Chapter CCXCVI: The Final Battle Part XXII

"Urgh!"

Struggling badly against the Heartless shadow hands that held him down, Mickey couldn't get to his Keyblade! He had to, for looking on-!

GLOW!

He saw with terror, that Riku, Sora and Kairi were being drawn towards the twisting turquoise portal! If they were drawn back into Xehanort's body, the consequences of him regaining the Fragments and having hold of their Hearts would be-!

"Oh, let go!"

Turning, he then saw Pete hanging over being held by the hands was enraged! Moving his own giant fists, he-!

POW! POW! POW! POW! POW!

Released blow after blow against the shadows that bound him! Gritting his teeth, he told them, "I'm not gonna be held down by varmints like all of ya!"

However his strength was doing very little against them. Seeing this, Mickey realised that even if his former Captain's strength wasn't enough to stop these things, he didn't know if even he could-!

"TERRA!"

Hearing Nozomi's cry from the magical projection, he and everyone else stopped in their struggles. There they saw the glowing golden figure, struggling against Xehanort's shadowed form. As they all did, Mickey couldn't believe it! "His heart's still alive!?"

DIM...

Then quickly the eerie light that Xehanort had called forth to initiate another Interfusing, dimmed until it finally faded away and-!

GLOW! GLOW!

GLOW!

He saw the three unconscious Keybladers bodies were glowing all over with golden light, just like the mysterious revived figure!

As they all did, Mickey cried out, "Riku!"
Donald too called out worried, "Sora!"

Immediately Goofy joined in too, crying out, "Kairi!"

They then watched the mysterious phenomenon continue, and quickly three glowing golden humanoid figures began to emerge from their armoured forms...

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As she stared up at the glowing figure, who continued to struggle against Xehanort, he looked back at her with his shocked blue-eyes. She then heard him ask, "You know me?"

Nozomi nodding hurriedly then replied, "You were Aqua's-!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Hearing these alarming sounds, the two Vessel's saw to their horror. That Xehanort's terrible tendrils were growing back again!

Wairu realised they didn't have much time! For looking at the glowing Keyhole that shone in the distance, he knew it was their only way out! So he moved and-!

GRAB!

The female Keyblader feeling her friend's hold on her left hand, looked at him and heard Wairu say, "Nozomi, we have to go now!"

Quickly unnerved hearing this, she felt her heart wrench at his words. She repeated shocked, "Go?" Then-!

"Urgh!"

She looked back up again, and saw the desperate struggles the revived knight was going through against Xehnaort! As she did, she protested and said to Wairu, "But! Terra, we have to do something to-!"

"You can't save me!"

Horrified hearing this, Nozomi looking back up to him. Saw Terra was doing his best to hold the monstrous man back, but he was failing as his light was beginning to dim! As it was, she then heard him say desperately, "Just leave, get out of here!"
"But-!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The tendrils were multiplying rapidly by the second! Seeing this, Wairu tightening his grip around her hand, told her, "Nozomi, if we don't go now! We'll get caught again! Do you want that to happen!?"

Feeling pained, looking at her friend and then at all the threatening tendrils that were increasing. Shivering at the terrifying sight of them, she finally looked back to the frozen projection where Riku, Sora and Kairi were still being held captive unconscious... she couldn't falter. She realised that!

However inside, she felt a terrible pain in her heart. This was Aqua's pain... putting her right hand to her chest. She whispered to her, feeling her eyes brim with her tears, "Aqua...I'm sorry, I can't!" With that hardening her resolve, she moved her hand again and-!

FLASH!

Her Keyblade, the 'Knight's Saviour,' appeared! She then aimed it and-!

GLOW!

Xehanort above them, seeing what was going to happen shouted, "NO! I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO-!"

"TCH!"

Angered, Terra was doing his best. Using the last remains of his strength to hold the tyrant back! As he did, he looked down to the Vessel's again and-!

SHINE!

The Light of Unlocking was released from the dark haired girl's Keyblade, it quickly entered into the Keyhole and-!

SMASH!

The walls of the Second Fragment's prison were broken! It began to smash apart into countless pieces! As it all did, he was glad in his last moments he'd been able to stop Xehanort, to at least-!

"Terra!"

As his name was being called again, he looked to the girl again. She was looking up to him, as the dark-skinned boy was doing the same. He was losing his form, glowing all over with dark blue light. However even as he was, he looked up to him with sadness in his eyes, as he was reduced down into the shape of the Second Fragment.

He quickly flew to the girl and as he entered her chest, into her heart. Her own tear filled eyes, stayed focused on him as she cried out, "Terra! We'll come for you! I swear, we'll definitely find you! So please wait for us!"

SHINE!

Her body then glowed all over with turquoise blue light, as white wings lit up brightly on either side of her feet and-!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP! SWOOP!

The countless tendrils came to ensnare her! However-!

WHOOSH!

Her agile blue shape raced away from them, flying faster than the eye could see! She quickly left the dark domains of the collapsing Interfusing Plane, to re-join the allies that were waiting for her on the other side!

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GLOW!

"Urgh...!" Hurting all over, Sora opening his blue eyes couldn't understand at first what was happening. Why was he-?

"There!"

Shocked, hearing this voice. He looked up, there he saw again the blonde-haired young man, who reminded him of Roxas! As he looked at him, he saw that he had his glowing golden hands over his chest. As he was doing this act, he saw a white glow gradually die away that had been in-between his palms. He asked him, "What were you-?"

"I saved you, I put your heart back where it belongs!" The look-a-like said with a smile, he then said looking around them, "Aqua's done the same, my Great Uncle too."

Sora puzzled further looked around, he saw quickly Kairi and Riku being assisted too! Seeing the glowing figures of an older male and female one, Sora realised those must be who he was talking about. Immediately grateful, as he remembered what happened, he told him, "Thanks, if you guys hadn't done that, we really would have had it!"
"I know!" The blonde boy laughed, however quickly losing his smile, Sora was about to ask what was wrong, when the boy told him, "Sora! I need you and the others to help him! Help save, Terra!"

Puzzled by this name, Sora asked, "Terra?"
"Please!" Then quickly his rescuer, closed his eyes and immediately-!

GLOW!

His body came apart and formed into a small white orb, that quickly re-entered his red armoured body, joining once more with it!

Seeing this, Sora cried out, "Hey! What's wrong, why're you-!"

"I've used up too much energy, I won't recover for a while now...sorry..."

Hearing his tone drift away, the chosen Keyblader could feel it. His rescuer had fallen asleep. However he knew this wasn't the time to ask questions, though he badly wanted to. So he replied with a hand to his chest, "Okay, I'll do that, I'll try and help you save this Terra guy for you!" Then as he said those words-!

SMASH!

"Ah!" Closing his eyes defensively, as the air quickly became filled with dark blue shards of glass. Sora carefully, lowering his defensive hands asked, "What's-!"

HISS... HISS...

HISS...

Suddenly the snake heads that had been holding him, released him along with Kairi and Riku, which caused-!

"Whoa!"

Him to fall into the darkness below, with Riku and Kairi following after him. Both of them still unconscious! Seeing this as he flailed about chaotically, he heard above-!

"SORA!"

Everyone call out to him worried, this happened so suddenly that he couldn't think of what to do! What should he-!

"Sora use my power right now!"

Hearing him, he cried out, "Timbre!" Then quickly remembering his friend's abilities he moved his right hand forwards and-!

GLOW!

He called upon the powers of the Third Fragment! He quickly caught himself and Kairi in a purple glow, but then, "Oh, no Riku!" His friend had fallen down faster away from him, he hadn't been quick enough in focusing!

But before his comrade was fully taken into the endless darkness-!

"Shimmering Sewing!"

He quickly saw, wrapping itself around his friend. Was the familiar shimmering power of one of his other allies, in amazement he looked up and then cried out with a happy smile, "Nozomi!"

The dark haired girl, moving fast with her wings lit on either side of her feet. Pulled Riku up, and quickly wrapping her arms around him, holding him close. She looked to him and said, "Sora c'mon! We need to join the others fast!"

With a nod he replied, "You got it!" Then quickly, he got to Kairi and holding her in his arms bridal style, the two of of them raced up to re-join Mickey and their allies, who quickly were being released from the holds of Xehnaort's Heartless hands...

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SHATTER! SHATTER! SHATTER! SHATTER!

