Chapter 41: Escape from Hollow Bastion
As Kairi, Plucky, and Dizzy watched, as Sora leaves, sorrow enters into them. Plucky was groaning and Dizzy was sobbing his heart out. Kairi couldn't believe that Sora was gone. The person she was closest to was gone before her eyes. She couldn't accept the fact. She didn't want to believe it.
Kairi: No, Sora. You can't really be gone! I'm not letting you go! I know your alive somewhere! I can feel it.
She then hears Dizzy crying and walks over to him. She picks up the Tasmanian Devil and hugs him.
Kairi: Oh, poor little guy. You miss him too?
Dizzy looks at Kairi and nods sadly. Kairi wipes his tears away and cradles him.
Kairi: Don't lose faith. He's alive. I just know it.
Plucky: Kid, you're in denial. He's gone! He can never come back! This is real life! Our loved ones can't be brought back!
Dizzy: What about Dragon Balls?
Plucky: Oh right. I forgot about that.
Kairi: I believe. I know he's alive and I won't rest until he's with me again.
Dizzy: Dizzy believe Kairi.
Plucky: I'm sorry about the whole thing. First Riku, Ganondorf, and now Sora? When will the killing end?
Kairi: When we restore order.
Plucky: Yeah, Sora is out there! We won't quit!
?: Unfortunately, it's too late to stop me.
They all turned around to see who made that sound and someone appeared before them. It was a man who wore a black trenchcoat with white gloves. He wore black pants with black boots. His white long hair extends down his back and he has a Heartless symbol on his chest.
Dizzy: Who that?
Man: Perhaps my voice rings a bell.
Plucky: Of course! I'd recognize that broken record voice anywhere! You're Ansem, the seeker of a straightjacket!
Ansem: An ignorant mind like yours can't even comprehend a quip like that. In layman's term, it means that joke was sad. But that is correct. I am indeed Ansem.
Plucky: Man, not even he would laugh at my jokes.
He then turns to Kairi who was frightened and held Dizzy close to her. He smiles evilly and walks up to her.
Ansem: So, you've awaken at last, Princess. You served your purpose and I thank you for that. Soon the true darkness will awaken and you are no longer required, my dear. I have completely taken over Riku. His youth and power runs through my veins.
Kairi: You monster! What are you?
Ansem: I will soon rule over all worlds. Now bow down before me, or I shall destroy you.
Kairi: I'll never bow before you! You're just an evil man!
Ansem: Then I shall destroy you.
He starts walking towards Kairi who began to walk back in fear when Dizzy jumps out of Kairi's arms and joins Plucky. The two toons protected the girl from the evil King and got ready to fight.
Plucky: One more move and you'll get it!
Dizzy: What chance of Dizzy and Plucky stopping bad man without Sora?
Plucky: Let me break down what he's gonna do to us. First he's gonna chase us, catch us, pound our faces into the ground, kick our butts from here to the end of the world, and use our hides as coats.
Dizzy gulps nervously as Ansem walks towards them. He then raised his hand, ready to strike when he suddenly stops. He felt like his entire body became frozen. He felt something struggling to break out of him.
Kairi: What's going on?
Ansem: Impossible! I'm in control. There's no way that brat could be doing this.
The three looks on as a glowing spirit appears in front of him. The spirit was Riku and he was struggling against Ansem. He looks to see the trio before him.
Riku: No! I won't let you use me anymore!
Kairi: Riku! You're alive!
Riku: Kairi, if you see Sora again, tell him that I'm really sorry for what I've done. I shouldn't have listened to Ganondorf and this man. But for now, you must run! The Heartless are growing stronger and they'll come after you three! Run now!
Kairi turns to Plucky and Dizzy, then turns back to Riku.
Kairi: I believe him. I can see the forgiveness in his eyes. He's sorry for what he's done and maybe we should give him a second chance.
Plucky: If you believe him, then I guess we have no choice. Let's get outta here!
Kairi and the others ran for it while Ansem weakly groans.
Ansem: Fools! Stop them! Don't let them escape!
