(A/N: For this battle scene, I'm mentally hearing the track "Rage Awakened" from the Kingdom Hearts Final Mix OST.)
The armored warrior flew straight at them, its Keyblade raised, and its cape flapping behind it. Aqua and Sora quickly dodge rolled and cartwheeled out of its path respectively. The armor slid to a stop before turning back towards Sora and just as quickly charged at him. Sora quickly dodge rolled out of the way again. Once more, the armor blew past him and slid to a halt before turning and charging once more. Once again however Sora dodge rolled out of the way again. The armor slid to a halt again and "glared" angrily at Sora. Sora took it as his opportunity to strike and quickly charged forward, however the armor raised its Keyblade and with a single swing across its front, sent a massive series of curved streaks of light at Sora as it swung the Keyblade so fast that no normal eye could see it, only the streaks of light it made in the air and there were too many streaks to count.
Sora was forced to quickly block, pushing against his Keyblade with all his strength as the blows constantly connected with the Keyblade. Without warning a sudden barrage of colored spheres of light flew in and smashed into the armor, knocking it away. Another barrage quickly followed and then another. Sora turned and saw Aqua floating in midair with her Keyblade raised. The rattling of the armor could be heard as it quickly started climbing to its feet.
"That attack. I know that attack." The metallic voice echoed before the armor charged at Sora yet again but this time Aqua cartwheeled in between both it and Sora, summoning her armor as she counterattacked with a reflega spell, causing the armor to be knocked back and then hit by the bolts of light from the reflega.
"Sora! Your armor! Activate it now!" Aqua ordered as Sora quickly complied, quickly pressing his hand to the shoulder piece and causing the armor to surround him. Almost instantly the other suit of armor charged again. Sora instinctively attacked, landing several sudden blows to the other armor in quick succession as it blew past him. He then suddenly started glowing with a white light, causing Aqua to do a double take.
"Speed Rave? It can't be! That's Ven's…oh right." she said mentally before Sora charged at the armor but much faster than usual. This time however the armor was ready for them and it immediately started attacking again, swinging the Keyblade at ultra fast speeds, leaving the streaks of light like last time but miraculously Sora dodged and evaded every single one. He then started dealing several countless, rapid, and successful blows to the armor before it leapt backwards and up into the air with its Keyblade raised. Aqua's eyes widened from underneath the helmet as she realized what it was doing.
"Oh no! SORA, LOOK OUT!!!" Aqua shouted as Sora, the glow around him now gone, turned towards her confused. He then quickly turned back to see the armor's Keyblade suddenly grow to a massive size and the teeth and blue guard spinning like fan blades in all directions as the armor slung the oversized weapon onto its back.
"It's too late; he's already locked on to Sora. I've got to stop him before he fires!" Aqua said mentally as she quickly charged at the armor with her Keyblade raised. She started barraging it with magic attacks, Firaga, Thundaga, and Blizzaga in quick succession, causing her to enter the Magic Wish Command Style. She started to hover in midair with the Keyblade floating with her as she quickly started to attack the armor but instead it turned the massive weapon towards her and fired a massive blast of magic. The blast sent her flying into the side of one of the mesas. The armor and a well timed reflega spell took the brunt of the damage but it was still enough to knock her unconscious. The armor then turned to Sora who stood ready to fight whatever it sent at it. The armor started to glow with a reddish aura and caused a circular pattern to appear on the ground beneath it. Four pillars of white light shot up from the ground around it for a brief second before the armor charged at Sora, swinging the Keyblade viciously at the young Keyblade wielder who had no choice but to dodge out of the way of the massive Keyblade.
Just when he thought the armor would let up for a moment, the armor paused in midair as electricity crackled around it for a moment and then it continued its attack. Sora continued dodging, using his glide ability to escape the armor's attacks. The armor nearly caught up with him and summoned a spinning magic circle with sharp teeth to appear around it like a large circular saw, but fortunately Sora dodged that too. He looked over his shoulder to see the armor causing the electricity to crackle in the air around it again before it suddenly lunged at Sora but he quickly blocked the blow. The armor proceeded to vanish into thin air before reappearing in a split second nearby and still charging at Sora. Sora quickly blocked that blow too but the armor teleported again but reappeared overhead. The armor came crashing down towards Sora who just narrowly dodged the attack but when the armor hit, it suddenly unleashed a flurry of attacks with the Keyblade, catching Sora off guard and slamming him into the ground. Fortunately the armor absorbed most of the damage. Sora's helmet crumbled away, revealing his frightened face.