SHATTER! SHATTER! SHATTER! SHATTER!

As the domains of the Interfusing Plane continued to collapse, Terra feeling his strength wane more and more as he struggled against Xehanort. Couldn't understand, why had that girl known him? Then from amongst the chaos, he remembered her words, "You were Aqua's-!"

How could she have known Aqua? Was she her-!

GRAB!

"Agh!"

Quickly the failing warrior's face was grabbed! As it was, he saw his own enraged face look at him. It was chilling, as he heard the Master of Darkness say with bitterness, "You dare interfere... after all this time!"

Wincing despite the pain, Terra then asked, "What's wrong... I ruin...your plan?"

The evil monster snarled, then moving with his right hand-!

BLAST!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Terra was blown back by a fearsome black wind, then quickly-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The tendrils, that were meant for the escaped Vessels wrapped themselves around him instead! Struggling badly against their deadly hold, he heard his captor tell him, "I grow tired of you, Terra!"

Angered, the struggling warrior was about to retort back when-!

Dim...!

The golden light that shone around his body, was quickly dying. He was no longer shining, horrified by this, he demanded, "What're... you-!"

"I will never allow your light to shine again! You belong to me!" Xehanort told him, then reaching his right hand forwards-!

VOOM!

A pool of pure darkness emerged beneath him, he was quickly being submerged into the depths of it and what shine he'd been able to regain, thanks to the white magic that Xehanort had unwittingly absorbed, was stripped away!

Terrified seeing his spiritual body losing its lustre, he uttered, "No!"

Then Xehanort hovering over his helpless form, informed him with a sinister smile, "You're all I have left now Terra, if I lost you... I truly would have nothing left!" With those words he began to merge with the helplesswarrior, as they began to meld into the dark depths!
As his light continued to perish and his consciousness leave with it, he heard the evil monster say,
"As long as the Door of Light exists, and I have this acquired power, I will never give up my quest for true peace!"

Not understanding, the failing knight repeated, "Acquired?" Then gasping, he tried to argue to stay awake saying, "You're only doing this... for yourself! No-one ever wanted-!"

"You're wrong, it's never been just for me!"

"What?" Terra didn'tunderstand him, who else could he possibly be-!

"This is for Eraqus too, for my friend who was betrayed by the King's and all the Kingdoms lies...!" Xehanort revealed finally.

Hearing this name, Terra then felt his eyes begin to close and all he could utter was, "My lost Master...?" With that he was submerged again into the darkness again, his consciousness gone and with that Xehanort began his next desperate move...!

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"Urgh...!" Opening his blue eyes, Riku was confused and asked, "What was I-?"

"Riku!"

Shocked, he quickly looked up. Then he saw to his surprise, looking over him was Nozomi who smiled at him. Her gaze full of relief, "I'm so glad you woke up!"

Amazed seeing her, he quickly got himself up and then looking over her. He had to ask, to make sure he wasn't dreaming, "Nozomi! You're here, you made it!?"

Nodding, with tears brimming in her eyes she smiled and said, "Yeah, I did!"

Seeing her smiling, despite her tears Riku quickly smiled too. Then moving to her fast, he opened his arms and-!

HUG!

"Whoa!" She cried out in surprise.

But feeling her reassuring warmth, his heart trembled inside as he revealed, "I'm so glad, I'm really happy you made it!"

After a moment, she then giggled and moving her own arms up, she held him too and replied, "Yeah, same here! And I'm glad you're okay too..."

He nodded to this, he couldn't remember the last time he'd felt like this. It couldn't have been any other time then-!

"AAAAWWWW!"

Hearing a series of happy cries, becoming startled. Riku looked up, and then he saw quickly, much to his embarrassment and Nozomi's too. That everyone onboard Scriptium, whom they were all riding upon again, was staring at them!

"Aren't you two just the cutest right now!" Kairi laughed, as she saw their flustered expressions.

Riku felt his face just turn more red, he looked away from his friend along with Sora who was grinning widely. While Nozomi herself, though blushing said annoyed at their unified behaviour, "Hey! We're not some sideshow here!"

Everyone quickly burst out laughing. Then as the happy moment eased their hearts, they looked to the still giant burning body of Xehanort who's dark blue core was smashed to smithereens, and all his snakes who were unmoving along with the Heartless hands, Ody looking at their enemy had to ask, "So is this it then? Is it over?"

Quiet as this was said, Nozomi felt pain in her heart. Releasing her hands from around Riku, who still held his own around her. He looked at her worried, as she said, "No... we still need to save him!"

"Save him?" Pete asked, puzzled as he remembered everything that'd been going on, he said mad, "Wait, did ya go in there and forget another Fragment pal of yours!?"

Shaking her head fast, Nozomi revealed, "No! It's someone else, a friend who Xehanort stole long ago, from Aqua and Ventus!"

Hearing this name, Sora repeated curious, "Ventus?" Then quickly he thought of the blonde boy again, and remembered his words,

"Sora! I need you and the others to help him! Help save, Terra!"

He put his hand to his chest... then he could feel it. That was that boy's name and he replied, "That's right, he told me... Ventus I think, when he restored my Heart back into my body, he asked us to go help save him, Terra!"

Quiet, Riku then remembered his own experience and replied, "Yeah, the King who ruled during the Keyblade Wars asked me too, to release someone from their suffering."

Kairi hearing all this, put her hand to her own pink armour. As she did so, she could feel a whisper inside as she replied, "I can feel it too... I guess that's what Aqua meant, when she said to put the sins of the past to rest... to make up for them not being able to save their friend."

"Yeah that fella's in a whole lot of trouble!" It was then Mickey who spoke up, as he did, everyone focused on him as he continued to say, "Xehanort's been using his body all this time and somehow his Heart is still be livin' inside him now!" Then with his hand to his own chest, he added thinking of him sadly, "I can't imagine what he must be goin' through, trapped inside somewhere terrible like that..."

"Wow, we gotta do so many rescues in one day!" Donald said, with some weariness from all the fighting they'd had to do till that point.

"Yeah!" Then Goofy had to ask as he scratched his head, "How do we go about gettin' that Terra fella out?"
No-one there knew the answer, but before they could even begin discussing the possibilities-!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

Suddenly the enormous Heartless body, that Xehanort had been maintaining started to fall apart into pieces as huge chunks of its armour, started to fall everywhere!

Everyone unnerved by this, then heard Yuffie cry out, "Duck and cover guys!"

Then Leon called out, "C'mon, we need to retreat, Araxne!"

"Very well!" The arachnid master replied, with that she moved with Spidron and called back as Meixeng arrived to join them, "All of you move now!"

"You don't need to tell us twice!" Ori replied, then he said, "C'mon dragon girl, move this Summon will ya!"

"Shut up! You're not the Master here, I'm the one who-!"

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

Then to everyone's horror, the three slumbering snake heads upon Xehanort's chest reacted and woke up! They all quickly thrashed about madly and as they did-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

They released laser blasts, chaotically all over the place and were threatening to strike everyone indiscriminately!

"Hey!" Pete cried out mad, then as Ody tried to manoeuvre Scriptium in the air to get away, he shouted, "Ya dumb stupid Heartless, stop firin' at us!"

BBBBLLLLAAASSSSTTTT!

This just caused one of the snake heads to release one very big angry burst against them, that just missed his head! This was proving to be beyond hazardous!

Angry, cracking her knuckles Alania decreed, "That's it, I've had enough!" With that she moved her long pink Summon staff and commanded, "Bahamut it's your turn, lets roast these snakes!"

"RRROOOAAARRRR!"

It seemed her Summon had been waiting eagerly too! For quickly it bowed its head back and as it's powers built up, Alania released the technique,

"Megafire!"

With that Bahamut released its fire and quickly began to incinerate the monsters! Seeing it do this, Ori cried out, "Boom ya! That's what I call firepower!"
Alania grinned, pleased with the compliment when-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

More terrifying blasts, shot out everywhere! As they did, Saria trying to cover herself defensively from the barrage cried out, "Why's it doing that!?"

"It must be in its the final death throws, and tryin' to take us down with it!" Alania replied, however not giving up she declared, "Let's give it a round two!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

With that Bahamut released another blast of blue fire, which caused the snake heads to look at her enraged, they prepared themselves to strike across and attack their tormentors when-!