A group of Shadows appeared in front of Ansem and ran off after the three. One lone Shadow however was curiously looking around the room. It then took off in a separate direction from the others. It walks down the stairs and walks throughout the castle. It looks around at all the sights of the entire castle. It also notices other Heartless hanging around the area. It walks up to one and spoke in a language only Heartless can understand. The other Heartless points it to go towards the main hallway. The Shadow took off as fast as it could to get somewhere. Kairi, Plucky, and Dizzy arrives back in the main hallway where Sora fought Riku. Plucky and Dizzy ran down the stairs, but turns to notice that Kairi was still standing up the stairs.
Plucky: Kid, what are you doing? We need to get outta here now!
Kairi: But the other Princesses are in danger! I can't leave them!
Plucky: We have no time! I'm sure Tuxedo Mask is helping them! Come on!
Kairi nods and joins the two toons. Dizzy turns around to notice a single Heartless appearing upstairs.
Dizzy: A Heartless chasing us! What we do?
Plucky: Leave it to me! I'll take it out!
The Heartless ran down and ran at Plucky. The duck then pounds his rod at the Heartless, but the Heartless is taking no damage.
Plucky: Stupid Heartless! Get lost, will ya?
Kairi looks at the Heartless. She could see something different about this one. It wasn't attacking her. She looks at the creature's eyes and see that it's his blue eyes and had an innocent look.
Kairi: Sora? Is that you?
The Heartless then looks at her.
Plucky: OK, you're starting to freak me out. You obviously have Sora on the brain. Having your heart restored must have a funny side effect.
Kairi: No, I can feel him. Sora won't attack me.
Plucky: And what am I? Foie Gras?
Dizzy: Mmm, Foie Gras sound good.
Kairi puts her hand on the Heartless' head and stroke it gently. It didn't even try to fight. It took the strokes and nudges her leg with it's face. Plucky and Dizzy's mouths dropped upon seeing this happen. They never saw a nice Heartless before. Kairi smiles warmly as she continues to pet the Heartless.
Kairi: It is you. I knew you were OK.
All of the sudden, the other Heartless appeared around them.
Plucky: Oh great! Why now?
The two ran off in opposite directions and began battling the Heartless. Kairi stood in front of the good Heartless and puts her arms out.
Kairi: It's OK. This time, I'll protect you. I won't let them hurt you.
A bunch of Heartless slowly surrounds the two. Kairi knew she was going to expect the worst from the Heartless and she was ready to give up her life to save Sora's. The Heartless then jumps into the air and Kairi turns around and embraces her Heartless. Plucky and Dizzy are fighting off some Heartless when they turned to see the Heartless piling on top of Kairi.
Plucky: Oh no!
Dizzy: Kairi, hang on! Plucky and Dizzy coming!
The duo quickly ran over to help Kairi, knocking out any Heartless along the way. The two were about to attack when a powerful light knocks the Heartless away. As the light dims down, they see that Kairi is OK and she is wrapped in someone's arms. She then hears a familiar voice whispering to her ears.
?: Kairi, thank you.
She opens her eyes to see Sora smiling at her. She took her hand, taps it on his face, and rubs it slowly.
Kairi: Sora? Is it really you?
Sora: Hey, who else could have spiky brown hair?
Kairi hugs Sora again and starts to cry in his arms. Sora blushes bright red and hugs her back.
Kairi: Sora, it really is you! I knew you were alive!
Sora: You didn't think I'd leave you, did ya?
Kairi: Of course not! No lazy bum could be that stupid.
Pluck & Dizzy: SORA!
He then turns to see his two friends join him. Dizzy ran faster than Plucky and was ready to jump on him. Dizzy tackles Sora and licks his face clean. He laughs uncontrollably.
Sora: Dizzy, stop it! That tickles! I'm glad to see you too!
Plucky ran up to Sora with tears in his eyes.
Plucky: I knew that you'd be OK. I was being supportive to Kairi and Dizzy the whole time and remained cool.
The four stood up and are glad to be together again. Sora then walks over to Kairi.
Sora: I have so many things to tell you. It's been a real hassle here.
Plucky: A hassle in the castle. Get it? Hassle? Castle?
Nobody was laughing at Plucky's joke.
Plucky: You guys are no fun.
Kairi: So do I, but...
Kairi then saw a Shadow sneak up behind Sora.
