It was at the mysterious tower that everyone prepared for the final battle against Xehanort and Organization XIII. Everyone was resting up for the eventual confrontation in their own way.
In one of the rooms in the tower, Theo was preparing himself for the confrontation as he looked at Zodiac gate before he guildmates came in.
Theo sighed. "I know why you guys are here. I'm gonna say it again. I'm not going back to the guild, not until this is done."
"Theo...this isn't some game. This is a serious war you're about to run into. You could seriously die." Ivy said.
"I know. I'm not stupid." Theo said. "Ever since I got to this universe, I've been from world to world, and I've seen some great things about it, but it's also threatened by darkness. I know I'm putting my life at risk here, and I'm sorry I left without you guys knowing… but I gotta do this, for the world's… for everyone in them."
"You would risk your life for people you don't know?" Ro asked.
"I'm risking my life for not just them, but all of you." Theo said. "You're my guild, my family. I know I'm not the best leader, but when you all came to the guild it made me happy that I was living my dream I created with Minona. I didn't know you all until you walked in the door, and now… I just feel like you're all giving me the strength to protect everything I hold dear. You guys are my power, and I'm yours."
"Theo...let me be honest and say what most of us are thinking. You're an idiot who completely misunderstands the meaning of the word guild. But...you're unfortunately our idiot and we can't let you face death alone." Ro said.
"You guys would really fight with me? After all I put you through?" Theo asked.
"It's either die in battle with darkness or go home without you to face Minona's wrath." Topaz said. "It's not that hard a choice."
"Guys… thank you." Theo said.
In another place, Estelle was currently at Twilight Town as she was sipping a cup of tea.
"Having a nice period of rest?" Lea asked as he came up.
(Cue- The Full Moon and The Morning Star- Tales of Vesperia)
"Oh, hello Lea. Yes, I am." Estelle said as she set the cup down. "The last time I saw you, we were fighting against Zavok, it feels like such a long time since we've seen each other."
"Yeah...it has." Lea said. "Still...tomorrow's the big day." he said as Estelle noticed something in his hands.
"Why did you get four sea salt ice creams?" Estelle asked.
"Huh? Well...huh...I'm not sure myself. Lately...it feels like there's been someone I've been forgetting but...I can't even think of their names or face." Lea said.
"You have faith that Isa can still be saved right? I know the feeling." Estelle said as she took out a flower shaped accessory. "When I was being used by Alexei, Yuri used my Mother's memento on me and managed to help me break free from Alexei's control a bit. I'm sure there's a way Isa can be saved, you just have to believe."
"You… you know about Isa?" Lea asked. "Of course...how could I forget...we met before 11 years ago in that lone garden." Lea said.
"That's right. And me along with Ven, have seen the friendship you both have, and I know there's a way you can save him." Estelle said as she grabbed Lea's hand. "And here I am on my last journey, but this time, I will help you all fight to my full potential with the Four Spirits at my side."
"I don't know how but...tomorrow...I'm going to get him back. Isa...and Roxas." Lea said.
"And that lost friend you're trying to remember." Estelle said.
Back at the mysterious tower, Rainbow was looking at Earthshaker when Jesse came in.
"Hey Jesse." Rainbow said.
"Still thinking about Terra?" Jesse asked.
"Yeah….I am. I kept thinking about what David said back in the Land of Departure. About Terra still being in Xehanort's clutches. It's got me thinking...what if he's their 13th? That means fighting against the same person I vowed to save." Rainbow said.
"I know how that feels. You and the other Dimensional Heroes missed out on this, but… When the Royal Knights were under the All Science Go Corporation's control when they were in Tokyo, we didn't want to fight them either." Jesse said. "But this is different. This isn't something that happened in an instant, but gradually over time. But even so, if you say your hearts are connected, then I know that somehow you'll be able to reach out to him."
"Yeah...you're right. Even if I have to fight him...I'm going to save him, after all...I do have to return his things." Rainbow said.
On Destiny Islands, Riku was sitting on the beach when Hope approached.
"Hey Riku. Taking some time to think?" Hope asked.
"Yes...and I'd prefer if I had time to myself." Riku said.
"Oh...of...of course." Hope said stepping away.
"Just leave him be, Hope. He said he wanted time to himself anyway." Jexi said.
