Another chapter ready to go.

Disclaimer: Dissidia Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts were made by Square.

The Castle That Never Was-Redux

Meanwhile, Sora and Taios' group gathered every item and weapon that was scattered by Lumaria and reached The Nightmarish Abyss where the cloaked Teen was facing the castle

Tidus addressed the cloaked teen"Hey... Fancy meeting you again, here."

Tina was curious"Who is this girl, Tidus?"

Tidus shrugged"I dunno, my group saw her once before we ran into your group, Tina."

Yuna addressed the girl"Are you Hikari... Or Raixihk?... We came upon some notes mentioning two people by those names, and you seemed like you knew Saxito."

Raixihk was quiet for a moment, but then turned to face the group and answered"Hikari is in another universe entirely... And is cut off from Etro's curse entirely ... And i loved him with all my being... hello again, Taios. it's been a long time."

Taios answered with a sad look"Raixihk..."

"You never told them did you? ... About your hidden secret" the female nobody frowned.

Taios paled"Raixihk, you know why i can't tell them. If i did, I'd probably come off as a villain."

"Taios... By this point, it doesn't matter what secret you got. You can tell us either way" smiled Ventus.

Taios hesitated"I have the X-blade."

"What?" Sora was surprised.

Ventus was shocked and perplexed"How? I broke the X-Blade when I destroyed Vanitas."

"Is the X-Blade that dangerous?" exclaimed Tidus.

"It can be, the X-Blade is the ultimate Keyblade" said Ventus, grimly.

"That's because that one wasn't the real one... cause my dad sealed it in my heart to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands... And Saxito has the other half since the split. The reason why Saxito exists, is because I willingly merged with Vanitas just to save you, Ven... but the results were that I became a heartless in the process..." Explained Taios, trailing off.

Ventus was stunned"What? Huh, I don't think anyone of us could've guessed that. No doubt Saxito could use it to cause the apocalypse which would end all worlds."

"So, if Prince Taios and Saxito become one once more... Then the X-Blade's presence will be even more imposing and more likely to become unsealed. I don't want to think about what will happen if it does fall into the wrong hands" Questa mussed.

Sora shrugged"And If Xehanort is still around, the X-Blade will be in even more danger of falling into evil hands. But we can't let that stop us from getting to Saxito and stopping him."

Tyler then remembered the other reason they were here and addressed the Nobody"Oh, and before we forget. Raixihk, were there two other girls here, too? Rinoa and Serenia? Seven more of our friends are probably here somewhere, looking for them."

Raixihk blinked"Serenia is in the castle dungeon... But as for Rinoa... Saxito is using the dawn and twilight crystals to revive an old enemy of time."

"Old enemy of time-... YOU CAN"T BE SERIOUS! you mean to say that Saxito is going to revive Ultimecia?!" exclaimed a shocked Taios.

Tidus facepalmed"Oh, great, guess we're gonna have to deal with one of Chaos's goons while we're here."

Kain nodded"We must move quickly, then."

Sora turned to the Unsent"Yoran, Questa, can't you guys do anything since you're dead?"

Questa shook her head"Not without dissolving into Pyreflies and warping up there or using the power of darkness. We must make haste, but we'd best stick together. I have no doubt that Saxito might take notice of us if he hasn't by now, its hard to ignore a party of twenty-one people storming one's turf."

Sora grimaced"Guess we'll just have to hope we don't run into too much trouble on our way."

"I know how to get up there" said a familiar voice, which startled everyone. A certain wind-based general was nearby.

Tidus turned around"how long were you standing there?!"

Vata smirked"I've been standing here the whole time. And you guys didn't notice me..."

Tina glanced at the man"Is this...?"

Taios nodded"The general of wind, yes."

Vata grinned"Yup. Also, what your seeing right now is a paradox. You can't really go in the castle unless you actually make a tear in here."

Ventus was puzzled"and how do we do that?"

"By fighting me. I mean, you can't really enter the paradox without causing a bit of chaos now would ya?" chortled Vata.

Sora readied himself"Well, careful what you wish for."

