Last time found our heroes fighting alongside The Yamato against the combined forces of Hakonians, Heartless and Gamilus. The situation was made even more dire when the Hakonians used a dark EMP weapon that disabled The Yamato's Wave Motion Engine, leaving the great ship dead in space. Aiden beamed over to repair the Wave Motion Engine, while Sora and the others held off the two dark armadas. Aiden succeeded in fixing the engine, but was left exhausted by his efforts. With Aiden confined to sickbay, The Yamato Warped to safety, while Sora and the others followed in The Intrepid Heart through hyperspace, leaving the Hakonians and Gamilus leaders to explain their failure to their respective masters.
The Yamato then arrived in a system that has been targeted by the most diabolical, most hateful race that has ever existed; The Daleks. 'Nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 6: The Battle of Micandor
"We're coming up on their location," said Riku, "exiting hyperspace…now." The ship then resumed normal spaceflight. Sora and the others found themselves in a star system with two yellow suns. The sensors of The Intrepid Heart showed that The Yamato was in orbit around a blue and green planet with several rings and four small moons.
"I hope Aiden's okay," said Kairi as Riku piloted the ship towards The Yamato.
"He's alright," said Sora, "if there's one thing about Aiden, he's tough."
"I'm tougher," said Tess.
"We know that," said Riku.
Just then they got a signal from The Yamato, "glad you guys could make it," said Kodai.
"You guys kinda made it easy for us to find you," said Sora.
"Why'd you only Warp 600 light years?" Riku asked, "you could have gone the full 1,200."
"That would be Shima's idea," said Captain Okita.
"We're sure that by now Gamilus knows how far the Wave Motion Engine can take us," said Shima, "so I figured to only Warp half as far as usual, while the enemy will be looking for us much further away. Once we're able to Warp again, we'll be farther away from the enemy, while they're still looking for us in the wrong place."
"That's brilliant," said Riku, "wish I had thought of that."
"How's Aiden doing?"
"Better now that I don't feel like I'm coming undone," said Aiden, "I can tell you this, guys, Warping isn't for me."
"I told you it takes some getting used to," said a slightly tipsy Dr. Sado.
"I've never felt any ill effects from Warping," said Analyzer.
"Well I guess that makes you special," said an annoyed Sidney.
"We'll pull alongside and dock in a minute," said Riku.
"We're looking forward to seeing you again," said Yuki. With that the transmission ended.
"Now if we can just figure out what the Hakonians are up to," said Sora, "and just what that weird element they want is all about, then we'd be able to beat them, somehow."
"And the sooner we stop whatever the Hakonians are planning," said Riku as he piloted the ship towards the docking hatch of The Yamato, "the sooner The Yamato can continue on her mission. The longer we're here, the greater the risk of us inadvertently causing them to fail."
"We know that," said Tess, "so as soon as we're all together again, we'll come up with a plan to take out the Hakonians. I've already got a few ideas."
"We're all anxious to hear them," said Kairi, but her mind was somewhere else, or rather, her senses, "am I the only one who feel that there's something wrong with this place? This solar system I mean."
"I'm also feeling like there's something wrong," said Riku.
"Same here," said Sora, "Tess? Are you feeling it?"
"I'm feeling…something, alright," said Tess in a slightly nervous tone, "something evil. Back on Metamore, when I was killing Phobos' minions as The Razor, every now and then I'd get this feeling that I was in grave danger. I'd always get this feeling whenever one of Phobos' more dangerous creatures was close by. The feelings stopped when The Guardians saved my life and I started working with the rebels, but now," she stood up from her chair and walked towards the forward view screen which showed The Yamato orbiting the ringed planet, "now I feel like we're all in grave danger. The sooner we can leave the better."
"We can't leave until we pick up Aiden," said Sora, "and even then we can't leave. We can't just abandon The Yamato while her engine is recharging."
"Then they'd better charge the engine faster," said a now visibly afraid Tess, "we've got to get away from this place, and we have to go soon, before it's too late."
"A SECOND UNIDENTIFIED SHIP HAS ASSUMED ORBIT AROUND THE TARGET WORLD," said one of the Daleks as they observed The Intrepid Heart docking with The Yamato on their view screen, "ITS TECHNOLOGY IS ALSO UNKNOWN TO OUR DATABANKS."
"WE SHOULD EXTERMINATE THEM ALL NOW!" said the second Dalek, "EXTERMINATE THEM BEFORE THEY DISCOVER US!"
"WE HAVE NOT BEEN DETECTED YET," said the third Dalek, "THESE VESSELS MAY HAVE TECHNOLOGY THAT WE CAN ADAPT TO OUR USES."
"AND WHAT IF THAT TECHNOLOGY IS A THREAT TO OUR SURVIVAL?" the fourth Dalek asked, "WHAT THEN?"
"THEN WE WILL EXTERMINATE THEM ALL," said the third Dalek, "BUT NOT BEFORE. UNTIL THEN WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE OPERATION. THIS STAR SYSTEM HOLDS INFERIOR LIFE FORMS THAT ARE SCHEDULED FOR EXTERMINATION!"