"Yeah… I can see." Hope said. "Hey Jexi… how are you feeling about the impending fight ahead?"
"Honestly...as long as everyone makes it out, I'll feel like it was a victory." Jexi said.
"I feel the same. I don't want anyone to die." Hope said. "I want to keep traveling with everyone until the end."
Meanwhile, Ace was sitting on the wooden bridge as he looked at his pendant.
"Hey Ace." Mark said walking up. "Something on your mind?"
"Well, kind of. I'm just thinking about what Mom would say if she was here right now." Ace said.
"Oh. Um...if you don't mind me asking, what was she like?" Mark asked. "My own mom is... well, it wasn't easy connecting to her."
"Well, me, Spade, Simon, she loved all of us with all her heart, and to her people along with our Dad, they saw everyone as their own family, she was an angel." Ace said.
"Heh." Mark chuckled. "That's a funny thing, so is mine. Although she hardly acts like one. Guess that's something we have in common."
"It seems so. Now here we are, tomorrow when we face off against the Organization, I will fulfill this person's wish." Ace said.
"Yeah...Ace? Whatever happens tomorrow...do your best to keep everyone safe." Mark said. "... That's what I think she would say."
"Thank you. *Sniff* I will…" Ace said tearing up a bit as he and Mark watched the sunset before he saw Sora and Kairi sitting on a tree. "About time. Good for you, Sora." He smiled.
"What?" Mark said before looking in the same direction. "Oh. OOHHH…"
"Shush! Don't ruin the moment." Ace said covering Mark's mouth.
"Mrph." Mark apologized.
Further down the beach, Naomi and Sectonia were witnessing a sparring session between David, Omnimon, Veevee, Sachiko, Crusadermon and Dynasmon.
"Practicing this hard at this time?" Sectonia asked.
"You got that right. The news we got about Normal's scheme got us thinking, you know?" David asked.
"Yes. What we heard is a bit...disturbing to say the least." Naomi said.
"Especially since we all have people in our Tokyo that could've been swept up. That's why we're training not just for the battle against the Organization, but also for our fight against whatever Normal throws at us." Sachiko said.
"I was planning to head back to Tokyo once this whole thing with the Organization was over. But...if Tokyo is in danger...I need to defend it." Naomi said.
"No complaints here. Heck, we appreciate the help." David said.
"Especially with the opposition we have. We're going to need all the help we can get." UlforceVeedramon said.
"I have a feeling that the crisis that Peni and Noir warned us about could summon more people than just us." Crusadermon said.
"Especially with Normal's ability to copy people's appearances. We'll need to be ready for anything." David said.
"But more than anything, we need to prepare for the fight ahead." Omnimon said. "I'm worried for Jesse though. He has no means of a weapon."
"Ah, that's right. Since Wayward Wind is back with Ven, Jesse doesn't have a weapon anymore." Sectonia said.
"Somehow I wouldn't be too sure of that." Dynasmon said.
Jesse on the other hand looked over the new blade he held in his hand. A new keyblade with a yin-yang sort of design to it and resembled more of a broadsword than an actual keyblade.
"Eternal Balance...the name of this new blade I wield." Jesse said. "Only with this...will I finally end what started between me and Vanitas."
"Sounds like your mind's made up about this." Ross said.
"It is. This is the only chance we have left to settle things with him once and for all. And I don't intend on holding back on him, even for a second." Jesse said. "We can both feel it back at the Land of Departure. His mind games aren't going to work on me anymore. He's going to come at me with everything he has."
"Then you need to strike back with all you have as well." Ross said.
"I intend to do just that. Sure, my time in the Coalition was short, so I don't have a lot of new stuff to show, but Aqua and you guys helped make up the difference and pick up where they left off." Jesse said. "I don't intend on letting any of you down."
"That's our Jesse." Ross said.
In the distance, Naomi was looking across the shoreline.
"Ira… Invi… Aced… Gula…" Naomi muttered. "I can't help but feel responsible for my part in what happened back then. But...maybe through this...things can finally be at peace. I kind of wish we'd fight by side-by-side through this, but I guess after everything that's happened, that's just wishful thinking, is it? I hope you're all watching, wherever you are."
Tomorrow...the final battle begins…