"You're outnumbered, yet we have little choice if what you say is true" remarked Yoran.

Tidus nodded"Okay, then. Do your worst, Vata. We're ready for it."

Vata held up a hand"Conditions. A: one on one fight. B: it has to be Questa. because she's a unsent, and she's pretty."

Questa nodded"Certainly, but do not underestimate my skill."

Yoran cast a concerned glance"Questa, are you certain about this?"

Questa nodded"I will be fine, you can only re-kill Unsent unless they're sent properly, after all."

Vata smirked"well then. Lets begin." Vata then performed a dragoon jump, causing a Thundaga explosion from the impact which staggered Questa while he begun dancing viciously with two Genji spears. Questa took the first few hits, but regained her bearings and blocked Vata's spears as best she could.

Tidus sighed"One-on-one my butt, he just wants an easy win."

Yoran grimaced"Questa was one of the best knights of the Sacred Key Kingdom's time, and highly trained Keyblade Master. I do not see reason why she would lose so easily. Still, Vata's speed and ferocity is a bit worrying..."

Questa eventually jumped away, casting a couple blizzard spells before darting forward with an Arc Arcanum. Vata dodged the spells with a smile"nice. But not fast enough, I'm afraid. If you really wanna lay a dent in me... you'll have to be a little more quick witted than that." He then cast thunder breath and Aeroga.

Questa managed to evade the thunder breath, but was thrown back by Aeroga.

Cecil observed the fight quietly for a moment"Hm. Vata's speed seems to be just a little beyond hers."

"Anything we can do?" Ceodore asked.

Yoran held his chin in thought"There just might be."

Questa got back up and casts Cura on herself before rushing forward with a combo and leaping up with a Ragnarok.

Vata dodged with ease while throwing away one spear and punching her gut"Oh come on, Questa. You have to do better than that. I thought resolving paradoxes was a piece of cake to you."

Questa staggered back and countered with Fira then darted over to the side before running forward, casting blizzard and using another Strike Raid.

Yoran whispered quietly to Kain, Tidus, Yuna and Ceodore"Kain, use a Spider Silk when Vata isn't looking. Ceodore, cast Haste on Questa while Yuna provides a distraction with Valefor and Tidus provokes Vata."

Ceodore frowned uncertainly"Will that work?"

Yoran quietly replied"Yes. I loathe such underhand tactics, but I cannot just stand by and risk losing Questa, again."

Vata taunted the female unsent, unaware of what's happening"Come on, Questa. Get up. You gotta resolve this para- ARGHH!" Kain had used a Spider Silk on Vata, while Ceodore cast haste on Questa. Yuna had of course summoned Valefor and used its Sonic Wings.

Tidus smirked"How do you like that, windbag!? Come and get me if you can!"

Questa smiled"Thanks, guys." She charged again and used Arc Arcanum on Vata.

Vata was knocked back"Heh. Just as I thought. You all went dirty to hit me. Sneaky, sneaky... You all were actually smart enough to pass."

Taios frowned"so you were testing us..."

Vata nodded and snapped his fingers as a paradox distortion began to appear"I knew that you guys would do a dirty tactic like that. So I had to see if you all would do so. Hurry up so you can actually head to the real castle that never was."

Sora nodded and began to lead the way onward"Well, gotta go."

Their path lead them into the Delusive Beginning, where objects of the false castle were floating in mid-air, and instead of a moogle shop, there stood a short middle-aged man wearing bluish robes, shorts, and leather shoes while carrying a big backpack that had masks on them... and never once did he open his eyes, while continuously smiling"Oh, why hello there. might I interest you in a mask or potion?"

Taios cringed with a look of fear" Get him away from me!"

Yoran frowned"Prince Taios, you realize that this person isn't powerful, correct?"

Taios shrugged"I wouldn't trust the Happy Mask Salesmen with a spoon. You can buy whatever you want from him, but I'm staying away from this guy."

Questa relaxed"He's probably just a harmless merchant, guys."

Tyler was curious"I kinda wonder what masks he has for sale, but I'm not sure I wanna know..."

Sora approached the Salesman"I'll pass on seeing the masks, but we could use a potion. How much?"