"ORDER THE HEARTLESS TO DESCEND UPON THE PLANETS OF THIS SYSTEM!" said the first Dalek, "ALL LIFE FORMS ARE TO BE EITHER DESTROYED OR CONVERTED TO HEARTLESS."
"AND IF A WORLD IS ABLE TO RESIST THE HEARTLESS," said the second Dalek, "THEN THEY WILL BE EXTERMINATED REGUARDLESS! EXTERMINATE!"
"EXTERMINATE!" shouted all the Daleks, "EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"
"We lost several good men just now," said Captain Okita gravely as he, the senior officers of The Yamato and our heroes, including Sidney who was wearing her mobile emitter again, sat around the conference table in the captain's war room, "four brave pilots who gave their lives to protect this ship. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten!"
There was then a moment of silence for the four pilots who died during the battle with the Hakonian and Gamilus fleets.
"Very well," said Captain Okiata after the moment passed, "now, report."
"The Wave Motion Engine is functioning at optimum efficiency, Captain," said Chief Tokugawa, "what Mr. Mackenzie did to repair the damage not only did that, he also corrected several minor faults in the machine that have occurred since we left Earth. These faults aren't a danger to the engine or the ship, but they would have become so over time as we continued Warping."
"It's just simple Alchemy," said Aiden modestly, "the engine was still in one piece, despite the damage done by that dark EMP. I merely restored the machine to its original state."
"Nevertheless," said Captain Okita, "what you did was nothing less than outstanding. It shall be noted in the ships' log that you did service to this ship that was above and beyond the call of duty."
"Well, if you're going to give credit," said Aiden as she smiled eagerly, "I'll gladly take it."
"Don't let it get to your head," said Sora.
"All weapons are intact and fully functional," said Kodai as he continued the report, "if the enemy were to find us, we'd be more than ready to give them a warm welcome."
"Normal propulsion modes are at 100%, Captain," said Shima, "if there's going to be a battle, we'll run rings around the enemy. And we'll be able to Warp again in six and a half hours; a shorter Warp, a shorter cool down time."
"Last radar sweep of the system showed no sign of either Hakonian or Gamilus activity, Captain" said Yuki, "as for the star system, we're in orbit of the fifth of twelve planets; four are closer to the sun and seven further out. Five of the others further from the suns are gas giants, each one containing dozens of small to medium-sized moons. The other two in the outer system have different bio-systems, but all can support carbon-based life forms.
"Two of the inner planets are too close to the suns for life, while the third is like Venus, with a runaway greenhouse effect going on. The fourth planet, and the fifth, are both Earth-like and show signs of intelligent life."
"Definitely worth looking into, Captain," said Sanada, "we have time to investigate. With your permission, Captain, I'd like to send several probes to the fourth and fifth planets."
"Permission granted," said Captain Okita, "and if there are edible plants in the uninhabited areas of those two worlds, let me know. We can always do with fresh food supplies."
"I can use the time we're here to enhance the Wave Motion Engine," said Sidney.
"And I can use the time to help someone I know," said Kairi as she looked at Tess, "and maybe upgrade your wardrobe while we're at it. Some of the worlds we visit can be pretty warm, and wearing clothes that completely cover your body just isn't practical on those worlds."
"It is on cold worlds," said Tess as she touched her jacket and long-sleeved shirt underneath, "it can get pretty cold on Metamore sometimes."
"We're not on Metamore anymore," said Riku, "you know that."
"Well if you are all going to work on projects," said Aiden, "I suggest you work fast. Call me crazy, but I've been feeling that there's something wrong with this place ever since we got here, this whole star system I mean."
"We all feel that way," said Sora. He then looked at Captain Okita in a serious manner, "Captain, "I don't know how much you and your people know about magic and other special powers, but my friends and I have both, and we've been sensing that something's wrong in this star system, something terribly wrong."
"Just what sort of wrongness are you sensing?" Captain Okita asked.
"And just what do you mean about magic and special powers?" Kodai asked.
"I can offer several definitions on the subjects," said Analyzer.
"I'll bet you could," said an annoyed Sidney.
"We don't know exactly what the danger is," said Riku, "only that it's real, and the longer we stay here, the closer we come to facing that danger, and I don't think this is a danger we can come out of in one piece."
At that Captain Okita closed his eyes in thought, "very well, we will leave as soon as The Wave Motion Engine is ready."
"Captain!" said a slightly offended Sanada, "you can't be taking this seriously! I mean, magic and super powers? And premonitions of an unknown danger? Of all the illogical nonsense!"
"I'm partial to agree, Captain," said Yuki, "we've seen some amazing things since leaving Earth, and the concept of The Heartless alone is enough to expand ones horizons about what is real and what is make believe. But there are some things that are just too impossible to believe in."
"But magic is a part of life," said Sora, "it's everywhere, even in places where nobody believes in it."
"What he said!" said Donald, while Goofy nodded in agreement.
