thoughts about possibly having to face major threats someday. It is not something she could simply walk away from, even if she wanted to, especially if said threats were on the same level as Xehanort, the man who tried to use the power of Kingdom Hearts to reshape the universe entirely. The Heartless and Nobodies, beings of Darkness and Nothingness that will stop at nothing to consume the hearts of other life and the worlds themselves unless the Keyholes of the worlds are sealed. And, of course, right now, she can't even summon her own Keyblade.
Inner Sora (KH2): Again. I won't force you to do anything you don't want to. You don't even have to watch the memory. As Eda said, she can handle this one herself. However, whatever you want to do, now's the time to tell us.
The teens simply stood there without saying anything. In their minds, they now understood the actual dangers of what it means to be a Keyblade wielder. Even though these are memories and events from the recent past, they're still a little unsure of what to do. Sure, they've seen Sora sacrifice himself to save Kairi. But unlike that memory, this one will be an act of TAKING a life rather than saving one. Sure, they've technically seen that before with the memory of Jack Sparrow shooting Barbossa, but this particular memory will be of Kairi's alleged death. To make matters worse, Luz is acting as a placeholder for Kairi. The idea of seeing her own death, in a sense, would no doubt be one of the most traumatic experiences of her life as of yet. She remains unsure of what to do. After a bit of silence, Amity steps forward with her eyes closed.
Amity: I understand the dangers of this memory...and I'm aware that there are indeed beings out there, be it in our world or others, willing to harm others. *opens her eyes with a frown* I wish to proceed forward. I want to do my part to help fix your memories, Sora. I'm ready.
Inner Sora (KH2): *nods* Ok. *turns to the others* How about you guys?
Willow steps forward.
Willow: I've seen so many scary things in your memories, the Heartless, the Nobodies, all the bad guys you had to fight, losing your friends and family. But, I never imagined your friend, a friend you've known since the beginning, being struck down. And honestly, it is scary. But I don't want to stand by and do nothing. I want to help as well.
Inner Sora (KH2) nods at Willow as Gus steps forward.
Gus: Honestly, I prefer to sit this one out. I don't think I'm ready for this kind of thing.
Inner Sora (KH2): *nods* I understand. *turns to Luz* Luz?
As everyone turned to Luz, she remained silent with her head lowered. She isn't sure if she can go through with this. On the one hand, she wants to help Sora more than anything right now. But on the other hand, seeing Kairi, or herself, in a way, being struck down is terrifying. However, one thing she's learned from meeting Sora is that having a strong heart and strong support can get her through this. Not just these memories but also from her past. Luz has faced many hardships; labeled as an outcast by others, losing her dad, being forced away to a camp just so she can learn to be "normal" by her mom, facing dangers native to the Boiling Isles, encountering the Heartless, and of course, the dark memories of Sora's. In her world, she faced those hardships on her own. But now, she's not alone. Fear still lingers, but her desire to help Sora, her first friend, her best friend, resonates within her more ever so slightly. And so, she steps forward to give her answer.
Luz: Sora...
Inner Sora (KH2): ...
Luz: Honestly, I'm afraid. But at the same time, I want to go forward.
Eda was surprised.
Eda: Luz. Are you sure?
Luz: *nods* Yes. Sora...not only are you my best friend, but you're the very first friend I've ever made in my entire life.
Everyone was surprised to hear that.
Luz: And I wanna do everything I can to help save your memories, no matter the cost. And I know that as you're all here with me, I can get through anything. WE can get through anything.
The rest stood there silently momentarily.
Inner Sora (KH2): *nods* Ok. Luz, Eda, Willow, Amity. Are you all ready?
The four said yes as Naminé motioned the memory frame towards them.
Naminé: This memory takes place further into the Keyblade Graveyard. I warn you one last time. This is where Xehanort struck down Kairi... To repair this memory, you must simply attack Xehanort once, and that is it.
Luz, Eda, Willow, and Amity understood the task and proceeded to enter the memory frame until Gus stopped them.
Gus: Wait!
They all turned to look at him.
Gus: I changed my mind. I'm going in with you.
