I reached out to match my hand up with Riku's on the glass, but another hot electrocution shot through my arm, painfully sending me to my knees. I thought that all my veins were about to pop. I stood up again, but was forced not to touch the glass. Axel took a few steps closer, tears were in his eyes. Sora put a comforting hand on his shoulder as Axel looked down at him. Sora also had tears in his eyes. Pence, Hayner, and Olette were struggling against the holds of Donald and Goofy. They all wanted to save me, but knew they could do nothing. Even Seifer was being held back by Aidley. Her lips read, 'there's nothing we can do to help her!' I looked back at Riku. All of this seemed to be in slow motion like the matrix movies, but the outcome was far worse. Riku's eyes were filled with pain and grief as he summoned his Keyblade again. For the first time, tears filled his eyes as he tried to break through the glass. He hacked, slashed, stabbed, and even used magic, but nothing could break the field. He finally fell to his knees, dropped the Keyblade beside him, and leaned against the glass with both hands pressed against it. I could feel Zexion's presence behind me. It turned around and watched as Zexion's small smile grow to a menacing grin. He floated five feet above the ground.

"There has to be a way. He may be witty, but I am stubborn. I will win this…"

"Please…whatever your plan is…promise me that whatever happens…you'll be there with me…"

"You have taught me to never, ever give up!"

"No worries... I won't make that mistake again... especially since I'm taking care of you!"

"Bye Melody….. I'm glad to have met you… and when I am waiting for the boys… I'll be waiting for you too."

"You have taught me to be lenient and that it's alright to just go with the flow sometimes."

"Gwarsh, Mel. You have taught me a bunch a' things. The main thing is that it's perfectly fine to be clumsy! Hy-uck!"

"My Heart and mind tell me that this isn't going to work. But I believe your Heart's strength and stubbornness. Good luck…my Melo."

"Aww… looked at the helpless couple. Such sad faces you have, even though you could have prevented this…" Zexion said with a snicker

I turned around to Riku and looked deep within his aqua colored eyes.

"Riku… deep within our Hearts, there's a light that never goes out. Sora said those words once and I know they are true… now more than ever. No matter how far way you are, you will always be in my Heart. No matter how thick the darkness is between us… we will always be together! No matter what happens to me…I will find you through the darkness… I promise!"

Riku held back his tears as he made himself nod. I heard Zexion's laugh as I turned around. I was burning with rage, which I thought was impossible for the Purest Heart, but once again… anything is possible. My eyes burned through Zexion's and I knew they had turned white.

"Are you ready to end this, Princess??"

I turned around to look at everyone one last time, then I face Zexion.

With my friends behind me…and my stubbornness to back me up…I am strong and I fear nothing…

I smiled wickedly up at Zexion.

"Are you ready to get your butt kicked, Zexy?" I asked smugly.

I summoned my trusty Keyblade and then pictured myself in an Organization Thirteen cloak. I smiled as I also too off Riku's blindfold off of my wrist and placed it over my eyes. It was getting very dark outside and this made it easier for me to see everything.

Thank you, Riku.

I wrapped the extra strands behind my ears and I heard Zexion scoff.

"Are you trying to make my victory simpler?"

A huge grin spread across my face as my Pure Heart gave me all it's light to see through the blindfold.

"No…" I answered calmly, "I'm making it easier for me to see the foul smelling Nobody you are, Zexy… or should I say… Lenzo..?"

"Don't say that name!" He cried angrily.

"You were the second youngest Nobody in the organization, weren't you? In fact, you're about the same age as Riku. Tell me… what was Lenzo like?"

His face flushed red with rage.

"Enough of this!" His hands had electrical red orbs around them. "I would love to just sit and chat…but I have more important things to do once I take your Heart."

"That's not going to happen, Zexion. You may have grown stronger since our last reunion, but my will to live has as well. Even if you take my Heart, my will to be with Riku is inevitable. You can never get rid of me!"

I touched my magic and floated up in the air. I quickly warped behind Zexion and shot a full blast of Light Aura at him. He looked surprised as the force sent him to the ground, but as soon as he stood up, he made a stream of ice and electricity flow at me. I tried to block it with my Dark Shield, but it broke through.

Because I have no more darkness in my Heart…my dark powers are no longer effective. I have to use the light.