:Whatever you do,: said Riku, :don't mention Tinkerbell or any of the other fairies. It's bad enough that these people have been through hell on their world. They've almost lost all hope. Mentioning fairies and other magical creatures will just make them think we're crazy.:
:Right,: sad Sora. He then spoke aloud, "alright then, I'll prove that my friends and I have special powers. First of all, anybody have something to write on?"
"Will this do?" said Yuki as she handed Sora a data pad and a stylus pen.
"Thanks," said Sora, "Kairi, stand behind me please."
"Sure," said Kairi as she stood up and turned around so she and Sora were facing opposite directions. Sora then wrote something on the data pad, "what does it say?"
"It says our names," said Kairi, "'Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Donald, Goofy and Tess,' in that order."
"Parlor tricks," said an unbelieving Sanada.
"I disagree," said Dr. Sado, "when young Aiden was unconscious from his exhaustion, which was caused by his remarkable ability that fixed our engine, yes, I accept it as Alchemy. Anyway, I had the opportunity to examine Aiden, and I found some remarkable genes in his DNA that don't correspond with anything found on our world. If there are genetic codes for magic and other powers, then what I saw proves it."
"And we are from another universe," said Riku, "our technology proves that."
"If you want more proof," said Kairi, "wait until someone on The Yamato has to visit the infirmary because of an accident. I can heal just about any wound. In fact, Tess, let me see your arm."
Reluctant to reveal her scars in front of The Yamato officers, Tess slowly took off her gloves, then her jacket and pushed up the left sleeve of her shirt. The Yamato crewmembers were shocked to see the extensive scars across the back of Tess' hand and all over her arm.
"I wish this was the worse of what was done to me," said Tess in a mildly embarrassed tone. She then looked at Kairi with hopeful eyes, "can you really make them go away?"
"We won't know if I don't try," said Kairi as she cracked her knuckles, "alright, let's do this!"
"That's my line!" said Aiden as Kairi used her healing magic on Tess. Her hand and arm was bathed in the white healing light.
"What's happening?" an amazed and confused Yuki asked.
"Unknown energy is being produced from subject Kairi," said Analyzer as his internal scans activated.
Before the awed eyes of the Yamato officers, Kairi's magic began removing the scars inflicted on Tess. Within minutes her hand and arm up to her elbow was completely healed.
Kairi then sat back and sighed with relief, her forehead beaded with sweat, "I'm sorry, but that's all I can do for now. For some reason, healing old wounds takes more out of me than new wounds."
"It's alright," said Tess in a distant tone as she looked at her restored hand and forearm, "it's a good start," she then looked at a brown mark on the back of her hand and smiled in surprise, "I forgot I had a birthmark."
Riku looked and saw that the mark on Tess' hand vaguely looked like a key, or rather…"a Keyblade?"
"I guess so," said Aiden as he looked at the mark.
"It doesn't look like a Keyblade to me," said Sora as he looked at the mark.
"Tilt your head," said Kairi as she looked at the mark.
Sora then looked at the mark from a different angle, "oh yeah, it does look like a Keyblade."
"What's a Keyblade?" Kodai asked.
At that Sora and the others smiled, "I'm glad you asked," said Sora.
"And so you failed to fulfill the Uridium quota," said an irate Maleficent via a large crystal ball to Grekor, "and squandered a portion of what you've acquired, and for what? To destroy one pathetic human starship?"
"Great one, please understand," said Grekor in a placating tone, while Ikura and Orkal knelt beside him, "The Yamato possesses a weapon of unparallel power. We had to neutralize their energy source before we could destroy them, or risk our destruction in the process. Our new allies, Gamilus, wouldn't join us in battle with The Yamato and the Keyblade brats unless we could disable The Wave Motion Gun. Besides, it was Ikura's plan to waste the Uridium."
"And it was a good plan!" snapped Ikura as she stood up, "mistress of all evil, I admit that I did not take into account the resourcefulness of the humans of this universe."
"I doubt that the local humans could have countered dark magic so quickly," said Maleficent, "no, The Keyblade Alchemist, was responsible for restoring the power of the human ship. I had made it clear before that that one, Aiden Mackenzie, was to be taken alive! The other whelps are to be destroyed, but I need The Keyblade Alchemist alive!"
"We understand, oh great and terrible Maleficent," said Grekor, "we will do all that you ask. But I must request additional Heartless support, as well as Nobodies."
"If you desire assistance," said Maleficent, "then you should request more of your people to come as well."
"I…yes, great one," said Grekor reluctantly, "it's just that…"
"Just what?" Maleficent asked.
"It's just that there's so few of us Hakonians left," said Ikura, "we had to 'draft' several of our lesser comrades in order to have full crews for this venture. If we were to ask for more of our comrades, then our leaders will…"
"I am your leader!" snapped Maleficent, "you pledged your loyalty the moment your people settled on The World that Never Was! You are mine to do with as I see fit! And I see fit that you shall have reinforcements, in terms of Heartless, Hakonians and Nobodies. Yes, you shall have Nobodies."
"We will?" Orkal asked.
"I have one spare controlling ring," said Maleficent, "and one of your comrades will have it when he arrives with the reinforcements."
"Which one of our comrades will be coming?" Ikura asked.
