A/N: Not going to lie, this chapter gave me a lot of difficulty. Many important scenes unfold in this chapter as we approach the climax of the story, and I want them to turn out perfectly. The fights were particularly difficult, since fight scenes are not my strong point, and I toyed with the length of certain scenes, wondering if I should have made them longer. But, I know that sometimes less is more when it comes to writing, so I hope I did those scenes justice, and I hope you enjoy the chapter!
The castle of Hollow Bastion was even more grand – and terrifying – up close. A lift transported them from the base of the falls to the castle's entrance, carrying them over a wasteland of fog and gloom. Yet, the castle's entrance begat grandeur and majesty, a stark contrast from the ruins that surrounded it. Akira placed her hands on the marble railings once they landed, gazing out into the horizon with wonder. "Wow," she said in astonishment, "It's amazing how this castle could remain so beautiful while the rest of the world is on the brink of destruction."
"Don't fool yourself," Beast warned, "The powers of darkness are what keep this castle standing. Take a look."
He pointed towards the sky. Sora and Akira craned their necks and squinted their eyes, trying to take in every sight they could. Though, a part of them wished they hadn't.
The Heartless emblem was hollowed out, its edges surrounded by shattered glass. Rusted cogs and gears had come to a standstill, not having seen any use in many years. Tendrils of dark smoke seeped from the cracks as the pipes continued to pump impure gas into the air. The castle hadn't been well-maintained at all; rather, the shadows were claiming it as their own.
They took a small step back when they took in the awful sight. "W-we'd better get going, then," Sora said quickly.
Suddenly, a shadowy orb appeared before them, growing in size as it solidified. Two purple antennas pointed out from its head as a toothy grin formed on its face, its sinister, yellow eyes hungry for the hearts that stood before it.
Akira called on her staff without a second thought. She had to be extremely careful with their party's current state, and it was better to be safe than sorry. The Heartless began its advance, chomping its teeth as the evil smile never left its face. In a panic, she guarded with her staff as the shadow's teeth met with the metal. "Wh-whoa!" she yelped, feeling her feet slide a little. Though it seemed to be light, the Heartless had a surprising amount of strength, almost overwhelming her.
"Be careful!" Sora called from behind. It pained him greatly to just sit on the sidelines and do nothing. But what could he even do? The wooden sword simply passed through them without leaving so much as a scratch…
"This thing isn't as weak as it looks!" she said as she struggled to keep her weapon in place amidst the crunching teeth.
With a ferocious roar, Beast clawed at the Heartless, leaving deep cuts on its face as it was sent tumbling back. Akira took the opportunity to quickly unleash three fire spells in succession, hoping to destroy it before it had the chance to return. Thankfully, the fireballs hit straight and true, and the enemy dissipated into a wisp of smoke and darkness.
Akira clicked her blade on the marble floor, winded. "These are… harder than the ones we're used to," she said between breaths.
"They must feed off of the darkness of the world," Sora surmised, approaching Beast, "Are you sure you're okay to fight, Beast?"
Beast groaned, but determination filled his eyes. "Yes. We cannot stop now."
He pointed to the set of doors that stood at the end of the marble walkway, adorned with intricate and regal lavender patterns. Whatever fate awaited them stood behind those daunting castle doors, and they had no choice but to keep moving forward.
Despite the Heartless crest emblazoned carpet that covered the floor, Maleficent's delicate steps clicked and echoed across the Grand Hall. She strode with pride across the room, her various treasures lining the walls of the hall's entrance. Glass encasings lined the walls, each holding its prize within a dark crystal prison; Jasmine, Alice, and various other young women were held prisoner under the effect of a powerful sleeping curse. Six young women were held captive against the walls but the seventh, Maleficent's most recent acquisition, lay unconscious in a dark capsule at the centre of the entrance. The witch passed by her newest prize, scraping her long fingernails across the glass capsule, gazing fondly at the young teen within. At long last, after all the work she had put into it… her goal was finally in view.
