DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING EXCEPT MY ORIGINAL CHARACTERS!
A/N: HEY THERE! HI THERE! HO THERE! YOU'RE AS WELCOME AS CAN BE! D-I-S-N-E-Y T-O-W-N! DISNEY TOWN!
HELLO THERE! I'VE COME - WITH CHAPTER 47!
Seeing As This Particular Chapter May Seem Rather LONG, I'll Be Allowing You All To Start Reading. First, I Have A NUMBER Of Things To Say! I WILL NOT SPOIL ANYTHING, SO DO NOT WORRY!
First Of All, Today Is MY BIRTHDAY, SO I AM REALLY EXCITED! HIP-HIP-HORRAY! HALLELUJAH! IT'S TODAY - OCTOBER 10TH! THAT'S Why I Decided To Celebrate - With Chapter 47!
Seeing As I Made It Clear How I'm Currently In School, I Wanted To Ask That You Please Keep On Reading AND Reviewing Alike! I have absolutely NO INTENTION TO ABANDON THIS STORY ANYTIME SOON! Do NOT Forget: THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED REVIEWS IS 107! YET, IF 120 ARE POSTED, I WILL ADD A "SNEAK PEEK" FOR THIS STORY'S SEQUEL - I HAVE PLANNED MOST OF IT OUT ALREADY! I'M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO WRITING IT, TOO!
I Was A Little Surprised At All The Positive Reviews I Received On Chapter 46 - ESPECIALLY Considering How DARK That Chapter Was! The Only Things I Noticed Did NOT Get Mentioned In The Reviews Was How I Cleverly Snuck In The CYBERCHASE Crossover (In A Way) Once More, The References To "The Odd Couple" Earlier On, And The Fourth Wall Joke I Wanted To Leave As A Surprise! I Also Hid HINTS To Some Other Events Involving My Overall Version Of The "Kingdom Hearts Storyline"... Go Back And Try To See If You Can Find Them! Of course, I WAS Pleased To See How Well-Accepted Launchpad's Silliness Became! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THOSE REVIEWS SO FAR!
Welp! That's ALL I Have To Say Today! IT'S TIME FOR RIKU AND VIOLET TO DESCEND INTO SORA'S HEART! PLEASE READ TO YOUR HEART'S CONTENT! PLUS, PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW - PRETTY, PRETTY PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP - TOO!
CHAPTER 47
Diving Into Memories
The tunnel was pitch-dark. Thick Darkness… It was so complete, Violet's glow barely pierced into it. It had been less than five minutes since she and Riku had dived into the passage leading into Sora's sleeping heart. Still, nothing had changed. The depth of the corridor before them was no greater than when the occasional wandering Nightmare had crossed paths with the tunnel and they had been forced to clear the way.
This time, only one thing was clearly dissimilar — Sora was not with them. As the pair dove down into the Darkness, Violet started to feel much more anxious than she had felt in similar circumstances. Now that it appeared Sora's heart had really fallen to the Darkness, there was no telling whether or not the angel and Riku would succeed in rescuing the brown, spikey-headed youth from within the prison of his own heart. Time could be running out as they spoke.
Ansem, The Seeker of Darkness/Xehanort's Heartless had not been misleading the two when he had claimed Sora's heart now belonged to the Darkness. From what Violet had been able to piece together, Master Xehanort's youth self from the distant past had time-travelled to the present so the villain could manipulate Sora into allowing the Darkness entry into his heart. As a result, Sora would be transformed into one of Xehanort's thirteen vessels — one which turned out to be Genesis, who had pursued Violet upon her arrival in The Castle That Never Was. She had been astounded to discover Sora's claims of a scientist-like figure being connected to the plot had been accurate. Ansem — Xehanort's Heartless, Xemnas, Young Xehanort, and Saïx (who Riku had been confronting when Violet had located him inside the castle) had also been members of the corrupt Master Xehanort's group.
How she despised him! Every now and then, she had found herself exploring the dreams of Master Xehanort himself. Those were the ones she never looked forward to venturing through! So filled with Darkness… no indication of Light… and Nightmares upon Nightmares were constantly present inside those dreams.
Shoving the contemplation aside, Violet took a glance to her right. Riku was focused on the passage ahead with a serious look in his eyes. She knew this meant anything could occur while the pair were soaring down the corridor at a speed which could have rivaled the fastest thing in the known universe; Light itself. Of course, the only thing faster than Light was Darkness. …Or was that intended to be a silly joke?
She gave a tiny smile. Not only would she now be able to possess her dreams, but she would also have friends; things she had once been convinced were not allowed for an angel — especially the Angel of Dreams. Then again, should anything go incorrect while the two were awakening Sora… she refused to accept it. Unless a tragic outcome was near, Violet knew she would be able to return back to the study with Riku and Sora. If not, she might have no option except to remain trapped within the Realm of Sleep for however long eternity should last.
Either way, she would assist Riku every single step of the way. Even if it meant Violet herself would have to make a daring sacrifice so the soon-to-be-awakened Sora could be reunited with his childhood friend; the silver-haired young man she was still accompanying — Riku.
All of a sudden, Riku's eyes lit up in surprise. He gave a rapid glance at Violet. Having snatched the angel's undivided attention, the silver-headed Keyblade wielder turned his eyesight further down the tunnel. "See that?" he asked, pointing ahead.
Wondering what Riku had noticed, Violet shifted her eyes down the tunnel ahead. She stared in surprise; this was not what she had anticipated to be within someone's heart.
The tunnel was coming to a close, only to lead into a second passage consisting of a series of circular pictures. The one directly before the two showing a young boy with spiked, brown hair and azure eyes standing in what seemed to be the middle of an abyss of Darkness. He was wearing a white T-shirt, red shorts, and orange sandals. In his hands was what appeared to be a ball of pure Light with a strange glow.
"Is that intended to be Sora?" Violet inquired. "What is he carrying?"
Riku shrugged. "Who knows?" he replied. "I think we're about to find out."
By this point, the angel and silver-haired seventeen-year-old were exactly before the picture. A bright flash of Light filled their senses before a pair of voice called out from the middle of nowhere. One sounded like a younger version of Sora while the other sounded unfamiliar — at least to Violet.
Riku, on the other hand, recognized the other voice as being similar to Roxas's.
AGE 4: Somewhere Deep Inside Sora's Heart…
"Hey! Can you hear me?"
"I heard your voice. It cut through the Darkness around me. All alone, I followed the sound, into a sea of Light… and found myself here, with you. You gave me something back when I needed it most. A second chance."
"I did?"
"But… now I have to go back to sleep again."
"…Are you sad?"
"Would you mind if I stayed here, with you?"
"Sure, if it'll make you feel better."
"Thank you."
The Light faded. Violet was puzzled. "What did we just witness?"
Riku was staring directly ahead. "I think it was one of Sora's memories. All these pictures must be memories, too."
Violet nodded before shifting her gaze to the tunnel ahead. A rainbow-colored, stained-glass image laid directly before the two. They both soared into it without a word. Multiple voices could be heard. In each scenario the two witnessed, Sora could be seen interacting with someone or other.
NIGHT OF FATE: Traverse Town — "Third District"…
"So… you were looking for me?"
(The short duck and tall dog both nodded. Sora noticed both Leon and Yuffie nodding behind him.)
"They, too, have been seeking the wielder of the Keyblade."
"Hey! Why don't ya come with us? We can go to other worlds on our vessel."
(Sora looked down.)
"I wonder if I could find Riku and Kairi… "
"Of course!"
(Sora looked back up. For a moment or two, the duck and dog were whispering to each other. Leon strode forwards.)
"Sora, go with them — especially if you want to find your friends."
(Sora looked down again. He sighed.)
"Yeah… I guess… "
(The duck shook his finger at Sora.)
"But you can't come along looking like that. Understand? No frowning. No sad face. Okay?"
(The dog leaned in front of the duck.)
"Yeah! Ya gotta look funny — like us!"
(The duck shoved the dog aside.)
"This boat runs on 'happy faces'."