Just then a man in his late 50's with graying black hair and black eyes appeared next to Maleficent. He wore a gray and brown cloak and carried a black staff carved with gold runes.
"Hello, friends," said the man as he smiled viciously.
"Trakinor!" snapped an outraged Grekor.
"Trakinor Darkwind?" Ikura asked, "I thought you died. Eaten alive by the giant psychic spiders of Metebilis Three."
"I am far from dead," said the man with the black and gold staff, Trakinor Darkwind, "I was merely procuring the means of furthering the darkness," he looked at Maleficent, "as you predicted, oh mistress of all evil, the demon sightings are increasing in frequency. The fell creatures are indeed searching for something; what it is, I do not know yet."
"The reason for the demons' questing shall be revealed in good time," said Maleficent, "for now I have a new task for you, Trakinor Darkwind. You are to go through the rift to the other universe and acquire the Uridium needed for further Nobody controlling rings.
"You are to also destroy The Keyblade Wielders, as well as the other human vessel, The Yamato. To complete your task," she then summoned a large white ring, "you shall be gifted with this item that will establish control over Nobodies."
"I cannot express my gratitude enough, great one," said Trakinor as he accepted the ring. He then placed it around his wrist and it flashed darkly.
"Then go," said Maleficent, "carry out your duty to the darkness."
"I live only to serve you, oh great and terrible Maleficent," said Trakinor as he bowed and left the view of the crystal ball.
"Of all the rotten luck," muttered Grekor.
"Is there a problem?" Maleficent asked.
"No problem, great one," said Grekor.
Just then one of the lesser Hakonians whispered something to Ikura. She scowled at the subordinate, "you tell that blue-skinned idiot that we don't have time to argue over every single detail!"
"But mistress Ikura," said the lesser Hakonian, "Commander Heinz says that it's imperative that you respond. He says that Lord Desler wishes to speak with you."
"What is this?" an intrigued Maleficent asked, "the leader of your new 'allies' wishes to speak with you? Well then, let us not keep him waiting."
"You wish to speak with Lord Desler yourself, Maleficent?" Grekor asked.
"Indeed I do," said Maleficent.
"Very well then," said Grekor. He then turned to the lesser Hakonian, "inform Commander Heinz that we will speak with Lord Desler at his connivance."
A minute later the main view screen activated, showing Lord Desler on his throne on Gamilus.
The insidious leader of Gamilus looked across time and space onto the Hakonian bridge and saw Maleficent in the crystal ball, "I do believe I have the honor and privlige of addressing The Mistress of all Evil."
"That you do, Lord Desler," said Maleficent, "I believe we have much to discuss."
While Maleficent and Lord Desler discussed matters of darkness, Commander Heinz spoke to Ikrua, Grekor and Orkal on a secondary communications screen, "I've been threatened with decapitation if we fail to destroy The Yamato. What of you?"
"We haven't been threatened by a specific punishment yet," said Ikura, "and we probably won't, not as long as Maleficent is distracted by Lord Desler."
"Then we both may come out of this in one peace," said Commander Heinz, "and without having more of our respective people killed. Lord Desler said he'd send reinforcements, more than enough firepower to wipe out The Yamato."
"We're also going to get reinforcements," said Orkal, "but we've been waiting here for so long, it'll take forever to find our enemies."
"Not really," said Commander Heinz, "our scientists have estimated that The Yamato has a Warp radius of 1,200 light years. It will be several hours before the humans can warp again, so with the reinforcements, we can cover a proper search area."
"That will still take too long," said an irate Ikura, "I have a different method of finding our enemies, or rather, just the Keyblade brats. Their ship uses hyper drive, and all hyper drive engines produce specific energy signatures that leave traces in space, even when in hyperspace. Our sensors can find these traces and we will follow them to the brats, and hopefully, to The Yamato."
"Why my dear Ikura," said a smiling Commander Heinz, "I could kiss you!"
"And suffer radiation sickness?" a disgusted Ikura asked, "I think not!"
"Then it is decided for now," said Maleficent to Lord Desler, "our two forces will cooperate until the destruction of our mutual enemies, for The Yamato ship has become a nuisance to us as well."
"And we have decreed that The Keyblade Wielders are to be declared enemies of Gamilus as well," said Lord Desler, "our enemies will be destroyed. Once that goal has been accomplished, then further negotiations shall commence immediately."
"I look forward to the negotiations," said Maleficent, although the Hakonians present could tell that Maleficent was only waiting for the right time to exploit Gamilus.
"As do I," said Lord Desler, who was also waiting to exploit Maleficent.
With that Maleficent vanished from the crystal ball, while Lord Delser's transmission ended as well.
"How soon until reinforcements arrive?" Ikura asked.
"The new taskforce from Gamilus should arrive within the hour," said Commander Heinz, "that fleet will have its own commander, but I will still be incharge of all Gamilus forces in this venture."
"Our reinforcements should be here soon as well," said Grekor.
"Then I have that much time to lock in on the energy signature of the brats' ship," said Ikura. With that she sat at the scanner terminal and began sweeping for our heroes' trail.