She withdrew her hand from Kairi's capsule and climbed the few short steps leading into the hall, turning around to face the fruits of her labour with a triumphant grin. "O purest of hearts!" she beckoned to them, "Reveal to me the Keyhole!"
A great light emanated from each of the young women's hearts, sending beams of light towards the middle of the room as the power of their hearts assembled. The power of light gathered and sent another ray of light towards the Grand Hall, filling a Heartless crest shaped depression in the wall with pure light. The darkness within the hollow surged to life, rolling and churning as it reacted to the light of the pure hearts. Maleficent turned to face the hollow in the wall, grinning wickedly as her plans took shape. In just a few short moments, all the powers of the universe would be hers to command, and she would ascend to rule all worlds.
Yet, she failed to notice only six of the maiden's hearts had heeded her call, with Kairi's remaining quiet and unresponsive…
Sora, Akira, and Beast stepped into the grand entrance hall, taking in the views as they stepped further into the light. Marble columns lined the circular entrance, leading towards two winding staircases resting atop a small fountain in the wall, water gushing out of the mouth of a rusted copper beast head. The columns lined the second floor as well, with the staircase leading to another corridor adorned with elaborate designs; no doubt leading to their next destination.
"Be on your guard," Beast growled, "They're close, I can feel it."
"H-how do you know?" Akira whispered.
Heed his warning. There is a great darkness ahead.
Akira gulped in response and nodded lightly. Well, that's two members of their party sensing something disturbing; they couldn't both be wrong.
As Sora and Akira cautiously stepped further into the rotunda, the sound of the marble doors opening behind them caught Beast's attention. As he turned to face the now open doors, he was greeted with a most horrific scene: the image of his beloved Belle drowning in darkness before his very eyes. Overcome with a sudden rage, Beast roared in anger and ignored his own cautions, lunging towards the shadow. The doors immediately snapped shut, startling the teens.
"What just happened? Beast? Where are you?" Akira called, quickly scanning the area where Beast stood just a few seconds prior.
Sora balled his hand into a fist as he put the pieces together. "Of course… it's a trick."
"Trick?" Akira asked, perplexed.
"Quit while you can."
And as Riku's menacing voice echoed across the marble walls, Akira felt her blood turn to ice as she finally realized what her friend meant. She and Sora turned to face their old friend, whom watched them with a menacing scowl. Donald and Goofy stood at his side, looking uncomfortable. Just the mere thought of having to fight their friends was already too much to bear… Akira looked away, unable to face them just yet.
Sora's brows furrowed into a glare. This time, he wouldn't fall so easily. "No. Not without Kairi."
Riku clenched his fists. "The darkness will destroy you." He summoned the powers of darkness from within, calling on their aid as they altered his appearance. Tendrils of darkness covered his arms and legs, taking on the appearance of muscle tissue. The gloves on his hands faded to red as a white cloth materialized from his waist, the Heartless crest inscribed on his chest. The initial shock at his sudden change almost took the teens aback, but they refused to let the fear take over, not when they were so close to their goal.
"You're wrong, Riku," Sora said firmly, glaring at the one he used to call his friend, "The darkness may destroy my body, but it can't touch my heart." He placed his hand over his heart and gently glanced at Akira by his side, smiling softly. "I realized something very important when I lost the Keyblade. Even though I could no longer fight the shadows, my heart was still radiant in the darkness. Even when I lost everything, Akira still believed in me. And I believe in her, and every other friend I've made along the way. My heart… will stay with my friends forever. It'll never die."
"So, you've chosen to fight?" Riku scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief, "Fine. Have it your way." He summoned the Keyblade Sora had once called his own, raising it to eye level as he assumed his battle stance, ready to finally take down the one obstacle in his way.
The sound of soft footsteps caught him by surprise before he charged in to attack. Akira stared him down as she stood before Sora, summoning her staff into her hand with a small flash of light. "He won't, but I will," she said firmly, her glare filled with resolve.
Riku chuckled. "You'll fight in his stead?" he sneered.
"Yes."
"What a waste. What do you gain from fighting me?"