"Scripitum now!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Quickly another blast of white fire was unleashed on the monsters! Seeing this with amazement, Saria cried out, "Hey, thanks for the assist!"

Ody nodded happy, when Pete cried out, "Now we can duck out of here!" With that taking one of Ody's reliable Inkwizz's, he cried out, "Take this!"

POW!

He punched straight into it and-!

SHINE!

The Dusk's blinding explosion ignited and quickly-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

The snakes thrashed around blindly and as they did, Pete cried out, "Let's go ya dumb mutts!"

Everyone nodded to this command, and with that the dragons and everyone who'd been nearest to Xehanort all made their fast retreat!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE! CRUMBLE!

The entirety of the monstrous man's body collapsed, the snakes leaving with him and as the body fell to pieces-!

FFFFLLLLAAAARRRREEEE!

The hot red and blue flames, burst forth from within his Heartless shell towering into the darkened space. Becoming a blazing pillar of fire, that illuminated everything, in a haunting mesh of blue and red, casting shadows everywhere...

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As they made it further and further away, Nozomi with Riku's arm around her, looked back at the ominous pillar of fire and the last dregs of armour burning away. She couldn't help but think of Terra again, what was happening to him? What could they do for him now?

For feeling the throbbing pain of the remnants of Aqua's Heart, she hated this as much as she did. She didn't want to leave him like that, but...

"It'll be alright!"

Brought out of her worried thoughts, she looked up and saw that Riku was looking down to her. As he was, she then heard him say with certainty, "We'll get Terra back, I'm sure we will."

As he said this, Nozomi was quiet. Then with a sad smile, she couldn't help but say, "That's scary, its like you can read my mind."

"I've known you long enough," Riku joked. However he retained his serious air and looking back to the pillar of fire, he continued, "But if saving him can help end this, then its all the more reason we should try."

"Yeah," Nozomi replied. Then with her hand to her heart, she added, "We need to reunite them all again." For feeling Aqua's ache, she finished saying, "...I just want to her wish come true."

Puzzled hearing her say this, Riku was about to ask her what she meant when-!

"GUYS!"

It was then looking up, they saw there waving to them with their remaining allies behind him, it was "Snow!"
As Sora cried this out happily, everyone else brightened up with him, as all their freed friends were now waiting for them.

Looking at them all, and feeling this new warmth grow in her heart, despite the pain. Nozomi wanted this feeling to be shared with them too, with Aqua, Ventus and Terra along with the lost King. If they could give this feeling to them, then-!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

Alarmed by this enormous eruption of savage roars, the heroes all looked behind them. It was then they all saw quickly becoming terrified-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Thousands of Heartless emerge! However, these ones were far different than the ones they'd already faced so far! All of them were humanoid in size with some even bigger on the scale of Darksides!

But looking at them, the thing that unnerved them all, was the fact that they were all wearing suits of armour! They burned with hellish red and blue flames, all of them looking on through soulless yellow lined visors, their legions ready to engage as they each wielded twisted sharp blades that resembled twisted glass!

Seeing their enormous numbers, no-one could understand! Pete demanded, "What the!? How come they got such big numbers now!?"

"Don't you understand?"

Hearing Xehanort's chilling voice, everyone tried to see where he was! All of them on guard, as they each held their weapons ready! Ody could feel Scriptium's blazing form bristle as her flames flared with unease, as he felt her anxiety he asked tensing his hands, "Where is he?"

VOOM!

Quickly hearing a portal of darkness open, all of them laid eyes upon their nemesis! However-!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

"The closer one gets to the light, the greater the shadows grow!"

None of them were prepared, for the living nightmare that he had become! For there before them, they saw a creature with the upper body of a man, that was connected to a long sleek, but deadly armoured insectile like lower half!
It was a long octopod body, that was covered in vicious spiked black and red tipped armour, with sharp ghostly pale white claw-like legs emerging from the ringed openings. As it waved its massive long armoured tail back and forth, it was truly a fearsome sight, that looked indomitable!

But its most dangerous feature-!

SNAP! SNAP!

Was its giant claws, that were ferocious and black in colour, with red angry markings decorated over it. That would cause grievous harm to anyone who would dare come close!

Seeing it, everyone was stilled into shock. Then looking to Xehanort's still human upper half, they saw he was coated again in armour, that covered his torso but unlike the rest of his hideous dark insect body. It was white, with black lines and spikes covering his shoulders and his protected hands.

His long white hair flew out behind him too and upon his head that was left unguarded, was a black-wired like crown, that revealed he was the true Master of the new forces that were rising to destroy them all!

Then where a cape would be flowing from behind him, was instead-!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

Were for four long dragonfly like wings, that shimmered with an eerie green that let his new body stay afloat above them in the dark domain!

Seeing him like this, Nozomi asked with wide-eyes, "How?! Why does he look like that now, what-!?"

"Because that's his true self!"

Surprised, Nozomi asked, "Wairu!" Then as she cried this out, everyone looked to her, as she put her hand to her chest and asked, "I can hear you, you're-!"

"I thought you might be able to hear me now, but that doesn't matter right now!"

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"You have to be careful! The form you're looking at of Xehanort right now, is his true self! The dark self that was hidden in the depths of his heart that my power has let be real!"

Shuddering hearing this truth, looking to the monstrous man. She asked, "That's his true self?"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Hearing his unnerving laugh, everyone was immediately on guard and Riku couldn't help but say, "So he really is a parasite deep down!" For no-one could argue this, Xehanort's new insectile and armoured winged body fit the description of such a malicious creature.

Puzzled though, Sora thinking of the giant burning Knight they'd faced asked, "But I thought that giant fiery version was his true self! Just what-!"

"That was merely a cocoon! To help me ready myself and my Heartless, in case you were successful in reclaiming all the Fragments." Then with a displeased tone, and frown upon his face he said with his narrowed black and red iris eyes, "Which unfortunately you were successful in!"

"Yeah unfortunate for you!" Kairi decreed, then with her own Alliance Blade aimed at him, she said, "We'll take you down now and all your Heartless! You haven't got a chance of winning anymore!"
"Ha! Ha!" Pete laughing then said, wiping one of his cheeks, "For once that princess twerp here, is sayin' words that are right up my alley!" With that punching his fists together pumped and ready, he told the new monstrous villain, "Get ready to get squashed ya giant bug!"

….

Xehanort though didn't retort. Instead he stared at them quietly, before-!

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

He laughed manically, unnerving everyone once more! As he did this, Nozomi demanded, "Why're you laughing!? Just what-!"

"Because you're all so foolish, I don't need to fight you anymore!"

Baffled by this, none of them understood. Mickey then asked, "What do ya mean by that!?"

"I mean that I already have the Key to my victory!" With that the monster revealed something long and sharp from behind himself!

SHINE!

Everyone was in shock, as they all saw from behind him was revealed one thing! A weapon, that was now connected to him on the end of his tail, it was, "The King-Blade!?"

For indeed Donald and the rest saw the end of Xehanort's long stinger like tail, was a sharp looking blade that resembled the ultimate Keyblade!

As it glowed with its ominous power of light, no-one understood how this could be!? Looking at its form, Nozomi demanded, "How did you get that!? How-!"

"By draining the power, that each of you Vessels contain!"

"What does that mean!?" Sora demanded, confused with anxiety rising.

As his tail continued to glow with its eerie light, Xehanort then explained, "When I held each of the Fragments Vessels within myself, the pulses of power I unleashed upon them. Were not merely to just punish them for insubordination, it was also to drain them of some of their Light, that has now helped in the making of this imitation."

Goofy hearing this, then asked, "So its a fake then?"

"I would never use a word so coarse." However looking at their uncomfortable expressions, he smiled and stated, "But even if it is, it will be more than enough to Unlock the Door of Light, I was almost done if not for the Seventh Fragment's foolishness!"

With that as his dark eyes fell onto her, Nozomi shivered as she heard him say, "But it was also thanks to that impulsive nature she has, that I acquired the last remaining radiance that I needed to finally gain what I've always wanted!" Then his eyes narrowing in amusement, seeing her horrified expression, he told her once more with a small bow, "Thank you for aiding me again!"

Riku immediately moved and stood before her protectively, but before he could move to do anything else-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

From below, the countless Heartless hands came to try and draw them back down into the depths of darkness again!

