Final Fantasy XV - Kingdom Hearts

Part 52

Summary: Two warriors of Light, the Chosen King and Keyblade Master, face an unseen Darkness.

Dawn had broken before them, bathing the destroyed city of the Niflhiem empire in the light the world was deprived of, most the daemons that had owned this city once had all perished under the sunlight and the ones strong enough to resist were put to the sword by the warriors of light.

Not even a minute later after seeing the world's light had been restored they all ran into the city to find the king and hero, splitting into groups while Ventus took to the skies with his armour and glider to cover more ground. Some had to remain behind to heal up, mostly the ones who used exhausting magic or took more hits than they had thought. Traversing one of the now empty streets of the capital, Kairi was running through the empty roads as quick as her aching legs could.

Panting with her helmet still in their pocket dimension, her hair sticking to her forehead with sweat as her eyes scoured the land before her using the destruction as landmarks and hints to where and how far the battle was. She jogged through the streets looking for them, despite how the armour was significantly heavier than it was prior to the battle and her limbs pleaded for a respite from strenuous activities, but no. She refused to rest.

Not until she was back in his arms again.

The party that were currently being tended to by Lunafreya and Donald had promised the moment they didn't feel like their limbs would snap like chopsticks if they so much as took a step, they'd join the search immediately. Though Kairi knew deep down they could have all their legs broken and crawl their way through the city for them.

The downside to this splitting up plan was she was still devoid of her GP, which she had lost back on the train and had to rely on her hearing (and the powerful vocal cords of yelling that Donald possessed) if the others had found them. If she had more energy and strength she would have joined Ventus in the skies with her own glider but given how weary her body is and with only her will persisting her to keep going, the last thing she needed was to crash into a building.

The light had done a good job keeping the daemons at bay and there is no trace of the heartless around them, likely because of the keyholes light residue or something close to that coating the world. Even though the darkness would still be a looming threat she knew at least daemons were no longer an issue in the day times.

Standing in the street, panting still while feverishly looking around for them. Gently she places a hand on her heart and closes her eyes while exhaling. 'Sora…', she says softly. It is there she feels something, like a gentle beacon to her for the moment she opened her eyes, she sprints forth and makes a turn around a collapsed building that takes her to another street.

Before she saw more ruined and demolished buildings before her, the road was broken and split like something dragged an anchor through the tar and rock. Yet in the road she sees them, Sora and Noctis on the ground unmoving.

'SORA! NOCT!', Kairi cried out, rushing to them.

Upon reaching them, she called for Dearly Beloved and aimed it to the skies, firing off the last bit of her magic to make a signal flare of sorts to the others. After that, she knelt to Sora and helped rest him against her while holding him up. Kairi took in just how bad he looked, no longer in the middle of a fight or having her attention merely fixed on him awakened. His skin was pale and sweaty, she chucked it up to the fighting he did, but what worried her was the circles under his eyes. He looks as if he hadn't slept at all since he was taken, and to make her worries rise, he felt lighter than before.

Did Xigbar even ensure he was getting something to eat, or did the keyblade stay off starvation to keep him going?

'Sora…Sora, wake up', she whispered, shaking him lightly in her arms. Call her selfish or childish, but she wanted to hear his voice again, see those beautiful eyes and smile directed at her again and just know he was safe in her arms. She gently cupped his cheek, her eyes fixed on that calm unconscious expression painted on his face. Kairi pressed her forehead against his, holding back a breath and a hiccup of a sob, she won't cry she swore.

'Please…wake up…', she pleads.

A warmth spreads across her cheek as she heard something stir and then…

'You came for me…'.

Kairi looked to see a tired and pained smile on his face, eyes half lidded with exhaustion, but she sees the love and warmth she had missed so much glow within them. Kairi giggles as tears ran down her cheeks, her promise kept as she hugged him as hard and tightly as she could humanly do. Sora hugged her back with equal effort, resting his chin on her shoulder as he allows his own tears to run down. 'I knew…I knew you'd come for me…', he whispered, shakily despite how happy he was.

