Hi there. I'm back!! I know it's been a while snice I've update and I'm really sorry. I was sort of on a writer's block and I haven't been in the mood to continue. But I know that you want me to finish the story. So I am gonna finish this story, for all you loyal fans!! Anyway, as I explained in the last chapter, Sora turns back into a wolf. I was surprised that many of you enjoyed Sora as a wolf. To be honest, I never once thought of having Sora become a wolf. The idea came from one of my favorite reviewers, Serpro15. (Thanks again, buddy.) Anyway, on with the chapter!
The small town of Nome was quiet that morning. Usually, people would go out and do their everyday jobs, greet to those whoever they come by. This morning, however, was different. People didn't go to do their jobs. They all came out of their houses just to see Sora, Balto, and Mooneye depart to stop the evil Lavendra and close Kingdom Wolves for good. Everything lies in the hands and paws of those three heroes. They all knew that. The dogs of Nome knew that. This is their last hope – the heroes' time…of judgment.
Everyone gathered in the edge of Nome, saying their goodbyes and wishing all the luck they could give to the three courageous heroes. Sora, Balto, and Mooneye stared deeply into the forest. Somewhere in there – lies the portal to the door, leading to a place where all worlds can be controlled by anyone's wishes – a wish from someone that wants to use it for a deep, dark purpose.
Sora looks at Balto and Mooneye, who both looked back at him.
"This is it, guys." Sora said. "The time we finally put a stop to Lavendra's plans once and for all."
"Yes, everything depends on us now." Balto said. "For the future of Nome, this land, the worlds – all of it is in our paws."
Mooneye nodded.
"It's about time we put her down for good. And, Sora – after this is all over, we can get back the Time Transporter and turn you back to your time."
"Oh…yeah…" Sora said. "I can finally see Donald, Goofy, and the others again. And start my search for Riku and the king."
Balto could tell that Sora couldn't wait to see all his friends again. That's right – after everything is at peace once more, Sora would go back to his own time. Balto lowers his ears at this. That means when the time comes, Sora would have to say his goodbyes. Balto already figures that they'll never see eachother again, after that. It was completely obvious – Sora would want to destroy the Time Transporter so nothing like this would every happen again. This is something that has lightened him up, but it wasn't enough…
"Okay, let's get going." Sora said.
The two canines nodded and started walking.
"See ya." Sora said to everyone in Nome.
"Wait!"
The trio turned around. Jenna went to them and walked to Balto.
"Here." She took off her red bandanna and put it on Balto's neck. "I want you to wear this. So whenever the darkness gets a hold you, at least my light will be there to protect you."
"Jenna…" Balto said. "Thank you."
They both nuzzled and licked eachother's cheeks.
"I promise to give it back to you." He said.
Jenna nuzzled him again.
"Just promise me that you come back to me." She said.
Balto smiled and nodded. Sora couldn't help but blush when Balto and Jenna were nuzzling eachother again. It got him thinking of someone – someone he longed to see again, when this is finally all over. Mooneye saw it and smiled as well.
"Dad," Kodi said when he walked up to him. "Be careful, out there. I don't know what I'd do if anything happens to you."
"I will, son." Balto said, putting a paw on Kodi's shoulder. "I'll be careful. I promise."
Kodi smiled and gave his father a quick hug.
"I love you, Dad."
"I love you too."
Everyone smiled at them.
After that was finished, Jenna and Kodi wished Sora and Mooneye good luck. They both nodded and thanked Jenna and Kodi. Soon, almost all the dogs of Nome were wishing them good luck. Dusty nuzzled Sora and licked him on the cheek. Kaltag tried to say "good luck", but, like always, he had a hard time trying to say it – having Star to say it, which, of course, received a bump on the head from Kaltag. Even Tricksy wished Sora good luck in a good way.
"I'm really sorry for acting like a dummy to you, last night." She said honestly. "And I've never really thanked you properly for helping my daughter, my mate, and everyone else."
"Hey – it's okay." Sora said. "And don't mention it. I'm glad to help."
"You really are a strange human." Tricksy said which ruined the moment for Sora, but quickly added. "In a good way, I mean. Other than the thing with speaking our tongues and bringing out a giant key, you help those who are in trouble – no matter who or what they are. I've never met a human like you before."
Sora grinned.
"Well, somebody has to help those who are in trouble." He said. "If I don't, who would? It's just not me to watch somebody getting hurt or having trouble with something. If I see somebody in trouble, I can't help, but help them. And plus – look at all the new friends I've made."
Tricksy nodded in understanding. She then jumped on Sora and licked his cheek as well.
"You didn't let me finish." Tricksy said after she got down from him. "Thank you for everything you've done for us, and good luck."
"Sure – no problem." Sora said, rubbing his cheek. "Are we ready to go, guys?"
"Yeah, we are." Balto said.
Mooneye nodded. With one last wave goodbye, Sora, Balto, and Mooneye were on their way. Jenna, Kodi, Dusty, Ralph, Kirby, Nikki, Kaltag, and Star didn't go back into town until Balto, Sora, and Mooneye were completely out of their sight. Jenna sighs and lowers her head.
Balto… She thought. Please come home soon…
The trio has walked for an hour in the deep, dark woods. So far, they haven't come across Lavendra, Neon, Kie or Heartless for that matter – which was good thing for them. Sora, Balto, and Mooneye just want to look for the portal to Kingdom Wolves and close it, as quickly as possible. However, Sora has learned from past experience that it's only a matter of time until a Heartless battle begins – along having to face-off with the two remaining subordinates and their powerful queen. At first, he had doubts of defeating Lavendra, but thanks to Kairi for bringing up his confidence, Sora now knows for sure he'll stop Lavendra once and for all.
Mooneye used his magical eye to locate the portal. So far, all he could see is a stream, a mountain, and a two trees growing close to eachother – but no sign of the portal. Mooneye shook his head at this.
Why can't I see it? He thought. I'm its new guardian! I should know where it is!!
He started growling at himself. Sora and Balto grew concern.
"What is it, Mooneye?" Sora asked.
"Is something bothering you?" Balto asked.
