Riku wasn't kidding when he warned them of the Heartless. Now that the artificial Keyhole was complete, darkness began to pour from it at a quick rate, attracting droves of Heartless in the process. Akira's mind raced as her feet moved as fast as they could. With so many Heartless making their way here, how would Hollow Bastion handle it? Will the world even be stable enough to hold itself? Or will it simply plunge into the darkness like the Destiny Islands had? Even worse, what would befall Ansem and, most importantly, Riku? She quickly shook her head, banishing the thought from her mind. She couldn't think like that. She promised she would make things right again. She promised she would find a way to help Sora and Riku. She squeezed Kairi's hand, which had grown sweaty in her palm amidst the threat of danger and rising anxiety. First, she had to ensure Kairi's safety.
They skidded through the lift stop before a massive Heartless clad in armour barred their path, menacing them with the sentient face of a dog on its giant shield. The hound snarled and gnawed at them as the soldier made its advance, mimicking Goofy as it protected its frame behind its shield.
Akira had no time for this. "Ugh, get out of here!" she spat. Goofy charged at the enemy with his shield in hand, maneuvering behind the Heartless to damage the soldier itself. Donald followed, concentrating his magic on the soldier while Akira stayed behind, nudging Kairi behind her protectively with her free hand.
The Heartless silently ordered its shield to unleash a ball of fire aimed directly at the teens, one that Akira swatted away with a swing of her weapon. She wanted to help Donald and Goofy as much as she could, but she couldn't just leave Kairi here to constantly run away from the barrage of fire balls the Heartless pummeled at them. With a swift flick of her wrist, she muttered "Aeroga" under her breath, twirling her weapon around her friend as a barrier of wind enveloped her. "This should keep you safe for now," she reassured her with a smile before turning to face the Heartless once more.
Goofy bashed at the enemy, knocking it off balance. It thrust its shield into the air as it tried to remain standing on one hind leg, exposing it to further damage. Akira wasted no time in charging towards the Heartless, thrusting her staff straight into its chest as Donald fired a crashing thunder spell. The Heartless exploded into wisps of black smoke, perishing instantly.
"Ugh, we've never seen those types of Heartless before," Donald grumbled.
"Gawrsh, do ya think the Heartless are getting stronger now too?" Goofy asked nervously.
"I'm sure they are," Akira sighed, "And they must be multiplying quickly as well. We have no time to waste."
"W-wait!"
Kairi's sudden outburst startled them. They whirled around to face her, taking in the look of fear and confusion in her face. Akira felt immediately ashamed; she was rattled enough with the threat of Heartless at their heels, but Kairi's anxiety must have been tenfold. Ultimately, all Akira did was grab her hand and run off without explaining anything.
"I know Riku told us to escape but… I can't be okay with this. I can't leave them behind!" she cried as the barrier of magical wind dissipated around her.
Akira sighed, lowering her gaze to the floor. She knew exactly how her friend felt. If it wasn't for the sheer determination of getting her to safety, she might still be in the Great Hall at this very moment, struggling with the idea of leaving herself. But the look in Riku's eyes when he pleaded with her to go… she simply couldn't ignore it. He and Sora had given so much for their sakes; to go against their wishes would have meant their sacrifices were in vain. Still, she couldn't deny the fire in Kairi's spirit, for it too burned in the depths of her heart.
"Kairi…" she began after a sharp intake of breath, "Everything I said before: I meant it. I don't know how but I'll find a way to bring them back; I'll find a way to save them. I can't… I can't just leave them behind either."
"And we're going too," Donald quacked.
"That's right. We're gonna save Sora together!" Goofy added in a firm tone.
Akira was slightly startled but expected the outburst. At this point, there isn't anywhere they wouldn't go together, and that gave her all the fortitude she needed to press on. "Thanks, guys," she said softly, offering each of them a warm smile. "Oh! I almost forgot." She quickly shifted her gaze to Kairi. "I haven't even introduced you guys."
"Aw, we were too busy runnin' from the Heartless to worry about that," Goofy said cheerfully, extending a hand to Kairi, "But better late than never! How do you do, Miss Kairi? I'm –"
"Goofy, right?" Kairi asked.