Breaking their hug, they turned to Noctis, awakened and facing them with a weak smile. He raised a hand and gave the girl a thumbs up, informing her he wasn't entirely dead yet. 'Love the armour…never got a chance to say it…', he groaned out, hand dropping onto the ground. The two laughed lightly at him just as the others came around.

There were cries of joy, hugs given to the king and rescued hero, tears shed and warmth throughout their hearts. Kairi happily allowed Donald and Goofy give the boy a hug that he was in need off, both two loyal friends sobbed in relief to have him back while Sora thanked them for keeping the others safe. He was given a sisterly hug from Aqua; the woman was apologizing so much for taking so long to reach him, yet he didn't even bat an eye.

He kindly reminded her she was returning the favour.

Then came Riku…and never had Sora known just how brotherly his hugs were. The older boy was shaking and apologizing for his short coming to keep him and Kairi safe. It tore into the boy's heart, but he hugged him back, stating he was just happy they were all safe and here now.

The Crownsguard each gave the boy a hug, ruffled his hair and Prompto even joked he's a Crownsguard member now, and unless it was Sora, Noctis looked like he was considering hiring him. Despite how bad Prompto looked, he was still grinning at his friend and even took a photo of him in his uniform of sorts. Beaten and broken, he'll still take pictures. Axel ruffled his hair, jokingly saying they needed to stop meeting up with them rescuing his spiky butt while Ventus gave his "brother" a pat on the back.

Mickey was smiling at the boy, relived he was safe again and apologizing they took so long to get here. Sora just waved off the worries, saying they're here now, and more importantly everyone was safe again. His easy going to their worries only warmed Kairi's heart, because he'd be no different when it came to be apologizing for his late arrivals. Finally he was introduced to Lunafreya and he even bows to her.

The former Oracle just smiles warmly at him, but then Sora's grin widened when he saw Naminé appear beside the woman. The girl just had a joyous smile on her lips, wishing she could give him that warmth everyone else could give. He just grinned at her and told her when she got her new body she could hug him as much as she wanted.

That was a promise the girl was more than happy to keep.

Sadly it didn't take long for Sora to stagger and look closer to collapsing and Noctis fared no better, barely standing without the aid of Ignis. The moment Sora staggered, Riku and Kairi were instantly by his side holding him up.

'I believe we are all in need of some healing', Ignis remarks, gesturing the battered and weary party of fourteen, 'And we are far from capable of dealing with anymore of the darkness'. 'Speaking of which, what happened to that son of a bitch Ardyn?', Gladiolus growled, taking Noctis from Ignis. The two keyblade wielders shrugged weakly. 'Kicked his ass, giant keyhole appeared, sucked the blight out of him, and then…we were out', Noctis sighed tiredly.

The trio blinked before turning to Aqua for explanations. The blue haired woman sighed and clears her throat. 'Basically Sora and Noctis found this world's keyhole, and upon trying to lock it away from the darkness, the keyhole may have absorbed the blight from Ardyn. Unknowingly cleansing this world of the Starscourge', she explained in short. Lunafreya nodded to confirm her explanation and reveals she can't sense the blight anymore aside from the traces of the daemons. 'Does that mean Ardyn's out of the picture then?', Riku asked.

'I can't sense him', Lunafreya says, 'Therefore he has either passed on to the next world or he has fallen into darkness'.

'Can't say I'm gonna miss him…', Noctis grunts out, 'Good riddance…'. 'Any rate, where do we go?', Axel asked, looking confused, 'Because I literally have no idea where this is…'. Upon that sentence, Noctis' team all had apprehensive looks on their faces when they thought back to their wrecked transports. Not to mention even if they were functioning they had no room for everyone. They couldn't even call their chocobos to help them out.

That was until Mickey's own GP went off and he answers. 'Hello? Oh! Wonderful! Can ya find us on the map?', he says/asked. Next thing they all hear were the sounds of a roaring engine and the wind blowing, making some cover their eyes from the dust. A shadow loomed over them and only when a few managed to crack their eyes open, they dropped their jaws in utter disbelief to see a large gummi ship that could rival an imperial dreadnaught loom over them.