Small static zaps jumped around me as I stood up. Zexion and I were now on ground zero. I felt a new power rise up. I lifted my hands frantically. A wave of light bluish colors flowed around me like a tamed tidal wave, and it slammed into Zexion.

Was that water or something?

I later decided it would be called Light Wave. Reminiscent mist from the waves hovered around, but as they cleared I didn't see Zexion. Instead, I saw Marluxia.

"Nice try, Zexion. I can see right through your illusions…" I laughed.

Zexion, still in the illusion of Marluxia, laughed.

"Yes…but I still have my own powers along with Marluxia's."

He brought out Marluxia's huge scythe and ran at me. I quickly dodged, but Zexion was just as fast. He swiped at me but I fortunately blocked it with my Keyblade. After a while of a few hit and runs, Zexion decided that his illusion as Marluxia was not good enough. Zexion took the form of Xigbar and took out his automatics.

I' not sure I'm fast enough to dodge and block those…

He grinned as I held my Keyblade close. He shot at me and I did the first thing that came to my mind.

WARP!

I warped but three or four bullets hit me. I used my Light Shield to block the rest.

"Melody…you can't keep taking hits like this. You can't beat him with just your Keyblade alone. You need everyone's weapons."

I don't know how to summon, yet!

Zexion turned into Roxas and pulled out the Keyblades, Oblivion and Oathkeeper. I glanced at Axel. He was shocked to see Zexion turn into Roxas, and he was also angry.

"Use your magic to summon your friends weapons!"

I closed my eyes and called out to the weapons. I felt something appear in my left hand. I held Riku's Keyblade.

Way to the Dawn…

Zexion's grin loosened to a frown as both of Axel's circular weapons, which he now calls the Reigns of Fire, appeared on either side of me, and Sora's Kingdom Key floated just in front of me. I glanced at everyone and nodded as I thank you. I had let Donald and Goofy keep their weapons, just in case. Axel's weapons swirled around me fast, creating a ring of fire. Sora's blade slashed when I did but always remained a yard in front of me.

"You end is near." I hissed to Zexion.

I ran at him and attacked. He was slashed continuously. He threw Roxas's blades at me, but I touched my magic, flipped over him, and used Light Aura. He growled in pain as he turned to his own self. He was bleeding badly and I had felt like I was winning. Finally out of breath, I stepped back and everyone's weapons disappeared back to their owners. Zexion quickly took out a flask and drank the potion. All his wounds healed instantly and his frown turned back into a smile. A yellow orb formed around me. Purple and yellow bolts shot through me.

"Ah..Argh…" I clenched my teeth and held in the urge to scream bloody murder.

Tears fell down my face as my body felt like it was slowly melting. Finally the orb dropped me to the ground. I had gashed all over me. The electricity had split my skin in some places. I fell weakly to my knees and looked up at Zexion.

"Come on…get up! I need more of a fight from you!" He taunted.

I slowly and weakly stood up. My knees shook from the weight and my body ached all over.

"I can't tell whether or not you are courageous, stubborn…or just ignorant." He smirked.

He took a bright orb and put it on my chest where my Heart was. Magic of some kind shot through my Heart and began killing me from the inside out. I lifted into the sky above Zexion as all sorts of lightening and fire flared out from my chest. He was using a combination of his magic to weaken me even more and to weaken my Heart. When I realized this, my Heart only said one thing.

"Riku…"

I brought my Keyblade up to my Heart and blocked the magic and used Reflectaga for the first time. The magic reflected off of my Keyblade and hit Zexion. I hit the ground, on my stomach. Zexion laughed as he stood over me. I glanced over at the entrance where everyone stood helplessly and watched. Everyone was now leaning against the glass, trying to yell things to me. Riku was the only one on his knees, not saying anything.

"Get up, Melody…please. Please get up." His Heart pleaded.

Only for you, Riku.

I pushed up on my knees and winced as my wounds bled and split open even more. I slowly staggered to my feet. Zexion just laughed at me.

"You're weak Melody. You're so weak it disgusts me.."

I turned to look back at Riku. He was still holding back his tears, he was trying to be strong for me. I turned back to Zexion with a fearsome glare. I took off Riku's blindfold and threw it on the ground. I ripped the Organization cloak. I was still wearing my regular jeans and tank underneath. My eyes turned white as I touched my magic.