The armor reared back its Keyblade to deliver a final blow but before it could, Sora noticed his Keyblade just within his reach. He grabbed the Keyblade, holding it backwards in his hand and holding it across in front of him in a defensive posture, closing his eyes and shielding himself in preparation for the final blow but the armor didn't move. It stood deathly still, as if frozen in time. About that time Aqua came running up, her armor stored back in the shoulder guard. When she arrived she saw why the armor had stopped. Sora was glowing with a white glow and instead of Sora's face; it was replaced by Ven's face, flinching in fear. Aqua froze, her mouth hanging open in silent wonder. Finally Ven's face faded away, revealing Sora's own as the glow disappeared. The armor lowered the Keyblade to its side as Sora slowly opened his eyes. He quickly scrambled up onto his feet, backing away a short distance while keeping his eyes glued to the armor as it stared at him. Aqua quickly hurried up to stand by Sora's side, still unsure of what was going to happen next. Finally the armor's metallic voice spoke again.
"I see…your strength is…What I sensed in you…" The armor said as it lowered its head slightly as if in thought. It then planted the Keyblade back into the ground in front of it like before and then knelt down before them silently, allowing the wind to gently blow past. Just then another whirlwind of sand and dust blew in, surrounding the armor suit. Sora and Aqua shielded themselves from the winds until it died down. They opened their eyes to see that the armor had vanished completely, Keyblade and all. They looked at each other confused but out of the corner of their eyes they saw that the swirling blue portal had returned.
"So…what was that?" Sora asked softly.
"That was…that was…Terra." Aqua said softly, receiving a confused look from Sora.
"Huh?" Sora asked.
"That was Terra's Sentiment." A voice behind them said. They turned around to see that King Mickey had entered through the portal.
"Terra's what?" Aqua asked.
"His Lingering Sentiment. Master Yen Sid explained it all to me. Terra lost his heart to the darkness, but his armor held onto his thoughts and will, allowing it to fight in his stead. What you fought was only Terra's thoughts and will, trapped within his armor and Keyblade. I imagine that it's been trapped here for years in this world. I imagine that your presence caused that portal to open since it's was Terra's will to escape from here and accomplish his mission." Mickey said as Aqua pondered but Sora looked a little confused.
"Mission? What mission?" Sora asked curiously.
"Long ago," Aqua started to explain, "Terra, upon failing the Masters Qualification Exam, was sent to go defeat a bunch of bad guys similar to the Heartless called the Unversed. He was also sent to find a Keyblade Master who mysteriously went missing. Ven disappeared shortly after him. I was sent to go keep Terra on the path of light and to keep him from falling into darkness. I was also supposed to try and bring Ven back home at the request of my Master, Master Eraqus since Ven was too young to leave on his own at the time. We never succeeded in our missions. Terra succeeded in destroying the Unversed but at great cost. I sacrificed my Keyblade and armor to save him from falling completely into darkness but Ven…poor, poor Ven. He lost his heart completely but his body remained, like an empty shell. I took him to the ruins of our home, and hid his body there."
"So then…what happened to Terra's body after he fell into darkness?" Sora asked as Aqua shrugged.
"I…don't really know. Yen Sid said that he was difficult to see, which meant he was still around just shrouded in a lot of darkness." Aqua replied.
"Then we'll find him. We'll find him and bring him back." Sora said with an optimistic smile.
"You mustn't lose hope. If you lose hope, then you lose everything." Mickey said as Aqua nodded.
"I know. We'll succeed. But we can't dawdle. We need to keep moving." Aqua said as she walked towards the portal, followed closely by Mickey and Sora. They emerged into the garden of Disney Castle, the portal closing and vanishing behind them, as Donald and Goofy hurried up to them.
"The Gummy ship is all set your majesty!" Goofy said with a salute.
"Then I guess it's time for us to be moving on. You'll be sure to pick up Riku and Kairi won't you?" Aqua asked as Mickey nodded.
"You can count on us! Oh and before you go, be sure to come back later because our Million Dreams Celebration starts soon okay?" Mickey said as Sora and Aqua looked at each other and shrugged.
"Sure, we'll be back in time for that." Sora said as Aqua crossed her arms with a proud smirk on her face.
"Ven, Terra, and I won the Million Dreams award eleven years ago, so it should be a cinch for the two of us this year. Right partner?" Aqua asked as Sora nodded enthusiastically.
"You bet!" Sora said.
"Gosh, sorry to see you all go so soon." Goofy said sadly.
"Hey come on guys. I'll be back soon enough for a visit. Remember, the gummy ship is powered by happy faces. Right?" Sora asked as he bent over slightly, giving them the grin he gave them upon their first meeting. Aqua, Donald, and Goofy each laughed at his expression.
