Chapter CCXCI: The Final Battle Part XVII

"HHHAAA!"

SLASH!

Slicing another terrible long thorn, that tried to impede her, Kairi ran on through the dark Interfusing plane. She was getting closer and closer, towards her target, then finally after what seemed like forever-!

"We're here!"

Hearing Oralee's voice, the Princess of Heart, slowed down. Until finally the two of them were standing before a jewelled pod. This one would have been shining with a strong radiance of yellow light, if not for the terrible thorns, that surrounded and choked it, of what brightness it held.

Looking at it, Kairi was troubled. Both with her own worries, and with the pain she could feel coming from Oralee's heart; at what terrible dark infliction had been done to her knight.

Getting closer to it, Kairi asked with concern, "Reeve?"

However there came no response to her voice, then looking inside it. She gasped as she saw the awful sight within it.

For there she saw the same gentle man, who'd she seen within Oralee's memories, ensnared within the grips of dark tendrils. He was lifeless and held aloft by his arms and legs, his head bowed as the precious yellow Fifth Fragment, shone before his chest.

"Oh no!"

Hearing and feeling Oralee's pain inside, Kairi asked with dread, "You don't think... it's not possible, that he's-!"

"No he can't be! I know the Fragment wouldn't let that happen, it won't let it's Vessel perish, not if it wants to live itself, this just can't...!"

As the Princess of Alexandra struggled to finish her sentence, Kairi was quiet. Then putting her hand over her chest, she tried to ease her friend's pain, and said, "Yeah, I'm sure you're right, it wouldn't," then with a sad smile, she added, "After all, you've read up more about the Fragment's then I have, so I believe you."

"Kairi..."

She nodded gently to Oralee's voice. Then looking up, at the terrible pod that held its captive Vessel, she felt her determination grow. She quickly declared, "Okay, now let's start on helping Reeve get out of this thing!"

"Alright, but please do be careful!"

Kairi released a small chuckle and replied, "I'll try!" With that the pink armoured girl moved her hand, to touch the glass surface of the pod, when-!

"WWWAAAARRR!"

Spooked by this unexpected bestial cry, the Princess of Heart looked about herself and cried out, "What was that!?"

"Kairi above you, move away now!"

She did just that, falling back fast, she ran when-!

SMASH!

"Agh!"

Rolling over and over, Kairi fell to the floor. Aching, she opened one of her blue eyes, and then saw, what had crashed down onto the floor.

The monstrosity that came to stand before the pod, that held Reeve. Was a creature made of an entanglement of the black thorns, it pulsed with treacherous dark power.

Looking at it, it reminded her of a horse. However sprouting from its back were a pair of wide, branching plant wings, that held vibrant glowing yellow petals, and growing out of its forehead was a sharp pointed horn, with a small glowing yellow diamond that floated over the tip.

Staring at it in disbelief, she lifted herself onto her feet and asked, "Is that... a Unicorn?"

"No, it's an Alicorn!"

"Alicorn?" She repeated puzzled, for she'd never heard of the term.

"Alicorn's are creatures that match unicorns, in the fact they have horns and are part of the legendary Equidae family but-!"

"WWWAAAARRR!"

Quickly the treacherous monster, released another deadly cry and, it turned its head in the air and-!

FLASH!

The diamond on its tip, electrified with deadly yellow energy! Showing it was hostile towards them, as it narrowed its red eyes!

Kairi immediately became on guard, and held her Keyblade tightly with both hands! Ready to the face the monster, as she did this, she heard Oralee finally finish,

"Some are known to be those of terrible nightmares, treacherous and deadly!"

CLOP! CLOP! CLOP! CLOP!

Hearing it beat one of its hard hooves into the glass floor, Kairi then told her friend, "Well it's clear that this one, is of the nightmarish variety!"

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

The Alicorn's power, crackled and sparked menacingly, before quickly it raised itself up on its hind legs and-!

"WWWAAAARRR!"

BLAST!

It quickly released it's energy, firing it straight at her!

Seeing the attack coming, Kairi gripped her Keyblade and told her friend, "Okay, let's go, Oralee!"

"Yes!"

With that the Princess of Heart proceeded into her first lone battle, against a living nightmare!

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"Here they come!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Immediately the giant Chain whips with their sharp points came charging forwards! All of them, aiming to shoot the giant red robin right out of the sky!

Everyone was terrified! But Ruby was the most, because he was doing his best to dodge and roll out of the way of the deadly weapons! Moving to the left, then the right fast, he cried out, "Man this is just-!"

"Ruby!" Hearing his princess cry out, the red bird looked up, and he saw much to his dread-!

"Oh! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Flapping his wings hard, he only just made it out of the way of the of the oncoming deadly weapons! As he did, the poor tired bird echoed, "That... that was too close!"

Wiping off a bead of sweat herself, Nozomi replied, "You're telling me!" Then looking above, she saw that the chains were winding back again. Thankfully, however she couldn't help but add, "I don't know if we're gonna get much of a break through all this!"

"It won't be much!" Ody said, as he continued to hold the aching Scriptium close to himself.

Pete hearing this, had about enough of the chaos and not liking the way the Nobody said his words, asked turning to look, "Uh, what do ya mean?"

Ody simply pointed and then they all saw-!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

Xehanort had concentrated his dark powers upon his deadly Chain whips and quickly to everyone's dismay, he'd done one of the worst things he could have, "He's multiplied 'em!?"

As Donald cried this out, Mickey then said feeling nervous, "This ain't good fella's!" Then-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

The monstrous man sent the far extending weapons straight in their direction! Seeing them all coming, immediately Hanahime cried out, "Ruby!"

"You don't need to tell me twice!" With that the red bird flapped hard, and quickly rode the wind, rising straight up. They'd thankfully had missed the attacks! As they did Goofy cried out, "Nice dodgin' there Ruby!"

"Ain't... nothin' to it!" The bird said breathless, clearly becoming more exhausted from all the energy he was having to use, to keep up their evasive strategy.

Seeing him struggle, Nozomi told him sadly, "Sorry we're putting you through so much here, Ruby!"

"Can't be helped!" He simply replied, then looking below and seeing the dangerous weapons waver around. He added, "Beides, I knew it was gonna be tough, just didn't realise just by how much!"

"No one did!" Noel told him, then before he could say another word-!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

It was then they all saw some familiar shapes, that none of them wanted to see again! For quickly reappearing from around them, were the reflective mirrors!

Seeing them all appear, Noel didn't understand and asked having never seen them before, "What're those!?"
"Those are not good!" Nozomi cried, then quickly she and the others all saw them all quickly fly on down, then as they did-!

GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM!

GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM!

GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM!

GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM! GLEAM!

The chains quickly struck straight into the mirrors and immediately they ricochetted all the way up towards their level! As they did, the terrible weapons then-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

The weaponry all quickly sparked with thunderous power! As they did, and they shone on with this deadly energy, Pete cried out, "Oh move it out of the way bird brain!"

"Okay! Okay!" With that Ruby flapped hard, and did his best to evade again!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

He again missed, the terrible chains, but-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

They re-aimed themselves and quickly blasted out their power! Alarmed, Hanahime cried out, "Oh no!"

"Don't worry princess, I'll-!"

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT! GLINT!

All of them were quickly were surrounded by the mirrors, there was no way out for them and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

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TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The dangerous thorns surrounded Riku on all sides, they twisted about menacingly left and right; like thousands of deadly snakes, all of them waiting to rip him to pieces.

He was breathless, for no matter how many he'd cut away at. The treacherous plants grew back faster, then he could cut them all down. Gripping his Alliance Blade tightly with both hands, he uttered, "This is not good!"

"Indeed, you're nearing dangerously close to the critical point."

"Yeah I know, Hari!" Then looking above, as he beat with his wings, he couldn't help but say, "I just wish Sora would hurry up and get back here already!" For feeling his exhaustion growing, he added, "At this rate, if I use up anymore magic, I'll-!"

"Riku look out!"

Hearing Kagi's voice, the white haired boy turned and-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The first barrage of the terrible thorns came his way! As they did, he flapped his wings to dodge when-!

SLASH!

"Tch!" One of the thorns cut straight into him! As it left a cut on him, he turned and quickly he saw to his alarm more of the thorns come to impale him from behind!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Seeing them, he realised and said, "No choice then!" With that he said, "Let's go Kagi!"

"Okay!"

With that he unleashed another technique, "Time Reversal!"

SHINE!

In seconds his body glowed all over with green power! As the Eighth Fragment's power was realised, he aimed his hands forwards and quickly-!

FREEZE!

Immediately the thorns and everything around him seemed to freeze, then seeing he had his moment. He felt the current of time reverse and as it did, immediately he felt the damaging cut vanish, then he saw the thorns retreat to their original starting positions!

As they did, he couldn't help but say, "Kagi, you could be the most powerful Fragment of them all y'know!"

"Yeah, but this takes a lot of energy Riku, you won't be able to do it again now!"

Nodding, he replied, "Yeah I know!" Then flying to make a good distance, away from the dangerous sharp plant shoots, he said, "But I'll make this count!" With that, he moved and quickly began to activate another realised power of Hari's!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Quickly the thorns came for him again, however acting knowing what they were going to do, Riku then cried out, "Shredding Succession!"

