Hello, fellow readers! Welcome back to Harmonic Hearts! So, what do we have:
johannvanguard: Thanks, I'm glad those scenes worked out as well as they did. Now here's more.
Nisha: I'm glad I got that aspect down, as sometimes I'm not entirely sure who would speak in each situation. Yozora is a good boss fight, but I wish there is more secret bosses in future KH games, especially since there are a wide range of characters they have to fit that criteria.
I'm glad you enjoy the OCs, I always make sure that they fit with the narrative flow. I actually never thought of them as foils to Sunset, but I can see what you mean. And yeah, Sora and his friends may be visiting, but they don't have to be the main focus all the time. Here's more!
Thanks for the feedback! Now let's do this!
Visit 4-3: Face Your Fears
The next day came as the group decides to help finish the dock first. Though, most of the girls were acting rather odd from their usual selves. It was rather obvious as Sora points it out:
"Why are you going slow, Rainbow?" He asks the most obvious one.
"Well I can't go any faster. Seriously, I rather not show up back in town again." She answers.
"Don't be silly." AJ casually retorts.
"Really, AJ?" Rainbow puts down the wood she held before gesturing with her hand, mocking AJ's light taps with her hammer.
"She got a point there." Shade agrees.
AJ wipes her head of sweat before sighing, "I'm trying to not think about our new magic and stuff, but that's just it. What if I hammer the wood into splinters?"
Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie were having the same feelings as Levin tries to assure them:
"We understand that it can be rather scary at first, but you girls got it a bit easier than us."
"How so?" Rarity questions.
"Well for one thing, yours isn't based on the elements." Visor answers, "In fact, Fluttershy has the most harmless one. Three of you got the most basic superpowers imaginable."
"Actually, what are your powers?" Pinkie asks the wolves, "We know Levin has lightning, so..."
Stylite smirks as he holds his hands out to create a ball of water, "I have water..." He then freezes it, making it an ice ball. "And ice."
Then like a baseball, he pitches it before throwing it into the air above the lake. Not long after, a gold-colored fireball chases it, blowing it up into steam. They were surprised at that before turning to Visor, who had a small gold flame on his finger:
"I have fire."
The steam was then blown away in a brief strong wind controlled by Ventus, "As my name tells ya, I'm the wind under their wings."
Sunset sees their synergy and gets an idea, "Actually, if we can use our powers just right, we can finish the dock in no time."
"How exactly?" Rarity questions, "We don't know how our powers even work."
"But it's clear that worrying about it isn't getting us anywhere."
Rainbow notices her wording, "Wait, did you get a power too?"
"Yeah, I figured it out yesterday. Through physical contact, I can see into others' memories."
"Really!?" Pinkie exclaims after popping up next to her, "Try me, try me!"
She grabs Sunset's hand and places it on her forehead, activating the latter's power. What she saw was... Dude, I don't think even Pinkie Pie knows. Anyways, after that little trip, Sunset returns to reality with one thing on her mind:
"That explains so much..."
"What does?" Kairi wonders, as does the boys.
"You don't want to know."
"Just a little imagination..." Pinkie answers while doing a hand rainbow motion... that somehow made a small rainbow.
"...As much as I would question that, let's get back to the powers." Riku reminds them, which Sunset immediately agrees:
"Right! Girls, we can't ignore the powers just cause it isn't the right time or place. In fact, what if it means it can actually make things better?"
The Destiny Trio then start to hear music playing before a song came on:
(Sunset)
So you have magic, and it's not that great
But when it found you, you know it was fate
And it might seem scary now, but it can be wonderful too
So how about we embrace the maaagic, and make the magic a part of you?
The wolves move over to where the trio was to watch this unfold. While the girls were getting the idea, Sci-Twi hangs back a bit as the others got to work:
(Sunset)
You take a little dash of magic, and you let it ignite
Mix things up a little bit, and it might start to go right
In just five seconds flat, how the story has changed
All cause now you've embraced the maaagic, and it just better in every way
Sunset was smiling at the teamwork, feeling some sort of magic from such synergy as it swirls around her:
(Sunset)
I say embraaace the magic!
No more holding back, just let it out
If you can taaake the magic, and learn a little more what it can do...
Once the magic is a part of you!
Sci-Twi was getting the message now. Like the wolves, she needs to try controlling her power. Without realizing it, she then joins in on the song:
(Sci-Twi)
What's standing in your way, that you can't move today?