Kairi: Sora, behind you!
Sora turns to see the Heartless charge at them. Sora slashes the Heartless aside with his Keyblade and got into battle position in front of Kairi. Plucky and Dizzy joins Sora and forms a circle around Kairi to protect her.
Sora: Guys, we've gotta keep the Heartless away from Kairi!
As the group prepares to fight, they hear Tuxedo Mask fighting Heartless with grunts and battle cries and turns to see him enter. He jumps down, slashing the Heartless with his cane.
Tuxedo Mask: I'm glad to see that you four are alright. Now get outta here! It's too dangerous!
Sora: Come with us! I won't leave you here alone!
Tuxedo Mask: I can take care of them myself. Serena is still here and I won't leave without her. The Heartless are getting stronger and I'm not putting you at risk!
Sora: But-
Tuxedo Mask: I SAID GO!
Sora nods and gestures his group to leave. They exited the castle and went on board the Gummi Ship where Sweetie and Sneezer awaits their arrival. Kairi looks around the ship in amazement as she has never seen anything like it.
Sora: Quick! Back to Traverse Town!
Sneezer: Aye aye, sir!
They quickly started up the engines and blasted off into space. Sora and the gang sat back on the seats, exhausted from everything that happened.
Plucky: Man, what a day!
Dizzy: Sure has been.
Sora then turns to Kairi who smiles at him. Sora then smiles back at her.
Sora: I'm so glad you're OK, Kairi. I miss you so much.
Kairi: You too, Sora. I'm dying to hear everything that happened.
She then turns to Plucky, Dizzy, Elder-Ham, Sweetie, and Sneezer.
Kairi: And who are they?
Sora: The green duck is Plucky Duck, the Tasmanian Devil is Dizzy Devil, the old gray hamster is Elder-Ham, The pink bird is Sweetie Bird, and the gray mouse is Little Sneezer.
Plucky: Pleasure to meet you, young lady. Wanna hear a great joke?
Kairi: I don't know. That last joke was pretty bad.
Plucky: Why did the duckling cross the road?
Kairi: Why do I get the feeling-
Plucky: To get to the other pond!
Kairi: Wow. You're jokes really do stink.
Plucky: Aww man. I'll never hit it big.
Kairi looks at Dizzy and pets him in the head.
Kairi: Aww, you're so cute.
Dizzy blushes as he took the strokes from Kairi. Sora began to tell Kairi his adventures throughout each world. He told her about his friends from Ash to Goku and told her the epic battles they faced. Kairi was amazed of the incredible places he described. Sora went on for what seems like an hour, but it was only ten minutes. The ship finally arrives to Traverse Town. The four departs for the town. They ran all the way to the Third District to go to Leon's house. Sora knocks on the door and Yuffie answers it.
Yuffie: Hey, guys! Glad to see you again.
She then noticed Kairi.
Yuffie: Is this a friend of yours?
Kairi: Hi, I'm Kairi.
Yuffie: Oh, you're Kairi. Sora once mistakes me for you and hugs me.
Kairi then glares at Sora.
Kairi: You did what?
Sora: I thought it was you. Honest!
Leon and Aerith then approaches them.
Leon: Hello, Sora. Cid told me that you went to a dangerous world. I'm glad you made it out alright.
He gasps as he looks behind Sora.
Leon: Behind you!
Sora quickly turns to see many Heartless appearing before him.
Sora: Whoa! I've never seen so many!
Leon: Quick! Let's get inside!
The gang quickly went inside the house and shut the door behind them.
Plucky: Man, there are so many of them!
Kairi: Not only that, but they looked stronger than before.
Leon: Anyway, why don't you tell me everything that happened. Maybe we can find out what went wrong.
Sora told him what happened. From his fight with Riku to turning into a Heartless. Plucky and Dizzy helps telling the story as well.
Plucky: And then I bravely jumped in and defeated that madman.
Dizzy: But wasn't Plucky the one that got knocked aside easily?
Plucky tried to shush Dizzy, but everyone laughs. Sora finishes his story and Leon leans against a wall and crossed his arms.
Leon: I'm not surprised about Ansem. As a boy, I remember the crazy things he did.