"It's not about what I get," she responded. Surprisingly, keeping her voice steady in the face of danger was a simple task with a heart filled with determination. Or perhaps a part of her still hoped to reach the Riku she once knew with her words. "It's about doing what I believe is right. I'm not about to let Sora fight you on his own, not after everything we've been through. Besides, I know he'd do the same for me." She squeezed her staff's hilt, silently hoping it was paying close attention. "Building each other up when we're down, offering a shoulder to lean on when we're sad… and fighting for them, no matter the cost. That's what it means to be a friend."
"Hmph. You're no match for me," he said in a condescending tone.
Sora softly put his hand on her arm, his eyes filled with worry as Akira turned her head to meet his gaze. "You don't have to do this," he pleaded, "I don't want you getting hurt for my sake."
She could do nothing but smile. She had never been more determined about something in her entire life, and she was going to see it through until the end. "Sora, this is my choice. And remember what you said? I really need you to believe in me right now."
He inhaled deeply and pursed his lips, nodding his head lightly as he let his hand drop to his sides. He uttered no words, but his eyes spoke volumes. Admiration, hope, gratitude… he silently expressed it all, and it was all the encouragement she needed.
As long as she had him, she needed nothing else.
She broke their gaze, turning to face Riku with a triumphant grin. "What do you say, Riku? Let's spar again, just like we used to."
Not alone you won't.
She felt a jolt from her staff and smiled in response. Of course… with it, she was never alone.
Riku proudly raised his head in the air, watching her with a patronizing gaze. "I'll make you eat those words."
With lightning speed, he flew towards her with his weapon drawn, his Keyblade whistling as it tore through the air. She barely had enough time to hold her staff in front of her to block his slash as his blade came crashing down onto her weapon. It almost knocked her over but, with the power of her staff, she was able to muster enough strength to knock him away. He landed lightly on his feet, showing no sign of wear as Akira stumbled a few steps back. She gritted her teeth as he gave her a confident smirk. He didn't even try, and it took everything she had just to push him back. It was just as she had feared; she had grown strong during their journey, but his power was incomparable, and almost not even human. As she raised her staff and brought it down on his weapon repeatedly, the sound of clashing metal ringing through the air, she began to truly wonder if she even had enough power to simply lay a scratch on him.
He danced to the right, giving her a swift kick in her side as he slid beneath her staff, dodging her last strike. With a yelp, she clutched her side in pain as she faltered, falling to one knee as she crouched towards the ground. Riku let out a laugh as she suffered through the pain, not having taken a single hit in the process.
"Is that all you've got?" he taunted, "Looks like having Sora believe in you isn't working too well, is it?"
She gritted her teeth, keeping her livid glare on Riku as her breathing became heavy. That kick completely winded her, and she was having trouble catching her breath again. Still, with whatever strength she had left, she willed her body to move, clutching her side as she straightened her back.
Akira, this is dangerous.
"I don't have a choice," she mumbled.
He is using incredible powers of darkness, the likes of which I've never seen before. If he –
"I'm not going down without a fight…"
Riku furrowed his brows, cocking his head to the side as he crossed his arms. "What did you say?"
"I'm not giving up," she said through her teeth as she struggled to her feet, "All of my life I've stood on the sidelines, watching it pass before my eyes. But now… now I realize I always had something to fight for. People to fight for. They're counting on me, and I will fight for them until the light leaves my eyes."
She hobbled on her feet as she tried to stay straight, looking Riku in the eye as she poured her heart out. She was almost certain he'd defeat her; there was no doubt he was the stronger of the two. But if this was where she would meet her end, at least she could say she was true to her heart.
Do you truly mean that?
"Yes…" she said softly, releasing her hand from her side.
I see… then perhaps the time is nigh.
"For?"
Wielding my power as your own. Fully open your heart to me and partake of my strength.
Akira's eyes widened, but no words would leave her lips. In her state of stupor, Riku drew his weapon once more, pointing it directly at her. "Those are big words coming from someone who could barely hold her own a few moments ago," he spat.
She readied herself to fight once more, clutching her staff as she glared at her old friend with fire in her eyes. "Watch me," she challenged.