You got the strength in you, to make your dreams come true
(Sunset)
No need to shield yourself, from the magic that can help
Protect from any harm that might come!
The two continue as a duet with Sunset leading the way:
(Sunset)
So you have magic,
(Sci-Twi)
And it's not that great,
(Sunset)
But when it found you,
(Sci-Twi)
You know it was fate.
(Sunset)
So if you listen close, you might make a new friend
And together we can make iiiit!
The music swells as Sci-Twi lets it out, lifting the lanterns with her power:
(Sci-Twi)
I say embraaace the magic!
No more holding back, just let it out
She walks down the dock, placing them on the poles as the Rainbooms follow:
(Sunset)
If you can taaake the magic, and learn a little more what it can do...
(Sci-Twi)
Once the magic is a part of youuu!
Once the magic is a part of youuu!
(Sunset)
Once the magic is a part of youuu!
Once the magic is a part of you...
The song ends, where they find the dock was completed thanks to their new magic. The others were really impressed at the result as Rainbow admits:
"OK, that was pretty awesome."
"And look at what you've accomplished." Sunset compliments at their work before looking at Sci-Twi, "Though I didn't expect you to sing with me."
"Didn't expect to have a... spontaneous moment." Sci-Twi admits, "But thanks to you, I realize that fearing my magic won't get me anywhere."
"That's great to hear, Twi." Levin said as he and Riku walk onto the dock, "Which makes me feel better to tell you guys what we found out."
The Rainbooms were curious as Riku spoke, "Last night, me and Levin went over to the rock quarry to investigate. Turns out, we found these magical geodes in a crystal, likely what was giving you girls those new powers."
"Geodes, you say?" Rarity repeats, "What did they look like?"
"The main detail I noticed was they were color-coded." Levin answers, "There were seven of them and each one can match one of you."
"If that's the case, we need to see them with our own eyes." Sunset states before Fluttershy mentions something:
"But um, how do we go? The counselors restricted us from going."
Riku smirks as he mentions a little detail, "Actually, Celestia and Luna told them that since we're security for the campers, we have access to places we think there might be danger."
"Which includes restricted areas." Sunset figures out, "In that case, we can't all go. It'll raise suspicion."
"I know where the quarry is. As Riku's group talks with the counselors, I can sneak you girls there." Levin suggests, "So who should go?"
"I should, since I have battle powers." Sunset volunteers.
"I should too." Sci-Twi also volunteers.
"Are you sure? There might be heartless or those Unversed, since Vanitas is around."
"I know that, but... I have a feeling these geodes might be related to Midnight's return. I'm done being scared, I'm ready to face her."
Sci-Twi's determination was enough for Sunset, "All right, but stay close to me just in case."
Levin felt some weight off his shoulders before speaking, "I already told my boys this stuff. I trust you girls to cover for us too?"
"Absolutely!" Pinkie answers with the others nodding in agreement.
With that said, Riku heard enough and headed off to meet with Sora and Kairi. Levin leads the way with Sunset and Sci-Twi, though his gut feeling was starting to get worse. Just in case, he wants to stop by his tent to prep up.
At the rock quarry, Levin's group was the first to reach it. The girls didn't mind him doing the pit stop beforehand, so he changed his attire to something more battle focused. While he has his goggles resting on his forehead, he now wore more tech he made to focus his powers:
He wore a 'Volt Vest' that strangely looks kinda similar to Vanitas' bodysuit, albeit a sleeveless version, colored black with blue pulsing outlines. Complimenting that was a pair of 'Generator Gloves', colored black with blue pulsing outlines, which connect to blue circles on the front and back of the palms. Over said vest, he wore a dark blue jacket with the sleeves rolled up to show his forearms, green pants and black converse.
Sunset also wanted to make a pit stop, changing her attire to the look she has back at school. Only difference is adding a pair of black fingerless gloves. As they approach the entrance, she stops with the two doing the same:
"Best we wait for Riku's group. We don't know what'll happen."
"Good idea." Sci-Twi agrees.
The two notice how quiet Levin was, which the former brings up. "You all right, Levin?"
He looks at them for a moment before answering, "Honestly, no. Ever since last night, I couldn't shake off this feeling. I don't know what, but..."
"It's about Midnight, isn't it?"
Levin looks at Sci-Twi as she continues, "I know what you're thinking, but I have to do this."
