We're Back Folks! 🎉🎉🎉
Just a quick heads up. The aftermath of this chapter might remind you of a certain Pixar film we all know. 😉
But enough about that. Did you all see 'Thor Love And Thunder'? How about the finale of 'Ms Marvel'? weren't those great or what? 😁
Though Kamala could've fought a better then some old lady who's motivation is 'I WANNA GO HOME!'
And while this Thor film doesn't quite match the same grand spectacle of the old Asgard. And I miss Anthony Hopkins' role as Odin. It still was a solid sequel nonetheless.
I give both of those a solid 8 out of 10 🌟✨
But back to this chapter. This will be a mix of the film and video game just like some of the other worlds that the Guardians visited. But trust me when I say this will be satisfying. Also after this chapter. The team will finally be heading in for the final battle.
But first. Let's answer some comments.
olehbilenko93: Thank you! I appreciate your support. 😁
RustyPete12: Thank you! I'm sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. I hope you're getting better. But still. I'm glad to know that the last chapter delivered on every level for you. Yeah Dianex is slowly learning what it is to be human instead of being inhumane. Also Tron and IRIS' relationship will flourish some more here. 👍
Alright! Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎
End Of Line.
Back over at Merlin's house...
Cid was still working on the eradication program back on the terminal. While Yuffie, and Merlin were pacing around waiting for him. If they knew how hard it was for the Guardians inside the Grid, Cid wouldn't probably have lagged a few times.
There has been no word from or about Aiden or Sora since they had left to go back to the Grid. Needless to say, everyone was so tense about getting this done. Because if they don't stop the MCP. This could be the end of Hollow Bastion as they know it.
Just then Leon came back from the front door.
"Finished?" Leon asked.
"Would be, if it weren't for the old loon's magic." Cid said as he typed away furiously on his keyboard.
"OLD loon you say!? I'm trying to work here!" Merlin exclaimed as he was highly offended by the comment. "Oh ho-ho-ho, I'll show you who's old!"
Merlin held out his wand and cast a spell, just as Cid typed the last key.
"Done!" Cid exclaimed happily as he got up from his seat, right before the spell launched at him. But it struck his keyboard and knocked him to the floor with a fud instead.
Cid slowly raised himself from the floor and held out a computer disk to Leon.
"There you go, Leon. One homemade program. A loony wizard special." Cid said with a smirk as Leon took the disk.
"This had better work." Merlin said as he stepped up next to Cid and Leon examined the disk.
"I'm off." Leon said while getting ready to depart.
"Be on your guard!" Merlin warned with caution before turning to face Cid again, who stepped back with his hands up.
Leon and Yuffie shared a glance before Leon left, while at the same time, Cid's computer keyboard caught fire because of Merlin's spell as Cid ran away.
Back over inside the Grid Server City...
Sora and the other Guardians were still walking and following the navigation trail Bit left for them. As they were passing a few streets. Kairi noticed several Programs who were either dressed as fashion models or sports players.
Sora even noticed a group of programs that were standing under a bank logo while quickly saying the code lines for folks getting a withdrawal.
"600$ 599$ 598$ 597$" Those programs said quickly.
They even saw some program duplicates of Scrooge McDuck and Donald's nephews over at a digital duplicate of their Ice Cream shop.
"Remember we don't accept credit. Me User can't swim in it." The Scrooge program whispered to another program who was buying some digital ice cream.
Part of them wanted to go say hi. But they had to go find Tron and IRIS first and save the Grid. Then maybe these programs don't have to always whisper about a User behind the backs of the MCP's troops. Because in his coded laws. Talk of Users are forbidden among programs.
"Um, Aiden? How come some of these Programs look like the people living in town? I thought this Grid was meant for city defenses?" Kairi asked as she wondered why Scrooge's Program was here as well.
"Ansem's palace runs more then just the defenses. It operates as the Grid Plan for all of Hollow Bastion. You could say this Grid is both this town's Pentagon and the Washington-Area Suburb for everyone that uses the internet in town." Aiden explained as they continued to follow Bit.
"Yes." Bit said as the group continued following him.
"You know, with all these programs and their jobs, it's like the grid is its own world with its own heart." Sora said in thought.
"Yes." Bit agreed.
"Which is why we met a group of Heartless that all looked like they were from an arcade." Victoria figured.
Just then they came into view of the Input Output tower straight ahead. Just right there at the end of the sidewalk they were on. They saw that Bit's trail ended there.
"There it is. The I/O tower. Right Bit?" Sora asked looking ahead.
"Yes." Bit said as he floated next to the the group.
"That not all look." Donald pointed ahead.
The Guardians a group of the MCP guards trying to enter in from the main gate. Obviously to go in an either arrest or kill Tron. Probably both. But the guards couldn't get past the main gate. Due to Dumont keeping the gates locked to buy Tron some time to contact Leon and receive the Eradicator.
"Bit. Is there a back door?" Aiden asked the Bit.
"Yes." Bit answered.
"Hurry. Lead us to it." Victoria insisted as the group got their disks ready.
"Yes." Bit said and began guiding them the back entrance, away from the guards.
Inside the I/O Tower...
The entire room looked like a digital observatory without a telescope. Almost resembling a monument. As the light in the center of a platform lead up to the surface of the User world.
IRIS stood and watched as Tron stepped up on the platform and held his disk up above his head. Then the disk began to slowly hover above Tron before he shot up into the red beam. Then it became blue. Confirming that Leon was already there.
Dumont was still outside as he smiled seeing the effect. "It has begun."
***"Tron, location inquiry confirmed."***
"Confirm Leon-8!" Tron answered.
Back up in Ansem's Computer Room...