"…Happy?"
(The brown, spikey-headed young man showed a ridiculous-looking smile. The dog and duck burst out laughing.)
"That's one funny face!"
"Okay, why not? I'll go with you guys."
"Donald Duck!"
"Name's Goofy."
"I'm Sora."
(The three placed their hands one on top of the other in a circle.)
"All for one, one for all!"
The 100-Acre Wood — "Starry Hill"…
"I'm so glad we're all together again. I didn't know what to do when I was all alone."
"Aw, Piglet, you gotta be brave."
"You weren't l-l-lonely at all?"
"'Lonely'? Are you kiddin'? I'm a Tigger! The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one. But I do admit, friends are awfully fun, too!"
(Sora smiled at the two with a shake of his head.)
"Think, think. Think… "
"Hey, Pooh, what are you thinking about now?"
"Oh, well, I'm just thinking about… what to think about."
(Sora nodded with a smile before rising to his feet.)
"Well, I'm off."
"Sora, w-w-w-where are you going?"
"I'm gonna go look for my friends. They're waiting for me."
"Bounce on back again!"
"I h-h-hope you find your friends!"
(Sora leapt down to the ground below and headed for the nearby bridge. He raised his fist into the air before glancing back to see Pooh doing the same in return. He turned to leave.)
"Sora, don't forget… We shall always be here — if you'd like to visit again, that is."
(In the night sky above, a shooting star could be seen.)
Hollow Bastion — Entrance Hall…
(Sora turned back to see Riku, Donald, and Goofy before him.)
"Quit while you can."
"No. Not without Kairi."
"The Darkness will destroy you."
"You're wrong, Riku. The Darkness may destroy my body, but it can't touch my heart. My heart will stay with my friends. It'll never die!"
"Really… Well, we'll just see about that!"
(Riku threw a ball of fiery Darkness at Sora. Just before it could make impact, Goofy rushed over and blocked it with his shield.)
"Sora ain't gonna go anywhere!"
"You'd betray your king?"
"Not on your life! But I'm not gonna betray Sora, either, 'cause he's become one of muh best buddies after all we've been through together!"
(Goofy waved to Donald.)
"See ya later, Donald! Could ya tell the King I'm really sorry?"
"Hold on, Goofy! We'll tell him together."
(Donald ran across the room and up to Sora and Goofy.)
"Well, you know… 'All for one and one for all.'"
"I guess you're stuck with us, Sora."
"Thanks a lot… Donald, Goofy."
(Riku looked unimpressed.)
"How will you fight without a weapon?"
"I know now I don't need the Keyblade. I've got a better weapon, my heart."
"Your heart? What good will that weak little thing do for you?"
"Although my heart may be weak, it's not alone. It's grown with each new experience, and it's found a home with all the friends I've made. I've become a part of their hearts — just as they've become a part of mine. And if they think of me now and then… if they don't forget me… then our hearts will be one."
(Sora positioned his wooden toy sword into his typical battle style.)
"I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!"
(Riku was shocked when the Keyblade suddenly vanished from his hand and reappeared in Sora's.)
Hollow Bastion — The Grand Hall…
(When Sora looked up at the Keyhole again, Donald and Goofy were stranding on either side of it. They were shaking with lots and lots of anxiety.)
"Sora! Look!"
"Oh! The Keyhole!"
(Sora pointed his Keyblade straight at the Keyhole. Nothing happened.)
"It won't work! The Keyhole's not finished yet!"
(Sora put away his Keyblade.)
"What can we do?"
(They turned their attention to where Kairi was laying on the floor.)
"Maybe we ought to go wake Kairi up."
"I think you're right. If we can free her heart. But…but how?"
(Sora's eyes landed on the Keyblade Riku had dropped.)
"A Keyblade that unlocks people's hearts. I wonder…"
"Sora?"
(Sora stepped up to the Keyblade; Goofy and Donald watched him with confused looks. As Sora picked up the Keyblade, the two stared in alarm.)
"Sora! Hold on!"
"No! Wait!"
(Sora just smiled at them, pointed the Keyblade to his heart, and just simply let it slide down his hands—into his chest.All at once, Sora fell unconscious. The Keyblade flew out of him and vanished, dissolving into the hearts of six of thePrincesses of Heart. Another heart came out of Sora and floated straight over to Kairi. As the heart entered her body, Kairi started to awaken. The Keyhole behind Donald and Goofy glowed, having finally been completed. As Kairi got up, Donald ran over to where Sora was rapidly vanishing from sight.)
"Sora! Sora!"
(Seeing Sora fading before her, Kairi ran over to him with arms held out. Sora vanished from sight just as Kairi was about to catch him. Donald was screaming like a madman.)
"Sora! Come back, Sora!"
Traverse Town — The Underground Waterway…
(As Donald and Goofy headed back to cavern's entrance, Sora noticed Kairi was looking down the tunnel to where the Gummi piece had been found.)
"The Light… at the end of the tunnel…"
"Oh! Your favorite story — the one your grandma told you, right?"
(Kairi nodded.)
"That's right! We were together."
"You know what's funny? I looked everywhere for you, but you were with me all along. Finally, we're together again, Kairi."
(Kairi nodded in agreement.)
"Now, it's time to get Riku back."
(Kairi seemed hesitant.)
"You think it'll ever be the same again between us? Riku's lost his… "
(Kairi's voice trailed off. Sora turned to face her.)
"Kairi… when I turned into a Heartless, you saved me. Remember? I couldn't find my way. As I stumbled through the Darkness, I started forgetting things…my friends…who I was… the Darkness almost swallowed me. But then, I heard a voice—yourvoice. You brought me back."
"I can't just forget about you, Sora. I couldn't."
"That's it! Our hearts are connected! The Light from our hearts, broke through the Darkness. I saw that Light! I think that's what saved me."
(Sora smiled very proudly.)
"No matter how deep the Darkness, a Light shines within. I guess it's more than just a fairy tale."
(Kairi nodded.)
"Okay. Let's go!"
(Sora was taken aback.)
"Wait! You cannot go! No!"
(Kairi looked surprised.)
"Why not?"
(Sora paused, looking for an excuse of some kind.)
"Because… it's way too dangerous!"
(Kairi glanced down.)
"C'mon, Sora. We've made it this far by sticking together. You can't go alone!"
"Kairi, since we're connected, we're not alone. Right?"
"I can't help?"
"You'd kinda be in my way."
"Okay. You win."
(Kairi placed a thalassic-shell charm into Sora's hand.)
"It's my lucky charm! Be sure to bring it back to me!"
"Don't worry. I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Don't ever forget: Wherever you go, I'm always with you."
Castle Oblivion — The Twelfth Floor…
"You must be Naminé. It's great to meetcha. My name's…"
"You're Goofy, and you're Donald."
"Yeah… but how'd you know that?"
"Congratulations, Sora! Ya finally found your friend!"
(Sora didn't respond. Jiminy Cricket hopped out of his pocket.)
"Hmm… there sure are an awful lot of questions. Now Naminé, I know this won't be easy for you, but can you please tell us what's going on?"
(Naminé nodded.)
"Of course! It's my fault after all."
(Several seconds of silence followed as Naminé told Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy what had happened.)
"So you rewrote Sora's memories…"
"…Because you were supposed to?"
"It was lies— all of it."
"Wait a minute! What about Sora's promise?!"
"Another lie. Sora really didn't promise me anything. In Sora's true memories, I was really never there. This is our first meeting."
"Is there any way we can get them back?"
"Of course! I can do it for you —if we go to the Thirteenth Floor. But, Marluxia…"
"Bet I know who that is! Was he the one who made you do this?"
"Yes. He said if I didn't, I would be locked in this castle forever. I was so lonely…I didn't have any choice."
"Gawrsh! Ya did it cause you were lonely?"
"Yes. And I really wanted to meet Sora."
(Sora crossed his arms.)
"I know I should be mad at you, but… for some reason, I can't. It's… strange."
(Naminé nodded before she started to cry.)
"Please don't cry."
