Asuna's Team so Far
Necho Cat (Pina) MAXED
Magic
Thunder
Time Bomb
Sleepra
Stat Boost
Thunder Boost (x3)
Magic Haste (x4)
Magic Boost
HP Boost
Sleep Block
Confusion Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Tatsu Steed (Babaru) MAXED
Magic
Bind (Sacrificed for Hawkeye)
Blizzara
Mini (Sacrificed for Leo)
Blizzaga
Stat Boost
Bind Block
Confusion Block
Blizzzard Screen (x3)
Blizzard Boost (x2)
Magic Boost (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Eaglider (Hawkeye) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Firaga
Aerial Slam
Firaga Burst
Stat Boost
Attack Haste (x4)
Slow Block
Bind Block
HP Boost (x2)
Attack Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Fire Boost
Support Ability
Air Combo Plus
Wheeflower (Petal) MAXED
Magic
Blizzard (Sacrificed for Ashika)
Blizzara (Sacrificed for Babaru)
Blizzaga
Esuna
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x2)
HP Boost
Cure Boost (x2)
Water Screen (x3)
Magic Boost (x2)
Bind Block
Sleep Block
Chef Kyroo (Flambé) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Cura (Given to Kirito)
Aerial Slam
Blitz
Fira
Firaga
Stat Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Defense Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Item Boost (x3)
Support Ability
Air Combo Plus
Aura Lion (Leo)
Magic
Curaga
Limit Storm (Given to Kirito)
Sacrifice (Given to Kirito)
Faith
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x2)
Light Screen (x3)
Cure Boost
Attack Haste
Attack Boost (x2)
HP Boost (x2)
Support Ability
Second Chance
Leaf Bracer
Juggle Pup (Ashika) MAXED
Magic
Baloonra
Blizzaga
Balloonga
Slot Edge
Stat Boost
Blizzard Boost
Attack Haste
Blizzard Screen (x3)
Item Boost (x2)
HP Boost
Magic Haste
Magic Boost
Attack Boost
Support Ability
Leaf Bracer
Pegaslick (Olympia)
Technique
Prism Windmill
Sparkra
Sparkga
Stat Boost
Light Screen (x5)
HP Boost (x2)
Magic Haste (x4)
Defense Boost
Support Ability
Air Combo Boost
Kirito's Team so Far
Komory Bat (Komory) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Confuse (Sacrificed for Woeflower)
Zero Gravity (Sacrificed for Blaze)
Zero Gravira (Sacrificed for Halberd)
Drain Dive
Confusing Strike
Stat Boost
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Confusion Block
Attack Haste (x2)
Spirit Ability
Waking Dream
Sir Kyroo (Kyroo) MAXED
Techniques
Strike Raid
Blitz
Stat Boost
Water Boost (x2)
Cure Boost (x3)
Attack Haste
Water Screen (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Stop Block
HP Boost
Support Ability
Combo Plus
Woeflower (Woe) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Poison (Sacrificed for Kabuto)
Sleepra
Sleepga
Drain Dive (Sacrificed for Drill)
Poison Dive
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Haste (x3)
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Boost
Blindness Block
Support Ability
Treasure Magnet
Ryu Dragon (Ryu)
Technique/Magic
Superglide
Meteor Crash
Firaga Burst
Mega Flare
Stat Boost
HP Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Boost (x2)
Defense Boost (x2)
Magic Boost (x2)
Reload Boost
Support Ability
Combo Plus
Combo Master
KO Kabuto (Kabuto) MAXED
Defense/Technique/Magic
Link Block
Circle Raid
Fira
Icebreaker
Stat Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Blizzard Screen (x3)
Thunder Screen (x3)
Reload Boost
Defense Boost (x3)
Tatsu Blaze (Blaze) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Fira
Firaga
Meteor Crash
Stat Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Haste (x3)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Bind Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Drill Sye (Drill)
Technique
Circle Raid
Blitz
Sonic Blade (Given to Asuna)
Stat Boost
Attack Boost
Defense Boost (x2)
Item Boost
Attack Haste (x2)
Poison Block
Mini Block
Slow Block
Stop Block
HP Boost (x2)
Support Ability
EXP Boost
Halbird (Halberd)
Reprisal/Technique/Magic
Steep Climb
Timestorm
Break Time
Tornado
Stat Boost
Attack Haste (x4)
Stop Block
Attack Boost
Magic Haste (x4)
Support Boost
Air Combo Plus (x2)
Riku's Team so Far
Komory Bat (Fang) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Confuse
Zero Gravity
Zero Gravira
Drain Dive
Confusing Strike
Stat Boost
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Confusion Block
Attack Haste (x2)
Spirit Ability
Waking Dream
Fin Fatale (Piranha) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Gravity Strike
Zero Gravity
Zero Gravira
Zero Graviga
Stat Boost
HP Boost
Water Boost (x3)
Attack Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Water Screen
Slow Block
Sleep Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Kab Kannon (Rhino) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Salvation (Given to Sora)
Dark Firaga
Zero Graviga
Stat Boost
Defense Boost (x3)
Fire Screen (x2)
Blizzard Screen (x2)
Thunder Screen (x2)
Water Screen (x2)
Reload Boost
Defender
Fishboné (Bones) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Dark Break
Poison Dive
Zero Graviga
Stat Boost
HP Boost (x2)
Water Boost (x2)
Attack Haste (x2)
Magic Haste
Attack Boost
Defense Boost
Dark Screen (x2)
Poison Block
Spirit Ability
Leaf Bracer
Cera Terror (Trihorn) MAXED
Techniques/Reprisal
Steep Climb (Given to Sora)
Dark Break
Sonic Blade (Given to Sora)
Zantetsuken
Stat Boost
HP Boost (x3)
Attack Haste (x2)
Attack Boost (x2)
Defense Boost
Mini Block
Sleep Block
Defender
Support Ability
EXP Boost
Skelterwild (Tyrant) MAXED
Technique/Magic
Ars Arcanum (Given to Sora)
Limit Storm
Deep Freeze
Ice Barrage
Stat Boost
HP Boost (x3)
Blizzard Boost (x3)
Defense Boost (x3)
Poison Block
Reload Boost
Support Ability
EXP Walker
Lord Kyroo (Paladin) MAXED
Technique/Magic
Blitz
Zantetsuken
Ars Arcanum (Given to Sora)
Triple Plasma
Stat Boost
HP Boost
Thunder Boost (x2)
Cure Boost (x2)
Attack Haste
Magic Haste
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Defense Boost
Defender
Support Ability
Combo Master
(Leafa speaking) I had always thought dreams were merely illusions in my sleep, and that they would not cause so much harm. However, I soon realized that dreams are connected to the darkness, which shuns the light, and blinds us from the truth. At the same time, dreams are neither in the darkness, nor in the light. Dreams are pieces of hope that waver in between realms, and they give us either spiritual happiness, or nightmarish sadness. And the journey that Sora, Kazuto, Asuna, Riku and I have been on, tested the hope in our hearts against the darkness of the Organization. Sora and I have failed to overcome them, but I still believe in those that still remain. For no matter where we are, no matter how deep we slumber without light, our hope and dreams are still there, calling out to our friends and family, wishing for them to bring us back to the light…
(Insert 'Ignite' TV Size by Eir Aoi)
Without hesitating, Take the world of paradoxes,
(The scene opens with Kirito's face fading in from the left-hand side, his eyes opening as the symbol of the Original Keyblade wielders appear in the center. Kirito's face fades out as Asuna's face fades in on the right-hand side, opening her eyes as the Dream Eater Spirit symbol replaces the Original Keyblade wielders symbol.)
And shoot it with your hands
(Asuna's face fades out as Yui's and Leafa's faces fades in, back to back as they looked towards either side while Sora's crown pendant appeared between them. The crown shines brightly, then showing the title of 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy', with the Sword Art Kingdom symbol right behind it.)
In the warmth of fallen tears
We should've learned kindness
(The scene opens to Asuna standing on top of the school rooftops, looking out in the distance with a solemn expression. She looks down at the white Wayfinder in her hand, the ghostly image of Aqua passing by her. She closes her eyes as she clutches the Wayfinder tightly, then she looked seriously ahead, ready to proceed.)
So why do we keep hurting each other
And give birth to more hatred?
(Kirito is sitting on the porch outside his house, holding one of his kendo stick Keyblades he made in his hands, looking down at it with a serious expression. He then stands up and whips it around before stopping in his fighter's stance, as the ghostly image of Terra in his battle stance stood behind him.)
From the stinging pain I learn to be strong
(The first scene shows Gretinal at her desk, with Yui on one side, and Jackson, Latias and Cypress on the other, all looking at the screen. The next scene shows Yen Sid at his desk, with Donald, Goofy and Mickey on one side, and Sora and Riku on the other side.)
And gently blanket the future
(The next scene shows Leafa closing her eyes as she fall backwards into the black screen, only to be scooped up by the large hand of Young Xehanort. He waves his other hand forward as Heartless Oberon, Gouxus, Saïx and a black coat Recon stand around him, grinning maliciously. The screen distances from them to where Kirito and Asuna stood, angrily looking back as they charged.)
Without hesitating, Take the world of paradoxes,
(The scene next shows Kirito using Flowmotion to move around the city of Alne in Alfheim Online, taking out Nightmares that came at him, then slamming his Keyblade into the ground, causing a shockwave of energy that blasts away nearby Heartless.)
And shoot it with your hands
(Asuna appears leaping across the rooftops at high speeds with her Eaglider and Pegaslick at her side, unifying together into Dual Style: Bladecharge, and swinging her energy-extended Keyblade around, sending all Nightmares around her flying away.)
I ever so softly embrace, The sorrow that is covered in red tears
(The scene shifts to Asuna and Recon fighting with one another within the experimental lab at the top of the World Tree, Sora and Leafa's minds showing behind the two as they fought. Then it shows an open room within the top of the World Tree, and Saïx is going into Berserk mode as he faces Kirito, who roars in rage as he charges at him, determined to defeat him.)
Just as the ringing vibration, Marks the sound of the beginning
(The scene ends as Asuna and Kirito race forward towards the golden bird cage where Leafa was, surrounded by darkness and fast asleep, with Heartless Oberon and Gouxus standing in front of the locked gate, waiting for the two. Asuna and Kirito leapt at the two, producing their Keyblades to fight. Heartless Oberon and Gouxus produce their own weapons and leapt at the two, Oberon going after Kirito while Gouxus went after Asuna, and the frame freezes as they near each other, ready to attack.)
Kirito's Side
With Rebbi in the lead, Kirito and his Spirits climbed the road of the World Tree branches, heading to the birdcage that contained his sister. The sun began to set as he arrived closer and closer to the top. He had a sense of nostalgia, considering that the same scenario happened as he reached Asuna in the past. It was like the place was programed to repeat what had happened that day, when everything came to an end.
At long last, Rebbi, Kirito and the Spirits all reached the cage. He looked ahead, recognizing the birdcage's setup. It was exactly the same as the time he reached Asuna, with one major difference. Hanging in suspension, trapped within a bubble, was Leafa, still in her Sleeping Realm attire.
"Suguha!" Kirito shouted, racing to her as his Spirits returned to their cards. He grasped one of her hands, and started to tug on it. Rebbi cried out in desperation. She was not able to get out of the bubble, nor was she able to wake up. She was sound asleep. "C'mon, Sugu. You have to wake up!" Kirito shouted, "Don't let your heart get dragged into the darkness!"
"It's pointless." said a voice from behind, and Kirito turned to see the Heartless Oberon walk out of the Corridor of Darkness, standing in between Kirito and the entrance to the birdcage. Kirito let go of Leafa, and turned to him as Oberon continued, "Your sister will never wake up from her slumber. She sleeps in the far depths of darkness. And this all could've been avoided if Asuna hadn't chosen you."
"What do you mean?!" Kirito growled, frowning at the man in front of him.
Asuna's Side
Asuna finally reached the birdcage, looking from the outside in. The place was just as she unfortunately remembered. However, on the table in the center of the room, she noticed something that also was foreboding; the same dress she wore when she was trapped in ALO was neatly folded and arranged. It was a white dress with a tube top that had a red ribbon around the topmost part and exposed her midriff, and a long, frilly skirt. There were even white strips that were wrapped around her ankles and feet.
Asuna glared at the clothing. She knew this was meant to torment her with past memories in this same place. However, she wasn't gonna let this phase her. Kooms and Wowzer came to her side, while Asuna's Spirits went right into their cards. She promptly walked into the cage, scared inside, but she wasn't gonna let her fears get the best of her. She walked up to the table, examining the clothes she once wore.
"Brings back memories, doesn't it, Titania?" said a sly voice behind. Asuna fearfully looked up and around. At first, she thought she was seeing Oberon again, dressed in the same attire as he once did before. However, she soon realized that it was Gouxus due to the X-mark scar on his forehead.
"Gouxus…" Asuna addressed the man before her.
"In all honesty, I was surprised you had the courage to walk into here." Gouxus stated, "Then again, your determination was always a charming part of you that I enjoyed when I was someone. So how 'bout it; care to see if those clothes still fit you? They might be a little tighter than before, and a little more…revealing."
"Sorry, but I won't let you control me like you did before when you were Sugou." Asuna spat, turning fully away from the clothes, "I've moved on from that horrible memory you put me through. However, I can never forgive you for what you did to me back then, nor can I forgive you for what you did to Leafa, either."
"Technically, it wasn't me who did it." Gouxus corrected her, "It was mainly thanks to Recon and his obedience that allowed her to play right into our hands."
"That's EXACTLY what I mean!" Asuna barked, "You created a fake Recon to lure her here, making her believe he was the real one! Well guess what? I just took care of that fake you made, not to mention I shut down that controlling device for good."
"Yes, you shutting that down was a bit of a setback." Gouxus said ignorantly, "But as for the fake, who cares about him. He did his part like a good Nightmare, and brought Leafa all the way here. It was only a matter of time before he was destroyed by you. After all, that's what you were made to do, wasn't it?"
"Huh?" Asuna questioned.
Kirito's Side
"There's something I really don't get; why did you target Leafa, specifically?" Kirito demanded, "Why not target either Asuna or I?"
"We had planned to go after you, Kirito." Oberon answered, "You were meant to be a powerful vessel for Xehanort to use. We had even placed tracers on you so that we could keep track of you so that we knew where you were."
"A tracer?" Kirito questioned.
"It was a natural look for you, that you had no idea it would be used as a way of tracing you." Oberon stated, pointing at Kirito, "The 'X' on your chest." Kirito looked down, and realized that he was speaking of the cross-straps he wore.
"However, they became tainted by Asuna's interference." Oberon continued, "So we naturally went to Leafa, and placed an untainted X on her." Kirito turned to Leafa, seeing the white X on her top. "I guess what they say is true; X marks the spot." Oberon joked as Kirito looked shocked at this.
Asuna's Side
"When you started the journey into the Sleeping Realm, when you defeated that pirate warlord, you could tell something was off as you were sinking into the sand." Gouxus told her, "Your heart subconsciously detected our presence, targeting Kirito. When you felt that bond was in trouble, you unconsciously dove into Kirito's dreams, and used your powers to protect us from making him sink into the darkness."
"My powers?" Asuna questioned.
"The powers you gained when you entered Kirito's dreams. You made yourself into what that symbol on your cloth represents; a Dream Eater to protect Kirito."
"Me? I became a Dream Eater?" Asuna realized, looking down at the Spirit symbol on her hanging cloth.
"You were very good at your job, despite you not knowing what you really became." Gouxus commended her, "However, when you placed yourself into Kirito's dreams, you ignored Leafa's dreams completely. Without someone like you to protect her dreams, she was incredibly easy to drag into the darkness. The fake Recon did try to stop you from protecting Kirito, but you became too strong for him to defeat." Asuna was amazed that she was able to achieve this, but also felt guilty that she wasn't able to protect Leafa's dreams along with Kirito's.
Kirito's Side
"…So, Asuna was protecting me all this time." Kirito understood, having heard from Oberon about Asuna diving into his dreams.
"She wasn't the only one to protect you." Oberon added, "When you dove into the Sleeping Realm, something in your heart managed to awaken because Asuna was protecting you. It turned into a powerful barrier that we could not penetrate, making you impossible to track or lure into any area. It was the added soul that resides in you, one that Xehanort stole the body and heart of."
"Terra." Kirito realized.
"Exactly. While you didn't know it, there was proof that this had transpired." Oberon stated, "I speak, of course, of the emblem on the bottom of your coat." Kirito looked down at the weird, heart-like sigil on his coat as Oberon continued, "Once used to represent the original Keyblade wielders, the power of Terra's soul with the heart of Asuna's sister made it troublesome for us to take care of you."
"I see…" Kirito understood, looking down at emblem, "So all this time, Asuna was protecting me from you guys, and so has Terra…" He closed his eyes, then he smiled. "Thanks, you guys." he muttered, "You helped me reach this far, just like you have always done."
"You're not upset?" Oberon asked, confused, "I thought you would be. Asuna abandoned Leafa to protect you. If she had only protected her, you wouldn't be able to suffer losing your sister."
"Except, I didn't lose my sister, yet." Kirito retorted, "Asuna has always done this in the past, from protecting and giving me the strength to defeat Heathcliff, to guiding me to defeating Death Gun, to all those times she and all my friends fought alongside me against those enemies in these last couple adventures. Now, she's giving me a chance to save my sister, and return back home again."
Oberon narrowed his eyes at Kirito. "Aren't you starting to be overconfident?" he sassed.
Asuna's Side
"How does it feel to leave behind one of your dearest friends, eager to protect someone you love and achieve a power to find your lost family?" Gouxus asked, "Honestly, I could no longer bear that kind of regret. It would eat me up."
"You're right. I do regret not being able to save Leafa like I should've." Asuna agreed, "However, I'm not regretting my choice to protect Kirito, either. That fake Recon told me that love is a deceiving feeling, used to manipulate and betray you. In a way, you're trying to say the same thing. But that's not true at all. Love makes us more powerful than ever, able to penetrate any kind of darkness. Our bonds helped us when we needed it the most. Plus, it's not just between Kirito and I. Leafa, Sora, Riku, Yui, Donald, Goofy, Recon…all of our friends that care for me, and connect with me. Their loving hearts give me the power to do what I really want to do; protect the people that matter!"
"Ha! That power seriously came in handy with protecting Kirito, but you failed to protect Leafa in the same way." Gouxus taunted, "You failed in being able to protect her, which proves just how weak your 'power' is."