Inner Sora (KH2): Are you sure?
Gus: Yeah. At first, I was afraid. But, hearing Luz's words...I realized she was right. If we all stick together, we can get through this. I kinda forgot that that's what we've been doing this whole time by being afraid. Plus, like Amity said, I wanna do my part as well.
Everyone else seemed to be proud of Gus's newfound courage.
Inner Sora (KH2): Ok. So, that's everyone.
Naminé: Go on. And good luck.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
The group, now at five, nodded and entered the memory frame. Upon the other side, they found themselves in a large open space of nothing but dirt, pillars, and ruins. The sky is dark and surrounded by clouds. In front of them, surprising the group, were three familiar beings. Sora, Riku, and King Mickey. Before they could ask, Naminé explained.
Naminé: Sora, Riku, and King Mickey were there at that moment, hoping to finish off Xehanort and rescue Kairi. In front of them, the top of the pillar stands Xehanort.
The group widened their eyes and looked above, and they did indeed see an older man surrounded by what they could guess were Keyblades of his own. Looking closely, Xehanort is seen as bald except for thin eyebrows and a curled, silver goatee. His ears are pointed, and his eyes are yellow. He has broad, hunched shoulders and a crooked back. He overall appears as a somewhat feeble older man, certainly deceiving given his immense power. His clothing comprises a white and black coat with a black outer lining and a red inner lining over a white shirt with two thin black belts, as well as white gloves and calf-high black boots. The group became tense while also glaring at the older man.
Gus: So...that's him.
Willow: ...Xehanort.
Amity: He looks like a frail older man.
Eda: And yet...
Luz: *clenching her fists* He was the mastermind responsible for all the horrible things that happened to Sora and his friends.
Eda: Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's take him down.
The teens were ready until they heard Xehanort speak.
Xehanort: Twelve keys we have now. Leaving just one more!
He summons his Keyblade, raising it high. A blue orb appears from its tip, which he then launches into the clouded sky. The world ripples and light peeks through the clouds, shining down on him.
Luz: What's he doing?
Naminé: He was opening a bridge between the two words to allow Kingdom Hearts to shine through.
Eda: Right. Just like before, he was always after it.
Xehanort: Now, Sora. Darkness and light's final clash.
The clouds swirl and part slowly. Sora gasps as Luz(Kairi) floats up beside Xehanort, who laughs softly.
Memory Sora (KH3): Luz(Kairi)!
The group stood there, frozen, as Sora began to run toward the pillar of rock.
Xehanort: You require motivation.
Sora leaps onto the side of the pillar as Luz's(Kairi's) comatose body hovers in front of Xehanort. He reaches back with his blade and bludgeons her full on the back in one swift strike. She glows pink, and her form shatters, disappearing in a fracture of light.
[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
It was done. The group had witnessed it. They stood there in absolute silence with a reaction as you might expect them to have, the kind of reaction of seeing an absolute live nightmare. Sora began running even faster up the pillar.
Memory Sora (KH3): Luz(Kairi)!
Unable to blink, Sora leaps atop the pillar, swinging his Keyblade at Xehanort in a roar, who blocks with his own.
Memory Sora (KH3): Why her?!
Xehanort knocks him back while King Mickey and Riku watch as Sora tumbles to the ground behind them. Tears fall from his eyes as he looks back up at Xehanort from the position on his knees.
Memory Sora (KH3): Why?!
Xehanort: I have done it.
Riku: Xehanort!
Riku rushes up the pillar just as Sora had done but is held back by the thirteenth replica Keyblade, which materializes in front of Xehanort and proceeds to swing him away. Riku screams, falling back down the pillar.
King Mickey: You'll pay!
King Mickey jumps to the top of the pillar and aims his Keyblade at Xehanort.
King Mickey: Ultima!
Xehanort: Stopza!