"I am only weak when you hurt my friends!" I growled menacingly between clenched teeth.

I spread open my arms and closed my eyes as a powerful force of magic came from my Heart. Warm wind circled around me. Whatever magic I had just used, it was literally draining my energy. I heard Zexion scream. When I opened my eyes, I saw all the windows, from the nearby buildings, had shattered. Zexion was gone. I grew dizzy and collapsed to my knees. I watched as the glass force field melt away, reuniting me with my friends.

"Melody! Melody!" I heard Riku shout.

The next thing I knew, I was in his arms with him placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Y-you're going to be alright, okay?"

I closed my eyes and barely nodded. I had no energy left in me.

"Sora! Hurry and Cure her! Please… Melody… keep your eyes open."

"I…I'm……so…tired…" I slurred.

"No, Peaches… come one. Keep your eyes open. I can't lose you again…"

SORA

Just as I was touching my magic, Melody disappeared from Riku's arms. Zexion appeared a few feet away with Melody on her knees beside him. Her head was held limply forward and her hands were behind her back. Zexion was going to hold her hostage.

"No!" Riku cried in frustration.

"This is all that came from the best Keyblader in the universe??" Zexion scoffed.

Zexion took out the Dark Keyblade and began to advance on Melody. Everyone was standing behind Riku, Axel, and I.

"Zexion… please don't!" Riku pleaded.

"Persuade me not to! How much do you care for her?"

Riku immediately took out his Keyblade and threw it at Zexion's feet, then he got down on his hands and knees before him.

"Please…Zexion. Please… I'll do anything…" Riku whispered.

I was shocked. I've never even seen Riku bow to King Mickey and that is where most of his allegiance lies. Axel got down on his knees beside Riku.

Melody deserves to have a heart… she deserves it more than any of us…

I also fell to my knees. Donald was reluctant at first, but he gave in. Goofy was also on his knees. I glanced behind me and noticed that even Seifer, Aidley, Hayner, Olette, and Pence were all on their knees and they hardly even knew her.

"You Fools! You are all willing to have your hearts taken away for the girl?!" Zexion cried in disgust.

MEL

It was, as I had feared. Everyone's Fate was now tied with mine. Riku had looked up at Zexion with deep and pure hatred.

"If that is what it takes to protect Melody, then yes. I will do anything."

Zexion wrapped his fingers around my neck, slowly choking me. Tears ran down my face.

"Very well. So… Melody… who's Heart shall I take first? Sora's? Donald's?….maybe… Axel's??" As he talked, the tip of the Dark Keyblade was pointed from person to person.

Riku was saving me from the Fate that has been in my shadow all along. My Heart was going to be taken, but now Riku has put his own Heart on the line along with everyone else.

"Hmm… to make it more…. Interesting… we'll start off with the strongest and less pure one. The one most loved by the dear Princess.." He said with a laugh.

"No…. please.." I pleaded in a whisper.

He laughed and lifted up my chin.

"Having three Keyblade wielders at my feet, along with Axel, and the King's best court members…. I am feeling pretty invincible right now…" Then he leaned in and whispered so quietly, so only I could hear it. "And once this is over with…. I'll still take your Heart."

Tears helplessly ran down my face as he shoved me back. I hit the ground and Zexion aimed the dark blade.

"Yes. I'll start with you." He said with a dark smile.

I watched in horror as Riku looked at me. His expression was full of passion and sadness. He smiled slightly. Riku was about to open his mouth and say something as Zexion arched back his arm and was about to take Riku's Heart.

"He loves you Melo. I know you love him back. This will make your decision harder."

"No it won't."

"And why is that?"

"Because…I may still lose my Heart…but I will be saving his."

A sudden burst of energy flowed through me as I summoned my Keyblade and quickly flipped the Dark one out of Zexion's hands. I threw my Keyblade to the ground and held the Dark Keyblade by the tip, as Sora a long time ago.

"Riku…I'm sorry…" I said with tears running down my cheeks.

RIKU

She drove the Keyblade into her own Heart. A bright blinding light came from her chest as Zexion and I both shouted 'no!' both were for different reasons. I quickly got up and ran to Melody. I fell to my knees and put my hand to the sides of her face. Tears were running down them as I tried to wipe them away. I kissed her forehead again as she slowly began to sink into a portal of darkness. A bright light shined between us and then a sharp pain hit my chest. Melody disappeared with a bright twinkle of lights, but the pain still remained.