The Happy Mask Salesmen chuckled"Oh nothing much. For a Megalixir that would be 80,000 munny each."

Sora checked his moneybag and forked over the money"My wallet's overflowing anyway."

The Happy Mask Salesman took the munny and handed over the megaelixirs"Thank you, but i do implore you all to BUY...A...MAAAAAASSSK."

Tyler nearly wet himself"Ah!"

Happy Mask Salesman smiled"Oh, I'm sorry for my psychotic breakdown. I guess my desire to sell got the better of me. I hope I'm not being rude."

Yuna shook her head"You are not rude... but you're being... strangely creepy."

Happy Mask Salesman winkd"But not being rude right? Rude is bad for business. Rude makes you go in the closet of failure! ... S-sorry. I was being held against my will by Saxito, but my desire to sell merchandise won't stop me from trying."

Sora smiled"We'll help you return to your world if you want, after my group is done with Saxito. See you around." They continued onward until they came upon the large rectangular area with a view of the floating objects in the distance.

Baugauven stood, looking at the objects"Let me guess. You all came here to resolve this paradox. I'm flattered, but really. You have to face the facts. The moment you fight against Saxito, it's game over for you all."

Sora readied Kingdom Key"That's what you think, Baugauven."

"Yeah!" Tidus winked.

Riku shrugged"Saxito can't possibly be any more powerful than Xemnas was."

Cecil prepared himself. We will resolve this paradox, and we will save Serenia and Rinoa. We won't let Aqua and her group battle alone to save them."

Yoran got out his keyblade"I will not fail to defeat Saxito, this time. We know what must be done to stop him."

Yuna held her staff"I don't care how powerful Saxito is, we have what it takes. We won't let him take Kingdom Hearts without a fight."

Kain shrugged"I suppose that if we die, we'll just go a bit sooner than the rest who'll die from the worlds' destruction. But we won't hesitate, and we won't run away."

Baugauven smirked and his eyes shaded"hahahahahahahaha! Before you all fight me... You need to solve a few tests first. One of them being that you all fight the Saix silhouette." He pulled out the card and threw it as nothingness began to manifest the lunatic as he vanished.

Sora recognized him"Saix? Huh, how unoriginal. Watch out when he goes berserk, guys. He's purely a fighter, so magic users should be fine if they keep their distance."

"Then we'll have to try and best him quickly" Yoran acknowledged.

Riku nodded How hard can it be?"

Ceodore cast Protest on his allies"This might provide us a little more insurance."

Sora noddd"Thank, Ceodore. All righty, let's get this over with."

Kain opened up with a jump attack at Saix, followed by a Blizzaga spell from Tina. Saix blocked Kain's dragoon jump while the blizzaga spell did minimal damage"No exit." He brutally attacked Tina"Do you feel it? The moons power? ARRRGHHH! ALL SHALL BE LOST TO YOU!" He easily went berserk and went mental in attacking everyone") YOU MUST DIE!"

Sora healed his allies while trying to stay clear of Saix.

Tidus groaned"Urgh... This guy's a nut job."

Sora dodged back from Saix"Just try to keep your distance until he cools off, then we'll try to counterattack."

Tidus grinned"No problem for me" and used Blitz Ace on Saix. Tina prepared a Flare spell and was abot to cast it.

Saix effortlessly slashed through everything, but calming down when Taios counter attacked using his own berserker weapon"Gah... I misjudged you. But this will be the end for all of you."

Sora attacked with Strike Raid"Want to bet?"

Ceodore and Kain struck hard with Cross Slash Prime. Yoran cast Holy on Saix before darting forward with a combo. Then Saix went berserk again. But this time, something was wrong... every time he went berserk, it seemed like nothing was harming him at all, like the Agatio and Karst dragons back in weyard.

Taios assumed a stance"guys I'll absorb his darkness like I did in Weyard!"

Sora nodded"Go ahead."

But as soon as Taios even attempted to try, Saix witnessed it, and brutally attacked Taios"THAT ISN'T GOING TO WORK!"