Leon was in the computer room, typing away at the keyboard as Aerith stood by on the side. Trying to bypass the MCP's firewall. But Leon's entry codes were being denied. As he had no way or use to do so. Without a way to pass the firewall. They can't insert the Eradicator Program. Otherwise the MCP will just erase the content on the disk.
"Warning! User control is terminated indefinitely." The MCP's voice from the computer spoke. Leon kept trying. But he was having no luck.
"No good!" Leon exclaimed in frustration before slamming his fists on the keyboard.
"Leon, let me try." Aerith said softly as she stepped up to the keyboard.
Leon thought about it for a moment before nodding, and giving her the disk with the program on it.
"This is your final warning." The MCP said, which Aerith ignored as she typed a few key codes on the terminal, which the computer did not like. Because it caused a glitch in the firewall. "Stop this at once!"
"Bon appetit." Aerith smirked before she inserted the disk into the slot. "Don't talk with your mouth full."
Meanwhile, Leon facepalmed himself in exasperation at his own stupidity.
"What... What are you loading?" The MCP asked, sounding concerned.
Aerith didn't answer, and instead turned towards Leon with a victorious smile, to which he returned with a smirk and his arms crossed.
Back inside the I/O tower...
Tron was receiving the data of the Eradicator on his disk as he listened to Leon-8's computer default voice.
***"Tron. You have received the Eradication algorithm directly on your disk. It will erase the MCP and change the system. Dedicate yourself to getting the disc into the heart of the MCP. This interface is located at its base. We will not be able to communicate again unless you succeed. Go."***
Tron was also seeing a digital map of where to head next. As his disk lowered back into his hands. Tron looked down at the identity disk he was holding. At long last. The answer to everything he and others have fought for. Others have died for is in his hands. If only Ram was here to see this.
"This is the key to a new order." Tron said to himself as he held his disk and smiled. "This code disc means freedom."
At that moment. The gates were breached. Tron and IRIS ran back to Dumont. And they all looked troubled.
"They have broken in." IRIS stated.
"Go. Now. I'll try to stall them." Dumont said to them.
"What about you?" IRIS asked looking concerned.
"It doesn't matter. You're worth nothing to the Grid if you're dead." Dumont hissed and assisted.
They both realized he was right and they had to go.
"Thank you, Dumont." Tron nodded as they both ran towards the back entrance.
"Hurry. The Users are waiting." Dumont insisted.
Tron and IRIS kept running until...
"Hey Tron! IRIS!" Both heard and looked ahead to see Sora and the Guardians running in their direction.
"Sora?!" Tron looked surprised as he and IRIS ran over to the Guardians who just entered from the back exit.
"You're alright." Kairi beamed seeing them.
"You all have made it." IRIS stated and informed the Guardians."Tron has the Eradicator upload to his disk. It's time to face the MCP."
"Yes." Bit felt it.
"Gee, that's great!" Goofy exclaimed.
"Oh, boy!" Donald exclaimed happily.
"Awesome. Now we can take on the MPC and save the grid." Sora said confidently.
"And Hollow Bastion too." Kairi added.
"Hold on what's..." Victoria noticed that the group of guards were surrounding Dumont.
"Where is the Program?" The commander of the guards demanded Dumont.
"What Program?" Dumont inquired with a grin.
"Take him." The commander ordered his men.
"Oh no. What gotta help him?!" Kairi stressed seeing Dumont being zapped and extracted off his platform.
"I'm sorry. We can't." IRIS stated, surprising everyone.
"She's right. He sacrificed himself to allow us to escape with the Eradicator program. If we don't go now, they could catch us. And his sacrifice would be in vain." Tron explained.
The others either frowned or looked down. But then Aiden was receiving a new ability due to his neo-particles and ice genes causing a shift for his power to adapt.
"You guys go. I'll take care of the heat." Aiden stated with determination as he walked forward.
"Are you sure?" Sora asked hesitantly.
"Shouldn't someone stay with you to back you up?" Kairi asked.
"No. All of you go with Tron." Aiden declined.
And his girlfriend looked appalled. She didn't want to leave him.
"Are you crazy? Hell no!" Victoria hissed quietly. "I'm staying with yo-"
"Before you start. Their air combat vehicles only have one seat." Aiden stated firmly how he's going to meet back up with them and he added. "And I'm not leaving an old man to die. Program or user."
Victoria wanted to argue, but knew it would be a losing battle. Especially because she would do the same thing.
"You better not die on me, Asshole." Victoria said sternly to Aiden.
"Thank you, Sweetheart." Aiden grinned and gripped her hand. Before they both ran off.
"Good luck Aid." Sora quickly said before they fled.
Then as Dumont was about to be extracted. They saw the air around them getting cold. As Aiden ice railed from above the guards. They began shooting up at Aiden before he flipped shot ice spikes into them. Causing the guards to derezz on impacted.
Aiden has his ice powers back in this world.
Then Aiden landed in a spin as he held his hands out. Causing a large ice dome to cover Dumont and the I/O tower like an observatory. Which surprised Dumont.
This wall will hold until the MCP is delt with. Not even the Grid's weapons can break the dome.
"What in the world?!" Dumont said in shock.
"You're safe now, Uncle Bandwidth! Keep youself warm!" Aiden ice railed away.
"I don't need to, boy! Users don't have blood!" Dumont responded condescendingly. And chuckled. "Thank you, User."
Back over at the Solar Sailor station...
Sora, Tron and the others made it the main station hub for the Solar Sailor. A digital transport hub meant to insert binary data into the center of center of the MCP.
The solar sailor was large with a spinning turbine moving slowly, allowing the transport to move on the beam.