"I know…I reallydon't have the right to."
"No! It's just…in my memories— I mean my fake memories—I used to like your smile. If you cry now, I'd feel really guilty — like I let you down. So please… don't cry. It'll be easier on me that way."
(A few moments of awkward silence followed. Donald and Goofy were shaking their heads.)
"Aw phooey! That's a little too much."
"No worries! Sora always gets like this every time he's around a bunch-a girls. Even if it's only one."
(Sora glared at Donald and Goofy.)
"Knock it off! I thought you two had lost your memories!"
"Too bad! We're too good friends to forget the good stuff!"
"A-Hyuck! Yeah! We're like three bugs in a blanket!"
"Come on… "
(Donald and Goofy started laughing away. Naminé joined in with a giggle of her own. Sora smiled when he saw her smile.)
"There! That's the Naminé I remember."
"Naminé, Marluxia's gonna be up there, so maybe you'd better wait down here. He might be upta somethin'."
"That doesn't make any sense, ya big palooka."
"No, Goofy's right! She should stay down here where it's safe."
"Good idea. Be careful, Sora!"
(After Jiminy hopped back into Sora's pocket, Sora, Donald, and Goofy headed up the next flight of stairs and straight to the castle's Thirteenth Floor.)
Castle Oblivion — The Thirteenth Floor; Pod Room…
"Do we have to sleep in that?"
"Yes, but don't worry. I'll take care of each of you."
"Gawrsh, Naminé. When we wake up, we ain't gonna remember who you aren't anymore."
"So how are we going to thank you?"
(Jiminy Cricket hopped out of Sora's pocket.)
"No problem! I'll make a big note in my journal. It will say, 'Thank Naminé'."
"Good!"
"A-Hyuck! G'night then, Naminé."
"Goodnight, Goofy."
(Jiminy returned to Sora's pocket. Donald and Goofy marched across the room and each hopped into a pod of their own.)
"You too, Sora."
(As Sora peered into the pod, Naminé approached him.)
"All of this may have started with a lie. But I'm glad I got to meet you, Sora — the real you."
(Sora smiled back.)
"Yeah, when I finally met you Naminé, I felt glad. It's like… I was searching for you anyway. That was no lie."
"Good-bye. I'll miss you."
"No! Not 'good-bye'! When I wake up, I'll find you. Then there'll be no lies. We're gonna be friends for real. Promise me, Naminé."
"You're going to forget making that promise."
"If the chains of memory come apart, the links will still be there, right? So the memory of our promise will always be inside me somewhere. A promise is a promise. I know it!"
"Okay, it's a promise."
(After Sora and Naminé shook pinkies, Sora climbed into the pod. It started to close up.)
"Sora, some of your memories are so deep in your heart, I'll never be able to find them. But you can find them for me. All you have to do is remember who's truly most important to you. She's your Light — the Light within the Darkness. Look at the good-luck charm. I changed its shape when I changed your memory. But when you thought of her — just once — it went back to the way it was! You can do it, Sora!"
(Sora nodded and took out the charm — just before the pod finally closed up.)
["Kairi!"]
["My friends… "]
["Naminé?!"]
["Sora, you may forget about me. But with our promise, I can come back."]
["Yeah, a promise is a promise."]
[Yes. Someday the Light will be ours. Until then, I'll be somewhere in your heart."]
["Yeah! Forgotten… but not lost."]
The Gummi Ship — Just After Leaving Twilight Town For The Second Time…
(Sora gave a deep sigh.)
"The King… Riku… and now I've lost Kairi again, too."
(Donald and Goofy nodded at each other.)
"Don't feel sad."
"Donald's right, y'know. Why, you're the Key that connects everything."
"So it's all my fault."
(Goofy hesitated for a brief second.)
"Gawrsh, I didn't mean that! Just do what comes natural to ya, and we're sure to find 'em."
"You said it!"
(Sora smiled again.)
"Thanks, guys."
Hollow Bastion — Ansem's Study…
"Did it work?"
"Hey, these things take time. Okay?"
(Sora began typing something. The screen started loading.)
"Whoa! It's doing something!"
"Huh?"
"I think it wants to know what we wanna know."
"Riku and Kairi."
(Sora typed their names in. A message saying "Data Error" appeared on the screen. Sora sadly stepped back.)
"No way! Even Ansem's computer doesn't know."
(Goofy stepped forward and started typing.)
"What are you doing?"
"I thought I'd ask the computer if it can tell us about them Nobodies."
(As Goofy finished typing, a message appeared, bearing the Organization's Logo.)
"What's this?"
(A message suddenlyappeared saying "Data Error".Donald gasped in shock.)
"How about the Organization?"
(As Goofy typed it in, the screen started loading. Once again, the message saying "Data Error" appeared. The loading stopped. Sora was frustrated.)
"Stupid computer!"
(Sora started pounding on the keyboard in anger. The screen shuffled every icon and message on it. Donald and Goofy were shocked.)
"Sora!"
(At once, a picture of a man wearing a white lab coat appeared on the screen. Sora stopped pounding and stared in question.)
"Who's this guy?"
"Welp, I see you got things workin'."
"Oh, Your Majesty!"
(King Mickey immediately put a finger to his lips.)
"Good goin'! The computer should tell us the things we need to know."
"But it keeps on sayin' the data inside's all kerskuffled."
"All we got is a picture of some guy we don't know."
(Sora pointed to the computer screen. King Mickey jumped with excitement.)
"That's Ansem The Wise!"
(Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked confused.)
"C'mon! Are you teasing us again?"
"Did you forget what Ansem looked like, Your Majesty?"
"Of course I do! And that's him—I'm positive!"
(Donald gasped in disbelief. Sora strode over and started to drag King Mickey into the next room.)
"Excuse me, would you come this way please?"
Hollow Bastion — The Dark Depths…
"Xehanort!"
(The man shook his head.)
"How long has it been since I abandoned that name?"
(Sora was furious and ready to demand answers — now!)
"Out with it, Nobody! Where's Riku?! Where's Kairi?!"
(The man turned to face them.)
"I know nothing of any 'Kairi'. As for Riku, perhaps you should ask your King."
"Stop!"
(The man disappeared into a dark portal. At the last second, King Mickey jumped in after him. They both disappeared into the Darkness. Sora was discouraged.)
"He's gone."
(Sora collapsed to the ground. He started pounding it in anger. Goofy strode forwards and placed his hand onto Sora's shoulder. Donald shook his head.)
"Sora…Goofy…"
(It was then Donald noticed there were no more Heartless present in the valley below. Sora and Goofy also took this into account.)
"Gee… What's goin' on?"
"Way to fall right into their trap."
(Sora, Donald, and Goofy spun around and spotted a man in a black-hooded coat with spiked, fiery-red hair. They prepared to fight this unknown member of Organization XIII. The man didn't take out a weapon' he just stepped a little closer to them.)
"C'mon, it's a set-up by Organization 13. Xemnas is using you to destroy the Heartless. That's his big master plan."
"'Xemnas'?"
(The man gestured ahead.)
"The guy you just saw. He's their leader! Got it memorized? It's 'X-E-M-N-A-S'."
(Sora was surprised; this man seemed to be giving information. Why? Goofy was the next to speak.)
"Organization XIII wants to get rid of the Heartless?"
(The man sighed with a shake of his head.)
"Man! You're slow."
(He pointed to Sora's Keyblade.)
"Every Heartless slain with that Keyblade releases a captive heart. That is what the Organization is after."
"So what are those guys gonna do with the hearts?"
(Goofy paused to think.)
"Gawrsh! Maybe they're havin' a heart barbeque?"
"I'm not telling."
"Tell us, ya big palooka!"
(Something clicked in Sora's mind.)
"You! You're the one who kidnapped Kairi!"
"Bingo! The name's Axel! Got it memorized?"
"Where is Kairi?"
(Axel's confused look made Sora more anxious.)
"Please! Just tell me!"
"Look… about Kairi… I'm sorry."
"Axel!"