SHINE!

In seconds, his body glowed all over with red energy and as the thorns came to impale him-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

He moved faster! The dangerous plants missed him, and quickly he moved his blade and-!

SLASH!

He cut into their numbers, straight through the middle! Then as his blow made its mark-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

The thorns were shredded in seconds, by angry red lines of power! They then fell to pieces, into the darkness below and-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The other barrage came straight after him, however moving fast-!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

He moved his wings to defend himself and these were quickly thrown back! Seeing this, he acted and-!

SLASH!

He cut straight into the trunk of these terrible plants! As he did this, he heard Hari then tell him,

"If you move fast enough, you should be able to dispatch a wide circle of these shoots!"

With a nod, he replied, "Okay!" Then following her direction, he kept the blade buried in the trunk of the thorns! Gritting his teeth, using all the strength he had, he quickly moved his wings and-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

He moved fast, flying around in a wide circle making the angry lines of energy travel everywhere, amongst the network of dangerous plants. As this happened-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

Large numbers of them fell down into the dark depths! Riku smiled at the effect Hari's power was having, he then heard Kagi say,

"This is great! We're making progress now!"

"Sure looks like it!" Riku agreed, then as they completed the circle, he retrieved his Alliance Blade out of the last falling thorns. As he did, he took in same deep breaths and heard Hari say,

"My power should have spread throughout them like a virus, if we're lucky, then the ones in our vicinity should all have been dealt with."

"Yeah, that would be lucky if that's true," Riku admitted as he wiped a bead of sweat away. Then as he said this, he added, "Cause I don't know how much more I can do, for like I've said, if we don't get support soon with us, then-!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Hearing this alarming sound, Riku turned and cried out, "What's-!"

"Riku look out!"

But Kagi's call came too late as-!

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"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Falling through the darkness and out of the cage of mirrors, as they were all hit, Nozomi became breathless as the awful paralysis hit her again! She gasped, "I've gone numb, I can't move, I-!"

SWOOSH!

One of Xehanort's terrible Chain whips came flying down, to impale her and the others who fell with her. There was nothing she could do, she couldn't-!

"Oh, no ya don't!"

VROOOM!

It was then she heard the sound of an engine and a familiar passionate voice, her eyes widened as she recognised, "Snow!?"

For quickly flying over them, bathed in the light of the Pixie Dust upon his majestic Shiva motorcycle, came the leader of the ARCS! As he raced towards them, he cried out his technique,

"Frost wall!"

SHINE!

Immediately a wall of ice appeared as he turned in the air with his bike! Then quickly as it appeared before him, and the falling heroes-!

CLASH!

It sent the dangerous weapon flying back! Seeing his fast spell had worked, he cried out energised, "There how do ya like that!?"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Suddenly the other three came flying down again, seeing this Snow realised, "Looks like I spoke too soon!"

"Then it's my turn!" Musashi grinned, with that he reached back and brought forth his trusted weapon! As he did, he called out jumping into the air, "Watch me go, Commander Snow!"

Quiet for a moment, Snow though smiled again and said, "Okay, show me what you've got Musashi!"

A confident nod came from the samurai, then quickly he moved and brought forth his weapon and-!

GLOW!

It suddenly grew to an enormous size! Then as it thundered and lit with power, he declared the attack,

"Great Oar Maelstrom!"

With that he unleashed the attack and-!

SLICE!

Immediately all of the Chain whips were sent hurtling away! As they all were, Musashi smiled, but then turning back he cried out, "Dudes! Grab everyone now!"

With that quickly from down below, there were sounds of moving and-!

GRAB! GRAB! GRAB!

Nozomi heard the sounds of her friends being assisted, but she couldn't see who saved who for all movement had been denied to her, when-!

"Got ya!"

"Ah!" Surprised she looked up, and saw she was being held in the arms of none other than, "Light...ning?"

The pink haired female soldier, revealed a small smile and told her, "Looks like you're a little worse for wear!"
"Yeah!" Hope said as he looked at her, though quickly he told her, "Hang on, I'll get you a remedy!"

"Thanks...!" Nozomi said with a wincing smile.

Snow was glad for the rescue that he saw his comrades, then as Musashi arrived back onto his motorcycle-!

"You foolish vermin...will not survive!"

It was Xehanort who now towered over the lot of them, as he did he declared further despite his clear struggling breath,

"I will wipe you out... here and now!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Suddenly all his dangerous weapons returned to him, hovering all around him like treacherous snakes. As they circled in and around him-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

They conducted with their awful powers of thunder! As they did, it was clear that he was going to unleash his power any moment!

Seeing this, Snow realised, "This isn't good!"

Musashi becoming worried too, asked his leader, "Is there anythin' we can do here, Commander Snow!?"

The blonde haired man was quiet, as he thought to himself. Quickly one idea did come, though he had to admit, "Well it won't be much of an attack, but it'll give everyone more space to help themselves, and fight back against this ugly ogre!"

Curious, Musashi asked, "What is it?"

With a smile, Snow simply responded, "You'll see!" With that-!

VROOOM! VROOOM! VROOOM!

He charged his motorcycle up and said, "Okay, Shiva let's go!" With that he dived down, to get started with the idea he'd cooked up!

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SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Suddenly some of the remainders, of the thorns that he'd cut to pieces. Had reformed themselves, and in seconds, they had formed a sharp brambled cage around the Keyblader!

Looking around himself, he asked, "What're they doing!?"

"Changing tactics it seems, they must be some of the remnants that survived!"

"Darn it!" He uttered, then-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

The cage electrified with fierce dark blue power! Seeing this, Riku realised quickly what they were going to do, "No!" But it was too late for him to do anything as-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

He screamed in pain, as the terrible thorns released their wrath upon him! As he screamed, he also heard,

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Both Kagi and Hari screamed too, as even they were feeling the terrible sting of this power! He couldn't protect them, or himself! He couldn't-!

SMASH!

Suddenly from on high, something smashed through the glass ceiling of the Interfusing Plane! As it did, an outraged voice shouted,

"KNOCK IT OFF!"

Hearing this voice, despite his pain. Riku recognised it, it was Sora he was-!

"FURIOUS COLLISION!"

BLAST!

Immediately before he knew it. Riku's cage was ripped to shreds, as the terrible thorns were sent flying all over the place! Breathless he began to fall in the air, when-!

"Oof!"

He was suddenly caught by a shoulder and arm he knew well, looking to his right he saw that there coming to his aid, was his best friend. Seeing him fly again with the power of the Third Fragment, he couldn't help but say with some grimace, "Sure, took you...long enough, huh?"

"Sorry, I never wanted to make a repeat of this!" Sora apologised with a troubled smile, he then told him, "I got held back, by a huge bird lion thing you wouldn't believe was real!"
Riku laughed and told him, "No I can, anything is possible in this messed up place!"

"True!" Sora laughed, then-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Hearing this alarming sound, they both quickly realised the thorns were beginning to grow back! They'd need to move away fast, so acting with haste, Sora told his friend, "Hang on Riku, I'll patch you up now!" With that he got to work, to heal his friend, so they could both get to their other ally who was in that dark space with them, Kairi.

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VROOOM! VROOOM! VROOOM!

Hearing the sound of the magical summoned motorcycle, Xehanort could see they were up to something! So told the riders,

"I will not be subjected to more ice play!"

With those words, he moved his giant Keyblade, Annihilationto smash them right out of the air!

SLASH!

Seeing the enormous blade coming their way, Musashi cried out, "Hey! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" This wasn't good! Then-!

"You need to cool off sweetheart!"

Hearing this voice, the two riders couldn't believe it as-!

FFFWWWIIISSSHHH!

Suddenly a huge blast of water came forth, that quickly caused Xehanort's Keyblade to be thrown back,

"Agh!"

Angered looking down, he spied who'd done this, then spat with venom,

"You filthy monkey!"

For there appearing in the nick of time, was the ape riding Nobody, Meixeng who smiling bowed with both Uma and Fuma following suite on her shoulders as she told him, "Thank you for the compliment, sir!"

Enraged at this mockery, Xehanort again went to strike her down, however-!

FWOOSH!

Meixeng aboard her Dusk, simply avoided the blow altogether and as she looked up to him, she corrected herself and replied, "Actually, on second thought, I meant loser!" To which Uma and Fuma on her shoulders giggled at the mockery.

Gripping his free hand, Xehanort had enough and was about to do more when-!

"Time to lay down the freeze!"

He heard the voice of the motorcycle rider, as he did, he looked down and then saw-!

SHINE!

A shine of white light flood everywhere! As it did, he realised quickly he was about to unleash his technique!

"No!"

With that he went to stop him! But it was too late as-!

"All right time to move!"

VROOOM!

The engine of Snow's motorcycle roared into life and with that quickly he raced all around Xehanort, faster than the eye could and before he could use the shield of the Fifth Fragment, as he was bathed in the freezing burns of his powerful ice magic!

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"WWWAAAARRR!"

BLAST!

"Tch! Again!" Kairi quickly went to avoid the deadly blow that was coming, reading it's movements, she was able to effectively roll out of the way, but-!

