Alrighty guys, bittersweet feelings here on this fic.
Dx: I know what you mean. This fic wasn't all that bad, for not having me in it.
RDF1: Shut it, before I do it for you!
Dx: I'm kidding.
Jenny: No you weren't.
Dx: Jenny!
LR: He does have a point. This was a good fic.
RDF1: Thank you. I just hope others will agree with you guys.
Okay, time for an explanation.
I got a review in the last chapter stating that Takuya was OOC. I did this intentionally because of what's going on. Takuya had been separated from his friends, after going through a period of maturing. He just figured out that being in the Digital World is no game, that it's life or death. Add to that, he gets separated from his home world; from everyone he ever knew just to be thrown into a war that has even greater stakes, if that's possible. The culmination of all this would make any smile disappear rather quickly, even for someone like Takuya. If there's anyone out there reading this that can honestly say they would go through this and still smile like it's nothing, then let me know, so I can speak with you privately.
Now, on to the fic.
I do apologize for the lateness. I do have a life, and it doesn't revolve around Fanfiction only. But, without further ado…
Disclaimer: RDF1 doesn't own anything related to Disney, Square, Kingdom Hearts, or Digimon. He only owns Ideas and OCs he's expressed before, and even some of those are shared/agreed by others.
Let's go! Digital Kingdom Hearts: Chapter 12!
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
Namine and Kairi, along with Pluto, made their way down a staircase, trying to make it to the entrance, only to be cut off by Saix with two Berserker Nobodies.
"There you are Namine," said Saix, "I wondered where you went after Castle Oblivion."
"Namine," said Kairi, wondering why she didn't have an 'X' in her name like the other Nobodies like Organization 13.
"What you made me do to Sora and his friends was unforgivable!" countered Namine, "I hope you never find your heart, Saix, because you don't deserve one!"
"My, my, such harsh words from the one that did the deed," replied Saix, "But that's in the past, isn't it? Kairi, I can take you to see Sora, if you wish."
Kairi took a step back.
"You don't want to?" asked Saix, feigning confusion.
"I do, more than anything," replied Kairi, before adding angrily, "But, if I'm going to see Sora; it'll be on my terms! NOT YOURS!"
"If I had a Heart, this is where I'd die of laughter at that insane idea," said Saix before they heard a slash and a Berserker Nobody falling down, "I thought Roxas finished you off all those months ago."
Everyone turned to see Riku, still in Ansem's body, covered by an Organization Cloak. Way to Dawn Keyblade in his hand.
"You can take it from here, Riku," said Namine.
"Riku," said Kairi, wondering why Riku would look like that after only a year away from the islands.
Riku dismissed his Keyblade and summoned a Dark Blast, knocking Saix back. He pinned the Organization member to a wall, which Saix used to create a portal and escape. Riku made to follow.
"WAIT!" cried out Kairi, not wanting her friend to leave her again.
This paused Riku long enough for Pluto to stop him from entering the portal. Riku sighed, as he couldn't leave now that Kairi found him. She wouldn't let him leave again. Neither had noticed that Namine had left them.
"Is that really you, Riku?" asked Kairi, pulling off the hood and revealing Ansem's face.
"Yes," said Riku, with his own voice, instead of Ansem's, "I have to stay like this if I'm to use the powers of Darkness to help defeat the Organization."
"You can't do it alone," said Kairi, "You're going to need Sora's help. And I'll do what I can to help as well."
"Alright," said Riku, "We'll find Sora, together."
(Recap End)
Sora, Agunimon, Donald, and Goofy made their way through Nobody's Call and Crooked Ascension, battling Nobodies of various varieties. Once they made it to Twilight's View, they were able to rest for a moment.
"They really don't want us getting very far, do they?" questioned Sora, as they caught their breath.
"If they are, they sure aren't making it easy," said Agunimon, reverting back to Takuya for the time being, "Let's rest here for a few moments, then press on."
"Right," said Sora, turning to the others, "You guys holding up?"
"We're fine," insisted Donald.
"Nothing to worry about," added Goofy, "We're ready to go when you are."
"Right," said Takuya, changing back into Agunimon, after a minute of silence, "Time to show them what it means to mess with our friends."
So, they headed on into the Hall of Empty Memories. It didn't take long for an 'old friend' to show up.
"You have done well, Sora," said Saix, from a few floors up.
"SAIX!" called out Sora, "WHERE'S KAIRI!"
"Who knows," replied Saix, "I expect she's catching up with her friend from the darkness."
"What do you mean!" said Sora.
"She has no need of you anymore. You journeyed all this way for nothing," goaded Saix, trying to get Sora even angrier.
"Like I would believe that!" countered Sora, having learned from his mistakes when dealing with Saix.
"You don't have to," said Saix, easily adapting to Sora's non-reaction, "Just believe this: Thanks to you, Organization is almost finished in it's mission to get Kingdom Hearts. Just look there."
Saix pointed out to the Heart-shaped Moon outside.
"Now, to finish Kingdom Hearts, why not get one last helping from the Keybearer," said Saix, summoning about 50 Heartless from the floors and walls.
The Heartless surrounded them.
"You ready," said Agunimon.