"Uh, right!"
"And you're Donald?" Kairi shifted her gaze to the duck, pointing at him with a gentle flick of her index finger.
Donald seemed just as stunned as Goofy, quickly nodding his head in affirmation.
"I thought so," she continued with a soft smile, "When I was asleep, I remember seeing flickers of scenes and people. The worlds Sora visited, the people he met… it's mostly fuzzy, but I remember a few things that he held very dear."
Akira cupped her hands together, bringing them to her chest. "You were always with us, Kairi," she muttered as the realization sank in, "Throughout this entire journey, you were always with us."
"And I'll stay with you until the end, got it?" Kairi ordered in her signature tone, placing her hands on her hips. Akira could do nothing but smile and laugh in response; she was almost certain she'd never see this sight again, and it never felt so good to be wrong.
The ground rumbled beneath their feet as the entire castle trembled under the ever-increasing power of darkness. Donald was knocked on his behind, and Kairi almost lost her footing. It had been wonderful to take a moment of respite, but their dire situation simply didn't allow for it.
"We gotta get out of here!" Goofy hollered.
"Quick! Get to the elevator!" Akira cried.
As they scurried to the crystalline switch, Heartless began to pour into the lift stop, each one more ferocious than the last. They snapped their fangs and clawed their way across the floor towards the group, hungry for the fresh set of hearts that stood before them.
"Hurry up!" Donald screeched as the Heartless inched closer.
"I'm trying!" Akira yelled. She tapped her hand repeatedly on the switch and watched desperately as the lift took its sweet time to arrive at their stop. At this rate, the Heartless swarm would devour them before the elevator would even arrive.
"Reflega!" Donald shouted, casting a barrier around the party. They shuddered as the Heartless barreled into the shield, snapping and clawing at the honeycomb blockade as they huddled together for safety. Every swipe brought them closer to their demise, and they watched with bated breath as the lift approached their stop and the barrier began showing its first cracks.
Goofy bolted into the elevator the second it had arrived, grabbing Kairi's hand and pulling her in after him. Akira hopped in next and, just as the barrier was about to shatter, seized Donald's collar and yanked him into the elevator. The crystalline walls slammed shut once all its passengers had climbed aboard, leaving the Heartless to ravenously scratch and gnaw at the impenetrable crystal walls of the lift stop.
They all let out a united sigh of relief. "That was too close," Donald quacked, dusting himself off before approaching the elevator's controls, "That's it, no more stops. We're going straight to the Gummi Ship."
They silently agreed as they shook off the last of their uneasiness. Akira approached the glass wall and watched with a grimace as the plethora of Heartless refused to let up their assault even though it was impossible to catch them now. They had just popped out of nowhere… and who knew how many more were on their way? The darkness was quickly overtaking this world, and Akira felt a tinge of despair in her stomach; it was only a matter of time before whatever remained of this castle would plunge completely into darkness, and she couldn't help but feel sorry for it. After witnessing the destruction of the Destiny Islands, it was deeply unsettling to think that she may witness another world share the same fate…
"Is everything okay?"
Kairi's soft voice at her side made her jump. She met her gaze with a perplexed expression, but ultimately nodded in response.
Kairi smiled. "Do you think there's a way to stop them completely?"
"Of course," Akira said as she turned to watch the mass of Heartless, "Once Sora uses his Keyblade and seals the Keyhole, this world will be safe from the shadows."
"Oh…" Kairi responded meekly. It would've been a wonderfully simple and easy answer, if only…
"Just gotta rescue him before they take over." Akira raised her hand and balled it into a fist, smiling confidently. "I guess that gives me a bit of a time limit, huh?"
Kairi chuckled. The way Akira made her affirmation, without a trace of doubt in her voice… it was quite a refreshing change. "You know, you've changed."
Akira blinked, shifting her confused gaze at her old friend. Kairi chuckled once more before responding. "A good change."
"R-really?"
Kairi nodded. "You've grown up a lot. And when you say you'll save Sora and Riku? I believe you. I really do believe you."
Akira smiled, but couldn't find the words to say to her.
