Welcome back everyone! Writers block and school took a lot out of me but I'm glad I finally got this out. I still claim no ownership of nothing belonging to Square Enix and/or Disney. I only own the plot and my OCs like West and Lydia. Kyra and Rusty belong to MysteryGirl7Freak and Dragon belongs to Greymon Leader Batx flashpoint.
Chapter 52: Shadow Blot
Fighting the heartless had always come so naturally to Sora. The last time he even had a problem dealing with an army of the dark creatures was the battle of a thousand heartless. In some ways, this battle was much more difficult. Protecting Gus and Ortensia in such a confined space with the shadows and Blotlings acting much more aggressively was definitely a challenge but he couldn't give up. It was up to Oswald, Roxas and Mickey to finish off the main threat of this battle. All he could do was believe in them.
In the meantime, the previously mentioned group of three was having just as hard of a time trying to fight off the cluster of tentacles. It was almost impossible to get a decent hit in with the dark inky tentacles moving in every direction and causing a great deal of damage with every impact; Mickey was having a hard time keeping up with his cure spells and they were almost all out of potions and ethers. To say they were struggling was an understatement.
Knowing that they had to finish this battle quickly, Oswald gripped his keyblade and rushed towards the tentacles surrounding Mickey's heart; the enemy's weak point. Roxas and Mickey took the hint that the rabbit was going in for the kill and strived to attack as hard as they could, driving the tentacles away from Oswald.
"Time to end this!" The rabbit exclaimed just as his ears began moving around his head like helicopter blades. Oswald was then lifted off the ground and started flying around the dome. He raised Wasted Past into the air, summoning devastating bolts of lightning and black and white ribbons of classic film to attack the tentacles. With each strike from the lightning and film, more and more damage took place. Finally, he was ready to end the Blot once and for all.
"For Wasteland!" He shouted, delivering the final blow with a powerful strike from his keyblade. (1)
On the outside, the Shadow Blot released a panicked gasp of air, desperately trying to keep itself alive.
While on the inside, the tentacles released Mickey's heart as it fell towards the ground, only to be caught by Oswald. The heart felt so warm in his little hands, how long had it been since he felt the warmth of a heart? It felt like ages ago, he'd almost forgotten that feeling.
Oswald was so distracted by the heart he held in his hand, he almost didn't notice the rest of the group was starting at him. Mickey especially looked worried, fearing as though Oswald would take his heart for himself at any moment.
The rabbit looked between the warm heart and it's owner, starting to feel somewhat conflicted. But, it was then that Mickey shook his head.
"I wouldn't blame you, you know." Mickey said as Oswald looked at him in confusion along with the others. "I haven't done much to be worthy of a heart lately, especially for you. So, if you took it, I wouldn't stop you."
Oswald took only one last look at the heart before he shook his head and approached Mickey, handing out the heart to him.
"If I did that, I'd be just as bad as the Blot itself." Oswald said with a smile. "Besides, this is your heart, not mine." Just as he spoke, the rabbit released his hold on Mickey's heart, allowing it to float out of his hands. It glided through the air towards Mickey until finally it magically fazed through the mouse king's chest and took it's rightful place in his chest.
Feeling the warmth and the sound of a heartbeat returning to him, Mickey couldn't help but place his hand over his chest and smile at his brother.
"Thank you, Oswald." Mickey stated as he pulled the fireworks remote out from his pocket and handed it to his brother. "Now, I think it's time we end this once and for all. Care to do the honours?"
Oswald nodded with determination as he took the remote from his brother's hand. "With pleasure!" He said. And, without a second thought, he slammed his fist down on the big red button.
This immediately caused the giant cluster of large fireworks at Dark Beauty Castle to set off, flying directly towards the Shadow Blot. The fireworks exploded on impact, creating bursts of fiery colors. The Blot howled in pain as the colorful fireworks attacked him over and over, leaving it absolutely no time to regenerate.
The bright explosions burnt away the ink, letting tiny droplets rain down onto Wasteland until there was nothing left. It was finally over. The Shadow Blot was gone. Wasteland was finally free.
But the fireworks kept going long after the Blot was gone. That left Oswald, Gus and Ortensia's statue to come crashing down to the earth and Roxas, Sora and Mickey to grab onto some stray rockets and become launched into the sky and directly out of Wasteland leaving strings of light and color across the sky. With one last firework, a burst of colorful, magical paint rained down upon Wasteland.
Oswald groaned in pain as he crashed into the sidewalk of Ostown, but he couldn't help but smile. After all this time, the Blot was finally history, they were finally safe.
Just then, the lucky rabbit looked up, finding the paint descending upon them. He gasped in surprise as he saw what the paint did. Right before his eyes, as the paint drops touched the world the Blot ruined, the ruin and damage instantly vanished.
As Oswald looked beside him, he found Ortensia's statue laying motionlessly beside him. But, the moment the paint rain touched her, some of her color returned. Feeling hope for the first time in a long time, Oswald watched intently as more and more color returned until finally, life began to shine through Ortensia's body.