"This was not how it was supposed to be!" Zexion shouted then he quickly went through a dark portal.

I fell to my hands and knees and the pain disappeared just as quickly as it came.

"Riku… I gave it all to you… my Soul… my Life… and now…my Heart. Please… please take care of it while I'm gone…but I promise…I will find you, through all the darkness and all of the pain…" Then her voice faded away.

Sora and Axel helped me up and a bright orb fluttered in front of me. King Mickey appeared and looked up at me with great sadness. Tears whelped up in my eyes and this time…I just let them fall.

Melody…why?

I fell to my knees and hugged King Mickey and cried.

"Will she come back as a Heartless as Sora did, your majesty?" I heard Axel ask.

I pulled back and sat down in front of King Mickey. My tears dried up quickly. King Mickey looked at me and then sighed.

"Her Heart was Pure and so she cannot come back…unless she miraculously finds a way out of the darkness herself. Even Sora said he began to forget who he was and even who his friends were when he fell to Darkness. She doesn't have a very good chance. I'm sorry."

AXEL

Lightening stretched across the sky and the smell of rain reached my nose. Tears rolled down my face as Sora put a hand on my shoulder. He too had tears streaming down his face. Olette was crying in Pence's chest, who gently rubbed her back and cried with her. Seifer and Aidley cried together. Hayner sat on the ground alone and covered his face with his hands. Donald and Goofy came over to Sora and I and hugged us both.

"W-w-we promised…h-her we wouldn't c-cry. Remember?" Sora sniffled.

"I knew I was going to anyway." I whispered.

Riku slowly stood up, with his hand covering his chest, and began to limp away. A green mist came from King Mickey and it healed Riku, but he didn't seem to care. It began to sprinkle as everyone began to settle down and stand up. Riku continued to walk away through the rain. Sora was about to chase after him, but before he even took a step from me, King Mickey grabbed a hold of his shirt.

"He needs some time alone. He just lost the only person that he gave his Heart to." King Mickey whispered sadly.

I could tell that even the King himself was holding back from walking with Riku. Hayner came over to me and patted my shoulder.

"Since he is going off on his own for a while, you don't plan on leaving just yet?" He sniffled.

"No…" Sora said quietly. "Why?"

"We all told our parents that we would be staying at each other's house… but we were actually going to camp out at the old mansion. Do you want to come with us?" Pence said as Olette wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Y-yeah…I guess we could do that…" Sora answered.

King Mickey looked back towards the dark alley that Riku disappeared in, uneasily, and then looked back at us.

"Golly. I never thought I would see so many people sad at one time."

"It's going to be even worse when the news gets out to Kairi, Simba, and Leon…" Sora said.

"I think I'm more worried about Riku…" King Mickey said. "I need to find Zexion… and find out what he plans on doing next. Riku has Melody's Hearts within him. Make sure he protects it. Also… I think what's best for him right now is to be off on his own. Then tomorrow morning you should all head back to Destiny Islands." Then King Mickey disappeared.

"Come on, guys…It's this way…" Hayner said.

"Hey." Seifer said as he held his girlfriend close. "Y-you don't mind if we come too…do you?"

"Well……I suppose…due to the circumstances…" Pence smiled.

"I mean… this will be a one time thing. I mean… we'll still be arch gang enemy's and everything… but not until later…" Seifer said.

Everyone began to follow Hayner, when I looked back to the center of the Sandlot. In a small pile were Melody's cloak and her blindfold. The rain was pouring now and my hair was clinging to my face as I walked over and picked up the cloak. Tears formed up in my eyes as I looked up at the clouds.

I will miss you Melody. You were my best friend too.

"Axel…why don't we just leave those there. I'm sure Riku will pick them up on his way back." Sora called out.

"O-okay.."

Then I slowly followed everyone else. I was full of pain and sorrow. I had no idea… that Mel would do that for me… for all of us… again. Her love for everyone became her weakness.

No. Love is not weak. Love is what kept her going. Remember the good times…not the bad…

I imagined her walking beside me and laughing. I imagined her bright smile and the way her expression changed when her eyes fell on Riku. I missed the way she tried to crack her sarcastic joke on everything.

If I'm taking it this bad…I wonder how Riku is doing?