"What about Kingdom Hearts?" asked Sora, not wanting to lose the hearts to the Organization.
"SORA!" shouted a voice very familiar to Sora, "IT'S REALLY YOU!"
Everyone looked up to see Kairi, looking down from the viewpoint opposite of Saix.
"KAIRI!" said Sora, glad that his friend was still alive, his heart feeling lighter than ever before.
"Watch it!" said Agunimon, as the Heartless began their attack, a few getting on Sora and pinning him to the ground.
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" shouted Kairi, jumping down to the floor below before more Heartless surround her, "Get out of my way!"
Suddenly, a sphere of light energy was launched form her hands without warning, and taking down a few Heartless. The others attacked, only to be destroyed by Riku. Reaching into Hyperspace, he brought out the Destiny Place Keyblade and held it out to Kairi.
"Take it," said Riku.
Kairi looked at the Keyblade before her, when a sudden memory popped up: One where a young woman with blue hair and a younger Mickey Mouse protected her from dark creatures that were neither Heartless nor Nobodies. Upon grabbing the Keyblade, she remembered that she gave flowers to the young woman, who merged them with her Keyblade to form the Destiny Place Keyblade. Feeling the power of the Keyblade coursing through her, she got ready to fight, to protect others as that young woman did for her.
(AN1)
"I'll fight as well," said Kairi, focusing her mind on helping Sora any way she could, "We both know Sora won't be able to finish this without us. Let's GO!"
Kairi raced forward into battle, using her powers of Light, and the Destiny Place Keyblade, to battle the Heartless that stood between her and Sora. Riku chuckled inwardly at the fact that Kairi's change in personality and demeanor was all due to Sora. He pulled out the Way to the Dawn Keyblade and followed suit, destroying Heartless with more skill than Kairi, given his past battles, and the power of Darkness that was within him.
(AN2)
Saix watched with interest as the Keybearers did battle with the Heartless, until a strong presence of Darkness caught his attention. He looked up to see Maleficent and Pete standing across the way.
"Well, well," said Saix, in slight amusement, "Will the intrusions never cease."
Saix then disappeared in a portal of Darkness, to await Sora's arrival at his battleground of choice.
(AN3)
Sora managed to get the Heartless off of him, and looked up to where Kairi was. She was battling Heartless alongside Xehanort's Heartless, both wielding a Keyblade.
"What's going on?" asked Sora, thoroughly confused as to not only Kairi wielding a Keyblade, but also Xehanort's Heartless battling by her side.
"Sora," said Agunimon, "Focus!"
Before Sora could get back to the battle, a shot rang out from above, taking out a Heartless. Everyone looked up to see hundreds of shots firing, taking out all the Heartless on the platform where Sora's group was.
"Have you been a good boy, Sora," said Xigbar.
"Show yourself!" demanded Sora.
Xigbar walked up, from the few floors up where he was waiting.
"I take it, 'not'," said Xigbar, answering his own question, "Sora, Roxas, Xion!"
"Roxas? Xion?" replied Sora, "HEY! GET THE NAME RIGHT! I'M JUST SORA! Roxas and Xion have got nothing to do with this."
"You're kidding, right?" countered Xigbar, "After everything you three did to the Organization? No wonder the Keyblade chose you guys. But, man, it could've done better. I mean: you guys aren't even half as trained as the others were."
(AN4)
"You done rambling," said Agunimon, "Or is there someone else you'd like to insult."
"Rambling?" said Xigbar, "As much fun as it would be to continue the insults, I'll just give you the short version: You and those traitors are through! I challenge you to a one-on-one battle!"
"Say what!" exclaimed Donald.
"One-on-one?" wondered Goofy.
"Guys, let's let Sora handle this," said Agunimon, walking away from the platform, "This is a legal challenge. We can't interfere."
"I accept!" said Sora, before turning to Donald and Goofy, "I'll be fine. I can take this guy."
"Go for it," said Donald.
"We'll support you all the way," added Goofy, before both of them left to join Agunimon.
"You ready?" said Xigbar, prepping his Sharpshooters.
"Bring it on," said Sora, changing his Ultima into Two Become One, surprising Xigbar.
"You have that Keyblade?" asked Xigbar.
"Yep," said Sora, "Just to let you know, Roxas says "Hello" and "Goodbye"!"
Sora charged in, to attack Xigbar directly, who moved into the air to dodge the first attack. Sora then jumped up with a vertical slash, hitting Xigbar. Xigbar managed to recover and move to a different position and started firing shot after shot. Sora deflected most of the shots as he moved closer to Xigbar, before summoning a Thundaga spell to hit Xigbar and stop his firing. Sora followed up with a Blizzaga and Firaga combo, using up most of his magic.
"Not bad," said Xigbar, moving back up into a sniper position, forcing Sora to move about the platform to dodge shots that were even stronger than before.
One managed to hit Sora, causing him to fall back. He healed as Xigbar moved back onto the platform, and summoned his inner strength to turn into Anti-Sora. What was surprising again, was that he still had the Two Become One Keyblade in his hands, and he was still in Sora's battle stance.
"Let's go!" said Anti-Sora, moving faster than Sora did, getting multiple hits on Xigbar before he could counter with his Sharpshooters.