(From another dark portal came Saïx. Axel was frantic.)
"Uh-oh!"
(Axel hastily fled through a dark portal. Sora tried to go after Axel, but Siax reached out and stopped him.)
"We'll ensure he receives the maximum punishment."
"I don't care about any of that! Just let me into the Realm of Darkness!"
"If it's Kairi you're worried about, then don't. We're taking very good care of her."
"Takeme to her!"
"Is she that important to you?"
"Yeah! More than anything!"
"Show me how important."
(Sora got down on his hands and knees. Donald and Goofy stared in alarm.)
"Please…"
"So… you really do care for her. In that case, the answer is 'no'."
(Sora leapt back to his feet and glared at Saïx.)
"You rotten…lowlife!"
(Saïx looked unoffended.)
"Are you angry? Do you hate me? Then take that rage and direct it at the Heartless."
(With a snap of his fingers, Saïx summoned several Heartless. The Heartless rapidly surrounded Sora, Donald, and Goofy.)
"Pitiful Heartless… mindlessly collecting hearts… and yet, they know not the true power they hold. The rage of the Keyblade releases those hearts. They gather in Darkness—masterless and free—until they weave together to make 'Kingdom Hearts'. And when that time comes, we can truly, finally exist."
"What in the world do you think you're prattling on about?"
(At that moment, Maleficent appeared behind Sora, Donald, and Goofy.)
"'Kingdom Hearts' belongs to me. The heart of all kingdoms…the heart of all that lives. A dominion fit to be called 'Kingdom Hearts' must be mydominion!"
(Sora was feeling downright worried about what was about to happen.)
"Maleficent! No! No more Heartless!"
"I do not take orders from you!"
(Maleficent raised her wand into the air and summoned several Heartless. The Heartless surrounded Saïx in a flash. Saïx snorted his disapproval.)
"Fool."
(Saïx snapped his fingers, summoning several Nobodies. The Nobodies destroyed all of the Heartless. Sora was more than stunned; he was speechless.)
(Maleficent suddenly appeared before Sora. She created a wall of green flames to keep the Nobodies from Sora, Donald, and Goofy.)
"While I keep these creatures at bay, you devise a way to vanquish them—forever."
(Sora was taken by surprise.)
"Maleficent…"
(Several Nobodies jumped onto Maleficent.)
"Do not misunderstand me. I will have my revenge on you — yet."
(Several more Nobodies jumped onto her—knocking her onto the ground. Sora was frantic.)
"Maleficent!"
"Leave! Now!"
"I don't take orders from you!"
"Sora! C'mon!"
"But… what about…"
(Maleficent had fled. In her place was a pile of Nobodies.)
"Now then, where did we leave off?"
(Saïx snapped his fingers and the Nobodies disappeared. To Sora's horror, several Heartless appeared in their place. The Heartless surrounded Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Sora was shaking with puzzlement and shock.)
"Which side are you guys on anyway?"
"The Heartless ally with whoever's the strongest."
(Saïx sent two Heartless forward to attack Sora. Sora automatically destroyed them with his Keyblade. Their hearts each flew up into the sky and disappeared into Darkness. Saïx smiled at the sight.)
"Yes, Sora. Extract more hearts."
(Saïx quickly left through a dark portal. Sora was horrified to realize what he was doing.)
"No! The hearts!"
(Sora gave an extremely deep sigh.)
"Maybe everything we've done…maybe it was all for nothing. What am I supposed to do if I can't use the Keyblade?"
"Imbeciles! You can't be trusted to do anything!"
(Without any warning, Sora, Donald, and Goofy were sucked into a dark hole and into the ground.)
"The Realm Of Darkness" — Unknown Region...
"What's this place?"
"It must be the Realm of Darkness!"
(Sora swept his eyes around the inky abyss.)
"Riku! Kairi!"
(Sora and Goofy glanced around, waiting for an answer. Donald suddenlyspotted a figure in a black-hooded coat standing nearby.)
"Who's there?"
The figure suddenly disappeared, leaving a box on the ground. Sora, Donald, and Goofy ran over to it. Donald picked up the box, eyeing it curiously.)
"What is it?"
(As Donald opened the box's lid, Goofy seemed nervous.)
"Are you sure ya wanna open…that?"
(Inside was a photograph and a bar of ice cream.Sora took out the photo. Donald and Goofy also looked at it.)
"Gawrsh! It's the gang from Twilight Town. There's Hayner, Pence, Olette, and uh…um…"
"'Roxas'."
(Donald looked surprised.)
"You know him?"
"No. The name just popped into my head. This is… 'Roxas'."
(Donald took out the ice cream bar. He examined it carefully.)
"Are you sure ya wanna eat…that?"
(Donald licked the ice cream.)
"Salty… No. Sweet!"
(The ice cream started to glow. Sora's Keyblade appeared in his hand. When the ice cream bar revealed a Keyhole in the air above, Sora pointed his Keyblade to it. A beam of Light shot out from the Keyblade and straight into the Keyhole. It unlocked with a bright Light.)
"Not yet! I've gottalook for Kairi!"
Somewhere inside "Betwixt And Between"…
(Sora and Axel were surrounded by an alarming number of Nobodies. They were now stuck — back-to-back.)
"Think I liked it better when they were on my side."
"Feeling a little…regret?"
"Nah! I can handle these punks. Heh! Watch this!"
(Axel leapt into the middle of the area. He created a sphere of fire around him. He let it go with a powerful, forceful blow. When it finally cleared, Sora, Donald, and Goofy were astounded. Every last Nobody had been incinerated in the single attack.)
"Whoa!"
(Turning around, Sora spotted Axel lying on the ground. He knelt down, only to see flakes of Darkness were drifting into the air from Axel's body. Sora was shocked, realizing what was going on.)
"You're…fading away!"
"Well, that's what happens when you put your whole being into an attack. You know what I mean? Not that Nobodies actually have beings. You know?"
(Axel relaxed as Sora continued to watch him.)
"Anyway, I digress. Go… find Kairi.Oh yeah…Sorry for what I did to her."
"When we find her, you can tell her that yourself."
"Think I'll pass. My heart wouldn't be in it, you know? Haven't got one."
(Axel gave a short burst of laughter. Sora was puzzled.)
"Axel… what were you trying to do?"
"I wanted to see Roxas. He…was the only one I liked. He made me feel…like I had a heart. It's kind of…funny.You make me feel…the same… "
(Axel suddenly turned serious.)
"Kairi's in the castle dungeon. Now go!"
(Axel reached his left hand out. With the last of his power and strength, a pathway opened — leading into the next world. He went limp a moment later. His body finished disintegrating back into the Darkness where he had been created. Sora sighed deeply.)
"Axel…"
"The Realm Of Darkness" — The Dark Meridian…
(Sora and Riku were sitting in the sand, listening to the waves washing around them.)
"What I said back there… about thinking I was better at stuff than you. To tell you the truth, Sora, I was jealous of you."
"Why?"
"I wish I could live life the way you do—just following my heart."
(Sora shook his head with a smile.)
"Well…I've got my own share of problems, too."
(Riku gave a smirked grin.)
"Really? Like what?"
"Like… wanting to be like you."
(Riku smiled and shook his head.)
"Well… there is one advantage to being me—something you could never imitate."
(Sora was taken by surprise.)
"Really? What?"
"Having you for a friend."
(Sora smiled with a nod.)
"Then…I'm okay just the way I am. I've got something you could never imitate, too."
"The Realm of Sleep" — The Grid...
"Tron… where are you?"
(A sound filled Sora's ears. He whirled around to spot young man dressed in a black-hooded coat.)
"That's what we do, put the most-precious memories deep into our hearts where they're safe. Or in your case, the most-precious… hearts?"
(Sora glared at the stranger.)
"Notyou again!"
"The memory and heart are tightly linked… "
(Sora spun around and gasped in shock at the sight of the former leader of Organization XIII.)
"Xemnas!"
"Rub a few memories together and you'll get a spark of emotion — a feeling."
"I know that! So what're you trying to do? Teach me stuff I've already learned?!"