"She may be in the dark right now, but I plan to bring her back." Asuna stated, raising her hand and producing her Keyblade, "You know, this cage does remind me of something, but it isn't that horrible past you put me through. It reminds me of everything Leafa did to bring Kirito up to save me. Now, it's my turn to do the same."
Kirito's Side
"You are completely arrogant if you think you have what it takes to save your sister." Oberon stated, "It's too late for her. Soon, she shall be one of us, and her own heart will forever sleep in the darkness."
"She wouldn't give in that easily." Kirito growled, turning to Leafa as she still fell asleep, "In fact, I still remember when she used her powers to bring Sora and I together for that one time during our test. She believes the two of us, Asuna and Riku are capable of saving her. I will fulfill her wish, and save her, right now!"
Kirito looked back at Oberon, who looked from him to Leafa, then saw something that shocked him. Even though Leafa was fast asleep, she started to show a smile. The words of her brother was able to reach her in the darkness. "It seems that Asuna may have actually made the right decision in choosing you, after all." Oberon told Kirito, "Even so, I cannot allow you to have her."
"Then show me what you got!" Kirito shouted, producing his Keyblade, whipping it into his fighting stance.
"We will never let her fall into your hands!"
Although they were apart, Kirito and Asuna said these words simultaneously at their enemy. Their hearts unified as one as they readied to fight.
(Cue KHDDD OST 'L'Impeto Oscuro')
Gouxus and Oberon both looked at the two Keyblade wielders, then growled, "Your efforts will be futile!" They waved their arms simultaneously outward, and the area changed to that of a familiar environment. It was a black environment, with the background composed of a dark version of the World Tree's trunk, and a white version with a crystal-like body in the center. Kirito and Asuna saw that they were standing on a circular glass-like battlefield. It was the same environment that Oberon made when stopping Kirito and Asuna, only to be beaten by Kirito.
Looking down, both Keyblade wielders were amazed to see each other, standing on opposite sides of the glass. They looked at each other, surprised, then looked at Oberon and Gouxus, who stood in the same spot on opposite sides of the glass, too. The gravity-defying battlegrounds was gonna show both of them in their own battles.
Gouxus grinned menacingly as he gathered dark digital energy around him, returning to his Organization coat as he pulled a hand back to summon his sword-whip, Greed's Redemption, letting it flail as he went into a fighting stance against Asuna. At the same time, Oberon created dark winds whirl around his hands, and he created his two mid-blades, designed similarly to each of his old fairy wings. He ground the blades against one another before positioning himself, ready to fight. Both Kirito and Asuna knew they should not hold back anything as they summoned their Spirits; Ryu and Komory for Kirito, Leo and Olympia for Asuna.
Kirito immediately charged in to attack Oberon, who slashed the air, sending several dark crescent blades of energy at Kirito. He unleashed his Balloonra spell to block the attacks, and all of the balloons he summoned exploded from all the blades. Kirito made a leaping strike at Oberon, who blocked with one of his blades, and attempted to slash with the other. Kirito pushed one blade aside in order to block the oncoming one. He followed this with a sword spin, but Oberon backed off, and saw Komory fly in with a sonic screech, but Oberon slashed the sound waves before they reached him. Kirito was amazed he was able to do that, but shrugged off his amazement in order to continue.
Meanwhile, Gouxus thrusted his blade forward, which elongated its' chain for more distance. Asuna dodged to one side, charging forward at the man before her. He quickly recalled his blade, and twirled it about him, forcing Asuna on the defensive. She unleashed her Counter Surge after using her barrier to block, striking Gouxus, who doubled back, and thrusted his blade into the ground, making a digital portal appear. The tip of the blade shot out of the ground at Asuna, who got slashed and ended up stumbling back, but she regained herself before charging in with her Spirits at her side.
Oberon was starting to teleport about, reappearing with different slashing combos that Kirito had to avoid or block with his Keyblade. He leapt back from a double horizontal slash, retaliating with his Circle Raid technique, striking him from the side. Angered, Oberon unleashed more crescent blades of energy at Kirito, but Komory used its' Zero Graviga spell to set them off course. Ryu followed this by flying into the air, and breathing flames down at Oberon, who teleported out of the way.
Kirito couldn't tell where he might appear next, so he unleashed his Mega Flare spell. The giant ball of flames floated forward, not igniting like Kirito hoped it would. Oberon came from behind, and slashed him in the back, making him tumbled forward. "You missed me!" Oberon sneered.
Kirito quickly reacted, using his Payback Raid, but he struck his Keyblade at the Mega Flare, causing it to erupt all around, striking Oberon as well. "You were saying?" Kirito questioned.
The Heartless growled as he recovered himself. "Clever, but I won't let you have another chance!" he roared, and he connected the two mid-blades together, making it a butterfly-like form, and shot it at Kirito at high speeds. He placed his Keyblade up in front of him to block, but the force of Oberon's attack was much stronger than he predicted, and he fell back to the ground. Oberon grinned, but it was short lived thanks to Ryu, unleashing several dashing fire lines at him.
Kirito got back up, and used his Break Time spell, breakdancing for a few seconds before he struck a pose, and he regained his stamina. "This attack may be weird, but it works." Kirito stated, grinning as he unleashed another Balloonra at Oberon, the balloons homing in on the Heartless and exploding on impact.
Asuna dashed forward, then unleashed her Sonic Blade technique, shooting all about Gouxus. He tried to counter by spiraling his sword-whip around him, which gave him slight endurance against Asuna's furious strikes. When she stopped, Gouxus sent the many pieces of his sword flying like shrapnel, striking back a charging Leo, pelting Olympia out of the sky, and making Asuna do her best to avoid them.
The pieces came back together in their original form, and Gouxus thrusted towards Asuna with a powerful force. She leapt over the attack, her feet landing onto the sword whip, and she jumped high to unleash her Firaga Burst. The blazing attack caused fireballs to rain down onto Gouxus, who could not produce a barrier in time to avoid them. He ended up getting consumed by the fireballs, hiding him from Asuna's view.
Asuna landed onto the ground as Leo rose to its' feet. Leo roared to Asuna, who nodded in understanding. "Link Style! Shining Hammer!" Asuna shouted, fusing with her Spirit, emanating a shining glow of white and bright violet. Gouxus brushed away the fire smoke with his weapon, saw Asuna, and plunged his weapon into a digital portal. Asuna charged forward, predicting where the attack might pop up, and narrowly dodging it. She came in with a hammer slash onto Gouxus' head, following up with a sword spin, knocking him back. Olympia unleashed a Cyclone Charge down at Gouxus, making him fly.
He tumbled in the air, bounced off the ground, then flipped himself back onto his feet again, unleashing another extending thrust at Asuna, striking her on her side. It didn't stop there as he made the tip wrap around Asuna, binding her. Asuna struggled to break free, but Gouxus tossed her into the center of the area. He waved his hand out to Asuna as she stood up. She suddenly felt a gravitational pull on her, and she looked down to see a swirling vortex beneath her. Asuna got pulled back down, and felt her stamina start to drain as she strained to be released. "Ngh! I can't break free!" Asuna groaned.
Kirito felt the area on his side start to become lighter. The gravity magic was causing the opposite effect on his end, and causing him to leap higher up than before. Surprised at this, he looked down to see the gravity well, and Asuna being forced down as Gouxus watched her up close, grinning. "Asuna!" Kirito shouted. He looked in time to avoid another combo of slashes from Oberon. He retaliated with a Drain Dive, moving closer to the ground while damaging Oberon.
He landed on the ground, racing underneath the gravity well. He looked down and saw it glow pink, and immediately shouted, "Drift!" He dove into a Reality Shift, casting the spell in order to unleash the attack. He then reappeared right above Asuna, holding the two halves of the Combined Keyblade in each hand, his body glowing with the aura of each blade. He roared as he unleashed a series of dual-wielding combo slashes onto Gouxus, then he fused the blades together into the Combined Keyblade, and unleashed an overhead slash that sent him flying and destroyed the gravity well. He returned back to his side of the battlefield as Asuna rose to her feet as Olympia dove in, casting a Regen spell to help restore its' master.
"Thanks, Kirito." Asuna thanked Kirito, "You really saved me there." She saw Gouxus rise back onto his feet, and she unleashed her Faith spell that healed her, while sending a column of light that struck the Nobody hard. As she finished, she and Leo split apart, and Leo was panting. "That gravity was tough on you, wasn't it?" Asuna asked, "I'll let you rest. I'll have Hawkeye fight in your place." She returned Leo into its' card, replacing it with her Eaglider, Hawkeye. It screeched as it was ready to fight, then immediately sent feather missiles at Gouxus, who growled as he spiraled his sword-whip like a shield, destroying the missiles before they got to him.
"Damn that Kirigaya!" he growled, "If only he hadn't interfered, I would've beaten you."
"He and I won't let either one of us fall. You won't stop that!" Asuna barked, and she charged in for the fight to continue.
Kirito grinned as he looked down at Asuna, then saw Oberon unleash his wing blades like a rocket again. Kirito quickly leapt up, and Komory added to his ascent, giving him enough height to avoid the attack. "Link Action! Fly-By Knight!" Kirito shouted, and he dove at Oberon with Komory guiding him, dashing at him several times with quick, aerial speeds. When they were done, Komory dropped Kirito in front of the Heartless man.
Oberon recovered from the Link Action, and unleashed a cross-slash onto Kirito, but he leapt back, skidded to a halt, and summoned Terra's Keyblade into his other hand, surprising the enemy. "Here I go!" Kirito shouted, unleashing his Starburst Stream Dual-Blade Sword Skill onto Oberon, stunning him as he performed the full 16-hit combo.
Oberon toppled back, then teleported away, appearing on the far side of the battlefield. "Let the winds of negativity consume you!" he roared, tensing up his body, then unleashing a heavy gale around him that caused Kirito and his Spirits to slide all the way to the opposite end of the battlefield. Kirito was shocked as he saw the winds gather together around Oberon, taking the form of the demon he took once before. "Careful, you guys!" Kirito told his team as they readied to take on whatever Oberon had planned.
On the opposite end, Asuna's team was starting to read the pattern in Gouxus' attacks, which were composed of thrusts, twirls, hammer slashes, and teleportation spikes from his sword-whip. Not only that, but he also sometimes summoned a bubble of dark data streams to protect him from Asuna's attacks, sending a burst of energy similar to Reflega to counter and damage anyone close to him. Asuna had to make sure she avoided taking the battle close when he placed up his barrier.
Asuna avoided a triangle formation of teleporting spikes, unleashing a Balloonga spell, and making the balloon float towards Gouxus. "I won't let that strike me again!" he roared, thrusting his blade forward to prematurely pop the spell, and then twirling Greed's Redemption about him to avoid getting hit by the smaller homing balloons, causing an explosion to surround him. "You really need to come up with new strategies, Asuna." he chuckled, retracting his blade.
Suddenly, Gouxus noticed a bright purple blade of light appearing out of the explosions, coming from Asuna's Keyblade as she got in close. She then roared as she unleashed her Mother's Rosario Rapier skill, sending five thrusts down one angle, then down the other way, forming an X on Gouxus' chest. He recoiled, but swung his blade horizontally at Asuna, but she ducked. She then pulled back her Keyblade, and finished her combo with one final thrust at the cross of the X, sending him flying away.
"Trust me, I have more tricks than you can manage." Asuna retorted Gouxus' last words.
Gouxus skidded to a halt near the edge of the battlefield, growling at Asuna. Suddenly, the two felt the area shake, and they looked down to see a massive claw made of dark winds hammered onto the ground. Kirito took some damage while his Spirits took a heavy blow. "Kirito!" Asuna shouted, looking down to where Kirito stood.
Oberon teleported up close to his prey, and made a double swipe that had more range than his normal slashes. Kirito parried all that he could, but the attack still caused him to skid back. Oberon kept up the assault on Kirito, who did his best to avoid or parry the attacks. Komory and Ryu were backed away, unable to assist Kirito.
After this whirling combo, Oberon rose above Kirito, and unleashed a narrow cyclone, trapping Kirito within and damaging him at the same time. He was barely able to move at this point, and the previous attack had already worn him down.
Asuna wasn't gonna let this happen, and she charged towards the spot underneath Kirito's position, shouting, "Hold on, Kirito! I'm on my way!"
"Not gonna happen!" Gouxus shouted, thrusting his blade forward and wrapping the end around Asuna's leg, making her fall. She struggled to get it off, but Hawkeye and Olympia came in with a barrage of fire bombs and Sparkga spell that struck Gouxus, making him lose his grip of Asuna.
She got back up, and came to Kirito's position, seeing the pink glow that meant the Reality Shift. "Drift!" she shouted, diving out of reality, casting the spell that allowed her to unleash her attack. She rose into the air above Kirito, grasping the two parts of the Combined Keyblade. She unleashed a pair of thrusts onto Oberon, followed by a series of slashes, fused the two blades together, circled around and unleashed a heavy thrust at Oberon that sent him flying, removing the windy demonic form from him and freeing Kirito.
Asuna came back to her side again, looking down to see Kirito stumble to his feet. "I hope he can last a little longer." Asuna muttered.
"You should worry about yourself!" Gouxus shouted, and Asuna felt the whip sword wrap around her waist, and launch her high into the air. Gouxus recalled his blade and dove into a digital portal. As soon as Asuna stopped rising, she found herself floating in midair with Hawkeye and Olympia by her side. The atmosphere lost all gravity, and she suddenly felt that she was able to glide about. But before she got a chance to try, over a dozen digital portals appeared about her.
"This isn't gonna be good…" Asuna muttered.
All of a sudden, the Greed's Redemption blade shot out from a portal near Olympia's position, striking her and barely striking Asuna had she not angled herself out of the attack. "Olympia!" Asuna shouted, seeing her Spirit barely alive as the blade retracted into the portal. It reappeared out of another one in front of Asuna, and she dodged as best as she could before it retracted. Gouxus appeared out of another one, unleashing a horizontal swing of his whip-like blade, striking Asuna and Hawkeye before retreating into another portal. Asuna recovered herself, seeing Hawkeye in the same way as Olympia. Asuna grimaced, and unleashed a Faith spell that sent all about, blocking another thrust and healing the heroes.
Gouxus' attack was ruthless, unleashing thrusts from the portals all about Asuna, sometimes coming out with a swinging slash. Asuna was able to avoid getting hit by the thrusts by moving, but the swinging slashes were unavoidable in the zero gravity state, so she had to use her Light Barrier to parry the attacks. Asuna's Spirits were taking a beating, but did their best to dodge the attacks.
After what felt like a minute of this onslaught, Gouxus appeared in the center of the area surrounded by portals, with Asuna panting from the constant dodging. "Repent and fall into despair!" Gouxus shouted, summoning one more portal above him, and thrusting his blade into it. The blade came stretching out from all the portals, shooting at the spot in front of Gouxus. The blades struck Asuna's Spirits heavily, while Asuna herself barely got cut by a couple blades. She was sent tumbling, but used her Payback Thrust to unleash her 'Shooting Star' Rapier Skill, moving up close and striking Gouxus. There was a flash of light, and the four reappeared back onto the platform again.
Asuna came to both Hawkeye and Olympia's aid, healing them with a Mega Potion. "It's too late for you, your Spirits, Kirito, and Leafa." Gouxus taunted, "Soon, you will be nothing but specs of light just waiting to dwindle into the darkness."
"Well then, I'm just gonna have to shine brighter than ever before." Asuna stated, standing up and recalling her Spirits to rest, "You told me that I'm suppose to be Kirito's Dream Eater. Well then, let's see what I'm truly capable of…" She closed her eyes, feeling her own heart's light, tapping into her own Dream Eater powers. Her body began to glow as her Spirit symbol lit up slightly.
"I won't let you have a chance!" Gouxus shouted, and he unleashed a powerful thrust that extended towards Asuna's face. Before it reached her, there was a puff of smoke, and Flambé and Petal appeared in front of Asuna. Petal used vines to slightly divert the attack, while Flambé used his frying pan and lid as twin shields to block the attack from reaching Asuna. "Impossible!" Gouxus gasped. Asuna opened her eyes again, glaring at Gouxus with conviction.
On the opposite end, Kirito was barely holding onto his own life, while his Spirits were recalled to rest in their cards after nearly being defeated by Oberon. "Tell me, how long will you attempt to go on?!" the man questioned.
Kirito panted heavily before he replied, "…Until my last breath…"
Oberon looked to Kirito as he doubled over, trying to regain himself. "I had hoped for a better answer than that, Kirito." he muttered, raising his twin mid-blades, "Still, I have to commend you for enduring so far, but it all ends here."
He was about to move in when he heard an outcry. Kirito heard it too, and looked up to see a flaming comet fly right over his right shoulder, striking Oberon with a burning blow. The flames faded away to reveal Rebbi suddenly arriving to the scene. "You again?!" Kirito gasped. He suddenly felt a healing spell wash over his body, restoring him to normal. He looked around, and saw Wowzer and Kooms standing behind him. "How…?" Kirito started, wondering where they came from. Kooms and Wowzer came to Kirito's sides as Oberon blew back Rebbi, making him land in front of Kirito's feet. The three Spirits were glaring at Oberon, who was perplexed at their presence.
"How in the hell were you able to get here?!" Oberon demanded.
Kirito looked to the trio of Spirits, then the realization came to him. "Sugu…" Kirito muttered, "You're giving me your protection, too." Kirito looked ahead at Rebbi. Through his eyes, he could see the image of Leafa turning around to him, giving him a determined nod. Her image faded away, replaced with Rebbi looking at Kirito. He smiled and nodded, then glared at Oberon. "This is proof that Leafa will be saved." he told him, "Cause she's giving me her friends to fight against you!"
Oberon grimaced at this, but her roared as he disappeared, reappearing in front of Kirito, attempting to slash him. Kooms came in its' path by producing a piece of flatbed rock, flipping it in front of Kirito, protecting him from the slashes. Kirito then backed off with Rebbi and shouted, "Link Action! Flame thrower!" Rebbi curled into a wheel, and Kirito used his Keyblade to toss him, making him roll in a fiery spin, striking Oberon before he could recover. Rebbi started doing figure-8 around Oberon, striking him repeatedly.
'This can't be happening!' Oberon thought with shock.