"W-What if it backfires!?" He starts to blurt out, "If she takes over, I don't want to-"
Sunset widen her eyes upon seeing Sci-Twi suddenly give him a hug. Levin stood there in surprise, his heart briefly fluttering before she spoke:
"I trust you guys to help me through it. I know you will."
He felt touched by her words as he returns the embrace, "...I promise."
Sunset smiles at the tender moment before hearing footsteps, looking to see Riku's group arriving. The two also hear them coming, ending their hug as Levin speaks:
"T-There you guys are. Ready to head inside?"
"Yeah. We'll go in first to make sure the coast is clear." Sora answers.
They didn't mind the idea as Sunset spoke for them, "That's fine."
Sora and Riku went on ahead as Kairi lingers back and whispers, "Sorry we ruined the moment."
She shows a friendly smile as Sci-Twi and Levin looks away with a blush, the latter putting his goggles over his eyes on top of that. Once she goes on ahead, Sunset giggles to herself at the two's mutual crush.
The Destiny Trio enter the cavern, Riku searching for any enemies as Sora and Kairi took a moment to take in the sight:
"Whoa, this is prettier than the secret cave back home." The former comments.
"These crystals are beautiful." Kairi agrees.
"Focus guys, we can marvel later." Riku advises.
"You better listen..."
The trio hear the familiar voice before seeing Vanitas standing on the cavern ceiling, "Danger lurks around every corner."
Sora and Kairi summon their keyblades, ready to fight. Riku on the other hand raises an eyebrow:
"Here to watch the show, I'm guessing?"
"Nothing else is on. I heard Sunset's little song earlier, so I know they're out there. Bring them in already."
While they were a bit hesitant, Riku turns to the entrance to call them out. "Coast's clear!"
Sunset enters first, followed by Levin as Sci-Twi stays close to the former. They briefly look around before approaching the trio:
"Those must be the geodes." Sunset comments upon seeing the crystal.
"They don't look like geodes." Sci-Twi points out, "They're more like crystals or gemstones."
"Semantics!" Vanitas calls out, getting their attention as Sunset questions him:
"Vanitas!? Why are you here?"
"Just a spectator this time! Now it's time to see who will win, the dawn... or the midnight!?"
Right after saying that, the group then see the crystal begin to pulse with dark energy. The cavern begins to dim as a shadow starts to emerge, making the group get into their battle stances. Sci-Twi widens her eyes upon seeing the shadow take shape:
"How..."
That was all she can say before the darkness covers the cavern, taking them deep within.
Dive to the Heart
Opening her eyes, she finds herself standing atop a large stained glass mural. It was rather beautiful, though she found it strange that it shows herself and... Midnight?
"You seem surprised..." She looks up to see Midnight descending down upon the mural, "You shouldn't be, as we are connected."
"By some experiment gone wrong." Sci-Twi retorts, "I didn't want any of this, so why don't you just go away!?"
Midnight shakes her head in disappointment, "You still haven't figured it out. Or rather, is it that you choose not to know?"
"Just answer me!"
"...Very well, I'll humor you. The reason why I'm here in your heart is simple..."
In a flash, Midnight teleports right in front of Sci-Twi before giving her answer:
"I AM you."
A pulse of energy suddenly blows the latter back, sliding her across the surface before stopping at the edge. She slowly recovers as Midnight approaches:
"The suppressed feelings and desires you kept inside for years, I was given form from them. Why else did you think I wanted to satisfy my curiosity, to break free from this prison you held me in? If anything, you held yourself back!"
"...Yeah, I have." Sci-Twi admits as she gets to her feet, "If there's one thing I know now, is that I fear the unknown. But we only fear what we don't understand."
She then stares down Midnight with determined eyes, "Which is why I DON'T fear you anymore."
Midnight glares back in annoyance, "Is that so..."
She unfurls her wings, flying back to the other side of the mural as she declares:
"Then let me renew that fear!"
Objective: Fight Midnight! (BGM: Unbreakable Chains) (N: Sync the intro to the cutscene beforehand, like Ven vs. Vanitas)
Midnight begins the battle with simple spells, casting fireballs to shoot at her counterpart. Sci-Twi reflexively catches them with her levitation, firing them right back like a spread shot. Midnight flicks her wrist, shooing the fire away before casting a large ball of water.