"I'm proud of you," Kairi ended with her signature beautiful smile.
Akira thought her heart would melt. It was always a pleasant feeling to be praised. To hear such sweet words coming from the lips of someone she held very dear only made her fondness grow, as did her confidence and resolve.
She'll continue to make Kairi proud. She'll continue to make Sora and Riku proud. And she'll make that faceless entity that resided in her heart and mind proud too, for it had been by her side every step of the way.
"Thanks, Kairi," she said with a smile, but those simple words could never convey the amount of gratitude she felt.
The lift softly rocked as it carried its passengers to the floor below. Akira took a step back to discuss a few things with Donald and Goofy, figuring out a quick plan of escape from the castle that threatened to crumble under the weight of darkness. Kairi sighed heavily as she watched the plethora of struggling Heartless slowly fade from view, allowing some of her apprehension to escape with her exhale. Some of these beings of darkness looked tremendously silly, almost cartoonish, but the ferocity and hunger in their eyes was enough to send a shiver down the boldest of smiles. That is, until…
"Huh?" she asked skeptically, squinting her eyes to get a better look.
Amidst the clamour of Heartless that hungered for their hearts, one small shadow stood perfectly still behind the masses, watching the four of them with a thoughtful gaze as they were slowly carried away. It didn't try to attack; it barely moved at all. But something about the look in its eye mystified her in an oddly nostalgic way.
This Heartless wasn't like the rest.
Donald had tripped over his webbed feet as they burst into the Entrance Hall, desperately scrambling on his hands and knees as he stood up once more. The room looked the same as they had left it, but the stench of darkness had crept into the air in their absence, filling the room with an eerie presence. Just a few more steps and they'd reach the Gummi Ship; they couldn't give up now.
Since they jumped off the first lift, Kairi had seemed oddly out of sorts. She stumbled on her feet more often than not, and periodically turned to check behind her, as if someone was following them. At first, Akira dismissed it as fear of the Heartless that pursued them, but as Kairi remained immobilized at the top of the stairs, staring straight into the corridor they had just come from, she couldn't help but question her strange behaviour. "Kairi, what is it?" she called.
"We gotta hurry, Kairi!" Goofy yelled.
There was another soft rumble beneath their feet and Kairi nodded reluctantly, rushing down the stairs to join them. The group let out a small gasp when she hurried to their side, for she had every reason to keep turning back to examine her surroundings; a lowly shadow Heartless skittered behind her, following closely at her heels.
Donald wasted no time in summoning his staff. "Confounded Heartless!" he quacked, "Get lost, will ya?!"
"Wait! Don't hurt him!" Kairi shouted. Skidding to a halt in front of the shadow, she extended her arms protectively and watched each of them with a pleading expression.
Akira shook her head. "Kairi, we can't just –"
"Akira, don't you see? It's him."
She simply blinked in response. It couldn't be true… it just couldn't. What Kairi was implying was simply preposterous. She couldn't truly believe that Sora himself could be…
He had forsaken his heart to awaken the Princess. I would not dismiss the theory so easily if I were you.
"You can't be serious," she whispered, responding to both Kairi and the voice in her head. She couldn't deny that the story added up: Sora had released his own heart to free Kairi's. Could he have truly retained enough of his sense of self to follow them all the way here? And why was this so difficult to process? Considering the pangs of anguish that still rang through her heart, one would think she'd jump at any indication that Sora may still be alive. Maybe, just maybe… she knew she wouldn't be able to handle the pain if that theory turned out to be false.
Even so, is it not worth a shot?
Of course it was. It always would be; any hope, any chance, she had of saving Sora… she had to take it.
She stepped beside Kairi, eyeing the shadow that fearfully hid behind her leg. It certainly didn't act like a Heartless; any other one wouldn't hesitate to attack them. She cautiously kneeled beside the hesitant Kairi, carefully approaching the shadow so as not to frighten it. And, with a deep breath, she slowly offered the creature her hand. If it truly was Sora… it would know what this meant. She steeled her heart in case the worst were to come and stared at the tiny shadow.