Asuna unleashed her Firaga Burst spell while Petal retreated in place for Hawkeye, unleashing feather missiles as Flambé sent fireballs from its' pan over to Gouxus. He shielded himself with a digital barrier, but the recoil damage was too far away to cause any damage to the trio. Roaring, Gouxus leapt up and unleashed an overhead slash down at Asuna and her Spirits, who retreated to either side. Flambé and Hawkeye retreated in replace for Babaru and Ashika. Babaru flew in at Gouxus, unleash a shotgun form of his bubble spray, blinding him from Ashika and Asuna's combined Balloonga spells. They popped them prematurely and making the smaller balloons home in on Gouxus, striking him heavily.
Gouxus held his ground as he looked up to see Asuna stand there, replacing her Spirits once again, summoning Pina and Leo to fight. 'She's using her Dream Eater powers to summon her Spirits without pulling out their cards.' He thought to himself, 'She's defying the rules of using only three Spirits at a time.'
"Thanks for telling me that I was a Dream Eater." Asuna thanked Gouxus, "It's just like that time before, when you had me captured, yet you told me that Kirito was still alive. That gave me hope to keep going." Gouxus glared at Asuna as she smirked. "You may not see it, but your words really help me out a lot!" Pina unleashed musical bolts while Leo sent a pair of aura versions of itself. Gouxus parried all of these with his Greed's Redemption, but he didn't see Asuna and her Spirits close in on him.
At once, both Kirito and Asuna came in at their opponents, with their Spirits at their sides. "Dual Action! Whomperstomp!" Kirito shouted. "Dual Style! Bladecharge!" Asuna shouted. On Kirito's side, he hopped onto Wowzer as he inhaled Kooms with a powerful vortex, enlarging itself greatly, and it started to bounce about the stage, smashing Oberon with its' body or creating shockwaves that did just as much damage.
On Asuna's side, Leo and Pina fused with her, making her body glow brightly as she produced the giant blade of light. She and Gouxus both swung their blades, but Asuna's was stronger, striking with enough force to disarm Gouxus. The shaking from Kirito's Dual Action was also paralyzing Gouxus in his place, while Asuna was able to move and strike Gouxus with heavy slashes. As soon as she got him airborne, Asuna started to twirl her blade of light like a propellor, causing Gouxus to fall onto it and be knocked away. Asuna then finished this attack by leaping at Oberon, unleashing a powerful overhead slash, slashing him down the middle. His eyes went blank after the last attack.
Kirito kept going with his attack, putting Oberon on his last legs. When the attack was done, Kirito was still in the air as he fell towards Oberon, leaving Kooms and Wowzer hanging in the air. He grasped his Keyblade in two hands, watching as Oberon set his blades into their wing form, shooting it at the diving target. Kirito spun with his Keyblade into a spin-dash, slicing through the attack, and making the two blades disconnect and fall. Oberon was shocked as Kirito used his Mega Flare spell, flinging it forward with the momentum of his spin. The spell connected, followed by Kirito's spinning slash right onto Oberon, and their was an explosion of energy caused by the attack.
When the explosion cleared, Kirito was standing above Oberon, his Keyblade to one side, and Leafa's Spirits standing behind him, while seeing the man on his back, too injured to continue. At the same time, Asuna reverted back to normal, and her Spirits stood alongside her as they saw the man flat on his back close to the reverse side of the platform, also unable to continue. The enemies weapons were aways from them, Gouxus' blade sticking point-first into the ground, while Oberon's blades landed with their points connected, but at an angle. The weapons were perfectly connected on either side. From Kirito's point of view, the weapons formed a 'Y' together. For some reason, the look became slightly ominous.
Kirito paused as he looked at Oberon, then saw the area start to distort. "What's happening?" Kirito questioned, looking about.
The area started to shift from the scenery it was in before, transforming back into the place they were at before; the Birdcage. Kirito watched as everything went back to normal, seeing Leafa's body floating behind Oberon, and Leafa's Spirits right behind him. Suddenly, he saw the body of Gouxus appear right next to his Heartless counterpart. Kirito then turned, and saw Asuna reappearing right next to him. She turned, surprised to see him there.
"You okay?" Kirito asked her.
Asuna nodded, smiling gently. "Are you okay, Kirito?" she asked.
"Never better." Kirito replied, "Although, I am confused as to why you're here now, and not before."
Asuna pondered for a bit, then she guessed, "I think it's because I was in a dream version of the Birdcage you were in. I might have accidentally dove back into your dreams again when we unlocked the door to the World Tree's top, though I didn't do it consciously." Leafa's Spirits cried out in agreement, causing the two to turn to them.
Kirito then recalled what Oberon told him about Asuna being a Dream Eater that protected him, and saw Asuna's statement as a logical conclusion. He then smiled as he said, "Thanks, Asuna. You saved me in a way I can't imagine."
Asuna blushed embarrassingly at this. "I-I didn't know I was doing it." she stammered, "But as long as you're safe, I'm glad."
Kirito nodded in agreement, then added, "Now, let's save Suguha together." Asuna regained herself, and nodded in agreement.
Just then, Oberon and Gouxus started to chuckle ominously. The Keyblade wielders turned to see them struggling to rise to their feet as their bodies started to emanate dark wisps. They were about to fade away, but not before doing something.
"It's too late." Oberon stated.
"I'm afraid your time is up." Gouxus followed. The two thrust their hands into the air, and a dark stream of energy appeared in the sky above, landing down onto Leafa.
"No!" Kirito shouted, reaching out to her. She disappeared from view, and the stream of darkness picked her up, taking her away somewhere.
"Soon, she shall be part of the sixteen." Gouxus told Asuna, "Soon, Leafa will become a new vessel to be given a heart of darkness."
"A heart of darkness? What are you talking about?!" Kirito demanded.
"She will become like us." Oberon answered, "She will help us discover the way of unlocking Kingdom Hearts. And very soon, Younsol's ambition will succeed!"
"Younsol?" Asuna questioned, not recognizing the name. Before she could ask the two villains, however, both of them vanished into nothingness, leaving Kirito, Asuna, Leafa's Spirits, and the dark stream of energy.
"What now?" Asuna questioned Kirito, "We don't have anywhere else to go."
"Not exactly." Kirito replied, stepping to the dark stream of energy, "I discovered Sugou's office and his journals. According to him, Xehanort's Heartless provided him with a program to place into the original Alfheim Online."
"A program? Did he say what it was suppose to do?" Asuna asked.
"It was a teleportation device, which I believe leads to a location to Sora's dimension." Kirito replied, turning to Asuna, "If I'm right, then this dark stream of energy might lead us to wherever they took Suguha."
"That's going to be dangerous." Asuna stated, walking right up to Kirito's side as they looked at the dark stream, "Traveling through the darkness might be too dangerous for the two of us. Who's to say we might make it out alive."
"That hasn't stopped me before, and I certainly won't wait to see if Sugu is okay after this." Kirito replied, stepping towards it.
Asuna grasped Kirito's hands, making him look to her. "I know how you feel, but we can't act irrationally." she warned him, "Let's think if there is any other way of doing this…"
Just then, Leafa's Spirits cried as they came to the two's side. They looked to the Spirits surrounding them. "What is it?" Kirito asked.
"They said they want to help us find Leafa." Asuna responded, "They say they'll provide the power for us to cross through."
"You can understand them?" Kirito asked.
"I am a Dream Eater." Asuna reminded him, flapping the cloth piece with the said emblem on it, "I didn't realize it until now that it was the reason I could communicate with them so easily."
The trio of Spirits stood in front of Kirito and Asuna, with Wowzer in the center. The three began to glow brightly, and specs of light started to fall off of them. "What are you guys doing?" Asuna asked.
Kirito watched them, then he gasped, "They're using their own beings to give us protection! But they're sacrificing themselves for it!"
Asuna was shocked, then heard Wowzer meow at her. She looked to the three Spirits' faces, seeing the conviction. "They're saying 'please, save our friend from the nightmares'." Asuna muttered, tearing up.
Kirito looked to Asuna, then to the Spirits. They all made one final happy pose, then their bodies turned completely into specs of light, and they surrounded Kirito and Asuna, making their bodies glow. The two looked at their bodies, Asuna feeling sorry for losing Leafa's Spirits. "Thank you, guys." Kirito thanked them, "I swear, we will save my sister."
Asuna wiped away her tears. Now was not the time to feel sorry for losing the Spirits, They were gonna give the two away to reach Suguha. "Let's go for it." Kirito told Asuna, looking at the dark stream. Asuna nodded, determined. They prepared their teams and skills before entering, believing that it was necessary, and together, they stepped into the dark stream of energy, the light surrounding them providing protection. Together, they disappeared from view, sent to wherever Leafa was.
Riku's Side
Organization Stronghold: Where Nothing Gathers
Riku found himself walking on a circular platform with the Nobody's emblem on it. He was in a tall, white cylindrical room, with sixteen thrones surrounding the room, all at different levels.
He walked to the center of the room, and saw all the seats in the room. 'Where am I now?' Riku thought. Suddenly, he looked to the lowest throne, and saw, to his surprise, Sora and Leafa sitting in the seats next to one another, fast asleep. "Sora! Leafa!" Riku shouted.
He was about to make a dash for them when suddenly, there was stream of dark energy that appeared in front of him. He backed off, ready to start a fight, but the stream vanished to reveal Kirito and Asuna, the glow of light dying away.
"Kirito! Asuna!" Riku called to them. They turned and were shocked to see their friend.
"Riku?!" Kirito gasped.
"How did you end up here?" Asuna asked.
"I've been trying to find them." Riku answered, pointing behind them. Kirito and Asuna turned to see the two sleeping characters.
"Sora?!" Kirito said in shock.
"So I was right; he was the second target." Asuna confirmed.
"Let's get them!" Riku told the two. They nodded in response, and leapt down towards the thrones they sat at.
Just as they closed in, a Corridor of Darkness appeared in front of the two sleeping heroes, and out came the young man in the black coat. The trio stopped suddenly, seeing the man raise his hand up to them. With his powers, he sent the trio flying, making them fall back on top of the platform again, where they collapsed.
"Who was that?" Asuna groaned, getting into a kneeling position.
"No idea, but I've met him a couple times." Kirito answered, squinting as he and the others saw the man effortlessly float off the ground to their level.
"Hands off my new vessels." the young man warned them, landing on the ledge closest to Sora and Leafa's chairs.
"Vessels?" Riku questioned.
"Yes. We originally had our sights set on you." the young man addressed Riku as he, Kirito and Asuna slowly got to their feet, "But, you developed a certain…resistance to darkness. So we did what the Keyblade did, and moved down the list." Riku glared at the young man, knowing what he meant by that.
"Roxas… Now, there was a worthy candidate." the young man continued, "But, unfortunately, he became too aware of himself, and returned to Sora. Finally, there was you, Kirito. However, your will was too strong to bend towards the darkness, not to mention you had the light of many others that made it unable for us to take ahold of you." Kirito gritted his teeth, discouraged that they would even think of using him as one of their 'vessels'. Asuna was just as angry as Kirito.
"Organization XIII's true goal is to divide Xehanort's heart among thirteen vessels." the young man stated, "Thanks to the three of you and Sora, we learned not all our candidates were fit for the task. And thanks to discovering about the other dimension, we discovered all about the missing number we needed to add into our ranks. But, we managed to make up the difference. And now, Sora and Leafa, the fifteenth and sixteenth vessels, are within our grasp."
The three heroes were shocked at the news they were given at this. "Sixteen…" Asuna started.
"…Xehanorts?" Riku finished.
"Then that means…Sugou's Nobody and Heartless are…" Kirito realized, but he stopped when he sensed something. Riku and Asuna also sensed it, and the team looked up at the chairs as dark streams of energy shot down onto thirteen of the remaining chairs, each one revealing a person in the Organization's cloak. Some of them had their faces covered with the hood, while others showed their faces. Those revealed included Ansem, Xemnas, Gouxus, Oberon, and Xigbar.
"What is…" Asuna gasped as the trio looked at the people sitting on the chairs.
"The real Organization has been formed; Organization XVI." the young man answered.
"Organization XVI?!" Riku echoed, looking to the young man.
"Are you part of this group?" Kirito demanded, "Actually, who the hell are you?!"
"I am Xehanort from the most distant past." the young man answered, "My future self gave me a task; to visit the splintered versions of myself in many worlds, and ensure they gathered here today."
"From the past?" Riku gasped.
"You're the younger version of Xehanort?!" Asuna realized.
"How are you able to move through time?" Kirito demanded.
"There are restrictions to movement through time." Young Xehanort explained, "First, you must leave your body behind to do it. Then, there must be a version of you waiting at the destination. Upon arrival, you can only move forward as per the laws of time. And you cannot rewrite the events that are destined to happen."
"What have you done?" Riku demanded, with Kirito and Asuna's expressions asking the same thing.
"My most future self will arrive soon." Young Xehanort explained, pointing behind them at the tallest chair, seeing the dark stream of energy pouring into the seat above, with a figure slowly forming in it, "Then, time for all of us will return to normal, and I will go back to my era to live the life fate has in store. He can vouch for that." Kirito, Asuna and Riku all looked up at the dark figure forming in the chair. They could all feel the powerful darkness from the future Xehanort, even though he had not made his full appearance yet. If he appeared fully, they knew they would not stand a chance against him alone.
Just then, they saw a flash of light above, and it shot down onto the platform they were on, knocking Young Xehanort back and blinding the trio. A familiar figure appeared in the bright, shouting, "Stopza!" the spell suddenly created a large sphere of energy around the room, trapping everyone within. While the Organization members were frozen in time, the three Keyblade wielders realized that they were not affected by the magic.
They looked in front of them to see none other than King Mickey, who turned to them. "I'm glad I'm not too late." he told them.
"Mickey!" Riku gasped.
"Your Majesty!" Kirito and Asuna addressed him.
Mickey didn't ask how Kirito and Asuna were there, but ordered, "Just grab Sora and Leafa so we can go! I can't stop them for long." They looked up at the tallest chair, seeing the dark energy also stopped in time.
"I'm on it!" Asuna understood, and she took off to grab Sora and Leafa. Just as she reached the ledge, the Young Xehanort, who looked like he was frozen in time, suddenly disappeared and reappeared in front of Asuna, shocking her and using his powers to send her flying over one side of the platform. Kirito, Riku and Mickey turned to see Asuna blown away, then Young Xehanort used this same power on Mickey, tossing him away close to where Asuna landed.
"Asuna!" Kirito shouted.
"Mickey!" Riku called out. They turned to see Young Xehanort standing behind them, his body surrounded in an aura of dark energy.
"I said 'hands off'!" the young man growled, glaring at Riku and Kirito.
"How can you be moving?" Riku demanded.
Young Xehanort didn't answer. Instead, he raised a hand, and summoned a new Keyblade in his hand, which was mostly monochrome, and had gears, spikes, a neon blue shaft, clocks on the head and guard of the hilt, a ram-like head on the end of the blade, the Eye of Darkness on the guard, and an hourglass medallion on the keychain.
(Cue KHDDD OST 'L'Impeto Oscuro')
Asuna got onto her feet again as Mickey turned and gasped, "Oh no. Are you…"
"Begone!" Young Xehanort roared, the dark energy smoking about him as he raised his Keyblade at an angle above him, setting his fighting stance. Kirito and Riku looked to see the area grow dark.
Next thing they knew, they arrived on a much larger stage, with a see-through platform with gears and spokes that formed into what might be an interior of a clock. There were sand hourglasses all about the edges, each holding different-colored sands. There were a pair of poles with gears on them on the platform, and an angled, large silver ring with spikes circling the stage like a planet ring.
Young Xehanort got their attention once more as he twirled his Keyblade in front of him, swinging it back up into his fighter's stance, sending a burst of energy to show how serious he was. Riku and Kirito were not phased by this, but summoned their Keyblades and their Spirits; Kabuto and Ryu from Kirito, and Tyrant and Piranha from Riku. The pair of boys were about to face one tough battle.
Kirito and Riku simultaneously leapt at Xehanort, swinging their Keyblades at him, but he avoided the attacks with an afterimage, coming from behind them. Kabuto unleashed a shot from its' horn while Piranha shot a jet of water from its' mouth. Xehanort used an afterimage from that, too. He reappeared in front of Kabuto, using a sword spin, but Kirito's Link Block came into play, and he protected his Spirit. The attack that Xehanort laid on him was powerful, and Kirito strained himself as he endured it. Riku came from behind, unleashing his Ice Barrage, tossing Xehanort into the air with a glacier underneath.
Xehanort disappeared and reappeared on the ground, spinning and unleashing blades of energy at Riku, who used his Dark Barrier to block the shots. Kirito unleashed his Mega Flare, but Xehanort dodged the massive fireball as it flew away, not going off. Xehanort teleported behind Kirito, and unleashed a sword spin that took him, Piranha and Kabuto down a peg. Ryu unleashed a cross fire shot, hitting Xehanort, and stunning him as Tyrant unleashed a tail swipe to damage him further. Kirito used his situation, and unleashed his Payback Raid, unleashing a Strike Raid that damaged Xehanort even more. Kirito landed on the ground, and used Cura, which he replaced Break Time with, to heal himself and the others.
Riku dashed in while Tyrant attempted another attack, but Xehanort was quick, using afterimages to quickly move about the stage, confusing the team. He warped to a distance, and unleashed more blade beams, but Kirito stepped in with a Circle Raid that blocked the attacks for Riku, while he unleashed Dark Firaga in response. Xehanort dodged the attack, got in close, and the trio engaged in a fast clashing of blades. Despite being outnumbered, Xehanort was able to keep up with the two boys' moves, unleashing fast slashes and spins.
He used an afterimage to come behind, slash Tyrant, then unleash a sword spin that was strong enough to push the two boys back. He then shot dark shots at the two, and Riku unleashed Zero Graviga as he and Kirito backed away. While some of the projectiles misfired due to gravity, some stayed on course, hitting the two, and causing Kirito's body to enter a slow state, making it feel like he was in slow motion.
Riku got in front as Ryu and Piranha attempted to stop Xehanort, but got blasted away by his attacks. He shifted back to the two boys, and summoned ice blocks about him. There was a flash of light, and the boys found themselves surrounded by the blocks. Kirito's Slow state was over as Riku grabbed him and used his Dark Roll to melt the two of them into the shadows, getting out of the way as the ice block shot into the center of where they once stood.
"Too close." Riku sighed.
"He's a lot more powerful than Oberon, no doubt about that." Kirito compared. The two regained themselves, along with their Spirits, and they all charged at Young Xehanort once more.