"Aw it's just not gonna be the same without you Sora. But at least we have his majesty to protect and that job is very important." Donald said as Sora nodded.
"Yeah I know. Group hug?" Sora asked as the two quickly glomped Sora for a moment before backing away. Aqua had already summoned her Keyblade Rider and was waiting in her armor without the helmet for Sora to finish. He had soon summoned his Keyblade Rider and armor and had jumped onto the Rider. Aqua's helmet reappeared on her head as she climbed onto the Rider and they both took to the stars.
"You've grown more powerful, Sora." Aqua said as they flew.
"You think so?" Sora asked as Aqua nodded.
"Definitely. You may not realize it but you used a Command Style." Aqua said as Sora looked at her curiously, though she couldn't really tell anything through his helmet.
"I did?" He asked.
"Didn't you feel a sudden rush of power at all during the fight? That was one of the first tier Command Styles you entered. It was one of Ven's called "Speed Rave." Aqua explained.
"Huh. So that's what that was. I guess that means I'm getting close to being a master." Sora said.
"Close, but you've still got a bit to learn before you're a true Keyblade Master." Aqua replied.
"So where are we going next?" Sora asked.
"We're going to the best place I know to help you practice and grow stronger with your newfound skill. Olympus Coliseum." Aqua said as Sora looked at her in surprise.
"I've been there twice! It'll be great to see Hercules again!" Sora said as Aqua laughed.
"Then by all means…lead the way." She said as they streaked through the stars towards Olympic Coliseum.
Meanwhile…
The dark figures finished watching Sora and Aqua depart Disney Castle and the sphere in the center of the room proceeded to shrink down and vanish. The room was better lit this time, revealing the villains in more detail. Hades was absent however.
"Well well, it seems that they're on the move again." Pete said with a smirk
"If I wanted the opinion of a lowly worm, I would ask for it." The snobbish man said. He wore light, golden colored armor with purple robes underneath it. His hair was blonde and spiked, with an extra-long ponytail. On his chest plate were black and white stripes tracing his ribs, and on his waist and back were demonic looking faces. His gauntlets sported extended claws. He also wore purple make up on his eyes and lips. He also seemed to be wearing a purple crown.
"Why Mateus, why ask for advice when you can know your future?" Dr. Facilier, (Princess and the Frog) a slick looking dark skinned man with a small mustache wearing a tuxedo with tails over a purple vest and a tribal necklace. He also wore black pants, black wing tipped shoes, and a tall black top hat with a skull and crossbones insignia on it. He held out a fist full of cards to the eloquently dressed man.
"Get this disgusting worm out of my sight." Emperor Mateus (Final Fantasy II) said with a roll of his eyes. Judge Gabranth (Final Fantasy XII), an armored man then approached the annoyed monarch. Gabranth wore gray and silver armor with a helmet with curved horns, and a black cape with an unknown insignia on the cape in red. Gabranth stared down at Dr. Facilier who slinked away.
"That's right Facilier, back away from the lowly worm. HEE-HAW-haw-haw-haw-haw!!!" Kefka Palazzo (Final Fantasy VI) laughed. Kefka wore an outfit composed of primarily red and yellow fabrics, a mismatched jumble of stripes and polka-dots. He wore a red and white striped ruffle around his neck and a red cloak with a yellow and red inner-lining. His face was covered with white make-up with red make-up around his eyes. He had blonde hair tied back into a tight ponytail, accentuated by a feather extending from it.
"Oh yes, it is quite amusing!" Madam Mim, (Sword in the Stone) a short pudgy and ugly looking woman with bright pink hair cackled with a snort. She wore a purple peasant's shirt with a long pink skirt.
"I'm surrounded by idiots." Emperor Mateus grumbled.
"Why won't he say anything?" Gabranth asked, motioning to the lone figure standing off to himself in the shadows. The figure noticed the question, and started to emerge from the shadows, revealing himself to be none other than…
"I have no reason to involve myself in this foolish game." Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) said with his usual dark and calm voice.
"So we have noticed." a voice said from the edge of a balcony overlooking the lot. They looked up to see Xehanort standing with a dark smile on his face and his hands clasped behind his back. He had changed clothes and was now wearing a white and black cloak with a red inner lining, a white shirt, black boots and white gloves. He looked exactly like his old heartless now save for a few small and hardly noticeable differences.
"Ah, Master Xehanort. Did you rest well?" Maleficent asked as the Lord of the Darkness smiled sinisterly down at them.
"Oh I did indeed. But I have noticed a severe lack of effectiveness from the lot of you." Xehanort said as his smile vanished.