And, as it raised its gaze to meet hers, she peered into the depths of its soul, reading every story its beady yellow eyes had to tell… and knew the ending to each and every one, for she and him had seen them together.
"Sora?" she asked with a quiet gasp. She almost wanted to laugh; even as a Heartless, he couldn't hide his true self behind his eyes.
The friends were frightened half to death by the sudden clamour of the marble doors bursting open behind them. Heartless of every kind charged into the room, blocking their only means of escape as they swarmed around the door, circling their prey.
"We can't get out of here!" Goofy cried.
Donald pulled out his staff, pointing it menacingly at the Heartless threatening to snap at him. "We don't have a choice. We have to fight these things, or we're toast!" he quacked, turning to focus his attention to the teens, "Akira! Keep an eye on Kairi; Goofy and I'll handle these ones!"
She quickly nodded in response but, no sooner had she extended a protective hand over Kairi and the tiny shadow at her side when the Heartless lunged straight for them. She swatted them away with her staff, slipping on the floor as she quickly jerked herself to the other side to swat another pack of them away. They were no doubt drawn by the striking aroma of a pure heart filled with light, and they were hell bent on taking it for themselves. It was a massive effort just for Akira to keep the enemy at a distance from Kairi; she couldn't possibly take her eyes off her long enough to defeat them, or else they'd certainly have their prize.
"Donald? Goofy? H-help?" she cried, squinting as a ball-shaped Heartless wrapped its sharp teeth around her weapon.
They didn't answer her call; they were surrounded by Heartless of their own. No matter how many Heartless they managed to defeat, more would appear, with their ranks growing at a steady rate. Before too long, they would all be overwhelmed…
"Reflega!" Akira cried in a last-ditch effort to save their skins. The honeycomb barrier wrapped itself around Kairi, the shadow, and herself just as a group of Heartless lunged at them, sinking their fangs into the transparent barrier. Akira kept her palms glued to her shield, forcing every ounce of magical energy she could muster into it to keep it intact amidst the onslaught. She had to think of something fast; the Heartless were quickly overwhelming the barrier, and the tiniest cracks were beginning to form on its surface as they clawed away at it. But, as Donald and Goofy kept up with assaults of their own, hope seemed all but lost.
Kairi watched in silent horror as Akira strained herself to keep the shield from crumbling around them. She was trying so hard for their sakes; putting her very life on the line to keep herself and the shadow safe from harm. She was moved by the brilliant display of heroism but couldn't help but feel so small. Her heart burned with the desire to help, to protect, to stand tall against the enemy. For goodness sake, she was a Princess of Heart! This immense power of light she held within must be good for something other than opening doors…
The Heartless charged at the barrier once more and the cracks grew. Kairi pursed her lips as she watched Akira struggle to close them, but she could sense her friend's power wane with each passing second. Akira needed her. Sora needed her. And she would not sit idly by any longer. She softly extended her hands out, wrapping one arm around Akira's waist and another around the shadow that trembled at her side. "This time, I'll protect you," she muttered under her breath, clearing her mind as she focused on the power within. She believed every word she spoke with all her heart. Her friends whom had sacrificed so much for her deserved rest, and she would be the one to defend them now.
Light exploded from the small group, shattering Akira's barrier. Every Heartless in the room was suddenly obliterated as the light blinded them. Kairi had suddenly jerked upwards, causing Akira to trip and fall on the ground below. She had never seen a light so intense, and yet it was filled with a strangely familiar warmth and serenity. Her head swirled with questions and she could barely hear Donald and Goofy shouting from afar but, as she slowly propped herself up on her hands and raised her gaze to meet Kairi's, nothing mattered.
Sora stood before her in all his radiance, just as she remembered him. And as he held Kairi close in a shower of gold and shimmer, nothing else could ever matter more.
"Kairi, thank you," he whispered into her ear. He let his arms fall to his side, pulling away slightly to get a better look at her face. Kairi placed a hand on his shoulder, hesitating for a moment before raising her gaze to meet his. She knew the small mist in her eyes would be more than apparent, but she could not bring herself to care; her friend was safe and sound once more, and she couldn't contain her happiness. She smiled radiantly at him, elated to have protected them from danger.
"Sora?"