The young man was powerful, with incredible skills with his Keyblade, including transforming it into a whip-like form when unleashing his blade beams. It wasn't just the blade beams, but the dark shots and ice block attacks that they also had to worry about, as they were tough and homed in on the teams locations. It was already tough enough since he kept teleporting all over the place, leaving afterimages in his place. Kirito and Riku had to defend and dodge more than attack, as he wasn't giving them time to react. However, during his projectile attacks, he did have openings that allowed Kirito, Riku and their Spirits to charge in for attacks.
Eventually, Kirito decided to exchange Ryu for Halberd, since Ryu was taking a heavy beating from Xehanort's attacks. Riku had to swap out Tyrant for Paladin for the same reason, and Paladin was helpful due to its' offense and support skills, including healing the team. After taking enough damage, Xehanort even started to go on the defense, putting up barriers against the team's attacks and countering. This made Riku and Kirito be more cautious when it came to their close-quarters combat. The two stood back to back as Xehanort started teleporting all about them, sending dark orbs of energy at them. Riku had his Dark Barrier up, protecting the two of them.
"Riku, if I distract him, can you end him with a powerful attack?" Kirito asked.
"If you keep him in one place, I can do that." Riku answered. They nodded to one another, then Kirito called to his Spirits to start a full assault on the enemy.
(Cue SAO II OST 'Gunland')
"Let's go!" Kirito shouted, leaping up and unleashing his Mega Flare at the ground below. The moment it came into contact, the giant ball of flames exploded, blinding and damaging Xehanort. Kirito used the momentary blindness to run up to a pole with gears on the top of it, and used Flowmotion to start spinning about it.
Xehanort recovered himself, and saw Kirito spinning higher and higher, then he leapt off, flying down at him. "No you don't!" Xehanort shouted, sending blade beams at Kirito before teleporting away. Kirito saw where Xehanort reappeared, and used his Flowmotion powers to rocket himself towards him while avoiding the blade beams. He drilled right into Xehanort, then ended with a hammer slash that sent Xehanort toppling backwards. He recovered enough to unleash several scattering dark shots that homed in on Riku. Fortunately, Kirito focused his connection with Riku, and used his Link Block technique, repelling all the attacks around Riku, almost in the same way as he did when protecting Sinon in GGO. He then unleashed his Balloonra spell, which homed in on Xehanort, repelling him into the air.
"Now!" Kirito shouted to Riku, who saw the opportunity open for him.
"Dual Style! Bladecharge!" Riku shouted, fusing with his Spirits and forming the massive blade of light from his Keyblade. He took a small leap back, then unleashed Zantetsuken at Xehanort, who couldn't avoid the attack in time. Riku passed by him so quickly, that it took a second before Xehanort reacted to the attack, and toppled over. The attack nearly took him out.
Riku turned around to finish the job, but Xehanort shouted, "Time stop!" All of a sudden, the area turned dark, and the gears underneath the platform stopped moving. Xehanort appeared in the center of the room, summoning a neon-lit clock in the room. The boys were still moving, but it looked like Xehanort dove into the clock, and the hands of the clock started to move backwards.
'He's reversing time?' Kirito thought, 'No, he's planning to recover himself by turning back the clock. If that happens, then we will have to start all over again. No way I'll let that happen!'
Kirito dove at the clock, and started slashing it. He saw the lights of the clock glow pink, and shouted, "Drift!" Kirito dove out of reality, seeing the same puzzle as the one Sora and Riku had to deal with before. Kirito quickly understood what he had to do, and with one slash of his Keyblade, he slashed the chains, unshackling the power. He came out, summoning the two Combined Keyblades that fused together. Kirito and a ghostly image of Asuna grabbed the two handles of it, and started swiping at the clock, ending it with a heavy overhead slash.
The clock was damaged, and Xehanort reappeared once more. The floor of the battleground started to show a swirling vortex of dark energy that went right to the clock. However, the battle was far from over, and both Keyblade wielders knew that.
Xehanort dove back into the clock once more as the two Keyblade wielders charged in. Suddenly, two Xehanorts reappeared out of the clock, coming at the boys with ethereal blades. The boys endured their attacks, and they disappeared.
"They're clones!" Riku realized.
"Yeah, and the real one is in the clock." Kirito stated, "We need to destroy the clock, quickly!"
Kirito, Riku and their Spirits began attacking the clock, but Xehanort was unleashing all he could using his clones. He always sent two at a time, each one attempting to stop either one of them with slashes from ethereal blades, or unleashing a fiery X-shaped shockwave that tracked them. Every time they unleashed their attack onto the two of them, they disappeared, and more clones would come out of the clock to take their place. Even while in Bladecharge form, Riku was having trouble getting to the clock to do enough damage, and his Dual Style wore off before he could do any strong damage.
"How much damage do we need to do in order to destroy that clock?" Kirito growled, running backwards from a Xehanort clone that was surrounded by torrents of flames, then leaping aside.
"All we know is we haven't done enough!" Riku responded, using his Limit Storm to break an X-shaped shockwave, "Quick, let's get in there!"
The two boys roared as they ran to the clock again. Suddenly, they heard the clock chime, along with Xehanort chuckle. Kirito and Riku's expressions changed from anger to concern. There was a flash of light that surrounded them, and suddenly, the two boys and their Spirits found themselves standing in their fighter's stance, facing Xehanort. It looked exactly like how it did when they started this battle.
"Didn't we just do this?" Riku questioned, confused.
"That clock must've set us back to the beginning of this battle!" Kirito understood, grimacing, "Now we have to fight him all over again!" Xehanort grinned menacingly, seeing the two boys worried expressions, then he summoned ice blocks, making them surround the two in an instant. The boys dodged to either side as the ice closed in on the spot they were on.
"I've had enough of this!" Kirito growled, skidding to a halt, with his Spirits coming to his side, "Let's go! Dual Action! Unison Rush!" Kirito, Halberd and Kabuto united as one, and the trio formed a line, with Kabuto in the rear and Kirito flying in the front as they raced forward. They suddenly became a stream of light surrounded by spiraling blue and red lights, and shot themselves at Xehanort, piercing right through him. They kept teleporting and reappearing to strike him again, while Xehanort tried to teleport out of the way. Unfortunately, the trio were moving so fast, that Xehanort couldn't avoid all of their attacks, and he ended up getting tossed back and forth in the air by Kirito's attack. Riku also saw this opportunity, unleashing his Dark Firaga spell to further damage Xehanort.
By the time Kirito stopped his assault, Xehanort landed onto the ground, panting as he strained to keep on his feet. 'He doesn't seem to have that much stamina as he did at the beginning of this fight.' Riku thought to himself, 'He may have reversed time, but that didn't mean he regained all of his stamina.' Kirito also noticed that as Xehanort regained himself, and unleashed another Time-Stop, remaking the clock and diving into it. This time, Riku used the Reality Shift, slashing at the clock, and breaking Xehanort out of it.
The second phase of their battle started once more, and Xehanort summoned two clones of himself surrounded by flames, sending them at the two boys. The Spirits interfered with their attack, Piranha and Paladin striking the one targeting Riku while Halberd and Kabuto used long-ranged attacks to destroy the other clone targeting Kirito. The two boys readied themselves as they closed in on the clock, and while Kirito unleashed his Starburst Stream, Riku unleashed Dark Splicer. Together, they assaulted the clock with all their might. Xehanort tried unleashing clones, but they were immediately destroyed the moment they came out of the clock.
The two boys finished their attack, backing off in the air from the clock, seeing the hands faltering like crazy. It was almost destroyed. "Time to end this!" Kirito shouted to Riku, who nodded in response. Kirito dove at the clock, unleashing a Drain Dive that made him slice down the middle of the clock. Riku then readied himself, and unleashed his Zantetsuken, slashing right through the clock. Kirito flipped himself backwards right next to Riku, hearing Xehanort's agonizing roar as the clock parts scattered everywhere. Young Xehanort was finally defeated.
Their Spirits disappeared into their cards as Riku and Kirito stood there, seeing the environment fade away, reverting them back to the white cylindrical room with all of the thrones. They lowered their Keyblades, sighing in relief as Asuna and Mickey came from behind.
"Are you okay, Riku, Kirito?" Mickey asked.
"Did you manage to stop that guy?" Asuna asked.
"Somehow." Kirito answered.
"Yeah. Thanks, Mickey. You too, Asuna." Riku answered. The two nodded in response, grateful that the boys were safe.
Just then, the time bubble Mickey summoned started to ripple and fade away. The Stopza spell was over with. "Looks like that battle ended the time stop." Kirito understood, looking at the environment.
All four of them looked about, then Mickey looked at the highest chair and called out, "Master Xehanort! We were right about you!" Riku, Kirito and Asuna looked to Mickey, then up at the highest throne. The black stream of energy that was there before was gone, replaced with an elderly man. He had a silver goatee and a black and white coat, black boots, and white gloves. However, it was his piercing golden eyes that showed immediately to the heroes that it was Xehanort. The original Master Xehanort.
The four glared up at the old man as he looked down at them. "So he's the ringleader of this whole thing…" Asuna muttered to herself.
Master Xehanort grinned as he started, "All of this was decided. My fifteen selves would welcome me here on this day, when I would return a complete person. It is the future which lies beyond my sight."
"Why are you doing this?!" Mickey demanded.
"In ancient times, people believed that light was a gift from an unseen land by the name of Kingdom Hearts." Xehanort explained, "But Kingdom Hearts was safeguarded by its' counterpart, the 𝒳-Blade. Warriors vied for that precious light, thus beginning the 'Keyblade War'. The violent clash shattered the 𝒳-Blade into twenty-seven pieces; eleven of light, sixteen of darkness. And the only real Kingdom Hearts was swallowed by the darkness, never to surface again."
Xehanort shifted himself in his seat as he continued, "I once tried to create my own pure light and darkness to forge the 𝒳-Blade, but the attempt ended in failure. In my eagerness, I had lost sight of the correct way to achieve my goal. I acted rashly. I can admit that now." Though he admitted his failures, the tone in his voice and the grin on his face showed he didn't care at all about the results of it all.
Mickey, on the other hand, was furious about what he had done. "What you did back then, your mistakes, changed the destinies of three of my friends!" he accused Xehanort.
"Ah, but destiny is never left to chance." Xehanort corrected him, "I merely guided them to their proper places. I even guided you, my dear, to where you needed to be as well."
Asuna realized he was addressing her. Wondering what it was he did, she gasped in shock. "You…you mean you sent me away from my sister?" she questioned, "You were the one who caused me to leave Aqua, and send me to the other dimension without knowing about who I really was?!" She stopped as she felt like she should've learned about this before. For some reason, she couldn't remember when she learned this from someone.
"It was a necessary thing to do." Xehanort responded, "After all, it caused you to grow into who you are today, and it also led your sister into discovering how to use a Keyblade to seek you out." Asuna was furious with the man above her. He acted as if she should be thanking him for causing so much conflict.
"As for the three, I guided them to where they needed to be." Xehanort continued, raising a finger as he pointed out, "The broken boy who failed to be the blade, the misguided master who sacrificed herself for a friend, and the feckless youth who became my new vessel."
Asuna closed her eyes, recalling her time with Aqua in the Dark Margin, how she stated that she ended up in the dark realm because she sacrificed herself to protect Terra and Ven. Kirito, on the other hand, knew that the 'feckless youth' Xehanort spoke of was Terra, and that he became a vessel for the man, causing his soul to enter into Kirito's heart.
Mickey looked down, his eyes sad. "I couldn't find a way to save 'em." he muttered, glaring up at Xehanort again, "But I wanted to believe that their sacrifice stopped you for good." He paused as he looked down, curling his hands into fists as he continued, "Why? How was I so blind? I should've seen it, as soon as Maleficent started gathering the seven princesses of heart."
"Yes. They were all my doing." Xehanort acknowledged, "I used the evil fairy to find seven pure lights for me, just as I prepared thirteen vessels to fill with pure darkness."
"But you failed." Riku stated, "Sora stopped you in your tracks on both counts."
"Yeah, and let's not forget that we all stopped Sugou's Heartless from claiming Kingdom Hearts on the other dimension." Kirito added, pointing to the person he spoke of, "No matter what plan you or your dimensional counterpart had, all of us stepped in to stop you!"
"Yes, you all did." Xehanort understood, looking down at Gouxus and Oberon, "When I discovered the other dimension had a counterpart of me, I decided to see what he was capable of. While I am curious as to why his two versions of himself had more power than the man alone, I accepted them, especially when I discovered yet another error in my attempt to make the Keyblade. I discovered that I only had the ones required to make the blade of the 𝒳-Blade, but the rest of it was kept a secret in the other dimension. That is, until the man's Heartless discovered the truth, and conveyed it to me."
"Even if you didn't have the right amount to make this '𝒳-Blade', we all stopped you." Asuna stated, "Sora, Leafa, all of us. We stopped your attempts back then, preventing you from ever claiming Kingdom Hearts!"
"Yes, you did. I was interested in all of you, specifically them…" Xehanort stated, looking at Sora and Leafa, "That dull, ordinary boy, and that girl with a gift from her ancestor. Two Keyblade wielders so unlike any I have ever seen."
Xehanort sat upright in his chair as he continued, "However, I have not abandoned my ambitions. Now that I know the correct number required, I shall be able to gather them together; the eleven guardians of light and the sixteen seekers of darkness." He chuckled as he looked down at the four Keyblade wielders.
"Eleven guardians of light?" Mickey questioned, raising his fingers, "Well, for Keyblade wielders, there's me and Riku and Sora, plus Kirito and Asuna and Leafa. And my three missing friends, that's nine. Then the last two would be…" He gasped in realization as he looked at all the people in the thrones as he said, "That means…the sixteen seekers of darkness…"
'…Are the members of Organization XVI!' Kirito finished in his mind, realizing the truth.
"Yes, little king. Perceptive." Xehanort commended Mickey, "But Sora, Leafa and another on your list belong to me now. And that puts you five guardians short. But worry not. All of the pieces are destined to appear. Your eleven lights just like my sixteen darknesses, whose final clash will beget the prize I seek…"
"The 𝒳-Blade!" Xehanort and Mickey finished together.
Xehanort slowly stood on his chair, summoning a dark-looking Keyblade in his hand as he said, "But first, the thirteen darknesses shall be united. All of the seats have been filled. And now the last two vessels shall bear my heart like the rest!"
He waved his free hand at where Sora and Leafa were, and their thrones suddenly rose higher and higher, towards the same level as everyone else's. The four heroes turned in shock to where they were.
"No!" Mickey shouted.
"Sora!" Riku shouted.
"Sugu!" Kirito shouted.
"We can't let this happen!" Asuna shouted, and the four raced to the heroes.
Suddenly, the Greed's Redemption sword whip stretched out, wrapping itself around Asuna, binding her arms and body and making her drop her Keyblade. Gouxus stood up in his seat, holding Asuna in place. Asuna turned to see her capturer as the other three charged ahead. Mickey started to wall-jump off the pillars of the thrones to where Sora was, but Xemnas appeared, grabbing Mickey and thrusting him into a pillar. Kirito and Riku saw the two being stopped, but before they could do anything, Ansem appeared, grabbing Riku's head and pinning him to the ground. At the same time, Oberon appeared, using the winds to sweep Kirito off of his feet, making him fall on his back, and placing his blade close to where Kirito's throat was. All four were trapped.
Once Sora and Leafa's thrones reached the same level as Master Xehanort's, the man raised his Keyblade to his free hand as it glowed, infusing his heart's power into it. He then charged up his Keyblade as he raised it high, then unleashed a ball of energy at Leafa and Sora, which split into two orbs. All four heroes watched in horror as it reached the two.
Just as they nearly struck, both orbs were suddenly blocked by blazing fire and a gust of light. "They made it!" Mickey cheered. Kirito, Asuna and Riku were all shocked, and so were Xehanort's seekers of darkness.
"You!" gasped Xemnas.
"Impossible!" Oberon gasped.
From Leafa's seat, the fire died down to reveal none other than Lea, holding up one of his flaming chakrams while carrying Leafa in the other hand. In Sora's seat, the winds died down to reveal Yui, her tessen in one hand as her arm spread in front of Sora.
"Axel!" Xigbar roared.
"Yui!" Asuna gasped. Kirito and Riku looked up at the two saviors, shocked at their sudden appearance."Axel? Please." said the man Xigbar addressed, "The name's Lea. Got it memorized?"
"That's right. He's a person again!" Yui added.
"You're not supposed to be here!" Xigbar pointed out.
"Promises to keep." Lea stated, "I'll always be there to get my friends back."
"And I don't want my family's smiles to disappear, so I'll protect the people that matter to them AND me!" Yui added, "Looks to me like we made it in time to do that, Lea!"
Lea and Yui both looked up at Xehanort, standing in his seat. "You had your perfect little script, but you kinda forget to write the sequel." Lea stated, raising his chakram, "Now, let's find out what happens!" Yui also raised her tessen, ready to protect Sora. Kirito had to smirk at this. Those two did look cool at the moment.
Xigbar thumped his fist on his throne, then roared to Master Xehanort, "What now you old coot? Our time is up!" Xehanort looked at Lea and Yui, and grinned.
Suddenly, one of the cloaked figures on the throne leapt up and flew at Lea with a familiar claymore. Lea blocked the attack with his weapon, and the shockwave of collision caused the man's hood to fly off, revealing the head of Saïx.
"Isa!" Lea gasped, seeing the man before him. Saïx pressed his weapon down onto Lea's chakram, his strength pressuring him. However, Yui unleashed a whirlwind with her tessen, which curved around Lea and blew the other back. Lea leapt back, placing his chakram away and grabbing Sora in his other hand. Together, he and Yui dove back down to where the others were.
Due to the distraction, Mickey summoned his Keyblade and slashed at Xemnas, making him teleport away before he got hit. Riku magically switched his Keyblade into a backhanded form, and swiped at Ansem, making him disappear. Kirito knocked Oberon's blade away, and swat at him with his Keyblade, making him vanish. Asuna re-summoned her Keyblade into her hand again, twirled around and slashed the sword whip that was binding her, breaking the chain and freeing herself as the pieces of the blade recalled back to the disgruntled Gouxus. Xemnas, Oberon and Ansem all teleported back in front of Xehanort's throne, while Lea was surrounded by Yui and everyone else, protecting him and the two he carried.
"Why are you here, Axel?" Riku questioned.