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX -Missing You- Extended]
Xehanort holds his hand out before him, conjuring a dark wind. With magical runes surrounding them, the two spells collide, with Xehanort's sphere of stopped time growing to encompass King Mickey and Riku. The blast of wind ripples through Sora's hair as he sees his friends frozen in place. Immediately after, everything remained frozen in place. The group, still standing there frozen, began to process what they had just seen. Xehanort had just taken out Kairi with just one strike without remorse. It even seemed that he took pleasure in doing so. They look up at Riku and King Mickey, frozen in midair, but they can tell they are both angry about what happened. Then they turned to Sora, who stuck frozen, glaring up at Xehanort with tears in his eyes.
And to make matters worse, it was Luz's instead of Kairi's appearance. In a way, they saw Luz die right before their eyes. They knew the risks. They knew the dangers that lay in this memory. But despite that, they felt so broken. They had tears in their eyes. And so, each of them expressed their thoughts.
Gus: How...could he just do that?
Willow: *covering her mouth* How could anyone be that evil?
Amity said nothing at first. Her pupils were dilated. Her mouth was open. She dropped to her knees.
Amity: He did so...with no remorse... Is this really...what darkness is? Is this what it does to people?
Eda clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.
Eda: *muttering* That monster...
[Everything around Luz fades to black]
Luz said absolutely nothing. Her eyes were as well dilated. She couldn't utter a word even if she wanted to. Kairi, being struck down, kept replaying in her mind. Tears fell from her eyes as she fell to her hands and knees, feeling nothing but devastation, her heart beating slowly. At that moment, dark thoughts began going through her mind. What would have happened if Kairi had really died? What would have happened to Sora? What would have happened if Luz had died in the future? How would the others react? How would her mom react? Luz then looked up to see Xehanort simply standing there smirking, almost like he wanted to laugh. For each second Luz stared at Xehanort, she got angrier and angrier. She whispered one word.
Luz: Maldito... (Darn...)
Suddenly, dark energy started emitting all around Luz.
Luz: Maldito... (Darn...)
Hearing her, the rest of the group turned around and became shocked at what was happening to Luz. The dark energy she was emitting became more apparent. It didn't take long for the group to realize what was happening to Luz.
Eda/Willow/Gus/Amity: Luz!
Luz looked up at Xehanort again, and the group became even more shocked to see that Luz's eye color began flickering between brown and yellow.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Master, Tell Me The Truth- Extended]
Luz started crying loudly until she let out a roar as the dark energy began surrounding her.
Luz: ¡MALDITO...SEAS...XEHANORT! (DARN...YOU...XEHANORT!)
[Cut to Naminé]
Meanwhile, on Sora's Dive to the Heart, Naminé immediately sensed the presence of darkness.
Naminé: Darkness! *turns around to Inner Sora* Sora!
Inner Sora (KH2): Right!
He immediately makes his way toward the memory frame.
[Cut back to Luz]
Back with Luz, a burst of dark energy flashed as she launched herself directly at Xehanort. Seeing this, the others yelled out to her to stop. Of course, that falls on deaf ears as Luz reaches into the air, locking her eyes on Xehanort. Raising her right arm and clenching her hand into a fist, she hears a roar as Luz charges straight toward Xehanort, intending to destroy the memory before her. But, despite her best effort, Xehanort simply blocked the attack with his Keyblade and swatted Luz back down towards the others with a hard thud. Enraged, Luz immediately tries to get back up to attack Xehanort again. But Eda, Willow, Gus, and Amity grabbed hold of Luz to keep her at bay.
Luz: *sobbing angrily* Let me go!
Eda, Willow, Gus, and Amity were horrified and saddened to see Luz like this. Despite understanding her feelings after witnessing Kairi's supposed death at the hands of Xehanort, they tried desperately to calm her down. Luz spirals out of control as she looks up at Xehanort.
Luz: *sobbing angrily* Every bad thing that happened to Sora and his friends was because of YOU!
Willow/Gus: Luz, please stop!
Xehanort gives off a wide grin, much to Luz's anger.
Luz: *sobbing angrily* ¡Maldito seas! (Darn you!)
Amity: Luz!
Luz, struggling to break free of the group's hold on her to keep her from attacking Xehanort again, kept roaring her words at him.
Luz: *sobbing angrily* ¡Eres un monstruo! ¡Un demonio! ¡TE VOY A DESTRUIR! (You're a monster! A demon! I WILL DESTROY YOU!)