Mooneye looks at them both and sighs.
"I can't find the portal." He confessed. "My eye keeps showing me different locations, but not to where the portal is."
"Couldn't you and Balto just sniff for it?" Sora suggested. "Hey! How about you turn me into a wolf again, Mooneye? With the three of us sniffing for it, we'll find the portal in no time."
"That's a good idea, Sora." Balto said.
Mooneye just made a simple nod. He then turns back to human form.
"Remember what to do, Sora?" Mooneye asked.
"Yeah." Sora replied.
He closed his eyes and let Mooneye's magic do the rest. Sora soon felt the familiar transformation of fur, paws, fangs, pointed ears, and a tail. When he opened his eyes, Sora was in form of a wolf again.
"Oh yeah!" He said excitedly. "I missed walking on four paws, and getting to howl!"
Balto and Mooneye chuckled.
"Oh, I completely forgot about this."
Mooneye brought out a pendant from his pocket. It was in the shape of a wolf's head. He then put around Sora's wolf neck.
"What's this for?" Sora asked.
"This pendant would keep you in your wolf form." Mooneye explained. "As long as you wear it, Sora – you'll stay as a wolf."
"You mean I could stay a wolf as long as I want?" Sora asked.
Mooneye nodded.
"Oh right!" Sora shouted and jumped excitedly.
Just then, Sora's wolf nose was picking up a scent.
"I think I could smell it." He said as he kept sniffing. "I'm not sure, but could possibly be the portal."
Balto started sniffing as well. He too, is picking up the scent.
"You're right, Sora. It is" He said. "I recognize its powerful smell anywhere."
Mooneye was now a wolf again. He starts sniffing to where Balto and Sora were heading towards.
"We finally have a lead." He said.
"Okay, let's see who could get there first!" Sora said as he took off.
Balto and Mooneye then ran after the young wolf – completely unaware that the spirit of Aniu, the white wolf is watching them close by. A smile was on her face, as well.
The trio fallowed the scent. It first led them to a stream – one of the things Mooneye had foreseen. They then went down the stream, still following the scent. Sora was still up ahead of Balto and Mooneye. For being a wolf only once, he was already getting the hang of it. Sora felt the adrenaline rushing through his body as the scent was getting stronger – like how a wolf feels when it's getting close to its prey. The wolf would make that one leap of either triumph or failure to catch the prey with its long, sharp teeth and fangs. The wolf would triumph if it brings the prey down and starts ripping and chewing on its flesh. It would be failure for the wolf, if it misses its prey and it escapes.
To Sora, his human mind is telling him that the portal is close, but his wolf instincts are telling him that his prey is close for the kill. Either way, it's a good sign for him.
Sora, Balto, and Mooneye stopped. The scent was at its strongest and it was coming from between two massive pine trees – a huge mountain could be seen in the background. Mooneye was speechless. The stream, the two trees, and the mountain were the things that his magical eye saw. They were sort of hints of where to go and look – but it was their noses and their hearts that guide them the way.
"Okay, we know it's here." Sora said. "But how do we open the portal, Mooneye?"
Mooneye just smiled at Sora.
"Well, what does your wolf instincts tell you, Sora?" He asked.
"Uhh…" Was all Sora could say.
Mooneye shook his head.
"Do you know what most wolves do after they catch their prey?" He asked.
Sora began thinking.
"They…howl?"
"Yes." Mooneye replied.
"Oh…duh!" Sora said slapping his paw on his forehead. "How could I forget? I've been hanging with wolves for a while now!"
Balto and Mooneye laughed. Then they turned their direction towards between the two trees. Balto howled first. Sora went second. And Mooneye howled last. Slowly, bur surly, the portal to Kingdom Wolves started to open. Sora went a step forward.
"Are you ready, guys?" He asked.
Balto and Mooneye nodded.
"Okay…here goes nothing." Sora said.
Just as they were about to walk in, Sora, Balto, and Mooneye were surrounded by dark and familiar creatures. Sora and Mooneye brought out their blades as Balto bared his teeth.
"Heartless…" Sora said while holding his Keyblade in his mouth. "I knew this was too easy."
Wolf-like Heartless and Neoshadows were getting close to the three heroes. None of them had to say a word. They were thinking the same thing: "Attack!"
Sora and Mooneye went and started slashing the Neoshadows, as Balto attacked the wolf-like Heartless. Some of the Neoshadows pop out of the ground and punched Sora and Mooneye right in the stomach. They quickly regain their balances and tried to attack the Neoshadows before they disappear into the ground again. Just then, Sora came up with a new power.
"Rise!" He shouted and howled.
All of the Neoshadows had come out of the ground, looking dazed. Sora and Mooneye took this opportunity and finished them off. As for Balto, he's holding one wolf-like Heartless down with his teeth. The wolf-like Heartless tried to shake him off, but Balto was holding on tight. The wolf-like Heartless was getting exhausted. Balto took this opportunity and pushed the wolf-like Heartless against a tree a couple of times, destroying it. Only two wolf-like Heartless remained. Sora and Mooneye took care of them. A few minuets later, the Heartless were finally gone.
"That takes care of them." Sora said, after his Keyblade disappeared.
"Yeah…" Balto said. "Glad that's over with."
Mooneye, however, was shocked.
"What is it, Mooneye?" Sora asked. "You look as though you've seen a ghost."
Mooneye looks at Sora and Balto with his eyes wide open.
"You know what this means, don't you?" He asked.
Sora and Balto looked at eachother, puzzled.
"No, we don't." Balto replied.
"It means that Lavendra is already inside the portal – on her way to conquering Kingdom Wolves." Mooneye explained.
"What!?" Sora and Balto shouted.
"Those Heartless we fought were just guarding the door." Mooneye explained. "Lavendra has somehow beaten us to the portal."
"But how could she?" Balto asked.
Sora thought for minuet. Then it hit him.
"Neon…"
"What did you say, Sora?" Balto asked.
"I remember Lavendra telling me that one of her subordinates is really smart. I think his name is Neon. He must've figured out where the portal is." Sora replied.
"We better get in there and close Kingdom Wolves fast!" Balto said.