Aerith: Experimenting on people's hearts. What kinda ruler would do that to his own people?
Leon: I can't believe the great lengths he's gone to get total power. By abducting seven young ladies and possessing a boy's body. As the Keyhole remains unlocked, the darkness will flow out of it.
Yuffie: That's why the Heartless are stronger and have multiplied.
Sora: Then we gotta seal the Keyhole! It's the only way to stop them!
Leon: Possibly. However, it's risky because at this point, no one knows what will happen when the Keyhole is sealed. It could be dangerous.
Sora: Well, I'm not gonna stand here and do nothing about this. Riku is still back there and a friend never leaves a friend behind. He's my best friend. I can't let him suffer. I'm sick and tired of the Heartless hurting innocent people.
Leon: It's your choice to go or not. You still have one more friend to worry about. Riku's Keyblade must have been born from the captive Princesses' hearts just like the Keyhole you saw.
He then turns to Kairi.
Leon: But since Kairi's heart wasn't present, it remains incomplete. Now that the Keyblade is destroyed, the others should be free.
He then puts his hand on Sora's shoulders.
Leon: I wouldn't worry. I know of one person that can save Riku and the world now. Are you up to the task?
Sora: You can count on me.
Everyone cheers as Sora finished those word. Plucky and Dizzy walks up to him and smiles.
Plucky: We'll still be by your side, kid.
Dizzy: All for one and one for all!
Sora: We should go see Cid. I think we may have a problem getting back to Hallow Bastion.
Aerith: I agree. The road back to the castle may not be easy.
Leon: Kairi, At this moment, I like you to remain here with me. You're in grave danger from the Heartless.
Kairi: But will I be able to see-
Sora: Don't worry. I promise to see you later.
Kairi nods and Sora blushes at her. Plucky rolls his eyes and grabs Sora's arm.
Plucky: Come on, Romeo! We have work to do!
The trio left the house and made their way back to the First District. On the way, the Heartless attacked them. They were shocked to see Heartless from other worlds show up. They easily finished off the Heartless like usual. Before heading back to the First District, they stopped to remember that they found another Summon Gem. They then knew they had to go back to Mumbo's House.
Plucky: Oh no! I'm not going back to that madhouse!
Sora: Plucky! Don't you care about that Summon's life?
Plucky: Of course I do, kid. But do you know how much I have to go through with those two nut jobs?
Sora: Oh come one! They're nice people!
Plucky: Kid, how would you like to be turned into a frog?
Sora: OK, they may have their faults. But they're still nice people.
Plucky: Well, you and Dizzy can go over there, but I'm staying here.
Dizzy: But shouldn't Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy go together?
Sora: Come on, Dizzy. Let Plucky be.
Dizzy: But...
Sora then whispers in his ear.
Dizzy: OK, Sora and Dizzy go while Plucky stay all alone.
Plucky: Ha! You think you can fool me with that old trick?
Sora: Don't worry, Dizzy. I'm sure he can handle getting eaten by a Heartless.
Plucky began to get nervous upon hearing that. He began trembling in fear as the two walks towards Mumbo's House. He then hears a crackling noise and jumps in fear. Sora and Dizzy stops more than half way towards the house and Sora bent over to Dizzy and looks at his watch.
Sora: Five...Four...Three...
Plucky then ran past the two, screaming.
Plucky: DON'T LEAVE ME BEHIND!
Sora: That's weird. My watch must be a few seconds off.
Dizzy giggles as they rejoined Plucky. Sora went inside the house and greets Mumbo again.
Mumbo: Hello, friends. Mumbo glad to see three people again.
Sora: Hey, Mumbo. We came here to show you a new Summon.
He shows Mumbo the Jagan Eye.
Mumbo: Wumba can help. WUMBA, COME HERE A SECOND!
Wumba walks out with bubbles surrounding her. She has a white towel around her body and was holding a rubber duck. Plucky snickers at seeing the shamaness holding a rubber duck.
Plucky:(Singing)Rubber Ducky, you're the one. You make bath time lots of fun.
Wumba: Wumba not afraid to admit that she take bubble bath with rubber duck. Wumba not offended by duck's joke.