Eda: Luz, calm down, please!
Luz began struggling to break free even more. And, to everyone's horror, the darkness started surrounding Luz even more. Luz's body began to glow a dark gold aura briefly, and the color of her eyes even began staying yellow. As this happened, a voice, which was not heard by everyone else, spoke to Luz.
?: Yes... Give in to Darkness... Let your anger out...
Soon after, Luz's voice started to sound different, as if she sounded demonic.
Luz: Xehanort...
Everyone else began to realize what was about to happen to Luz.
Willow/Gus: Luz!
Amity: No, don't!
Eda: LUZ!
A sudden white flash appears in front of everyone and what surprised them was seeing Sora hugging Luz tightly.
Inner Sora (KH2): LUZ, NO! PLEASE CALM DOWN! DON'T LET THE DARKNESS TAKE YOUR HEART!
Hearing Sora's words, Luz seemingly began calming down, but the darkness was still getting strong.
Luz: Let...me...go! Must...destroy... Xehanort!
Inner Sora (KH2): No! I won't let you go! I won't let the darkness take you! I won't let you lose your heart! Luz, let me help you!
Inner Sora tried to enter Luz's heart, but the darkness gave him trouble.
Luz: Sora... I...
With tears falling from her eyes, Luz turns to Sora, trembling.
Luz: Help...me...please!
Inner Sora (KH2): Just open your heart and let me in.
Eda: Sora! What's going on?!
Inner Sora (KH2): Darkness holds her, but her light is still glimmering. Meaning Luz is still in there. So, I'm trying to help by connecting to her heart, just like I did with Ven.
Amity: If you're gonna do it, do it now!
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz, take my hands. Please, let me in. Listen to my voice.
Luz, still darkened, struggled to listen at first but slowly did take hold of Sora's hand gently.
Luz: Sora...
Inner Sora (KH2): It's ok, I'm here.
Inner Sora began emitting a bright light to counter Luz's darkness seemingly.
The other became in awe at sight.
Inner Sora (KH2): Guys, wait a while. I'll get Luz back. Ok?
The others verbally agreed to do so.
Inner Sora (KH2): Don't worry, Luz. I'll bring you back...
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix -Master, Tell Me The Truth- Extended]
[Cut to black]
Inner Sora opened his eyes and looked around for a bit when a bright light appeared below him. He became in awe of what it was. He found himself in Luz's Dive to the heart. Like Sora's (and others), it is a giant circular glass mural. An image of Luz is viewed as her reclining to the edge while being placed in front of six connected circles. The circles on the edge contain images of the light glyphs, and the wide image at the bottom shows the owl house. Within the six circles, Sora could see Eda at the top, King at the top left, Willow at the bottom left, Amity at the bottom, and Gus at the bottom right. Inner Sora also noticed an image of himself in the center of the circles and smiled. He then notices an image of a woman who looks similar to Luz. The woman is seen with short hair and wearing glasses. He didn't take long to guess that the woman must be Luz's mom. Immediately after, Inner Sora notices Luz, the actual Luz, seemingly desperately fighting off a dark entity with light glyphs. Wasting no time, Inner Sora flies down towards them.
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz!
Luz hears Sora's voice and looks up to see him approaching. Seeing him, Luz became happy.
Luz: Sora!
Inner Sora (KH2): *summons his Keyblade* Take cover!
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
Luz and the dark entity leaped out of the way of each other as Inner Sora blasted a light sphere between the two. As soon as he lands on the platform, Luz gets up and runs towards Sora for a tight hug.
Luz: *crying* Sora, I was so scared! Everything around me faded to black! I didn't know what was happening! I felt nothing but anger, and I—
Inner Sora (KH2): It's ok. I'm here now. And... unfortunately, you just experienced darkness nearly taking control of your heart.
Luz's eyes widened.
Luz: Darkness...? That's what Darkness was? Is?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yes.
Luz: *shook her head* Well, I don't like it! It feels so scary and painful! Sora, how do I make it go away?!
Inner Sora (KH2): For now, you need to conquer it. And to do that... *looks at the dark entity trying to stand* we'll have to beat that thing.