CRACKLE!

She saw the point the attack had struck, as she did. She asked desperately trying to read it, "Oralee, do you know where it will strike next!?"

"No I can't! The pulses of energy are too chaotic! I can't-!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The Alicorn's attack was unleashed! It quickly caused chaotic bolts of lightning to strike everywhere! Even with the Sixth Fragment's ability to read energy, it couldn't help with something this insane!

Kairi immediately acted, diving and jumping out of the way. She did everything she could to avoid being hit! As she concentrated doing this, she uttered mad, "This is crazy! Whoever thought some monster like this could be real!"

"I know it's-!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Sadly the two of them were struck by a bolt of terrible power! As they were, Kairi faltered! Then as she did-!

"WWWAAAARRR!"

CLOP! CLOP! CLOP! CLOP!

The Alicorn, dug it's hoof into the floor! Then as it did-!

CRACKLE!

It thundered with terrible blue and yellow power! As it did, Kairi in fright realised what was coming! She quickly acted bringing up her Keyblade, when-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The monster charged forwards and quickly, like a bolt of lightning and-!

CLASH!

It smashed itself straight into her weapon! As she gritted her teeth, pushing hard against it. She told it angrily, "I'm not gonna go down that easy!" Then with those words, she saw the monster lose it's pulse of power! As it did, she quickly drew her blade back and-!

KICK!

She moved her foot back and smashed it against the monster, making it back away from her fast! Then doing this, she said mad, "Let's see how you like to deal with a taste of my own power!" With that she lifted up her Keyblade and began to cry out, "Flame-!"

"WWWAAAARRR!"

However the Alicorn moved faster! It swung it's horn into the air and-!

GLOW!

Perplexed Kairi cried out, "What's it-!"

SHINE!

Then suddenly in alarm, she saw quickly a dome of yellow glittering light appear around her! As it did, she cried out, "No! This light it's-!"

"It's Reeve's power, the shield! It's trapped you in it!"

Shocked at her friend's realisation, Kairi though refused to be held prisoner like this! She moved to cut into the shield and-!

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

She discovered to her distress, that her blows simply bounced back! As it did, she saw she couldn't escape!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

In seconds the horrible dark blue electricity charged up and immediately-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

She and Oralee were bathed in a sea of thunderous agony as the monster punished them severely!

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"Okay here we go!"

SHINE!

Everywhere Snow drove with his motorcycle, a huge path of ice followed suite that grew everywhere! As it did, it created a huge ring that surrounded Xehanort, making a huge new snowy platform for everyone to stand upon!

Hearing his work, from the whispers of Uma and Fuma in her ears, Meixeng then smiled and said, "Ah! So that's the plan, huh?"

Enraged at this, Xehanort looking down at this, could feel the ice climb up his enormous body! As it did, he uttered mad,

"You cannot detain me with such folly!"

With those words he moved and-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

All of Xehanort's Chain whips immediately went to chase after the motorcycle! Then as they flew over him-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The terrible blasts of thunder all moved to strike him down! Seeing this awful power chasing them, Musashi told his leader, "You've got real bad snakes on your tail, Commander!"
"I can tell!" Snow told him, then looking at Xehanort with fierce determination, he had a quick thought to himself, and realised something. With a smile he then called out, "Hey guys!"

With that all the heroes who were holding onto the various injured party that were upon Ruby, heard the leader of the ARCS tell them, "All of you who can make a splash here, can help me put the deep freeze on this guy!"

Hearing this as she hovered up above, Meixeng was quiet. However after a moment, a smirk came to her face and she asked, "We gotta make a splash here, huh?" With that, gripping her long monk staff, she decided, "Well why not!" With that she directed her weapon and-!

"RRROOOAAARRRR!"

Immediately her ape Dusk got to work, and opening its palm again where the blue jewel lay, it glowed vibrantly with power, before-!

FFFWWWIIISSSHHH!

She unleashed her power, quickly she doused Xehanort's body with a huge blast of water. Covering him all over with the liquid and quickly-!

SURGE!

SPLASH!

Both Alania and Saria also aided her and in moments, with all this water covering Xehanort's body, it was then Snow realised, "Alright, this is it!"

VROOOM! VROOOM! VROOOM!

He made a fast turn and quickly began to climb Xehanort's body, faster than he could defend with the Fifth Fragment again, then as he did this-!

SHINE!

The Shiva sister's final limit break had come, and feeling it, Snow cried out their one last devastating technique,

"DIAMOND DUST!"

FREEZE!

With that looking on with astonishment, everyone saw somehow Xehanort's body become frozen all over, like one giant statue and as he did-!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

The giant Chain whips he used fell and collapsed, destroyed by the power of ice that the blonde haired man held! Then making it back down onto the floor, both Musashi and him appeared unscathed when-!

GLOW!

The two sisters, came undone from their bike form, and became once more their Summon Gem form that came to rest in Snow's hand. As they did, he told them both, "Thanks, Borealis, Australis!" That done, he then looked up smugly at Xehanort's frozen form, and shouted out loud, "Boom ya! That's how ya do it!"

Musashi smiled pleased at this small victory, then as he did-!

"That was awesome you guys!"

Turning around, it was then the two of them saw fast approaching leaving Lightning's supportive hands, was Nozomi who exclaimed, "You really did it!"

"Ain't nothin' to it!" Musashi smiled.

"Yeah!" Then with that Snow patted Nozomi's shoulder and told her, "Side's it's the least I could do! To make up for the fact that we let our fellow ARCS get kidnapped by this giant creep!"

Nozomi hearing this was quiet, however she quickly smiled brightly and replied, "Thanks!"

Then his smile still gracing his features, Snow removed his hand from her. At that moment, the other heroes all descended onto the snowy terrain he'd made for them all.

Seeing it all, Balthier sad as he let Ody he was holding and Noel who was supported by Fran, lie on the floor, "Now this is definitely a stage fit for the leading man!" Then looking over to Snow, he told him, "You're certainly full of surprises at every turn, aren't you?"

"I try!" Snow joked with a grin, however before more small talk could occur-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Hearing these alarming sounds, everyone saw with terror that cracks were forming in the ice that surrounded Xehanort's body. As it did, Shirma who was standing with Aerith along with Zidane as they busily helped in aiding the King and his allies, said, "Oh no! He's going to break through any minute!"
"You're right!" Snow realised with dread, then gripping his hand he told them all, "Guys, get yourselves all healed as fast as you can, when he thaws, he's gonna be seeing red for sure!"

Everyone quickly nodded and with that they all quickly hurried in their preparations to heal themselves, and others who'd been hurt badly before.

Lightning having remained quiet through all this, walked over and said, "Okay let's get ready then." With that she tossed over a few high level potions to Nozomi and told her, "Use those to revitalise yourself!"

Quiet, Nozomi though quickly nodded and replied, "Right okay!" With that she got to work, as Hope did the same. As they did, Lightning walked over to her sister's fiancee and told him, "You know, you actually impressed me for once." Then as he looked at her surprised, she added with a small smile, "I guess, I can see you as a good leader after all."

"Sis!" Snow cried out happily, pleased with the praise.

"But I'm still not going to let you call me that!" To which she looked away from him, everyone laughed at this. However this pleasant moment was brief as they knew they had to get ready for the monster!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dim...

"Agh!"

Falling onto the glass floor, Kairi was quiet as she breathed in and out, trying hard to recover from the horrible thunderous onslaught. That she and Oralee had been put through. Aching from the bitter charges, she opened one of her eyes, and looked to the monster ahead of her. There she saw the Alicorn do one thing!

CLOP! CLOP! CLOP! CLOP!

It was digging it's hoof into the floor again, showing it was clearly ready for battle still! Seeing this, irritated her... gripping her right hand angrily, she uttered quietly, "Darn...you!"

Then as she did this, feeling some strength return. She looked down, and with some worry asked, "Oralee... are you alright?"

"...Yes, I'm alright!"

The Princess of Heart revealed a small smile, then as she did this. She looked to the Alicorn again, and admitted, "I don't know...what we can do here!"

Watching the creature, she saw it walk to the side, as it seemed to be trying to gage what they're next move would be.
Kairi herself didn't know, she couldn't think of anything. For when she tried to attack, this monster was so fast, that she couldn't keep up physically, nor could she call upon the power of her armour fast enough to keep up either... even her spell casting wasn't enough!

Biting her lower lip for a moment, she admitted to her only comrade, "You know... I'm finding it really hard to think of something, right now Oralee!"

"I can't blame you... this creature isn't of nature, nor that of the Heartless... it's not one just anyone can face!"

Hearing her trying to be encouraging, Kairi smiled sadly as she admitted, "No... I'm sure Sora and Riku could, they're way stronger than I am!"

"Kairi...?"

"I'm just not strong enough!" She admitted, then thinking of all the times she'd been helpless, unable to do anything, she added, "I guess in the end... I was never one who was supposed to have wielded the Keyblade in the first place... not if all I can be is just saved by someone else all the time."

"Kairi don't say that! You're not weak, not at all!"

"But I am though... I've never been able to do anything on my own, I'm just...a pathetic princess..." It hurt to admit this, but it was true. All she'd ever been, before all this, was nothing but a pathetic damsel in distress, unable to do anything for anyone else. She was-!