'HOLY SH-

Before Prompto could finish that statement, they were all beamed up to the ship, taking them out of the capital.

Next thing they all knew, everyone fell to the floor with thuds and crashes accompanied by swears and curses with moans of pain from the sudden teleporting. The party were nothing more then a pile of bodies on top of another. 'Hey look…she got it working…', Axel groaned, having Donald and Goofy on top of his back. 'Least she didn't teleport us outside the ship this time…', mumbled Ventus, face buried in Prompto's stomach.

'Everyone here?', a familiar voice called out.

All eyes fall to Cindy approaching them from the winding stairs, looking at the pile of people with a bemused look. Prompto's jaw falls when he saw her new look, blushing as the tangled group disjoints and gets to their feet. The mechanic's smile weakens when she takes in how beaten and bruised the team looked, more so Sora and Noctis. 'Ya'll look like roadkill…what happened do ya?', she asked, gesturing the more beaten members. Mickey stepped up with a hand raised. 'That's for later, everyone's pretty much beat for the day', he explained.

The mouse king turned to the others. 'The medical ward is on the second floor, so anyone who needs a bed go on ahead', he instructs. 'Anyone who isn't so beaten up, could one of you help us navigate this world?'. Ignis immediately stepped up and offered his aid. 'However, I hate to make more burdens, but does this ship have a garage or a bay of sorts for vehicles?', he asked. 'That a trick question?', Axel teased, gesturing to Cindy, 'Blondie over there demanded that room the moment she worked on this ship'.

'Porcupine's got a point', Cindy remarks with a smirk, before it softened to Ignis. 'Why?', she asked. 'Its about the Regalia…she's in less than an ideal condition', he laments, letting out a sigh. At this Cindy frowns with annoyance, directed at the empire of course before she nods and together she, the mouse king and Ignis headed to the control room while Ventus and Axel guide the others to the medical room.

Getting everyone settled in with Sora and Noctis being priority, given how exhausted they were and the state Sora was in. Most of the party were dealing with a few wounds that a hi-potion managed to patch up and with Lunafreya healing most of them out of her own violation, only the slayers of the Accursed were bed ridden. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep, both passed out the moment their heads hit their pillows.

They were in the same room just so they could be monitored together, the room had the smell of a hospital with the sterilized air and cleanliness of the room. Light green colour scheme for the walls and furniture with a large opal shape window to show off the world and sun. Pale green curtains closed to give the occupants some privacy, low hums of the machines were the only sounds in the room save for the light breathing of the sleeping patients.

Kairi was sitting beside the sleeping Sora, back in her adventure gear and armour in the pocket dimension. Once they had gotten Sora settled into bed, she hadn't left his side and would occasionally run her hand through his hair, rub his cheek lovingly. Riku gently patted her shoulder kindly, making her glance up at him. 'Let him rest up', he suggested, 'After everything he's been through he's gonna need a proper sleep'.

'I'm not going anywhere', she stated firmly, shaking her head. Riku gives her a frown but says nothing, exhaling a breath. 'I figured as much. But would you at the very least let me bring you something to eat?', he asked hopefully. Her stomach growled at the mention of food, loud and growly, in turn making her blush softly. Riku chuckles at her, patting her shoulder and walking out with a small wave. Once he exited the room, Kairi glanced at Sora, then leaned and kissed him on the forehead.

'You're safe now…', she promises.

*Cockpit, three hours later*

The Regalia was reclaimed and moved to the hanger bay at the insistence of Cindy, who was less than thrilled to see the remarkable god worthy vehicle in ruins thanks to the empire and had not Mickey reminded her of the wounded party she'd probably blast the capital to kingdom come. And having Gladiolus, Prompto and Axel cheer her on with that destructive idea did nothing to help get priorities straightened.

Only when Aqua told them to shut up and remind them their friends need respite did they silence their desire to see the empire go boom.