You could say that this is what an upload and download would look like to a Program. Or at least one of those concepts. Because this is just one of the ways a Program can travel from one server to another.
"Woah." Sora said with a slight whisper.
The Solar Sailor had a connected cargo of dozens of different crates all lined up in hovering stacks.
Suddenly the guards began to surround them around the platform of the station hub. Most of them were standard guards with discs and spears. But they're were almost a dozen.
"We got company!" Kairi declared as they got out their discs.
Then Tron tossed his disc into three before he spun and caught it with his hands to fight several. IRIS was being flexible and flipping with her disc as she fought them off. Having the data of the Maverick's fighting skills.
Sora and Kairi stood together as they blocked and knocked several guards off the platform to clear away for the others. While Victoria was doing the same from behind them. Donald and Goofy were blocking the back end as they weee backing up towards the Solar Sailor.
Once they were on board the main platform drive of Solar Sailor. Tron and IRIS began to activate the transport and log onto the track which lead to the MCP center district.
"Wait! What about Aiden?!" Victoria protested as she was still fighting off the guards. Using a roundhouse kick to knock fight down.
"He'll find us. Don't worry." IRIS assured.
Then as the Solar Sailor began to laugh. Over at the emergency platform on the right side of the station. A guard was standing by guarding a Light Fighter jet.
Aiden had made it. And was sneaking up on the guard. As he began to quietly interface with the guard's identity disk. Just as he finished putting in the command codes. The guard turned and Aiden stood up.
"Identify yourself program." The guard commanded.
"I'm commandeering this vessel, Watchdog." Aiden stated humorously.
"You are not authorized-" The guard almost stated before...
*Bam!*
Aiden knocked the guard's head back before the guard stood straight and his codes were converted into a new command.
"Right away, Sir." The guard obeyed Aiden as he activated the Light Fighter Jet for Aiden.
Aiden smirked as he stepped on board.
"Please watch your step as you board the aircraft." The guard added as a safety protocol.
"Thanks." Aiden snickered and muttered. "If only blue worked like red in the States."
Then the Light Fighter Jet launched as Aiden flew it towards the Solar Sailor.
Back on board Sark's light cruiser...
Sark was on a communications relay platform talking to a very upset MCP. The Master Control Program knew his time was almost up due to Leon and Aerith's work in bypassing his protocols and sending the Eradicator to Tron. And now he needed to send some heavy fire power. Which he doesn't see currently in Sark.
"Commander. You've enjoyed all the power you've been given haven't you? I wonder how you'd take to working in a pocket calculator." The MCP stated as he began to once again lower Sark's power cycles.
"We...took care of that User you've sent us..." Sark stated as he referred to Ram.
"You incompetent zero. Now you've got two renegade programs with a group of Users flying all over the system in a stolen simulation." The MCP criticized.
"We'll get them. It's only a matter of time..." Sark wheezed as he gripped the ledges as his life was fading.
"You have almost reached your decision gate. And I can't spare you any more time." The MCP declared as he spares Sark for the last time. "End of line."
Then Sark steadied himself as he was close to derezzing that time. He gasped for air and stood up straight.
He really needed to stop Tron before it was too late for them and the MCP'S reign of terror.
Back on the Solar Sailor...
It has been at least ten long agonizing minutes since the Sailor left the transport hub. And the entire transport was practically miles away from it due to the Sailor flying at high speed across the stream.
The sights of the digital mountains and open range of the entire system would be a sight for all of them to see. If it weren't for the fact that everyone was afraid for Aiden. The one they left behind so he could save Dumont.
Victoria was pacing back on forth muttering to herself as she looked almost devastated that they left her boyfriend behind. Wondering if he didn't make it without his powers. What would Elsa say to this? What would Aiden's entire family think of her? Would they hate her for leaving him behind? Would they not forgive her?
The uncertainty had Victoria's stomach upset as she leaned on the rails from her side and was trying to steady herself. Now twenty minutes had past. Where is he?
Then the team heard the sound of an airplane passing above them as they stood up looking alerted. Only for Aiden to hop off the Light Fighter Jet and do a backflip as he landed on one knee in front of them and stood up.
"Uber Eats delivery! Sorry your order came cold and dry." Aiden quipped as he stood up.
Victoria smiled in relief at seeing her boyfriend was alright. She ran up to him and pulled him a tight hug.
"You just can't stop yourself from showing off, can you?" Victoria muttered as she hugged him tighter.
"Well that, and innocents in danger leaves a terrible itch up my retina." Aiden responded as he hugged her back.
"Well, I'm just glad you're okay." Victoria muttered before pulling away. "I take it you saved him, then?"
"That depends. Can you folks get ill?" Aiden asked Tron.
"What's ill?" Tron inquired.
"Then yeah he's good." Aiden assured Victoria. "Remind me where this train goes again. We're not going to the EA server are we? I still hate their asses for making me pay 200$ on Anthem!"
"That was your dumbass choice, actually." Victoria snarked back jokingly.
"This ride is taking us to where the MPC is. Once there, we can stop him once and for all." Sora said.
"So we don't need to pay a toll booth or a procedure for declared commerce?" Aiden inquired. "Or an avast update?"
"And avast update?" Sora asked, looking confused.
Aiden looked appalled that Sora asked that question.
"Do you know how a computer mouse works?" Aiden inquired.
"Nope. I do all the computer work myself. Sora couldn't even find the home page without my help." Kairi bragged teasingly.
"Oh, come on! I'm not that bad!" Sora exclaimed to his girlfriend.
As the team was laughing Tron and IRIS stood in the background together as he admired how they seemed to have more of a breath of life then what goes on in the system.