"Unbelievable!" said an astonished Sanada, "those swords! You can make them appear and disappear at will!"
"That's nothing compared to what else we can do," said Aiden. He and the others had just finished showing off their Keyblades to the senior officers of The Yamato.
"Then there's no denying it," said Shima, "where you guys are from, magic is real."
"I never doubted it for a second," said Kodai.
"Sure you didn't," said Yuki.
"Yes, you people now believe in magic," said an impatient Tess, clearly the awe of having her arm healed by Kairi has worn off, "now can we please talk about getting out of this star system?"
"I'm convinced that you sense a danger to us all in this star system," said Captain Okita, "but you still don't know what that danger is, or from where it will come or when it will come. Where as this star system seems peaceful," he had a data print out of the fourth and fifth planets of the system, "and are civilized."
"We've detected radio transmissions from both planets," said Yuki, "both worlds are attempting deep-space travel and already have extensive long-range satellite communications. They have realized that we are here and have tried to communicate with us. Our computer is having trouble translating their languages, but if we stay long enough, we will be able to answer their calls."
"Let me have a look at their transmissions," said Sidney, "I can translate their words easily enough."
"I have been working on translating their languages since we began overhearing their transmissions," said Analyzer, "I already have the beginnings of their grammar understood."
"Well, aren't you special," said Sidney.
"ALL PREPERATIONS FOR THE OPERATION ARE COMPLETE," said the first Dalek.
"THEN COMMENCE THE OPERATION!" said the second Dalek, "UNLEASH THE HEARTLESS! DESTROY THE PLANETS! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"
Sidney was about to make another snappy comment, when Tess stood up, a horrified look on her face. "Oh no! Oh gods no! We have to get out of here! Now!"
"Why?" a worried Riku asked, "what's wrong?"
Sidney then tensed, "long range sensors detecting massive amounts of Heartless entering the star system and converging on the planets, specifically the fourth through sevenths planets."
"The ones that have life on them," said Kairi.
Just then the klaxon alarm of The Yamato sounded and the voice of one of the bridge crewmembers could be heard on the intercom, "all senior officers to the bridge! We have an emergency! Repeat, we have an emergency!"
Everyone then ran onto the bridge and saw a tactical display of the solar system on the main view screen. Several dark masses were heading for the four planets that supported life in the system.
"They're Heartless alright," said Sora.
"How could the Hakonians have found us so quickly?" Kairi asked.
"I don't think these are controlled by the Hakonians," said Riku, "and I doubt Gamilus is involved. I think we've found the local Heartless."
"Or maybe they found us," said Kodai as he sat at his station, "Captain, all weapons report ready. The Black Tiger squad also reports ready to take off on your order."
"Wait a second," said Riku as he stood up and walked to the forward view screen, "if this is just The Heartless, then what was the source of those nuclear weapons?"
"I don't know," said Sora.
"Captain," said Yuki, "we have visual confirmation of The Heartless. I'm putting the images on the main screen now."
The forward screen showed not space-borne Heartless but thongs and hordes of Purebloods, such as Shadows, Neo Shadows, Invisibles and Darkballs. But among the masses of Heartless were creatures that Sora and the others hadn't seen before. The creatures had the markings of Emblem Heartless, but looked like gargantuan jellyfish, each had a giant umbrella-shaped mass that propelled it through space and a dozen tentacles dangling hundreds of yards down.
There were other giant Emblem Heartless that had animalistic features; there were some that resembled eels that had multiple heads. There were squid-like Heartless that had dozens of tentacles. There were multi-finned sharks and crocodiles with bat-like wings.
"Whoever created these things has a really sick imagination," said Aiden.
"Is this normal for us Keyblade Wielders?" Tess asked Riku, "seeing different Heartless wherever we go?"
"Heartless adapt themselves to whatever realm they invade," said Riku, "so yes, variety among The Heartless normal."
"Captain!" said Yuki, "they're beginning to attack the planets!"
"What do we do?" Aiden asked, "we can't defend four planets at once."
"Where are The Heartless coming from?" Captain Okita asked.
"I'm tracing their path through space," said Yuki, "they seem to be coming from a single point several million kilometers above this system's plane of elliptic."
"It's a planet that orbits at a different angle," said Sidney as she checked the sensors aboard The Intrepid Heart, "a gas giant. I can't determine it's chemical makeup, there's an interference field around the planet. All I can tell so far is that it has a mass slightly less than that of Jupiter, has no rings or moons and its orbit is…peculiar.
"Wait! Correction, it is not a planet at all! It's some kind of machine, a massive mechanical construct disguised as a planet! It uses a holographic disguise that also serves as a sensor jamming field. I'm still having trouble breaking through the jamming field, but it's certain that this faux planet is the source of this universe's Heartless."
"A planet-sized machine that's the base for The Heartless," said Sora, "it's like things can't get any worse."
"It's worse," said a horrified Yuki as she read the sensor data, "the creatures have reached the sixth and seventh planets. They're…they're killing everything that's alive on that planet. Everything that's in their way, animals and planets, they're all being destroyed."
Just then the tactical display of the star system changed. Where the sixth and seventh planets were, there was only darkness.