After that, Cindy was mostly in the bay working on the Regalia with the aid of Prompto, Donald and Goofy helping her to hopefully bring the car back to life. Back in the cockpit, with Mickey piloting the ship at a slower pace to give everyone a more comfortable flight with Ignis using the map holograms on the centre piece to help guide the mouse king. Using the ship's cloaking to remain invisible and keep themselves anonymous as best as they can be while heading back to Hammerhead.

Aqua had reported to Mickey about everything that's occurred since their arrival to this world, how she had to reveal to Noctis and company about other worlds, their duties as keyblade wielders, the heartless and everything else. Surprisingly to the master the king had been lenient with her, even commending her for the bravery she had to reveal such details to them. Regarding Noctis becoming a keyblade wielder, Yen Sid was the one who discovered a new light had shined.

He tells her that thanks to Cindy and Ventus' search they finally had found out where the rest of the guardians had gone to. They were in Radiant Garden for nearly two months to help build a ship that could traverse the world without it going haywire.

'After she finished it, we came here as soon as we could but the darkness here was too much for the ship to enter the world. That's why she had to beam us all down here within the capital', the mouse king explained. 'Explains why you were all separated when you arrived', Aqua sighed, turning in her chair to look at the king. 'I didn't think the darkness of the heartless and the blight wasn't so powerful it made the world impossible to enter in'.

'Has such a thing ever occurred in other worlds?', Ignis asks as he looks over the hologram of the world. 'Not as far as we know', Mickey replied, 'It takes a great power of the darkness to accomplish something like that'. Ignis grimaced at that info, it was truly a miracle they had someone like Sora and Noctis to prevent their world from going into the darkness. He refused to think of what could have been had they not remained in their world.

'Might I ask…what exactly comes next?'. It was a question the advisor had been dreading to ask ever since they rescued the boy, and he felt regret for asking. However with their own battles to fight, their tasks here complete and now transport had been secured, there was no reason for them to wait any longer to remain in their world. Aqua's face fell, gazing back down to the controls as her eyes dimmed while Mickey turned to Ignis.

'Well first, we need to make sure everyone's ok, and after we get Sora back to full strength, we'll be leaving Eos', the mouse king explained. Ignis nods and returns to his work as the king rotates his chair to face the controls. Stupid question really, he thought to himself, what else was he expecting them to do? It was here he realized that their journey is coming to an end, if it hadn't ended with Ardyn's demise, and in turn they would be going.

A sorrow was created within his heart, realizing that for all they knew this might be a permanent farewell. One glance to Aqua and he saw her placing a hand on her heart, a look of pain appeared on her face. 'I uh, I think I'm gonna go lie down for a bit', she announced to no one, getting off her seat and leaving the room. She gave Ignis a small but sad look before she entered the elevator and left the cockpit.

*Second Floor, lounge*

As the elevator descends to the normal living spaces of the ship, the blue haired master leaned against the cool metallic wall of the elevator while staring at the floor, only the low volume music playing over her head accompanied her. Her mind was trying to distance away from the question Ignis had asked, but every thought leads her back to the subject that she herself hadn't consider.

It is so strange to think that in the past few months that had passed feel like merely a day ago she and Kairi had landed in a new world, like another life time had passed them. The adventures here, the people they met and the trials they faced and triumphed over. Now it was time for them to leave this world to fight another great battle that would decide the fate of all worlds. And she thought she'd be ready for it, mentally prepared for what comes, but her heart ached.

When the doors opened, she entered the lounge room to enter the lounge room. It felt like a gigantic bar room to put it simply, there was a small bar nearby with a giant glass wall behind it with a shelf obscuring it, filled with bottles of sorts. Probably Cindy's suggestion. There was music being played over head, low jazz music that nearly put her asleep, the colour scheme felt like a bar with wooden designs and flooring being varnished.

There are several chairs, couches and seats in the area, all having the typical bar style design of them. Aqua spots Gladiolus sitting down with Ventus and Axel on the couch with the boy on a chair listening to Gladiolus' stories. Her steps faltered at the sight, seeing Gladiolus again only made the ache grow within her heart. The shield spotted her but his smirk dimmed at the look on her face, yet he kept talking about something they had done in Eos.