Everyone panicked to get out of the way, but as they did-!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

All of them heard the terrible sound of Xehanort's insectile wings, and quickly they saw that he had taken off and was flying towards the precious Door!
Outraged, Sora cried out mad, "Hey, come back!"

There was nothing they could do though as-!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

They were now in the fight for their lives, as the Heartless hands were trying desperately to drown them in the dark depths again and fast approaching-!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

Were Xehanort's battalions of flaming armoured Knight Heartless! All of them ready to rip the Heroes of Light apart, to aid their Master in his wish to grant all living things permanent peace within the darkness!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing all the Heartless coming their way, Snow couldn't help but say, "Talk about falling into the fire!"

His second in command, Musashi feeling unnerved agreed saying, "Looks like this is gonna be tough for us dudes!"

"That doesn't matter!"

Getting their attention, it was then Lightning rode forwards. Once more upon Odin's back, with Hope riding behind her, she declared, "Anyone who threatens the safety of our world will be cut down!" With that holding her Wing Blades at the ready, she finished saying, "Now c'mon, lets face this nightmare head on!" Then she charged forwards!

As everyone watched her silently awestruck, Irma then cried out mad, "Hey! Don't steal my limelight here!" With that she started to chase after Lightning, but before fully leaving she cried out, "C'mon you idiots! You can't expect me, the star to take care of this infestation by myself do you!?"

Quiet for a moment, Snow couldn't help but laugh. Then he commented, "Well that's one way to rile up the troops, huh?" With that turning he cried out, "C'mon ARCS, Nobodies and you pirates! Let's show these things who's the boss!" Then he he raced forwards too, being followed by a grinning Musashi impressed by his commander.

Smiling, Balthier then said, "Looks like we're going to have to remind everyone who's truly the star of this production!" With that reaching his hand to her, he ask, "Care to join me, my leading Lady?"
Fran quiet, then revealed a rare smile and replied, "Always!" With that they departed and quickly the rest of the heroes did too, for they needed to support the Keybladers!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"TAKE THIS!"

SLICE!

Cutting into another long hand that tried to drag them into the depths below, Sora gritted his teeth! They had to get out of this barraging sea of limbs, for if they didn't-!

SHINE!

It was then all to their horror, they saw that a single beam of light was being unleashed upon the Door of Light. Xehanort had already began the process of opening it again!

Seeing this happen, Kairi cried out, "No! At this rate he'll-!"
"Don't lose heart!" With that fighting against the hopelessness of the situation, Riku cutting away another limb said, "We'll think of something! We'll-!"

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

However quickly the first waves of the burning Heartless were upon them! A giant armoured Darkside, pulled back one of its fists! It was gonna hit them!

Seeing this coming, Nozomi cried out, "Kairi!?"

She quickly acted and then-!

SHINE!

She activated the powers of the Fifth Fragment, in seconds its golden power shone in the darkness and-!

CLANG!

The punch was thrown back, but quickly-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The Heartless hands all wrapped themselves around them! They were protected but now trapped in her protective sphere! Seeing this, Donald couldn't help but cry out, "Great! Now what do we do!?"

Shaking her head, Kairi told him, "I don't know! But if we can't leave from here, then-!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Hearing something from beyond their sealed point, Kairi quickly became quiet. Everyone else did too, then Goofy asked with his shield held over himself, "What's that there?"

Nobody could answer him, for there wasn't any time to as-!

"Arising Storm!"

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

They heard the familiar sounds of cutting blades, that immediately removed the dark hands and quickly they saw above them, "Lightning!" Kairi cried out delighted.

The brave female solider, nodded down to her. However-!

RRROOOAAARRRR!

The armoured Darkside quickly went to attack her, however-!

"Chaos Blasting Saber!"

Immediately the monster was shot in the face by numerous dark beams and-!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

It's body was struck back too, including many of the other armoured Heartless!

Seeing this happen, Sora then cried out with a smile, "Vincent!"

Turning down to look at them, the red clad gunner told them, "We've cleared the way! Do something while you have the opportunity!" With that he engaged with the Heartless as Lightning did the same!

"Right!" Ody replied, then quickly moving. He told his loyal Dusk, "C'mon Scriptium!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

They flew up higher to get to a better vantage point! Then quickly they all saw-!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

All the Heartless in their dangerous battalions, but there meeting them all head on. Using all the powers at their disposal, were their precious allies who were holding them back, with all their combined strength!
Seeing them all fight together like this, there was no doubt it was inspiring despite the danger they were all in. So seeing what they were doing for them all, Mickey then declared, "Okay fella's time to put our thinkin' caps on!"

"Right!"

As they all declared this in unison, they started to plan together what their next move would be. For they needed to stop Xehanort and fast!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SHINE!

His tail still pointed at the Door of Light, that had the tip of the False King-Blade. Xehanort could feel that the mechanism was moving within it. However unlike before, when he had the true sacred weapon, this process was not swift or even particularly smooth as-!

CLINK-!

It stopped again, however his determination could not be deterred! Focusing he uttered, "Come now!" With that-!

CLICK!

He continued the process with one swift turn of his tail! Grinning manically he then declared, "It will not be long now... soon all pain and suffering will come to an end!" Then gripping his right hand as he thought of the past, he finished saying, "Including mine!" With that he continued the Unlocking, which would soon grant his fervent long held wish...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Okay, are we ready for this?" Riku asked them, as they settled on a plan.

"I am!" Sora announced, now full of confidence.

"Me too!" Kairi chimed, feeling the same.

"Yeah, we need to stop him!" Nozomi finished, then looking to where the monster was still proceeding to try and Unlock the door, "We need to save Terra too!"

"I'm sure you'll all be able to!" Mickey said proudly, then walking over. He asked, "You ready to start, Ody?"

With a strong nod, the spectacled Nobody replied, "Always, me and Scriptium are with you guys to the end!"

His Dusk then uttered a confirming purr, to which Goofy happily patted her gently. This made the creature smile.
Everyone was smiling too, then getting ready, they gripped their weapons ready as-!

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

Pete cracked his knuckles and said, "Alright let's get this show on the road!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Scriptium beat her enormous wings and quickly dived down and forwards!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR! RRROOOAAARRRR!

The battle was still raging furiously, between the Heroes of light and the creatures of darkness! The will to live versus the will of death, both forces unwilling to back down and as it all raged on-!

"Look out below there!"

As Pete announced this, the heroes all seeing the Keybladers saw what their overweight comrade was holding! They all quickly retreated back and with that done-!

TOSS!

Pete unleashed the charged up Inkwizz from his hands and-!

"Fella's let's go!"

With that the Keybladers along with Donald and Mickey cast their combined magic together,

"Radiant Stella Quintet Verholy Firaga Blast!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Quickly a giant glowing white fireball of magic stormed down and then striking into the Inkwizz!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

The monsters below were blinded by the gigantic blast of light that shone out everywhere! Then-!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

The Heartless all quickly caught on fire! All of them burning from the white magical flames from the combined powers of the Keybladers and their allies! It burned through Xehanort's red and blue flames, so that their powers would be the harming force rather than the aiding force it'd once been!

Seeing their plan had worked, Ody smiled and said, "Okay, Scriptium let's go!" His Dusk nodded, then-!

BLAZE!

Her body's flames burned ever brighter all over, then charging forwards to a group of the armoured Darksides, he unleashed his own technique, "Brilliant Light Blitz!"

BLAST!

With that they blasted straight through the Heartless, leaving them smouldering in flames and then quickly collapsing into ashes! Sora amazed at this cried out, "Nice!"

Kairi nodded pleased, then looking back she cried out, "Hope this makes things easier for you guys!"

To which there were hollers and cheers as they all raced ahead! Then seeing their idea had worked, Riku declared, "Okay, now its time for part two!" With that looking to their Princess, he told her, "Kairi we're relying on you!"

She nodded, then with her Alliance Blade before her, along with Sora and Riku reaching their own weapons towards it, she cried out, "Focus Vision!"

SHINE!

The three Alliance Blades moved at her call and quickly in seconds, they reshaped and formed themselves into the Glider they used to escape from Xehanort before! Amazed at the sight of it, Nozomi cried out, "Whoa, that's so cool!"

"Thanks!" Kairi smiled, then getting into her seat, Sora and Riku did the same and as she got comfortable, putting her hands on the controls, she told her, "There's also space here for you now too, Nozomi!"