Again Sci-Twi catches it, though struggles a bit to maintain it before firing it right back. Midnight slices down through it with an ethereal blade, soon holding her free hand up to cast more fireballs. This time Sci-Twi was ready, catching all of them in one fell swoop.
This time she combines them into one large fireball, shooting it back with more force. Despite the speed, Midnight was quick to slice it away. Coating her blade in lightning, she swings again to fire a barrage of bolts at her opponent. To her surprise, the bolts were caught as Sci-Twi condenses them into a burst. Midnight had to dodge this time, narrowly avoiding the large bolt as it grazes her wing.
Out of annoyance, she fires a strong whirlwind that Sci-Twi had to block with a makeshift barrier. The winds were relentless, making her feet skid back inch by inch towards the edge. Quickly thinking, she then disperses her barrier with great force, the shockwave knocking Midnight back as the winds cease.
"Playtime's over!" She flies upwards above the pillar, focusing her energy to conjure Graviga.
Sci-Twi quickly fires a pulse towards her, able to catch her opponent within its range. She pulls with all her might as Midnight resists it, the latter keeping herself afloat before finally breaking her grip. Now freed, her spell was ready to be cast:
"You can't resist, Twilight!"
Sci-Twi had no choice but to brace herself, the mural soon starting to show cracks as the gravity increases. Despite her protective field, she felt the pressure start to pull her down. She was literally using all her might to not fall, even as her field was faltering. In a desperate attempt to break the spell, she focuses her energy into herself... and releases:
"AAAAAHHHHH!"
Her scream echoes upon unleashing a powerful shockwave, destroying the Graviga spell as Midnight was caught off guard, smacking her away. She quickly recovers from the attack, her wings keeping her afloat as she shakes off the dizziness. Upon her eyes focusing, she sees the aftermath.
Sci-Twi stood almost completely still, the mural under her feet covered in cracks as shards start to float away. Her glasses were gone, likely shattered from the force, as her ponytail fell back into her natural long hair. Her head was looking upwards, her eyes staring at the single light above... before her legs finally buckle. She fell to the ground as silence fills the black void.
Midnight was silent, eventually flying back to the pillar and lands near Sci-Twi's unconscious body. She looks down at her counterpart before eventually speaking in a quiet tone:
"And all this time, I believed you were lacking any drive. Guess I was wrong about that."
She was about to reach down to make contact, only to stop upon hearing a sound. She instinctively teleports to dodge a lightning fast swing, reappearing away to see a familiar face as he checks on Sci-Twi:
"Twi! Twi! Wake up, please!" ...No response.
After a moment to check her pulse, he was relieved before gently placing her down. Upon standing up, she sees electricity start to dance around his frame as he turns around:
"You..."
Levin's growl was livid as he glares into Midnight's soul, who felt a bit intimidated. Still, that wasn't enough to deter her as she spoke with conviction:
"She chose to fight me, only getting in my way to freedom. I only want to escape from this place! Wouldn't you if you were trapped here!?"
He said nothing, only continuing to glare through the goggles over his eyes. With no response, she then grins upon thinking of a proposal to him:
"Hmm, I can certainly see why she has grown a fondness for you. If you help me, I can give you what you desire. Besides, wouldn't you want to have the superior me instead of her?"
That made his heart skip a beat upon realizing what she meant. However, that only made him angrier:
"The girl I fell in love with, was Twilight Sparkle. A girl who has been alone for most of her life, questioning her purpose in this world. More than once, she was used time and time again by those who only seek to benefit, never caring about her as a human being..."
He then points his weapon directly at her, "Which includes you. And now..."
Her grin was already gone as she can see his eyes through the goggles, glowing with intense rage. He holds his weapon with both hands, clenching them into an iron grip as his power made it practically a 'lightning blade':
"I'll make sure that'll NEVER happen again."
It was very brief, but Midnight swore she heard something monstrous behind his voice. Shaking it off, she then readies herself for another fight:
"Fine, then it's time you said goodbye!"
Objective: Take Midnight Down! (BGM: Rage Awakened) (N: Sync the intro to start at 'intense rage')
Levin didn't waste any time, immediately running in to attack. Midnight quickly conjures a barrier to block his barrage of swings, soon retaliating with Aeroga to blow him back. He bounces back at her with Thunder Strike, which she dodges by warping away. She soon reappears on the other side of the mural, casting fireballs and thunderbolts to fire at him.