"Sora!" shouted Kairi in concern, as she noticed Sora turning into Anti-Sora, fearing that he would become a Heartless again.
"He'll be okay!" said Riku, taking out another Heartless, "Let's finish up here!"
"Right," said Kairi, dodging another attack by different Heartless. All the while she was thinking, 'Don't die on me now, Sora.'
"Whoa!" said Donald, when Sora changed into Anti-Sora.
"When did he learn to control the Anti-Form that well?" asked Goofy.
"Maybe from Roxas," replied Agunimon, "I couldn't tell you for certain though."
Xigbar was shooting all over the battlefield, forcing Anti-Sora to dodge while holding on to the Two Become One Keyblade. He soon felt the drive run out and reverted back to normal Sora just as he missed Xigbar's last few shots.
"Awe," teased Xigbar, "Out of power already. Stay still and I'll make it painless."
"That's what you think," said Sora, changing back to Ultima, and changing into Master form, Sleeping Lion and Fenrir at the ready.
'Uh oh,' thought Xigbar.
Sora unleashed Disaster and finished off Xigbar before he could mount a counterattack.
"Roxas, Xion," said Xigbar one last time, "You just had to betray us."
"There was nothing to betray," said Sora, his voice sounding like Roxas.
"You used us, and now we're free," continued Sora, this time in Xion's voice.
"Kingdom Hearts will never be obtained by the likes of you," finished Sora, in his own voice this time, "We'll see to that!"
Xigbar just chuckled, "You guys won't stop Xemnas. He's too powerful."
Xigbar then disappeared into Nothingness.
"It's time to end this!" said Sora, "You guys ready?"
"Yeah," said Agunimon, walking up to him with Donald and Goofy.
"What happened there?" asked Donald.
"Why'd you sound like two different people there?" added Goofy.
"Roxas and Xion are apart of me. I guess they can speak through me, if I allow it," replied Sora.
(AN5)
"Let's get going," said Agunimon, "Kairi and Namine are waiting for us, remember?"
So, they headed out, following the path King Mickey had taken earlier, taking out more Heartless and Nobodies on their way. When they got to the level Kairi and Riku were on, they expected at least a few more Heartless to fight, but Kairi managed to destroy the last one with the Destiny Place Keyblade.
"Kairi, you were great," praised Donald.
"Oh," said Kairi, turning around, before letting out a small giggle.
Sora and Kairi approached each other.
"You ARE different, Kairi," said Sora, "But I'm just glad you're here."
"When you and Riku never returned, I decided to go look for you," said Kairi, "I met up with Hayner, Pence, and Olette before Axel captured me."
"I'm sorry…" started Sora, before Kairi enveloped him in a deep hug.
"No," said Kairi, tears in her eyes, "I'm the one who should be sorry. I forgot about you until just recently. I'm just glad you're real, and not some made up memory."
"That's not your fault," said Sora, "I'm sorry for taking so long."
"Ahem," said Takuya, getting their attention.
Sora and Kairi let go, reluctantly, while blushing furiously in anger and embarrassment at Takuya for ruining their reunion. Riku himself summoned a portal of Darkness to leave Sora and Kairi be, but Sora stopped him.
"Ansem," called out Sora, "I mean, Xehanort's Heartless; I didn't think I'd see you again. I remember everything you did to get Kingdom Hearts over a year ago. And, if it wasn't for the fact that you helped saved Kairi, I would probably be aiming my Keyblade at your throat right about now."
Riku didn't say anything, but mentally chuckled at what Sora said. It would be true, sort of. He made to leave through the portal, when Kairi stopped him once more.
"Riku, Don't go!" said Kairi, rushing over to him.
"WHA!" exclaimed Donald and Goofy, bewildered by Kairi's outburst.
Sora face faulted and gave out a short laugh while Takuya sweatdropped at his friend's antics.
"Of course," said Sora, his right eye twitching at he got back up, "I rant on against my last big enemy, and it turns out to be my friend in disguise. Not to mention it makes sense that you had Soul Eater in the Land of Dragons."
"What can I say?" replied Riku, "You never picked the brightest friends, no offense Takuya, so I thought I'd help where I could."
"You could've just told us," replied Sora.
"Guys," said Takuya, "Argue later, prepare for big battle now?"
"Right," said Sora.
"Who is this?" asked Kairi.
"Oh," said Sora, forgetting that Kairi didn't know Takuya, "This is Takuya Kanbara. His world was taken over by Darkness and joined us when we woke up."
"Nice to meet you," said Takuya.
"Nice to meet you too," said Kairi, shaking Takuya's hand.
"You ready to end this, guys," said Sora, "Let's do this, together."
"Right," replied the others.
"Don't forget this," said Riku, bringing out Oblivion and returning it to Sora, "Roxas was somehow able to duel wield this along with Oathkeeper. I'm guessing that's because of you?"
"Guilty," chuckled Sora.
After sending Oblivion into Hyperspace, they decided to rest for a few moments before moving on to the Proof of Existence.
"What is this place?" asked Sora, looking around at the portals.