"They must have found the Keyholes for those worlds," said a appalled Riku, "two more worlds have fallen to the darkness."
"We can't let this go any further!" said Sora, "Captain! We have to do something!"
"I agree whole heartedly," said Captain Okita, "but what?"
"They're heading for the fourth and fifth planets now!" said Yuki.
"Are they heading towards as well?" Captain Okita asked.
"Captain!" Kodai interjected, "permission to fire the Wave Motion Gun!"
"We've got our own super weapon as well," said Riku, "just give enough time to charge it and we'll blow those dark bastards out of the stars!"
"What super weapon?" Aiden asked.
"We can turn the full power of our ship into one massive blast," said Kairi, "it's in the manual."
"Oh yeah," said Aiden.
"Have the creatures made any threatening moves towards us yet?" Captain Okita asked.
"Not yet," said Yuki, "they're ignoring both The Yamato and The Intrepid Heart. They're completely focused on the two planets."
"Then let's hit them now!" said Tess, all thoughts of running away forgotten by the sights of two worlds falling to the darkness and two more in danger, "now while we have the element of surprise!"
"Wait a second!" said Sidney, "there's something happening on both planets. Some sort of magical force being generated."
The view screen showed the two planets being surrounded by the masses of Heartless. But then several bright lights flashed into existence on both planets. The lights then connected, forming webs of light across the planets.
"It's some sort of energy extending 100 kilometers above the surfaces of both planets," said Yuki.
"It's magic alright," said Sora.
"But what kind of magic?" Kairi asked, "good or evil?"
Just then the first of the attacking Heartless began their attack on the two planets. They hit the webs of light and were destroyed by the magical force.
"They're shields, said an overjoyed Kairi, "magical shields that The Heartless can't cross."
"Now I definitely want to meet these people," said Sora.
"Well just to be safe," said Riku, "we should be ready to fight. If The Heartless can't get to those worlds, then they'll come after us."
"I agree," said Captain Okita. He then spoke into the ship's intercom, "All hands, prepare for battle."
"We'd better get back to our ship," said Sora.
"THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH PLANETS HAVE BEEN PURGED," said the third Dalek.
"THE FOURTH AND FIFTH PLANETS WILL BE CLEANSED NEXT," said the second Dalek.
"WAIT!" said the fourth Dalek, "THE PLANETS HAVE ERECTED ENERGY BARRIERS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN. NO HEARTLESS HAVE PENETRATED. THE PLANETS REMAIN UNHARMED!"
"INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ATTACKING HEARTLESS!" shouted the first Dalek, "THE WORLDS MUST BE INVADED! ALL LIFEFORMS MUST BE EXTERMINATED! DESTROY THOSE BARRIERS! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"
"The number of attacking Heartless just went up!" said Sidney as our heroes hurried back to The Intrepid Heart, "They're throwing themselves against the planetary shields!"
"Those shields can't last forever," said Riku as our heroes reached their ship and hurried onto the bridge and assumed their stations.
"Open a channel to the Yamato bridge," said Sora s Riku detached the two ships and piloted The Intrepid Heart away from the larger ship, "Captain Okita, we're ready for action over here!"
Kairi, Riku, Aiden, Donald, Goofy and Tess nodded in agreement.
"We're all ready here as well," said Captain Okita through the comlink, "our Black Tiger squadron is taking off as we speak."
"Captain," said Kodai, "I suggest we start by getting the enemy's attention first."
"You want to use The Wave Motion Gun?" Shima asked.
"Now that I think about it," said Kodai, "not really. We'll only get one shot, and it'll take too long for the engine to recharge. We'd get wiped out before we could move and fight again."
"What are they talking about?" Tess asked.
"Their most powerful weapon is directly liked to their power source," said Riku, "they channel all the energy of The Wave Motion Engine into one big blast, but it leaves them without main power for several minutes while the Wave Motion Engine recharges."
"They have to turn every nonessential system off in order to achieve the power needed for the Wave Motion Gun," said Sidney.
"That would definitely leave them at a tactical disadvantage," said Tess. "Well, if we're going to get their attention, let's try the direct approach. Heartless are attracted to Keyblades after all, so let's give them something to chase." She got up and summoned her Keyblade, Shining Justice.
"I think I know where you're going," said Sora as he stood up, "everyone, get your Keyblades out!" He then summoned the blue version of Ultima Weapon, while Riku summoned Way to the Dawn, Kairi summoned Destiny's Embrace and Aiden summoned Grand Arcadium.
"Stand by, Captain," said Riku, "the Heartless have just been given a rabbit to chase."
But the masses of Heartless continued to throw themselves onto the shielded planets.
"Those shields won't last much longer," said Sidney, "I estimate that they will collapse in five minutes."
"How can all those Heartless just ignore five Keyblades?" Sora asked.
"Maybe we need to get closer," said Riku as he hit the button that caused the ship to move forward. The Intrepid Heart moved several hundred kilometers ahead towards the swarms of Heartless.
"Don't leave us behind!" said Shima. The Yamato soon followed.