"No, I told you my name's…" Lea started, then moaned, "Agh, whatever, Axel, fine."
"Sorry. You told us to memorize your old name." Kirito stated with some slight amusement, "Can't help if we call you by that."
"I would like to know how you ended up here, Yui." Asuna stated.
"Gretinal sent me here." Yui replied, "She wanted a way for you guys to be picked up."
"Then let's get outta here!" Lea stated.
"Right!" Mickey understood.
Suddenly, Ansem and Oberon started to glow with a dark aura. Ansem summoned his Guardian Heartless while Oberon thrust his hand forward, making dark winds form his demonic, Heartless-Unversed form. Both monsters dove down, the Guardian snatching Mickey and Riku in its' arm, while the demon spun around Kirito and Asuna, creating a dome of dark winds that trapped them within, and the demon's upper body floating above it. This left a worried Yui to protect Axel, who had his hands full to fight.
Riku and Mickey were struggling with all of their might to free themselves from the Guardian's grip when they suddenly heard two familiar cries. They saw a shooting star with a blue stream of energy that ricochet through the air, then it bounced off of both the Guardian and demon, revealing Donald and Goofy as they fell to the ground. The sudden attack that struck the two monsters made them fade away, freeing the two pairs from their entrapment.
"Were we supposed to do that?" Donald asked in a dazed manner.
"I think so." Goofy moaned as he was flat on his back. The other heroes gathered around Donald and Goofy, happy to see them.
"Goofy, Donald! You saved us!" Mickey praised them.
"You guys certainly know how to make an entrance." Asuna giggled.
Just then the fourteen seekers of darkness started to become less opaque as specs of darkness started to come off of them, floating into the air. "We are out of time." Master Xehanort stated, "Neither the union of light nor darkness has been achieved, and we must all return whence we came. But, the gathering of the eleven and sixteen is nigh." Riku glared up at the Young Xehanort in his seat. Kirito and Asuna both glared up at Oberon and Gouxus, respectively. Axel looked up at where Saïx stood, still on Leafa's seat. Each one had their eyes set on the one person they wanted to fight the most.
"Let us finish this at the fated place, once your lights and my darknesses have joined together!" Xehanort finished. His body started to fade into black specs, then disappear completely, along with the rest of the Organization, leaving the heroes remaining in the room. Mickey continued to glare up at the seat where Master Xehanort was at, determined to not let him win.
Just then, Yui's body glowed brightly, and suddenly, she transformed into her tiny, Navigation Pixie form, flying in the air surrounded by the others. "Just in time." Yui muttered, looking at herself.
"Yui, what…?" Asuna started.
"This world is in Sora's dimension." Kirito stopped her, "She was a navigation Pixie before coming to our dimension by the Keyblades. Remember?"
"Oh, right." Asuna understood.
"Here…" Lea stated, shrugging Leafa's sleeping body over to Kirito. He grabbed ahold of her, carrying her on her back in both arms.
"Thanks a lot, Lea." Kirito thanked him.
"No problem." Lea responded, rubbing the back of his head as he turned away, "She is pretty important to me…" Kirito had to wonder if this meant that Lea had started to develop a crush on Suguha. If so, then he would have some competition with Recon.
"We'd better head back to our respective places." Riku told everyone.
"Right." Mickey understood, turning to Kirito, Asuna, and Yui, "I'll bring our group back, but what about you?"
"Don't worry." Yui responded, "Gretinal placed some magic on me so that I can return everyone back home in our dimension again. She explained it's kind of like fly-fishing, with me being the lure."
"Casting you out and reeling you in, huh?" Kirito understood the meaning, "She's pretty good, I'll give her that."
"It should be happening any second." Yui stated, "Just give it time." Yui started to glow as she turned to Kirito and Asuna. "Mama, papa, give me your hands." she told them. The two nodded to one another, and Kirito managed to rearrange Leafa in his arms so that he could grab Yui's tiny hand, while Asuna did the same.
They looked to Riku, Mickey, Lea and everyone else. "We'll hear from you back home, okay?" Kirito stated.
"You'd better wake up Leafa!" Donald told them.
"See you then." Riku responded. Kirito and Asuna nodded promptly as they were surrounded by a ball of light, and shot into the air, ricocheting about as they did so, returning back home again.
Realm of Arrival: Gretinal's Office
With the heroes back in reality and home again, Kirito, Asuna and Leafa were back to their old selves in their own bodies. Asuna and Yui were looking at Leafa, who sat in a chair, still fast asleep. Kirito was right next to his aunt Midori, who looked close to tears at the sight of her daughter. Asuna's parents were standing behind, looking at the scene before them, specifically Asuna's sad expression for Leafa. Jackson, Cypress and Latias were looking at the heroes in the same manner.
Gretinal had her back turned, staring at the mirror-like screen that showed the situation in Yen Sid's office, with Lea resting his back on the bookshelf and Master Yen Sid at his desk, while Donald, Goofy, Mickey, and Riku, also back to normal, stared at Sora, who was still asleep while sitting with his back to the wall. Mickey, Riku and Asuna informed them of what had happened when confronting Master Xehanort and the Organization, along with what happened in the realm of sleep.
"Eleven lights, sixteen darknesses…" Yen Sid understood, "Master Xehanort has been busy."
"That man's ambitions are certainly strong, to say the least." Gretinal added, "We had planned to make this Mark of Mastery in order to strengthen the forces of light, only now…" she turned to Leafa, not needing to finish her sentence, due to it being so clear.
Donald wanted to say something encouraging, but Goofy stopped him before he could, shaking his head to show now wasn't the time. Jackson looked down, thinking about if there was anything he could say to help the situation, but Cypress looked to him, shaking his head to not say anything that would cause a conflict.
"Aw, Sora, Leafa. Don't tell me your hearts are sleeping, too." Mickey moaned, thinking to another friend who was also asleep, being Ventus.
"No, Mickey. These affliction is not the same." Yen Sid answered.
"Is there anything we can do?" Asuna questioned Gretinal. Those in her office looked to the woman in question, while everyone in Yen Sid's office looked to the wizard, hopefully.
"Well, in your Mark of Mastery exams, your goal was to unlock seven Sleeping Keyholes. By doing so, you would awaken those worlds from their entrapped sleep." Gretinal explained, "Not only that, you also gain the power to awaken a heart from sleep, as well. While Riku unlocked those Keyholes within Sora's dreams, Asuna had done so in Kirito's dreams while he unlocked his seven. Yen Sid, surely you know what this means?"
"Yes, I do." Yen Sid understood, "Riku, it stands to reason that you now have the power to awaken Sora's heart. The same goes for you, Asuna, being that you have dove into someone else's dreams."
"You want both Riku and Asuna to dive into Sora's and Leafa's sleep?" Mickey questioned, "But Master, both of their hearts are down in the darkest abyss. If they're not careful, they might just get trapped down there with him." Donald, Goofy, Yui, Kirito and Asuna's parents all looked surprised at that kind of risk.
"I can't let Asuna take such a risk." Kirito stated, stepping forward to Gretinal as she turned to him, "I have unlocked the seven Sleeping Keyholes, too. Besides, Suguha's my responsibility. I have to protect her."
"Kazuto…" Midori stated, worried and grateful for Kirito's determination.
"And I'll go into Sora's dreams instead." Mickey told Yen Sid as he walked over to him.
"And perhaps you may even succeed, Mickey, Kirito." Yen Sid agreed, "But there is no denying Riku and Asuna stand the better chance, having dived into Sora and Kirito's heart as long as they have."
Mickey stopped to think while Kirito looked to Asuna, who closed her eyes, deciding. He looked to Yui, then to Midori, and finally to Leafa. Riku looked to Donald and Goofy in the same manner, then to Sora. Looking at his expression, Riku had to smirk at this.
(Cue KH OST 'Dearly Beloved')
"Mickey…I really appreciate it. But…I'll go wake Sora up." Riku told a worried Mickey, then turning to Sora, "Look at his face. Sleeping like nothing's wrong, like there's nothing to even worry about. Kirito and Asuna looked at the screen, which had shifted to see the group standing around Sora's sleeping figure. Sure enough, they could see the smile on Sora's face. Just seeing that made Kirito and Asuna smile, as they have seen that expression many times before.
"He's always been like that." Riku stated, "The three of us would agree to work on the raft, and then this guy would go take a nap on the beach. You see, it's my job to keep him on his toes. Besides, what kind of Keyblade Master sleeps through his test?" Donald, Goofy and Mickey all smiled and nodded at Riku. Kirito, Asuna and Yui all smiled at the screen as he continued, "I'm doing it for me, too. Sora saved me once. And…I heard him call my name. He needs me."
"I know what you mean." Asuna stated, getting everyone's attention, "Leafa is…kind of the opposite of Sora when it comes to her commitment. When I was trapped in Sugou's Alfheim Online, Leafa did everything she could for Kirito and Yui, and helped them guide them to me when I needed them the most."
"Yeah, I would be pretty lost in that game if it weren't for her." Kirito stated, with Yui nodding in agreement, "Plus, it wasn't just that. When I chose to quit kendo, she took up my slack, and worked harder than ever, making sure she did her best for both of us. Even so, she smiled, she was upbeat, and more importantly, she believed in the stuff we did while she worked."
"She also helped out a lot when trying to find Kairi." Riku stated, "When she was taken by the Organization, she got depressed, but she then turned around and worked harder than I could ever think."
"She has always been there for the people that matter to her, just like Sora." Kirito stated, "Even now, she believes in us, that we are able to help them. That's why I should go into her dreams in order to help her."
"The same goes for me." Asuna agreed, grabbing Kirito's hand, "We can't let Leafa stay like this. If both our hearts help her out, then we'll be able to reach her together." The two looked to one another, then at Leafa, smiling.
"There's something real strong that binds us to each other." Mickey stated to the three Keyblade wielders, "Even in the darkness, all of you can reach them. All you gotta do is follow that connection!"
"Gee, we're all connected to Sora and Leafa." Goofy stated.
"You said it!" Donald agreed, punching the air.
"I know I'm connected to both of them." Yui stated.
"We're connected to them, too!" Jackson stated, scooping Latias and Cypress next to him, "Like a Keyblade to its' chain!" Cypress and Latias both smiled at Jackson, then nodded in agreement.
"And if the darkness gets all of ya, I promise I'll bail you out." Lea told everyone, "Dark Rescue is my middle name."
"Sure it is." Kirito muttered in an amused manner.
"I'd always believed my children would become something special, but not like this." Midori stated, looking to her son, "Kazuto, I believe that you and Asuna will bring Suguha back."
"Trust me, I will." Kirito responded.
"Asuna, I know this is a big risk, but please, take care of yourself, and come back safe." Shouzou stated. "The same goes for you too, Kirigaya."
Asuna nodded in response, then looked to her mother, who looked down for a second, then she said, "Asuna, make sure you come back. There's…something I would like to speak to you about."
"I will, mother." Asuna responded, smiling at her.
"Guys, thank you." Riku thanked everyone, "Sora and I will be back soon."
"Same here." Kirito responded, "We promise that Sugu will be back home, along with the rest of us." Riku bowed to Yen Sid, and Kirito and Asuna followed in the same way with Gretinal.
"Be safe, all of you." Gretinal stated, "I worry that having two people enter Sora's dreams might be dangerous, specifically you Kirito, since you no longer have Asuna protecting you as a Dream Eater. Still, if there is anyone that can do it, I believe the two of you can."
Riku backed away from Sora, then produced his Keyblade in both hands, pointing it at Sora. He glowed brightly, then a Portal appeared, only it was pitch black, surrounded in darkness. Kirito and Asuna backed away from Leafa and summoned their Keyblade in the same way, making Leafa's Portal appear, which was also pitch black. Everyone watched them, their expressions wishing them the best of luck. They nodded to them, and Riku became sparkling lights as he dove into Sora's dream, while Kirito and Asuna dove into Leafa's dream together.
Leafa's Dream
When Kirito and Asuna woke up, they found themselves in their Sleeping Realm attire, both of them together in a dive. Down below, they saw the silhouette of Leafa's Station of Awakening in the distance, but it was covered in a dark cloud, so it was hard to see the details of it.
"We have to reach her heart, quickly." Kirito told Asuna.
"Right. You take the lead, Kirito." Asuna replied.
Kirito started the dive first, seeing several Dream Eaters interfering with his path. Kirito used his skills in diving to defeat them and progress forward. During the dive, Kirito noticed several frames that looked like the top of the Station of Awakening, but they showed images of Leafa's past, when she was a very young Suguha, from her time with Kazuto, to her practice in kendo. Kirito then noticed a ring ahead that was blocked by a shining Keyhole, which looked similar to the Sleeping Keyholes. He directed his Keyblade at it, and a beam of light shot out, hitting the Keyhole, and light shattered about it. Kirito and Asuna dove through the Keyhole, blinded by the light.
When they came out, they noticed that Asuna was in the lead this time, and that they were still on the path of darkness towards the Station of Awakening, but it was closer. Without saying, they knew that they found a way to reach their destination; by unlocking the Keyholes in the path, and taking out the enemies that came at them.
"I'll take the lead!" Asuna told Kirito, and she dove in.
The images of Leafa's memory passing by the now showed Suguha during her time when she started taking up Kirito's load in kendo, to when Kirito was stuck in SAO, to when Shinichi requested her to play ALO, up to her times flying about in the world, taking on the name 'Leafa'.
Asuna had to focus herself on defeating the enemies in order to progress ahead, but she couldn't help but be interested in the images about her. After taking out the enemies ahead, Asuna saw the Keyhole appear in front of the ring that led further in. She unlocked it with her Keyblade, and she and Kirito were bathed in the shattered light.
They reappeared again, with Kirito ahead of Asuna once more. The Station of Awakening was closer, but now, there was a dark fog that blanketed the path, making visibility tough for the heroes. However, they could see the red eyes of the Nightmares, so they had a way of finding them.
"I'll start this next round off!" Kirito told Asuna, and they pushed forward.
Through the dark fog, the images of Leafa's memories now changed to when Kirito entered ALO to search for Asuna. It showed many memorable moments in the journey to the World Tree, from when they first met each other, to flying in the skies, their moments in Arun, all the way up to when Aincrad was reborn in the New Alfheim Online.
Asuna saw all the memories while Kirito focused fully on the Nightmares that came in their path, but they weren't the only problem. Kirito also noticed yellow eyes, and saw a full-black version of Leafa, making her look like a Heartless. She charged herself up with blue energy, then charged at Kirito and Asuna's location, to which they had to avoid the attacks. Kirito cleared the area of Nightmares, saw the Keyhole up ahead, and unlocked it, progressing to the next part of the dive.
It was Asuna's turn to take the lead, and the two dove along the same path as before, with the objective being the same. The images passing by them now composed themselves of Leafa's moments with her friends and family during the time when Kirito was in GGO, to getting Excalibur in Jötunheimr, to when 'Zekken' Yuuki was about. Asuna had to see the images of Yuuki as she progressed, considering she missed her a lot, and that she was glad she was a part of Leafa's memories.
"Concentrate on the goal, Asuna." Kirito reminded Asuna. She shook her head into focus, and continued to fight against the Nightmares, avoiding the shadow versions of Leafa, and making her way closer to the Station of Awakening. She saw the Keyhole off in the distance, and unlocked it, gaining access further into the dive.
When they reappeared again, Kirito was ahead, but now, the two were surprised to see multiple versions of Leafa, fast asleep and falling along the path ahead. There were versions of Suguha, to Leafa in her ALO attire, to her in the attire when she traversed into the other dimension, and her in her Sleeping Realm attire.
"What is…?" Kirito started, angling himself to grab one of the sleeping Leafa's, and she turned into sparkling lights that surrounded Kirito.
"We probably need to gather as many versions of her as possible." Asuna assumed. Kirito nodded in agreement, and they dove down to collect the many sleeping Leafa and Suguha.
The images of Leafa's memories now showed all the important moments in her first adventure into the other dimension, starting from when she witnessed DiZ's data entering Aincrad, to meeting Naminé, to her time with her friends in Twilight Town and Hollow Bastion, to meeting and fighting Axel, to her reunion with Kirito and the others, all the way up to the challenges they endured in the Organization's world.
The shadow versions of Leafa were still trying to knock the two heroes out as they gathered as many versions of Leafa and Suguha as possible. They could see the Station of Awakening much closer now, but it was still shadowed, and hard to see in full detail. Regardless, Kirito managed to gather enough of his sister to see the Keyhole open up ahead of him, and he unlocked the path forward.
Now, it was Asuna's turn to take the lead again, and the two hoped it was the last dive. The objective was the same for Asuna; gather the many versions of Leafa and Suguha in order to proceed ahead, and watch out for the shadow versions. The images around them now showed Leafa during their second adventure, her adventures in Yusnaan, the World of Dreams, Saitama, the Desolate Castle, all the way up to the final battle with the Heartless Oberon.
The two also saw the image of when Recon sacrificed himself in order to close the door to the Realm of Darkness. They felt sorry for Leafa losing him in such a way, Asuna especially since she had to deal with the Nightmare that impersonated Recon to trick Leafa.
"We'll set you AND Recon free from the darkness, Sugu." Kirito muttered, seeing the image, "I promise you." Asuna saw the Keyhole up ahead, and used her Keyblade to unlock it. The two felt the light from the unlocked Keyhole was different than before, and believed that this was finally the endpoint. Without hesitation, the two entered in, accessing Leafa's heart.
When they woke up, Kirito and Asuna found themselves on the ground in the middle of the darkness. They slowly regained themselves as they rose to their feet, the floor beneath them so dark, that the only way they knew it was there was from the water-like ripples made from their motion. Looking about, they could see nothing but darkness.
"There's nothing but darkness here." Asuna muttered, looking about.
"Is this really Leafa's dream?" Kirito questioned, growing concerned. How could something of this magnitude happen to Leafa? Was this all the result of Organization XVI?
Suddenly, the two sensed something, and they turned to see something rise out of the ground. It was wispy version of Leafa's shadow, but her red eyes showed that she was a Nightmare version.
"Is that Leafa's Nightmare?" Kirito asked.
"No, I took care of it before!" Asuna replied, "This one feels different."
The shadow Leafa's eyes flashed, and it charged at Asuna, who readied to counter whatever it was gonna do. However, Kirito beat her to it, jumping in front and blocking with his Keyblade. The shadow suddenly turned into smoke that wrapped itself around Kirito, and he started to attempt to shake it off. "Kirito!" Asuna cried, racing to him, but the dark energy pushed her away from him.