"Are all Users like this?" Tron asked IRIS.
"If you mean so lively and energetic, then more users than not are almost as lively as Sora and the rest of the guardians." IRIS stated as she watched Aiden and the team joke around while waiting to reach their destination.
"Is the User world anything like this one?" Tron asked as they walked over to lean on the rails near the controls. So they could talk in privacy.
"Honestly, the only difference I see between Users and programs is their biology and their physical struggles in the pursuit of good." IRIS stated her thoughts on the matter. Other than that, Users and programs, at heart, are not so different."
"I had a personal experience behind what Users are really like. My original User, Alan Bradley. Designed me as an independent Program to monitor the ENCOM computer network from both external and internal threats." Tron stated his back story. "For a time this Grid use to be free."
"What happened?" IRIS asked curiously.
"Our new User, Ansem happened. He aquired not only me. But the schematics of the MCP from ENCOM CEO Kevin Flynn. Flynn warned Ansem about the damage the MCP could do should it ever gain more knowledge that it shouldn't. But...Ansem loved the pursuit of knowledge above all else. And from what I could tell. He must've done a lot of damage if he was your team's enemy." Tron stated the back story.
"While Ansem the Wise was responsible for quite some damage, he wasn't the true enemy. Another User by the name of Xehanort stole his identity and made Sora believe he was the the real Ansem while he ruined both the User world and the Grid." IRIS explained, shocking Tron. "So while the real Ansem is responsible for the MCP evolving beyond his intended purpose, The Ansem impostor was the one who caused the Grid to be subjugated."
"Really." Tron said as he wasn't expecting this. "Has he been dealt with?"
"Not yet. He has another half who did just as much damage. And we're still at war with him. The Maverick...Aiden, has been at war with him for as long as I could remember. I've been there for him ever since the day I've met him. You could say, I was his guardian." IRIS stated."Until he found another User concept."
"Which is?" Tron asked.
IRIS smiled looking over at Aiden. As she duplicated herself. Showing a new ability. IRIS made a construct of herself which appeared next to Aiden who was sitting on the other end of the Solar Sailor taking pictures of the sights with his gummi phone. Aiden looked over and was astonished to see IRIS standing next to Tron still talking to each other. While a duplicate of herself could come over and sit with Aiden.
That way IRIS can have a conversation with both her User and Tron at the same time.
"I didn't know you could do that?" Aiden said looking a little wielded out.
"I couldn't while we were on the main server. But I always could. It's how I am able to operate the Mav Club and be out here with the team at the same time." IRIS stated.
"So this is what a network looks like?" Aiden inquired.
"Yes." IRIS answered.
"Huh. All this time I had the concept wrong. Whoever directed Ex Machina missed an opportunity." Aiden remarked as he was impressed. "So, I never had a chance to ask. How does it feel to be hanging with a team? I mean, you know. With a body. Or a screen blocking you."
"Honestly, it feels quite liberating." IRIS stated with a peaceful smile.
"That's it? Huh...I don't know if I should feel happy for you to finally stretch your limbs or feel bad that me and the other Mavericks kept you on a least without permission." Aiden quipped a bit.
"Put your mind at ease. I never once felt trapped while serving you or your predecessors. Infact, I was always happy to." IRIS said before looking melancholy. "It's just that I never before was able to experience the things users do on a daily occurrence. At least until I came to this place."
"And until you met him, I reckon." Aiden smirked as he gestured Tron.
If IRIS had blood in her body, she would be blushing as she looked over at herself and Tron still talking.
"Come on I see how you both look at each other." Aiden teased a bit and stated. "Tron's a good dude. Maybe you should see where it goes, you know. Maybe you'll end up in a Digital Full House."
IRIS started to blush.
"I honestly have no idea what you're talking about." IRIS denied, even though it was a big lie. "Besides, even if I wanted to, it just wouldn't be possible. Once we deal with the MPC, we'll have to depart to continue our journey. And all my functions cannot exist in two grids at the same time."
Aiden's smile faltered as he realized what this could mean. For as long as ue could remember. IRIS has been there for him. Even her functions was there during the first few years he had the ring. He just never knew it until he met her in the Mav Club.
Could he really be ready to say goodbye? Or will he need her until the end?
Either way. Aiden wasn't selfish. He fights for the right and happiness for all life. And IRIS is no exception after all thr good she's done.
"It's alright. We'll figure something out. It's the least we could do for...Well you know. Everything." Aiden assured as he looked at her.
By 'everything'. IRIS knew he meant being there for Aiden from day one.
IRIS gave a small smile and a hand on his shoulder.
"You're a good person, Aiden. But an even greater friend." IRIS said fondly.
"Did you just call me, Aiden?" Aiden inquired with a grin.
He finally took notice.
"What do you mean?" IRIS looked confused.
"Well it's just you've always just called me 'Maverick' whenever you were on my wrist or behind the monitor. I always figured you were design to be formal, like IPhone's were design to be unoriginal." Aiden stated with a smirk.
"I...I apologize, I shouldn't-" IRIS almost said looking nervous.
"No no no. It's okay. It's actually feels fresh seeing you like this." Aiden assured with a small chuckle. And added. "But yeah, you're my friend too IRIS. You've always have been. And you have a right to be happy. Even with the changes that are happening."
Before Aiden could continue.
"Hey guys we're here!" Sora called over.
"Alright. To be continued." Aiden stated as he got up and IRIS's duplicate fadded.
The team formed up together around the Solar Sailor to the Central Computer Mesa. Wherethe MCP dwells.
A few minutes later, the team stood in front of the Central Computer Mesa, a dome like structure with red lights shining into the sky.