"I'm way ahead of you, Balto." Sora said.
Then one by one, Sora, Balto, and Mooneye ran inside – not knowing the dangerous and fearful tasks they must face before closing the door to Kingdom Wolves.
The Land of the Lunar Lights
As soon they ran in, Sora, Balto, Mooneye were horrified of what their looking at. Dark mists were hovering the once beautiful land. Nothing was left but destroyed statues once displaying many brave and sacred wolves. Howls of pain and torment were floating in the air. Many other cries could be heard as well – animal and human. It was a sign that darkness is close to conquering everything – both worlds and time.
The three heroes couldn't figure out what had happened in here.
"Is this what it looks like when darkness takes over?" Balto asked in disgust.
"Everything will be at peace again once we beat Lavendra." Sora said.
"But even if we do and close Kingdom Wolves, what happens after that?" Balto asked. "How do we get back to Nome?"
"Don't worry about that, Balto." Sora said. "We'll be getting back to Nome for sure. When all the darkness finally disappears, our hearts will show us the light. Instead of our noses, our hearts would lead us back home. Yes. In no time, we'll be seeing all our friends again."
"Yeah, you're right, Sora." Balto said.
Sora smiled and nodded.
"Don't get too overconfident, Sora." Mooneye said. "This is just the beginning for all of us."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Sora asked.
Mooneye stares at him firmly.
"Remember, we still need to complete the four tasks at hand before we get a chance to even see Kingdom Wolves. Each of the tasks will challenge us to our very best. I don't know what the four tasks are, but I know they're dangerous."
Sora just shook his head and chuckled.
"Oh stop being so negative, Mooneye." He said. "You gotta start thinking positive. The more you get think negative, the chance of losing is even higher. But when you think positive, the better chance we win. It's that simple."
Balto smiled and so did Mooneye. Sora always knows what to say when things get rough. It always makes them keep going. Of course they'll make it through without a problem. After all, nothing has ever stopped them yet.
"You're right again, Sora." Mooneye said. "We'll get through the tasks."
Sora smiled.
"Then let's promise." He said, lifting his left paw up. "That no matter what dangers await us, and no matter how powerful Lavendra and her subordinates are, we'll close Kingdom Wolves and get out of here – together."
Balto and Mooneye immediately put their left paws on top of Sora's.
"That's a promise." Balto said.
"Same here." Mooneye said.
"All for one and one for all!" Sora said excitedly.
Then they all ran off towards their destination. At first, all they had to deal with was Heartless – which wasn't a problem for them. Sora and Mooneye would be hacking and slashing, while Balto would be using his powers to freeze the Heatless in time and shoot out laser fire. So far, it was easy for them. They ran for what seemed like hours, searching for Kingdom Wolves. And during that time, they found nothing but Heartless.
"Where could it be?" Sora asked.
"We're close, Sora." Mooneye said. "I can feel it."
"So do I." Balto said.
He took one quick sniff. The scent was coming from a dark pathway.
"This way, guys." Balto said.
Mooneye and Sora followed Balto into the pathway. It led them to a dark room – only a stoned sign was there, along with another pathway. Sora, Balto, and Mooneye got close to the sign. It was written in words Sora couldn't understand.
"Ur…don't think any of you guys know what it says, huh?" He asked.
"As a matter of fact, Sora, I do." Mooneye replied.
"Really – what does it say?" Sora asked.
Mooneye read out loud on what the sign says:
What you seek is right in front of your very eyes. But to claim it, you must complete the four tasks, each containing what they symbolized.
What you hide ever deep in heart and mind will no longer be that way. They all will be released, for it's a little price to pay.
Many dangers lurk in the path you wish to take. Be brave and make no mistake.
The tasks bring out pain that weighs you down. Only courage from the heart can left you back up.
If you're sure of your heat's state, then continue on the pathway to accept your fate.
Sora was even more confused than he was before. None of this made sense to him.
"Uh…what is it suppose to mean?" He asked.
"It's a riddle." Mooneye replied. "About what to expect once we go through that pathway. It explains about the four tasks I've told you about."
"Yeah, I sort of got that." Sora replied. "I'm just lost of what the rest said."
Mooneye thought for minuet, repeating the words of the stone sign. Balto did the same. Something about it seemed awfully familiar to him.
'What you seek is right in front of your very eyes. But to claim it, you must complete the four tasks, each containing what they symbolized.' He thought. That must mean that each of the tasks means something on its own.
'What you hide ever deep in heart and mind will not longer be that way. They all will be released, for it's a little price to pay.' Mooneye thought. Sounds like whatever we fear or ashamed of will come back to haunt us.
Sora still didn't have a clue to what this all meant.
"Look, we could figure out riddles later." He said. "We still have a door to close and three bad guys to stop."
"But Sora, we need to figure this out, if we want to make it to Kingdom Wolves in one piece." Mooneye said.
"Don't worry about it, Mooneye." Sora said. "As long as we stay positive and keep our promise, there's NOTHING we can't handle."
"Yeah, Sora's right, Mooneye." Balto said. "Besides, the longer we stay here; trying to figure this thing out, Lavendra would surly find Kingdom Wolves."
Mooneye looks at them both. He made a big sigh.
"All right," He finally said. "Just be careful. We'll never know for sure what the four tasks are like."
"Right!" Sora said.
He then walked into the pathway. Mooneye followed. Before entering too, Balto place his right paw on Jenna's red bandanna.
I'll return home and give this back to you, Jenna. He thought. I promise.
Balto then walked into the pathway as well – not knowing that he won't be seeing Sora or Mooneye for a while.
Sora stopped and looked at his new surroundings. The place had lightened up, making it easier for him to see. However, there was still a little bit of a dark mist. Sora started walking again. So far, nothing happened. No Heartless appeared – or anything for that matter.
"See, Mooneye – everything's turning out okay, so far." Sora said.
There was no reply.
"Mooneye?" Sora said when he turned around. Mooneye wasn't there and neither was Balto.
"Hey! Balto! Mooneye!" Sora shouted.