He lunged at her once more. Taking a trick out of his own book, she sidestepped the moment his blade would have pierced her skin, dodging his attack. He dug his heels into the ground as he tried to skid to a halt, his immense speed doing him no favours. She took this golden opportunity to set up her trap, fervently hoping it would work; she knew in her heart she couldn't beat him head on, but a game of wits may just be the key to victory.
"Blizzara!" she cried, slamming her staff into the floor. Crystals of ice formed a path of frost on the ground, travelling at lightning speed as it froze the ground around him. He couldn't lunge at her anymore, lest he slip or fall and give her the advantage. He growled in anger as he summoned a ball of dark energy in his palm, preparing to strike.
"Now would be a good time to explain that 'wielding power' stuff," she hissed at her staff as she raised it to eye level, preparing to block the oncoming onslaught of dark energy.
This isn't something you just do. It takes trust, conviction, communication, and weeks of practice.
"I don't exactly have weeks of practice!" she yelped as Riku unleashed a barrage of projectiles, skidding further and further back as each one hit her staff and disintegrated into smoke.
You must be the one to initiate it. I can't just take control like I have done in the past.
She darted towards the other end of the entrance hall as Riku quickly melted the floor with a dark fire spell. She had to come up with something fast. Riku was hot on her heels, and Sora yelling at her to be careful did nothing to calm her nerves. Even Donald and Goofy covered their eyes, too afraid to watch. "Okay, what do I do!?" she asked through her teeth as Riku began sprinting towards her.
Become one with me.
No time for that. No time to even begin deciphering whatever cryptic puzzle her staff left for her. Riku was almost in her sights and if she didn't do something soon, she'd be a goner. Glancing above her, a malfunctioning platform dangled near the ceiling, no doubt a mechanism used to access the higher floors. It would be a good way to buy herself some time…
"Thundara!" she cried, sending sparks of electricity towards the ceiling. The spell jolted across the platform, aggravating the already loose fastenings that held it suspended in midair. Just as Riku was about to reach her, the clasps snapped, and the platform came crashing to the ground with a deafening clang. Riku skidded to a halt once more to avoid tripping on the mess, with no easy way to reach Akira.
He gritted his teeth in anger, glaring daggers at her. "I'm getting sick and tired of your tricks!" he hollered.
Akira, look out!
Riku maneuvered his hand, calling on tendrils of darkness from the ground below her feet. Suddenly, the ground exploded beneath her in a burst of sparks and darkness, sending her tumbling to her knees. Riku summoned another dark portal from the ground, swallowing the platform as it eliminated the one obstacle in his way. He swiped at her with his Keyblade as she once again blocked his attack at the last possible moment, the ear-splitting clanks of metal echoing across the hall. In his fury, he called on the powers of darkness, strength filling his blade as he brought it down on her weapon once more. This time the force of his blow was too great, knocking her weapon out of her hands. She gasped, her gaze filled with fear as she locked eyes with his, realizing the sudden danger she found herself in.
Riku couldn't be bothered to take pleasure in this imminent victory. "This'll take the light out of your eyes." He swiftly kicked her in the gut, sending her flying towards Sora as she cried in pain. He gritted his teeth as he watched his old friend struggle to get up; though he had emerged triumphant, she had put a dent in his pride, and it filled him with anger.
Sora ran to meet her, holding her up by the shoulders as he helped her into a sitting position. "Akira! Are you okay?" he asked urgently.
He stuttered over his words as his friend gasped for breath. He felt so utterly helpless. She had put herself in the face of danger for his sake and all he could do was watch. And yet, even amidst the pain, she still found it in her to smile.
"Sora," she murmured, clutching her side as she forced out the smile, "I'm sorry…"
She tried, she tried her damn best. Riku was always stronger, quicker, and smarter when they sparred in the past. And even now, she was no match for the powers of darkness he used. Still, she hoped to have at least put up a good fight…
Sora shook his head in disbelief. "No, no, you have nothing to apologize for." There was so much he wanted to say to her. How grateful he was that she stood by his side when he lost everything, how worried he was for her safety… and how he would fight for her just as much as she fought for him.