"But in a digital world, memory does not work that way. Nothing is ever felt. You could hole a thousand — a million times the information, but there is still no heart with which to analyze it."
(Sora's face had become a glaring snarl.)
"That's not true! The Tron I remember, he had something! That proves programs do have hearts!"
(Xemnas was not even close to showing amusement.)
"Once, my Master, Ansem, found a copy of an old system drifting about. He made a copy of its Master Control Program and used it to serve his own ends. That copy was updated and customized before given the name, 'Hollow Bastion OS'. This world is the original data of that system, having been stored within a back-up file someplace else."
(Sora was shocked.)
"Here, data can be copied. Memory can be changed and easily manipulated. Tron is a digital entity, so why should he be any different? He obeys the rules of this world."
(Xemnas turned to face Sora.)
"Sora, what about you?"
"Me?!" Sora returned with discomfort in his tone of voice.
"Your heart. Your memories. Your data. Your dreams. The countless bits and bytes having made up your life so far. Are you certain they are not just 'copies' of someone else's?"
"Yes! My heart and memories belong to me!"
"You had better check. Make sure the contents match what's been written on the label. After all, you have been chosen."
(Silence followed as Xemnas strode into a dark portal and left.)
"Chosen… for what?"
"You still think this is the 'Realm of Dreams'?"
(The strange youth grabbed Sora's attention, causing him to jump in surprise.)
"Yeah, but… I thought it was called the 'Realm of Sleep.'"
(The young man smirked a grin.)
"There you are mistaken. Data does not dream. It cannot dream. This world is real — not one of the so-called 'Sleeping Worlds'. You have no idea where you are, nor that you have already wandered off the path you planned to take. Illusions have overtaken you and your 'friends'."
(Sora was feeling an overload of emotions.)
"What do you mean?!"
(The strange youth in the black-hooded coat disappeared into another dark portal. Sora instantly took off running to find Tron. The shouting and cheering steadily grew louder. Out of the blue, Sora came to a halt, having found himself on a stage-like platform with several of CLU's guards surrounding him. Sora smiled with a hint of humility. )
"Uh… hi?"
(A taller program smiled at Sora. He was wearing a black, skintight suit with yellow-orange circuitry. Still, he was sporting brown hair and seemed to resemble a middle-aged adult.)
"Greetings Sora! I've been waiting."
"Who are you?!"
(The program smiled.)
"I am CLU."
(Sora's eyes lit up in realization.)
"It was you! You're the one who turned Tron into Rinzler!"
(CLU smiled back.)
"Correct! I had to repurpose his code."
"Well, 'un-repurpose' it!"
(CLU nodded.)
"Yes! Under the right parameters, I might."
"Huh? What… parameters?"
"You have an item called a 'Keyblade'. It can open any lock, isn't that right? Hand it over, and I'll turn Rinzler back into Tron."
(Rinzler stepped into view from the crowd of surrounding guards.)
(Sora looked concerned as he summoned the Keyblade into his hands. He looked at it with uncertainty.)
"The… Keyblade?"
(Sora spoke with a voice full of sudden determination.)
"I… I can't. This is what lights the Darkness! It's a chance to make everyone happy — not just me!"
(CLU shook his head in disapproval and denial.)
"The 'chance to make everyone happy'? Flawed reasoning! I'll take it by force!"
(CLU nodded in the direction of Rinzler, who zoomed over to attack. The guards surrounding Sora instantly hurried off. Rinzler took out a pair of disk-shaped weapons and hurled them at Sora. Sora raised his Keyblade and blocked them.)
"Tron?! Why can't I get through to you?"
"Fight Sora!"
(Sora whirled his eyes around. He spotted Quorra leaning over the railing of a nearby balcony.)
"Quorra! You're okay! I can't believe it!"
"Yes. I think Tron heard you. He was distracted long enough for me to escape. You can do this! You can get through to him! You just have to fight him!"
(Sora was taken aback.)
"But Quorra! How can I—?!"
(Sora's voice cut off as Rinzler threw his two disks once more. Sora managed to block them.)
"You have that key! It will bring Tron to his senses!"
(Rinzler lunged straight at Sora. Sora leaped out the way and blocked a sudden charging attack. He shoved Rinzler back.)
"I'll try!"
(Rinzler managed to regain his balance as Sora stood up straight and tall. Sora positioned his Keyblade into his usual fighting stance before pausing. A small teardrop flowed down his face. Reopening his eyes, Sora glared at Rinzler with a look of sheer determination. Sora could see his reflection showing in Rinzler's shiny, black helmet.)
"Let's do this, Tron!"
"The Realm of Sleep" — The Country of The Musketeers...
(Sora swung his head this way and that. He was standing on a grand, golden staircase.)
"Hey! Where are you, guys?"
"Sora! This way!"
(Sora peered over the railing. Down below, Shelly was standing on a set of stairs, gesturing for him to follow. Sora gave a nod, hurried down the steps, swung around the banister, and hopped onto the railing down to Shelly. The sandy-headed girl leapt to one side as Sora's feet slid down the handrail. At the end, Sora jumped off the railing and did a single flip before landing feet-first onto the floor. He smiled at Shelly; she shook her head.)
"You're such a show-off!"
"What'd you expect? This is normal!"
(Shelly rolled her eyes turned in the direction of a long corridor.)
"Come on! Mickey and the Musketeers are on the stage by now!"
(Sora quickly nodded before the two dashed down the hallway and through the doors. They made a sharp right up a small ramp and arrived on a wooden platform. Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were busy fighting two of the Beagle Boys in the middle of the platform. Sora glared and summoned his Keyblade. Shelly used her right hand to prevent Sora from charging into the skirmish.)
"Don't! They can handle it!"
"But we're their friends! And friends need to stick together!"
(Sora rushed onto the stage, leaving Shelly speechless. To his right, a wooden wall began moving to the side. A series of bright lights shone down as Sora gazed out across an enormous auditorium; every seat filled with spectators. The audience gasped at the sight. Sora gave a small wave.)
"H-Hi there!"
(A loud SNORE echoed in the air. In a second floor balcony, a large, cat-like man was sound asleep in his seat. The man's outfit consisted of a dark cherry-colored shirt, black pants, black gloves, a red piece of cloth around his waist, and a small golden crown on his head. One of the man's feet had a black boot while the other had a golden peg-leg; it was Pete. Sora shook his head and gave a little smirk.)
"Poor wandering girls… "
(Sora spun his attention back to the Musketeers. A small trio of pig-like women were singing on the stage. As Mickey, Donald, and Goofy started to drive the two Beagle Boys back, the actresses screamed and hid beneath a wooden rock. Sora rushed over and joined the battle. The actresses continued to sing, but Sora was busy fighting with his friends. The singers rushed off the stage.)
"How dare you try to kidnap the princess! Nobody walks away with the princess while Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are on the job!"
(Goofy suddenly stopped fighting and gazed towards Shelly.)
"Hey, someone's walkin' away with the princess!"
(Everyone else stopping fighting and turned to where Goofy was staring. There was the short Beagle Boy, disguised as Princess Minnie. Sora glanced at Shelly for an explanation.)
"He darted clear past me!"
(Mickey glared at the short Beagle Boy.)
"Let's get 'im!"
(The shortest Beagle Boy screamed when Mickey, Donald, and Goofy jumped onto him and started to beat him up within a thick cloud of dust. It finally settled, leaving Sora and Shelly astounded. Mickey and Goofy were angrily holding a captive Donald. The two rapidly dropped the duck, spun around, and found all three Beagle Boys charging at them. The Musketeers rushed down the stage and up a wooden staircase.)
"I am the very model of a modern major general… "
(Sora turned his eyes towards a short, plump pig-like man dressed in a blue general's uniform with a three-cornered hat and a monocle. The three Musketeers proceeded up the staircase, but Sora remained staring at the actor.)
"…Historical! From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical! I'm very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical! I understand equations, both the simple and the quadratical! About binomial theorem I'm teeming with a lot o' news!"