Sora healed Taios with Cura"We'll need to distract him."

Tidus readied a Blitzball"I'll blitz him while Tyler, here uses the berserker's own claymore against him."

Yuna nodded"And I shall summon Valefor."

Kain paused"Hm. Perhaps a slow spell would also help."

Ceodore prepared to cast Slow when a familiar electric gunblade was stuck in Saix's left arm and immediately caused some damage to the point to where he was slowed down.

Taios spotted the pink-haired gunblade wielder"Lightning!"

Sora grinned"Now we're talking."

Yuna took a breath"Light?"

Lightning nodded"It looks like I was on time."

Sora rushed Saix with a combo and Strike Raid.

Saix gasped"gah! I will not be defeated by the like of you!" he charged and brutally attacked Lightning, but wasn't really paying attention to his surroundings.

Taios addressed the half-esper"Tina! I need your help real quick!"

Tina nodded"right."

Taios and Tina combined their magic into a powerful blast of holy light"HOLY FLARE!"

Saix screamed"ARGHH!"

"Now for the finisher!" grinned Taios.

Ceodore and Kain attacked with Cross Slash while Sora pitched in with Strike Raid, then everyone started to ambush Saix all at once. Saix then dropped his weapon and faded"My... heart... if I had a heart..."

Sora smiled"Thanks, Lightning."

Lightning nodded"Merely did what I needed to do, but it was a pleasure."

"Did you see Squall's group on your way here?" Kain inquired.

Lightning shrugged"They're probably in another section of this crazy landscape, but they should catch up to us, soon. Snow, Fang, Hope, Vaan and myself volunteered as a backup group in case things went wrong."

Sora squared his shoulders"Well, we're going against a pyro maniac called Baugauven in order to resolve this paradox, but we have to undergo a few tests first, apparently."

Cecil nodded"And I suspect that its not over yet, looks look around a bit more." They continued onward to the walk of delusions, where reality within the paradox started to distort and warp bit by bit.

Taios slowly walked to a stop"guys... I'm feeling a little strange." He held his chest where his heart is as he fell to his knees.

Cecil stopped"What's wrong, Taios?"

Taios stood up, feeling a bit better"I don't think Saxito and I are connected anymore... We need to hurry and resolve this paradox."

Sora nodded"Right."

They went a little further and ended up at the fact within fiction. There were some heartless, nobodies, and Avalon soldiers, but nothing particularly tough. They fought their way through till they noticed a familiar general of wind and a frightening dark armor, the Hell Butterfly with a blade similar to Caius were battling against Vata.

Vata groaned"I already told you. I don't know where Yuel is. Besides, Saxito is the only one who has her as a prisoner."

Sora was puzzled"Huh?"

Yoran paused"Hm. I suppose Caius had no luck on his search for Yuel."

Lightning tensed"Caius? Never thought I'd see him again, here."

Sora approached Vata and Caius" Hold it right there."

Vata noticed the group"Oh, hi Sora. I was just about to finish a little tantrum caused by this dooshbag"

Sora turned to face Caius"What? You again."

Caius lowered his blade"Ah. Sora and Lightning, this is unexpected."

Sora frowned"let me guess, Saxito has Yuel, too."

Caius shrugged"Then I'll just have to find Saxito, I suppose."

"Well, apparently, Saxito has Serenia in the castle dungeon, maybe this 'Yuel' person is there, too. Caius, why don't you join us? We'll look together" Sora offered.

Caius shook his head"You are too nice for your own good, Sora. No, I'm afraid I must do this alone."

"Caius, I don't trust you after last time, but regardless of how powerful you are, Saxito has likely grown stronger from the crystals" Yoran explained.

Taios frowned"To be honest with you, Caius... you're not doing a very good job. I mean, true you want to destroy one goddess, but he's going to destroy all gods and goddesses."

Caius shrugged"Saxito may be strong, but in comparison to my strength, it shows no quarter."

"I don't think we'll be able to penetrate Saxito's lair until this paradox is resolved, either way. We still need to go through Baugauven, but we don't know what he has in store for us, next" Sora pointed out.