"My guess," said Takuya, at the door opposite of where they entered, "This door had locks that open when we unlock both portals."
"Guess we go one, then the other," said Sora.
They entered the portal of Luxord's choice of battlefield. They noticed a beam of light hitting the Heart-shaped Moon.
"That must be the King and DiZ, I mean Ansem the Wise," explained Riku.
Luxord showed up, wielding Fair Game in his hand.
"Let's say we skip pleasantries, and get down to business," said Luxord.
"How about one-on-one?" said Takuya, itching for a fight after seeing Sora master his Anti-Form, "You stopped me last time, but Parley doesn't exist here."
"You're sure the others won't interfere?" questioned Luxord, not wanting an unfair gamble against him.
"Guys?" asked Takuya.
"Go for it!" encouraged Sora, before cards appeared around all of them, except Takuya, and they disappeared.
"HEY!"
"This way, they can't interfere," said Luxord, before starting his attack.
"EXECUTE NOW!" shouted Takuya, "FUSION EVOLUTION!"
Takuya transformed into Aldamon just in time as he flew up above the cards. Luxord launch a straight of cards at him, only for Aldamon to use Atomic Inferno as a counter. Luxord summoned a 52-card pickup and hid beneath one of the cards.
"Well," said Aldamon, "If I the odds are against me, I better even them out! SOLAR WIND DESTROYER!"
The blazing sphere of fire incinerated the cards, revealing Luxord, and leaving him stunned for a few moments, cards flying out of his hands. Aldamon willed the cards to his hand and shot them out at Luxord. Luxord recovered, barely, and managed to bring up a shield of cards as Aldamon flew in with an Atomic Inferno Drill, taking Luxord out.
"I guess I gambled too much," said Luxord, fading into nothingness.
Sora and the others returned shortly.
"Talk about not playing with a full deck," said Sora.
"I guess you could say: He was one card short," joked Takuya, laughing a bit, as he couldn't help it.
The others, minus Riku, laughed at the joke while Riku sweatdropped.
(AN6)
They returned to the Proof of Existence, to find the other Portal opened. They headed inside and found themselves in Saix's choice of Battlefield.
"Only you could have made it this far in one piece, Roxas," said Saix, as the group approached.
"You know, you'd think that without hearts, their heads would be clearer on knowing who's who," said Sora to the others, who laughed, even Riku, before returning his focus on Saix, "It's Sora, not Roxas."
"Different name, same fate," said Saix, bringing out Lunatic and powering up to Berserk mode.
"Yeah, me kicking your butt!" replied Sora, in Roxas's voice.
'Roxas,' thought Kairi, confused as to how Sora was using his voice, a voice Kairi only heard once; however, it was thanks to speaking with Roxas that she was able to remember Sora.
Saix sent out a wave of Darkness, forcing Riku to protect Kairi as they, along with Takuya, were forced back behind a shield that Saix raised.
"You can do this, Sora," said Takuya, "Just remember who believes in you most!"
"Right," said Sora, though he was slightly confused as to what Takuya was talking about.
Saix began his assault, launching a flurry of attacks at Sora, Donald, and Goofy; however, with each attack, he left behind a copy of his Lunatic, which Sora was able to use against him a few times. Saix managed to counter Sora's counterattack, leaving him wounded. Unfortunately, Donald was out of Magic, and neither he nor Goofy could give a Potion to Sora in time as Saix moved in for a final attack.
"SORA!" shouted Takuya, "NOW'S THE TIME! REMEMBER WHO YOU WOULD LIVE FOR!"
(Flashback)
'Sora! A true hero's strength comes from his heart! A strong Heart can overcome any obstacle,' continued the voice, 'but it's more than having enough Heart to sacrifice yourself. It's easy to die for those you care about, but it's hard to live for them. Find your reason to live and your power will grow even stronger!'
(Flashback End)
'Kairi,' thought Sora, 'I've got to protect her. GIVE ME STRENGTH!'
"DONALD! GOOFY!" said Sora, reaching into his own power.
Donald and Goofy disappeared before everyone else's eyes as Sora transformed into a new form. If Master and Limit Form were strong, then this new form seemed at least twice as strong as the other two combined. Sora's clothes changed into silver ones; Oblivion and Oathkeeper crisscross on his back. Kairi and Riku couldn't help but gasp at Sora's new form. It was different than any others before it.
Sora managed to bring both Oblivion and Oathkeeper into a defensive position to block Saix's attack. Sora used Crime and Punishment to catch Saix off guard long enough to pull off Final Arcana, followed by Final Strike.
"Why," asked Saix, calling out to Kingdom Hearts, "Kingdom Hearts? Where is my Heart?"
Saix faded into nothingness, and the shield was dropped as Sora reverted back to normal, with Donald and Goofy reappearing.
"I wish they would stop confusing me with Roxas," said Sora.
"Well, since Roxas is your nobody; he IS apart of you," replied Riku.
"If it wasn't for Roxas, I wouldn't have remembered you," said Kairi.
"Why did he leave?" asked Sora.
"I guess," said Riku, "He wanted to meet you. That, and after what they did to Xion…"
Riku looked away for a moment, remembering that young girl made up of Sora's memories, before making her own during her short existence.