"Something's…wrong!" Kirito grunted, feeling himself being lifted into the air by the darkness, "It's…trying to control me! Asuna, you have to destroy it!"
Asuna regained herself, and shouted, "But what about you?!"
"Don't worry. I can endure!" Kirito shouted back, the darkness growing about him, "You have to trust me; take it out when it is trying to control me. It's the only way of saving Suguha! Here, use these…" With a free hand, he managed to pull out his Dream Eater Spirit cards, and toss them to Asuna, who caught them. She looked down at them, then up in a shocked manner as Kirito's body disappeared completely in the darkness surrounding him.
(Cue KHDDD OST 'The Eye of Darkness')
When the darkness shed itself, Asuna saw a dark-armored figure floating down to the ground. It looked similar to the armor Aqua wore when she fought Asuna in her heart, but the design was almost exactly like the armored Lingering Will she, Kirito, Sora, Donald and Goofy fought so long ago. The armor was composed of pitch-black metal, and the helmet was covered with a visor. On top of the helmet, however, was the emblem of the Nightmare Dream Eater. Kirito's Elucidator Keyblade and Leafa's Sylphwing Keyblade were in both of the Nightmare's hands as it stood with both blades out to either side.
Asuna was horrified at the sight of the armored figure before her. 'Kirito is in that armor, I'm sure of it!' Asuna thought to herself, 'I have to believe in his words, and take out the darkness controlling him and Leafa!' Kirito's Spirit cards started to glow, and out came Woe and Drill. She looked to either one of them, who cried out to Asuna. "Don't worry, we'll save your master, no matter what!" Asuna responded, producing her Keyblade at the ready.
The Armored Nightmare melted into the dark ground like he was sinking into a pond, rising out in front of Asuna, slashing at her with both Keyblades. Asuna blocked both with her own, struggling against the pressure of the opponent's Keyblade. Woe summoned poisonous vines beneath the Nightmare, binding its' legs for a short period of time, then Drill charged in with its' horn, knocking him away from Asuna. She recovered and unleashed Sonic Blade, slashing all about the Nightmare at breakneck speeds.
The Armored Nightmare recovered quickly, and sent waves of darkness at Asuna and her Spirits. They all avoided them, and Asuna retaliated with Balloonga, setting it off prematurely and sending the balloons to home in on the Nightmare. The enemy retaliated by sending both Keyblades in a Circle Raid around him, creating a ring of darkness that blocked all balloons from hitting him.
He melted into the darkness again, rising up again in the center of the battlefield, crossing his blades above him. Suddenly, the area went white all about them, with walls of white energy forming a circle around the battlefield. The Armored Nightmare summoned bubbling orbs of darkness from the ground, diving back down beneath again. Asuna felt that the attack was something she needed to avoid, so she started running as the dark splotches were sent at her, homing in on her position. Asuna saw herself nearing the wall, and leapt up to activate her Flowmotion, speeding all about the air, avoiding the attacks as she could. The Spirits were ignored by this assault, but they were unable to to do anything. After the orbs were all fired, the area turned dark again as the Nightmare rose up once more.
"Okay, time to go on the offensive." Asuna told herself, and she leapt at the Nightmare with Woe by her side, shouting, "Link Style! Darkest Fear!" She fused with Woe, unleashing a dark aura as her hands and feet became claws, and she charged in. She and the Nightmare started engaging in a dark vs. dark-element battle. Asuna was ripping at him like a fierce animal, while the Nightmare tried fighting her or by moving about the area by melting in the ground. Asuna was slightly overwhelmed by him, but she held her ground as she unleashed all she could. Asuna's slashing wave of dark energy in her final attack was even countered by a cross-wave of dark energy from the Nightmare's Keyblades.
Asuna saw the Nightmare pop out of the ground again, and he fused the two Keyblades into one, and swung madly at her as she leapt back repeatedly to avoid the slashes. The Nightmare then leapt up, charged up, and unleashed a heavy slam that caused a shockwave that sent her flying. Woe was forced out of Asuna, and he and Drill were sent flying away, turning into balls of light.
"No!" Asuna cried, seeing the state of Kirito's Spirits. They were still alive, but unable to continue at this point.
Panicked, Asuna saw Kirito's Spirit Cards glow once more, and Kabuto and Blaze appeared by her side. "You guys want to go next?" Asuna questioned. Blaze honked at her in response, and she understood. All of them were gonna give everything they had to fighting the Armored Nightmare. "Okay then, let's give it all we got!" Asuna shouted, ready to continue.
The Nightmare leapt forward, its' Keyblade split back to its' two forms again, and it attempted a cross-slash at her. Asuna used her Firewheel technique to flip away while burning him, then growled, "I've got a lot more heat where that came from." Asuna leapt up and unleashed her Firaga Burst while her Spirits unleashed fire-element shots at the Nightmare, who dove into the darkness, rising up in another spot, where he was introduced to a series of fireballs from Asuna's homing spell. He got peppered by the attack, and the fireballs illuminated the area slightly.
The Nightmare shrugged it off, and made the area turn white again. He didn't summon more black splotches from the ground, but charged at Asuna, transforming his two Keyblades into one again. "Dual Style! Bladecharge!" Asuna shouted, fusing with the Spirits and shining brightly in a light lavender aura, wielding the long sword of light. She charged at the Nightmare as well, and the two engaged in a furious battle of heavy-looking weapons at fast speeds. It was an intense scene, a dual between the blade of light and blade of darkness.
The Armored Nightmare sidestepped Asuna's thrust, slashing heavily at her with his Keyblade. Asuna tumbled backwards, but recovered herself as she unleashed her Faith spell, recovering herself while attacking the Nightmare with her pillars of light. She then unleashed her Mother's Rosario Rapier Skill, stabbing from a distance with her eleven-hit combo, ending with one final pierce from her blade of light that made the area turn black again, and made the Nightmare fly into the wall of darkness, disappearing within.
Asuna stood at the ready as she waited for the Nightmare to reappear. Finally, she sensed it about to appear beneath her feet, and she leapt up. However, just as he came up, the Nightmare summoned a large hand of darkness from his Keyblade, and unleashed a burst of darkness that sent Asuna flying, forcing Blaze and Kabuto to disassemble with her, and turn into balls of light.
"Blaze! Kabuto!" Asuna shouted to the two, seeing them unable to continue as well.
Asuna recovered herself, and landed back onto the ground as Kirito's cards glowed again, and Halberd and Kyroo appeared. "Please be safe, you guys." Asuna told them, "He's already stopped half of the ones Kirito gave me. I don't want to see you guys be in the same situation." Kyroo croaked to her, telling her something. "You guys will be useful even in that state?" Asuna questioned, confused.
Before she could progress further questioning, the Armored Nightmare send a cross-wave of dark energy at them, and Asuna put up a light barrier that blocked the attack. Asuna regained herself, unleashing her Balloonga spell, then dashed forward at the Nightmare with the Spirits. The Armored Nightmare melted into the ground to avoid Asuna's thrust, and Asuna commanded Halberd to hit the large balloon, summoning the smaller balloons that homed in on where the unexpected Nightmare rose up at, striking it continuously. Asuna, Kyroo and Halberd dove at the Nightmare from all sides,
The battle between the trio and the Nightmare was intense, who had several tricks under his belt. His dual-wielding skills were as strong as Kirito's, using the two Keyblades not only to unleash fast combos, but to also unleash X-shaped waves of energy, sending the two into a form of Circle Raid. When he fuses his Keyblades together, his style of combat switched to that of Terra's combo attacks in his Critical Impact Style, composed of intense slashes and overhead strikes that caused minor shockwaves, sacrificing attack speed for more power.
However, when the area went white, his combos changed to that similar of Terra in his Rockbreaker form, unleashing combos from his blade that send debris of solidified darkness from the ground, then ending by summoning three large boulders of dark energy around him, then smashing them, sending the debris scattering about, damaging everyone that got hit.
"Time to intensify the attack!" Asuna declared, "Dual Style! Rising Wing!" Asuna with the two Spirits, and began to glow a light blue aura, with small Undine wings on her back. She flew forward, twirling her Keyblade and summoning a tornado underneath the Nightmare that send him into the air. She then flew up, and started slashing at him with windy speeds, not giving him a chance to land back on the ground. The Nightmare tried unleashing a sword spin with his two blades, but Asuna flew underneath his attack, and unleashed her Sonic Blade technique, piercing right through him multiple times with the power of her attack.
When she finished, she let the Nightmare fall to the ground, where he fell on his back. As Asuna landed, the Nightmare melted into the darkness, popping out and unleashing a leaping slash that created a large shockwave. Asuna braced herself for the attack, and she managed to hold her ground, though her Spirits were forced out of her, and they turned into balls of light.
"Kyroo! Halberd!" Asuna shouted, seeing them float in the air, along with the other four.
Kirito's Spirit Cards glowed once more, and the final pair of Spirits, Komory and Ryu, came out to join Asuna. "You guys are my last hope to save Kirito." Asuna told them, "Let's not hesitate to go all out right off the bat! Dual Style! Ghost Drive!" Asuna fused with her Spirits, the aura around her glowing at the same level as their strong determination. "This is it, Nightmare; our final clash." Asuna declared, pointing her Keyblade at him, "I WILL defeat you, and free both Kirito and Leafa from the darkness!"
(Cue SAO OST 'Luminous Sword')
The Armored Nightmare suddenly made the area turn white again, summoning multiple splotches of darkness into the air as he dove into the ground. They shot at Asuna, but she used her form to teleport about to avoid getting hit by the attacks. When the attacks all finished, she teleported into the center of the room, seeing the Nightmare rise back up, making the environment turn dark again. She used her Faith spell to push the Nightmare aways, regaining her full stamina at the same time. The moment he landed Asuna unleashed her teleportation combo strikes, using her afterimages to fool the Nightmare as she kept striking all about him, ending with the circle of charging thrusts and a downward slash right on top of it.
The Nightmare turned his Keyblades into one large one, and started unleashing his combo of heavy swings again, but Asuna was moving to fast for him to do anything. She teleported away, and unleashed her Firaga Burst that homed in on the Nightmare, who started swinging intensely at the fireballs she unleashed. Despite this, he was unable to destroy all of them before they hit him, and he got hit hard by the last half-dozen that hit him.
When Asuna finished her attack, she saw the Nightmare dive into the ground, reappearing right underneath her, summoning a hand of darkness that pushed her upwards, unleashing a shockwave that forced her out of the Dual Style, causing Ryu to turn into a ball of light, but Komory was somehow spared of the same form. Asuna landed on her back as the Nightmare disappeared into the ground again, reappearing in the center of the room, floating high above.
Asuna lifted herself into a sitting position in time to see the Nightmare point his Keyblade at her, his visor glowing green. She felt a sense of deja vu, reminding herself of when she used her Aqua Soul Drive, locking onto her target before unleashing her Shotlock Finishers. He was doing something similar to that. She started to understand that as his weapon transformed into a cannon-like form, pointed right at her.
Komory got in front of Asuna, screeching at the Nightmare. "Komory!" Asuna shouted to the Spirit, rising to her feet. Komory then called out to the seven orbs of light that contained the other Spirits, and they circled around Asuna and the bat. She looked to all of them, and understood what to do. "Let's finish this battle once and for all…" Asuna muttered as the Nightmare charged up its deadliest move; Dark Ultima Cannon.
"Ultima Style! Spirit Awakening!" Asuna shouted, fusing Komory and the orbs of light with her, unleashing an intense aura of white and pink light, the Spirit symbol on her cloth shining the brightest, and her hair fanning out wide from the emanating power.
She leapt into the air at the Nightmare as he unleashed a ball of powerful dark energy in retaliation. Asuna pierced right through the orb like an arrow of light, then saw the Nightmare flew up even higher, firing a second, more powerful shot. She gathered all the energy into her Keyblade just as she drew close to the Nightmare, who unleashed his shot into her. She thrusted forward, clashing with the dark orb of energy for a few seconds, then piercing right through it and the Nightmare, finishing both of them in one go.
As Asuna floated back to the ground, she saw the Nightmare sustained in midair, his armor cracking and breaking all about, then it shattered, releasing an unconscious Kirito from it as he fell. "Kirito! Asuna shouted, her form disappearing as she raced to where he was falling. She leapt up, catching him in her arms, then used her own body to cushion his fall.
Asuna regained herself as she looked down at Kirito, raising his head. "Kirito, are you okay?" Asuna questioned, shaking him slightly.
She saw him start to stir, then slowly open his eyes and look up at Asuna. He raised a hand up, touching her cheek. "I knew you could do it." he moaned.
Asuna was surprised at the first comment, then she smiled as she held his hand. "Dummy…" Asuna muttered, "Why didn't you let me get taken ove? You are stronger than me, and could've finished this up quicker."
Kirito smirked, and said, "But your light shines brighter than mine. That proves you could do it. Thank you." Asuna nodded in response, glad to see her boyfriend still in one piece.
Kirito and Asuna got to their feet again as they saw the darkness that controlled Kirito swirl to the center of the battleground, taking the form of Leafa's shadow, laying on its' back. The darkness then shed itself, and the real Leafa laid there, her eyes closed, and her Keyblade at her side.
"Sugu!" Kirito shouted.
"Leafa!" Asuna called out. The two raced to her as the darkness on the ground started to fade away into the center, and Leafa's body sank into it. They tried to grab her as they got close, but she was so far in, that she disappeared seconds before they could do anything.
As the darkness disappeared, they saw the full image of Leafa's Station of Awakening. It was mainly composed of multiple green and yellow colors, with Leafa in a standing sleep, her katana held to one side. The faces of Kirito, Asuna, Recon and Lea were surrounding her, and the picture of the night sky of Alfheim Online was underneath them, including the glowing moon. Sylph emblem was patterned around in a ring in the are, with the wings of the Sylph ringing the exterior of it.
(Cue SAO II OST 'Good Bye, Again and Again')
Kirito was on his hands and knees as Asuna knelt right next to him, both looking down at the ground where Leafa disappeared into. "Where did she go?" Asuna muttered, looking at the spot in sadness.
Kirito closed his eyes, wondering where she went, then he looked up at the Sylphwing Keyblade right next to them, the darkness shedding off of it, revealing its' normal form. He reached out and grasped the Keyblade, looking at it, then he turned to Asuna and said, "Let's go after her, together." Asuna nodded in determination.
They stood up, and Kirito held the Keyblade out to her. She grasped the handle alongside Kirito, and they closed their eyes together and focused. Suddenly, the light of the Keyhole appeared at their feet. They looked down at it, feeling as if Leafa was calling to them, asking them to find her. They looked to one another, smiling. The two simultaneously leapt into the air, flipping backwards, then pointed the Keyblade's tip to the Keyhole. A beam of light shot out, shattering the light around it in the same fashion as opening the Sleeping Keyhole. Together, the two were bathed in the light.
(Cue SAO II OST 'Think Tenderly of You')
When Asuna opened her eyes, she saw herself standing alone in the middle of a kendo practice area. Looking about, she recognized the place as the dojo next to the Kirigaya's house. The sunset was shining in the open doors behind her.
Asuna didn't see Kirito anywhere, but when she turned, she saw Kirito standing there, his body silhouetted in the sunlight. "Kirito?" Asuna questioned, stepping towards him. She then soon realized it wasn't him, as he was dressed in a casual black T-shirt and dark pants. It was not Kirito, but Kazuto.
"What is it that you're so afraid of?" Kazuto questioned.
Asuna blinked, feeling deja vu again. 'This question, isn't this…?' Asuna started, but she knew. It was the same question she was asked when she dove into her heart so long ago. Finally, she answered, "Losing something that's important to me." Kazuto smiled and nodded, and he disappeared, surprising Asuna. She looked about, then at the open door ahead of her. She walked outside, hoping to understand what was going on.
Meanwhile, Kirito was walking around the pond in the backyard of his house, looking at the sky, seeing cherry blossom petals fall. "Is this really inside Sugu's heart?" Kirito questioned.
Suddenly, he looked ahead at the back door to his house, and saw Sora standing there, dressed in his dark garments before entering the Realm of Sleep. "Sora?" Kirito questioned, approaching him.
"What is the one thing you care about more than anything else?" Sora asked him.
Kirito was confused, until he remembered this questioned asked of him before, when he was awakening the power of the Keyblade. "My dearest friends and family." Kirito answered Sora, who grinned and leaned back, disappearing into nothingness. "What the heck is going on?" Kirito asked, looking about.
"Kirito!" Asuna's voice called out, and he turned to see her rushing out of the dojo to him.
"Asuna." Kirito replied as she came to a halt. Once she caught her breath, both heroes detected something, and looked up at the window to Suguha's room. There were signs of movement behind the curtains.
"Is someone there?" Asuna questioned.
"Let's find out." Kirito answered, and he led Asuna in.
They walked up the stairs, and entered the room. Inside, they saw someone standing in front of the curtains, the sunlight pouring into the space. It was Suguha, but not in her avatar form. Her short black hair, dark green eyes, dressed in her school uniform.
"Suguha?" Kirito questioned, surprise to see her in that form, and so was Asuna.
"Kirito, Asuna, what is your wish?" she asked.
The fact that she addressed her brother by his avatar's name proved she wasn't the real one. Asuna and Kirito looked to one another, and Asuna nodded to him, wanting him to answer. "My wish…is to recover something important that I lost; my sister's light." Suguha smiled in approval, and there was a bright light. Kirito and Asuna closed their eyes, feeling the comforting warmth surround them.
When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves standing outside the Kirigaya house. Looking about, they saw the street opening out on either side, but no one on them. "So what now?" Kirito asked Asuna, who was just as puzzled as him.
"Greetings, young Keyblade wielders." said a woman's voice behind them, "Or, rather I should say, we finally meet, Kazuto and Asuna." The two turn to see a woman approach them.
For a second, Kirito thought he was seeing Leafa, but this woman was clearly older, possibly in her late 30s. Her hair was styled in a similar ponytail as Leafa's, but her hair was a bronze blonde color. Her eyes were the same green color as Leafa's. She wore a black, skin-tight underneath a dark green vest, with a white-rimmed collar and a silver heart on it. She had on a long, light-green skirt that reached her knees, and she wore brown leather boots. She had a silver armor piece on her right shoulder with a topaz-like gem on it. She wore dark green, fingerless gloves that went halfway up her arm, and wore a gold, spiraling band on her left upper arm. She also had four green silk pieces that fell down her back, looking similar to limp fairy wings
"Who are you?" Kirito asked.