"The MCP is straight ahead." Tron told the team.
"Time to settle things for good." Sora muttered.
"Let's show that glitch not to mess with innocent people." Kairi said, and everyone nodded in agreement before turning towards the entrance.
"If anyone needs to use the restroom. Now would be a good time to explain how to take this armor off." Aiden stated humorously.
"Speaking of armor." IRIS smiled as she held her disk out to the Guardians.
Causing their blue circuits to glow. Before their eyes flashed. Then they shifted into their armored forms. And they managed to get their keyblades and weapons in the Grid form with blue circuits. All of their suits and armored forms blended in with the Grit.
"Alright!" Armored Sora yelled as he spun his keyblade and posed in his form.
"Now this is more like it!" Armored Kairi beamed.
"Oh my sweet metal babes. I missed you." Maverick quipped as he kissed his metal arm muscles.
Blaze had an addition of her hair flashing with matching red and purple circuits in his. She brushed some strands with her fingers and posed with her keyblades.
"Alright folks. Let's get in there and make a difference!" Maverick declared with the team.
"Yeah!" As they all ran into core of the MCP.
Inside the Central Computer Core...
Inside the central core wasn't entire chamber filled with red circuits. All which fed and traveled into a pit that had a large beam shooting up in the sky and spinning in a circle. The beam was larger than any pillar in existence and it's slowly began to decrease its rotations. Until the large beam was revealed to be the MCP himself. It had large sinister face as it stared at Sark. Who stood at the center. Awaiting the MCP's command.
Sark himself was ready to face the Guardians. But most of all, Tron.
"I feel a presence. Another group of warriors is on the mesa." The MCP declared.
"SARK!" they heard. It was Tron calling to the second in command.
Sark narrowed his eyes as he stepped out onto the battlegrounds.
And he saw Tron. Standing alone. As the others had made it around the Mesa. Planning to take down the MCP while Sark was distracted with Tron.
Tron and Sark stood face to face ready to fight.
"I don't know how you survived, slave." Sark stated. "It doesn't matter, prepare for you and your comrades to be terminated."
Then suddenly a large group of Digital Heartless surrounded the MCP. As the Guardians had landed around the circular platform of the Grid.
"Heh heh. I guess this place evolved with us?" Armored Sora chuckled nervously.
"Ah don't be a wet blanket. We can take em." Armored Kairi snorted as she stood in her battle pose.
"I like your style." Blaze mused at her best friend's ego.
"Now let's add to it. IRIS?" Maverick smirked. "Pick something fresh."
"With pleasure." IRIS smiled as she activated one of Aiden's new mixbeat tracks.
The title was called 'Derezzed'
(Derezzed - Daft Punk)
(Sorry. No lyrics for this song. But play it while reading this. Trust me it has an awesome affect 😉)
Then the fight began as the Guardians did what they do best. Beat the crap out of Heartless that kept spawning. One by one as Maverick would twirl. Flip and shoot out rounds ofneon derezzing the Heartless. While Blaze would spin and strike them down with Lightning.
Armored Sora tookdown multiple Heartless with his keyblade before his drive mode shifted into a Master Form. As his circuits turned gold and he spun around slashing with two keyblades. Before he stood back to back with Maverick as they were surrounded by Devastator Heartless and a Surveillance Robot Heartless above the group.
"Care to take the lion share, Buddy?" Armored Sora smirked at Maverick.
"My man." Maverick mused. Before he dashed. "WOOOOOHOOOOO!"
Maverick bounced off a Devastator Heartless and flipped as he formed ice around the Surveillance Robot Heartless and grabbed it. Armored Sora spun and slashed his keyblades into three Devastator Heartless, destroying them before several more spawned. Sora then flipped in the air causing Maverick to land in his place. As Maverick held the Surveillance Robot Heartless and spun it around as it fired a beam at the others. Taking them down.
"Your resistance is futile." The MCP.
"So is my Chipotle addiction! But that still doesn't make me wanna stop!" Maverick quipped as they kept fighting.
Armored Kairi was railing across the red Circuits. Shooting fire balls at a group of Magnum Loader Heartless that were riding along and following her from behind. Armored Kairi jumped and flipped as she either shot in the air while jumping. Or blasted them while riding on the rails. Armored Kairi would grind the circuit from the side of the walls. Riding them while defying gravity with her Freeflow abilities.
Blaze would dashing around shooting a group of Soldier Heartless while Donald and Goofy would bounce them up in the air. Causing her to strike the down with either lightning or flame beams.
IRIS kept multiplying into many duplicates as she would slash. Kick and take down so many different Heartless. She would double team slash at five or six Soldier Heartless. Before The IRIS duplicates held the legs of a Devastator Heartless. Only for another IRIS to leap and grip the head with her legs. Before smashing it down.
Meanwhile Baby Groot sat back snacking on a bowl of M&M's watching while Bit hovered next to him doing the same.
"I am Groot?" Baby Groot offered Bit some out of the bowl.
"No." Bit politely declined since Bits can't eat and doesn't need to.
Meanwhile Tron was blocking all of Sark's attacks from him tossing his Identity Disk at him. But Tron held his ground and showed no difficulty. Even when Tron kept getting knocked down. He got back up and would do the same to Sark who kept blocking his attacks.
"You should've joined me! We'd have made an great team!" Sark declared. "You're very persistent, Tron!"
"I'm also better than you!" Tron said back with a grin and a pose.
Then Tron tossed his disk at Sark with a charged throw. Before...
*Smash!*
Sark's disk split in two and Tron's disk slashed up across his forehead. Causing him to short-circuit and stagger. And fall.