Sora: At least it's not as bad as Plucky sleeping with his stuffed-
Plucky: I DARE YOU TO FINISH THAT SENTENCE!
Sora then shuts right up. Wumba turns her attention to Mumbo.
Wumba: Why did Mumbo call Wumba?
Mumbo: Please take look at Summon Gem.
Wumba looks at the Jagan Eye and examines it.
Wumba: Wumba sense darkness in this one.
Plucky: So that means it's evil?
Wumba: No. Being is good, but use powers of darkness.
Sora: Let's check it out then.
Wumba: OK, but Wumba warn boy.
She then chants her magic words and taps the Summon Gem. Sora uses the gem and out came a short boy with spiky black hair, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and pants, and a white headband.
Boy: Where am I? I was fighting the Four Holy Beasts with my companions when those black creatures invaded my world.
Plucky: A little boy? I was expecting a powerful monster and all I see is a little boy!
Plucky laughs really hard again. The boy took off his headband, revealing a third eye. His right arm then burns with some black flames.
Boy: DRAGON OF THE DARKNESS FLAME!
He unleashes a black flaming dragon on Plucky which burns him.
Plucky: AAAAAHHHHH! IT BURNS!
Sora then looks back at the boy.
Sora: He did use the powers of darkness.
Boy: Who's responsible for all the black creatures?
Wumba: It was Wumba who released you.
The boy drew out his sword at Wumba.
Boy: You dare to do this to me? Destroy my home? Then you shall fall before me, Hiei.
Sora: Now wait a minute!
Hiei: Stay outta my way!
Hiei swipes his sword at Sora, but Sora blocks it with his Keyblade. The two keeps clashing their blades all around the house, damaging some furniture which shocks Mumbo.
Mumbo: Oh no! Mumbo just bought that furniture!
Sora: Stop! We don't mean any harm!
Hiei: Likely story! Feel the wrath of my Sword of the Darkness Flame.
Hiei's sword then got covered in black flames. He keeps slashing away at Sora who keeps dodging all of his slashes. Even more of the house took damage, freaking Mumbo out even more.
Hiei: Resistance is futile! Your persistence will not help you defeat an expert demon.
Sora: Wait a minute! You're a demon?
Hiei's sword manages to hit Sora. Sora got knocked back, taking alot of damage. Sora weakly stood up and brought up his Keyblade.
Sora: That's it! I was trying to be nice and give you a warm welcome. But now I'm gonna have to fight you!
Hiei charges at Sora again, but Sora uses Strike Raid and knocks the sword out of his hand. Sora then uses Sonic Blade and knocks Hiei back into Mumbo's chair.
Mumbo: NO! That chair cost Mumbo 200 gold coins!
Sora walks over to see Hiei on the broken chair. The demon got up and sighs heavily. He then smiles, picks up his sword, and puts it away.
Hiei: Alright, that's enough! You passed the test.
Sora: Test? You mean this was a test?
Hiei: Correct. When those black creatures attacked me, I was lost in the darkness. A voice told me that I was given a second chance. But I would have a master who would call me to battle and masters are suppose to be more powerful. And you've proven...
Sora then laughs at the comment.
Sora: Listen, dude. You've got it all wrong. Your world was destroyed by the creatures called Heartless. However, your heart was somehow able to survive the attack and you were placed in a Summon Gem. Wumba over here revived you, so that you could help me fight those creatures.
Hiei: I see. I apologize for the inconvenience. I am Hiei, an A-class demon.
Sora: My name is Sora.
Plucky and Dizzy walks over to Sora.
Plucky: I'm Plucky Duck, and you almost turned me into roast duck.
Dizzy: And me Dizzy Devil.
Sora: You're a really powerful fighter. You'll be a good help.
Hiei: I shall take my leave and return when I am needed.
Hiei returns into the Summon Gem. Everybody looks at the house.
Dizzy: Wow! Hiei really brought down the house.
Everybody except Plucky and Mumbo laughs at the joke.
Plucky: That's not funny! I could do ten times better!
Dizzy: Oh yeah? Prove it.
Mumbo walks up angrily to Sora and the gang.
Mumbo:(Angry)Mumbo have joke. Knock, knock.
Dizzy: Who there?
Mumbo: Dead!