"That's enough," Riku snarled, watching them with disdain as dark energy took shape in his palm once more. Sora put his arms around the now exhausted Akira as Riku unleashed his attack, holding her close as he shielded her from the oncoming blast. If this is all he could do for her, then he'll take it.
There was a crash of energy hitting metal, and the hit never came. Sora and Akira slowly raised their heads as they made out the features of the one who towered over them, protecting them from the blast. And as the realization hit, they couldn't help but smile with relief.
"They're not going anywhere," Goofy said firmly, his shield raised and at the ready.
"You'd betray your king?" Riku asked coolly.
"Not on your life! But I'm not going to betray them either. They've become two of my best buddies after all we've been through together." He turned to give them a reassuring smile and a thumbs up. "After all, it's just like you said, Akira: being buddies is about standing up for each other when they need it most."
Akira felt her eyes begin to mist as Sora proudly gazed at her. Though her words and resolve hadn't reached Riku's heart like she originally intended, they had reached Goofy's, and she couldn't be happier.
Goofy turned to face Donald, waving his hand at him. "See ya later, Donald! Could you tell the King I'm really sorry?"
"Hold on, Goofy! We'll tell him together!" he answered. He shuffled towards them as fast as he could, leaving Riku behind. He skidded to a halt beside Sora, watching him with a hesitant gaze. "Well, you know… all for one and one for all, right?"
"Looks like you're stuck with us," Goofy said gently, sharing a hopeful smile with his friends.
"Guys…" Sora began, struggling to find the words to express his endless gratitude. Akira stirred in his arms and he let her go, wiping the few tears that began to form at the corner of his eyes.
Donald silently readied a healing spell, hovering his staff over Akira as it released a bright, green, rejuvenating aura. She felt her strength return to her once more, but still addressed the duck with concern. "But, what about your king –"
"Our king would have done the same if he were here," Donald answered, "So, uh… can you forgive us?"
She sighed with relief as the corners of her lips pulled into a smile. Their hearts had always been true, and the teens could not have asked for better friends. She lightly flicked his forehead. "Blockhead…" she said softly as her vision grew blurry from the tears.
Sora got to his feet, pulling Akira's arm as he helped her stand up as well while she wiped the mist from her eyes. "Donald, Goofy…" he said amidst a grateful smile, "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Riku wrinkled his nose, growing tired of their joyful moment. "How will you fight without a weapon?" he sneered.
Without missing a beat, Akira, Donald, and Goofy brandished their own weapons, readying themselves to fight. But Sora merely wiped whatever tears remained from his eyes and placed his hands on Goofy and Akira's shoulders. "It's okay, guys… let me handle this," he said calmly.
They exchanged nervous glances but ultimately stepped aside, allowing Sora to stand in front of them. He gave them an approving nod before addressing his old rival. "Thanks to them… I know now I don't need the Keyblade. I've got a better weapon. My heart."
"Your heart?" Riku scoffed, "What good will that weak little thing do for you?"
Sora brought his fist to his chest, staring Riku down with a firm gaze. "Although my heart may be weak, it's not alone. It's grown with each new experience, and it's found a home with all the friends I've made. I've become a part of their heart just as they've become a part of mine. And if they think of me now and then...if they don't forget me...then our hearts will be one." He pulled out his trusty wooden sword, readying himself for battle. "I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!"
Just as the light of Sora's heart shone powerful and true, the Keyblade jerked in Riku's hands, causing him to stumble. He gasped, watching the weapon writhe in his hand as the realization suddenly sunk in. The Keyblade was reacting to Sora's heart, and that could only mean one thing: Sora's heart was stronger than his, even with the power of darkness at his side. He watched desperately as the Keyblade disappeared from his hands and reappeared in Sora's, replacing the miserable wooden sword he had bestowed upon him earlier. Akira, Donald, and Goofy watched with proud gazes as Sora wielded the power of the Keyblade once more, a true testament to his strength of heart.