When Ventus and Axel see Aqua, they both gave her a friendly wave before Ventus' smile brightened excitedly. He pats Axel's arm and hops off the chair, saying while dragging the pyro they'd be right back before exiting the room. Once they were alone, Gladiolus gets off the couch and approached Aqua, her sorrow clear on her face. 'Hey, you ok?', he asked gently, patting her shoulder. '…yeah…', she sighs weakly, brushing a lock of blue from her hair.

Frowning the shield placed a hand on her cheek, prompting her to look at him. 'Come on, why so…down?', he says slowly, likely if she were a betting girl he would have said "blue" to describe her feeling. He saved himself a glare from her, that's certain. Aqua held back the pleased sigh, forgetting the gentleness he had for her whenever he was being affectionate as she gently placed a hand on his own, facing him.

In his eyes she sees he's aware of what is coming next for them, that once they reach Hammerhead it'll be time for them to go their separate ways. Their final moments together before she and the others would go to fight the XIII Darkness, a battle she feared will be her very last. 'I…you know when we reach Hammerhead, after we recover, we have to go…', she whispered softly.

'To kick Xehanort's ass and save the worlds…yeah, I uh, kinda figured…', Gladiolus sighed in response, his own voice heavy with lament. Aqua stared at him as she was gently pulled closer to him, resting her head on his chest as his arms wrapped around her smaller body. She had gotten used to these warm embraces of his, waking up by his side and fighting with him, the idea of being away from him now hurt her heart.

Of course she should have been prepared for it to happen, they both knew that one day their jobs would ask them to be apart. She a keyblade master and he a shield of the king, to ask them to forsake their duties to be selfish was inexcusable. Yet for once, she thought duty could go rot in a dumpster for all she cared. Gladiolus gently strokes her back as she listened to that powerful heartbeat in his chest, the beat she could fall asleep to.

'Blue…I know I said we were prepared for something like this…but truth be told?', he says warmly, 'I'm kinda thinking of just keeping you here and let Sora handle the fight'. She giggles softly, not entirely against the idea either if she were honest. 'But we both know that's not gonna happen, huh?'. 'I'm…sorry to say no', she sighed back, 'This is…this is something I have to do'. Gladiolus' hold begins to tighten, like he was scared if he lowers his guard, she's going to disappear on him.

'I wish…I wish we had more time…', she whispered.

The shield holds her there in silence, basking these final moments with her before the time came where they would separate for however long it may be…

*Medical Ward*

Staring up at the ceiling in thought as the gentle hums of the machines in their room fill the silence, Noctis lies in his bed with a pondering look on his kingly features. He hears the gentle breathing from Kairi and Sora on the right, the girl having only eaten a small portion of her meal before she joined Sora in the sleeping world.

Not that the king would blame her, he would be no different were it he and Lunafreya in their roles. Speaking of which…

'Soon we'll be returning to Hammerhead, that's…the gas station Cindy resides in, yes?', the blond asked softly, hesitation and uncertainty in her tone. 'That's the place', he assured her as he kept staring at the ceiling in deep musings. His lover smiles softly at him before she placed a hand on his, he in turn clasped it around his. He smiles at her, warmly as she rubbed his cheek. His eyes however speak of another emotion that spoke in volume to her, a concern he was at war with.

Even as short as her time with him is since Altissia, she knew him enough to know what the storm was in his mind. The times she had caught him staring at his keyblade in deep thought, the days he'd spent pondering over the information Aqua had told him, his fights with the forces of Xehanort. And now him constantly watching over Sora and Kairi as they sleep like a protective sibling, warmed her heart but she also knew he was thinking of something drastic.

Something that the world Order would be shaken by…

It only furthered her love for him, knowing that this was beyond his duty as king, it was a duty of a wielder of the keyblade. He gently glanced at her as she kissed his cheek. 'I know what you must do', she whispered lovingly. He sits up and takes her hands in his, looking at her with the intense love she always knew deep in her heart he would have for her. The boy she became so fond with, now before her a king beyond kings who defied his fate and surmounted the tragedy that befell their world.