"We'll need the help we can get" piped Ceodore.

Caius relented"Fine, but only until I find Yuel."

They traversed into the Verge of Chaos, where there were platforms leading upward, and when they reached the final area, they encountered Baugauven, who's back faced them while he spoke, looking at the illusion of Kingdom Hearts"I never expected you to betray us, Vata. Nor did I expect YOU of all people to aid your worst enemies, Caius."

Vata sighed"have you even thought that I didn't even want to be a general in the first place?"

Caius shrugged"I only came here for Yuel, Baugauven. I don't plan on becoming friends with them."

Baugauven turned to face them"And I don't expect you to be friends with them, but what you truly disbelieve is that Saxito won't ever let Yuel go either. Very soon, the time compression will occur. And the distant eons of the past will be rewritten, and the darkness of chaos will truly end for all eternity" he gave an insane, evil smile.

Caius fowned"Time Compression... That is everyone's worst nightmare. And I don't intend to just leave Yuel here, I will get her out by force if needs be, and I will crush Saxito if he interferes."

Baugauven pulled his weapons out"Oh, does Saxito's victory sting? Heh heh heh heh heh... very well, then. I'll indulge you all in battle here. But know that by the time this battle is over, you will all be banished into the deepest depths of the void itself!" His entire body started to be on fire as his pure fire salamander made the temperature increase so much that it was hotter than anything they've experienced before.

Caius cast Flare at the fire general"So be It, Baugauven. This rematch will be out last!"

Yoran readied his keyblade"This heat is intense, we should end this quickly."

Sora cast Blizzaga at Baugauven before charging with a combo. Taios' team started to join the fray, and man, was the battle intense! Baugauven was indeed slow in movement, but his endless barrage of firing liquid metal at them balanced him out. it took almost everything just to make sure that they weren't incinerated by the raw material.

Yuna manages to summon Bahamut, as the heat might wear Shiva down. Tidus took a deep breath and rushed forward with Spiral Cut. Tina alternated between healing her allies and casting Blizzaga and Thundaga spells on Baugauven. Sora attacked with Arc Arcanum. Questa focused on mostly healing her allies.

Baugauven snarled"FACE THE ULTIMATE FLAMES OF DESTRUCTION! GIGAFLARE!"

Taios gasped"get down!"

The magic users tried their hardest to manefest a Reflectga barrier as Baugauven began to jump in the air and started to fire a tiny crystal of pure energy. And when it collided with the ground, an atomic explosion nearly burned everything. But despite the barrier, they did take some damage.

Sora healed himself and his allies"Nice try."

Yuna signaled Bahamut to blast Baugauven with Megaflare. Tidus attacked with Blitz Ace while Ceodore and Cecil strike hard with Vibra Plus.

Baugauven collapsed, but got back up again as chaos started to come out of him"Hmhmhmhm. Impressive. To actually stand a chance against my giga-flare spell... No matter... Even if i perish. you are now banished!"

Baugauven grabbed Caius' sword and literally stabbed himself as his chaos started to engulf him entirely, and the paradox started to manefest into darkness.

Sora looked around"What's going on? What did he mean by banished?"

Cecil grimaced"Hold on, we'll have to forfeit our mission for now, I'll prepare a teleport spell."

Caius frowned"I wish I could open a time gate, but that's not how my powers work."

Vata shook his head, his eyes closed for a few moments"teleport spell isn't going to work... And you all can't stop your mission... I'll help get you out of this paradox."

Tina paused"how?!"

"By absorbing the entire chaos and darkness, itself" the Wind General elaborated.

Everyone was either shocked or surprised. Lightning tried to argue"Are you insane?! if you absorb all that-"

"I know. But what other choice do we have?" Vata pointed out.

Questa bowed her head for a moment"Very well, then, Vata. It was an honor to fight against such a worthy warrior like yourself, earlier."

"Is there no other way?" Tidus asked.

Yoran shook his head"There isn't, and we're running out of time."

Kain stood his ground"Then that is what we'll do. Farewell, General Vata."

Vata began to absorb in the chaos and darkness, as his arm started to turn into a violet purple and blue"ARRGHH! you... you guys have to fight me..."