Riku, on the other hand, wouldn't let this one slide so easily. "Have it your way. The Keyblade will have to side with me once I defeat you!" he hollered.
The bat wing shaped sword he had discarded previously materialized in his hand once more. With a crack, shrouds of darkness circled his body as he let out a menacing roar, glaring at Sora in a fiery rage. He lunged towards the group, swiping his blade as it met with Goofy's shield. Goofy pushed him back, protecting his head behind his shield as Donald supported him with a quick succession of thunder spells, stopping Riku from slashing at them again.
Before Akira could join the fray, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to meet Sora's gaze. "I couldn't have done this if you, Donald, and Goofy hadn't believed in me," he said, gratitude filling his eyes, "So, I want to –"
"You can thank us later," she said with a grin, "After we win this battle… together."
Sora nodded firmly. "Together it is!"
Akira pulled her trick from before, creating a walkway of ice leading to Riku with a well-timed blizzard spell. Sora hopped onto the frozen path, gaining speed as he slid towards Riku. Before his opponent could react, Sora struck him in the arm, knocking him over as he jumped off the icy path. Riku danced on his feet, but stumbled slightly towards the end, feeling the pain of the hit in his arm. The ache served only to anger him further. He called upon the powers of darkness once more, sending several explosive orbs of darkness towards each of his enemies as he gathered his bearings.
Yet, as the fight continued and as the junior heroes poured their hearts and souls into battle, Riku simply couldn't keep up. He was fast, but they were faster. He was strong, but they were stronger. Alone, he could wipe the floor with each of them; but together, they were an unstoppable force he couldn't compete with. And as the agony of this realization grew, all he could do was fight on, his rage and despair increasing with each passing moment as his strength slowly waned.
"Enough!" he cried with rage, slamming his fist onto the floor. He wasn't done yet; he still had one last trick up his sleeve. Tendrils of darkness and smoke erupted from his fist, filling the room with a thick, dense fog. He grinned mischievously as he heard the sound of coughing and their desperate calls for their comrades; he would catch them by surprise, and he would claim his rightful victory.
Akira stepped back, waving her hands in front of her face as she tried not to inhale the acrid smoke. The fog stung her eyes and nose, and she could barely see two inches in front of it. Yet, no matter how much she flapped her hand, the smoke would not disperse.
He no doubt intends to catch you by surprise.
"You're right... I have to find the others. I hope they're okay," she said, placing a hand over her nose.
Be on your guard.
Suddenly, she heard the door leading to the castle entrance open behind her. She whirled around to face it, following the source of the noise; the fog should travel outside, where she'd find solace from its unpleasant sting. She kept a hand in front of her while the other remained on her nose, using it as a guide to not walk straight into any walls. She squinted as she moved forward, the stinging in her eyes growing in intensity. She knew she was walking out the door. It was only a matter of time. And when she finally reached fresh air, she'd cast her most powerful Aero spell and try to disperse the fog in the room and save her friends. Yes, it was an excellent plan, one she was certain would work!
But there was one hindrance her plan did not account for. As she delicately stepped towards the entrance, her hand met a most unusual sensation. It was cold like the marble walls, yet soft and lithe like… skin…
She gasped as her eyes met with the person whose cheek she held in her palm. Her eyes grew wide and the stinging fog caused them to water, but she could not feel it. She inhaled the pungent smoke and the bitterness filled her lungs, but even that sensation was a distant dream. She felt nothing but the icy touch in her palm.
Akira's throat seized as she tried to call her name; even had the smoke not been present, she wouldn't be able to say it. For there was no amount of physical pain the darkness could put her through that would match the pain she felt in her heart.
"…Kairi," she finally managed to whisper, though Kairi's eyes remained lifeless.
Akira. I sense a sudden and great darkness. You must flee.
"…K-Kairi…" she repeated as her vision blurred from the tears in her eyes. She brought her other hand to Kairi's cheek, cupping her friend's head in her hands. She stuttered as she choked on her name once more. But Kairi wouldn't move. Kairi wouldn't answer. Kairi wouldn't even look at her. What she held in her hands was a soulless husk of the friend she once knew, and she just couldn't accept it.