To which quickly a fourth seat emerged, which placed the dark-haired girl directly behind her! Seeing this be done, Nozomi replied fast, "Thanks!" With that she hopped into it too!

With that the Princess of Heart, quickly pressed the keys within the control panel and-!

GLOW!

Their Glider ignited into life, manoeuvring it. Kairi got it ready for lift off, but before they left, they heard the King say, "Good luck out there fellas!"

"You give that bug a good smack down!" Pete said eagerly.

"Yeah! You show him who's boss!" Donald decreed.

Nodding, Goofy then finished telling them, "Take care out there pals!"

Everyone nodded pleased with all the good wishes, then before fully igniting its power they heard Ody tell them, "Our will is with you guys! We'll be with you all the way!"

"We know!" Nozomi replied happily and with that-!

FWHOOSH!

In seconds they were off, as they took off in a blaze of golden light towards their target while the King along with Ody and the others went back to fight the Heartless with the others!

As they rode on together, leaving their allies in the far dark distance. Nozomi couldn't believe the feeling of the Glider! As they flew on, she said amazed, "The speed of this thing is incredible!"

With a nod, Kairi smiled and replied, "I know right!"

Sora smiling was about to reply too, when-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

To his dismay, he saw the countless hands of the Heartless were after them again! Annoyed, he cried out, "Not these things again!"

"We can never have it easy can we!?" Riku said just as agitated.

Quickly all of them swerved left and right, rolling here and everywhere doing their best to avoid the grasps of the terrible limbs. However-!

GRAB! GRAB! GRAB! GRAB! GRAB!

Unfortunately some of them had grabbed ahold of them! They were slowing their progress! Irritated, Kairi said irked, "No! At this rate we won't be able to stop him! Xehanort will-!"
"I won't let him!" Interrupting her, Nozomi declared, "I won't let him hurt anyone anymore, I won't let him cause any more heartbreak!" With that feeling the pain in her Heart, that was Aqua's. She gripped the hands of their ride tightly and said with conviction, "We're gonna save everyone! We're going to go home, all of us together! I promise you!"

Amazed she'd said this, Riku along with the others felt something warm light up within all their Hearts. As they all did, the white haired Keyblader uttered, "Nozomi..."
"Now let's go!" With that she felt her power ignite and-!

SHINE!

Their vehicle was bathed in bright turquoise blue light! Shining all over, it was then the power of the Seventh Fragment activated, making the wings behind them glow brightly with white illumination-!

SSSSWWWWOOOOSSSSHHHH!

The light vaporised the hands that held them back, and quickly they were all on their way, storming straight towards the Door of Light!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

Xehanort was now making steady progress, more and more! This was it, "It won't be long now, soon I'll-!"

"Xehanort!"

Hearing this shout, he turned and quickly-!

SMASH!

He was struck straight into! Making him fall out of the air, it was then the Keybladers moved and rounding in the air, they arrived at a safe distance where-!

GLOW!

The Alliance Blades came undone, and their Glider was dismissed, now levitating in the air with the power of the Third Fragment, Sora told him angered with his allies standing ready behind him, "We won't let you open the Door of Light!"

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

Xehanort's green insectile wings keeping him afloat, the monstrous man looking at them scoffed and said, "You think you have the right to stop me?"

Angered, Kairi then replied, "And you think you have the right to doom every living thing to fall into the darkness!"

The evil man, keeping his smug grin then told them, "Of course I do!" With that lifting his arms up-!

VOOM!

Called forth his own Keyblade, 'Annihilation!' Doing this, he aimed it at them and said, "I have lived countless years longer than a bunch of mere youths like you!"

"So what!?" Nozomi retorted back.

"It means, that I have seen more pain and agony throughout time,that you can never comprehend!" With those words, his Keyblade began to burn with fierce flames of darkness! As it did, he told them, "All living beings need to fight, the Light ignites and fuels that wish, leading to greed, hatred and eventually to misery that spreads everywhere, creating endless death and agony!"

No-one said anything to this at first, for Xehanort wasn't entirely wrong in his words, however Sora then asked him, "...And your remedy to that is all of this?"

"It is the only way!" Xehanort replied, then anger entering his own expression he continued on to say, "For you've all seen it haven't you? The ugliness in people, the wish to conquer, to control and own everything... with no care towards the suffering they cause in their wake, those who are always trying to grasp the Light that is power!"

Hearing him say this, Nozomi was quiet and she replied, "You're right I have..." looking to the others, she confirmed for them, "We all have..." Then gripping her Keyblade, she continued on to say, "All of us have seen heartbreak and felt the pain of loss... in one way or another, that can never be avoided when you live life."

Smirking Xehanort then said, "You must agree then that-!"

"I don't agree though!" Nozomi said interrupting him.

As he was stilled into silence, Sora then agreed with her and said, "Yeah, neither do I!"

"Same here!" Kairi said determined.

"Yeah," Riku agreed simply.

"For not every person is that way! Everyone deep down just wants to be together, to make sure we never lose what we most care about... and that desire can take on a form that is dark and terrifying!" with that putting her hand to heart, thinking of Wairu and Aqua, along with Hari who had suffered at the hands of her mother. She continued and said, "But if the right people are with you, who believe in you and you in them... they can can lead you away from that hurtful darkness!" With that looking at him full of determination, she then finished saying, "No-one's perfect, so bad mistakes will happen that cause misery, I know that for sure, because I've suffered and hurt others myself...but me and everyone will always make sure to do our best to fix those mistakes we make! We will all heal the suffering and heartbreak, no matter how long it takes!"

Smiling at her response, Sora nodded and then looking to Xehanort himself, he told him, "Yeah, just because you've given up on living and think that nothing can ever change for the better. Me and the rest of our friends, everyone who lives will never feel the same as you!" With that aiming his Alliance blade, he told him, "We're gonna fight for all their sakes, and use the chance they've given us all to win!"

"I agree, because as long we all live, there will always be hope!" Kairi added, tightening her grip, she finished telling him, "We won't give into your despair!"

"My thoughts exactly!" Riku agreed, then preparing himself too, he told the evil man, "For that darkness you want, it won't solve anything! Happiness can never be achieved within nothingness, you're just running away from life and trying to pull us all down with you!"

….

Xehanort was silent as he stared at them all, hearing their will to live and the hope that lived in all of their hearts. He did nothing for a moment, until finally he smirked and said, "All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The Heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it, it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature..."

BLAZE!

Quickly his body began to blaze with dark flames all over his body! Everyone could feel it, he was going to start the battle! Gripping his weapon, Riku told them all, "Get ready!" They all nodded in response!

"In the end every Heart returns to the darkness whence it came!" His power had reached its peak! Then looking at them all, with malice in his dark eyes, he told the foolish children before him, "You see, darkness is the heart's true essence!"

SSSSWWWWOOOOSSSSHHHH!

He immediately charged at them all and then decreed, "And I will return all living things back to its cold embrace! The hell of living will finally cease!"

Immediately everyone got out of the way! Then rounding in the air, with Timbre's power aiding them, they all aimed their weapons upon him and-!

"HHHHAAAA!"

Dived in to strike him simultaneously!

However seeing them coming Xehanort made his own move and-!

Wuh-PSSSH! Wuh-PSSSH! Wuh-PSSSH!

Wuh-PSSSH! Wuh-PSSSH! Wuh-PSSSH!

Quickly the pincer limbs on his massive armoured insectile body, divided into six long sharp ended whips and-!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

He made a whirlwind of vicious slashing blows, that quickly-!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Sent the Keybladers all flying backwards! Then as they all flew back, Riku grimacing got himself quickly back upright! Doing this, he moved his right hand forwards and cried out, "Wing Blades!"

SHINE! SHINE!

Quickly the two wings he had formed through the Fourth Fragment and the mysterious King came to his back! Then as they did-!

GLOW!

His body glowed all over with red light! Getting upright, Nozomi and the others seeing him do this then watched with amazement the new technique he quickly unleashed!

Opening his eyes, he then said, "Let's go, Hari!"

"Yes!"

With that the Wing Blades came apart from his back as they glowed all over with red power! The blades themselves became sharper and elegant somehow, as they then moved to the command of their Master,

"Crimson Shining Maelstrom!"