'I'm sorry, but I'm gonna need to you look after Insomnia for me', he asked hesitatingly. The Oracle gently kissed him, pressing her forehead against his as he returns her affection and runs a hand through her unkempt hair. This will be their last moment of peace between the two, for however long the king will be separated from her. Yet she feels no sadness but pride in its stead, the boy from her youth had grown into a man beyond what she, or the Astrals had expected.

For the sake of the light, and knowing he will return to her, it is a small price to pay.

*Hammerhead*

Upon arrival to the small outpost that was populated greatly in the past few months and looking more of a hunter's base than the old Hammerhead outpost. They landed the ship at least a few miles from the outpost at the insistence of the mouse king, last thing they would need is to stir up more trouble.

The walk to the place was rather quiet and sullener than it used to be, even with everyone back together. Some tried to stir up the spirit of the team, Axel being the one to speak up and make jokes about everything that's happened thus far, even poking a bit of fun here and there. But for those who've traversed this world, the playfulness of his banter was welcomed but unchanging of the mood of the team.

Reaching the fortress of an outpost, the first thing the team did was inform Cid that his daughter had not died and is more informative of the worlds beyond their own. That was until Cindy confronted him about knowing of other worlds, the legacy of the C and even brought up Cid (to which shocked Sora, Donald and Goofy with amount of swearing she claimed he spewed). The old man chuckled in response to her questions, saying "She wouldn't be a Cid if he held her hand".

It was the first time they ever saw the woman hold a wrench so menacingly she could have struck fear even into Ardyn's heart.

The old man did confess he knows about other worlds, obviously after Cindy brought of the Cid legacy, and stated he knew enough about gummi ships to fix them but left it to Cindy to discover for herself. While some have called that extremely irresponsible of the old man, more so Aqua, they wouldn't disagree that this experience had certainly opened Cindy's eyes and expanded her horizons. The old man had some information for them, mostly the news on what's happened since they left.

After the light had been restored to the world, he says most of the Crownsguard were working with the hunters to get rid some of the more persistent daemons that had taken up the land as their own turf. As far as he knew most of the Lucis land were reclaimed because of the joint effort, and even bigger news he heard was some of the guards had begun to reclaim Insomnia back. When asked, he says whatever happened at the empire had caused all the MTs stationed there to become nothing more than broken dolls.

Anyone who from the Lucian capital who could fight had joined the cause, and from what he had heard they were proud to claim that Insomnia was back in the hands of the Lucians.

They even had some help from Aranea, who as far as he was told, said she only helped because she owed the youngsters of their party for something. Kairi and Prompto just smiled back in response to this. The old man said by the time Noctis' group came, they were already working on rebuilding and rehousing the city, thanks to the joint effort anyways.

In regards to the empire, the old man says there hadn't been so much as an imperial dropship sighted around here for weeks now, and after the group told him just what exactly had happened within the capital, Kairi and Prompto revealing how they were made, that the main boss behind the operations was killed, Cid strong deduced that whatever military might the empire once had is now a thing of the past.

With the news dispensed, the team had all split up before they ultimately had the other world heroes go off on their journey once more. Riku had wandered around the place, deciding he merely wanted to be alone for a while before they would make their way back to the Mysterious Tower for a briefing on the situation. He wondered if Xehanort had done anything while they were trapped in this world and pondered on where Xigbar had disappeared to.

Even with everything happening back at Niflhiem, he couldn't sense the second to the big boss anywhere in that place. The fact he didn't help Ardyn out during the whole thing only leaves Riku with more questions about that one-eyed son of a gun. Maybe they had a fallen out and he decided there was nothing more to be gained in this world. Or maybe Xehanort had demanded he'd return to the place where the clash would take place, who knows?

Sitting down on the railing near the road as the sun begins to slowly shift the day to dusk, he takes out his GP and taps it to contact Iris…only to feel a pat on his back. He jumped slightly and turned to see a smiling Iris, beaming at him. His phone forgotten as he stood up to approach her, she gave him a hug. 'Welcome back!', she greeted warmly and happily. With her thin but strong arms around his waist, Riku was taken aback slightly, before he wrapped his arms around her.