No answer. Sora started running all over the place, shouting out Balto and Mooneye's name. And still, no sound from either of them. Sora then tried sniffing for them. Their scent was nowhere. It was as though they disappeared into thin air. Sora was starting to get nervous.
"Guys, where are you!?" He shouted. "Somebody please answer me!!"
Sora didn't hear anything but his own echo, after that. He lowered his wolf ears in sadness.
"Where could they have gone?" He said to himself. "Did Lavendra kidnap them? No…I could've sense her presence if she did. Maybe…this is what Mooneye was talking about. I might have to complete the four tasks – not only to close Kingdom Wolves – but if I want to see them again. All right then. I'm on it."
Sora was about to move, but then he realized that he doesn't know where to go.
"Man, this dark fog is getting thicker by the minuet. I don't know which way I'm going."
Just then, Sora heard a familiar cry. He looks up at the sky and sees the raven – known as Aniu, the white wolf.
"It's you…" Sora said. "Do you know where Balto and Mooneye are?"
The raven took off.
"Wait!" Sora shouted. "Am I suppose to follow you!?"
All Sora heard was the raven's cry again.
"I guess I'll take that as a yes."
Sora then ran after the raven. Aniu was going very fast, but Sora was able to keep up with her.
"Where are you taking me!?" Sora shouted to the raven.
The raven didn't make a sound this time. Sora growled.
"I said: Where are you taking me!?"
Once again, no sound was heard from the raven. Sora made an angrier growl.
"Hey! You better answer me!" He yelled. "Balto and Mooneye are missing and I have to find them! Is that where you're taking me or you're just taking me to one of the tasks!? Don't you even care where Balto is!? He is your son!!"
At that point, the raven made a loud cry. Sora knew he had gone too far that time, but he didn't care. His two best friends are missing and all he could think of right now is finding them. Sora looks up at the sky again – only to see that the raven had disappeared.
"Oh great! You too!?" He shouted. "Where are you!?"
"Where are you?"
Sora had just heard what sounded like a female's voice.
"I'm here, who ever you are." Sora replied. "Just lost in this fog."
"Follow my voice." replied the mysterious woman. "It should lead you right to me."
"Uh…okay."
Sora followed the voice. A minuet later, he came across a female fox, smiling at him.
"Um…hi there." Sora said.
"Ah, the young Keyblade Master." said the fox. "It's good to finally meet you at last."
"You know who I am?" Sora asked, surprised.
"But, of course." replied the fox. "It's been said that you'll stop that awful witch and save our beloved Kingdom Wolves."
"Oh…" Sora said, lost for words.
"Hey, I'll help you find your friends, if you help me." said the fox
"H-How did you know that I'm looking for my friends?" Sora asked.
"The raven told me." replied the fox. "She also mentioned that you gave her a slight remark that she doesn't find very pleasant."
"Oh…right." Sora said.
"Don't be so hard on her, young Keyblade Wieldier." said the fox. "She does care for her son. But he's a big boy and he can take care of himself."
"…Yeah, so what do you want me to do?" Sora asked.
"It's really simple." said the fox. "Protect me."
"From what?"
"From…them."
About a dozen Heartless appeared, surrounding Sora and the fox.
"Stay back!" Sora shouted to the fox.
The fox kept her smirk as Sora fought the Heartless. One by one, Sora destroyed Shadows and Neoshadows. His new ability made it easier to destroy them. Whenever they go into the ground, Sora would shout: "Rise" and the Heartless would come back up, dazed. It only took Sora three minuets to destroy them all.
"There, that's the last of them." Sora said to the fox. "Now would help me look for my friends?"
"Not yet." replied the fox. "You still need to protect as I go back to my den."
"Huh?" Sora asked, puzzled. "You live in a place like this?"
"It didn't used to be like this, you know." answered the fox. "And it's one of the four tasks you have to accomplish, if you want to close Kingdom Wolves."
"Okay then, lead the way."
Sora followed the fox closely. About a minuet later, Heartless appeared. This time, wolf-like Heartless were there – far more than Neoshadows. Sora went and attacks the wolf-like Heartless, while some of the Neoshadows try to attack him and the fox. Sora saw this. He took out one wolf-like Heartless and shouted:
"RISE!"
Neoshadows came out from the ground, before they could even touch the fox.
"THUNDER!"
Massive bolts of electricity sparked all over the Heartless, destroying the Neoshadows and giving heavy damage to the wolf-like Heartless. Sora went back to attacking them. Slicing and dicing them all until they're finally gone.
"Hm, not bad." said the fox. "Not bad at all."
"Thanks." Sora said. "We better get going, before more Heartless come again."
"My thoughts exactly." said the fox.
They continued on. Sora and the fox remained silent, along the way. There was something about the fox that's bothering him. The smirk never left her muzzle – which Sora finds creepy. The fact that the dark mist has lighten up since he's met the fox. And for the fact that the fox has somehow knew that the Heartless were coming. Those were the things Sora finds very suspicious.
Five minuets later, Sora and the fox have reached the den.
"We're finally here." Sora said.
"Yes, thank you, young Keyblade Master." said the fox. "You've passed the first task."
"Really?" Sora said. "That was easy."
"Yes, now for my end of the bargain." said the fox. "To get to the second task and find your friends, you need to answer correctly to the question I'm going to ask you."
"What!? I need to answer a question!?" Sora asked.
"Yes." replied the fox.
"But I got you back to your den, safely!" Sora exclaimed. "Shouldn't that be good enough to tell me where the second task, and where I could find Balto and Mooneye!?"
The fox chuckled.
"Sorry." She said. "It's the rules I have to follow."
"Aww…" Sora said. "All right, ask me your question."
"With pleasure." said the fox. "You are familiar with the story of the four animals and each of their meanings, correct?"
"Uh…yeah." Sora replied. "I remember Balto telling me about them."
"Well, there's one animal that's sly, cunning, and un-trustworthy. It may be helpful to someone, at first – but deep down; it has no attention to help. Only to fool those who's helped it. So my question is this, Keyblade Master. What animal is 'The Cunning Trickster'?"