Cloaking himself in lightning, he runs straight through while practically slicing through the projectiles. Seeing this, she conjures Blizzaga to unleash a massive icicle upon him. He didn't hesitate as he charges in with a strong swing, shattering it into shards. However, Midnight was nowhere to be seen again.
Looking around, he glances upwards to see her silhouette as she was charging a spell. Crouching down, he charges energy into his legs before performing a super jump, rocketing towards his enemy. Midnight widens her eyes at the speed he came at, quickly flying back to avoid an upward swing. While his back was turned, she aims a Graviga spell right at him.
As if they were caught in a Slow spell, Levin frees one of his hands and holds it out towards her. His lightning pulses through it before firing an Overload Shockwave, blasting her back and disrupting her spell. The recoil pushes him upwards, giving him time to charge and dive down towards her.
Upon recovering, she casts Aeroga to protect herself from a diving lunge, yet Levin was unyielding as he pushes into the barrier. To her surprise, his weapon was starting to penetrate through as she was getting pushed back towards the pillar. Thinking quickly, she charges up a beam and fires point blank, only to see him penetrating through that too:
"AAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
He lets out a demonic roar as his lightning becomes a storm, piercing through the beam and barrier before exploding in a flash of light. Midnight falls from the blast, slamming onto the mural and sliding all the way off the edge. By sheer luck, she grabbed onto said edge to avoid falling as her wings was now severely damaged. She puts her other hand on the edge, slowly pulling herself up before a sudden slam was heard:
Levin had landed right in front of her, crouching low enough to be face to face. In that moment, she sees his glowing eyes still burning strong as his pupils had changed to silts of a demon.
By instinct, she teleports away from a slash that smashes where she was before. The instant she came back, he gives chase and continues his rampage. Each time she teleports, he was right behind with vicious intent. She uses every spell to try fending him off, from fireballs to icicles, thunderbolts and tornadoes, yet he still persists. Then she gets an idea:
If he wields electricity, then he must be weak to water!
Conjuring up the most powerful water spell, she escapes from another slash before reappearing behind him:
"DROWN, MONSTER!"
She blasts a torrential tsunami directly at him, the wave blasting off the mural and into the void. She gave it everything she can muster in an attempt to end this fight-
BOOM!
The wave suddenly bursts like a bubble, dispersing into a rainstorm as she was left wide open. Her eyes widen upon seeing Levin, not one drop on him with his hand held out. He was fast enough to not only block the attack, but powerful enough to destroy it.
In one swift strike, he finally lands a powerful slash right where her head is. She closed her eyes expecting the end... only to feel her magic start to fade.
Opening them back up, she sees Levin with his weapon held tight before something fell from above. It shatters upon hitting the surface, but she was still able to recognize it:
Her horn.
She feels the magical energy fading away, her expression showing clear defeat before turning to terror. Levin had moved his weapon down, placing the two rods around her neck with his grip held firm. She looks directly at his eyes, still holding their sinister glow as she realizes:
With no magic to protect her, she has no chance to win now... much less survive.
Tears start to fall like the raindrops around them, blurring her vision as her heart races. She refuses to blink even once, believing she's about to never open them again. Her stare didn't waver from Levin, who didn't let up on his own gaze for what felt like an eternity in silence. Eventually, he speaks:
"You feel it right now, don't you? The fear of your own end?"
She didn't move, or rather refuses to, not even sure what he's about to do. His feet finally move, taking three steps towards her before stopping as his weapon held its position. He was face to face with her again, only now his eyes lack the silt pupils:
"That's EXACTLY what Twilight feels right now."
He then moves his weapon away before she falls back in shock, her gaze still on him as she releases a breath she held. He looks down at her, his gaze refusing to falter as his eyes return to normal. It wasn't long after before they hear a small groan from behind him:
Sci-Twi was beginning to stir.
He puts his weapon away, immediately going to her side as her eyes start to open:
"L-Levin?"
"Yeah." His voice was now soft and comforting as he spoke, "Are you all right?"
"Y-Yeah. Nothing to worry about."
That was enough for him to show a small smile, "That's good to hear."
Her eyes then widen, "What about Midnight? Where's she?"
"...There." He gestures with a motion of his head.
She looks to see Midnight, who was still on the ground with dried tears in her eyes. Her horn was shattered, the flame rings around her eyes now just candlelight compared to before. She was honestly concerned as she looks back at Levin:
"What happened?"
"I'll explain later. Right now, let's get out of here." He assures her.