The MCP felt it and turned to his direction. As Tron entered the core and joined the others who were just finishing off the Heartless.
"Sark, all my functions are now yours." MCP spoke to Sark, as power began to transfer to Sark, stopping Sark from short-circuiting further. "Take them."
"Tron, you made it." Sora said happily as he struck the last heartless.
"Glad to see your fight went well." Kairi added.
"Thanks. Now, it's time to end this." Tron said as he then tried to launch his disk at MCP's center core, only for several digital square shields to appear around him, deflecting Tron's disk attack.
"Seriously?" Sora said, before striking at the barrier as well, the other guardians striking at the barrier as well.
"Ah! Curse you McAfee!" Maverick quipped loudly as she shot multiple rounds of neon and ice only for them to be blocked.
"Sark." MCP called out to Sark as Tron and the others continued hammering away at the shields. "Sark. Sark."
Sark started to stand up. And soon, all the red circuit lines around his body began flashing a bright red light. And as Sark began walking towards the core to continue fighting Tron, he grew in size with each step.
A moment later, they finally created an opening in MCP's defenses. But then they heard the sound of large steps and turned their gazes towards Sark, who now stood at a hundred feet.
"Your user can't help you now, my little program." MCP said to Tron. "Nor can your little allies."
Tron didn't say anything, instead ran under Sark's legs and then launching his disk at Sark, who deflected it back.
IRIS came and stood next to Tronas they posed together. Then IRIS duplicated herself as she climbed and jumped all around on Sark, only for Sark to shake her duplicates off like flies and swat them away. Sark even stomped on one of her duplicates. That made Tron mad to see her get hurt.
So Tron dashed and threw a strike at Sark's left leg. Sora slides in and slashed at Sark's right leg. Then Maverick ran up and jumped to strike his knee to Sark's chest causing him to stumble. Then Kairi and Blaze grabbed his arms. Only for Goofy to toss his shield at Sark's head to daze him.
Then Donald struck Sark with a thunder spell. Once Sark was stunned.
Tron tossed his disk at Sark's forehead again. Causing it to split.
"Rapairing..." The MCP said as his shields powered down.
"NOW!" Maverick yelled he shot a neon beam into the core.
Blaze fire an electric beam.
And Sora pointed his keyblade causing a light beam to shoot.
Then the MCP froze. And his entire red form turned blue.
Then Tron tossed his disk into the core. Which activated the Eradicator.
The MCP began to shake violently before stopping, in a flash of light, The MCP became blue and transparent, like a hologram, spinning in one direction before vanishing.
Once the MCP vanished, Sark's forehead sparked before he collapsed, vanishing into thin air before he even hit the ground.
"We did it!" Tron cheered in triumph as he jumped in place and pumped his fist before collecting himself.
"I see Tron has a silly side, too." Sora teased with a smirk.
Kairi was giggling at that and nodding in agreement.
Tron looked bashful before coughing in his fist.
"I learned it from you." Tron simply said.
"I think he's got you there, Sora." Kairi teased her boyfriend.
"And here I figured it was me." Aiden shrugged. "The guy who dressed as Ceaser Romero in Halloween Town."
Before Tron could respond. Other Program began to show up as the pillars and circuits turned blue all around the core. Showing that the MCP had them as prime prisoner conduits for running the Grid.
The Guardians looked suprised as the programs came over and greeted Tron and IRIS.
"Would you and your User comrades require assistance for returning to the main server?" One of the programs asked Tron.
"That would be most appreciated. Thank you." Tron said to his fellow program with a smile.
"Hey guys! Come and look at this!" Goofy called out to the team.
Everyone went outside and saw the open past of the outskirts of the Grid. All of the red circuits shifted into blue and the cities around the Grid began to illuminate. All of the Programs surrounding the cities began to cheer and celebrate. And all of the MCP'S troops and guards were repurposed and converted into security for the Programs.
To put it plainly. The Grid is now a free system. Everyone stood and smiled at the sight.
"Is it everything you hoped it would be, Tron?" IRIS asked while smiling at him.
"That, and more." Tron smiled before going into thought. "However, there is still work that needs to be done, to undo the damage caused by Sark and the MCP."
"Well as far as I'm concerned. That won't be much of a problem. Because you now run the Grid." Aiden grinned at Tron.
"He's right. All of the MCP'S function are on stand by. And only you can access them, once we get back into the main server." IRIS confirmed.
"You've earnd it Tron. This victory belongs to you." Sora smiled giving a thumbs up.
"No, Sora. It belongs to us." Tron said, turning to the guardians. "I would not have made it this far without your help. Thank you."
"It's what we do." Sora said as he shook Tron's hand.
Then Tron turned to IRIS who looked a little sad but had a smile nonetheless. As she was happy for Tron's success.
"If you like. You could stay, IRIS. The Grid belongs to you as well. You could have a whole new life here." Tron offered to the girl.
"I would love to... But I can't." IRIS said with reluctance, giving Tron a sad smile. "The Guardians have already had a long and difficult journey. One that they wouldn't have gotten through without me. They'll need me to see it through to the end."
Tron looked down for a moment before he gave her a soft look and touched her face. As IRIS leaned into his touch.
"I understand. But know that you are always welcomed here. Should you ever return." Tron said softly.
"Tron..." IRIS almost replied.
Then they noticed that the other Programs were preparing the Solar Sailor. As they both looked at each other.
"I'd better go. Take care of yourself, IRIS." Tron said sadly. "I'll never forget you."
Then he began to walk away towards the Solar Sailor. As IRIS walked back over to the Guardians who looked at her with Sympathy.
"IRIS?" Donald asked.