"There's no one in this life who can do anything solely alone!"

"Huh?" Surprised to hear this, Kairi remained quiet, and heard Oralee tell her,

"Do you really believe that Sora and Riku were able to become victorious, solely all by themselves! That's not true at all! I know it! Just from seeing what memories I did them both, the two of them all had comrades by their sides, who helped them to win in the end!"

Kairi quiet then asked her, "Wait, you saw into their memories?"

"Yes I did, and more than that, I can show you them, since I'm one with you right now!"

"You can?" Kairi though didn't have a chance to say more, as-!

SHINE!

The power of the Sixth Fragment activated and allowed its user, to see the memories that its Vessel had accumulated from her interactions with all the Keybladers. Quickly various moments, replayed and Kairi was amazed!

"My friends are my power!"

"Don't give up! Come on, Sora! Together we can do it!"

Seeing the moments she'd been unable to see, Kairi was amazed! Then quickly she felt her eyes line with tears. As they did, seeing the camaraderie and strength they'd gained from the countless allies that had been on their side. She felt as though her heart was being embraced by Oralee's warmth and encouragement, as the Princess of Alexandra told her,

"You see, they never fought alone... not at all!"

"Oralee...!" Kairi uttered, feeling her tears fall.

"And right now it's the same, I'm with you! So please, have faith in yourself, in your power and the friends who will always be by your side!"

Nodding, Kairi then wiped her eyes and replied, "Okay, I will!" Then feeling the fires of her determination burn again, she added, "Let's take out that beast together!"

"Alright, let's do it!"

With that both of the Princess's started to plan for the next stage of attack. For surely with their powers combined, they would be able to defeat this terrible monster!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Curaga!"

SHINE!

Feeling the healing effects of the magic spread throughout his being, Riku then letting his Alliance Blade come to his side, asked, "Hari, Kagi are you both alright?"

"I'm at full capacity!"

"Yeah, I'm good now too!"

Full of relief, he was glad they were safe, then turning to best friend. He told him as he finished his own healing, "Thanks for the save there Sora, it's a good thing you stocked up the most on potions!"

"No prob! Sides, someone needs to look out for you, with Nozomi not here, right?" The Chosen Keyblader joked.

Rolling his eyes as this, Riku simply uttered, "Whatever!"
Sora then laughed when-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Quickly the two of them were on heavy alert now, as they were quickly surrounded by the terrible thorns of Darkness. All of them, now ready to rip them all to shreds!

Seeing them all there, Sora couldn't help but admit, "This doesn't look good!"

"Yeah it doesn't!" With that Riku lifted up his Alliance Blade ready, as Sora did the same! Quickly they stood back to back, looking around on high alert!

As the terrible plants wavered, like countless angry vipers, Sora then asked him, "Do you think we can cut through them all?"

Shaking his head, Riku told him, "Not a good idea! Last time I did that, what plants I missed, caged me and nearly electrocuted me, if you hadn't come, then..."

"Right," Sora replied then with a sigh he said, "These things are not gonna make it easy for us!" With that he couldn't help but admit, "This almost makes me miss Organization XIII, at least they weren't bad a pests as these things!"

"I beg to differ!" Riku replied then-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

All at once the terrible plants came straight at them! As they did-!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

The two of them together were quickly able to cover all sides and send the terrible plants flying back! As they did, it was clear the monstrous creations weren't going to give up, as they geared themselves back and immediately formed four huge shoots that were ready to smite them out of the air!

"You got any idea's?" Riku asked him.

Shaking his head, Sora replied, "None!" However looking below, he couldn't help but admit, "But I'm worried about Kairi, I've got no idea how she's doing right now!"

Hearing his concern, Riku replied, "Yeah I know, I'm the same!"

Sora nodded, he wasn't sure what to say then, when-!

"Well why don't you honey's just charge on down and find her?"

Surprised, hearing her voice, Sora asked, "Jona?"

"Yeah I agree! You guys should just make tracks and leave! Besides it's not this thing that's the problem now, it's the monster who created these things in the first place, Xehanort!"

"Timbre," Hearing then his friend's voice. Sora was quiet, then after a moment he realised the truth and smiled, he admitted to them, "Yeah, you're both right!"
"Having a discussion with yourself?" Riku asked, with a knowing smile.

"Something like that!" Sora admitted, then quickly he told his best friend, "Jona and Timbre, made me realise that this plant's not what we need to fight, it's Xehanort himself!" Then gripping his fist, he added, "So I say, we make our exit out of this space and get to Kairi, ASAP!"

Quiet for a moment, Riku then nodded and agreed saying, "Okay, sounds like a plan! We're both in agreement then!"

"Right!" Sora said smiling, then as he said this-!

GLOW!

GLOW!

Suddenly both of their Alliance Blades glowed with powerful light! As they did, Sora asked, "What's going on!?"

Riku replied, "I don't know, maybe-!"

SHINE!

"Hey!" "Whoa!"

Suddenly their two weapons joined together, and quickly, it morphed into a longer and sharper shape than before!

Amazed seeing this happen, Sora cried out, "Hey what's going on!?"

"You're unified in your wish to reach your friend, the Alliance Blade is working now to help you grant that wish!"

Hearing the voice who said this, and seeing his image again in his mind, Sora was quiet, when he heard, "Unified?"
Surprised, he then realised as he looked to his friend, "Wait? Riku, you heard that?"

The white haired Keyblader replied, "Yeah I did!" Then he couldn't help but add, "This is crazy! How can this guy sound like Roxas!?"

"There's no time for questioning now, you two know what you must do!"

It was then Sora, heard and saw the image of the ancient King. He was full of burning curiosity and wanted answers, however the man was right. This was no time to be puzzled, so looking to his best friend, he nodded to him and he too did the same.

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Immediately the terrible pant shoots rushed forwards ready to attack once more! However, Sora and Riku moving fast with the combined Alliance Blades together, cried out their unified attack,

"FURIOUS CRIMSON SUNDERING SAW!"

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

Immediately the four giant plant shoots were sliced to ribbons by blazing red and orange power! Then-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The remnants that survived all moved to try and catch them both! However both Keybladers turned and with their free hands aimed, they cried out their next technique together,

"SOARING BREAK!"

SHINE!

Quickly all the plants were frozen in time by green light, and then they all floated higher up into the air, where it would take a long time for them to even begin to catch up to the heroes!

Breathless from using these powers, the two boys were pumped! Looking to each other, enjoying the warmth that the powers of unification brought, with the hearts of the Vessels giving their support, along with the two mysterious former Chasers. They knew there wasn't anything that could hold them back now!

So Sora then told him, "Okay, let's go find Kairi!"

"Right!" Riku agreed, with that, using their combined Alliance Blade, they dove down into the depths below, to reach their friend!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CLOP! CLOP! CLOP! CLOP!

Hearing the sounds of the Alicorn, as it walked back and right to gage what she was going to do. Kairi at last felt their plan was ready! So quietly she asked, "Oralee, are you good to go on your end?"

"I believe so! I just hope this idea works, and I can grant you the strength you need!"

Nodding, the Princess of heart told her, "Yeah," then looking to the Alicorn. She saw it had paused in its movements, as it could sense she was going to move! As it did, she quickly heard-!

"WWWAAAARRR!"

It was ready to engage again! Seeing this, she then saw-!

FLASH!

The yellow diamond upon its horn light up with deadly thunderous power!

Their time had come, "Okay!" With that getting up fast, Kairi held her Keyblade tightly and said, "Oralee, I'm relying on you!"

"Yes!"

There was then silence, as Kairi closed her eyes and as she did this-!

CRACKLE!

The Alicorn's dark body electrified and as it pulsed with it's terrible volts of power-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

It raced forwards, to unleash its horrible powers upon her!

However at that moment as it sped forwards-!

"It's time to shine!"

Kairi could hear Oralee singing, deep within her heart, as she did she felt something light up from within, as the Princess of Alexandra used the power of her voice to aid her, with the abilities of a Songstress!

"The helpless self that held me back, I realised was only...!"

Immediately a white light coated the body of the pink clad knight! As it did, Kairi could feel it, the empowerment Oralee giving her, as she did, she lifted up her Keyblade and cried out, "Double Cast Generation!"

SHINE!

"The start of my true self and the blossoming of my hope!"

Strengthened from the power of her friend's voice, Kairi double cast immediately, "Bravery! Hastega!"

GLOW!

GLOW!

Immediately both the spells coated the Keyblader and quickly, seeing the approaching Alicorn-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

She moved fast! Running forwards, she heard more of Oralee's song!

"I want to only be with you!"

Moving with her Keyblade, Kairi aimed and just as it looked like the Alicorn was about to make contact-!

"Reflect!"

The mirroring spell activated immediately and created a wall between her and the monster! As it rammed into it-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The violent pulse of it, created a huge force of power that quickly-!

BLAST!

Generated a huge burst of power! This Kairi used with clenched teeth to move herself with it-!

LEAP!

To send herself flying straight over the monster! Seeing her do this, it tried desperately to turn about and face her, but it wasn't fast enough as Kairi landed on the floor before the yellow pod!