Next thing she knew, he picks her up bridal style as he stands up. Her surprise shows as a small blush on her face, which he didn't notice as he was looking around. Though, it wasn't until now that he realizes:
"How do we get back?"
There was no answer, but they soon heard sounds. Looking around again, the three saw others approaching the pillar on makeshift stained glass stairs.
"Levin! Sci-Twi!" Sunset's voice calls out, her being the first to reach them. "Finally found you two-"
She cuts off upon seeing the former carrying the latter, which Levin knew what she was thinking. "I'll explain later."
"Guys!" Sora reaches them next, followed by Riku and Kairi. "Good to see you-"
He also cuts off upon seeing the two, which Levin reiterates. "I'll explain later. Any of you know a way out?"
"I think these might help with that." Riku answers, holding out one of the geodes.
Sora, Kairi and Sunset show that they also held one of the geodes. They had four of the seven though, leaving three still missing. That is, until a familiar voice spoke up:
"Looking for these?"
Walking down to them from his own makeshift staircase, Vanitas held the remaining three in his hand. The group stare as he then leaps up high, landing on the pillar between them and Midnight. He looks at them for a moment before tossing the geodes to Sunset:
"Catch."
She does just that, holding them tight as they see his other hand ready to snap:
"You'll be needing them."
SNAP!
Suddenly, Midnight was feeling her power surge back into her body. She grins as her horn repairs itself, the flame rings reignite and her wings were healed. The group were taken aback by this, especially Levin:
"What are you doing!?"
"I told you before. I tested you to see if you were willing to fight. But the only way for Midnight to be defeated, is if Twilight beats her. It's her heart after all."
Levin grits his teeth before hearing Sci-Twi speak, "You heard him. I can fight."
He was a bit hesitant, but relents as he puts her back on her feet. Although, she was likely still affected from her previous battle, if her briefly buckling was the indication. However, Kairi helps by casting Cura on her, restoring her to full health:
"There, better?"
"Yeah, thanks." Sci-Twi answers.
"Here you two." Sunset said, giving her and Levin a geode each.
It was here when she realizes that she only got two of the three geodes Vanitas had. Speaking of whom:
"You think I'd let you have all the fun?" He comments, holding said geode in his hand.
"Geez, who's side are you on?" Sora questions, making Vanitas roll his eyes:
"My own, duh."
A pulse of power was felt soon after, getting the group's attention as Midnight begins to rise:
"How unexpected, but welcoming. I'll admit it Levin, your power was something I didn't predict in the slightest. But now that I know your strength, I will NOT hold back!"
"Was that what you were doing!? No wonder I curbstomped you so bad!" Levin roasts.
This made her livid, gritting her teeth as a dark aura surrounds her. She soon lets it burst out, surrounding the pillar in an arena similar to one from the Friendship Games. The group held their ground from the harsh wind her renewed energy gave off, only for it to suddenly cease. Turns out, the geodes they had began to glow, forming a makeshift necklace for each of them.
After that, Midnight had finished her own power up and looks down upon them with fierce fire in her eyes:
"It's time to end this charade!"
Objective: Defeat Midnight! (BGM: The Eye of Darkness)
The group ready their weapons for the fight as Midnight casts her shadow clone spell, evening the odds in terms of numbers. With that said, each one of the group took on one of said clones, leaving Sci-Twi to face off with Midnight herself.
"Let's see if that geode changes anything." The latter comments.
The former's hands glow her starry aura as the geode does the same, "Only one way to find out."
As their battle went underway, the others were fending off the shadows. For her first real boss fight after training, Kairi was holding her own. After a few fireballs, which the shadow blocks, she throws her keyblade at an opening and warps in with Strike Shift. Taking the advantage, she lands a combo that ends with Spiral Bloom.
To her surprise, the shadow clones itself into three before retaliating with Blizzaga. She quickly puts up her barrier against the icy wind, soon bursting it before it froze over:
"I got this." She assures herself before performing her shotlock.
She holds her keyblade out, channeling light into the tip before holding it skyward. The light then became a sphere, shooting out orbs that hone in on the clones. It lasts just long enough to take them out, leaving her the victor. She then looks around to check on the others. The closest fighter happened to be Riku, who was also facing off against more clones.
Seeing one of them try and flank him, she warps in with Strike Shift to stop it. Taking it out with Flower Shoot, she lands next to Riku as they stood back to back:
"Thanks." He simply said, which she nods to.