Sora gave his usual "I-have-absolutely-no-idea" look. It's been a while since Balto has told him the story of the four animals and what they each symbolized. He was manly focused on stopping Lavendra and closing Kingdom Wolves. Sora bunked his head with his paw a number of times, trying really hard to remember which animal is "The Cunning Trickster".
Oh man… Why do they always have to make it so hard? He thought. C'mon, Sora. You can remember this one. Okay – the animal may want to help someone, but it really doesn't. It'll just trick those who helped it. Who could it-
Sora stopped there with his eyes wide open. He just realized which animal it was. And to make it shocking, it's the same animal that is standing in front of him. Sora stares at the vixen, who made her sort of creepy smirk again.
"You!!" Sora exclaimed.
The vixen giggled.
"Very good, Keyblade Holder." She said. "You passed the simple challenge – now, time for the hard one."
Before Sora could react, someone attacks him on his right side, causing him to fall to ground hard. Sora gets up and looks at the culprit – which caused him to gasp. It was the fox, but this time; there's two of them. Both vixens made a sinister chuckle.
"And about you completing the first task," said the real fox. "Truth is I lied. You didn't complete it yet. The true way to complete the first task and get to the second task; is to defeat me, and my copies, in a battle. Are you up to the task?"
In no time, Sora's Keyblade appeared in his mouth.
"Bring it on!" He said still having the Keyblade in his mouth. "I can take you and all the copies you can give me!"
"Those were the exact words I wanted to hear from you." said the cunning trickster.
The battle had begun. Sora went straight to the real fox, but she got away in a heartbeat, sending in two more copies to attack. Sora tried to destroy the ones that were in his way, but all three copies charged at him, giving Sora heavy damage. They maybe small, but the copies were really strong and really fast. After using his healing spell, Sora tried to attack the copies again, hoping to hit the real one since they're all alike. He managed to destroy one of them, but more were appearing.
About ten copies of the tricky fox were attacking him. Sora used his shield spell to keep the damage to a minim. He decided to use another spell.
"THUNDER!!!"
Bolts of lightning hit all the copies, including the real fox. Some of the copies were destroyed, while most of them received heavy damage. Sora took the time to destroy the rest with one swing of his Keyblade. He soon found the real vixen. Sora then unleashed a couple of powerful attack combos on the crafty vixen. The fox finally manage to avoid the now-lupine's attack and hit him hard on his white furry chest.
Sora quickly regained his balance and had all four paws touch the ground, instead of his back. The fox had disappeared. Sora lifted up his nose, searching for the fox's scent.
"Come on out!" He shouted. "Have you forgotten that I'm a wolf now and can sniff you a mile away?"
Sora then heard a familiar chuckle.
"Not bad, Keyblade Master. Not bad at all."
"Show yourself!" Sora shouted. "Or is it that you're not only a trickster, but a coward as well!?"
"Oh, don't think of me like that." came the vixen's voice again. "We, foxes, are just crafty and tricky. We need to be those things in order…to survive!"
Sora tried to locate the fox's scent, but not even a faint one could be smelled. The black misty fog was all around him again. Sora took a deep breath and tried to think of what to do next.
Okay, I got a fox that's using her own tricks to hide from my eyes and my nose. What should I do next?
He kept thinking. Then it finally hit him like a ton of bricks.
Of course! Why didn't think of this sooner?
Sora just realized he didn't use the most important thing to help him find the fox. His heart. Sora closed his eyes and used his heart to look for the cunning vixen. He found her! She was right in front of him, a few feet away.
Sora brought out his Keyblade and ran straight towards her. It only took two combos to finish her off. The battle was over. The fox then bowed to Sora.
"You have truly passed the first task, Keyblade Master." She said. "As promised, I'll show open the second task."
The fox turned to her left side, revealing another pathway.
"Go now! You must complete all four tasks, if you want to stop the wicked Lavendra from conquering all the worlds."
"Why do I have to do these tasks?" Sora asked. "Why can't I just get to Kingdom Wolves and stop Lavendra right now?"
The fox chuckled.
"You first need to prove yourself that you can handle the responsibility." She replied. "These tasks will help you with that – to see if you have what it takes to handle anything that comes in your way."
"But what about my friends?" Sora said. "You said you'll help me find them. Or was that another one of your tricks?"
"You'll see your friends again, once you've completed the second task." replied the cunning trickster. "Be warned, young Keyblade Holder. The second task will be far more challenging and dangerous than mine. Whatever you have to hide, will only weigh you down. Remember, you must lighten your heart if you want to complete the task."
"Uh…thanks." Sora said, not knowing what she meant by that. "I'll keep that in mind. See ya."
He then walked into the pathway, on his way to the second task.
Meanwhile…
Mooneye had been walking for what seemed like hours, trying to search for Sora and Balto. Every now and then he would to stop to try to find their scent, but his nose couldn't even sniff out the smallest faint of either one of them. Mooneye sighs. He knows without a doubt that this is one of four tasks he has to do. Probably try to find Sora and Balto in this dark room he's in. Mooneye couldn't see anything in front of him. He could barely make out his own paw in front of his face.
Mooneye tried using his magical eye to search for his friends. Sadly, he couldn't see anything but darkness. He kept trying for five minuets, but all he kept seeing was the same old thing – nothing.
"Perfect." Mooneye muttered to himself. "My eye can't see anything here. What good is this all-seeing eye if I can't even find my friends? Why can't I see anything? Is this part of the task I have to take? What is it? Could somebody please tell me!?"
"You still haven't learned the eye's true power yet, son?"
Mooneye shot up. He had just heard a very strong and familiar voice – a voice he thought he would never hear again.
"F-Father…?" He asked nervously. "Is that really you?"
"Yes, son, it is I."
Soon, a tall man appeared right in front of Mooneye. He was an older man with a great resemblance to Mooneye. The man had long black hair that was all the way down to his waist, wore an old and worn-out battle armor, lots of scars all over his face, and a magical moon-colored eye on his left; with a "X" shaped scar on it.
Mooneye stares deeply at the man that looks exactly like his own father – Huttser.
"Can this be…?" Mooneye managed to find the words. "Are you really standing right in front of me, Father?"
Huttser made a grin.
"Yes, my son, I am standing right in front of you."