"Let's get going," said Takuya, "There's only one member left to fight."
"He's right," said Riku, getting his mind back on track, "Ansem and the King are waiting."
"Right," said Sora.
However, Sora and Kairi stayed behind as the others went through the portal.
"Sora," said Kairi, stopping Sora from entering the portal, "What did Takuya mean, back there? 'Remember who you would live for?' What does that mean?"
Sora blushed, realizing what Kairi was asking of him. He looked at her, with love in his eyes.
"Last year, my heart was strong enough for me to sacrifice myself for the sake of the worlds," explained Sora, "However, this time, I needed to find my own reason to live to become strong enough to defend even more worlds this time. It took me awhile, but I found my reason."
"What is it?" asked Kairi.
"You," replied Sora, "Throughout my life, you were always there, supporting me, encouraging me to become stronger. You were the one that called my Heart back when I became a Heartless. You are my reason to live, and I will make sure I will be there for you, and the worlds. I… I love you, Kairi."
Kairi wasn't as surprised as Sora expected her to be, but Kairi smiled with tears in her eyes.
"Sora," said Kairi, "I saw the drawing you made after I got back to the islands. I love you too, because you were there for me, even when no one else believed me. Even though I couldn't remember your name, your presence was always there, and I couldn't forget that you existed in my heart, because you were the one that protected my heart when our world was overcome with Darkness."
Kairi gave Sora a big hug, which Sora returned. Compassion radiated off of them, and could be felt by those who had found their true love. They moved back slightly and met in a small kiss.
"Hey!" said Takuya, who had walked back through the portal when Sora and Kairi didn't return after a few minutes, "Hate to break up this love fest, but King Mickey and Ansem the Wise are waiting."
Sora and Kairi blushed as they parted. Takuya felt a slight pang of jealousy at Sora because he had found his true love. He just hoped he could get back to his world and tell Zoey how he feels.
"TAKUYA!" shouted Sora, chasing after the Legendary Warrior of Flame.
Takuya left back through the Portal before Sora could reach him. Kairi just stood there, blushing madly, before starting to move after Sora, not wanting to be left behind again.
When Takuya got back with Sora and Takuya, Sora looked ready to throttle Takuya, friendship or not. Kairi's face looked almost as red as her hair and Riku smirked inwardly at what he could only guess at what happened. He then felt a small pang of jealousy towards Sora that was similar to Takuya's. Sora was able to tell the girl he cares about how he feels.
'Hopefully Xion feels the same way,' thought Riku, who had grown fond of the non-Nobody during the time they spent together.
After calming Sora down, they decided to head forward, towards Ansem and Mickey.
By the time they got there, the machine had already started to malfunction, as encoding Hearts was beyond science, as Ansem had just begun to realize. When they got there, Ansem turned to Sora.
"Sora, I trust you to finish what I started in keeping Xemnas away from Kingdom Hearts," said Ansem.
"Right," said Sora, "It's what I do."
"And Roxas, Xion; I don't know if you two can hear me," continued Ansem, "I just want you to know that I AM sorry, for everything."
"I don't blame you," said Sora, using Roxas's voice again.
"Neither do I," continued Sora, this time in Xion's voice.
"We just hope you'll be fine," finished Sora, using both their voices this time.
Ansem had a confused look on his face.
"Sorry," said Sora, in his own voice, "Just know that Roxas and Xion accept your apology."
The machine started giving off sparks, causing worry to grow within Mickey.
"Ansem!" said Mickey, concerned for his old friend.
"My heart is telling me what to do, my old friend," responded Ansem, "Please, let me follow what my Hearts says."
"No!" said Mickey, before Riku laid a hand on his shoulder, "Riku?"
"The Heart is a powerful force. You know that as well as the rest of us," said Riku, "There's no stopping someone who's Heart is set."
Xemnas chose at that time to warp in, via a Portal of Darkness.
"I was wondering," said Xemnas, "Who would DARE mess with Kingdom Hearts? And I see everyone already gathered. How convenient for me!"
Xemnas then recognized his old teacher, the one whom he stole his namesake as a Nobody.
"Ansem the Wise," said the Nobody Leader, "And here I thought I wouldn't be able to see my old teacher ever again."
"Xehanort," said Ansem, using Xemnas's real name, "Skip the formalities. You know there is no TRUE understanding of Mortal Beings, such as ourselves, of the nature of the Heart."
"I understand it better than you ever could," countered Xemnas.
"You have surpassed nothing, and only proven how little we can ever learn about the Heart. Just look at Sora, he's a prime example," finished Ansem, "Now, it's time to say farewell. Until our next meeting, King Mickey, should that day ever be able to happen."
(AN7)
In the resulting implosion came a light so bright, it blinded everyone for a few moments. Hearts rained down to the ground below, where Nobody Dusks were on them like fish to fish food after not eating for a week. The hearts that weren't gathered by the Nobodies turned into new Heartless, ready for another attempt at Kingdom Hearts, the Heart of All Worlds. When Sora and the gang were able to see again, Riku's appearance of Xehanort's Heartless had disappeared, leaving behind his true form.
"Riku," said Sora, "You're back."