The swords all moved forwards and in seconds intercepted all the blade whips and-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!
SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!
SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!
SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

They cut through each and every one of them! Stopping the blows in seconds!

Sora seeing this cried out, "Nice!"

"Don't relax yet!"

Everyone's eyes were on Xehanort again and the monstrous entity, moved his Keyblade back and-!

FLARE!

It lit up menacingly, as he declared his next attack,

"DARK RAZING FLARE TORNADO!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

In seconds a giant tornado of dark fire spread everywhere! It blasted its way through the swords and were on path to incinerate the Keybladers!

Seeing it coming, Kairi moved and calling Reeve's power and-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Everyone was quickly placed within their own gold protective bubbles with the aid of the Fifth Fragment, letting them withstand the dark attack unscathed! Pleased to see this, Nozomi cried out, "Kairi, thank you!"
She nodded clearly pleased, but before anyone could say anything-!

"Now you're right where I want you all!"

Shocked nobody had time to move, as Xehanort then unleashed his next move-!

"Ultima Freeze!"

FFFFRRRREEEEZZZZEEEEE!

In seconds the blaze of fire was replaced by a sea of snow and ice! Quickly everyone was frozen firmly, into the gold bubbles they were within. Unable to move!
"No!" Nozomi cried out.

Then she saw Xehanort move his giant insectile body again, and quickly he re-aimed his tail!

SHINE!

Again he was Unlocking the Door of Light! They then all heard him say,

"Now you all be good children and stay in place, while everything falls!"

Terrified at this prospect, Nozomi cried out, "No, we can't let that happen!"

"We won't!"

Hearing his voice again, Nozomi asked, "Wairu?"

"C'mon, do a combo move! That's one of your specialities isn't it? Use my power to aid you all!"

Quiet, Nozomi then revealed a smile and replied, "You're right!" With that she put her hand to her chest, and quickly ignited the powers of her Fragment and her best friend's! Then she unleashed their new power,

"Thunderous Magic Rush!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

SHATTER!

Her armoured body was bathed in the powers of the Seventh, and the Second's that conducted a Thundazeo spell! Escaping the ice, she rushed forwards faster than lightning and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

SHATTER! SHATTER! SHATTER!

Rushed straight through the ice prisons, destroying their shapes while freeing the others who had been entrapped within! As they were all freed with the ice being smashed to pieces, Sora told her, "Nozomi thanks!"

Smiling she replied with a thumbs up, "No problem!" Then looking above to Xehanort, she told them all, "Now c'mon let's try again!"

Sora nodded, as the others did too. Quickly they rushed in together to attack the Master of Darkness!

As they all raced up high, Sora with his hand to his heart asked, "Jona, you ready to give this guy the smack down!"

"Always! I'm gonna make him pay for laying hands on all my honeys!"

Smiling at her words, Sora aimed his Alliance Blade and called forth the powers of the First Fragment, glowing all over with orange light. He declared the attack,

"Punishing Knockout Flambeau!"

Caught unawares fully concentrating on the Door of Light, Xehanort was unprepared for the blow and-!

SMASH!

"Urgh!"

He was sent flying down, hurting from the heavy impact from the burning blow. He couldn't believe its strength and uttered, "This can't be-!"

"TAKE THIS!"

At Sora's shout, it was then all four Keybladers moved with their weapons and-!

PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE!

PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE!

PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE!

PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE!

They cut into him over and over again, all of them moving in a harmonised flow, that struck Xehanort all over with their combined powers! As they finished and the Master of Darkness flew back away from their group.

Sora then demanded, "You had enough yet!?" They were expecting anger, outrage, maybe even a hint of defeat in Xehanort's voice. Instead they received-!

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

A release of manic laughter, that chilled them all to the core! Then the Master of Darkness informed them, smirking menacingly,

"Never!"

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

His body and wings glowed all over with dark power again! As they did, Nozomi staring on asked, "What's he doing now?"
"Just be ready!" Riku replied, tensing his hands around his Alliance Blade.

Kairi was quiet, however feeling something was wrong. She activated Oralee's power, as she did. In fear, she realised what going to happen!

"Kairi! You all need to watch out!"

"Guys!" Getting their attention, she was about to warn them when-!

"Too slow!"

FFFFLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH!

Suddenly a colossal storm of darkness was released from Xehanort's green wings! They enveloped all of the Keybladers in their dark depths, creating a giant corroding sphere and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

In seconds their strength was being drained, by the terrible dark depths! Feeling their powers wane, Sora uttered falling in the air, "What... is this!?"

"The darkness I so cherish!"

Xehanort revealed, then moving his wings. He flew up higher again and told them preparing to get back to the task at hand,

"Now for the last time stay put and await the end! For soon eternal peace will finally granted to all things!"

SHINE!

Again he unleashed the Light from the false King-Blade, and proceeded to Unlock the Door!

Seeing him do this, Riku gasping having never felt such intense darkness like this. Looking to Kairi asked her, "The Fifth Fragment, Kairi can you-!"
Gasping, the female Keyblader it was clear couldn't move to activate it! She couldn't even speak!

Worried for her, Sora cried out, "Kairi!?" However that was all he could do, for even he couldn't move now! He was losing too much strength, if they stayed inside the sphere, they'd lost consciousness and-!
Gasping, Nozomi could feel herself faltering. They had to do something, otherwise-!

"Nozomi! Get it together, c'mon!"

She couldn't think of what do and questioned, "But just what-!"

"Get everyone out! I'll strengthen you from within!"

"Wairu?" Nozomi didn't know what he was going to do, when-!

"Pearl Regenzeo Rain!"

Then suddenly from within Nozomi's body, a spell came forth! It shone out from her, and created a rain of shining pearls that splashed on contact with their boddies, dousing them in its healing effects! Instantly they all glowed with white light and the effects of the darkness was diminishing!

"Whoa!" Nozomi cried out, then she heard Wairu again.

"Nozomi hurry! Get everyone out!"

There was no hesitation and quickly, she replied, "You got it!" With that she moved fast, her wings coming into effect!

SHINE!

A circle appeared around her and her allies, that quickly activated and they were transported straight out of the sphere!

….

Arriving fast upon one of the remaining floating debris of ice that held one of Hana's flowers that was helping it to stay in the air, Nozomi gasped falling to her knees. With everyone around her doing the same.

As they did, Sora looking to her then said, "Thanks Nozomi, you saved us!"

Smiling she replied, "Well I tried..." then gasping, she added, "And Wairu did too!"

Riku and Kairi were smiling too, however-!

CLICK!

Another frightening click of the Door had sounded! Terrified looking on, they stared at Xehanort who was in the distance. Then Kairi using Oralee's power again, sensed his thoughts and said with worry, "Oh no! He's nearly done! Just one more turn, and the Door will open!"

RRROOOAAARRRR!

They heard and saw all the Heartless hands that were still webbed onto the Door! All along, their twisting lengths were crawling shadows, all of them ready to invade and conquer, waiting to devour the Heart of all living things. Kingdom Hearts!
"We can't let that happen!" Sora cried, with that gripping his Alliance Blade he said, "We have to beat Xehanort fast and now!"

Shuddering Riku though realised inside, though with bitter reluctance, "We won't be fast enough!"

"What!?" Shocked hearing this, the chosen Keyblader looked to his best friend in disbelief.

"We're too faraway now, and we don't have enough strength to take him down in the time we need to!"

"What can we do!?" Sora asked his anxiety growing more intense by the second.

Nozomi shaking, looking towards the door. She couldn't think of anything at first... but then-!

GLOW!

She saw the glow of a white orb over the Door, as she did. She then remembered, "The Will of the Door?"

Surprised by her words, the others all looked to her. As they did, Riku asked her, "Nozomi?"

The girl was quiet, then thinking to herself. She remembered what she had done with Riku, Mickey and Cait sith in the past. As she did, she thought to the Doors of Time and realised, "We can Lock it!"

Blinking confused at her words, Sora repeated, "Lock it?"

Nodding fast, Nozomi told them, "Guys, we need to tap into the Will of the Door!"

"The Will of the Door?" Kairi asked her.
"Yeah!" The female Keyblader then stood up and pointed to the shining white orb that was over the Door of Light. As she did, she told them all, "Its the Heart of the Door itself! We need to aim and use all our power on it! If we can tap into it, we can Lock the Door and stop Xehanort from opening it!"