Akira, please!
She couldn't hear her staff's pleas. She couldn't hear the sounds of her friends calling to each other amidst the fog. She couldn't see the shadow that crept behind her, towering over her as she kept her gaze fixated on Kairi. Her heart had sunk to a level she had never felt before, and all she knew was anguish.
Akira, you must escape NOW!
She felt a swift, sharp pain in the back of her head before her eyes rolled back. She released Kairi's cold cheeks as she fell to the floor with a sudden thud, seeing nothing but darkness as the voice of the staff in her head grew silent.
Meanwhile, Sora had also opted to cover his nose and mouth with his hand as he navigated the fog, hearing Donald and Goofy's distant calls amidst the haze. Without his friends at his side, it was almost certain Riku would have the advantage over him. But Sora knew his old friend, rival, and confidant well, and if Riku planned a surprise attack, he always attacked from behind.
He heard a most delicate step behind him, and he knew. He quickly sidestepped as Riku's sword came slashing through the air with a hard swipe. Before Riku could realize why his attack had missed, Sora slashed the air behind him with a great swing, sending his opponent flying across the room.
Riku crashed into the fountain at the base of the stairs, his sword falling to the ground with a loud smash. His dark spell was broken, and the fog instantly dissipated. A low growl emanated from the back of his throat as he clutched his side in pain, struggling to remain on all fours as he got out of the fountain. His powers of darkness fizzled and faded as his new outfit melted into the floor, leaving him dressed in his old attire from the islands. Sora quickly approached him, pointing his Keyblade at him as he watched him with a disdainful gaze. The battle had ended, and Sora had emerged victorious.
"It's over, Riku," he said softly, but firmly. Amidst Riku's taunts, jabs, and overall rotten behaviour during this adventure, Sora was still able to find it in his heart to forgive his old friend. He fervently hoped he'd take his defeat as a sign of his poor choices and that he'd finally see the light…
Riku, however, was not so easily swayed. "No… not yet…" he muttered as he rose to his feet.
"Riku…" he muttered dejectedly, "Why? Why are you acting like this?"
"Everything was a joke to you, Sora." He clutched his chest as he gasped for breath, the pain of his defeat still tearing through his heart like a knife. "You had the power of the Keyblade and what did you do with it? You ran around playing hero with your little sidekicks. I'm the one who found Kairi. I'm the one who put my life on the line to save her. And yet, after everything I did, it still chose you. I did the work, and you got the credit. You never cared about saving Kairi, did you?"
Sora lowered his blade, watching his old friend with a disappointed gaze. His words stung more than he imagined; he never expected Riku to harbour such agony in his heart. "But we did, Riku. Everything Akira and I did was to find Kairi… to find you. Why can't you see that?" Even as Sora poured his heart out to his old friend, Riku's aquamarine gaze remained a scornful glare. He gave a desperate sigh before continuing his speech. "The power of darkness you so readily accepted within your heart… it's clouding your–"
"Don't patronize me!" Riku barked, "And what good has the power of light done for you? You don't know your head from a hole in the ground. You think you're in any position to lecture me? Akira has been missing since this fight ended and you couldn't even be bothered to notice."
Sora let out a small gasp. Donald and Goofy quickly whirled around, examining every corner of the room, but to no avail. Not a trace of their comrade remained in the entrance hall. Goofy clapped his hands over his mouth as he and Donald exchanged worried glances.
Sora gradually scanned the hall for himself, his eyes widening in fear as his heart refused to accept what his mind already knew. He didn't hear her voice calling his name when the fog covered the room. Such a strong clue and yet… no. He wasn't ready to admit it. Not yet. Not yet.
"Where is she?" he asked the silver-haired teen through his teeth, watching him with a desperate gaze. The fog and her sudden disappearance… it couldn't have been a mere coincidence.
"So, now you suddenly care? Pathetic," Riku sneered, "I don't know what happened to her. Go bother Maleficent about it. I'm done with you."