"Are ya okay?" Goofy asked looking just as sad as Donald for her.
IRIS looked at Aiden before she sighed.
"Aiden...I..." IRIS tried to say.
But Aiden smiled and placed a hand on her arm. Aiden thought that this would be a difficult position. But if there is one thing he loves doing. Is to give everyone the happiness they deserve. And IRIS was no exception.
"They'll be okay." Aiden assured softly.
IRIS nodded. Thinking that Aiden was referring to Tron and the Programs of the Grid. But he wasn't.
"The Guardians, will be okay." Aiden clarified with a warm smile.
IRIS looked at him with a suprised stare before looking back at Tron who stopped to look back at her. Wondering what was going on.
Then IRIS looked back at Aiden. Who is giving his personal assistant his blessing to stay in the Grid. With Tron.
"Are you sure?" IRIS asked with hope in her voice.
"I've always listened to my inner voice." Aiden said pointing at her chest as he added. "Now it's time that you've listened to yours."
IRIS smiled with one tear going down her face as she finall gave Aiden a warm hug. Which he returned.
"Thank you." IRIS breathed.
"No. Thank you, for everything." Aiden said out of gratitude for IRIS always being there for him.
The Guardians smiled at IRIS as she finished her hug and looked at all of them.
"Thank you all, as well. And good luck Sora. May your heart be your guiding key." IRIS said with a smile.
"Take good care of yourself, IRIS." Sora smiled.
"You've earned this happy ending." Kairi smiled as well.
IRIS smiled and nodded as she held her hands out to beam them back up into the User World. Before she ran back to Tron. Who of course smiled and opened his arms to her as she embraced him and as they stared at each other.
Then Tron and IRIS finally kissed. Starting their relationship together. The team got to see it. Before they were beamed back up to the surface.
The Grid was finally free. And so was IRIS. Free to be among her kind, with a Program who fights for the Users.
Back up in Ansem's Computer Room...
Yuffie had just ran in to meet up with Aerith who was guarding the computer.
"Things are settling down in town! The only Heartless left anywhere are the local veriety! And they're being taken care of by the Committee and our friends from Avalanche!" Yuffie reported the situation outside with excitment.
"Now if we could just get the team back in one piece." Aerith hoped.
Suddenly the shiva laser activate and materialized the Guardians of the Multiverse before them. As they stood in 'one piece'.
"Welcome back!" Yuffie beamed as she and Aerith looked happy.
They all stretched as they were glad to be back as well. And back to normal.
"Totally. And you'll never believe what happened in there." Kairi chirped.
"Oh yeah? Try me." Yuffie mused with sass and her hands on her hips.
"Hey. What'cha got there?" Aerith noticed.
"Huh?" Sora tilted his hand and the team staggered a bit seeing Bit fly around them. "Woah!"
"Bit?!" Donald gasped.
"You came to join us?" Goofy gawked.
"Yes yes yes yes yes." Bit repeated to mirror excitement.
"Huh...What are the odds?" Aiden inquired as he was suprised.
"Well in that case... Bit, welcome to the Guardians of the Multiverse." Sora said to Bit. "For real this time."
"Yes." Bit accepted the invitation.
"Can you navigate the gummi ship for now? We need a new operating system when we get back." Victoria requested.
"Yes." Bit answered.
"Awe. Who's your new friend?" Yuffie asked finding the floating orb to be kinda cute.
"Oh, this is Bit. We met him in the Grid." Sora said introductions. "Bit, this is Yuffie and Aerith. They're friends of ours."
"The ones of this word that is. We've made a lot actually." Kairi meekly added.
"And the town? It's not Windows 7 anymore?" Aiden asked Yuffie and Aerith.
"Yep. The town's A-Okay." Yuffie stated with a smile and two thumbs up.
"Best of all. There's not a single trace of the MCP in the entire system. Everything's back to normal." Aerith happily stated.
"I wouldn't say normal. More like under new management." Aiden added amusingly.
Then the computer alerted which alarmed everyone.
"What's happening?" Aerith asked as they looked at the computer.
'Greetings Guardians.' Tron greeted them from the computer. 'System is up and ready for User input.'
"Tron!" Sora and the Guardians beamed at the same time.
"By new management I mean the independent digital guardian and my A.I. who's earned her retirement. Right IRIS?" Aiden smirked as he approached the terminal.
'Yes, Aiden. Tron and I are now in control of the entire Grid.' IRIS answered from the terminal.
"That's great." Sora said.
"I know you two will do an amazing job." Kairi said.
"Yep." Goofy nodded.
"Oh boy!" Donald cheered.
Donald leaned over the terminal keyboard when he said this.
'Hey, ahahaha! Stop that, it tickles!' Tron laughed from Donald randomly pushing the buttons all over.
"Tron's ticklish?" Goofy pondered.
"That's...Disturbingly cheesy." Aiden bit his bottom lip looking weirded out.
Then Sora narrowed her eyes sinister as he held his hands out and went for the keyboard pressing random Goofy chuckled a bit.
"How about this?!" Sora teased as he was pressing buttons.
"Please...Stop that! Hahahahaha!" Tron laughed.
"Uuuuuh." Aiden looked even more weirded out.
While everyone else was laughing. Aiden was the only one who was thinking of a lot of innuendos for this.
"You're okay with this right?" Aiden muttered to Kairi who blushed and giggled at Aiden's joke
"It's just Sora being his usual nutty self." Kairi said fondly.
"I think Tron's been around those guys too much." Yuffie mused playfully.
'W-wait wait! Just a moment. IRIS and I've found something in the system archives. Ansem has a test subject kept down here that was never discovered by the Organization.' Tron informed them.
