What a long time since I updated, but here you are, I'm sorry it sucks, enjoy and

R + R!

Chapter 18: The Home is Where the Heartless Is

The Invincible started to make a slow decent toward the Rising Falls that connected with Hollow Bastion and finally stopped, hovering a few feet above the stone platform. Dav, his brother Cloud, Leon and the others disembarked the ship and it rose into the grey sky and out of sight.

"We have to make it past the grounds and into the library where the others are waiting, so we better hurry" ordered Leon as he clutched his unusual GunBlade weapon.

"Right, ok. Ready?" asked Dav to his party.

After receiving nods from all the party members they sent off across Rising Falls towards the gates of Hallow Bastion where they met no opposition until they reached the walkway that lead to the huge cast iron gates that were already opened. Everyone walked through the gates relaxed except Ashura and Cloud who both stood alert in case of attacks.

"What are you guys acting so tense for, relax a little!" chirped Aaron excitedly.

"Were only exercising caution against potential attacks…. Like this one!" Ashura broke into a sprint closely followed by Cloud, Leon and Craxte straight toward a large group of Heartless that appeared in a flash of dark energy. Ashura swung his right gauntlet clad fist straight into a Soldier's face and then using a lightning quick sidekick sent his opponent into the abyss. Dav and Andrew were busy with a lone Defender who swung it's mighty shield toward Dav who ducked and rolled out of the Defender's attack range while Andrew jumped onto the Defender's back and sunk both his razor sharp daggers into it's back. As it let it's guard down and let out a bellow of pain and rage Dav turned his Great Blade to the dull end of it's massive blade and connected with the side of the injured Heartless' head which caused a distinct snapping sound followed by the Defender disappearing into nothingness.

Terri meanwhile had teamed up with Craxte and Cloud and were stood in a triangle formation back to back taking any shadow Heartless down that attempted an attack. The fighting eventually stopped after several waves of Heartless and the party checked themselves over and noticed that both Leon and Cloud were looking worn out.

"Hey, are you alright?" Andrew asked Leon who was leaned against the castle's massive walls.

"Just tired, haven't rested much but come on, let's get to the library"

A8A

The entrance hall was deserted and no Heartless appeared as the party climbed the stairs and headed toward the library door. As Cloud pushed open the heavy oak door five Large Bodies appeared in the centre of the room.

"Just forget then, everyone into the library quick!" Dav ordered as the Large Bodies advanced toward them, up the stairs.

"No! We can't leave them to bust down the door and get into the one safe spot in the entire castle. Me and Andrew will take care of 'em" protested Aaron

"We will?"

"Yup, get going everyone!" yelled Aaron as she jumped down to the main floor and charged the Large Bodies. Andrew slapped his forehead and then jumped after her, followed by Terri.

"Get guys go, we'll get them out of here. Find Sora and help him!" Terri yelled as she rolled from a charge attack.

The remaining fighters entered the library and found Aerith, Yuffie and Cid who all looked on edge until Aerith spotted Cloud.

"…..Is it really you?"

"……Yeah, I'm here and before I forget this is Dav, my brother" Cloud said as he pointed to Dav who was admiring his Buster Blade.

"You have a brother? I never knew"

"…Actually neither did I but there ya go. Anyway nice to meet you and all but I'm going after Sora and his friends the knight and the mage. You guys stay here, they'll need all the help they're gonna get"

"Although this is true I swore to protect the balance so I shall be joining you whether you agree is not" spoke Craxte who stared at Dav from under his hooded cloak.

"I am not sitting around either, I'm coming cause you owe me a re-match Strife and if you die what will I fight then?"

"Thanks Craxte, not to sure about you though Ashura but okay lets go, to seal this castle world that makes it the last one and just Ansem left"

After saying their goodbyes the trio set off through the hidden door and onto the lift stop where they boarded lift which took them directly up six floors to a hidden place just off the corridor leading to the Chapel and near the keyhole.

A8A

"Umm… where exactly will Sora be?" Dav asked his companions as he looked around the corridor they were stood in.

"Maybe that will answer your question" said Craxte as he pointed to a retreating Donald.

"WWWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH…….. how'd you get here" said Donald quickly to the warrior trio as they watched the feathered magician closely.

"Came through a secret lift stop Aerith found while researching the castle"

"Well we need help, Goofy and Sora are fighting Heartless inside the chapel, lots of them!"

"Take us there, we'll help!"