"They're still ignoring us," said Aiden, "either these Heartless are really dumb…"
"Or something really powerful is controlling them," said Riku, "maybe they need something bigger to draw their attention."
"If five Keyblades aren't enough," said Roxas as he appeared next to Sora, "then how about seven?" He then summoned Oathkeeper and Oblivion.
"Roxas!" as a smiling Sora.
"Don't forget me," said Naminé as she appeared next to Kairi.
"You're more than welcome," said a smiling Kairi.
Just then the view screen showed a large part of the masses of Heartless attacking the fifth planet break off from the main swarm and charged towards The Intrepid Heart.
"I think we've got their attention alright," said Aiden.
"THE TWO INTRUDER SHIPS HAVE MOVED TOWARDS THE SWARM OF HEARTLESS," said the third Dalek. "THEY MAY SEEK TO ATTACK."
"IGNORE THEM FOR NOW," said the first Dalek, "THEY WILL BE EXTERMINATED IN DUE TIME."
"AN UNIDENTIFIED ENERGY PATTERN IS BEING TRANSMITTED FROM THE LESSER INTRUDER SHIP," said the second Dalek, "ATTEMPTING TO ANALYZE PATTERN."
"ALERT!" said the fourth Dalek, "A LARGE PERSENTAGE OF THE SWARM ATTACKING THE FIFTH PLANET HAS COMMENCED ATTACK ON THE LESSER INTRUDER SHIP!"
"WHAT!" exclaimed the first Dalek, "NO ORDER FOR SUCH AN ATTACK WAS NEVER GIVEN!"
"THE ENERGY PATTERS IS DRAWING THE HEARTLESS TOWARDS IT," said the second Dalek.
"ORDER THEM BACK TO THE PLANET!" said the first Dalek "THAT WORLD MUST BE CLEANSED!"
"THOSE HEARTLESS ARE NO LONGER ANSWERING OUR ORDERS!" said the second Dalek..
"THE INTRUDERS HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES TO BE DISRUPTIVE OF THE OPERATION," said the fourth Dalek, "THEY SHALL BE EXTERMINATED! ORFER FULL ATTACK! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"
"A lot more of The Heartless are coming towards us!" said Aiden, "we're in for it now!"
"Open fire!" shouted both Sora and Captain Okita. The Intrepid Heart unleashed it's magic-enhanced lasers, missiles and torpedoes, while The Yamato used it's pulse lasers and shock cannons, as well as the lasers and missiles from the Black Tiger fighters. Hundreds of Heartless fell, but thousands more kept coming. Eventually all the masses of Heartless heading for the fifth planet changed course and headed for both ships.
"We've definitely saved the fifth planet," said Riku as he dodged one of the gargantuan Heartless, then lined the ship up with another for a torpedo run that destroyed the oversized creature.
"But what about the fourth planet?" Kairi asked as she and the others held on while Riku pulled off a hard right turn to avoid a swarm of Invisibles.
"As far as I can tell," said Sidney, "they're still enduring the other mass of Heartless.
"As far as you can tell?" Kairi.
"Well I am using most of my attention in keeping us alive," said Sidney in a matter of fact tone, "it takes a lot of computing power to run a ship in battle."
"How's The Yamato doing?" Tess asked.
"They're falling back," said Aiden, "several Heartless have crashed into them. It looks like they tried to dig their way in, but The Yamato's armor is holding."
"How much longer can we keep this up?" Kairi asked as the ship dodged a lunging attack from one of the giant Heartless, then spun out of the way of a swarm of smaller Heartless.
"As long as we can," said Sora, "we have to give the people down on the fifth planet as much time as we can to get their defenses up again!"
"Wait!" said Sidney, "something's happening on the fifth planet! I'm pulling it up on tactical!"
A small tactical display appeared on the forward view screen. It showed several beams of magic shooting up towards the masses of Heartless attacking The Intrepid Heart and The Yamato. Hundreds of Heartless in all shapes and forms were destroyed by each magical blast.
"They're fighting back!" said an ecstatic Kairi, "those people, they're helping us!"
"We're reading the energy blasts as well," said Yuki, "and…standby! I think…yes, they're sending up fighters as well!"
The view screen showed hundreds of green and white fighters rise up from the fifth planet and attack the Heartless masses. By now the swarms of Heartless were thinning out as our heroes and allies fought on.
"We're getting a communications request," said Yuki, "it's from the fighters from the planet!"
"We're also getting the signal," said Kairi.
"Patch the signal through me," said Sidney, "I'll translate it for both us and The Yamato."
"On audio now," said Kairi.
The voice of a man could be heard over the communication line, "Whoever you people are, you have the undying gratitude of all the people of Micandor V. I personally can't speak for Micandor IV, but they'd thank you if they can."
"Who are you?" Sora asked.
"I'd like to know that myself," said Captain Okita, "pilot, please identify yourself."
"Group Captain Quartrane," said the voice on the com line, "my men and I will help clear the vacuum of these…these things."
"They're called Heartless," said Sora.
"It's a long story," said Riku, "we'll talk later."
"That we will," said Group Captain Quartrane, "right now there's still plenty of dirty work to be done, for all of us."