"Ansem did say, 'Anything could happen'," said Mickey.
"Riku," said Sora, "What's with the blindfold?"
"Oh," said Riku, before removing the blindfold, forgetting it was there after so many months of wearing it. He remained silent as to his reason(s), so Mickey answered for him.
"His eyes couldn't lie," said Mickey, "If what he saw wasn't real, he couldn't rely on his eyes. He had to use his other senses to see the truth."
"And just who were you trying to lie to?" asked Sora.
"Myself," replied Riku, "Because of Xion, and just about everything else, I couldn't let my eyes see for me. I wouldn't see the truth that way."
"You don't have to do everything alone," said Sora.
"He's right," added Takuya, "We're your friends, you can count on us when things get tough."
"Like you did against Kimeramon?" countered Riku.
"I counted on them helping out Tron, who needed it more than I did," replied Takuya.
"Come on guys," said Mickey, "Let's not fight each other."
"The King's right," added Sora, "You ready to end this?"
"Yeah," said Riku, pulling off his cloak and revealing his new outfit that he had put together over the past year, "Xemnas is the only one left. Let's make sure that we stop him."
(AN8)
The peace didn't last long as more Nobodies showed up. So, the group of Keyblade warriors of Destiny Islands, King of Disney Castle, Captain of the Guard of Disney Castle, Mage of Disney Castle, and the Legendary Warrior of Flame of the Digital World battled their way through Ruin and Creation's Passage, making it to the top before noticing the Heartless making their way in. There were thousands, maybe even more than at Hollow Bastion/Radiant Garden.
"There doesn't seem to be an end to them," said Riku.
"We can do it, together," replied Sora.
"We handled ten thousand at Hollow Bastion, this shouldn't be too hard," added Takuya.
However, before they could call forth their weapons, Maleficent and Pete appeared before them, blocking them from the Heartless, or maybe the Heartless from them; either way, they were confused at this display of selflessness.
"Go," said Maleficent, "We'll handle these Heartless."
"We can't take them ALL on," said Pete.
"They need to defeat Xemnas," replied Maleficent, "Or would you rather battle them?"
Pete took a moment to think about his options before giving his answer.
"Frankly my dear, I'd rather RUN!"
"Fine then. Go!"
Pete stepped back a bit, before turning to King Mickey.
"Well, if it ain't the boat-boy King," said Pete.
"Time to weigh anchor, Captain Pete," said Mickey, giving his form of encouragement to his former boat Captain.
"Please," said Captain Pete, "Like I'm gonna 'Abandon Ship' and let you have all the fun!"
"Don't forget," said Maleficent, "This Castle shall be mine, soon enough."
"Mickey," said Pete, "Head on while we hold them off. Use this opportunity to gather your strength for the battle ahead."
"Yes sir, Captain," replied King Mickey, giving his former Captain a salute, just to humor him.
"Alright you two," said Takuya, "Just keep your Hearts strong, and you'll make it."
Maleficent and Pete nodded before charging into the hoard of Heartless before them.
"Let's press on," urged Mickey.
"Right," said Sora, "Their Hearts drive them on to be strong."
They moved forward, to the Altar of Naught, where Xemnas was waiting for them.
"My Kingdom Hearts," said Xemnas, "ruined. I'll have to start anew. Keyblade Warriors! Go forth and gather more Hearts."
"NO!" said Sora, Kairi, Riku, and Mickey, their Keyblades before them.
"Denizens of Light: Why do you hate the Darkness?" asked Xemnas, which was a fair question.
"We don't hate it…" started Mickey.
"Light and Darkness are equal," said Takuya, "Good and Evil are what define them. Evil feels more comfortable using Darkness, but that doesn't mean all Darkness is Evil."
(AN9)
"Just the ones using the Darkness," finished Riku.
"Then allow me one more question," said Xemnas, as if this was normal conversation, "You accept Darkness, but live in the light. So why do you loathe those of us who aren't either Light OR Darkness, as we were never given a choice?"
"It's simple," said Riku, "You choose to mess up the balance of the worlds."
"But what other choice might we have had?" asked Xemnas.
"You choose to exist in friendship," said Takuya, "Even though you are nobodies, and not meant to exist; you can prove yourself worthy of existing by what you do, not who you are."
"But you don't have a Heart," said Sora, "You can't feel."
"Correct," replied Xemnas, "I cannot feel sadness, despite what I chose to do with the worlds. However, I'm not missing a thing."
"Yet you express hatred, anger, and other negative feelings towards destruction," said Takuya, "Such emotions are decisions of the mind."
"Well, this decision is definitely one of a kind!" replied Xemnas, using his powers over nothingness to transport Takuya, Sora and himself to the skyscraper where Riku battled against Roxas after Roxas absorbed Xion.
"Here goes nothing," said Xemnas, "Literally!"
Xemnas then summoned spheres of nothingness and shot them at Sora and Takuya, who dodged.
"UNITY EXECUTE!" shouted Takuya, "UNIFIED SPIRIT EVOLUTION!"
Sora attempted to attack Xemnas while Takuya changed into EmperorGreymon, but Xemnas just dodged his attacks by casting a shield of nothingness and warping to another part of the field. EmperorGreymon brought out his sword and move to attack Xemnas. When his first swing missed, Xemnas gave a short chuckle.