"I prayed alone, every night, hoping you'd see my light!"

Her heart resonating with Oralee's song, Kairi felt her spells were unstoppable! Then looking at the monster with fierce determination, she released her next double spell casting, "Slowga! Graviga!"

"Because no one ever saw, the shine I had!"

VOOM!

Immediately the two spells struck the Alicorn! As it did, the creature was held down by the heavy spell, and immediately-!

CLOP...CLOP...CLOP...CLOP...

It was no longer able to move as fast as before! Kairi had removed its one strong point!

"But you, you said that I would become a shining star!"

Her eyes lightning up with amazement, she couldn't believe it! Their idea was working! Realising this, it was then she charged forwards!

"The brightest of all!"

The Alicorn, seeing her fast approach then immediately acted again and-!

BLAST!

It released a huge pulse of electricity from its horn! Seeing this attack coming, Kairi moved fast with her Keyblade and-!

CLASH!

Sent it flying in another direction!

"It's time to shine!"

However as the attack hit the floor, it immediately conducted furiously on the floor!

CRACKLE!

Seeing it was using this terrible tactic again, Kairi quickly moved faster! Remembering the technique that had been gifted to her from the armour, she decided to use this technique together with a spell!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

As the horrific volts came running down everywhere to strike her, Kairi moved faster and immediately declared the new technique she'd made,

"Diamond Shining Spellweaver!"

SHINE!

Immediately a huge reflective spell diamond, coated Kairi in its protective qualities, as she spun around and began to dance upon one leg, creating a dazzling sight as she became the single star shining in the darkness!

"All the efforts I made, let me realise my true self!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

All the volts that tried to harm Kairi, instead were sent flying everywhere else, the monster could no longer touch her, as she danced in the reflective diamond, it couldn't even imprison her because she was moving so fast!

"I'm no longer weak nor helpless!"

"NNNYYYHHHAAAA!"

The Alicorn was enraged! It moved as fast as it could and-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

It used its petalled wings to fly out of the Graviga spell! As it did this, it hovered in the air and quickly-!

FLASH!

More fierce electricity was generated from the diamond on its horn, as it was getting ready to strike the dancing princess again!

"Because you saw me for myself!"

Her attack ending, Kairi felt it empower her with Oralee's continuing song and as it did-!

SHINE!

It released a huge pulse of power! This immediately caused her to be pushed high into the air, letting her leap forwards as a powerful white light generated all around her!

"So now, I'll shine for you!"

Using the power of the Sixth Fragment, Kairi aimed and knew exactly where to strike the Alicorn, so this fight could be ended once and for all!

"And let you see, the hope that blossomed!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The Alicorn unleashed its power! Seeing the electricity come to swipe her out of the air, Kairi felt a new power be born! Turning fast in the air, she cried out,

"Ascending Luminous Strike!"

SHINE!

Her body was coated in light! As it was, she turning form looked like a comet of light that rose up high into the air!

FLASH!

In seconds, she flashed straight through the lightning attack and collided straight into the chest of the Alicorn!

"WWWAAAARRR!"

The monster roared in agony as the radiance of her light and power, pierced straight into its yellow core! As this occurred-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

It splintered and cracked, it couldn't withstand her powerful magical force and-!

"I want to only be with you!"

SMASH!

Her strength finally destroyed the Alicorn's core, and as this happened, the horrible monster at last faded away. Becoming nothing but dark embers, that faded away into the darkness, the Princesses had won!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SMASH!

"HHHHAAAA!"

Enraged Xehanort had at last finally escaped his frozen imprisonment! Looking down, it was then he saw the the ring of snow and ice that had formed around him. Letting all the heroes all stand upon a solid surface in the darkness!

Seeing them all there, seemingly all rejuvenated. He couldn't help but scoff at this display of desperate courage,

"You certainly all are very unoriginal!"

"So says you!" Snow declared, with that pointing at him he said, "We needed a break from you, and your insanity, and what cooler way is there than this!"

"Utter foolishness!"

It was clear Xehanort was unimpressed by this show of bravado. But looking them, he decided upon something,

"But since you all insist on being so close to me...!"

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

His body began to conduct all over with fierce dark blue electricity! Seeing this, Mickey cried out, "Fella's get ready! He's gonna unleash somethin' real bad!"

"Right!"

Nozomi sounding her confirmation with the others, could feel it too! She held onto her Keyblade tightly and as she did, she then heard Xehanort declare,

"I will have it, that none of you will be able to escape my reach!"

With that he moved his free hand forwards and-!

SHINE!

"Ah!" Bracing herself as did the others, Nozomi had no clue what the evil man was doing, as he unleashed this light! As it's radiance diminished, it was then she looked around herself and saw much to her dread and the others, that they were now all within one huge yellow shining dome!

Looking about, she saw massive images of chains over the dome showing what the horrible man's intentions were for them! He wasn't going to let any of them escape!

"I am now going to punish you all severely, for making me lose my prized weaponry! Both the King-Blade and that which I created with my own power!"

Looking up to the terrifying giant monstrous man, she saw him move his extra dark limbs and-!

GRAB! GRAB!

They reached out and dug into the surfaces of the dome, as this happened-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

Immediately the surface of their cage conducted with terrible volts of dark blue power! As they did, she then heard the evil man say,

"Now, feel my wrath!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

Immediately huge bolts of lightning struck out from all sides of the dome! All of them tearing across the snow, fast! Seeing all of this, Nozomi cried out, "Everyone run!" With that the heroes all did just that, to avoid being struck by this ferocious power!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Landing on the floor, Kairi looking down at her hands, as Oralee's song ended and the light faded. She couldn't help but utter, "I don't believe it!" Then gripping them, feeling and remembering the amazing feeling of their combined power, she said with elation, "We did it! We really did it!"

"Yes we did! You were amazing Kairi! You won!"

"Yeah! Thanks to you helping me!" Then hugging herself, feeling her friend's warmth and happiness too, she told her, "Oralee, you're such an amazing singer!"

"Thank you! I'm glad that my magical skills were enough to help you!"

"It wasn't just your singing, your encouragement was the inspiration I needed to keep going! You really lit the way for me back there!" Then smiling brightly, she added as she continued to hold herself, "And you know what I'm going to do, once we get you back to normal?"

"No, what?"

"I'm going to give you a huge hug!" Kairi declared, then she added feeling so happy, "Because that's the best way I could ever show you, what you've done means to me!"

"I'll be looking forward to it!

Laughing too as she heard Oralee laugh, Kairi took a moment then to compose herself. As she did, looking to the glowing yellow pod that held her friend's treasured Knight. She then said, "Okay, now it's time! Let's get Reeve back!"

"Yes let us!"

With that walking forwards, and looking at the prison that held the Vessel of the Fifth Fragment, she didn't know how they should go about doing that. Arriving by its side, she asked her friend, "Oralee, how do you think we can release him?"

"I'm not sure? You should investigate it, maybe there's something along its surface that can help us?"

"Right, okay!" With that, Kairi moved her hand to the surface of the pod. As she did this, she asked, "What kind of signs should I be looking for?"

"I don't know, maybe-?"

GLOW!

Suddenly the surface of the pod she was touching, glowed brightly with pink light! As it did, with wide eyes, Kairi asked, "What's this!?"

"I think it's-!"

"Oralee?" Hearing her voice suddenly being cut off, the Princess of Heart didn't understand what was happening! Then just as quickly she felt that precious warmth leave her heart, as it did. She became alarmed and cried out, "Oralee!? Are you alright!? What's going on!? What's-!"

GLOW!

It was then within the pod now, came forth a shape. It was feminine and its silhouette matched the girl she had saved before! Seeing this, she realised, "Oralee! You made it in there!?"

The spiritual essence inside the yellow prison looked about herself before turning to her and nodding, proof she'd been heard. Seeing this, she then asked, "How's this happened? Do you know?" The pink spirit shook her head, seeing this Kairi was quiet. However she felt relief and laughed, telling her, "Well I guess there are some things you don't know, huh?"

Oralee nodded from within the pod. Kairi smiled and was about to ask more when-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

The pink knight was struck by terrible dark lightning! As she was, she grimaced in pain! As she did, she saw Oralee's pink form slam her hands with worry against the pod. Seeing her do this, she knew she was worried and told her, "Don't... worry about me!" Then pushing hard to keep her hands on the yellow pod, she added, "Just do what you can... to save Reeve, Oralee!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hearing Kairi's words from her side of the pod. The Princess of Alexandra was pained with anxiety for her! However she knew there was no other choice, so she nodded and said, "Alright, please hold on!"

With that she turned around, there she saw in the centre of the pod. Was the man, she'd been wanting to see again for so long! He was on his side and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

He was being subjected to horrible pain, as Xehanort's dark lightning inflicted damage on him! Forcing the protective powers of the Fifth Fragment out!
Seeing this happen, her eyes lined with tears. Then running to him, she cried out, "No! Reeve!"

Then quickly getting down to his level, she moved to touch him when-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

She was thrown back! The dark electricity not allowing her to touch him! As she lay on the floor, she gripped her fist tightly, and looking up, she uttered, "No...!" Then getting up, she was determined and said, "No! You won't...!"