Surprised she'd come up with the idea, and seeing the pulsating orb hovering over it. Sora getting up, then asked, "Can that really work?"
Rising up too, Riku then replied, "Its the only chance we've got!" However looking on, he had to add, "But we're not in a good position here, we need to get closer to it."
"Yeah, but we've got to make sure we're not sitting ducks again!" Kairi said, then getting up and using Oralee's power once more, she looked at the floating debris made platforms that were around. As she did, she realised, "We need to go to those four points!" With that, directing everyone to which ones she meant, she added, "That way, Xehanort shouldn't be able to interfere too easily with us and we'll be in perfect range for the Door!"

"Okay! Thanks for the quick summary Kairi!" Sora smiled.

She nodded, pleased she'd been able to provide the info they needed. Now all they needed was-!
"I'll get you guys there now!" Nozomi announced, with that she lifted up her Keyblade and-!

SHINE!

Her power lit up and quickly-!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

She granted them her wings again! As they each shone with her power, letting their feet tread upon the orbs that were scattered around. She also added, "Wairu melded a haste spell already in the rain for us, we can all go faster now!"

"And you won't get tired out?" Riku asked her worried.

"Wairu's helping me! His power's strengthening my own, so I can keep up with you guys now!"

"Great!" Seeing their plan was set, Sora added, "Let's get going then!"

Everyone was in agreement as they nodded then quickly-!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

They all leaped into the air, and all of them quickly raced towards the platforms they decided on, so they may succeed in their endeavour!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

RRROOOAAARRRR!

Xehanort concentrating could feel it, along with all his Heartless! One more turn from the False King-Blade would be all he'd need now! Soon it would all be over, as he smiled feeling the end was coming, he couldn't help but say,

"This is exactly what you throughout the worlds all deserve! You who all poison and destroy, corrupting everything with your hollow Hearts! Reaching always for the Light of destruction and chaos!"

CCCCRRRREEEAAAAKKKK!

Feeling the Door struggle against the final turn, he knew it wouldn't be able to hold out for long! The true Kingdom Hearts would soon perish!

"Now that very light that's caused nothing but suffering will die!

You will all embrace darkness with me!"

The mechanism in the Door was turning to his wish, this was it! Now-!

SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE!

Suddenly though, something was unleashed! Shocked, he asked, "These Lights!?" Then turning he saw quickly behind him, the warrior of the Keyblade! All of them had escaped from his Calamity attack!

Infuriated he demanded, "How did you all-!"

GLOW!

Then another light began to shine, looking up. He saw what their goal was! "Your trying to tamper with the Door's Will, is that it!?" Angered, he then told them all, "You will not succeed!"

RRROOOAAARRRR!

The Heartless all around him, all began to flock towards the platforms where the Keybladers were! To smite them down, and to bind them all down into the Darkness once more!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nozomi concentrating on the Will, had her hands clasped around her Keyblade. As she did, she wished desperately, 'Please let this work!"

RRROOOAAARRRR!

Then alarmed hearing the Heartless, she saw them all flying towards her and her allies at top enraged speed!

"Nozomi! You have to get away now!"

Hearing Wairu's worried call for her, she shivered. However with a shake of her head she told him, "I'm not running!"

"But if you don't leave now then-!"

"There'll be no future either way!" She countered back, then concentrating on the Door she added, "This is our last chance, and I won't abandon my friends, I won't leave everyone to suffer alone!"

"Nozomi..."

As she heard the concern in his voice, she was grateful he cared. But what she said was the truth, for if they had to face certain death. She'd rather be with everyone then without them, for she'd already suffered the agony of being left behind long enough growing up!

She didn't want everyone to be separated because of the darkness and Xehanort! Feeling her desperate wishes grow, she cried out, "Door of Light!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Struggling himself with his Alliance Blade, keeping it aimed upon the Door with his Light reaching its Will. Sora was determined not to give up! He couldn't! But thinking of his friends he wished-!

"Door of Light!"

Surprised, hearing Nozomi's cry. He looked in her direction, and quickly heard her cry out,

"You can hear us can't you!? Please close for us! I'm begging you, don't let us all be separated from one another, because of Xehanort and the darkness!"

"Nozomi..." Sora was amazed she'd even thought to do something like that. For this Will they were trying tap into. Could it even understand them or-!

"You were shattered into pieces and sent flying into the darkness! You know how that feels! It was horrible wasn't it!?"

GLOW!

The Will glowed brightly with light. It was responding!

"Me and my friends won't let that happen to you again! We want to stop you from being used to hurt others, like you were harmed! Please, believe in us and hear my wish! I want us all to stay together!"

GLOW!

The Will responded to that wish, and glowed brightly with warm colours! As it did, Sora could feel it. Her words were reaching it! Gripping his hands, he knew what he had to do! So quickly he spoke too,

"That's right! We'll protect you! All of us, me and my friends we'll all become the shield that will stop anyone from harming you and all of us we treasure! That I promise you, we're all in this together!"

GLOW!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hearing their words, and seeing what effect they were having upon the Door of Light. Xehanort couldn't believe it! This wasn't possible! However, quickly keeping his focus upon the Door, he made his own counter argument as he pushed to open it!

"Don't believe them! Let me enter your realms!

I will make sure all suffering will cease, there will be no pain, no loneliness!

No cruelty shall exist any longer!"

CCCCRRRREEEAAAAKKKK!

The mechanism was turning! His words were making an impact too! They wouldn't win! They couldn't possibly-!

"Don't believe him!"

It was then the monstrous man, heard the Princess of Heart speak as his Heartless were swiftly making their way to her!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As her hands remained on her Alliance Blade, Kairi saw the Heartless shadows that were all coming!

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

A massive colony all leapt into the air to attack her! However-!

SHINE!

Reeve's power swiftly came to protect her, making the monsters bounce off left and right! With amazed eyes seeing this, she then heard the Knight tell her,

"Don't falter Kairi, keep going!"

She nodded and then cried out to the Door of Light again,

"There's won't be happiness by Xehanort's way!

All that will be left if he enters you, is nothing but terrible emptiness!

Every person deserves to exist, it doesn't matter whether they're of the light or darkness!

But to protect them all we need you! Please stay with us!"

GLOW!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Amazed by the impassioned words of all his friends, Riku knew he couldn't remain silent. He didn't care for the Heartless as they came, for-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!
SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

His transformed red Wing Blades had returned and were protecting him! He had nothing to fear, and so cried out,

"I'm sure you're fed up with it too Door of Light!

Having people fighting over you, and wanting to control you!

People's actions towards you have been shameful, there's no denying that!"

Then gripping his Alliance Blade, thinking of his own misdeeds of the past. He then remembered all the aid he'd had from all his friends, Sora, Kairi and Nozomi. Remembering their support and strength they gave to him, he then told the sacred treasure,

"But people can change!

I believe that, and I've changed with everyone here in trying to find you!

You're the symbol of our hope, and with you, we can find a way to a brighter future where malicious conflict won't tear us all apart!

Whatever it takes, we'll make sure we reach that time with you!"

GLOW!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Listening to them all, Nozomi smiled happily. She was so grateful to hear their were all unified in their wish! The Will to the Door of Light was clearly responding to them all, as that orb of Light was getting bigger and bigger! Something miraculous was beginning to happen!

"I am tired of hearing false promises like that!"

Hearing Xehanort's terrible voice again, Nozomi looked on and then saw-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

More of the hands of the Heartless reach up, and quickly they were all grabbing onto the orb! They were trying to pull it into a vortex of darkness!

Seeing this she was horrified, the Light was beginning to die and then-!

CLICK!

Hearing this horrible sound, everyone then knew he'd done it! Xehanort had opened the Door! For quickly-!

SHINE!

A narrow slither of bright warm golden Light was beginning to peak through the gap in the Door! The Heartless would get through it any minute!

"This is it! NOW WATCH YOUR LIFE AND THE LIGHT DIE!"

Silent hearing this, Nozomi though shook her head. Then shouted, "No, I won't give up!" With that, she pushed herself from within and cried out, "Wairu, Aqua... Master Auron, everyone give me strength!" With that she released all of the power she had within and-!

SHINE!