"My name is Berthonda." the woman answered, "You might not know my name, however, but I am one of the Guardians of long ago that sealed the darkness from reaching Kingdom Hearts. I am Suguha Kirigaya's ancestor."
"You're…Leafa's ancestor?" Asuna questioned, surprised, "But how are you here?"
"Countless centuries ago, we, the eleven Guardians, were given another role in our lifetime." Berthonda explained, "We were known as 'foretellers', those who guide the Keyblade wielders to defend the light from the darkness. A great war nearly swallowed up Kingdom Hearts in great darkness, but we managed to stop it by sealing the Keys of Darkness within ourselves. We divided ourselves to many of the remaining worlds, hoping to repair the light once again. For you see, we were given a troubling prophecy; that one day, the light will be permanently swallowed up by the darkness."
"The light…will disappear?" Kirito gasped, both he and Asuna shocked at this.
"That is what the prophecy said, but I and many others saw things differently." Berthonda replied, "As the Foreteller of Bonds, I believed that a united light of hearts would never be destroyed, and that it will shine so bright, that the darkness instead will be siphoned away. So, I devised a trick that allowed my power of Bonds to be used when the time was right. I started a family, had children. Then, without them knowing, I sealed my heart inside of them, hoping that one day, one of my descendants would be chosen to use that power, one whose heart is full of love and care for the people around him or her, filling themselves with pure light."
There was a pause, then Kirito stated, "So, you waited for all this time, and Sugu was chosen."
"She is a spirited individual, caring for those around her." Berthonda answered, "She has shown, time and time again, how much she is willing to protect people's bonds, and to share the pain of others in order to make them feel better. When she wanted to help you, Kazuto, she unknowingly tapped into my power of Bonds, helping you. She still has no control over its' power, but I have allowed her to use it when necessary. However, there are those that try to use that loving heart against her, and that caused her to be tricked." Asuna looked down, thinking about the fake Recon she had to face, and about what he had done to fool her.
"I believe she'll understand the true bonds eventually, and that in turn will help her truly awaken herself to my powers." Berthonda finished, "She is a determined girl, and an upbeat one. And I believe she will be ready when the time is right. In the meantime, I'll do my best to guide her in here. Don't worry about her, okay?" Kirito and Asuna nodded in understanding.
"Now, there is one thing that I would like the two of you to do." Berthonda continued.
"What's that?" Asuna asked.
"There is someone else I would like you two to protect and help alongside." she answered, "I speak, of course, of the one who's heart is just as loving and caring as Suguha's."
It didn't take the two long to figure out who she was talking about. "You mean Sora?" Kirito asked. Berthonda nodded.
"That boy had a very special heart, too. He has helped many hearts out, and even allowing some into his own, to protect them, and care for them. However, this is also a risky gift, as he not only shares their hearts, but the pains that come with them. He may have a heart of light, but his heart cannot endure all that pain on his own. That is why I ask the two of you to be the pillars of light for Sora's heart. Help those connected to him to be healed, bring them back to the world of light. That, in turn, will help unlock a great and powerful gift to him, and to the two of you. That is the request I ask of you."
Kirito and Asuna looked to one another, and smiled. "You don't have to ask that of us." Kirito replied.
"That's right. Because we would do that, even if you didn't tell us." Asuna added, "He is one of our dearest friends. We kinda feel that he burdens more than he can bear on his own, so that's why we stick by him, helping him out."
"And it's not like we're doing all the work." Kirito followed, "Sora has shared the light in his heart with us. He is always there when we needed him the most. That includes all of the friends we met because we were with him, and he has gained more friend because he was with us."
"Our friends; they are our power." the two finished, quoting Sora's line.
Berthonda looked to the two of them, then chuckled in amusement. "You two share strong hearts for one another and for your friends." she stated, "I couldn't have asked for better people to be chosen by the Keyblade. I'm counting on the two of you to protect the light, alongside Sora and all of your friends. And all you have to do is be yourselves, and believe in your hearts, wherever they take you." Kirito and Asuna nodded in approval, but there was something else that Kirito wanted to ask.
"I am curious about something." Kirito started, "It's about Sugou. Do you know anything about him?"
Berthonda looked down, looking a bit sad, and nodded. "His ancestor was once a guardian, just like me." she answered, surprising the two, "His name was Younsol, the Foreteller of Shadows. Although he aided the light in protecting the darkness, his sought for power did give him evil intentions. When the darkness was swallowing Kingdom Hearts, he intended to use its power to control the hearts of all beings in order to stop the war. The remaining ten of us knew a heart was made to be free to make its' own decisions, not to allow someone to control it. When Younsol resisted us, I took matters into my own hands. I summoned five of my strongest and most pure of heart Keyblade wielders to force him to create the Keys of Darkness with us. Once they were sealed away, we used our combined powers, and sealed Younsol's powers and memories of his time as a Keyblade wielder, hoping to never allow him to reach Kingdom Hearts again."
"But that all changed when Xemnas separated his Heartless and his Nobody." Kirito assumed.
"Yes. Xehanort's Nobody separated the two, and unbound the seal we had placed on him." Berthonda answered.
"So that's why Sugou's Heartless and Nobody were so powerful?" Asuna questioned.
"Exactly. And let us not forget that although the memories may be removed, they are forever etched into our hearts." Berthonda explained, "Younsol's ambition was forever etched into his heart, and it slowly appeared itself into the hearts of his descendants. And I fear, that since you defeated his Heartless and Nobody, his ambition might reawaken again, and he intends to continue the path to controlling the hearts of all."
"We won't let that happen." Asuna assured Berthonda, "We promise you, we'll stop Organization XVI, and protect the light once and for all."
"I trust you with that." Berthonda replied, "Also, I would like the two of you to keep all that you know about what had been explained here a secret. Don't reveal it until your hearts say it is truly the time."
"Right." Kirito answered as Asuna nodded.
"Now, I believe it is time for the two of you to return back home again." Berthonda told them, smiling, "Your friends are awaiting you."
"But what about Sugu?" Kirito asked.
"Do not worry." Berthonda replied, "She is awake now." The two looked to one another, surprised and happy. "When you dove into Suguha's dreams, you managed to unlock the seven Sleeping Keyholes in her heart." Berthonda explained, "The first six you did during the dive. Then, after Asuna defeated the darkness that imprisoned Suguha, you freed her."
"You mean that dark armor that nearly trapped Kirito?" Asuna asked.
Berthonda nodded. "Then, you came here, and were questioned by three young people. That, in turn, was the final key to bring her back. She is fully awake."
Kirito and Asuna looked to one another, happy. "Thank goodness." Kirito sighed, "We can finally return home again, with everyone."
"Yep, just like we promised." Asuna reminded.
They turned to the open street, summoning Leafa's Keyblade together in their hands. The Sleeping Keyhole appeared in the sky above them. They raised the Keyblade over their head, and waved it to the Keyhole. A beam of light shot out, hitting the Keyhole, opening up the light. The two then started to float into the air, heading to the Keyhole.
"Be safe, you two." Berthonda called out to them, "And remember to unlock the path to the light with your bonded hearts."
"We will, and thank you." Kirito thanked her.
"We'll do everything we can to protect the light." Asuna added. The two nodded to one another, and flew to the Keyhole, bathed in the warm light.
Realm of Arrival: Gretinal's Office
Yui watched her two parents carefully as they laid there, fast asleep. Gretinal and her three students were right next to them, waiting. Suddenly, Kirito and Asuna started to stir, and they opening their eyes.
"Mama, papa!" Yui called to them happily.
"I told you they would wake up again." Jackson stated promptly.
"Yeah, after saying they wouldn't about a half-dozen times." Cypress retorted in an amused manner.
"How do you feel?" Gretinal asked the two.
"A little sleepy, but I can manage." Asuna moaned as she and Kirito rose into a sitting position.
"Where's Sugu?" Kirito asked. Gretinal smiled and pointed to her desk. The two turned and saw the screen made from the crystal, with someone in front of it, eating a plate of sweets as she watched Donald, Goofy, and another fortunate figure having a tea party of all things.
(Cue KH OST 'Sora')
"Hey, Donald! Come on, you're hogging it all!" Sora barked.
"Oh, calm down, Sora, and drink your tea." Donald retaliated.
"Gawrsh, it sure is yummy." Goofy stated as he pointed at his cup of tea."
"I dunno. These sweets here are really tasty." Leafa replied, holding up a macaroon.
"Hey!" shouted Riku's voice.
Sora, who had been wearing a party hat, a pair of fake glasses with an obnoxious nose and mustache, turned to where Riku had woken up, and took them off. "Riku…" Sora started, beaming with joy as he leapt out of his chair, and dove at Riku, "You're safe! Riku!"
They heard Sora laughing, then Riku replied, "Wait, haven't we got this backwards? And why are you having a tea party?"
"That's what I want to know, too." Kirito asked.
Leafa turned, seeing Kirito and Asuna awake, then she smiled broadly. "Kazuto! Asuna! You came back!" she cheered, dropping her plate and rushing over to them. She leapt forward and wrapped her arms around Kirito and Asuna's necks, nearly throwing them back to the ground again.
"Easy, we just woke up!" Kirito gasped, nearly choked by his sister.
"Sorry, it's just, I was worried about you so much." Leafa replied, releasing her grip on them.
"We should be the ones saying that." Asuna replied.
They all stood up again as Kirito asked, "Speaking of which, are you feeling okay?" Leafa nodded happily.
"How 'bout you, Sora?" Asuna called out, "Still in one piece?"
"Yeah, I've never been better." Sora replied, turning to the screen, then to Riku, "I was watching what was going on in my dream. And I could hear your voice the whole time. Thanks, Riku."
"Same here." Leafa replied, "Even though I was in complete darkness, I could hear your voices call out. It kept me going, making me believe that the two of you would save me. So thank you, Kirito, Asuna."
"Yeah. Thanks, everybody!" Sora told everyone. Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Lea, Yui, Kirito and Asuna all looked happy to be thanked by them.
After a few seconds, Sora turned to Yen Sid and asked, "Oh, yeah! Did we pass the test?" Kirito, Asuna and Leafa looked to one another, then at Gretinal.
"All of you performed truly admirably." Yen Sid answered, addressing the five.
"Now, if you would be so kind, I think it's time Yen Sid and I announce the results of the Mark of Mastery." Riku and Sora looked to one another, then raced to the front of Yen Sid's desk. Kirito, Asuna and Leafa all went in front of Gretinal's desk as she walked around and sat down. Everyone else stood with one another, with Kirito and Asuna's parents standing in the back of the room to hear the results, as well.
Yen Sid cleared his throat and started, "More than anything, I am grateful to have the five of you back from Xehanort's deception unharmed. And I am grateful to Lea and Yui, whose spontaneous actions turned the tides." Yui and Lea looked to each other, smiling at this.
"At the same time, we are deeply sorry, for failing to foresee the danger, nor to tell you about more about what I knew, and throwing all of you headlong into this hazardous test." Gretinal apologized, "Nevertheless, this has brought forth many hidden truths, and as such, we have to gird ourselves for the great battle with darkness that lies ahead. I can say for both Yen Sid and I that we need new Keyblade Masters, with new powers to take the helm in our battle."
Gretinal turned to Yen Sid, nodding to him to start first. "Sora and Riku, you both deserve the honor." Yen Sid started, "However, one of you braved the realm of sleep again to unlock the final Keyhole and save a friend. Riku, I name you our new true Keyblade Master." He waved a hand to Riku, who was stunned at this. Sora on the other hand, looked joyful.
"Way to go, Riku!" Sora cheered, wrapping an arm around his neck, snapping him out of his stunned state, "I knew you were gonna pass with flying colors. This is just so awesome!"
"Gee, Sora, you're kinda acting like it's you that passed." Goofy pointed out.
"I told ya Sora still needed some practice." Donald added.
"Hey!" Sora barked.
"Really? I'm a Keyblade Master?" Riku questioned in disbelief. He turned to Sora, who nodded a yes in response. Mickey led Donald and Goofy over to them.
"Congratulations, Riku!" Mickey commended him, raising a hand.
"We're all proud of you!" Leafa added, with Kirito and Asuna nodding with smiles on their faces.
Riku looked at them, then down at Mickey, and broke in a smile as he knelt down to take his hand. "Thank you, Mickey." Riku replied, "I owe it to my friends." He looked to everyone, and Sora chuckled happily.
Gretinal cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention. "Now that Yen Sid's results have been made, I believe I should announce my own results. Everyone turned to Gretinal on both ends. "Leafa, while you were able to endure the darkness for a long time, which is no easy feet in your case, you did not unlock the Sleeping Keyholes yourself, and ended up losing your way. Your anxiety to save Recon proved to be your downfall. You still have much to learn."
"I understand." Leafa sighed, looking down, disappointed in her own mistake. Kirito and Asuna looked to her sympathetically.
"Now, as for Kirito and Asuna, both of you went above and beyond my expectations." Gretinal continued, "You not only unlocked the seven Sleeping Keyholes, but defended yourselves against the trickery of your enemy, and dove into Leafa's dreams in order to reawaken her again. However, I was able to sense your hearts while you dove, and noticed that one of you not only saved Leafa, but save the other from being swallowed into darkness. That is why I decided that you, Asuna Yuuki, are my choice as the next Keyblade Master."
Asuna was shocked, surprised at this result. "I…I became a Keyblade Master?" Asuna muttered.
"You did it, Asuna!" Sora cheered, "I knew you had it in you!"
Leafa looked to Kirito, wondering if he was disappointed. She saw, to her surprise, that Kirito smiled at her. "You deserve it, Asuna." he told her, patting her shoulder, "If hadn't been for you, I might have been in the same state as Sora and Sugu. So be proud of yourself." Asuna looked to Kirito, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, then smiled and nodded.
"Congratulations, Asuna!" Mickey called out, "You're just like your sister, now."
Asuna looked at Mickey, then said, "Oh, yeah. Aqua is a Keyblade Master, too. So, in a way, I'm following in her footsteps." She smiled at herself as she wondered how her sister would react if she saw her. She would probably be overjoyed with her, since she was doing everything she could to protect her friends.
"I'm proud of you, mama." Yui stated, "I'm sure papa will work extra hard next time so he can be a Keyblade Master like you." Kirito rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, while the newly-minted Keyblade Master laughed at his expression.
"Thank you, everyone." Asuna thanked the crowd, "I promise you, I won't let this title down." Shouzou smiled and nodded in approval, while Kyouko looked to one side, wondering about how to reply.
"Ah, we'll catch up with ya in no time flat." Lea replied, drawing everyone's attention.
"What?" Sora questioned.
"You wanna be a Keyblade Master?" Leafa asked.
"Yeah. I mean, I came here to learn how to wield one." Lea replied.
"You?!" gasped Sora, Riku and Leafa.
"Hey, thanks for the vote of confidence." Lea barked back, "What, you gonna be the same when I say Yui's joining the program, too?"
Sora and Riku turned to the screen as Leafa, Kirito and Asuna turned to Yui, who looked slightly nervous. "Yui?!" Asuna gasped.
"You're learning how to wield a Keyblade, too?" Kirito asked.
"I'm sorry that I decided without your permission." Yui apologized, "But…I really felt it was the right thing to do."
"Yeah, you should see her practice." Jackson stated, "She's been working hard on it, and her skills with a blade are incredible. I'm surprised you didn't make her start sooner."
"So, does that mean you can summon your Keyblade?" Asuna asked.
"That's the one part I haven't learned, yet." Yui sighed, then looking at the screen, "How about you, Lea?"
"Nada here." Lea replied, "I was gonna come swooping in, Keyblade in hand! But I just couldn't get mine to materialize." He looked at his hand wondering. "Must be in the snap of the wrist or something." He waved his hand forward, and somehow summoning his Keyblade without even trying.
"You mean, something like this?" Yui questioned, waving her hand forward, and without realizing, she somehow produced her own Keyblade into her hand.
"WHOA!" gasped everyone else, shocked at this sudden development.
Lea's Keyblade definitely fit his style, with flames being the teeth and stem of the blade, and his chakram being the guard, chain and medallion at the end. Yui's Keyblade had a pink shaft that looked flowery, ending with a filigree-like teeth. Her guard looked like a pair of her fans wrapped around in a circle, with a dewdrop gem in front, her chain looking like dewdrops, ending with the flower she usually wears on her head.
"Too incredible!" Jackson gasped.
"They summoned their Keyblades without even realizing it." Latias added.
"That's way too convenient." Cypress muttered in a bemused manner. Yui held her Keyblade in both hands, examining it from guard to stem, then chuckled, finding the timing of her summoning it amusing.
After the immediate shock, they said their farewells to everyone in Yen Sid's tower, and they turned off the crystal. Gretinal then asked to speak to Kirito, Asuna, Yui and Leafa alone, so the others left her office, leaving the five of them remaining.
"Now that the three of you have taken the Mark of Mastery, and unlocked all seven Sleeping Keyholes, you each now have developed new powers to deal with the upcoming battle." Gretinal started, "However, considering what had happened during the test, we must act quickly if we are to fight against Organization XVI." The four nodded in response to this.
"That is why I have assigned you, Kirito, Yui and Master Asuna, on a task; to head back to the other dimension once again, and gather forth the eleven guardians of light."
The trio looked to one another, then Leafa asked, "What about me?"
"You will stay and continue to train." Gretinal replied, "I want you to understand patience, along with gaining strength for the next battle. I cannot let what happen to you happen a second time." Leafa nodded in understanding, but she looked like she was feeling left out. "Do not worry." Gretinal assured her, "I am sending you to an environment Yen Sid and his allies set up. Lea should be there, training as well."
"Really?! I'll train with Axel?!" Leafa asked, surprised, but excited. She heard Kirito and the others look at her with looks of amusement, and she cleared her throat as she tried to act normally as she added, "I-I mean great! I'll look forward to training with him." Gretinal held a smile that showed she knew what she was thinking, while Kirito rolled his eyes, Yui looked curious, and Asuna giggled. Apparently, Axel's feelings were not exactly one-sided.
"Hold on, if Yui returns to the other dimension again, won't she turned back into a Navigation Pixie?" Kirito questioned.