"Missed," taunted Xemnas, only to see the blade back in front of him.
"I don't miss!" said EmperorGreymon, "DRAGONFIRE CROSSBOW!"
The blast was at point blank range, and was able to do a decent amount of damage, forcing Xemnas to retreat to the top of the Skyscraper. Sora used that time to change into Limit form before jumping up and running up the front of the building after Xemnas, EmperorGreymon flying up with him a few feet away. Xemnas called out his Interdiction aero blades and blocked Sora's attack, and both moved back as EmperorGreymon's sword pierced the building where both of them were standing just seconds before.
"Could you make that any closer?" said Sora, slightly annoyed, but understood what Takuya was attempting.
"Actually, yes," said EmperorGreymon, "It's time to end this, PYRO DRAGONS!"
However, Both EmperorGreymon and Sora were unaware that Xemnas had used his powers of nothingness to attack EmperorGreymon at the second he plunged his swords into the ground, detonating the Dragons before they had a chance to rise up. When the smoke cleared, Sora and Takuya were sporting several burns, cuts, and wounds from backlash of the explosion.
"Is that all?" asked Xemnas, "Maybe your hearts aren't as strong as you think?"
Sora and Takuya slowly got up, looking to each other for ideas when one popped in Takuya's head.
'That could work,' thought Takuya, 'It's risky, but we don't have any other choice.'
"Sora," gasped Takuya, still feeling the pain from the explosion he was in the middle of, "I've got an idea, but I don't know if it will work."
"At this point," replied Sora, "I'd take anything over losing to this Nobody!"
(AN10)
"Use a Drive," said Takuya, "I'll supply the power, just concentrate on the Drive, and the powers of Light and Darkness together."
"Alright," said Sora, finally managing to stand up, "I trust you."
"It's over," said Xemnas, forming another blast of nothingness and launching it at the wounded Heroes.
"It's not over until it's over!" shouted Takuya, "ANCIENT SPIRITS UNITE!"
Takuya held out his D-Tector in front of him and Sora and Flames covered them both, protecting them from the blast of nothingness.
"DIGITAL TWILIGHT DRIVE!" shouted Sora, delving into his powers of Light and Darkness combined as Twilight to match Takuya's power.
The two powers merged together with the Ancient Spirits and called forth a new power.
"SUSANOOMON!" shouted Susanoomon, in a combination of Takuya and Sora's voices.
(AN11)
From within Susanoomon, Sora looked over at Takuya.
"How'd you know this would work?" asked Sora.
"I didn't," replied Takuya, "Until now I had been only using Half the Spirits power, and they told me they were ready to unleash it all, but since I'm only bonded with the Spirits of Flame, and not Light and Darkness, I would need another that wielded that power. I realized that after mastering your Anti-Form, your powers of Light and Darkness were stronger than even Kairi and Riku's, as powerful as they were."
"Wow," said Sora, having not known the limits of his power, until now.
"You ready for this," said Takuya.
"Oh yeah!" said Sora.
Susanoomon focused his sights on Xemnas and moved faster than any form Takuya had used before combined. A few quick punches and kicks later forced Xemnas back. He summoned Interdiction again and when for one final charge; however, Susanoomon brought out Ultima, at twice the size that Sora used, and sliced through Xemnas, Interdiction and all.
(AN12)
Xemnas, though severely beaten, was not done yet and warped them back to the Altar of Naught.
"SORA!" called out Kairi, "Where are you?"
"Takuya!" shouted Riku, "Answer me!"
A portal of nothingness opened and released Sora and Takuya, back in their original forms, from Xemnas's battlefield.
"Sora!" shouted Kairi, as they rushed over to them.
Sora got up, though feeling tired still had some fight left in him. Takuya also got up, but he was out of power, for the moment.
"You guys okay?" asked Mickey.
"Where's Xemnas?" asked Sora, who knew Xemnas wasn't through yet.
They all felt his presence just then, right at the Heart of the Heart-Shaped Moon. Xemnas called out to Kingdom Hearts, hoping to merge and become one, to destroy those that would oppose them. Mickey and Sora called out to him, trying to get him from making a foolish mistake, but it was too late.
"THAT FOOL ANSEM SAID THAT THE HEARTS' TRUE NATURE WAS BEYOND HIS UNDERSTANDING!" shouted Xemnas, his mind blinded by pure power, "IT IS NOT BEYOND MINE! HEARTS ARE THE SOURCE OF ALL POWER!"
Then Xemnas disappeared in a bright flash of light, blinding the others for a few moments.
"You won't get away with this!" shouted Sora.
"But how can we get to Kingdom Hearts?" asked Takuya, "Didn't you guys lock the door?"
"We locked one door," said Mickey, "maybe Xemnas found another."
"I can call upon a door, I think," said Kairi.
(AN13)
Being a Princess of Heart, Kairi had a deep connection with the Light and the Heart of all Worlds, Kingdom Hearts. She focused on that connection and summoned a door, but it was closed.