The clones multiply again, surrounding them as they cast Waterga. The two quickly cast a combined barrier, seeing the waves crash against it before reflecting it back. The splash damage was enough to stun the clones, leaving them wide open for attack.
Channeling energy into themselves, Riku performs Dark Aura as Kairi uses Seven Wishes. The two go past each other with each lunge, bringing the clones in one group to trap them. Reaching the finish, the two dive down with a combined attack, shooting out pillars of light and darkness to take out their enemies.
"Not bad." Riku compliments as the two share a fist bump.
After that, they see Sora flying through the void with practically a swarm of clones hot on his tail. The two assist him with long range spells, Riku firing dark fireballs as Kairi uses Waterga and Thundaga. It was enough to help him get away as he lands near them:
"Thanks, these clones are multiplying too fast."
"We noticed." Riku adds before seeing Vanitas fighting in the distance.
It wasn't just him fighting off more clones, he was also using a different power on top of that. From the looks of it, it appears to be Rarity's ability. Though instead of a barrier or shield, he was summoning diamonds to be blades and even buzzsaws to take out the clones. The trio remember the geodes they had just as more clones start to surround them:
"Perfect timing to test them out." Sora points out.
"Yeah. Let's do it!" Kairi agrees, unknowingly activating hers to grant them a buff.
Meanwhile, Levin had teamed up with Sunset as the clones were starting to swarm her. The former was swinging fast, swatting clones left and right while the latter had finished off several with Magic Blade. Her geode briefly glows soon after, showing her a vision:
"Above us!"
Levin heard her after knocking some clones back, seeing more of them dive down from above. Charging up his arm, he unleashes a Lightning Bolt that shot straight up, dispersing the swarm in one fell swoop. The cooldown left him open, which Sunset covers for him by casting Aeroga around them:
"They just keep coming!" She yells in annoyance.
"Yeah, cause of her." Levin agrees, gesturing to Midnight herself as she was fighting Sci-Twi.
"Then we better help Twilight, otherwise we'll get overwhelmed."
"Don't have to tell me twice."
The two head off to help Sci-Twi, though it'll take a bit due to the clones. Speaking of whom, she was holding her own against her counterpart, though barely as she blocks an energy blast from Midnight:
"Looks like it wasn't enough." She taunts.
"No! I can still fight." Sci-Twi defies, despite being worn down.
Midnight smirks at the bluff before casting Graviga, conjuring a sphere of intense gravity at her. Sci-Twi catches it, but its weight was very heavy as it strains her to the absolute limit. While she was occupied, Midnight was charging up a blast to detonate it before getting stopped by a sudden slash:
"Mind if I cut in?" It was Vanitas.
Sunset takes out the remaining clones, letting Levin go ahead and reach Sci-Twi first. She was about to collapse from the strain before he grabs the sphere with his weapon, using his electricity as a magnet of sorts. With a massive swing, he throws the sphere far away before it explodes. The shockwave was enough to disperse the clones as the group quickly recover from the ripple effect.
Midnight was annoyed at the result before guarding another swing from Vanitas, clashing his keyblade with an ethereal blade:
"How dare you!"
"Got anything better to say?" He retorts.
"I-I'll destroy you!"
"Been there, done that."
He then shoves her back before giving chase, entering a sky duel with her. As they fought, Levin and the others were regrouping with Sci-Twi, who was barely conscious:
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Don't be." Levin assures her, "You're doing your best."
Kairi heals her with Curaga this time, restoring her health. Sci-Twi gets up to her feet as Sora mentions something:
"Midnight's tougher than before. I wonder how..."
"Likely cause we're fighting her on home turf." Riku answers.
"And stopping her last chance for freedom." Levin adds, getting their attention.
"What do you mean?" Kairi asks him.
"Midnight did all of this to break free from this place. However, it would mean possessing Twi to do it, which won't happen."
Sora heard that and recalls something, "Huh, sounds similar to when Vanitas did that to Ven..."
"Funny you mention that-" Riku starts before being interrupted by Levin:
"It's fatal, not risking that."
"What is?" Sunset questions.
"Vanitas said that he and Ven were forcefully separated into two, leaving their hearts fractured. Despite the fatal implication, they survived. Still, such a risk isn't something I personally consider."
"Into two..." Sci-Twi mutters in deep thought.