He tore his gaze away from Sora and darted up the grand staircase, hastily making his escape despite the seething pain in his chest. He couldn't handle one more minute in his presence. His heart just wouldn't allow it…
Sora didn't follow him as he disappeared from their view. His legs wouldn't move, his eyes wouldn't blink… it was almost a struggle to remember how to breathe. He fell to his hands and knees, letting the Keyblade crash to the ground beside him as Donald and Goofy hurried to his side.
"Oh, Sora…" Donald quacked softly, putting a feathered hand on his shoulder.
"W-what am I supposed to do?" he muttered as the tears formed in his eyes anew, "First I lose Kairi, and now…" He couldn't finish that sentence. If he did, he was certain his heart would shatter. Since this entire journey began, Akira had always been by his side; he managed through the shock of losing his home at her side, learned to fight with the Keyblade at her side, stood by her side as she discovered her home for the first time… they had done so much together, it was inconceivable to continue without her. "We made a promise. If we got lost, or scared, then we'd turn to each other for support. And wherever we go… we'll go together." Some friend he turned out to be; they barely arrived in Hollow Bastion and he already managed to briefly lose his Keyblade and break one of his most important promises. He couldn't hold the tears back any longer and allowed several of them to fall from his eyes.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?"
Sora blinked, gazing at Goofy in confusion as his comrade offered him a soft smile. "It's just like she said," Goofy explained, "Buddies look out for each other, even when things get rough. Akira needs us right now; she believes in us, so let's not let her down, okay?"
"Goofy…" Sora answered sombrely, "I… I don't know if I can…"
"Aren't your friends your power?" Donald quacked, giving him a reassuring gaze, "Lean on us now that you need it most. And together, we'll find her."
Sora watched them with his mouth agape, but the tears that flowed from his eyes no longer held grief and sorrow. His quivering lip curled into a smile as he took each of their hands in his own, unable to express the volume of gratitude that filled his heart. The promise he made to Akira didn't just stop with her; it extended to all four of them. He knew she meant it to be this way. And with their strength guiding his way, he knew he'd never be lost again.
"Thank you," was all he managed to say as he squeezed their hands.
When Riku was finally alone, he let out an agonizing shriek. All the feelings he kept bottled up inside during his encounter with Sora were laid bare before him. He couldn't show Sora an ounce of weakness, no matter how weak he himself felt. And now, as he found himself walking alone in the castle's chapel, clutching his chest in pain, he finally allowed himself to let his heart speak of its sorrow.
"Why?" he cried breathlessly, his eyes downcast, "It was mine…"
"Know this."
He immediately held himself straight as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He whirled around to face the source of the voice, taking a step back. An ominous figure cloaked in tattered robes and an eerie blue glow addressed him with a deep voice, keeping his face hidden behind his hood.
"The heart that is strong and true shall win the Keyblade."
"What?" Riku scoffed, glaring at the stranger in defiance, "You're saying my heart's weaker than his!?"
"For that instant, it was."
Riku balled his hand into a fist as he dropped his gaze in shame. He knew it. He knew it in his heart. Yet, it stung to hear of his failure so openly.
"However, you can become stronger."
Riku's head snapped up once more. He watched with interest as the figure slowly made his way towards him, no sound emanating from his footsteps.
"You showed no fear in stepping through the door to darkness. It held no terror for you. Plunge deeper into the darkness, and your heart will grow even stronger."
Riku shook his head. He was desperate to grow stronger, desperate to gain the Keyblade back, desperate to put Sora in his place… and he was prepared to do anything to achieve his goals. "What should I do?" he asked.
"It's really quite simple. Open yourself to the darkness. That is all. Let your heart, your being become darkness itself."
Riku heeded his words and felt the immense power course through his veins as a green aura emanated from his skin. He didn't care what it took. He didn't care what he needed to sacrifice. In his moment of weakness, he fully accepted the powers of darkness, and all the spoils and atrocities that came with it.
Like he had on the day the darkness swallowed the Destiny Islands, he showed no fear.