(Sora shook his head and smiled.)
"With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse!"
(The three actresses emerged from behind the curtain. They echoed the actor's lines.)
"With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse!"
(Sora was rapidly distracted by the sound of a squeaking pulley high above the stage. Straight up, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy were descending upon a blue crescent moon with a friendly smile. At the top of the staircase were a trio of astounded Beagle Boys. Sora smiled at the sight.)
"What the Sam Hill?!"
(Sora swung his focus around. Pete had awakened in time to see the three Musketeers about to land on the stage. The villain scowled.)
"They're gettin' away!"
(Mickey, Donald, and Goofy gently set foot on the stage. Sora and Shelly were relieved. Pete was furious.)
"You three chowderheads won't be able to stop me!"
(Mickey, Donald, and Goofy whirled their attention to Pete standing in the second-floor balcony. As Mickey, Donald, and Goofy drew their swords, the actor and actresses hurried off the stage. Shelly ran up to Sora.)
"What's happening?"
(Sora shrugged in response. The turtle (who had sang the negative song about Donald) stared at the stage from the conductor's stand. Everyone in the audience — including the orchestra — gasped.)
"The jig is up, Pete!"
"There's no escape!"
"Yeah! It's three against one now!"
(Sora was surprised to see Pete give a sinister grin and evil chuckle. He glanced high above the stage's curtain. Shelly glared at the balcony where Pete was standing.)
"What is so funny?!"
(The villain grinned all the more. Looking up at a wooden catwalk above the stage, Sora seemed puzzled. A second later, the walkway tilted dangerously at the stage. An enormous wooden crate started to slide down the catwalk and headed for the edge. Sora looked frightened and started shouting to Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.)
"Mickey! Donald! Goofy! Look out!"
"Look out!"
(Shelly screamed as she rushed over to the Musketeers with her Keyblade now in hand. The entire world went into a state of slow-motion as the crate slide to the edge. Without warning, the catwalk rose until it was level. The crate was now slightly teetering on the edge. Sora was shocked silent. Pete stared up at the catwalk with a face full of a mixture of total shock and complete alarm.)
"Impossible!"
(Sora was continuing to stare up at the walkway when he spotted Riku and Violet rushing across the stage. He smiled.)
"Riku! Violet!"
(Riku and Violet both nodded back. Riku gazed up at the catwalk.)
"Guess we were right in the nick of time, Sora."
(Sora was puzzled.)
"Huh?!"
"He means we dismantled Pete's trap. It was rigged backstage."
(Sora gave a nod of acknowledgement. He suddenly stared in surprise and realization.)
"Riku, Violet… You saved us!"
(Riku nodded.)
"Yeah! Now you have to save us."
(Sora shook his head and smiled. Pete was glaring from the balcony. Sora, Riku, and Violet turned their focus to him.)
"Why I oughta… How dare you thwart me at the last second! This don't add up, I tell ya!"
(With one swift movement, Pete jumped onto a large, smiling golden sun hanging from the same rope as the moon. He landed onto the stage in anger.)
"This is it! I shall crush you like creeps!"
(Another audible gasp echoed from the audience. Sora spun his attention to Mickey, Donald, and Goofy.)
"Musketeers? We'll handle things here!"
(Mickey nodded.)
"Thanks, Sora!"
(The three Musketeers rushed off the stage and behind the curtain. Shelly hurried over to Sora, Riku, and Violet in the center of the stage. The four glared at Pete as they summoned their Keyblades. Pete gazed up at the Beagle Boys still situated at the top of the staircase. He hollered up to them.)
"Hey! Over here, boys!"
(One by one, the Beagle Boys landed upon the stage in front of Pete. All four of them drew their swords. Sora snorted in turn.)
"That's right! I knew you'd need help!"
"The World That Never Was" — 'Sleeping'…
(Sora was boiling over with anger. He glared at both Xemnas and Xigbar, who happened to be standing around him.)
"Just stop it! You treat people's hearts like they're just bottles on the shelf in a laboratory! But they're not! Hearts are made of the people we meet! And how we feel about them — they're what tie us all together, even when we're apart!"
(Sora summoned his Keyblade.)
"They're what… make me strong!"
"Duh! Did you really believe the Keyblade would choose a wimp like you? As if! You're only strong because of all those ties you have with other people. But don't fret! We see much bigger and better things in your future — once you side with us."
(As Xigbar extended his hand in a warm gesture, Sora continued to glare at him. Sora suddenly gave a deep sigh.)
"I know the Keyblade didn't choose me… and I don't care. I'm proud to be a part of something much greater — the people it did choose."
(With a glaring at Xigbar, Sora positioned his Keyblade into his typical fighting stance. The man was gasping in total alarm.)
"You see? My friends are my power!"
"Those are just… words. You've… lost… "
(After a few moments, Xigbar glared at Sora.)
"Fine! See where your power gets you here. You haven't been a good boy, again."
(Xigbar glanced at Xemnas.)
"Xemnas! He's all yours!"
(Xigbar left through a dark portal. Sora whirled around to face Xemnas. They glared silently at each other.)
"As your flesh bears the sigil… so your name shall be known as that — of a recusant!"
"I'm sorry… Mom. Kairi, please understand. Riku… find Violet… stop Xehanort… "
The series of flashbacks finally came to close, through a bright flash of energy; Riku assumed it was Light. When Riku and Violet looked again, they were standing upon a gigantic, circular platform. The entire floor was covered by a smoky pool of dark-purple matter. Riku's nose picked up a strong scent while Violet's antennae started whirling all around.
"Darkness," the silver-haired Keyblader realized. "Sora's heart has become full of Darkness."
Violet wildly spun her head around. "This is the interior of Sora's heart?!" the Angel of Dreams questioned. Her voice sounded like it was filled with shock and total disbelief. "No! It cannot be! We must have descended to the incorrect destination!"
Riku stared at her. "This has to be it! Why else would we have dove through his memories to get here?"
Violet froze, realizing the silver-haired youth had a valid point. The two had just finished diving through several sequences showing various friends Sora had made and some of the not-so-friendly individuals he had encountered. Perhaps this was Sora's heart! Yet, there was still one more question the angel wanted an answer to… where was Sora now?
"Sora has to be around here," Riku declared. He took several seconds to scan his eyes around the immediate area. "Somewhere… "
Before Violet could speak, her ears perked up to the sound of footsteps on a metallic platform. Without turning her head, she shifted her eyes to look into her peripheral vision. She could just make out a figure wearing the same black-hooded coat Young Xehanort and the other Organization members had donned. Its hood was on, concealing the figure's true identity.
Violet tapped Riku on the shoulder. She pointed at the figure with her other hand. "Riku… "
"Not now, Violet," Riku interrupted, still scanning the area before his eyes. "I'm searching for any sign of Sora."
Violet spun her head back. The figure in the black coat reached their arms out to their sides. She froze — unsure what was going to occur next.
In the figure's left hand, a key-shaped sword appeared. It was white, displayed two hearts, and its handle bore two angel wings. The weapon's "teeth" were fashioned in the shape of the kanji for "Light". It glowed in a bright, yellowish-white light. At the end of its chain was a star-shaped trinket, which reminded Riku of the charm Kairi had given Sora shortly before the two Keyblade wielders had departed to see Master Yen Sid.
In the figure's right hand, a second key-shaped sword came to be. Its color was black and its hilt guard was comprised of two bat-like wings that extended downward. This weapon's "teeth" were in the shape of the Kanji for "Darkness". A chain-like design ran up the length of the blade. At the end of the chain was a token that resembled a black version of Sora's crown-shaped necklace.
The figure spun their weapons together, grinding them side-by-side before positioning them at its sides. Violet muffled a scream with her right hand clamped over her mouth. This stranger was a Keyblade wielder — with two Keyblades! Was such a thing even possible?!
"Riku!" Violet shouted as the figure started to charge forwards. "Look out!"
The angel leapt to one side as an irritated Riku whirled himself around. "Why do you keep—?!"