Luz: We?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yes. You don't have to do it alone. We'll fight it together.
Luz seemed to have glimmered with hope until she realized something.
Luz: I don't know...that thing seemed to be unfazed with whatever I threw at it. My light glyphs barely did anything.
Inner Sora (KH2): Like, I said. We'll fight it together. And to truly conquer darkness... *points towards Luz* All you need is light.
Luz: ...*nods* Ok. Let's go for it!
?: RAAAAH!
The two were surprised to hear a voice coming from the dark entity. The shroud of darkness disappeared to reveal Luz. But not the Luz we know. This Luz has white hair, yellow eyes, and clothes colored black and grey. Naturally, this shocks the two.
Luz: What the...ME?
Inner Sora (KH2): Or rather, your darkness.
The dark entity looked angry and growled a bit until it calmed down.
?: He's right...I AM your darkness. Anger. Hatred. Sadness. That's what's what I am. And for simplicity's sake, call me Dark Luz.
Luz: But, how are you—
Dark Luz: Remember, Sora said every being has darkness in their hearts, even you. And before you ask, I was prominent for a short while during our past.
Inner Sora and Luz became a bit confused about that.
Luz: Huh?
Dark Luz: Tch. Of course, you wouldn't remember. You've had so much fun with him and the others that you made happy memories for the first time in a long time.
Luz: W-What do you mean?
Dark Luz: Ugh! Do I have to spell it out for you?! We suffered back then! Back home, from when we were little up until we came here to the Isles, we were an outcast! Nobody wanted anything to do with us because of our interests, our idea of fun! Not a single one of those jerks ever understood us! And when dad died...
Luz and Inner Sora winced.
Dark Luz: ...That was the worst week ever... And, of course, let's not forget about Mom wanting to send us to summer camp! Stealing our summer! Sending us away just so we could be more "normal," fit in, and have "real" friends! Just how messed up can she be?!
Luz snapped.
Luz: Hey, don't talk about Mom that way! True, I don't like what she did, and we don't exactly know what brought that idea in the first place. ...Aside maybe from the book report incident.
[Pause Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
Dark Luz: The snakes were going to be spectacular!
Inner Sora (KH2): Wait. *turns to Luz* You brought real live snakes to school?
Luz: Uhhhh, yeah?
Inner Sora (KH2): Umm. I'm no straight-A student, but wouldn't figurines be a better option?
Luz: Like she said, the snakes were gonna be spectacular.
Inner Sora (KH2): Maybe, but—
Dark Luz: HEY! I'M TALKING HERE!
Both Inner Sora and Luz turned to Dark Luz.
Dark Luz: Ugh! I swear it would help to listen to my explanation if you didn't interrupt! Now, as I was saying...
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
Dark Luz: Every dark moment in our life, I was there and slowly manifested. I probably would've become whole...until that day.
Inner Sora (KH2)/Luz: ...
Dark Luz: The day that we came to the Boiling Isles. The day...*points to Sora* that we met, Sora.
Inner Sora (KH2)/Luz: What?
Luz: Wait a sec! Meeting Sora was one of the best things that ever happened to us! He can't be at fault here!
Dark Luz: I never said he was! And you're right...meeting him was one of the best things ever happening to us. You, Sora! Aside from Eda, you were always there for us. You kept us safe. You kept us fed. You taught us ways to be strong. You're the very first friend we've ever made. Like I said, back home, nobody liked us. Nobody wanted anything to do with us. Mom wanted us to have real friends. And now, we have it! And all it took was an accidental trip to another world to have a friend! Can you believe that?
Inner Sora was saddened to hear this. He knew that Luz didn't exactly have a happy past based on what she told him, but he never thought it was this bad. He couldn't understand it. He saw Luz as a happy-go-lucky girl who, in some ways, is similar to Sora. Both have a sense of adventure. Both like to have fun and enjoy others' company, especially with friends. Sure, she can be impulsive at times, but she means well. With that in mind, it's hard to believe that she didn't have at least one friend back in her world.