"Indeed she would, but I have a way to counteract this affect." Gretinal replied, "I have assigned my three friends to lead you into individual rooms. Inside each one, I have set up new garments for each of you. Now that you have gained new powers, it should be right for each of you to have new clothes to go with it. Yui's, in particular, can negate the side effects of traveling between dimensions." Kirito, Asuna and Yui looked to each other, the girls anxious to see what their new clothes were gonna look like.
"Now, as for you, Yui." Gretinal continued, addressing her, "Though you may wield the Keyblade, I believe it would only be safe if you use your tessen should you need to fight. It is just a precaution for the time being, but use your Keyblade ONLY when it is necessary."
"Okay, Miss Gretinal." Yui replied, bowin in respect, "I'll only use it when I need to."
"Now Asuna, I would like to speak to you alone. As for the rest of you, you are dismissed. I shall have two of my friends guide you to your garments." Kirito, Leafa and Yui looked to Asuna, who nodded in response in an assuring way, then they left. Gretinal's office.
"Asuna, now that you are a Keyblade Master, you are assigned to be the leader of the three of you, to guide in the task in bringing together the guardians of light." Gretinal stated, "However, I can tell that you don't like that idea, do you?"
"It's not that." Asuna answered, "It's just, we never really made any of us be the actual leader in our group. We've always worked together as a team, each of us bringing something to the table that'll aid in our clash. I can't say we've ever had a leader. Sure, Kirito leads more when it comes to combat, and Sora leads us when we need to help someone out. But as for me, I'm good at thinking strategically, and helping other out with their problems. I don't think I'm ready to be a true Keyblade Master like you, Gretinal. Plus, I need to save Aqua. I can't really call myself a Keyblade Master until I bring her back."
"That is exactly what I want to hear." Gretinal answered, surprising Asuna, "Though you were given the title, you still don't think you are fully prepared. That shows maturity, which you will gain in due time. I just wanted to see how you would react if I said you would be leader. But I would like you to send me any information on what you discover in the worlds you travel at, any information on the Organization, the guardians of light, anything that might aid us in the final clash against darkness. Even if you discover something about your friends that might be beneficial or troubling to our cause."
"Yes, Gretinal." Asuna replied sternly.
"Now, as for the rest of your duties as a Keyblade Master, I shall give those to you in due time. For right now, you should place on your new garments. I believe your mother also had to say something to you, as well." Asuna did recall her mother saying she wanted to say something to her. She bowed to Gretinal, and left her office. The time of preparation was at hand.
Kirito's Side
Kirito stood in the room given to him, fully dressed in his new attire. It was different to his usual garments up till now. He had on a black and white-lined jacket, with brown leather on the bottom sides, a silver collar, gray lines on his sleeves, and deep brown rings around his upper arms and cuffs. He wore a gray T-shirt underneath, and he wore his Elucidator pendant. He also wore tan fingerless gloves. He had on a belt with a silver buckle underneath his jacket, which held two pieces of black cloth, similar to Asuna's but not as long and more sturdy. Each cloth had Terra's symbol on them. He wore black pants, and tall leather boots with metallic soles and black rings around the middle of each legging. Finally, after some thought, Kirito placed his cross-straps around each leg, forming an X on them.
Leafa and Midori were in the room when he was finished dressing up. "Those look very cool on you." Leafa chuckled, "But why did you change your straps?"
Kirito paused before answering, "After what happened to you, I don't want a big X on my chest like that." "Oh…" Leafa muttered, looking down.
The two remained quiet for a few seconds, then Leafa said, "Listen, Kazuto? I want to apologize for being fooled so easily in the Mark of Mastery. I knew it was a trap, but I…got desperate." Kirito turned to her, seeing the regret on her face. He walked over and patted her shoulder.
"It wasn't all your fault, Sugu." Kirito replied, "The Organization was the one that tricked you. Even so, next time you feel like it's a trap, stay away from whatever it is, no matter who is leading you there. Promise me?" Leafa looked up at Kirito, smiled and nodded.
"It is so hard to believe that this is all happening." Midori told herself, gaining the attention of her children, "One moment, you two were playing VRMMOs together, and the next thing, it's like those games come to life, with you guys in the center of it. Makes you wonder if this was all a dream."
"Believe me, if it was, I would wake you up." Kirito answered, "I have the power to do it...I think." This made Leafa chuckle.
"And now, you are heading away again, about to fight a battle that change the fate of…well, everything." Midori continued, "I can't help but be scared of letting you go do this, but I know it is something you have to do. So please, promise me…promise me that when this is all over, you'll come back, safe and sound."
Kirito nodded in response. "I will. We'll gather the guardians of light, defeat Organization XVI, and come back home again. Shouldn't be a problem."
"You say it like it's gonna be easy." Leafa muttered in an amused tone.
"One more thing." Midori told Kirito, walking over to him and digging into her pocket. She pulled out a small box, and handed it to Kirito.
"What's this?" he asked, taking the box.
"It's something I wanted to give to you when you were older." Midori answered, "However, considering the occasion…"
Kirito opened the box, and was surprised to look at what was inside. Leafa looked at it over his shoulder. "Mom, isn't this…" she gasped.
"It belonged to your grandfather." Midori told them, "He wanted to give it to you, but he instead gave it to me before he passed away, and I promised to give it to you when you were ready."
Leafa turned to Kirito, who was just amazed at the item in the box. He closed the contents, and pocketed it in his pants. "Don't worry. I'll keep it safe, and use it if I feel the time is right." he told his aunt as she wiped away the tears on her face.
Asuna's Side
Kyouko reached the room Asuna was in, and wrapped on the door. "Who is it?" Asuna called.
"It's your mother. Please, let me come in." Kyouko answered.
"Of course, but I'm still in the middle of dressing myself, right now." Asuna replied. Kyouko entered the room. Asuna was in the dressing part of the room, hid from view, and she was stripped down to her bra and panties. She grabbed the first of her attire, and started putting it on. Kyouko sat on the chair next to the bed, her arms crossed.
"So I heard you were about to head out again, to your other friend's dimension." Kyouko started.
"That's right. We have a mission to take care of." Asuna replied behind the curtain.
There was another pause, then Kyouko closed her eyes as she said, "Of all the high-classed jobs I wished for you to take on, becoming a Keyblade Master was never in that category."
Asuna paused in her dressing, looking down slightly. "I know it wasn't what you wanted, even after how you saw me back home during all those battles, but it is something that I have to do." Asuna responded, "I'm sorry if I didn't live up to your expectations."
Asuna continued to dress herself as Kyouko sat there. Finally, she uncrossed her arms and softened her expression as she said, "Actually, I should be the one to apologize." Asuna stopped again, surprised at her mother's words.
"As you know, growing up, I disliked how we grew up poor." Kyouko explained, "I wanted to be financially successful so I can have a better life than what I had."
"I know..." Asuna responded sadly, knowing how she felt deep down.
"Because of that, I had always looked at the reality of life." Kyouko explained, "I didn't believe in the supernatural, and I even feared it to be true. That's why when you came into our lives, I was hesitant in wanting to raise you as one of our family. I forced myself to forget the way you came into our lives, focusing on raising you to meet the expectations I wanted. A way to make the Yuuki family successful. I wanted you to be as normal, in my opinion, as possible. But, if I was honest, I was just trying to run away from the truth."
Asuna looked down, thinking. All her life, her mother pushed Asuna to enter high-classed schools, educate with great tutors, and marry men with successful businesses. Asuna thought that Kyouko did this because she didn't appreciate the fact that she grew up with poor grandparents. Now, she learned that while that was partially true, it was also not the full story. She was afraid of Asuna being abnormal.
"When you logged into the virtual world, I thought that would change you into the one kind of thing I feared." Kyouko continued, "I guess you could say I was right, as through a series of events since then, it led you into…all of this. I struggled, but in the end, I was in the wrong."
She looked back to when she was fighitng in Saitama, on the occassions she took on the monsters, how thanks to her words, how she was able to get to her feet again after learning the truth of her past. How she returned more confident than ever. More confident than she had ever seen in her life.
"After you returned from being sent to the other dimension, and heard everything, I struggled to deal with it. I should've accepted what you were meant to be then, but I feared it. I feared what you truly were, and didn't give you the same love my mother and father gave me. That's why I am apologizing." Kyouko's eyes were wavering, like she was gonna cry any moment.
Asuna finally finished dressing herself, and held up her white Wayfinder. She looked at it for a second, then she smiled. "I don't blame you, mother." Asuna replied, "I would've shut myself away if I realized I wasn't normal like everyone else. However, after everything that had happened, I came to understand that I was special, but I was still a normal girl like everyone else."
Asuna pulled back the curtain, showing her new attire. her top was a leather, soldier-like jacket with no sleeves, composed of multiple blue colors, two pockets at the bottom, and a white collar that had a heart and sideways cross on it. She had two pairs of black belts; one on her waist, and the other underneath her chest. Her detached sleeves were similar to her Undine sleeves, but with blue and silver bands on her arms. She had on a blue and white-lined skirt, a white cloth wrapped around the waist, and new silk-like hanging clothes that turned from white to light blue going down. She had long white leggings with blue ridges on top, and white boots with black and blue stripes and metallic soles. Her Wayfinder hanged from her neck, and her pink cross-straps were no longer in an X, but wrapped around from underneath her collar, and around her back.
"As for bringing me up the way you did, I can only say thank you." Asuna continued, "You helped me into becoming who I am today. I may have not been a true member of the family, but I still wear the name 'Yuuki' with pride, because that's the family that raised me."
She walked over to Kyouko, who stood up and looked at her. "Mother, I may not be a normal girl, but can you still accept me for who I am?" Asuna asked.
Kyouko looked surprised at Asuna, finding it hard to believe Asuna would ask her after all she heard. She then did something that Asuna rarely saw her mother do; she smiled at her, and her eyes started to water with tears. "I do accept you, every part of it." she answered, "I'm proud of you, Asuna, for being such a strong woman. And I'm sure you'll be a great Keyblade Master." Asuna beamed at her, then she hugged her mother. Kyouko wrapped her arms around Asuna, the tears of happiness pouring from her eyes as she embraced.
When they let go, Asuna wiped away the tears that started to form in her eyes. "I should probably get ready to go." she told Kyouko, "But don't worry about me. I am not alone in this fight. After all, I have Kirito, Yui, Sora, and all my other friends who'll help stop the evil from spreading throughout the world."
Kyouko nodded in understanding. "Come back safe, okay?" she asked.
"Of course, and if you want, I'll bring my sister, Aqua, too. If that's okay?" Asuna asked.
"She is welcomed as well." Kyouko replied.
Suddenly, there was a wrap on the door. "Mama, it's time to get going!" Yui called out.
"I'm all set, Yui." Asuna replied, and she led her mother over as she opened the door.
Yui stood there, wearing her new garments, composed of a blue and silver-rimmed dress with water drop patterns on it, a pink vest with a bow and hoodie, detached pink and white-rimmed sleeves going up her arms, a white and gray sash that hanged down close to her knees, stockings that were colored like her sleeves, and white, single strapped shoes. She wore Shadow's Inhibitor Ring on her left arm, and her flower attached to a band on her right.
"You look really nice, Yui." Asuna told her, then she noticed, "Hold on, did you shorten your bangs?"
"Yes. I wanted to try something to go with my new style." Yui replied, "Does it look okay?"
Asuna nodded in approval. "It's great, Yui. Now, let's go find Kirito."
"He's outside already, waiting for us." Yui explained, and she led Asuna and her mother out.
When they reached the open gate doors at the entrance, the girls saw Kirito, Leafa, Shouzou, Midori, the three students, and Gretinal standing there, waiting for them. behind them, Asuna could see what looked like a new kind of Gummi Ship, which was silver, bronze and green colored, with a sleek body, the dome of the cockpit near the front, and wings with a pair of jets and guns on them.
"You're late, Master Asuna." Kirito said amusingly. Asuna looked a bit embarrassed.
"It feels really weird for you to call me 'master', Kirito." she replied, "I don't want you to call me that again, okay?"
"Sure thing, Asuna." Kirito replied as she descended towards him and Leafa, with Yui and Kyouko bringing up the rear.
"This is my special Gummi Ship, the Swiftline." Gretinal introduced the trio to the ship, "It is specially modified for traveling between dimensions using the power of your Keyblades, and it will be able to adapt to any environment. It is fully stocked for your long journey."
"Thank you, Gretinal." Asuna thanked her, "We'll take care of it."
"You'd better. I just buffed out the damages on it." she replied.
"Well, we're off." Kirito told Leafa and Midori.
"Take care of yourself, Kazuto." Leafa told him.
"Come back safe." Midori told him.
"Stay safe, Asuna." Shouzou told Asuna.
"Don't let the darkness win." Kyouko told her.
"I will never let the darkness have it's way." Asuna replied determinately.
"This is goodbye for now." Latias told Yui.
"Make sure you use all that talent of yours, and beat up the bad guys!" Jackson added.
"Just don't be a total idiot like Jackson here." Cypress followed, getting a glare from Jackson.
"Leave it to me!" Yui answered them.
With everyone said goodbye, the Swiftline Gummi Ship rose into the air, sending a beam of light to the ground. Kirito, Asuna and Yui walked into it, and were teleported into the Gummi Ship. The interior was similar to Sora and the other's Gummi Ship, with six seat for them and the others to sit at. Kirito took the seat at the computer, while Yui sat at the controls, and Asuna sat in the command seat.
"So how do we get to Sora's dimension from here?" Kirito asked.
"Gretinal said that the powers of the Keyblades will bring us there, probably like how we brought the world of Disney Castle here." Asuna stated, "Let us three do it together."
The trio stood up, summoning their Keyblades, including Yui, who learned her Keyblade's name to be 'Fanfare Wind'. The trio waved their Keyblades, pointing them directly out into the sky. A beam of light shot out of each of theirs, forming a triple helix that flew through the air. Outside of the world's atmosphere, a large Keyhole appeared, and the three beams connected with it, making a deep booming sound of the lane between dimensions unlocking.
(Cue KH OST 'Hand in Hand')
"Yui, take us to that Keyhole." Asuna told Yui.
"You got it, mama." Yui replied, guiding the ship into the sky.
"Next stop; Sora's dimension." Kirito declared, smiling determinately. The people on the ground watched as the Gummi Ship flew high into the sky, entering into the shining Keyhole, where the final clash would take place against the light and darkness.
Epilogue #1: Lost Princesses
Realm of Arrival, Gretinal's Office
Some time after the heroes left, Leafa was helping out Gretinal in the library, examining books to see if any would benefit in the up and coming battle. After reading one book, Leafa closed it and turned to Gretinal.
"Hey, Mistress Gretinal?" she called, getting her attention.
"What is it?" Gretinal asked.
"Something has been bothering me for a while." Leafa started, "According to Sora's adventures, Xehanort tried gathering the Princesses of Heart as the seven lights he thought he needed to unlock Kingdom Hearts. However, this didn't come to be, nor were the thirteen members of the original Organization."
"What might your point be?" Gretinal asked her.
"Well, Xehanort, at first, believed that he needed seven lights and thirteen darknesses to forge the 𝒳-Blade. However, you told us there were more pieces, taking the total to eleven lights and sixteen darknesses." Leafa pointed out, "If the Organization needed three more pieces of darkness, then we needed four more pieces of light. If that's the case, then shouldn't that mean there are more Princesses of Heart than the seven?"
Gretinal paused for a second, then she answered, "Indeed. The four remaining Princesses of Heart are still a mystery. While finding the first seven were easy, finding the four lost Princesses will be even more of a challenge. Nevertheless, Xehanort will search for them, and use them as lights to face his darkness in the Keyblade War. That is why we need the eleven guardians of light; to protect the Princesses from being used for such an evil purpose."
"Yeah, but we are two guardians short." Leafa pointed out, "Not only that, but we don't even know who the four remaining Princesses of Heart are."
"That's not entirely accurate." Gretinal replied, walking over to a table, and summoning a crystal ball, "I do believe I know one of the four who is a Princess of Heart."
"You do?" Leafa asked, amazed, "Who is it?"
"You know her quite well." Gretinal answered, waving her hand around the crystal.
Leafa saw an image of a young lady appearing in the crystal. As it was clarified, Leafa was shocked to see who it was. "No way…I thought she was…" she muttered in disbelief.
"Her destiny is not yet over." Gretinal replied, "She is in Sora's dimension now, and it is up to our heroes to help her reawaken the powers dormant inside of her." Leafa was shocked, looking at Gretinal, then down at the figure. She recognized the dark purple hair, the coat she wore, the sword she wield.
It was Yuuki Konno.
Epilogue #2: The Forgotten Friend
Disney Castle, Kayaba's Lab
What happened here took place after the defeat of Heartless Oberon, and Disney Castle returned to its dimension. Kayaba was tapping away at the computer, placing in the information he gathered from Jiminy's Journal, which was on top of a machine that had access to the Datascape inside the journal. As he read it, he was fascinated about the adventure Sora had, while curious about something else. Something that didn't align with the story that was told to him by the others.
Just then, he got an email alert, and pulled it up. It was from Rinko, his love interest that he left behind in the other world. He pulled up the email, examining the contents.
"I am glad you are doing okay, Akihiko. I can also see you are throwing yourself back into something that brought out your curiosity. Some things haven't changed."
"As for what you requested, I was able to gain access to the list of Players from SAO. But why would you ask me for the list of those who survived?"
Kayaba took a sip of his coffee as he read this, before putting it down, tapping away at the computer. "I need you to look up four names among those list. I need background checks on their Player data, and how they were after the event. Give me as much information as you can on them." He sent the message to her, and waited for a reply.
Moment's later, she sent back an email. "That might be difficult, as I might be going into sensitive information that could get me arrested. But, knowing you, you wouldn't make idle requests without a good reason. I'll do what I can. What are the four names?"
Kayaba looked at another computer screen next to him, which had a list of names on it. Among them, Kayaba recognized Kirito and Asuna's names and Player IDs. Because of who he was before he became real, he was able to download the list of all the Players who left SAO after the incident when Kirito completed the game. But four names had errors to them, as to say they were logged out, but never left the normal way off the system. Among those listed, one name was highly connected to Sora and his friends.
"The four names I want you to look into are as follows: Yasu Mizutani, also known as Myde. Nariko Láska, also known as Elenar. Vassago Casals, also known as PoH. And...
Kotone Takemiya, also known as Philia.
Before reading Sword Art Kingdom III, it is highly recommended that you look into the prequel series, known as 'Sword Art Kingdom: Heart's Origin'
May your heart be your guiding key.