Riku stared in complete alarm when he saw the figure only seven feet away. He summoned his Keyblade in a hurry. "What?! Two Keyblades?!"
The figure was now five feet from where Riku stood. The stranger slid to a halt and spun their Keyblades in circular motions. A glowing-white, spiral-like shockwave flew at the silver-headed teenager. "Take that!" the figure yelled.
Riku leapt back to avoid the sudden attack before rushing forwards and slamming his Keyblade against the duel-wielder in black. Their weapons became locked in place and they each tried to shove the other back. Riku glared at the strange individual. "Who are you?" he demanded.
The figure spoke in a voice Riku thought sounded similar to that of Sora's Nobody. "Someone from the dark."
All of a sudden, Riku and the figure found themselves flying backward and almost to the far edges of the platform. Violet covered her face with her hands, although she remained frozen in shock and complete perplexity. Deep inside, Riku wished she would give him some assistance. True, he was outnumbered Keyblade-wise. However, since Violet also possessed a Keyblade, together she and Riku could evenly-match the unknown assailant.
Riku retained his glare at the figure. Something suddenly crossed his mind. If Sora's heart had fallen to Darkness, perhaps this figure was really him? How would he know for sure? There was only one possible method to learn the truth.
"Sora?" Riku called over. "Is that you?"
"'Sora'?" the figure returned. He shouted a moment later. "Enough about 'Sora'! What about me?!"
"What are you referring to?" a puzzled Violet finally inquired.
"I'm freeing Kingdom Hearts!" the figure declared. "Then everything will be back the way it was! She'll come back… and the three of us can be together again! I want my life back!"
Riku shook his head. "If you tried to set Kingdom Hearts free, the last thing you'll get is your life back. You'd be destroyed before then."
"Shut up!" the figure snarled. "Tell me! Tell me why you're here?!"
The stranger dashed across the floor, dragging his Keyblades behind. The blades of the weapons scratched the metal below, causing a few showers of sparks. Violet darted in front of Riku, summoning her Keyblade, too. "You shall be required to evade me if you wish to challenge Riku!" she shouted.
"Violet!" Riku exclaimed when he saw what the angel was doing. "Wait!"
Before Riku's words could reach her, Violet found herself blocking and countering the strange figure's two Keyblades. She kept a close eye on her opponent as they leapt over her. Before long, the two were locked in combat in mid-air. To Riku, it seemed to be a blur of movement.
"I see," the figure said in the midst of the skirmish. "So that's why."
Violet landed feet-first on the floor, followed by the figure in black. She suddenly found herself standing at the edge of the platform. In an attempt to prevent being injured by the stranger's weapons, the angel desperately raised her Keyblade as a shield. The figure began slamming their Keyblades one-by-one against Violet's weapon, over and over again.
At once, Violet felt her foot slip. Her Keyblade went flying across the floor. It clattered to a stop several feet away.
"No! I cannot allow it!" the angel declared, dashing for her Keyblade. The figure was much quicker and blocked her. Violet screeched to a halt, her heart racing with both exhaustion and anxiety. She gazed into Riku's direction. "Please assist me!"
With a shake of his head, Riku sped over behind the figure. Taking advantage of the stranger's focus on Violet, the silver-haired Keyblade wielder scooped up her Keyblade before tossing it into the air. "Violet!" he called.
Violet flapped her wings and snatched her weapon in the mid-air. The figure was startled to see Riku standing behind them.
"What?!" the figure exclaimed.
In one swift movement, Riku slashed his way through the stranger in the black coat. At the same time, Violet swooped low and sliced her own Keyblade through the figure. The strange figure now stood motionless. Violet set down beside Riku; the two's attention was on their opponent.
The figure's two Keyblades fell from their hands and disappeared on the floor. Following one, brief step, the stranger fell to their knees, causing their black hood to come off. Riku and Violet stared, now seeing that the strange figure was actually a blue-eyed young man with brown hair containing small spikes. He smiled at the two as he spoke. "You make a good other… "
Without another word, the young man in the black-hooded coat faded from sight. Alone on the platform, Riku and Violet remained in silence for a few more minutes.
Finally Violet spoke. "That particular individual seemed especially peculiar. What was his identity?"
Out the corner of her eye, Violet noticed how Riku was looking at the floor with his eyes closed. She paused. Had the strange young man in black said something that bothered Riku? Or was there something more than she was aware of? Perhaps Riku knew who that young man had been?
Violet calmly approached Riku. "Riku?" she questioned with a curious look in her eyes. "Is something troubling you?"
Riku gave a deep sigh as he reopened his eyes. "Roxas… "
Violet took a step back — literally. What was Riku referring to now? "Roxas"… that name sounded somewhat familiar to her. Yet, she just could not place it at the current moment. "Who are you referring to?"
Riku shifted his gaze at the angel. "Roxas," he started to say. "He was Sora's Nobody. Because he could wield the Keyblade, Xemnas brought him into the Organization. But Roxas betrayed them and ran away."
Violet looked mystified. "I still do not comprehend what a 'Nobody' is," she stated. "Could you please enlighten me?"
Riku nodded. "A Nobody is created when someone with a strong heart becomes a Heartless," he explained. "If you remember those 'memories' we saw earlier, Sora used a Keyblade to unlock his heart so he could free Kairi's. He became a Heartless. That's how Roxas was born. All of the original members of Organization XIII were Nobodies."
With a nod, Violet crossed her arms. "Now I comprehend."
"After Roxas left the Organization," Riku went on. "I fought him because Sora's most important memories — the ones of Kairi — were in him. Without those memories, Sora would never have awakened. I lost that fight. When we met again, I made sure I was stronger than him."
Riku gave another deep sigh. "I wish it never had come to that… "
Moments before Violet could inquire what the silver-headed youth was talking about now, her necklace started to glow brightly. The two stared at it while a beam of Light shone out and created a projection in the empty air around them. In it was an image of two individuals wearing black-hooded coats. One of them had silver hair and was wearing a black blindfold over their eyes. The other's face was completely concealed.
"Why?!"The silver-haired figure said. "Why do you have the Keyblade?!"
"Shut up!" The other figure snapped, swiping his Keyblade at the other. The blindfolded figure gave a sudden counterattack; the second figure was thrown backward. The blindfolded figure walked over, seeing his opponent had brown hair.Assuming their opponent had been defeated, the blindfolded figure stuck their Keyblade into the ground. A few minutes later, the other figure rose to their feet and grabbed the weapon. He charged at the blindfolded figure —only to have the latter jump back and throw a ball of dark power. The brown-haired figure shoved it to one side and tried to clobber his opponent directly. The blindfolded figure jumped out of the way.
"Why don't you quit?!" The frustrated brown-haired figure snapped in anger.
"C'mon, Sora!" The blindfolded figure replied. "I thought you were stronger than that!"
Confused, the other figure snapped back, "Get real! Look which one of us is winning!"Realizing what he had just said, the brown-headed figure gasped from shock.
The blindfolded figure shook his head. "So it's true. You really are his Nobody. Guess DIZ was right after all."
As he summoned his other Keyblade, the other figure snarled, "What are you talking about?! I am me—nobody else!"
He charged once more. Despite the blindfolded figure's best efforts to avoidhis opponent's two Keyblades, the latter hit slammed his weapon onto his wrist. The blindfolded figure collapsed in pain.
"Riku! Please! You have to stop him!"
"How many times do I have to beat you?!" the brown-haired figure scowled.
"All right," the blindfolded figure answered. "You've left me with no other choice."
"What?!" the other figure asked with a confused look on his face. He retained his glare and scowl.
The silver-haired figure took off his blindfold and closed his eyes. "I have to release the power in my heart—the dark power I've been holding back—even if changes me forever."
The silver-haired figure let out a yell of agony as several dark columns of wind appeared around him. The brown-haired figure held out his Keyblades and prepared for a sudden attack. The wind died down; a new creature was in the silver-haired figure's place. The creature looked like an exact replica of Ansem — The Seeker of Darkness. The creature suddenly disappeared and reappeared directly in front of brown-headed figure. Shocked, brown-haired figure froze in place. The creature grabbed him and lifted him in the air. As the creature started to squeeze brown-headed figure, he grew weaker and dropped his weapons. The two Keyblades hit the ground and vanished.