Dark Luz: And to make things even more incredible, you did all that for us out of the kindness of your heart. You came here solely to find Kairi and bring her back with you to your world. And not just us. You helped everyone. You helped Eda from Warden Wrath and other bad guys. You helped Willow from Amity back when she was a jerk.
Inner Sora (KH2)/Luz: !
Dark Luz: You, or technically speaking, WE helped Gus with that human presentation thing with what's his name. And you even helped Amity get over herself and got her to be our friend, like actually, be our friend. ...Sora...YOU...were one of the best things that ever came into our lives.
Inner Sora (KH2): *looks at both* Luz...
Luz tears up a bit with a blush but then thinks of a question for her darkness.
Luz: Wait a sec. Then why are you here? If it has nothing to do with our past or with Sora—
Dark Luz: It does have to do with him! Or, to be exact, him and Xehanort!
Inner Sora (KH2)/Luz: What?
Dark Luz: That's why I'm here. I hated seeing every bad thing that had happened to you, Sora. You're the coolest guy I know... And...
Darkness started to emit as Dark Luz clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and growled.
Dark Luz: He made you suffer...from the very beginning. All you wanted to was travel the worlds with your friends, but he had to show up and ruin everything!
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz...
Dark Luz began to break down in tears.
Dark Luz: *crying* With Ansem, he destroyed your home, forced you to fight Riku, and you had to sacrifice yourself to save Kairi. With Xemnas, Kairi was kidnapped and held prisoner, forced you to fight the Heartless to free the hearts he collected, ripped you away from your friends at the last minute so that he could get rid of you. And now, he struck Kairi down in front of you! And he did it WITHOUT REMORSE! ALL BECAUSE OF HE WANTED KINGDOM HEARTS TO RESHAPE THE FREAKING UNIVERSE!
Inner Sora (KH2)/Luz: ...
Dark Luz: Why you? Why did it have to be you? Why did he have to go and mess with you? You do anything bad. You didn't even do anything to him. That's why I'm here. I want to destroy Xehanort so bad, make him pay for what he's done...I wish I could do it.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Tears Of The Light- Extended]
Inner Sora (KH2): *to Luz* I was wrong. We don't have to fight. We need to talk and let it all out.
Luz: *nods*
The two slowly approached Dark Luz.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz, I appreciate you caring about me and getting upset at Xehanort for me. But Xehanort is gone now, and he can never hurt anyone else ever again. You remember that, right?
Both Luz and Dark Luz do remember that. But in this instance, it simply slipped their minds.
Inner Sora (KH2): And I don't want you to resort to darkness and blind anger just for my sake.
Dark Luz: What?! I don't get it! Weren't you vengeful? Didn't you want to bury him 6 feet under?! For everything, he's done?!
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz. I was indeed angry and...I did want to hurt him badly. But I didn't want to succumb to darkness because of it. ...And it's not what Kairi would've wanted me to do. Besides...when Donald, Goofy, and I defeated Xehanort at our last stand, he was already...dying.
Dark Luz: ...
Inner Sora (KH2): That wasn't the only time. This one time, on my last adventure, me, Donald and Goofy were with Jack Sparrow... We were fighting against an enemy named Davy Jones. He...slayed Will with his sword. And I got so angry that I wanted to destroy him by simply beating him with my fists. But, because of my anger, I forgot that he couldn't go down that way, and he was close to slaying me until Jack finished him off by piercing his heart.
Luz: You almost...
Dark Luz: Died...?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yes. All because my anger blinded me. I think you understand what I'm saying, right?
Dark Luz: ...Blind anger and rage can cost you dearly.
Inner Sora (KH2): Exactly.
Dark Luz sits down, placing her hands on her head.
Dark Luz: *sigh* I can't believe I let this happen. I was just—
Inner Sora (KH2): Don't blame yourself. Any other person would've felt that way. If the roles were reserved, I would've reacted the same way. All because I care about you and all my friends.
Luz/Dark Luz: Sora...
Inner Sora (KH2): Remember what I told Amity? Everyone feels down sometimes. That's part of life. But you don't have to face them alone. You have friends to be there for you. Not just me.
