Another day and another chapter. This one will have quite a bit of action. Quite a bit of jumping between perspectives, too.

Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts and Dissidia: Final Fantasy were both created by Square Enix.

The Avalon Armada

The Order Sanctuary was bustling with activity as the group returned. Cosmos acknowledged Sora and the others"Was everything at Twilight Town all right?"

"Yeah, so far" said Taios.

Cosmos nodded"That is good to hear. Sora, Taios, our biggest challenge is about to begin."

"We can handle it, and its about time to send Avalon packing, right?" Sora grinned.

"Indeed. And while you were out, I was able to summon quite a few more allies" said Cosmos, beaming.

At that moment, a familiar green-haired woman approached, accompanied by a blond man in regal attire. Two more of Cosmos' warriors accompanied them. Sora recognized three of them"Tina, Shantotto, Prishe, glad you could make it."

"Me too, Sora" smiled the Half-Esper.

Taios was puzzled"Tina? That's her... uh, how should I put it?"

"Its fine, and you must be Taios. Cosmos mentioned you to me" said Tina Branford"Tina is my nickname, though my real name is Terra."

The regal-clad man smiled"Its nice to meet you all. I am Edgar, King of Figaro."

"I know about you, Edgar" smiled Taios"Oh, and how is everything in your world?"

"Restoration was going pretty smoothly" replied the King of Figaro"Locke, Celes, Terra and I decided to help out when Cosmos contacted us."

"I kind of wish we could've reunited under different circumstances, but I'm all for adventure" smiled Prishe.

Ashe, Basch, Baltheir, Fran and Larsa approached the group next. The young Archadian Emperor addressed Cosmos"The Archadian Fleet may be of little help, but I can assure you that we'll assist to the best of our ability."

Cosmos nodded"I thank you. Hopefully, we have enough ships to stop Saxito's invasion."

"Heh, bring'em on, we're ready to go, whenever" shrugged Taios.

Sora cocked his head"And once the invasion is stopped, we can finally infiltrate Saxito's lair. Cosmos, do you know where it is?"

Cosmos was silent for a moment"Even I am afraid to mention it, but there is at least one place in the world order that's not so easily accessible. It is a part of the Unseen Realm. To myself and my fellow gods and goddesses, it is commonly known as the Sacred Grounds of the Never Should. The valleys within are guarded by more than just lesser Nobodies. No one I know of has ever traversed its forbidden landscape, or so I thought."

"Sounds like one scary place" remarked Tidus.

"No kidding" said Serenia.

"And that's where Saxito is launching his invasion from..." mussed Taios.

"My thoughts, exactly. Get some rest everyone, we'll need our strength for what lies ahead" said Cosmos.

On Saxito's dreadnaught, the Nobody grimaced"Everything is going according to plan."

"My Emperor" a soldier addressed him"Our scouts have taken notice of an army gathering at the Order Sanctuary."

Saxito smirked"Oh? That was quicker than I expected. Maybe we'll entertain them for a while, we'll see what this pathetic army of Cosmos' can do. In the meantime, move us as close to Radiant Garden as you can. Our first target lies beyond: Twilight Town."

"As you say" said the soldier.

The following morning after breakfast, Cosmos and the rest of her and Sora's group gathered to discuss their strategy. Golbez, Jecht and a mix of Figaro, Baron, Alexandrian, Archadian and Dalmascan soldiers joined them shortly after.

"I do believe this is everyone. As you all know, Saxito is mobilizing to destroy all worlds and Kingdom Hearts" spoke Cosmos"Those of us with ships or Keyblade Armor will engage Saxito's armada head on, while those of us on foot will stave off any intruders Saxito may send in."

"A well conceived strategy" acknowledged Golbez.

"Sora, Taios, this may put you and the others on the front line, it will not be an easy battle" said Cosmos.

"So, where do you think Saxito's Armada is emerging from?" piped Serenia.

Cosmos shook her head"I do not know for certain, but I asked Roxas to keep track, and he told me after extensive scouting that they may be headed for Radiant Garden. But if we approach, they may instead change course to this sanctuary."

Sora squared his shoulders"Well, we're not going to let Saxito take us, no matter what."

"That's the spirit" grinned Yuffie.

"Taios and I will take charge of the space assault, Saxito won't know what hit him" said Sora.

"The ground defense team will be commanded by Quinn, Cecil and Terra Branford" said Cosmos"Will that be satisfactory?"

"Of course" the Paladin nodded.

Tidus shrugged"Guess Yuna and I will be helping out, here."