"The worlds gave Kairi the ability to call forth this Doorway for us," said Mickey, "They want US to become the Guardians of their Destinies."
"Once we open that door," added Riku, "We can't return until it's over. Victory or annihilation will become our destiny."
"Right," said Sora, "It's time we ended this, once and for all."
Sora, Riku, and Mickey followed Kairi's lead, by summoning the Kingdom Key, Way to Dawn, and King's Crown Keyblades and opened the door. They made their way through and prepared themselves for the biggest battle they have faced so far.
(Chapter End)
I know that you don't like for it to end on this note, but I gotta stop it somewhere if I'm going to finish up next chapter.
The next chapter is the finale, where everything gets changed even more. About the Summoning Charms, they will be used next chapter; I know you hate me for making you wait that long.
Again, I apologize for the lateness of this, but things are really going in at least three to four directions for me right now and I don't have that much time to work on this as I'd like.
So, until next time…
(Author Notes)
AN1: Spoiler for those who do not know about Birth By Sleep. This is in Aqua's storyline when she is in Radiant Garden, and she battles alongside a younger Mickey Mouse, who is wielding the Shooting Star Keyblade, and protects a young Kairi. The Flowers she gave Aqua allowed her to form the Destiny Place Keyblade.
AN2: Given that Riku has had nearly two years worth of experience by this point, I'd say his skill is at least a bit better than Kairi's.
AN3: I don't know where else he would go otherwise, except maybe his room. But that wouldn't make sense, would it?
AN4: Again spoiler: Xigbar is referring to Terra, Aqua, and Ventus, all whom had years of training before they even found him as Braig.
AN5: Well, if Sora can speak through Roxas while battling Riku, and Xion can take on Sora's appearance, is it really that hard to believe that Roxas and Xion can speak through Sora?
AN6: One Card Short is a song from Yu-Gi-Oh! and it's very apropos for a card dealer such as Luxord.
AN7: Original is much longer, and would take copyright infringement to a whole new level.
AN8: Well, let's see: the others were defeated, minus Axel, over the course of this game and Chain of Memories.
AN9: Case in point: MaloMyotismon. Mental Illusion? Darkness fail! He used LIGHT to trap them. Also, Koichi seems more like the nicer of the twins. Not to mention Koji was pretty much a bastard in like the first ten or so episodes, and it doesn't even get explained for another 15-20 episodes. FAIL!
AN10: Double meaning FTW! Get it; 'Nobody', as in an insult AND a title? If you don't get it, humor is at least partially lost on you.
AN11: Well? What do you think? Without Koji holding the powers of Light and Darkness within him, and also without the powers of the Celestial Beings: Seraphimon, Ophanimon, and Cherubimon.
AN12: Well, since this IS a Drive form for Sora, why NOT have a Keyblade? I gave one for Anti-Form as well. Plus, it is better than the REAL weapon that Susanoomon uses, considering the thing is bigger than he is and the energy blade has to cut horizontally?
AN13: Well, Kairi normally doesn't do much, if anything in the original. So I figured, why not give her some use as a Princess of Heart? Epic 'Princess of Hearts' Powers ACTIVATE! CALL UPON A DOOR TO KINGDOM HEARTS! (LOL)
One last thing…
(Character Bios)
Name: Sora
Occupation: Keyblade Wielder, User of Twilight
Keyblades: Kingdom Key, Star Seeker, Hidden Dragon, Hero's Crest, Monochrome, Follow the Wind, Wishing Lamp, Circle of Life, Photon Debugger*, Rumbling Rose, Guardian Soul, Decisive Pumpkin, Gullwing, Sleeping Lion, Fenrir, Ultima, Mysterious Abyss
*Got from Tron in Space Paranoids
Drives: Valor, Wisdom, Limit, Master, Final, Digital Twilight Drive – Susanoomon
Status: True Hero
Name: Takuya
Spirits collected: Fire, Earth, Wood, Ice, Wind, Water, Thunder, Metal, Light, and Darkness
Evolutions: Flamon, Agunimon, BurningGreymon, Aldamon, EmperorGreymon
Drives: Digital Twilight Drive – Susanoomon
Status: True Hero
New Attack: Atomic Inferno Drill
Name: Roxas
Occupation: 13th Member of Organization 13 and Sora's nobody
Keyblades: Kingdom Key, Oblivion and Oathkeeper in duel wield, others unused
(Different game!)
Name: Xion
Occupation: 14th Member of Organization 13, but not a TRUE Nobody. Replica of Sora's memories about Kairi
Keyblades: Kingdom Key, Oathkeeper
Original Fate: Removed from everyone's memories by Namine after being absorbed into Roxas so Sora can get HIS memories back.
Name: Riku
Occupation: Keyblade wielder, User of Darkness
Keyblades: Soul Eater, Oblivion (temporary), Way to Dawn
Name: Kairi
Occupation: Princess of Heart and love interest of Sora, Keyblade wielder, User of Light
Keyblade: Destiny Place
Name: King Mickey Mouse
Occupation: Keyblade Wielder, King of Disney Castle
Keyblade: King's Crown (I don't really care that it's Kingdom Key D, or whatever, this is more distinguished, so it's what I'm working with)
Later,
RDF1