He hated this…hated the fact that their reunion would be so short and bittersweet. The two loosened slightly to look at each other, the girl smiling warmly at him, but then Riku cupped her chin and decided Gladiolus' wrath was worth this. He leaned in and kissed her. Iris tensed and stiffened, before she melts into his kiss and wraps her arms around his neck as he held her closer to him, eyes closed.

A wonderful warmth spreads through their bodies, Riku feeling as if he was soaring through the clouds above. If this is how Kairi and Sora felt whenever they did this no wonder, they were always so mushy and happy around each other. He ran a hand through Iris hair, earning a moan of approval from the girl as she tightened her arms around him to pull him closer to herself. They broke apart when their lungs required air, panting softly at each other.

'Well, that's one way to say hi', she teases, her cheeks flushed red and her smile more breath taking then usual. Riku chuckles back softly, caressing her hair as she giggled.

'Uh…'.

They looked behind Iris to see an awkward Prompto standing there, hand raised like a student about to ask a teacher a question. Together the cheeks of Riku and Iris turn bright pink at being caught by Prompto, who equally had the color of a tomato on his freckled cheeks. He just raised both hands and said: 'Just…come to the garage when you're ready…'. Without another word, he walks off to the garage.

The blush on Iris' cheeks darkened while Riku groaned. 'Why? Why does he do this? HOW does he do this?', he asks, wondering where Prompto got his seemingly pinpoint timing to ruin moments like this. 'Better than Gladdy seeing us…', she muses cheekily. Riku couldn't tell if she was being playful or genuine, likely the latter due to the threatening presence Gladiolus had whenever he just stands by her.

It gave the silver head the impression he was her first boyfriend…and he took great pride in that achievement.

Soon as night had fallen, everyone had gathered up in the garage, including Iris. Cid was the only one not participating, claiming he was long done with other world affairs. Inside the garage, Aqua spoke up. 'So as you're all aware…tomorrow, we will be returning to the tower and relaying what's happened to Master Yen Sid', she starts, looking at everyone. 'Master who?', Prompto asked, raising a brow of confusion.

'Old keyblade master that retired. Mickey's mentor', Noctis surmised shortly, 'And apparently the…what, leader of your group?'. 'Uh…sort of?', responded the blue head, before she shook her head, 'My point is, we'll be leaving tomorrow'. The other world heroes nodded, before looking at their new friends with sad smiles. Aqua folds her arms, relaxing her shoulders and showing sympathy after a short glance to Gladiolus before returning it back to the group.

'We have stopped Xigbar and Ardyn, but Xehanort's plans will still effect Eos, and other worlds as you are aware'. She closed her eyes, exhaling softly before she turned to Noctis and gives him a nod. The king responds in kind and address the group.

'Which is why, we're tagging along'.

This got all the other world folks to perk their ears and heads up to look at the king. Donald and Goofy's jaws fell to the ground, Mickey looked shock, the Destiny Trio just grinned while Ventus and Axel gave each other a shrug. 'Seriously!?', Sora asked excitedly. The king nodded at him before turning to everyone else. 'Look, we know about the whole Order, and we know we're breaking an old oath…but let's be upfront. If Xehanort isn't stopped, if we don't do what ever it takes to win, there won't be any world that keep Order'.

Noctis looked at Sora and said: 'If Sora hadn't helped me out, I couldn't have beaten Ardyn alone. And let's be honest, we made it this far because of them'. The king summoned his keyblade and held it high. 'My duty as king is to keep the world safe, and I'm not gonna be able to do that sitting on a throne all day', he laments, 'This keyblade choose me, Eraqus bequeathed this to me, so I owe to the old man to stop Xehanort'.

He turned to his brothers and arms. 'You three with me?', he asked.

Gladiolus smirks and nods, Ignis confidently nodding and Prompto threw his arms in the air. 'HECK YEAH! NEW WORLDS!'.

'Let's not get crazy here!', Donald lectured hopping off his chair, 'What about Yen Sid!? You know he's gonna be furious with us!'.