"But…how…?" Mooneye asked still speechless. "I…thought you were dead?"
"I am, son." Huttser replied. "I'm a part of you now."
Mooneye's spirit was starting to lighten up. He's looking at his father again. Although he's just a spirit, but still, Mooneye is just glad to see him again. So many things were entering his mind. He has so many questions to ask him. Mooneye is just finding it difficult for which question he should ask his father first. Finally, he knew the question – far bigger than any other – he wanted to ask his father.
"Father, I've got a question…about the eye."
"Ah, yes about that. You've yet to learn all that needs to be known about the eye's powers and secrets. By that, my son, I am…very disappointed." There was a dark tone in Huttser's voice in that last sentence. "You haven't learned anything more of what needs to be known about the eye's incredible power!"
Mooneye was shocked by his father's sudden change of attitude.
"I-I'm sorry, Father." He said. "I'm trying my very best to discover everything I need to know about its magic."
"Trying!?" Huttser exclaimed. "Don't make me laugh! You've been trying to master the eye for years, and still haven't learned anything more than what I already taught you!"
Mooneye couldn't believe what his father is saying to him, but the man is right. He hasn't learned anything more of the eye than what his father already taught him. Mooneye tried his very best to discover the secrets on his own, but sadly, after all these years; Mooneye has learned nothing!
"Please, Father!" Mooneye begged. "I need your guidance! Please tell me the secrets of the eye and its powers!"
Huttser made a dark and cold laugh.
"And why should I bother telling you that, son!?" He snapped. "How would I know that you'll even listen and pay attention to what I have to say – this time!?"
"What do you mean?" Mooneye said. "I've always listened to you and followed your training."
"Did you!?" Huttser snapped. "Try your best to use that little head of yours and think back to when you disobeyed one of my very important rules!"
With sadness and confusion in his mind, Mooneye tried to think back to when he ever broke and disobeyed one of his father's rules. At first, it was hard for him to remember anything that he did wrong until…
No! I am a fool…!
Mooneye had just remembered back when he tried to stop Sora and Balto from falling into Lavendra's trap. That's where he met Lavendra in Cecelia's body. He tried to take her down, but he couldn't. That's when Lavendra mentioned his father's name – which made Mooneye very angry. And it resulted by Mooneye being turned into a statue to be used as bait so Balto could open his heart to open the portal to Kingdom Wolves.
Mooneye was looking back at his father, who gave him a dark and disappointed look.
"You remember now, don't you?" Huttser said. "You've let Lavendra fool you by using your emotions against you!"
Mooneye was ashamed of himself and completely lost for words.
"I told you, son, never to be fooled by the enemy!" Huttser continued. "That they'll use any way they can to destroy you! And you ignored my warning and let Lavendra fool you…!"
Mooneye felt tears coming down his furry cheeks. All he could think of himself is a complete failure, who doesn't deserve to be called: "Wolfblade Master". Suddenly, Mooneye felt himself getting lower to the ground. He tried to stand up straight, but he couldn't. It was as though the gravity was pulling him down, like a magnet.
"Father…! He gasped. "What's…!?"
"…And the sacred wolf had to sacrifice his body in order to save you!" Huttser exclaimed, ignoring his son's plea. "That's what Lavendra wanted! The portal to Kingdom Wolves would be open and she could finally go and conquer everything! You've DESTROYED the last chance we all had!!!"
Mooneye was being pulled down even more by the second. His body was a few inches from touching the ground. Sweat was all over him.
"Father…please…" He gasped. "Something's…wrong with me…"
"It is too late!" Huttser snapped. "This is your doing! Now you must pay the price! How dare you call yourself a Wolfblade Master!? You're no meaning for it! As a matter of fact, you're NO son of MINE!!!"
Mooneye collapsed to the ground. He couldn't move any part of his body. All of his strength and power was gone. The only thing he could do is cry.
After he walked through the pathway, Balto couldn't see Sora or Mooneye anywhere in sight. He started sniffing them out, but, surprisingly, Balto couldn't get even a faint scent of either of them. Balto then started walking, calling out both of their names. For what seemed like hours, there was no sign of Sora or Mooneye. As Balto was going deeper into the place, he noticed it was getting darker; that he could barely see. He tried sniffing for Sora and Mooneye again. He kept walking all over the place, trying to get their scent. But like the first try, Balto couldn't find a trace of either of them.
"Where are they?" He said to himself. "I hope they're alright. Well, no point in worrying. I just have to keep going. Hopefully, I'll catch up to Sora and Mooneye very soon."
Balto then continued on. As he got deeper into the corridor, it got so dark that he could barely see his paw in front of his own face.
Great… Now what I suppose to do?
Balto tried sniffing again – anything he could smell that would help him get out of the dark mist. Suddenly, he just sniffed out an all too familiar scent. However, it wasn't Mooneye's or Sora's.
No… It can't be… What is she doing here? Did she follow me? Or did Lavendra bring her here?
Balto followed the very familiar scent. As he got closer, the scent was getting stronger. Soon, he could see the form of a red and white husky. Balto had recognized the husky, instantly.
"Jenna!?"
It was indeed Jenna. She looks at Balto with no emotion.
"You're here, Balto." Jenna said. "It's good to see that you're still in one piece."
"Jenna, what are you doing here?" Balto asked, baffled. "Did Lavendra bring you here?"
"No she did not." Jenna replied with no expression on her face. "I brought myself here."
"…Why?"
"Because…I came to see if Lavendra has truly destroyed you…" Jenna said with little anger.
Balto looks at her with his eyes wide open, speechless.
"What…no she hasn't. I'm completely fine. I just got separated from Sora and Mooneye. I need to find them, and you need to get back home, Jenna, before anything happens to you."
Jenna then closes her eyes and chuckles. Soon, it turned into high laughter. Balto was beyond confused now. He gave a worried look at his mate.
"Jenna…? Are you…alright?"
Jenna stops laughing and looks at Balto with a dark look – a look that Balto have never seen on his lover's face before.
"You want me to go back…HOME!? That's no longer possible, Balto!! Home is not home anymore!! Lavendra has completely DESTROYED it!!!"