They broke their gaze, turning to face the girl that had called his name. Akira had managed to lift herself to her feet, though her eyes showed nothing but disbelief. Her breath caught in her throat, her dry eyes begged to blink, but she couldn't bring herself to do any of it. She watched him practically die in front of her eyes and now… here he stood, hale and hearty, as if nothing had happened. She had steeled her heart against it. She had done everything in her power to push the pain aside to keep moving forward. She ignored the grief for Kairi's sake and now… now, it threatened to bubble over in a swirl of emotions she couldn't even comprehend. All she could do was will herself to put one foot in front of the other until she closed the distance between them and throw her arms around him, holding him close as she convinced herself he was real.
Sora smiled in relief as he hugged her back, exchanging proud grins with Kairi as Akira began to sob quietly on his shoulder. After everything they had been through, they had finally managed to begin piecing their cherished group of friends together again, and nothing could mask the transcendent joy they felt inside. "I'm so proud of you, Akira," he said softly, "I knew you'd protect Kairi; I just knew it."
Even as she choked on the tears in her throat, she still managed to respond, "Don't ever do that again. Not without telling us. Not without –"
"I knew you'd never let me go through with it," he responded as they pulled away from each other, "But I also knew… whatever happened, you'd find a way back to me." He glanced at Kairi, smiling radiantly. "And you did."
Akira wiped the remaining tears from her eyes on the fabric of her glove, refusing to let them overshadow her joyful grin. He knew exactly what she'd do after bringing Kairi somewhere safe, and she wasn't the least bit surprised; after everything they had done on this crazy journey, he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't give up so easily.
Donald and Goofy approached him next, grabbing at him from each side as they took in the joy of finally being reunited. Akira grinned proudly at the sight, reminiscent of the moment they had done the same to her after having defeated Maleficent. No matter how many times they broke apart, they always managed to find their way back again.
"Thank you, guys, really," Sora said poignantly his emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
The soft rumble that suddenly travelled beneath their feet was a feeling they knew all too well. Kairi's brilliant light had eradicated the Heartless in the room, but it didn't stop the flow of Heartless that poured into Hollow Bastion. The pattering of their feet grew closer with each passing second, and the five of them knew they couldn't stay any longer.
"Oh no, we're not going through this again!" Donald snapped, "Everybody get out of here! Go! Go!"
They didn't need to be told twice. One after another, they each sprinted towards the marble doorway, exiting the castle as fast as they possibly could without daring to hesitate for even a moment. Thoughts of Riku, the Princesses of Heart, Beast, and everyone else they left behind weighed heavily on their minds, and they felt nothing but endless guilt as they scurried towards the elevator to the Rising Falls. But, turning back now would be suicide, and they had to put their trust in Riku. Their escape was his final request, and they had to believe in him. It was all they could do for him now…
The Heartless were relentless. They came from every corner, jumping from the rising waterfalls with their claws and teeth bared, ready to strike. The Gummi Ship was only a few steps away; if they could just outrun this last storm of Heartless, they'd be free.
"Will we make it?" Kairi panted as she dashed across the stone platforms as fast as her legs could carry her.
"We can if we work together!" Goofy exclaimed, giving them a wink as he brandished his shield.
His comrades nodded in unison. They had gotten themselves out of stickier situations than this; surely, they could handle this one.
"Blizzaga!" Akira cried, pointing her staff directly at the Gummi Ship in the distance. A path of frost and ice suddenly exploded before them, forming a crystalline trail leading directly to their ship. Without skipping a beat, Goofy flipped his shield and placed it on the edge of the path, creating a makeshift sled with it.
"Come on, guys!" he called, holding Kairi's hand as she lightly stepped into the shield. Akira joined in right beside her, but Sora hesitated to take another step.
"Sora?" Kairi asked nervously.
Sora turned around, waiting anxiously for Donald to catch up with them. But, due to his small frame, the duck could only waddle so fast, and the Heartless were catching up to him quickly. "You guys go!" he called, waving his hand at Goofy, "I'll get Donald."