Questa, who was polishing her armor, stated"Yoran and I will do what we can from our gliders, too."

"The Ragnarok II and the rest of our ships are ready for battle, anytime" grinned Cid.

"Sora, who else will you be taking? Not everyone can go on this venture" prompted Cosmos.

Sora gave it some thought"Donald and Goofy have decided to come with me for old times' sake. I also thought Cid, Ven, Aqua, Serenia, Tyler, Taios, Yoran, Questa, Luneth, Refia, Roxas, and Vaan's team might come with us."

"Then the rest of us will stay here, hopefully some of Saxito's forces can be diverted here where they'll be stopped" said Cosmos.

Sora nodded"Okay, let's do this."

Sora and most of his group headed into the gummi ships and took off. Tyler, Aqua, Ventus, Yoran, Questa and Taios activated their Keyblade Gliders and armor and followed the Gummi Ships.

Back below them, The Warriors of Light addressed the others"Don't forget, we're dealing with not only monsters, but trained soldiers from what Sora described."

"Right" nodded Terra/Tina.

Sora and his group flew out of the Sanctuary, looking for Saxito's fleet. They went quite a ways before Saxito's dreadnaught appeared above Radiant Garden. The Nobody's voice taunting them"Heh, so you think you can stand against me with that puny, fragile fleet of yours. How very cliché."

"Saxito, you won't slither away from us, this time!" Serenia spoke through the Radiant Light's comlink.

Saxito smiled from his battle station"Oh, I have no intention on running this time. This time, only one of us walks away. First, I think I will have my armada toy with you for a bit."

Sora smiled"Ready when you are."

A host of smaller Nobody vessels began to swarm the Gummi Ship fleet. Taios, Tyler, Yoran, Questa, Aqua and Ventus hurried to intercept, taking down as many of the ships as possible.

Sora hopped into one of the Ragnarok II's gummi ships along with Donald and Goofy to help fend off the Armada's attack. Serenia and Roxas flew the Radiant Light to follow suit and fight off more attackers.

Taios glanced at the bigger ships"Saxito's got to be on one of those. Tyler, Yoran, Questa, let's bust those big guys."

"Very well, then" said Questa.

The four armored Keybearers charge at one of the Dreadnaughts, attacking it with magic and dodging counterstrikes from the weapons. Sora piloted his ship, taking down even more Nobodies.

On Saxito's Command Deck, the Nobody smirked"Oh, isn't this cute?"

"Emperor Saxito" one soldier addressed him"Some of them are attacking our dreadnaughts."

"Bah, let them. They won't pierce my flagship that easily" replied Saxito"But for the heck of it, send Soldiers to attack the warriors stationed in Cosmos' territory."

Taios sent a blast of magic into one of the Dreadanughts' core, while Questa and Yoran took down the weapons. The Pride of Sasune pitched in by occasionally firing shots at the bigger Nobody vessels while attacking the smaller crafts.

"Nothing do it" grinned Sora from his ship as he shot down more Nobody vessels.

The Radiant Light flew in the general direction of Saxito's flagship, Roxas addressing Sora"Serenia and I have a lock on Saxito, too bad I don't have the sort of pull to just turn him into a dusk."

"Humor, Roxas?" Serenia asked with a smile.

"Not that often" shrugged Roxas.

Taios went to join Serenia and Roxas in assaulting Saxito's dreadnaught.

At the Order Sanctuary, Archadian and Dalmascan ships were on patrol to intercept Saxito's armada if any tried to attack the nearby worlds, but five Avalon Transports warped in, courtesy of Saxito.

"Huh?" The Warrior of Light braced himself as a load of Avalon Elite Soldiers emerged, led by Asmodai.

"They don't scare us, even a little bit" said Tidus.

Asmodai smirked"Oh? Let's see you deal with this." He cast Bindga at Tidus' group. The healers in the group quickly went to reverse the effect while Tidus, Shantotto, Yuna, Cecil and Ceodore rushed to intercept the soldiers.

"Don't let any of them reach Cosmos" Quinn instructed his allies as he dueled an Avalon soldier.

"Oh ho, their lack of polish shows" piped the Taru, casting a chain of spells at the invading Avalon forces.

Tina, Locke, Tidus, Celes and Golbez pitched in to fight Asmodai, countering his nasty spells as best they could. Yuna summoned Ifrit to help fight off the attacking Avalonians while Tidus struck at Asmodai with Spiral Cut.

"That's it, we got them on the run" grinned Edgar, using his Chain Saw to attack several enemy soldiers. The Baron, Alexandrian, Archadian and Figaro troops pitched in, taking small casualties as they fought the Avalon elite troops.