"Urgh...!"

As he gasped in agony, Oralee forced herself forwards! As she did, she cried out, "You can't keep him!" With that she ran forwards to get to him, when-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

She screamed in pain again, as the lightning tried to force her back! However she refused to be thrown away again! She kept moving forwards, determined to save him! She had to!

"What is...?" It was then at that moment, hearing this scream of pain. That the knight opened his eyes. He was confused, in pain and breathless, he couldn't understand what was happening! Why was-!

"Agh!"

Hearing this sound, he looked up and there he saw a figure. A girl, with blonde hair with longs strands that hid away her right side. Seeing her, he didn't understand and asked, "Who're...?"

As the sound of his voice came, Oralee moved to get up. As she did, she saw with wide eyes, he was awake, as she did a pained smile of relief came, as she cried out, "Reeve! You're awake!"

As she cried out this name, he repeated, "Reeve...?" Then-!

BA BUMP!

He recognised it! His own eyes widening he asked, "That's my name...isn't it?"

Smiling hearing him say this, Oralee replied, "Yes, it is... you're-!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

Reeve then saw in horror, the girl was thrown back and struck by black lightning! As she was, this scene... he'd seen it before! Something like this happened before, she was-!

COLLAPSE!

She fell on the floor! As she did, he remembered a young girl who he saw fall before horrible people. Hooded men who wanted to kill her, because she was-!

"YOUR HIGHNESS!"

With that he pushed himself, to get up and get to her! If he didn't then-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

However he was stopped, as the fierce intensified power wouldn't allow him to move! He was to be given no freedom, as the monster who held him captive was not going to lose, one of the last most powerful Fragments he had left!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

Running everywhere on the battlefield, everyone was doing their best, to not be struck by the horrible dark lightning, Xehanort had summoned forth. However this was easier said than done, for the terrible power was flashing across the snow so fast that there was barely much time to react!

Covering her head as she tried to protect it, Irma uttered, "Talk about an attitude problem! And they've all said that I'm cranky!"

Pete then told her, "That's what ya learn being in the same space as power hungry creeps like this, they have the worst grudges ever!"

"Clearly!" She agreed, then looking over her shoulder, she said, "Well I guess it can't get worse!"

RRRROOOOAAAARRRRR!

Suddenly the giant centipede Heartless behind Xehanort moved and as it did-!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

Immediately hundreds more of the Heartless emerged! They spread about everywhere, and quickly they moved to impede the heroes, to aid in the assault of the black lightning, so they may all be struck down by it!

His face aghast in horror, Pete then mad told the Sorceress, "Why did ya have to open up yer dumb trap, huh!?"

Irma couldn't think of a single word to say then as-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

She and him parted ways, as he and her did their best to survive along with the other heroes, who dared to go against Xehanort's wrath!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Annoyed as they continued to travel down, Sora looking behind uttered mad, "Darn! There's just no end to these thorns is there!?"

With that as he continued to hold their combined Alliance Blade together with Riku, he heard his best friend tell him, "And they seem to be increasing number!" Then looking below, trying to find any trace of Kairi, he added, "This is a sign Xehanort's becoming desperate!"

Quiet as he heard this, Sora then said, "Makes sense I guess, he barely has any Fragments left!" Then as he said this-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

More of the thorns came to impede them head on, however moving together-!

"FURIOUS CRIMSON SUNDERING SAW!"

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

The two of them sliced through the horrible plants! Doing this, Sora said, "I guess there's no more time to talk, let's keep going Riku!"

"Right!" With that the two of them continued to dive down, as they kept searching for their treasured ally!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

The barrage of black lightning was relentless, as it chased all the heroes! Running with the King, striking Heartless back left and right, Nozomi asked him, "Is there really nothing else for us to do but run, your majesty?"
Shaking his head, he told her, "I don't want it to be, but I'm not sure if we can even-!"

"Well I'm sick of running!"

Surprised, hearing this. It was then they saw it was none other than Yuffie, who'd said this. Holding her Shuriken close to herself, she said mad, "It's about time we get payback against the creep who destroyed our old home!"

Leon in the distance, fighting more of the monsters, blasting them with his powerful Gunblade! Hearing her, he looked in her direction and called out, "Yuffie don't be stupid, you can't just-!"

"Here I come!"

Seeing her run, Nozomi cried out, "Yuffie! Come back here!"

Leon just as worried ran forwards too and called out, "You idiot, you don't know what he's-!"

LEAP!

But it was too late, the sprightly ninja took off into the air! As she did, she drew back her giant sharp glowing Shuriken and cried out, "Take this!"

THRUST!

The attack headed straight for the monstrous man! However just as it looked like it would incur damage on him-!

SHINE!

The bright yellow of the Fifth Fragment shone out! Stopping the attack from reaching him! Seeing this, Yuffie cried out, "Huh!?"

"Another insect?"

As Xehanort's hideous gaze spied the ninja, she caught her weapon. But before she landed on the floor-!

"That deserves punishment!"

He moved his giant free hand and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

She was struck by the hideous lightning making her scream in pain!

Nozomi and Mickey looked on horrified, as did Leon as he cried out, "Yuffie!?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Urgh!"

Getting up, shaking in pain. Oralee looked ahead and saw Reeve, he was still being struck by the black lightning as it forced his power out! She was quiet, however she quickly realised what he'd called out just a moment ago, "Reeve! You know me...don't you?"

Hearing her, in pain himself. Reeve looking to her, uttered, "Yes...your highness!" To which he finished, flinching badly. Then the black lightning struck him fiercely once again!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

"Reeve!" Oralee immediately did her best to get close to him again! However as she did-!

"Don't come here!"

Shocked as he cried this out, she asked, "Reeve?"

"You need... to get away...from here!" Then gasping, he added, "You need to stay... away from me!"

Hearing this, Oralee though shook her head. Then she cried out, "No! How could I ever...leave you here!?" Pained she told him struggling to move forwards, "I could never...do that!"

Shivering, Reeve though told her, "I don't want you...harmed, your highness!" Then gripping his hand, he added, "I can't let you be hurt... because of me!"

Knowing him, Oralee knew he only meant well for her. However, she became angered and told him, "You don't get...to decide that!" With that she pushed forwards and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"TCH!"

Reeve then saw Oralee push through the lightning! As she did, he saw she was doing her best not to scream, each violent volt was clearly causing her agony! Seeing this, caused the worst pain he'd ever known, inside his heart! He called out, "Your highness...please stop!"

However she didn't! She kept pushing herself forwards and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

She cried out again and fell forwards unmoving, time seemed to freeze. Tears quickly lined Reeve's eyes at this horrible sight! In seconds, he finally remembered her name,as the image of her smiling face came to his mind, holding the dear creation he'd made who was a dear friend to them both, Caith Sith. He cried out, "Oralee!" As this happened-!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The power finally ceased harming the Ninja, however as it did. She fell helplessly to the floor! Seeing this, everyone immediately ran to her! As they did, Leon held her in his arms and told her upset, "You idiot! What were you thinking!?"

Pained the female ninja told him, "Just trying to get...that long overdue...hit on him...!" Then flinching, she added, "Cause, I know that's...what you've always wanted to do too, right?"

Hearing this, Nozomi knew of their pained past. How they lost everything to Xehanort, who destroyed the original Radiant Gardens and even caused the loss of all their families. Saddened imagining the pain and suffering of then, the female Keyblader uttered sadly, "Yuffie...!"

Leon, was quiet. However knowing her wish for vengeance was just as strong as his, he looked up to Xehanort with pure rage! He was going to pay! He was going to-!

"So you all detest me?"

The evil monster was smirking down at them all, as he did. He then enlightened them to a simple fact,

"You all only have yourselves to blame for this! If you would simply have let me keep the King-Blade, and let me Unlock the Door of Light, you would all, no longer know of any suffering!"

Mickey who'd been silent up to this point, looking to the monstrous man, then declared, "All that you want is to submerge everything into the darkness of oblivion! You think we honestly, would give in to an insane wish like that!?"

"With your resistance still intact currently, but of course you all would!"

Then everyone saw the evil man, reach up his free hand into the air and as he did-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

More deadly thunder conducted above him, along the surface of the yellow shield dome! As it did, everyone was terrified as they heard the evil man then tell them,

"But even that will now be futile!"

As he grinned at them all sadistically, his power had reached its peak and he declared the attack,

"AGONIZING DEADLY CALAMITY !"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

Thousands of bolts struck everywhere across the snow! It conducted everywhere and left no room for anyone to run to! They were all helpless as-!

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!"

Screaming was heard everywhere, as he inflicted damage an all who were present! It seemed to last forever until-!

"Agh!" Nozomi fell forwards onto the snow, as did everyone else, all of them helpless. Suffering from the worst paralysis again! Shivering badly, she looked up and there she saw to her horror, Xehanort had pulled back his Keyblade and was going to unleash the final blow upon them all!

"Be grateful, I am willing to put you all out of your misery now!"

Then seeing the Vessel of the Seventh Fragment was looking at him, he also added with a smile in his eye,

"And you will finally return and be under my dominion, Seventh Fragment!"