Goofy nodded and released his foot from the stone platform, allowing his shield to slide across the icy pathway, gathering speed as it covered more ground. Kairi let out a terrified squeak as Akira firmly held her hand, but the terror melted into excitement as the makeshift sled skated down the trail towards safety.
Without hesitation, Sora charged towards the group of Heartless that snapped at Donald's heels. He flicked his Keyblade at the Heartless with one hand as he scooped Donald up with the other, causing the shadows to take a slight step back as they avoided the menacing threat of the Keyblade. Without so much as a second thought, he bolted down the stone platform, hearing the Heartless snap their teeth behind him as Donald let out an ear-piercing quack.
Sora jumped onto the icy walkway, wobbling every which way as he attempted to keep his balance. The trail Akira had created began to crumble and falter under his feet, but he simply had no choice; hopping on each platform would take too much time, and the Heartless would surely catch up before he made it. He clutched the shrieking duck tightly to his chest, slipping and falling on his behind as he continued to slide at breakneck speed down the crumbling path. Goofy had managed to start the ship, while Kairi and Akira stood ready to shut the doors behind them once they embarked.
As the Heartless threw themselves onto the ice walkway, breaking it completely under their immeasurable weight, Sora and Donald tumbled into the Gummi Ship. Kairi and Akira slammed the doors shut as Goofy immediately propelled the Gummi Ship upwards, leaving behind a sea of darkness and unsettling yellow eyes. The ship continued to bolt towards the heavens until the clouds around them dissipated into a vast and dark sky dotted with stars and constellations. And as the hideous sight of the Heartless devouring every inch of Hollow Bastion disappeared beneath them, they stopped for a moment to allow themselves to breathe a sigh of relief.
"I can't believe we managed to escape – OW!" Sora coughed, rubbing his head as Donald stepped on his chest, winding him.
"That was too close," he quacked furiously, stomping towards the controls as Goofy handed them over to him.
Sora coughed again and pulled himself to his feet. "You didn't have to step on me," he muttered under his breath.
"Gawrsh, what do we do now?" Goofy asked as Donald fiddled with the controls beside him.
"Isn't it obvious?" Akira asked, approaching them, "We have to go back to Traverse Town. It's the only safe place for Kairi, and Leon and the gang will want to know what happened."
"They might be able to help us find a way to get back without needing to go through all those Heartless," Sora surmised.
"Ugh, I don't even want to think about going back there right now," Donald mumbled.
"We don't have a choice. We can't leave Riku, the Princesses, and Beast behind."
"We also have to take care of that Keyhole," Goofy added.
"Ugh, more and more problems keep piling up," Akira facepalmed.
"Excuse me!"
The companions ceased their banter once Kairi spoke up. Shaking her head, she placed her hands on her hips once she fully had their attention. "I'm glad we're safe and all, but does anyone mind telling me what's going on? Who's Leon? What's Traverse Town? And are we really in an airship?"
They blinked in response. Everything happened so fast, they barely even had a moment to truly take in the fact that they had made it to safety. And not only that, they managed to save one of the people they had worked so hard to find…
She had been by their side since they began their escape from the castle, she had brought Sora back from the darkness, and yet Akira wasn't certain if she had truly taken the realization in. Kairi was here. Kairi was alive. Healthy and radiant as she had always known her, standing in the centre of their Gummi Ship, not a day older than when they had parted.
Akira's feet moved on their own. She softly paced towards her old friend and pulled her in a tight embrace, not speaking a single word as she did so. Kairi was momentarily caught off guard, but her lips curved into a smile as she gently placed her arms around her friend as well. Even without a word passing her lips, Kairi still felt the tumult of emotions Akira expressed in a single gesture. She was so happy to see them again… more than any word could ever express. Sora approached them, wordlessly conveying his emotions as well. Placing his hands on each of their shoulders, he exchanged a tender smile with Kairi as Akira fought back the sobs rising in her throat.
Goofy watched the scene with a hand over his mouth, displaying nervous concern for them. "Gawrsh, do you think we should try and cheer them up?" he whispered.
Donald shook his head as he began gently steering the Gummi Ship, setting it off on the long journey back to Traverse Town. "Nah," he quacked softly, "Let them have their moment."