'With *me*, Donald', Aqua reminds sternly, 'I was the one who broke the Order, and by all accounts, I'm willingly allowing Noct and the others to come with us'. The duck opened his mouth to argue before Riku stood up. 'Hang on a second, shouldn't we all take the blame? I mean, we didn't exactly do a good job keeping up the pretenses either', he says, gesturing to Iris. She gave a cheeky smile, reminding everyone how she discovered about other worlds.

'Eavesdropping doesn't count', Aqua says with a smile. 'I made the choice to reveal, therefore whatever consequences fall on my head I will bear it'. The others frowned at this, before Noctis speaks up: 'If that old man is wise, he'll look the other way'. He says: 'You guys need all the help you can get, especially with Xehanort is as strong as you say, and he even dwarfs Ardyn, right?'.

Ventus frowned and nodded. 'Yeah…he's inhuman. He beat all four of us when we fought him', he laments, shuddering at the memories of that day. 'And not to mention his other vessels…Terra included', Riku sighed. Gladiolus clenched his fist at this while Ignis lowered his head, remembering the man was far above their powers. Despite the gap in strength however, none had opposed joining the battle, if nothing else they were determined to join.

'What about Luna?', Goofy asked, 'Shouldn't we have someone watch her in case they come back for her?'.

Lunafreya speaks up: 'I will remain within Insomnia to help with the restorations. If needs be, I shall hire Aranea to be my guardian'. Kairi and Prompto both chirped in agreement, reminding everyone she could take on the heartless easily. 'And if what Sora said about the Organization's intentions with the princesses of light is true', Axel joined with while crossing his arms, 'Then they won't bother Luna if she's safe'.

'And I'll be the one flying the ship', Cindy added. Donald groans as the others looked at her. 'You sure about that? What about Hammerhead?', Ventus asked. 'Paw-Paw can handle it, he's already got new folk to manage without me anyways. Besides', Cindy replied, getting to her feet and grinning like a mad scientist. 'Have ya'll seen what them gummi blocks can do? Imagine using some of them on the Regalia! I could turn her make into the most purdy beast Eos will ever see!'.

She paused a moment, before turning to Noctis who was sporting an amused smile. '…with your permission, your majesty', she squeaks. 'Cindy if you can fix her then you can do whatever the hell you want with her', promised the king, 'Just make sure Ignis can drive her. Its his baby as much as it is yours and mine'.

Ignis pushes up his glasses, nodding in agreement as Cindy grinned, already coming up with brand new ideas for the Regalia. 'Then tomorrow, we return to the tower and report. Then after that…', Aqua says, hesitantly but then shakes her head. 'Then we need to decide what happens next with you four'. They gave her a curious look but nodded none the less, likely it'll be explained after the report. 'For now though', Mickey says, 'We should get some sleep, we'll have to head off early'.

Goodnights were bid and after sleeping arrangements were made, the party had all drifted to slumber…

Except for Noctis and Lunafreya.

They stood upon the roof of Hammerhead's garage, Noctis warping them up, to stare at the stars in silence and peace, hands clasped as they sat down on the edge of the rooftop. Their final night together before her king would be whisked away to fulfil his duty as a wielder of the keyblade. They turned to each other as the Oracle placed in his hands her moon necklace, placing her hand on his. She stares at him with her wonderful blue orbs before they both lean in and kissed.

An oath made between them, that the king of light would return…

*Dawn*

As dawn arrived the party of thirteen bid farewell to their new friends, with Naminé re-joining Kairi's heart after a teary farewell to her closest friend. Promises were made to come back and pick Lunafreya and Iris up to join the celebration when the time came.

As Highwind Mark XV soared into the skies, with the XIII Guardians of Light together, a new had begun…

A/N: Not really a great chapter, just more of getting the team back together and having Noctis and company joining them on their quest.

Next time we'll be exploring how Kairi got her armor, what the next arc will be and what the plans are for the chocobros!

Question:

What do you wanna see in the next chapter?

Thanks for reading, as always stay awesome but more importantly stay safe!