She shivered, there was no chance for them now! She and everyone else were all going to be-!

"This is the end!"

Xehanort moved to strike them all down! Nozomi bowed her head, dreading the next wave of pain that was surely coming when-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Suddenly the jewel on Xehanort's right hand cracked and splintered! As it did-!

"AGH!"

The evil monster lost his hold on the giant weapon, as it vanished in a flash of light! Xehanort cradled his dominant hand in agony, as he felt his control being taken from him again!

Looking up at this sight, Nozomi quickly realised and became hopeful saying, "Reeve! He's being...saved!" For soon it meant with that gone, they'd all have a true fighting chance! She had to act fast, so pushing herself to move to get up, she went to try and revive all who she could!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Finally the prison they were within, incurred damage! As it did, the black lightning lessened in intensity, as it did. Oralee feeling this, despite her pain couldn't help but do one thing.

"Ha, ha, ha...!"

Hearing her do this, Reeve didn't understand. Why was she laughing, how could she be-!

"You know... this is the first time," She said with some struggle.

"First time?" He asked her.

"Yes," then as she looked to him with her single revealed purple eye, she told him with a pained smile, "That you've called me... by my name...you've never done that before now."

Shocked, he asked her, "I haven't?"

"Yes..." then getting up again, Oralee forced her pained body forwards, and continued on to tell him, shaking all the way, "Always, you never dared speak my name, you were so committed to being a Knight...that you always kept yourself at a distance from me!"

Watching her coming closer to him, Reeve asked, moving himself to stand upon his knees, "That's what I am to you...a knight?"

Nodding, Oralee then told him, "Yes, but not just any!" With that getting closer and closer to him, she revealed, "To me, you've always been one of the most kindest people in my life, you were so gentle..." Then finally she made it over to him, as she did. It was then she wrapped her arms around him, as she kneeled down to his level. Doing this, she then added, "So encouraging! You and Beatrix... you gave me the strength and will...to keep going...when I'd lost everything!"

Amazed hearing her words, and feeling her hold him with so much care. He was in doubt as he told her, "I can't believe that..."

Surprised, she asked, "Reeve?"

Feeling her treasured warmth, the man told her with regret, "I can't possibly be as amazing as you think..." For then, thinking of his past, he remembered what he was and told her, "I'm nothing but a commoner, and a coward, who let his family perish..." then feeling pained, he remembered the terror and panic of that horrible day when his second family was lost too, "Even the palace fell, with Beatrix too... I couldn't save anyone!" Then shuddering, he added, "I even lost you! I couldn't protect you when you needed me the most, I-!" Tensing his fist he admitted to her, "I'm nothing but a disappointment, in every way!"

Pausing as he said this, Oralee though tightened her arms around him and said shaking her head, "You've never been a disappointment to me!" Then she added, "Besides, I'm already disappointing myself, since you and I aren't too different."

Surprised hearing this, Reeve asked her, "Your highness?"

Oralee then admitted to him, "Because, I also was born of a commoner."
Shocked hearing her say this, Reeve asked her, "You were?"

Nodding, the Princess revealed the truth, "My mother, she was a common dancer who enchanted my father so much, that... I was born of that starstruck union." Then shivering, she sadly told him, "That's why, no matter how hard you and Beatrix fought for me, so I might ascend the ranks of hierarchy, I never had a chance but be anything, but a lesser princess... detested by the very palace I was born into."

Shocked hearing this, Reeve was quiet. Then he uttered, "Your highness, I-?"

"That's why, when you told me, that even I could shine... that I was more than just a Princess, my fated role, that meant more to me than you'll ever know!" Then feeling her heart warm and beat faster. Being able to tell him everything she always wanted to, she added, "That's why, to me you're my inspiration! The person that let's me be more, than any mere title assigned to me!"

It was clear he was amazed as he heard this, he then uttered gently. "Your highness..." Then he moved his arms up and held her close too.

Feeling him do this, Oralee then told him, "So please, don't think less of yourself," then moving herself back to look at him, she told him smiling with relieved tears in her eyes, "And I know, we'll be able to restore everyone one day! Everything can still don't turn out for the better... because the power of miracles will always surely exist, right?"

Reeve looked at her with disbelief, then he bowed his head and finally revealed a smile of his own too. As he remembered fully everything about himself and her. Then he couldn't help but say, "You truly are a wondrous girl!" With that he held her cheek gently, to which in turn she held it with both her own hands. Filled with happiness. Then as this occurred-!

"Agh!"

Hearing this voice, the two of them looked behind themselves and there they saw Kairi's silhouetted struggling form! As they did, he asked her, "That's-!"

"One of those who helped in my rescue, so that I may aid you now!" With that fully lifting herself up, she asked him, reaching her right hand down, "Will you help me to assist her?"

Silent at this request, Reeve then smiled again and reaching his hand to her said, "Yes your," however he corrected himself with a shake of his head, and said instead, "No, of course, Oralee!"

The graceful girl smiled happy at the change, and with that he took her hand and gripped it gently, then-!

SHINE!

A bright light shone out that healed them both, and finally freed the captive Knight from Xehanort's oppressive control!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Tch!" Kairi had her eyes closed, as she was still doing her best to press against the surface of the yellow pod! As she did this, she was determined not to falter, for she had to keep doing her best! For Sora, Riku, Oralee and everyone waiting outside for them! For they had to-!

SHINE!

"Huh!?" Surprised feeling this illumination, Kairi opened her eyes. As she did, it was then she saw within the pod, that Reeve's body was finally freed from the dark tendrils! As he descended onto the floor, the dark lightning that had been incurring damage onto her was quickly erased too, as the thorns all over the pod left with it!

Falling forwards, she kept her hold upon the pod though. For she couldn't let Oralee down, she had to hold on till the very end to-!

"Agh!"

Hearing this gasp of life, Kairi looked within the pod again. As she did, she then saw that the shining yellow Fragment, that had been outside of Reeve's body was quickly returned to him, as it entered his chest again.

Looking on with amazement, as this happened, Kairi saw that the one who'd done this. Was her fellow Princess's pink glowing spirit, and as she finished doing her healing task, she called out to her, "Oralee you did it! You saved him!"
The spirit inside the pod, looked to her and nodded clearly happy.

As she did this, it was then as his Fragment finally settled into the domains of his Broken Heart, that Reeve opened his eyes. As he did, he saw her there before him and he said in wonder, "Oralee..."
The pink spirit of the girl moved and quietly, she lifted her right hand and touched his cheek gently, as he done for her. Feeling her do this, he smiled at her, and held it for a moment, before finally he let go, so that she could return to her friend.

Seeing her come closer to her, Kairi was quiet. But then she saw, her friend, place her hands against where he armoured palms were touching, as she did this, she felt something warm return, into the depths of her heart!

Becoming breathless for a moment, from the sensation she asked, "Oralee?"

"I've returned to you, it's alright now!"

"I'm glad!" Kairi told her, with that she held herself, pleased to feel her familiar warmth again.

"So I have you to thank, for rescuing myself and my highness?"

Kairi looked up, and there she saw, standing close to where she was. Was Oralee's Knight, looking up she could see he had a gentle smile on his face.

Seeing this, she smiled too and replied, "I guess?"

Reeve then laughed and said, "It must fate then, that she was able to meet another Princess like you, who could help in our liberation."

Hearing this, she looked down admitting, "To be honest, I don't think me being a princess has had anything to do with it, it was just good luck that I was able to form the bond that helped in saving you both." Then she added thinking of everything that had happened, "I had my doubts if I could even help at all, when this all got started, but..." with that she finished with her hand on her heart, "Thanks to Oralee, she gave me the encouragement to keep going, she showed me that it's thanks to the links we make with each other, like my friends did before, that are the key to truly saving others."

With a nod, Reeve then told her, "Those are some good wise words."

Kairi smiled brightly, then she moved her right hand and-!

FLASH!

Quickly her Keyblade returned to her side again! As it did, she then said, "And right now, the bond that I'll form with you, will be what we need to save the others!" Then looking to the Knight, she asked him, "Will you help me to do that?"

Smiling, Reeve then put his hand to his own chest and told her, "Of course, your highness!"

Kairi hearing this laughed and said looking away to the side, "That feels weird being called that!"

Reeve chuckled and-!

CRACK! CRACK!

Immediately the yellow pod had reached it's limit! Then-!

SMASH!

"Whoa!"

"Ah!"

Finally the very thing to release him had been revealed, the Keyhole!

Seeing it emerge, Kairi quickly moved and getting ready, she asked him, "You ready to get out of there?"

At this request, the Knight was quiet before he nodded and replied, "Absolutely!"

The Princess of Heart smiled, then jumping back, she aimed her Keyblade and quickly-!

SHINE!

The light of Unlocking came, and quickly entered the Keyhole! As it did-!

SMASH!

The yellow pod was smashed to pieces and in seconds, Reeve's physical body was absorbed into the Fifth Fragment! As the two became one, they quickly left the domains of the pod, and gently floated into Kairi's palms.

As the glowing treasure did this, she smiled and said, "Here Reeve," With that she pressed the treasure to her chest, and finished telling him, "Both of us can protect Oralee and our friends together now." With that, the warm gentle treasure entered her body, making it into the realms of her heart. Feeling it do this, she kept her eyes closed as Reeve's memories entered her mind...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SHINE!