Tyler was shocked"Is he...?"

Cecil drew his blade"He might die, but there's no choice."

Tidus got into his battle stance, Brotherhod at the ready"I feel bad for Vata, but I guess we better."

Questa and Yoran took point with their keyblades and faced the infected General.

Taios shrugged"Like Isaac said back in Weyard... I know what i was doing the moment I have my weapon...Vata... we're sorry to do this."

By the time the others were fighting Vata, the area turned into a twisted black and purple darkness with no floor, despite all of them floating. Sora braced himself and made use of his glide ability to reach Vata and unleash a Ragnarok Combo. Tina readied a Firaga Spell. but despite that, the infected Vata attacked with a wild dance and randomly and brutally attacked everyone while casting a gravityga spell.

Taios winced"Cecil, Ceodore! we have to make a trinity limit!"

Cecil nodded"On it!"

"Ready when you are!" chimed Ceodore.

Taios, Cecil, and Ceodore channeled their magic"light!"

Vata groaned as the area changed again... This time, the chaos and darkness made what seemed to be when Riku fought Ansem's second form as they landed

Riku glanced around"this place... guy's we're almost out!"

Vata gasped"It's... it's not enough... I-... I need to destroy you all! heh heh... hahahahah HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I am Nil Vata. Chaos and darkness incarnate! You all shall remain forever, a pawn of the darkness!"

Yoran fowned"This one's no pushover. I feel intense dark power from him."

Sora squared his shoulders"We can do this."

Questa cast scan"Hm. Dark Creatures are typically weak against holy magic and weapons, perhaps this fact can help us defeat Nil Vata."

Yoran cast Holy on Nil Vata and went in for a flurry of blows while Tidus attacked with Blitz Ace. Yuna and Ceodore cast Shell and Protect on their allies to boost their defenses. Cecil dove in for a flurry of attacks and a stab at Nil Vata.

Nil Vata cackled as the chaos and darkness fully infected him, his entire body was literally burning in immense dark energy"You will all parish!" A dark tornado from the back of the area started to suck the heroes in.

Sora glanced at it"This can't be good."

Tina attacked Nil Vata with Blizzaga while Caius pitched in with Megaflare. Tidus used an aerial version of Spiral Cut.

Nil Vata retaliated with Comet and Shadow Flare" you will burn in the ocean of chaos!"

Taios turned to the dragoon"Kain! give me and Sora a boost up!"

Kain nodded"Very well." He grabbed Taios and Sora and manages to jump. As in Weyard, Taios threw Sora at Nil Vata as light and darkness filled Sora's blade as he pierced on him with tremendous force

Nil Vata screamed"ARGH! YOU WILL PAY!"

Taios landed back down"now!"

Sora attacked Nil Vata with a flurry of combos and Strike Raid. while Ceodore and Cecil attack with Vibra Plus, Tina and Caius cast their Flare spells. The remaining blast cause Nil Vata to collapse, but he slowly got back up again and didn't attack them.

"Congratulations... you all actually managed to kill me... and now i can finally die with you guys being free" The wind general gasped.

Tyler felt a twinge of sympathy for the man"Vata..."

Nil Vata took a breath as he spoke"You know... I used to live like you guys, not a care in a world... trying to live my own life... but- but with Avalon raiding my village, I had no choice but to join their ranks. True, Emperor Elgo was a strategist and a murderer... but when Saxito usurper'd the throne, he showed us that there were other worlds out there... So we abandoned our empire, even abandoned our very timeline to destroy all gods... but now... i see that there is hope for your future yet."

Taios was surprised and saddened by this"Vata."

Nil Vata grimaced"When you head inside the castle, meet up with Asteroth, alright? He'll aid you as a summon."

Sora nodded"Will do, Vata. And thanks, again."

Caius bowed his head in respect"Farewell."

"We'll show Saxito what-for" Tidus grinned.

Yoran inclined his head"I pray that you rest in peace, General Vata."

Nil Vata smirked"Heh. May we all meet again... in the next life." The chaos fully dissolved his body as he let go of his life.