"Party's over, Asmodai" said Tidus.

"Oh?" Asmodai sneered, attacking with an Earthquake. Yuna and Celes healed their allies, while Tina blasted Asmodai with Flare. Quinn darted forward and pitched in with Shield of Light.

"These guys are too easy" remarked Zidane, who was fighting back to back with Bartz against several Avalon soldiers. The two easily bested their attackers and rushed to help fight Asmodai.

Asmodai retaliated with another Blindga, which Yuna and the others had to reverse. Zidane smirked"Bad move, there."

"What?" Asmodai gasped.

Zidane had entered Trance Mode and faced down the Earth Archfiend. Drawing his daggers back at bit, the blond Genome darted forward with Grand Lethal, tearing at Asmodai. The Earth Archfiend was staggered long enough for Tina to blast him with a powerful Flare.

"That did it" grinned Tidus as Asmodai collapsed.

One Avalon Soldier paled"General Asmodai is dead, run!"

"Don't mess with us" grinned Tidus as the remaining Avalon Elites in the area retreated.

Sora and Taios' fleet blasted through the Nobody Armada like there was no tomorrow. Serenia, Roxas and Taios headed to the Avalon Flagship and blasted down a few generators barring the way into its hanger.

"Easy enough" said Roxas, docking the Radiant Light inside. Taios joined them inside, just as a group of Avalon Soldiers charged at them. Serenia and Roxas cut through, using magic to their advantage.

"Saxito must be nearby" said Taios"I think."

"Let's find out" said Serenia, rushing ahead. Taios and Roxas followed suit, providing cover for Serenia as they fought past more soldiers. Not far behind, Sora, Donald and Goofy docked their gummi ship next to the Radiant Light and hurried to catch up.

"All right, let's stay alert" said Taios, looking around the ship.

The small group fended off more soldiers as they marched towards Saxito's Command Deck. Sora eventually caught up to Taios"Cid and Vincent are going to send more smaller ships to attack this Dreadnaught's core, we should hurry. The other Dreadnaughts are finished. Yoran, Questa, Aqua and Ven got them."

"All right" Taios nodded.

The group made it to the upper level of the Dreadnaught, fending off Avalon Troops as they went. Soon, they made it to an elevator, guarded by mostly soldiers, but a few Samurai Nobodies were also in the vicinity.

Sora readied himself"Donald, Goofy, I'm going to transform into my Final Form."

"We're right with ya" Goofy smiled.

Sora, Donald and Goofy channeled their magic for Sora to assume his white-clad form. Taios, Roxas and Serenia readied themselves as Samurai Nobodies lumbered forward at them.

"I'll go on ahead" said Taios, cutting down a Samurai Nobody. Serenia followed suit, and the two got on the elevator. They waited while the elevator took them to the Command Deck.

"Saxito might be pretty tough, but I think I know how to beat him" said Taios.

"I'm ready when you are" said Serenia.

The elevator stopped, and the two strolled into Saxito's chamber. The Nobody smiled as he greeted the pair"Taios and Serenia, you two are either brave or just plain stupid. Hoo boy, I have expected you to storm my ship with greater numbers."

"Don't underestimate us" said Serenia, readying Oathkeeper.

Taios rushed at Saxito, who warped out of the way and countered with a barrage of Confetti Knives. Serenia healed Taios and countered with a few blizzard spells. Saxito simply summoned Nothing to Something and darted forward, forcing the two to lock Keyblades. Taios butted in with a swift combo, staggering his Nobody. Saxito retaliated by putting a static on Taios.

"Why you" Serenia swung Oathkeeper at Saxito, who dodged and countered with more confetti knives before darting forward with a combo. Serenia healed herself, then countered with Strike Raid.

"Looks like you lost" Roxas warped into the room.

"You think so, Roxy? Its surprising that a wimpy zombie was resurrected" smirked Saxito.

"That's enough" said Roxas, summoning Oblivion and Wishbringer, rushing towards Saxito with a series of slashes"I'm more surprised to hear from you, again."

Saxito warped while blocking Roxas' attacks, laughing manically"Oh, Roxy, you must be slipping."

Serenia cast Thunder, only for Saxito to dodge and warp, swinging at her. Serenia deflected the blow and countered with Fira and a slash. Saxito smirked, blocking the attacks and static-freezing Serenia, grabbing her afterward"There's more where that came from, girl."

"Saxito, you... No, you're not the Saxito I remember" said Roxas, scowling. He could not strike while Saxito was holding Serenia.