The cat released a small groan as she stretched her arms over her head and pushed herself up to a sitting position. She then opened her eyes, greeted with the sight of her love, Oswald.
"O-Oswald?" Ortensia asked nervously. "Is that really you?"
Oswald nodded as a smile emerged upon his lips. "Yes, it's me."
The next thing the rabbit knew, Ortensia had jumped up in delight and pulled Oswald into a tight hug. "I can't believe it! I've missed you so much! I was so scared."
"I've missed you too." Oswald replied as he returned the hug. For so long, he'd been so lost, bitter and alone, blaming himself and Mickey for the misfortune of Wasteland and what happened to Ortensia. Now that the threat was gone and the love of his life was back, he'd never felt happier. They were finally free to start over a life without the Blot. And he had his new friends to thank for it.
~*KHIII*~
Back in Disney Castle, in the mysterious room, the mirror began to glow. It quickly got brighter and brighter until Sora, Roxas and Mickey burst out and landed clumsily on top of each other upon the floor.
Sora pushed himself up to his knees as Roxas and Mickey fell off of him. The three of them gasped as they recognized the room they disappeared from and found Goofy, Max and Minnie staring at them in surprise. But, there surprised faces were quickly replaced with bright and relieved smiles.
Mickey didn't have a chance to get up before Minnie rushed over to him and toppled him back down to the floor in a tight embrace.
"Oh Mickey! You're back! Are you alright?! I was so worried!" Minnie exclaimed, holding on to him so tightly as though she was afraid she'd loose him again.
"We're fine." Mickey smiled as he hugged her back.
Max and Goofy just stood there looking happy and stunned at the same time. "What happened to you guys in there?" Max asked. "What about that thing that grabbed you?"
"It's gone." Replied Sora with a sigh of relief as he stood up to his feet. "We defeated it, Wasteland is finally safe."
"What? You guys really defeated the Blot?!" Goofy asked, stunned. "But we all heard the Blot's real tough, scary and impossible to beat!"
Roxas nodded his head. "Believe me, it wasn't easy but we did it. All it took was a pile of light magic, fireworks and teamwork."
Minnie placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "And Oswald?"
"I think after all this time he's finally forgiven me." Mickey smiled. "Maybe now we could finally be real brothers again."
Just at that moment, the room's doors burst open revealing Kairi, Lea and Riku holding their weapons and looking as though they just got out of a fight.
"Your majesty, all the heartless in town just dissapeared!" Announced Riku. "Did something happen here?" But, it wasn't until then them that they all noticed Sora, Mickey and Roxas had returned with shocked looks on their faces.
Kairi's face broke out into a smile as she rushed over to Sora's side and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Thank Kingdom Hearts you're safe!" The princess of heart exclaimed.
Sora released a small laugh and a smile as he hugged her back. "Did you really doubt me?"
Kairi shook her head. "No, not at all. I'm just happy to see you safe even if you can handle yourself."
"So, what exactly happened in there?" Lea asked curiously as he helped Roxas up to his feet.
"We beat the Shadow Blot in this world called Wasteland, where other forgotten residents of Disney Town live." Explained Roxas. "The defeat of the Blot in that world must have stopped the heartless here."
"Maybe we better get back to town and tell everyone the whole story." Said Mickey. "They deserve to know what happened."
Minnie nodded in agreement. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. And, now that all the heartless have gone, we can finally enjoy the rest of the Dream Festival."
"Sounds like a plan." Max said. "Let's go!"
One by one, the group started piling out of the Castle until only Mickey remained. But, before he followed the others, the mouse King looked back at the mirror leading to Wasteland. Just as he did, the golden mirror began to glow again, showing him an image of the world he left behind.
The image clearly showed a Blot-free Wasteland and peaceful, happy citizens starting to rebuild their homes. Then, the image shifted again revealing Ostown with Oswald, Gus and a fully-revived Ortensia. Knowing that Oswald could see him through the mirror, the Lucky Rabbit looked at his brother and waved at him.
Smiling, Mickey waved back. He was really happy to see that things were finally looking up for Wasteland and that Ortensia was back. With the warm feeling lingering in his heart, Mickey turned around and exited the castle in order to join his friends, wife and people.
~*KHIII*~
A few hours had passed since Mickey and the others had returned to town and explained what had happened in Wasteland to the rest of the team and the world's citizens. It was a lot to take in but after awhile, the entire story had sunk in. The aftermath had given everyone a good chance to relax and enjoy the rest of the festival's activities and participate in ones they hadn't yet until it was time to announce the winner of the Million Dreams Award once everyone had voted.
Everyone was gathered in the town's plaza, facing the small stage area anxiously waiting for Minnie to announce the award's winner.
Donald was standing in between Xion, Dragon, West and Myde, all of them looking just as anxious as everyone else.
"This Million Dreams award sounds like a big deal." Remarked Dragon. "I wonder who's gonna win."