"It's not our problem. That meddling little brat with the Keyblade keeps interfering with our plans!" Pete replied as Xehanort rolled his eyes.
"Well then now your plans shall succeed beyond your wildest dreams. For you see, I know of the key to our success. The Key to everlasting darkness. Kingdom Hearts." Xehanort said, earning the attention of the other villains.
"Ooh-who-who-who, I like what I'm hearing. Tell us more!" Kefka grinned.
"Yes, tell us more oh Master Xehanort." Mateus said respectfully, causing Xehanort to arch a curious eyebrow with a sinister smile. (Music cue: "Be Prepared" from Disney's Lion King.).
"I never thought you all would yield to my ascension, since you're so crude and unspeakably plane. But maybe you've got some potential, if allied to my vision and brain." Xehanort said, earning a curious look from Mateus. Xehanort then waved his hand and an eerie green glow appeared from along the walls and around the rim of the table. Xehanort leapt down onto the table, shattering the sphere in the center and sending up a cloud of smoke.
"I know that your powers of retention
are as wet as a warthog's backside."
Xehanort sang as the smoke dissipated. He then turned to Dr. Facilier who was playing with his deck of cards.
"But thick as you are, pay attention!
My words are a matter of pride."
Xehanort sang, swatting the cards out of Facilier's hands. He then turned to Kefka and waved his hand in front of his face, noticing the hypnotized expression on the Mad Mage's face.
"It's clear from your vacant expressions
the lights are not all on upstairs.
But we're talking kings and successions.
Even you can't be caught unawares!"
Xehanort sang, pointing at Pete accusingly, causing him to cower behind Judge Gabranth. Xehanort started to turn to each of the villains as he sang…
"So prepare for a chance of a lifetime,
be prepared for sensational news.
A shining new era
is tiptoeing nearer."
Then Gabranth asked curiously…
"And where do we feature?"
Xehanort grinned at him and replied…
"Just listen to teacher.
I know it sounds sordid
but you'll be rewarded
when at last I am given my dues.
An injustice deliciously squared!
Be prepared!"
Then Facilier grinned and nodded.
"Yes be prepared! Oh we'll be prepared…uh for what?" Facilier asked as Xehanort smiled.
"For the death of those Keyblade warriors!" Xehanort replied with a grin as Kefka arched a curious eyebrow.
"Why, are they sick?" Kefka asked causing Emperor Mateus to roll his eyes.
"No fool, we're going to kill them. That mouse King too." Emperor Mateus replied, making Kefka and Madam Mim look exhilarated.
"Great idea! Who needs a king?!" Mim asked with a laugh as she and Kefka started dancing around singing "No King, no king, la-la-la-la-la-la!"
"IDIOTS! There will be a king!" Mateus yelled at them angrily.
"But you just said-." Gabranth said, insulting Mateus. Mateus was about to say something when Xehanort cut back in.
"I will be King! Stick with me and you will never have a thirst for power again!" Xehanort declared as he jumped back up to his balcony and the green lights turned yellow. The crowd of villains started cheering, save for Sephiroth who just smirked silently, Pete who cowered slightly, and Gabranth who did nothing. The others then shouted, "Long live the king! LONG LIVE THE KING!!!"
Then they started singing in unison…
"It's great that we'll soon be connected,
with a king who'll be all-time adored."
Xehanort grinned as he watched the villains conspiring around the table and he caught all of their attention as he replied…
"Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected
to take certain duties on board."
Xehanort sang as he ran his finger across his throat with a sinister grin.
"The future is littered with prizes,
and though I'm the main addressee,
the point that I must emphasize is…"
Xehanort said as he leapt back down onto the table with his black and thorned Keyblade summoned and aimed directly at Mateus as he yelled angrily…
"YOU WON'T GET A SNIFF WITHOUT ME!!!"
Then with a wave of his hand the table started lifting upwards and towards the ceiling which opened up to reveal a star lit sky above. Xehanort sang as the table continued rising…
"So prepare for the coup of the century!
Be prepared for the murkiest scam!
Meticulous planning,
tenacity spanning,
decades of denial,
is simply why I'll,
be king undisputed,
respected, saluted,
and seen for the wonder I am!
Yes, my teeth and ambitions are bared!
Be prepared!"
The Villains quickly joined him around the edges of the roof as they all sang…
"Yes, our teeth and ambitions are bared!
Be prepared!"
Xehanort then threw back his head as he started cackling manically upwards towards the sky.
End Chapter 10.
The song above was "Be Prepared" from Disney's the Lion King, which I do not own.