Luz and Dark Luz nodded in agreement.
Inner Sora (KH2): *sigh* There's something I should make clear to you both. With Riku, darkness is a part of him because of what happened in our first adventure with Ansem. And on our second adventure, he conquered it, using it for good and his light. Initially, I always thought all darkness was bad and should be eliminated. But thanks to him, I realized that not all darkness is bad, just the people who use it. Even though I have darkness in me, I always do my best to keep it under control. Simply put, there's nothing wrong with being angry. You just gotta make sure it doesn't consume you.
Luz and Dark Luz started to take Inner Sora's words to heart as they looked at one another.
Luz: I think he's right. When Sora first mentioned darkness, I was afraid of it and never hoped to experience it.
Dark Luz: And I made you experienced because I thought it was what was needed. But in the end, it was all for nothing.
Inner Sora (KH2): Not necessarily. If anything, this experience gave you a better understanding of it. And it looked like you needed to get it out of your system. Suppressing feelings isn't a good thing. Sometimes, you just gotta let it out.
Luz: You're right.
Dark Luz: I guess. But there's one I don't get. How is it that you managed to keep it together this whole time? After everything you went through and lost, how exactly are you so strong that you keep going?
Inner Sora (KH2): Simple. You.
Luz/Dark Luz: ...What?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yeah. You, Eda, King, Willow, Gus, Amity, Riku, Roxas, Axel, Xion, Terra, Aqua, Ven, King Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Kairi, and all the friends I've made throughout the worlds. Every adventure I've been on, the battles I faced, the fun and sorrows I felt...all of those things have one thing in common. I had friends with me by my side. And in all those moments, our hearts connected and always will be, even if we're apart. That's what keeps me going. That's why I wield my Keyblade. That's what gives me strength. My friends are my power. As long as I keep my friends in my heart, I will always have the strength to keep going to the very end.
Luz/Dark Luz: ...Sora...
Both of them run up to Sora and hug him tightly, which he returns. After a bit, the three let go—the two Luzs look at one another.
Luz: Hey, Dark. How about we work together from now on? We both can become a stronger force for good that way.
Luz extends her hand out to her dark counterpart.
Dark Luz: Sure. But I take the wheel for when you can't handle the heat.
Luz: Deal.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 2 - Dearly Beloved]
Dark Luz then extends her hand to take Luz's. As the two took each other's hands, a bright light grew from them and engulfed everything. After the light subsides, Inner Sora sees Luz standing with her arms slightly raised, hands and eyes closed, and her head lowered. Luz slowly raised her head and opened her eyes to reveal her normal eye colors. She seems more composed and calm.
Inner Sora (KH2): So, how do you feel?
Luz's eyes widened, then lowered with a soft smile. She slowly extended her right arm outward, opened up her hand, and with a flash of glitters, surprising Sora, successfully summons a Keyblade. Her Keyblade. The grip, collar, shaft, and pin are entirely black. The cross guard circular shaped wings and attached to the sides are extended wings that reach and spiral around towards the pointed tip of the pin. The left wing seemed angelic, while the right was draconic. The teeth of her Keyblade are shaped like half of a twinkle. All of this is white colored. And finally, the Keychain token is a shape of a golden heart symbol depicted as the outline of a heart with tips that curl inward at its top with wings on each side. Luz and Inner Sora admired the Keyblade in all of its detail before Luz answered:
Luz: Complete.
Inner Sora (KH2): The darkness and negative emotions slowly manifesting and working against you were blocking your power. But now that you've come to terms with them and found balance—
Luz: I'm one step closer to becoming a Keyblade wielder.
Luz hugs her Keyblade while looking at Sora.
Luz: And it's all thanks to you.
Inner Sora (KH2): No. YOU overcame your darkness. I just gave you a little nudge.
Both chuckle for a bit before sighing in relief.
Luz: Sora?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yeah?
Luz: Did you...really mean...what you said about your friends? And them being your power?
Inner Sora (KH2): Did you really mean what you said about me being one of the best things to come into your life?
Luz blushes slightly.
Luz: Y-yesh.