"That'll give me some time to do some snooping," said Sidney a she smiled mischievously, "and see just who or what is controlling these Heartless."
"RESISTANCE FROM THE FIFTH PLANET IS INTENSIFYING," said the third Dalek, "HEARTLESS FORCES FOR THAT WORLD ARE DECREASING. RECOMMEND THAT WE DISPATCH HEARTLESS FROM THE FOURTH PLANET TO ASSIST."
"BATTLE COMPUTER CONFRIMS," said the second Dalek. "TRANSFER HEARTLESS FROM FOURTH PLANET ATTACK TO INTRUDER SHIP ATTACK!"
"WAIT," said the fourth Dalek, "RECOMMEND THAT WE USE THE OBLITERATOR MISSILES ON THE TWO PLANETS AND FOCUS ALL HEARTLESS ON THE INTRUDERS!"
"THIS IS HIGHLY IRREGULAR," said the third Dalek, "THE OBLITERATORS ARE ONLY TO BE USED WHEN ALL OTHER BATTLE PLANS FAIL."
"WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF MISSILES," said the second Dalek, "WE STILL HAVE RESERVES OF HEARTLESS."
"IRELEVENT!" said the fourth Dalek, "THESE INTRUDERS POSE A THREAT TO OUR SURVIVAL. THEY MUST BE EXTERMINATED, BUT THE TWO PLANETS MUST BE EXTERMINATED FIRST. THEN WE WILL FOCUS ON THE INTRUDERS. RECOMMEND THAT WE USE THE OBLITERATOR MISSILES ON THE TWO PLANETS."
"RECALCULATING," said the second Dalek, "BATTLE COMPUTER CONFIRMS. DESTROY THE TWO PLANETS, THEN FOCUS ON THE INTURDERS."
"SO BE IT," said the first Dalek, "USE OF THE OBLITERATOR MISSILES APPROVED! RECALL THE HEARTLESS! DEPLOY THE PLATFORM! LAUNCH OBLITERATOR MISSILES! DESTROY THE PLANETS! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"
Just then a klaxon sounded.
"ALERT! ALERT!" shouted the third Dalek, "SECURITY SENSORS DETECTING FORIEN ARTIFICAL INTELEGENCE PROGRAM PROBING! THE SMALLER INTRUDER SHIP IS ATTEMPTING TO SCAN US!"
"ACTIVATE DEFENCES!" shouted the first Dalek, "REPELL FORIEN PROGRAM AT ONCE!"
Just then Sidney gasped in pain and collapsed to the floor, her holographic image flickering and distorting, like her programming was corrupted.
"Sidney!" shouted Sora and the others.
"What's happening?" Aiden asked as he knelt down beside her, "are you alright?"
"I'm okay," said Sidney as she stood up, her image still distorted and now unfocused, "The enemy, they know I was there."
"What are you talking about?" Riku asked.
"I was trying to learn more about that giant machine," said Sidney as her holographic body cleared up, "the one disguised as a gas giant. Without a doubt there's a dark intelligence behind it, one capable of harnessing the power of millions of Heartless."
"Millions!" exclaimed everyone.
"Did you just say millions of those things?" an exasperated Shima asked.
"Millions," Sidney confirmed, "and they have other weapons as well. I managed to get into part of their computer system. Those nuclear weapons that destroyed that planet? They're called Obliterators. They've been used on over a dozen worlds in this universe alone, since the ones controlling The Heartless got here."
"Who are they?" Kairi asked, "what kind of sick monsters are they?"
"I didn't get that far into the computer to learn their identities," said Sidney, "but from their files on how they've nuked so many worlds, and destroyed others with The Heartless, they're as evil as they come, and then some."
"Did you hear that, Group Captain Quartrane?" Captain Okita asked.
"Every word," sad Group Captain Quartrane, "I'm transmitting to the central command of Micandor V that they begin evacuating the planet. They'll listen to me, we've seen signs of destroyed worlds in our long range exploration probes."
"What about the other planet?" Sora asked, "Micandor IV?"
"We haven't been able to contact them since the attack began," said Group Captain Quartrane, "our magical shield interferers with planet to planet communications. But we should be able to reestablish communications soon, I hope."
Just then a loud alarm sounded on The Intrepid Heart, "Something's coming!" shouted Sidney, "something big!"
"Captain!" shouted Yuki, "long-range radar is detecting two large ships emerging from the faux planet!"
The view screen of The Intrepid Heart showed two large, bronze and gold-colored ships that resembled counter-rotating UFO's. One ship was on a course for Micandor IV, the other for Micandor V.
"What are those ships doing?" Sora asked, "are they…"
"They're weapon platforms," said Sidney, "I learned that much from their computer. That's what they used to launch those nuclear missiles, Obliterators."
The end of chapter 6
Next chapter shows our heroes onboard both The Intrepid Heart and The Yamato struggle to repel the insidious efforts of The Daleks as the dark creatures try to murder Sora and the others. At the same time, the Hakonian and Gamilus armada catch up with our heroes, only to find that they've bitten off more than they can chew. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!