This caught everyone by surprise.
"What? There is?" Sora said, shocked.
"What test subject?" Kairi asked, greatly concerned about what this meant.
'This particular subject is not part of any weapons project. But the only notes we could find regarding it references one subject, This subject comes from a Mirrorverse.' IRIS answered.
Which made Aiden's eyes lit up in realization. He always thought this was just a myth.
"Are... you serious?" Aiden said in shock.
'As serious as a digital vital organ attack.' IRIS said with a joking tone. 'I believe that is what Users call 'humor'.'
"Oooh. She's definitely alive in the Grid." Victoria remarked.
"What's a Mirrorverse?" Sora asked.
"Spike. We're talking about the Pandora's box of everything we thought we were limited to. This test tube and whoever's inside of it, comes from a Multiverse outside of our own. A different Multiverse!" Aiden exclaimed as he was blown away from this discovery.
"Yes." Bit agreed.
"Are you serious!?" Sora exclaimed in shock.
"You mean an entirely different set of worlds like our own?!" Kairi asked with surprise.
"With variants of ourselves out there but different from us! For all we know, there could be a black Sora in there! Or a female Goofy! Or a gay Donald!" Aiden beamed.
"WHAT!? HEY!" Donald snapped while sounding offended by the last part.
"Gawrsh. Who could it be in there?" Goofy pondered.
'We're not sure. But if you'd like. We can transport the subject inside a mobile statis pod so you can retrieve it on your ship.' Tron stated.
"Make it happen." Aiden grinned and accepted.
"Anything else in the archives?" Sora asked.
'Yes. It's a record of Hollow Bastion back when it was first built. Transferring the data now.' IRIS stated.
The screen shined brightly.
Outside among the town…..
Outside among the outskirts of the town, Cloud was standing as they looked up at the sky as several beams of light shot up into the sky. Tifa was standing next to him as she held his hand. And they shared a kiss.
At the same time. Leon walked up and stood to Cloud's left side.
"That's right..." Leon said in remembrance. "I remember now."
Next thing that happened, glowing sparkles began falling from the sky like snow.
Over to Merlin's house, Cid and Merlin stepped outside and looked up into the sky at the recent occurrence.
Cid held a hand above his eyes to try and look at the sky closer. He then held his hand out in front of him, as one of the sparkles and caught it in his hand.
"Just like the old days..." Cid muttered as he looked at the spark in his hand.
"Hmm..." Merlin pondered while rubbing his beard in thought. "I'd be fascinated to ascertain as to when the town got such a dreadful name as Hollow Bastion."
The two lost themselves in thought as they continued looking up into the sky at the light show.
The Guardians as well as Yuffie and Aerith made it outside and began looking about at the falling sparkles and the pillars of light shooting into the sky.
"Wow. It's so beautiful." Kairi muttered as she looked about with Sora standing next to her.
"Yeah, it is." Sora agreed as he took her hand his.
"You know, this town had another name once." Aerith said to them.
"I never forgot." Aiden smiled as he always knew what the real name of Hollow Bastion was.
"Right. This was once your home world, as well as Kairi's." Sora said, sharing a look with his girlfriend.
"You're right. It was, a long time ago." Kairi muttered as she looked up at the lights.
"Do you remember the name too?" Aerith asked Aiden.
"Let's all say it together." Aiden smiled.
"Radiant Garden." Aerith and Kairi happily stated at the same time.
"Illuminated Front Lawn." Aiden said with him as he staggered and said. "I mean Radiant Garden! Whew. Glad I never forgot."
"Yeah, sure." Victoria smirked sarcastically.
"Radiant Garden...Honestly that sounds a lot better. Much less gothic." Sora smiled as they looked up.
'Aiden. I've transferred all of my functions from the Mav Club to the Radiant Garden Grid. I guess this is farewell.' IRIS stated.
"For now. But knowing the family. They'll want to come over and vist. Especially Aunt Red." Aiden remarked and added with sincerity. "We've gone far. IRIS."
'That we have, Aiden Elsenov. And I'm grateful for it.' IRIS said to Aiden.
"We all are." Sora said sincerely.
Then Aiden noticed that the sun was setting. As the team gathered around for the gummi ship to beam them up.
"Well. We better get going. We're near the home stretch. And the Hood Wink cult are on their last legs." Aiden remarked and sighed as he smiled down at the ring. "Take care of yourself, IRIS."
'You as well my friends. It's been an honor to serve you all. I will be here in Radiant Garden's Grid, should you ever wish to return. Tron and I will be waiting. Good luck. And your heart be your guiding key.' IRIS gave her heartfelt farewell to all of her friends.
IRIS will always be a Guardian. If not on board with the team. She will be in their hearts. She has done her service for life. And now she has earned her unexpected reward.
To have a life of her own.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!
And let us all wish IRIS a good heartfelt farewell. For she has earned her big break for helping Aiden through the most rough parts of his journey by keeping him operated.
But don't worry. Aiden will soon get a new A.I. assistance. Only this one will be more funny. I'll give you all a hint. He's inspired by a certain 'Doctor Who' character. Played by Matt Lucas. 😉😂
Also Bit is free from the Grid and is welcomed on board with the Guardians! How about that? 😃
Still they've been through all the worlds that are in this story. And now it's time for the moment we've all been waiting for. The Guardians of the Multiverse will be heading in for the big climax in the next chapter! 😎
IT'S GO TIME!...NEXT TIME!...NEXT CHAPTER I MEAN!...YEAAAAAAAH! 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you all so much for reading! Don't forget to Fave and follow if you like what you see. And be sure to leave comments and reviews to let me know your thoughts.
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