Sora: Dead who?
Mumbo: Dead meat! Look what boy done to Mumbo's House!
Sora: Sorry. It was an accident.
Mumbo: Boy have three second to get outta here before Mumbo lose his mind! And stop by anytime for magic lessons!
Sora: Umm, OK.
Plucky: Kid, let's move!
Sora and the gang quickly ran out of the house. Mumbo began screaming and casting magic bolts all over the house. Wumba hid under the table as Mumbo went crazy, wrecking his entire house. Finally, after wrecking his house, he calms down.
Mumbo: Mumbo feel better now. Come, Wumba. Mumbo need hand.
Wumba: Mumbo going to switch to decaffeinated coffee. Wumba getting tired for this.
Sora and the gang returns to the Third District.
Sora: Maybe you're right, Plucky. It is like an insane house.
Plucky: Kid, that can't compare to what I have to put up with back home. Try dealing with a spoiled rich boy or a girl who squeezes animals to death.
Sora: I know how you feel. Try putting up with Wakka blabbing all day long.
Plucky: Well, let's go back to Olimar and Louie.
The trio returns to Olimar's house in the Second District. Olimar and Louie saw them and eagerly ran up to them.
Olimar: Hello, Sora. Did you happen to find anymore Pikmin on your travels? We're running outta time.
Sora: Don't worry. We found the remaining Pikmin.
Olimar and Louie gasps in excitement as Sora released the remaining Pikmin. They then began to work right away on the ship. The Pikmin used their hands to help each other move the pieces onto the ship. They then use the special material from their bodies to finally put the ship back together. Olimar and Louie hugs each other with excitement and began crying with joy. They then shook their hands with Sora.
Olimar: I can't thank you three enough for all you've done. Now we can go home. I'm just amazed that you three risked your necks to help us.
Sora: We're going to miss you, guys.
The Pikmin all got into the rocket. Sora and the gang were amazed that all of those Pikmin could fit into that ship. Louie walks over to Sora with a bag.
Louie: Young man, for all of your hard work in finding the Pikmin and saving our lives, I reward you with this.
Sora opens the bag and saw a bunch of items. One of which was a crystal to upgrade magic spells. He uses it and his Aero spell got upgraded to it's final form. They also received a bunch of Gummi Blocks. Olimar and Louie shook everyone's hands and got ready.
Olimar: Again, thank you, Sora. You're the greatest kid I ever met.
He then began to cry. Louie pulls Olimar into the ship.
Dizzy: Did Olimar forget pills?
Louie: No, he can be a bit emotional. Farewell, my friends.
The two men boards the ship and starts the engine. Sora's group watches as the ship began to lift into the sky. The two men and a group of Pikmin looks out the window and waves good-bye to their new friends. Sora's group waves back as the ship took off into space. Sora is going to miss them, but he was happy to see they were finally heading home. Plucky smiles and turns to Sora.
Plucky: Don't worry. We'll see them again.
The trio left and returns to the First District where Cid was reading a comic book.
Cid: Those Peanuts kids crack me up every time. I especially love when Lucy takes the ball away from Charlie Brown.
He then looks up to see Sora's group.
Cid: Well, if it isn't my favorite customers: Huey, Dewey, and Louie. What brings you fellas by?
Sora: Cid, we need to get back to Hollow Bastion.
Cid: Sorry, but I can't let you do that. If you go back that same route, you'll get eaten by the Heartless.
Plucky: Look, we need to get back there! We're not going to stand here and-
Cid: Hold yer horses! There is a solution to yer dilemma. Instead of going through that rough wave, you should go around them.
Plucky: Wow! I can't believe it's that easy.
Cid: It's not rocket science to figure out routes. However, you'll need a new Navigation Gummi. And before you three jump to conclusions, that piece is here in town.
Sora: Where do we find it?
Cid: I believe you three went to Leon's secret training ground before, right? There's a panel in there of a sun and moon. Hidden inside is a Navigation Gummi. Bring it back and I'll have it installed.
Sora, Plucky, and Dizzy left the First District and heads towards the alleyway to find the secret area.
That's it for chapter 41. That was a pretty long chapter. Next time, Sora and the gang will try to return to Hollow Bastion.