Her body glowed all over with multiple colours, showing the combined powers of the Hearts that she held within, along with the memories of all the friends she'd made along the way! Feeling their strength, she shouted out,

"EVERYONE! UNITE OUR LIGHT NOW!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hearing her, then seeing the power she was shining with. Sora uttered in awe, "Nozomi..." Then he understood what she meant, closing his eyes he felt them. Then said, "Guys let's go!"

With that he felt Timbre's, Jona's and finally who he believed to be Ventus join with him, in his power along with the memories of his own dear friends he'd made on his long journeys and-!

SHINE!

He put all their combined power into the light of his Alliance Blade, that intensified with their unified wish to stop Xehanort!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing them both shine so brilliantly, Kairi knew quickly what she had to do! Closing her own eyes, she uttered, "Let's lend our strength!"

With that she shone beautifully too, with her power, Oralee's, Reeve's and what she had of Aqua's! Feeling the hopes of all her friends, she opened her eyes and-!

SHINE!

The light of her own Alliance Blade intensified too!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Riku seeing their hope was still strong even despite all the darkness of despair that surrounded them, felt his own courage grow. He wouldn't falter now! So closing his own eyes, he said, "Let's give this everything we've got!"

Shining with his intense light, he felt Hari's, Kagi's along with the mysterious King empower him and then focusing all that power with his own memories of his friends-!

SHINE!

He released it from his Alliance Blade! The combined beams of all four Keybladers grew and grew until-!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Xehanort hadn't noticed their efforts, he was watching with sinister glee as his Heartless started pushing themselves through the sacred Door! Soon he would feast his eyes upon it with them as he started to walk through, Kingdom Hearts itself now would finally-!

GGGGLLLLOOOOWWWWW!

It was then he felt this intense warm growing radiation! As he did, he couldn't believe the sight that he was seeing! For the combined light that the four Keybladers were shining with, were rapidly disintegrating the hands that he'd sent to subdue the Will of the Door!

Its Light was shining brightly again and its power was growing from their desperate hope filled efforts! Outraged seeing this, he went to stop them shouting,

"YOU ALL DARE TO DEFY ME!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hearing him coming, Nozomi and the others didn't care! Instead concentrating upon the Will, all four of them at once shouted in one loud unified voice,

"DOOR OF LIGHT COME WITH US ALL!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

At once a grand spectacle of light shone out everywhere! It grew bigger and bigger and-!

BBBLLLAAAZZZEEE!

The Heartless who had been making it through were set alight and quickly blasted back! Then as all their infested numbers were blown away-!

SLAM!

The Door was swiftly closed, and then something else was happening, the sound of something folding and collapsing, like countless blocks! No-one could see what was happening, it was just too-!

FFFFLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH!

Then a bigger more intense light shone everywhere! The heroes had to close their eyes, it was too strong and-!

"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!"

They heard Xehanort screaming in agony, and then there were massive sounds of countless disintegrations. They had no idea what was happening! It was just so warm, and-!

PULL!

PULL!

PULL!

PULL!

"WHOA!"

"HEY!"

"AH!"

"URGH!"

All four of the Keybladers were pulled up by a powerful force and-!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"What's happenin' amigo's!?"

Hearing Juan's voice, Noel protecting his eyes against the intense light replied, "I don't know! I can't see!"

"I can't either!" Raiyana replied, trying to cover her eyes in her Eclipse form. For despite being able to tolerate light usually in this form, she replied, "It's just too intense I-!"

FFFFLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH!

Then as this bright light shone out everywhere, everyone protected their eyes to shield themselves from the radiance! Doing so, they all quickly heard the sounds of disintegration from all the Heartless that surrounded them spread, further and further throughout the abandoned lost kingdom until, there was nothing but silence.

….

….

….

….

….

As everyone protected their eyes, they weren't sure if it was safe to open them yet. But then-!

GLITTER!

"Huh?" Opening his eyes, Juan was puzzled by this sound. Then looking on, to his surprise he saw an astonishing glowing shape before him. It was something like a glowing light, however the shape of this mysterious shape resembled one thing. Blinking he asked, "A... corazón?"

Puzzled hearing him say this, Noel asked, "A what?" Then opening his eyes himself, along with Raiyana and the rest. Everyone then saw-!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

A glittering sea, of the mysterious glowing shapes that were all shining within a sea of white. With no Heartless left in sight anywhere!

Looking on everyone was dazzled by this miracle, and looking on, Raiyana then asked, "Hearts...?"

"Whoa!" Zidane uttered, looking at the precious floating treasures around them. Then he asked, "But how did this happen? Why have-!"
"It must have been them, Nozomi, Riku, Sora and Kairi! They've done this!" Raiyana said in amazement, then looking on at the treasures with tears coming to her eyes. She realised, "They've been freed them from the clutches of the Heartless!"

As her words settled within all the heroes minds... smiles all immediately broke out, then quickly loud sounds of celebration broke out! As last, finally the battle was over!

"WWWWOOOO-HHHHOOOO!"

"YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!"

"YYYYAAAAYYYY!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"WWWWOOOO-HHHHOOOO!"

"YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHH!"

"YYYYAAAAYYYY!"

Her eyes closed, Nozomi couldn't understand what was happening. Then opening them, she asked, "Is that...?"

GLITTER!

Then quickly, she saw a Heart fly by her. Gasping, she then turned and saw the world of white they were now bathed within, along with the sea of glittering warm hearts that filled the atmosphere! It was incredible! She couldn't help but utter, "Whoa! This is...amazing!"

"It is!"

Surprised, hearing her friend again. Nozomi asked him, "Wairu! Do you know what's happened here? Have we-!"

"Yeah, you guys won! And you've all acquired an incredible treasure!"

"Treasure?" Nozomi asked, then turning to see if she could see the others. It was then that she saw Riku, Sora and Kairi were already with her. Their eyes were closed, all of them still clearly trying not to be blinded from the light that shone before.

Seeing them, she smiled and cried out, "Guys we-!"

GLISTEN!

Then her eyes were distracted, as there in the middle of the circle they had formed. Was a glistening object that shone with white light around it! Staring at it, she saw that it was covered in golden chains, and seemed to hold something like a precious white diamond within its centre. Staring at it, she then realised, "This looks like a Time Lock!"

"Time Lock?" Riku repeated, as he finally opened eyes.

Seeing him open his eyes, Nozomi cried out with a happy smile, "Riku!"

Surprised to see her there with him, the white Keyblader was quiet. But then a smile came to his face too, but before he could say anything. He was distracted by the light of the mysterious object, and became quiet too in amazement.

"Um, did we win?" Sora asked, as he opened his eyes too.

"I think so," Kairi replied. Then she opened her own eyes, the four Keybladers all laid eyes upon the glistening treasure that was in front of them all.

Staring at it in wonder, Sora couldn't help but ask, "What is this?"

"I don't know..." Kairi said, but looking at it. She couldn't help but admit, "Its beautiful though, it feels so warm to look at it."
"Yeah it does..." Riku said.

"It would be, for this is the crystallisation of your hopes."

Everyone became surprised as they all heard that voice! Looking around, most of the others were confused. But Riku knew who it was and asked, "The past Keyblade King?"

"Ha! Ha! I like that!"

Hearing the amusement in his voice, they still didn't understand what was going on. However the kind past ruler explained to them,

"The Door of Light heeded your wishes and closed itself wiping out the Heartless that dared to enter it, so Xehanort could not tap into its power, and has entrusted itself to all of your protection."

Amazed hearing this, Sora asked the mysterious figure, "The Door of Light... its given itself to us?"

"Correct, it has now reformed itself to become the treasure before you,

The Lock of Light."

"The Lock...of Light?" Kairi repeated, then looking at the glowing treasure and noticing the transformed warm and bright space they were in, along with all the Hearts glowing in the white space. She realised, "So we've won then! We've stopped Xehanort and the Heartless!"

Smiling, feeling his heart race, Riku replied, "Looks like it!"

"It believed in us!"

Hearing Nozomi, they all turned to look her. There they all saw her smiling, yet she was crying. However they warm happy tears full of relief, as she then said, "It listened to our hope! We got through to it... we-!" She couldn't contain herself though, and she wept with her face now in her hands.

Everyone staring at her, then couldn't help but feel warm tears coming to their eyes too. Then together, they all held each other in comfort and happiness, full of relief and truly glad. With the treasure of Light before them all. Shining as the hope for the future, of all who existed within all the countless worlds...