Breathing in and out hard, the hooded men who'd attacked the carriage were stunned to see a bright shining yellow domed shield cut them off from their assassination targets!

As it glowed with vibrant light, no matter what they'd done to destroy it, there was nothing they could do against this power!

"That's right! Just try it ya dumb thugs!"

Hearing his magical creation jeer at the men, Reeve in his teenage youth was quiet as the black and white crowned cat, continued on to say, "Ya think ya can just wipe out a helpless wee lass!?" Then punching his gloved fist into his other hand, he added mad, "Not gonna happen on our watch!"

Reeve remained quiet, unsure of what the men would do. However after some silence-!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

They all vanished into the trees, it was clear they had no chance against Reeve's protective powers!

Seeing them go, Cait sith then called out, "Yeah that's right! Get out of here, ya blighters! Don't let me catch ya here again!"

Reeve was quiet for a little more time, before he was sure that the dangerous individuals were truly gone. Then lowering his shield, he quickly went to the young blonde girl, and asked, "Hey! Are you alright!? Can you hear me!?"

"Urgh...!"

Looking on, it was clear she was in bad shape. Then looking on with alarm, he saw her skin was stained with awful purple and green blotches, he realised quickly, "Malboro poisoning!"

"Oh shoot!" Cait sith cried out worried. Then looking about he asked, "Can ya heal her, Reeve!? Ya think, ya can-!"

Shaking his head, the young man replied, "No, I don't have the necessary remedies... at this rate she'll-!"

"Agh!"

Hearing her cry out in pain, Reeve saw her reach her struggling hand up. As she did, he caught it in his own hands. As he did, he heard her cry breathlessly, as the poison moved to still her weak heart, "Mother...Father, please...help!"

As she said this, so pained and full of grief her life was rapidly fading away. He couldn't help but see the image of his own little sister, in this girl. Did she cry out like this too? Wishing for them, for him to save her?

He gripped her hand tightly, at this point. He knew there was only one thing that could save her! Releasing one of his hands from her, he reached his other into his satchel. Taking out a tightly wrapped white bundle, he undid its tie and-!

GLOW!

Cait sith by his side became shocked as he cried out, "Reeve that's-!?"
"Yes, my Mother's Fragment!" With that looking to the suffering child, he said, "She was saved by this long ago, it should be able to do the same for this girl!"

His companion though asked him, "Are ya sure though!? That thing was in the heart of her, would she-!"

"I'm sure she would want it this way," then looking to the girl he added, "She was a nursemaid after all, caring for little one's was her life's work." With that he turned his attentions back to the girl.

As he did, he gently moved her small body up, and with the pink Fragment in his hand, he put it over the girl's chest. As it hovered and glowed, he whispered desperately, "Please, accept her! She needs to be saved!" However, the glittering treasure did nothing. Alarmed seeing this. He became desperate, he then told it, "Look, if you choose her, I promise that nothing comes to take her! I won't let anybody take her life, like I lost my mother." With that he pleaded once more, "Please, just save her! And I'll protect her always, I promise!"

There was still nothing but silence, the Fragment didn't move. Maybe his promise wouldn't be enough? Maybe there was nothing he could-!

GLOW!

Quickly though, something miraculous happened! A pink light glowed everywhere, and as it did, he and Cait sith watched, as the Fragment entered the girl's chest and as it did-!

BA BUMP! BA BUMP! BA BUMP!

The sound of a heartbeat filled the air! As it did-!

"Ah!" The young girl in his arm's gasped into life!

Hearing her do this, Cait sith and him then saw immediately that the horrible purple and green blotches were quickly fading away from her skin! She was being saved, the Fragment had chosen her to be its new Vessel!

Seeing this happen, Reeve was full of relief. As he was, he smiled and said, "Thank goodness!"

"I'll say!" Cait sith agreed, then he asked, "So? Will she be alright now?"

"Definitely!" Then laying the girl on the floor gently again, he continued, "The same thing happened to my Mother, she told me, when she was near death's door, the Fragment did the same for her too... it completely resurrected her, destroying that which was trying to take her life."

"That's good then!" The crowned cat admitted, then as he sat on the floor he asked, "So what do we do now Reeve, do we-!"

"Be still!"

Freezing in seconds, Reeve then felt a blade by his right cheek. As he did, he then heard a female voice then say, "Step away from my highness!"

Puzzled hearing this, he asked, "Highness?"

"Oi! Get yer sharp sword away from there!" Cait sith cried out mad, "What do ya think yer doin' ya-!"

"You dare lay your hands upon the blood of Alexandra, you will pay with your life!"

Hearing this being said with such aggression, Reeve could hear the sorrow and anger in her voice. Getting up slowly, he had his hands up then he turned to face her.

There he saw a woman much older than him, dressed in armour with her sword out ready, it was clear she was hurt badly all over, and her right eye was bleeding. He was horrified at seeing this! He couldn't think of what to say!

"I'll never forgive you! For taking them from me!" The woman told him, with venom in her voice, she said, "All assassin vermin like you should be wiped out from the face of the earth!"

Reeve tried to explain, "Listen I-!"

"ENOUGH!" The woman didn't care, and with that, moved fast and said, "Now die!" With that she rushed forwards to strike him down!

"Hey stop!"

Cait sith's voice though wouldn't be enough to stop her, and Reeve knew he couldn't bring the shield up fast enough to save himself. This was it, he was-!

"Beatrix!"

Hearing this voice, Reeve was shocked and quickly the enraged woman became the same. For then turning around, they both saw, the young girl somehow was standing up!

As she did, it was clear she was struggling. But despite this, she walked forwards and said, "Beatrix, please don't hurt him!"

"Your highness!?" The injured woman was in disbelief.

Reeve was the same, as then the young girl stood between him and the aggressive woman. As she did, she told her, "This boy, he saved me..." then struggling, she took in another deep breath and said desperately, "He rescued me, Beatrix!"

"Rescued you?" The woman asked.

The girl nodded and tried to explain more, "Yes, so please! Don't-!" But it was clear the young girl had reached her limit as she fell forwards!

"Your highness!?" Running forwards, Beatrix dropped her sword, and quickly held the young princess in her arms.

Reeve was amazed, then he heard his feline companion say, as the wounded woman sobbed with relief, "Whoa! That little one's a princess!?" Then he also realised, "And she tried to protect ya?"

The young man was quiet, however with a shake of his head he then corrected his friend with a small grateful smile, "She didn't just try, she just did."

With that as the woman known to him now as Beatrix looked at him, he would then after some peace and recovery, explain himself to her, about who he was and Cait sith. Then eventually, in the future about his powers, as the young girl who he saved opened the door to a new fate for him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Amazed at this revelation she learned, Kairi asked, "Reeve? So in reality, Oralee was the one who saved you?"

"Yes, in more ways than one."

Kairi smiled at this, feeling their combined warmth in her heart. She could feel it, they were both truly good warm people, that wanted to help and protect others. As she sensed this, she said, "I'm gonna promise you both right now, I'm going to do my best, to protect everyone!"

"Kairi?"

Hearing the puzzled tone in Oralee's voice, the Princess of Heart explained, "Seeing you both do your best, makes me want to do the same! I want to bring you both back to normal, and reunite everyone else together, and make sure that Xehanort can't hurt anyone like this again!"
As her resolve strengthened, seeing the warm memories the two of them held, being in the company of the others who dwelled in the Radiant Gardens, along with those who once lived within the Alexandra Palace, especially Beatrix. She then asked both the Knight and Princess, "Can I rely on you both to help me realise that goal?"

"Of course you can!"

"It would be an honour!"

Kairi smiled pleased to hear their voice's say this in unison. She then said, "Okay, let's do this together then!"

SHINE!

"Huh!?"

Suddenly Kairi's Keyblade in her hands began to change and morph! As it did, with wide eyes, it was then she saw it shine with pink, yellow, white and lilac! As it did, she was amazed as it transformed into a new majestic shape altogether!

Looking at it in amazement, she asked, "This is-?"

"You have now acquired the next stage of the Keyblade's evolution."

Surprised hearing Aqua's voice, Kairi asked, "It's next evolution?"

"Yes, since your heart is now harmonising with the Vessels within you, along with myself, you have gained access to what is known as an Alliance Blade!"

Awestruck as she heard its title, Kairi asked, "That's what this is now?" For she could feel it, the weapon she had in her hand. Was not just a Keyblade anymore. It was far more than that, feeling its gentle strength, the Princess of Heart couldn't help but smile.

As she did, she then holding it aloft said, "Well, I don't know what its capable of, but I do know its name." With that seeing it glitter in the darkness, like hope itself, she stated it, "Alliance Blade: Inspiration!"

With that declaration, she then said, "Okay! I'll do my best to use this, now let's go find Riku and Sora!" For with a smile on her face, she added, "After all, they're useless without me!"

As she said those words, she heard Oralee laugh, while Reeve released a gentle chuckle too. Then with that the Princess of Heart was on her way, to find her fellow Keybladers, to show them the strength she'd been able to finally shine with!