Taios nodded"Yeah, and we'll be waiting."

it was then that the area distorted back into memory skyscraper as another page from Saxito's journal was on the ground.

'Day -

I didn't bother putting in a day. I don't know why i thought i would write that... but meh... anyways... I-... I fought against a woman... I finally remember who she was now... her name was Raixihk... I was angry at her for trying to brainwashing me... when she was being controlled herself by Xemnas. I don't think I can trust anyone now... Xemnas-... no. Xehanort. He will pay dearly for what he did to her. I swear it on my very life. I don't know how, but I will avenge her death. even if i have to murder countless villains and heroes to it!

Sora frowned"So its a revenge story."

Tyler paled"So Raixhik is dead? But we encountered her twice, how could that be...?"

"The chaos" Taios said.

Yuna was puzzled"Are you saying that the chaos revived her?"

Sora shrugged"We probably won't know for sure."

"So he has mourned and suffered as several of Cosmos' warriors did" Cecil mussed.

Tyler was quiet for a moment"I feel a little bad for Saxito, but even I can tell he's handling it completely the wrong way."

Lightning shrugged"Well, we're certainly not going to let him take it out on the whole World Order."

Sora nodded"Right, and we have even more reason to stop him. Let's continue on."

They continued onward, and instead of the nightmarish abyss, they came back to the brink of despair which in turn had a long glass-like stairway which lead them to the nothings call. Instead of the usual scenery of the place, it had extra decor. Mainly familiar past villains Exdeath, Kefka, and Maleficent being encased in golden-like crystal.

Taios glanced at them" ... huh."

"Is something on your mind, Taios?" Sora asked.

Yoran grimaced"Hm. Saxito seems to have... an unusual taste in décor."

Taios shuddered"uh, yeah... using the actual bodies of the original villains..."

Tina shuddered as well"They look very life-like... And yet..."

Sora shrugged and continued to lead the way. They eventually made it to the hall of empty melodies, where our favorite nobody on the spot where Xigbar once fought them.

Saxito smiled with amusement"Welcome to my lair, guys. I hope the distractions weren't too much of a nuisance. And before you all start to fight me, just know that I have Rinoa's and Serenia's life in the balance... And Caius. i thought you should be grateful. By preventing kingdom hearts from existing in the first place, Yuel will be saved from even becoming a seeress from Etro's curse. Isn't this what YOU yourself desire?"

Caius nodded"It is. But not in the idiotic way you're doing it."

Tidus frowned"You know, having read your journal, I'd like to ask you this, Saxito. Do you seriously think this is what Raixihk would want? To see the end of all worlds? I don't know much about her, of course."

Kain sighed"Tidus, you really should guard your tongue."

Sora had to take a breath to stop himself from rushing at Saxito for threatening Serenia's life"So, why did you show up in front of us if we can't fight without endangering Serenia and Rinoa?"

Saxito smiled"I want you all to have a front row set to the destruction of kingdom hearts itself. And to answer your question Tidus, this is exactly why i'm doing this. If I destroy kingdom hearts in the distant past, then all timelines would revert to there original states. No more will gods and goddess control living and dead souls just for their own amusement. No more will there be light or darkness. Just a normal universe where it's like the world of Ocean Beach... but there are two obstacles getting in the way of completing my plan."

Lightning paled"Bhunivelze and Vanitas."

Saxito smirked"Quick to the uptake. I like that in a woman. It makes you look almost beautiful."

Lightning was stunned speechless at the comment.

Ventus was puzzled"Vanitas? What does he have to do with it?"

"Such a plan may cause a paradox, Saxito. I feel that bit to be quite unnecessary, and genocidal" remarked Caius.

Saxito gave him a twisted, evil smile"Says the guardian who wants to murder goddesses himself, and fails to do his job. See, here's the thing. Vanitas is breaking down my mind and heart to nothing so he can control my body... And he's slowly succeeding. But before that happens, I will at least take comfort in knowing that all gods and goddesses will be erased from time itself."

Sora scoffed"Well, we're not going to sand by and let that happen."