Donald puffed out his chest with pride. "It's gonna be me obviously!" He quacked boastfully. "I'm the best Court Magician Disney Castle's ever had and I'm a great hero!"
"No way man!" Myde shook his head. "I'm gonna win!"
Xion raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think you're going to win?" She asked with an eye roll.
"Cuz I'm awesome that's why!" Smiled the blond.
At that moment, Queen made her way to the stage along with Daisy, clearing her throat. "Attention everyone." Her sweet, kind voice captured everyone's attention causing everyone in the plaza to go silent. "Now's the time you've all been waiting for; the million dream award presentation!"
The entire crowd burst into applause and cheers as Daisy handed her an envelope containing the results of the festival's votes.
"Oh this is so very exciting!" The Queen exclaimed. "I just can't tell how happy it makes me to see the entire town come together for such a happy occasion. Now, the winner of the Million Dreams Award is..." Without another second to waste, Minnie opened the golden envelope and announced the winner loud and clear; "Our very own King Mickey Mouse!"
"W-what?!" Mickey gasped in shock. "Me?"
"Yeah you!" Riku smiled as he lightly punched the mouse king in the shoulder. "Go on up there and accept your reward!" As Mickey looked around the crowd, he saw everyone smiling at him. Giving into the peer pressure, the king began walking towards the stage and soon found himself standing beside the queen.
"Congratulations, Mickey!" Minnie smiled as she affectionately kissed his cheek.
Mickey only stood awkwardly on the stage, looking out to the crowd of his smiling people and traveling companions. "But, I don't understand. How could I have won? I haven't been a good King to this world at all. Or a good brother for that matter..."
Minnie simply shook his head and placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Mickey, you are a wonderful King. Just because you're away, doesn't mean you're automatically a bad leader. We know you're always keeping your kingdom and subjects in your heart. And we all know how hard you're working to try and keep the worlds and your friends safe. You even push yourself to help people on other worlds you don't even know. Even when you're not physically on your thone"
"She's right, ya know, your Majesty." Said Goofy. "We wouldn't have all voted for you if we didn't think that."
Mickey released a surprised gasp at what Goofy had to say. "Wait, so you all voted for me?" He asked the crowd, who all nodded their heads except for Myde.
"Well, I voted for myself, but that's just me." Laughed Myde.
The king could feel his heart warming from the words of his wife and the smiles of his people. "Thank you everyone." Smiled Mickey, grateful for the overwhelming support his kingdom and friends blessed him with.
"Now then, for your prize we've created a brand-new ice cream flavor with you in mind." Minnie continued her announcement as she took the prize from Daisy and presented it to Mickey. "Disney Dream Parfait!"
It was scoops of bright blue, red and yellow ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and chocolate sauce. atop the ice cream were two round chocolate ears and a gold chocolate crown. A waffle cone surrounded the ice cream and was set in a crystal glass.
"Oh wow that looks so good!" Roxas exclaimed at the sight of the ice cream while Lea visibly drooled.
"What's it taste like, your majesty?!" Lydia asked curiously.
"Go on, try it!" Said Sora.
Taking a spoon from out of the ice cream, Mickey scooped up some of the parfait and took a taste.
"It's delicious!" The King exclaimed.
Minnie smiled and giggled. "I'm so glad you like it."
"Congratulations, Mickey." A familiar voice spoke through the plaza, capturing Mickey's attention. The crowd parted, revealing two familiar figures standing there; a tall, old wizard and a rabbit.
"Oswald?! Master Yen Sid?!" Gasped Mickey in surprise. "What's going on? How'd you get here?"
"I brought him here, Mickey." Master Yen Sid spoke softly. "As I was watching the world's for signs of Xehanort, I learned of what transpired in Wasteland and decided to look for myself."
Setting his prize ice cream down on the stage floor, Mickey ran off the stage and rushed past the plaza's crowd to Oswald's side.
"But Oswald you can't stay here!" Mickey exclaimed. "You've got to get back to Wasteland! You'll turn into a heartless without a heart here!-"
"Mickey, relax." Oswald interrupted with a smile. "I'm fine. I... I have a heart now."
And so ends another chapter! Sorry this took so long you guys but it really means a lot that you guys stick with me! Now we officially have Oswald as a part of Team Keyblade but Master Xehanort came black! We'll be getting back into the Disney Worlds soon so stay tuned and don't forget to review!
Numbered points;
(1): Oswald's limit; Thunderous Cartoon
Anonymous Reviews;
-Guest(Sept 17): I'm saving Atlantica for Reconnected's next generation story where Sora's daughter will team up with Melody.
-Tashasaurus: I hope he returns for both too! Can't wait to play both when they come out!
-Gry17: Sora: thanks a lot for the support! It's great to know that people are rooting for us!
-Guest(Oct 5): thanks for the suggestion, but I'm no longer accepting suggestions for characters or worlds since everything's already planned out. Plus I've never heard of Geno. Thanks anyway though.