As she does, Vanitas was casually dodging magic attacks from Midnight, which the latter was confused:
"Why are you fighting me!?"
"I heard about your power and wanted to see for myself." He answers, "So far, not impressed."
"Really? Then how about this!?"
She charges up a powerful beam as he counters with Dark Cannon, the two beams clashing into a bright light. She puts more into her beam, yet it was barely budging against his. He smirks at this before putting more into his, cancelling the beams out as they burst into a blast of light.
Midnight was pushed back as Vanitas warps beside her, landing a swing that sends her flying back to the pillar. She quickly recovers to land on her feet, alerting the group as they ready themselves once more. Vanitas lands on the other side of her soon after, ready to attack again. Realizing she was outnumbered again, she was about to cast more clones before hearing Sci-Twi call out:
"Enough!"
The others stop upon hearing that, confusing Midnight who remains on edge. Sci-Twi walks closer to her as she explains herself:
"You're only doing this cause you believe it's the only way, right?"
Midnight narrows her eyes, "...What are you on about?"
"It's clear that both of us aren't backing down from this battle. However, I just heard that it's possible for us to co-exist... but not without risk."
Levin knows what she's about to do, but held his tongue. The others look on as Midnight lowers her guard:
"Go on."
"I'm not sure how it works, but our hearts would be separated into two beings. However, it'll leave our hearts fractured, which would be... fatal."
Midnight widens her eyes, "What!? Why use such a method!? Why choose to put our hearts at risk!?"
"Now now, it's possible to survive it." Vanitas counters, "I know, I did. In fact, you have a better chance to live over her."
Now Midnight was more confused, "If so... then why-"
"Like I said, both of us aren't backing down from this. Although, I think I can guess how they avoided such a fate."
Vanitas raises an eyebrow, "Oh really?"
"Yeah, it was cause you formed a connection."
The Destiny Trio got what she meant, but the others had a different reaction. Midnight gives her the straightest face, Vanitas pinches the bridge of his nose, but Levin had the most vocal one:
"Of course!"
The trio held back a chuckle at that as Sunset adds, "Cliche yes, but it does make sense. Also explains how we got here..."
"You said that like I can make a friend..." Midnight mumbles.
"Don't say that!" Sora calls out, "Anyone can make a friend by getting to know them. You just gotta give it a try."
"What he said." Sci-Twi agrees.
Midnight stood there for a moment before letting out a sigh, "...Very well. I'm getting tired of this dark void."
"Great!" Sci-Twi then turns to the trio, "So... anyone know how to do it?"
"...We never learned that." Riku answers, with Sora and Kairi shrugging at that.
"Which is why I'm here." Vanitas walks over as he spoke, "Knowing you goody two-shoes, I figured you do this route anyways."
Sunset guesses another reason why he would, but Levin beats her to it:
"And totally not cause you're lonely." He casually teases.
Vanitas rolls his eyes at that, "Whatever, let's just get out of here."
He then points his keyblade down towards the mural, soon shooting a thin beam of light that ripples throughout. Next thing they knew, the group was enveloped by a bright light that shines through the darkness.
And done! OK, here's something I didn't learn until I got to this part:
By removing most of the plot points from the original movie, I had to do a whole new third act after Sunset's song. I hope this worked out well enough, but what happened? Well...
The geodes work like the Elements of Harmony, so it makes sense that they would connect to the Dive to the Heart. Plus, wouldn't it make sense that you can traverse the pillars with the stained glass panels, which are formed by bonds connected to the person? I mean, how else would Levin and the others show up in Sci-Twi's heart?
Speaking of that, the fights Midnight had with Sci-Twi and Levin were the most fun for me to write in this chapter. The former shows her newfound drive as the latter shows his devotion. The third fight was kinda more so for the others to fight, but Kairi needed a chance to show off her strength. Plus, her and Riku teaming up is something that needed to happen.
The geodes were an interesting idea, having different wielders use the powers in different ways, but I didn't want to drag the fight out any longer. In case your wondering who has who's geode, here's your answer:
Sunset has hers, Sci-Twi has hers, Levin has Rainbow's, Sora has Pinkie's, Riku has AJ's, Kairi has Fluttershy's, and Vanitas has Rarity's.
Other than that, I personally think Midnight has potential to be her own separate character. It's likely not gonna be explored in this timeline, much like a lot of other things, but that's what the redux is for.
With ALL that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you next chapter!