Inner Sora (KH2): Then yes. Of course, we both already knew that. *summons his Keyblade* And you know what? I'm glad I came into your life. Cause you're a part of mine and a part of my heart.
Sora raises his Keyblade above the two. Luz smiles while looking down, then looks up and raises her Keyblade above Sora's. The two Keyblades crossovers each other, and their Keyblade disappear.
Luz: And I'm glad you're part of my life and my heart too... Wait. So... How do we go back with the others?
Suddenly, a bright light appeared next to them. They recognized it as a door to light.
Luz: Light.
Inner Sora (KH2): The door to light... *turns to Luz* Shall we?
Luz: *giggles* Let's shall.
The two proceeded to walk towards the door as the light engulfed everything.
[Cut to Eda, Willow, Gus, and Amity waiting around Luz and Inner Sora]
The group noticed the darkness around Luz had vanished entirely, indicating that Sora had managed to get through Luz. They seemed relieved until both Luz and Inner Sora let go of their hands and awakened with smiles. The two stand as they turn to face the others.
Eda: Sora? Is it done? Is she good?
Inner Sora (KH2): Yeah. *gives a thumbs up* She's all good now.
The others smiled and cheered as Luz gave them a sad smile.
Luz: You guys...?
They all look at Luz.
Luz: I'm so sorry about earlier. I was so angry that I had to REALLY let it all out. I hope I didn't hurt any of you.
Eda: I'll say. You know, bottling your emotions isn't healthy.
Luz: *chuckles* Believe me, I know now.
Amity: As for hurting us, don't worry. You didn't. However, it was really scary to see you like that.
Willow: We're just glad you're ok now.
Gus: Yeah.
Luz: I'm glad too.
Eda: So...you good now? No more darkness?
Luz: Darkness is still a part of me...but I managed to control it now. And I'll do my best to keep my light and darkness balanced so that something like this never happens again. So, yeah. I'm good.
Everyone sighs in relief, and then Luz remembers her Keyblade.
Luz: Actually, I'm more than good.
Eda: Huh?
Luz: Check this out.
Luz extends her right arm out and summons her Keyblade, causing the group to gasp in surprise.
Eda/Willow/Gus/Amity: WOAH!
Eda: No way! That's a—
Willow/Gus/Amity: Keyblade!
Inner Sora (KH2): *grins* Yup. She can now summon her Keyblade. Pretty cool, huh?
Eda/Willow/Gus/Amity: Yeah!
The group gathered closer to admire Luz's Keyblade, clearly in awe of its appearance and design.
Eda: *to Sora* Guess that means you'll start training her soon, huh?
Inner Sora (KH2): *nods* Very soon.
Luz: I can't wait.
Gus: *excited* Neither can I. Since Luz got hers, I wonder which one of us is next?
Willow and Amity became excited and wanted to talk it out more, but Naminé interrupted them.
Naminé: Ahem. I hate to interrupt this wonderful moment, but the memory still needs to be repaired.
The group became sheepish because they forgot about the memory itself.
Inner Sora (KH2): Meet you guys back with Naminé. *fades away*
[End Kingdom Hearts 2 - Dearly Beloved]
[Play Face My Fears (KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version (3:29)]
As soon as Inner Sora fades, the group turns around to face Xehanort. Luz steps forward with her Keyblade in hand. She lowers her head and closes her eyes as she hears Dark Luz's voice.
Dark Luz: You've got it this time, right?
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Definitely got this one. With your might and mine combined from now on, we'll face anything that comes our way. The way I see it, we're too determined to give up.
Dark Luz: Determined, huh? I like that.
Luz: Yup. Determination. That's our power!
Dark Luz: Alright then. Let's show it off!
Luz opened her eyes with a more confident smile as her eyes quickly shifted from brown to orange to brown again.
Luz: Ready, guys?
Eda/Willow/Gus/Amity: Ready!
All five rushed forward and used their powers to leap up the top of the pillar to face Xehanort in midair, and they all attacked Xehanort one by one, starting with Luz at the front striking Xehanort with her Keyblade.
[End Face My Fears (KINGDOM Orchestra Instrumental Version (3:55)]