"What!?" Balto said, even beyond shocked. "No… It can't be… That's not…"
"Oh, but it is, Balto!!" Jenna said with rage. "Nome has been taken over by darkness!! All of us tried to escaped, but sadly…the darkness as gotten hold of all of us!!"
Suddenly, Jenna's fur tuned dark. Her eyes started glowing yellow. She then showed Balto a sinister grin. Balto's mouth was hanging open, scared. He started taking steps back, muttering continuously.
"No… This is a trick. A fake… You're not Jenna. You can't…possibly be…"
"Oh, but it is me, Balto." Jenna said darkly. "And that's not all."
Just then, Kodi was standing by his mother's right. He too, had become a Heartless. His eyes were now blood-red. His fur was far more darker than before. He gave Balto a sinister grin as well.
"Hello, Dad." Kodi said in a dark tone. "How do you like the new me?"
Balto was shaking at the sight of his son. Suddenly, Balto felt himself being pulled down to the ground – like an invisible weight was on top of his back and it was getting heavier and heavier by the second.
"This can't be real…" He kept saying to himself. "This isn't real… It's not… You're not my mate!! And you're not my son!!"
"Will you open your eyes already!?" Jenna exclaimed. "This IS real!! We've all been turned into Heartless!! Now Lavendra is finally conquering EVERYTHING!!! You failed, Balto!! She's won!! We lost – period!!!"
"But…my light…I can use the light in my heart to save you all-"
"It's TOO late for that!!! You're light can't save us now, Balto!!!" Jenna yelled, saying her mate's name with full disgrace – like taking a bite out of rotten meat. "There's so much darkness in us that your light can't brighten it up!!!
Balto was just inches from touching the ground. He tried to get himself back up, but the mysterious massive weight was making it impossible for him to do so.
"You were too late to beat her, Dad!!" Kodi exclaimed with rage. "Lavendra has made us all into freaks!! We're nothing but her puppets now!! I trusted you, Dad!! I trusted that you and Sora could actually beat Lavendra once and for all!! But I was wrong!! You're no hero!!! You're nothing but a mutt that's too weak to help anyone!!! It makes me even more disgusted to know that you're my father!!!"
Balto felt heavy tears coming down his cheeks. It pains him to see that his mate and son are nothing but slaves to the darkness now. He's failed them. He's failed everyone!
"It sickens me that I've given you my bandanna!!!" Jenna exclaimed. "It's the only thing I have left of Nome!!! Not anymore!!! I wouldn't want it anywhere near me, since you're wearing it!!! I hate you, Balto!!! I hate you with all the darkness I have in me!!!"
Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for Balto, you're sadly mistaken. Nearly everyone from Nome appeared along side Jenna and Kodi. Each of their faces showed nothing but hatred towards the petrified wolfdog.
"Kodi's right!! You're nothing but pathetic excuse for a mutt!!!" shouted the dark form of Steele.
"You couldn't help us in out time of need!!!" the dark form of Kaltag shouted next.
"Now everything that we knew and loved belongs to the darkness!!!" the little dark form of Star.
"You're not a dog. Not a wolf. And one thing for sure, you're not a HERO!!!" exclaimed the dark form of Boris.
Balto collapsed to the ground with a big thud. He couldn't move or speak. There was no strength in him. All he could do now...is listen to everyone yelling their hatred towards him.
Sora had made it through the pathway. He was now in yet another dark room. Sora holds his Keyblade firmly in his mouth. The vixen had told him that this is the second task he must accomplish. He had to keep his eyes open – make sure that nothing gets him before he gets them first. So far, Sora sees nothing but dark; lots and lots of dark. He starts walking, still having his Keyblade ready. His wolf senses couldn't even track down a scent of any kind. Sora was starting to get impatient.
"All right, I know someone's in here!" He yelled out. "Just come out already, so we can get this over with! I still need to find my friends and stop Lavendra, you know!"
"About time you showed your furry face, Sora."
Sora's heart missed a beet. His ears and eyelids were fully up.
That voice… Could it be…?
"I was starting to worry that you'll get lost and never find this place." said the voice.
Sora couldn't believe it. He'd recognize that tone of voice anywhere.
"…Riku?"
When that was said, Riku had appeared out of the darkness – right in front of Sora. He was exactly the same way Sora had remembered him – his long silver hair that was all way down to his back, his sleeveless yellow and black shirt, and his overall-like pants. Sora couldn't believe this.
"Riku…is it really you?" He asked.
Riku just made a smirk.
"You know, the last time I saw you, Sora, you were walking on two legs, had clothes on, and the only spot that was hairy was on top of your head." He stated, referring to Sora's wolf-form.
"Oh…uh…it's a long story." Sora said, forgotten that he's not human. "Anyway, what are you doing here, Riku? How did you get here – back in time? And is the King with you?"
Riku didn't answer. He just continued to smirk. Then he chuckled and shook his head a little.
"Look at you! The mighty Keyblade Master is now nothing but a mangy mutt, holding the greatest weapon of all time in his doggie mouth! You look pathetic!"
"Hey! I'll only be like this till I complete the four tasks I need to do, Riku!" Sora exclaimed. "Speaking of which, I'm suppose to be doing the second task right now. I think you should stick with me. I really don't know what's gonna happen when it comes."
Riku just rolled his eyes at his now-wolf friend.
"What!? You don't think I could handle myself!?" He snapped. "That I'll need your help in beating up some monsters!?"
Sora was surprised at his friend's attitude.
"What…? No! It's just that… I don't want anything happen to you, Riku. We finally found eachother, after all."
Riku chuckled.
"I see now," He said. "You're afraid that something terrible would happen to me. Well, you don't have to worry about that, Sora. I've got the darkness on my side. So you could just worry about yourself."
Sora gasped.
"What are you talking about, Riku!?" He exclaimed. "I thought you finally knew better – not to trust the darkness!"
Riku made a slight chuckle.
"What are you talking about?" He said. "Just because I messed up once, doesn't mean I could never master the darkness! It took some time, but I finally did it. I now have total control of ALL the darkness!"