In a very deep voice, the creature said, "I have accepted it."
The flashback ended as the image blurred. Once the projection vanished, Riku gave an extremely deep sigh. He knew what he and Violet had just watched in the projection — the time he had been forced to unleash the Darkness inside his heart so he could defeat Roxas and successfully deliver the Nobody to DiZ… Ansem The Wise, that is. Shortly after, Riku had encountered Mickey inside the so-called "haunted" mansion on the outskirts of Twilight Town. Initially, Mickey had gasped in alarm and summoned his Keyblade. Riku had immediately informed the mouse what had happened, which had made Mickey shocked. Having felt concerned about Sora discovering what had taken place once he had awakened with Donald and Goofy, Riku had made Mickey promise the brown-headed Keyblader would never learn what had happened.
Sometime later, Riku himself had taken into account how Sora, Donald, and Goofy were taking much longer than expected to learning about Roxas and where the silver-haired youth had been the whole time. At that time, Riku had been convinced Donald and Goofy were not very smart. It didn't help whenever Sora was starting to pick up on a hint of the trail Riku had left, only to have Goofy (in particular) claim all those details were the Organization's tricks. To give some sort of clue for the group to follow, Riku had left them a box with ice cream and a photograph showing Roxas with Hayner, Pence, and Olette from the data-created version of Twilight Town. It took a little more time, but Sora was finally able to locate the silver-haired teen in the end.
Riku paused. Maybe he still was convinced Donald and Goofy weren't very smart at all… whatever that would lead to, he didn't know and didn't want to know.
"Riku?" Violet spoke up, snapping Riku out of his deep pondering. The angel's face was full of concern. "Are you still concerned about releasing the Darkness to achieve victory?"
With another very deep sigh, Riku gave a nod. "Yeah," he admitted. "It's just… I wish I never had given into the Darkness. It's still chasing me around in one form or another. First Ansem — Xehanort's Heartless… then the puppet replica… then I fought Roxas… Now I'm facing myself. I have to overcome the Darkness — permanently!"
Violet placed her right hand onto the silver-haired Keyblader's shoulder. "You sure comprehend how to make something sound very traumatizing," she said with a small smile. "Do not forget, if you remain dwelling on those previous experiences, you shall become engulfed within a dream flooded with Darkness. Your anxiety would transform into Nightmares."
She paused for a couple seconds. "…Which clearly would indicate loads of struggle for me to handle. To clarify what I am stating, you must not allow your hurtful memories to gain control over your decisions."
"But Violet," Riku started to say. "Too many things have happened while I was in the Darkness. How can I get rid of them all? When I finally thought I had defeated Ans—Xehanort's Heartless's shadow in my heart, he came back again. No matter what I do to fight back, I cannot win!"
"You must strike back!" Violet firmly stated. "Nobody has ever gained the upper hand by fleeing when they should have been standing their ground! How could you achieve success if you decide to give up and surrender?!"
Riku gave another sigh. He didn't want to admit it, but deep down he knew Violet was correct. He had been running for the Darkness in fear of giving in again. Even though he had defeated Xehanort's Heartless in the Sleeping Worlds, the silver-haired Keyblade wielder had witnessed the villain escape alongside all of the other members of the "new" Organization XIII. Riku was well aware his adversary was out there somewhere, and he also knew he could defeat the villain once and for all.
Riku showed a smirked smile as he shook his head. "Violet… you're one amazing angel."
Violet gave a soft giggle. "So, does that mean you shall attempt to stay put and clash against the Darkness?"
Riku seemed to hesitate in his answer. "Well… That is… I'll give it a try. If anything happens to me, Violet… I want you to—"
"There is absolutely nothing to be concerned about!" Violet interrupted. "As long as you have True Friends, you shall never be in solitary. You can do it, Riku! I am convinced you can!"
Riku shook his head and smiled. "You sound just like Mickey."
The two softly laughed for a few moments. A sudden flash of bright Light seized their attention. On the edge of the platform to their right was a pink doorway with a fancy-designed frame. The doorway was curved towards the top and peaked in the middle. A pair of whitish handles were positioned on each of the doors in the doorway.
"What's this?" Riku questioned aloud.
"I cannot tell," Violet answered. "I have never seen anything resembling it until now."
The two slowly approached the doorway. When he was within range, Riku reached out and grasped the right handle. Violet grabbed his arm.
"Are you certain this is a secure plan-of-action?" the angel asked, uncertainty present in her voice.
Riku gave another nod. "As Sora would've said, 'There's only one way to find out'."
Violet released his arm. "I was correct," she said. "You have officially transformed into Sora. Perhaps he has transformed into you, too?"
Riku had to give a short laugh. "Let's hope not. I'm already going to chew him out for making all of us worry like this."
Violet smiled before grabbed the left door's handle. The two pulled with all their might before the doorway opened. They let go of the handles before stepping through and into a strange white Light. Whatever was located on the other side, Riku and Violet was certain they were getting closer to tracking down Sora.
It wouldn't be long now before Sora would be awakened and all of them would be safely inside Master Yen Sid's study.
The Light dispersed rather quickly. When Riku and Violet looked again, they froze in total surprise. They were now standing on a paved street in the middle of what appeared to be an animated city. The sky above was dark and lights from the buildings were shining all around.
Before their eyes was one building that stood out amongst the others. It was in the shape of an older movie theater, except it lacked any signs showing what was playing. The roof was shaped like a giant, golden mug. What appeared to be a golden straw with red stripes poking out from the top and led down to the bottom of the roof. The lower half of the building had blue walls and a red carpet led directly to a doorway with reddish-brown doors. A bunch of spotlights were swaying back-and-forth like the ones illuminating the location of the Opéra House back in the now-awakened Country of The Musketeers.
Riku and Violet stared at the building for several moments.
"Where are we now?" Riku finally asked.
"I am not certain," Violet replied. "Yet, I am sensing what appears to be somewhere inside an alternate universe."
Riku stared at the angel. "What?!"
Even though her antennae were moving around slightly, Violet shrugged. This sight caused Riku to feel more nervous. "I cannot elaborate on what I meant," she confessed. "It is incredibly too complex for even the most-detailed of explanations. Perhaps we should simply conduct some reconnaissance?"
Riku paused for a few minutes to think it through. Before he was able to respond to the angel's question, a somewhat-deep, friendly voice boomed through the air around them.
"Located in the middle of Main Street… it's Disney's House of Mouse!"
A/N: WHAT A COMPLETE SURPRISE! THE "HOUSE OF MOUSE" SHOWED UP! The NEXT Question Is What Will Take Place While Riku And Violet Are There? Only ONE WAY TO FIND OUT - STAY TUNED FOR CHAPTER 48!
Plus, I Sincerely HOPE You Were Able To Recognize At Least MOST Of Those "Memorable Sequences" Shown In This Story! Please Let Me Know What You Think!
Also, PLEASE DO NOT Expect Me To Write So Much In Such A Short Time! I Am Still In School, So THAT Takes Top-Priority! I HOPE You'll Understand!
So, THAT'S THAT! Am I Forgetting Something? OH YEAH! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT REVIEWING! THE FATE OF THIS STORY DEPENDS ON IT!
REMEMBER - A MINIMUM OF 107 IS REQUIRED FOR THE SEQUEL! IF 120 ARE POSTED, I WILL INCLUDE A "SNEAK PEEK" FOR THE SEQUEL ITSELF! HOWEVER, THAT/THOSE GOAL(S) MUST BE MET BY THE TIME CHAPTER 49 IS POSTED! THAT WAY, I WILL HAVE TIME TO ANNOUNCE WHETHER OR NOT EITHER GOAL WAS MET!
This is SoraLego278 saying, "See Ya Later, Keybladers!" Do NOT Forget It, "Have A ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH DAY!"