"Too bad for you, Roxy" said Saxito, coolly. Just then, the ship starting to rock, violently"Huh? What's going on?"

A soldier rushed onto the scene"The Core has been destroyed, our Dreadnaught is going down!"

Saxito sighed"You guys won this round, but I am not ready to admit defeat, yet!"

"Let Serenia go" said Roxas, angrily.

"Oh no, I have a small consolation prize. Come to my territory if you dare, if you care for this girl's life" taunted Saxito, pulling up a Dark Corridor and taking Serenia inside.

Roxas sighed, then used a Remedy on Taios"We'll have to get out of here."

Sora, Donald and Goofy entered the room. Sora glanced around"Where's Saxito? And Serenia?"

"We lost them. Saxito kidnapped her" said Roxas.

"Dang!" said Taios.

"We need to get off this ship" said Roxas, heading back to the Radiant Light.

Sora was shaking slightly, annoyed that Serenia had just been abducted. Sighing, the brunette Keybearer shrugged"Well, we can't do anything about that, here."

The group hurried back to their ships and flew away before Saxito's dreadnaught exploded. Sora was quiet as he flew back into the Ragnarok II, scared of what Saxito might do to Serenia.

The remaining group returned to the Ragnarok II. Sora sighed"I can't believe this."

"Saxito Is unpredictable, that skunk has always been like that as far as I know" sighed Roxas, torqued at his former colleague's actions.

They returned to the Order Sanctuary where Squall greeted them"Is everything all right?"

"Yeah, we repelled Saxito's fleet, but he nabbed Serenia" said Sora, slightly irritated.

"Oh, no" cried Mickey, alarmed.

Taios took a deep breath"Well, we can still save her, right?"

"Yeah, but we don't know where he took her" said Sora.

Cosmos closed her eyes in thought before speaking"The last place left to look for our missing comrades would be the Sacred Grounds of the Never Should. Getting there is not so easy. Only gods such as myself, and possibly Nobodies can reach it with ease."

"Saxito will likely have the rest of his Empire stationed there" said Kain"If that's they're headquarters."

"That is why it would be favorable to form at least three groups. Two of which will search for Saxito and neutralize him, while the others look for Serenia and Rinoa" said Cosmos.

Taios squared his shoulders"I'll lead a team."

"I'll lead another" said Sora.

"If we are to work in teams, obviously, we'll want to have different entry points to throw off the enemy" said Lightning.

"Actually, I'll just send in one team after another, gradually" said Cosmos.

"So for the third team, who should lead that one?" said Tyler.

Sora glanced at Aqua"What about you?"

Aqua nodded"I don't mind. Now, we just need to pick up to six people for each team leader."

"I'll take Riku, Tidus, Yuna, Cecil, Kain and Tyler" said Sora.

"Yoran and I have an obligation to protect Prince Taios until Saxito is stopped, so we'll be going with him" stated Questa.

Ceodore, Kairi, Tina and Ventus went to stand near Taios as well. Taios smiled"That's two teams ready."

"That leaves Squall, Cloud, Tifa, Mickey, Donald and Goofy for my group" said Aqua.

"That ought to work" said Mickey, cheerfully.

Lightning nodded"Then we have our groups."

Cosmos smiled"I trust that you will succeed, for the good of all worlds."

Sora nodded"We'll give it our best shot."

"Then the rest of us will remain until your return" said Quinn.

Cosmos stood"Roxas, I'm going to need your help to open a portal to the Sacred Grounds of the Never Should."

Roxas nodded"The Dark Corridor might affect some people, but it shouldn't be a problem if they don't linger for too long. I've done this before, but the dark corridor isn't a mode of transportation for everyone."

"Well, there's not much option" said Taios.

"Right. Ready when you all are" said Sora, grinning.

Taios nodded'Serenia, we're coming for you. Hope you're there somewhere.'

"The Sacred Grounds is a forbidden place. Worlds devoid of light and darkness end up in the vast valleys of the Never Should. Beware" said Cosmos.

Sora nodded"We'll be ready for whatever happens in there."

Here you go, the next chapter will probably be the last one. I wanted to add a bit more suspense, so I had Serenia get kidnapped. Oh, and I don't know anyone here played Dark Cloud 2, but I had Serenia and Saxito quote Monica and Gaspard. If you don't know what I'm talking about and don't have the game, here's the quotes:

"You won't Slither away this time."

"There's more where that came from, girl."

Next chapter, or I should say the last, should be pretty epic. As for the Armada thing, I didn't think it would make sense for the characters to just ignore it. I hope this chapter was enjoyable.

Please feel free to review.