Sora couldn't believe what he's hearing. He thought for sure Riku has stopped relying on the darkness, after what has happen to him when Ansem took over his body. But…it doesn't look like Riku has learned a thing from that past experience. Sora felt a growl growing in his throat. He could smell the darkness inside him. His ears were pinned back and his tail was moving slowly. It was his wolf instincts telling him to do this – Riku is his enemy, but he doesn't want to believe it.
"You still haven't answered my question, Riku." Sora said. "Where's King Mickey?"
Riku, once again, chuckled. This time, it was even higher than before.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about finding him anymore, Sora." He said. "The King's gone!"
"What do you mean, he's gone!?" Sora demanded, not liking the way Riku had said it at all.
"I mean, I finished him off!" Riku replied. "The King tried to stop me from gaining total darkness – kept going on that it'll destroy me. But I shut the pathetic little shrimp up with my new power. He was such a fool…"
Sora was growling even louder than ever.
"You…!" He exclaimed. "You're so STUPIED!!! How could you do that to the King!?"
Sora then ran and pounced at Riku. However, before he could even put his paws on him, Riku pushed Sora away. He gained his balance and landed on all four paws, growling.
"I can't believe this…" Sora said. "I thought you knew better about the darkness, Riku!"
"Oh, he has, Sora. That's why he's showing it to you."
Sora's wolf ears were pointing up now; and his eyes were wide open. He had just heard another all too familiar voice – the voice of a special person that he just heard and met last night. Right on cue, another familiar person came out from the dark shadows. Sora's mouth was all the way down when he got a good look at her.
"Kairi…?"
A smile was shown on Kairi's face, but it wasn't her usual sweet and kind smile. In fact, it looked creepy!
"Hello, Sora, it's good seeing you again." She said in a sweet sort of way, but really wasn't. "It's been so long. But the last time I saw you, you weren't a wolf."
Sora couldn't believe it. It's actually Kairi! He's not dreaming, nor is he seeing things. Kairi is standing right in front of him – in the flesh!
"How did you get here?" Sora asked.
"It was I who brought her here." Riku replied. "After taking care of the King, I used the darkness to get back to the islands. There, I found Kairi and told her the power I have over the darkness. I told her with this power, we could do and get whatever we want. Kairi liked this idea and wanted to go with me. I then, gave her a share of the power of darkness. I couldn't remember her seeing so happy."
"It's true, Sora." Kairi took over. "I never dreamed of having this much power. All the things I've wanted to do, I can actually do it! With the darkness on my side, I can make EVERYTHING possible!"
Just then, forms of darkness were all over Riku and Kairi. Both had their hands up, sucking in all of it's power. Sora was in shock. His ears and tail were down like a scared pup. There was only one thing on his mind: What the heck is going on here!?
"No…" Sora finally said out loud. "This isn't real… None of this is real! You're not Riku and Kairi!! The real Riku and Kairi would never do this!!"
Kairi giggled evilly.
"Oh, but it is us, Sora." She said. "It really is. Who else could we possibly be?"
"She's right, Sora." Riku said. "Now, we all know that you still have issues with the darkness, but I think it's about time that you get over it."
Sora growled at him. Suddenly, he felt himself lowering to the ground – as if his legs could no longer take his weight.
"What's…?" He began.
"Come on, Sora, why won't give the darkness a chance?" Kairi asked, as though nothing had changed. "We could make everything to the way we wanted."
"We could make all the worlds the way we want them to be." Riku said. "With darkness on our side, we have nothing to lose or fear."
Sora was trying to stand up straight. However, it seems like gravity wasn't on his side now. Riku and Kairi ignored him and continued on.
"Yes, our real father will make sure all our dreams come true!" Kairi shouted with joy.
Sora gave a puzzled look when she said "real father". What did she mean by that?
"You are both correct, my 'son' and 'daughter"'.
In that moment, another person appeared from the shadows. Sora was both shocked and furious. It was a person he never wanted to see again. Someone he thought was history, but, sadly, he isn't.
"Ansem…!" He gasped.
Ansem was standing behind Riku and Kairi, with dark grin.
"Take a look at this, children." He stated, pointing at Sora. "Here was once a boy with dreams of going to other worlds. And so this boy, sought out to go to these worlds. But is now nothing but a weak little pup because he didn't open his heart to darkness."
He then laughed and so did Riku and Kairi. Sora was growling louder than ever, even though his lower body was close to touching the ground.
"You…!" He shrieked. "I thought the light of Kingdom Hearts finished you off! How could you possibly be standing here!?"
Ansem chuckled and shook his head.
"After all this time, you've still understand NOTHING!" He said. "Darkness always conquers even the brightest of light! There is absolutely nothing the darkness cannot take on!"
"Ansem is right, as always, Sora." Kairi said. "Now, as a friend, I'm asking you to join us! Become one of us!"
Sora shook his head franticly, gasping for breath.
"Never!!" He shouted. "I'll never open my heart to the darkness!! And neither should you, Kairi!! You told me yourself to always reach for the light – to never turn away from it!! Don't you remember!?"
Kairi just smiled and laughed.
"You must've been dreaming, like always, Sora!" She stated. "Why would I ever say such a disgusting thing!?"
Sora just looks at her in shock. Like time had slowed down, Sora collapsed onto the ground, petrified. The words Kairi said hit him very hard.
"Well, if you're not going to join us, Sora, then you are our enemy!" Riku said.
"Darkness has no need for the likes of you!!" Kairi exclaimed.
"You're absolutely right, children." Ansem said. "We'll just let the darkness finish him off."
Sora didn't do or say anything. He was just stuck to the ground. Like Balto and Mooneye before him, Sora was completely helpless.
End of chapter. (Oh boy! Am I gonna get it now!) Sorry to have as a cliffhanger, but this chapter was long enough. In case of any misunderstandings, what Sora, Balto, and Mooneye are seeing are things they fear the most. And it's their fears that's weighing them down. They must master it, in order to break free. You'll find out how they do that in the next chapter - which I promise would be up soon.
Anyway, I would like to thank all my wonderful reviewers! It is you that keeps me going! Thank you all!