Saxito sneered as he left in a dark corridor"oh, ok. LET Serenia, Rinoa, and Yuel die. See what happens."

Sora groaned and began to go further"The nerve of that guy!"

Caius frowned"Threatening Yuel's life is the last straw for him."

Kain nodded"We'd best hurry, I do not want to think about what will happen to those girls."

Taios was quiet for a moment"... Saxito... you've witnessed all my memories of the timeline... my pain... longing... fate... I swear to you... I won't allow anymore deaths and pain. I will stop you. Even if i have to murder you to do it."

Questa shook her head"Saxito... You have another thing coming, you honorless dog."

Sora ran ahead, trying to find a way to the dungeons. Eventually, he reached the dungeons and found Serenia, who was blindfolded, chained to the wall, and had scorch and whip marks on her.

"Serenia!" Sora quickly got the blindfold off.

Serenia came to and saw him"Huh? Father?"

Sora was relieved"Are you... Wait, hold on, I'll cut get those chains off you, first." He took out his kingdom key.

"Father... I've failed you" Serenia whispered.

"Hey, no one's perfect" Sora smiled, removing the chains.

Serenia managed to land on the ground"But... I..."

"All I care right now is that you're safe" Sora smiled, dismissing his keyblade to give Serenia a small hug before giving her a Hi-Potion.

Serenia drank the potion and most of her wounds healed up"What about everyone else?"

"They're also in the castle, we came to save you and stop Saxito" Sora explained.

"I'm coming, too" Serenia piped.

"Rinoa is also being kept somewhere, Saxito is using her as a way to start Time Compression and destroy Kingdom Hearts. And there's someone else here, someone called Yuel" Sora filled her in.

Serenia looked around, then glanced ahead"She might be further inside this dank place."

Sora nodded"All right, stay close."

They went up further downward to a futuristic prison as a familiar hell butterfly eidolon blocked the path"Sup."

Serenia glanced at it"Asteroth... there's something we gotta-"

"If it's about Vata, I already know. But i can't just simply let you all pass. That would be too easy" Asteroth spoke.

Serenia frowned"So, do we have to fight?"

Asteroth nodded"Yuup. Sorry. But you know. Can't have me as an eidolon without testing ya first."

Darkness and chaos consumed the butterfly as it grew in size to the point to where it wasn't a butterfly anymore. It was a large armored monster with no head, had an enormous energy blade, and felt as intimidating as Nil Vata

Asteroth spoke in a twisted and evil voice"Hahahahahha! Run you pathetic worms! Run!"

Serenia stepped back, concentrating her energy to summon Oathbreaker. Sora rushed at Astaroth with a combo and Strike Raid.

"Face the true DARKNESS! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Asteroth began to unleash Fulminous Edge which when the energy blade hit Sora, it caused a cascade explosion simmiliar to gigaflare, but more intense.

Asteroth snarled"this will be your end. elemental swap!" His weakness changed.

Serenia managed to summon Oathkeeper and tried casting Blizzard on Asteroth.

Sora braced himself"We'll see about that."

Asteroth cast bind, weakening Sora's power a bit before viciously and brutally attacking him"huhuhuhuhahaha! Now you will face the eidolon of death itself. I will now summon Charon from the depths of chaos!"

Sora healed himself and countered with Arc Arcanum. Serenia cast blizzard on Asteroth before trying Strike Raid.

"Hmhmhmmhmhm. Do you honestly believe those moves can stop me?! No wonder Saxito finds you amusing. And to think you were easily manipulated when kairi was made into a hostage- argh!" Serenia had blasted Asteroth with another Blizzara. Sora jumped back and followed suit.

Asteroth grinned inwardly"heh. Looks like serenia actually passed my test."

Serenia lowered her keyblade"Huh? Really?"

"Come on. Everyone knows you are weaker than Sora. You can't even surpass him, and that's a no brainer. This test was to actually see if you even matter, and if you can actually fight back, which you did for once. Keep up with that process of defiance. You might actually have the will to do anything" the Eidolon remarked.

Serenia smiled"You're right, it is hard to follow in his footsteps at times, but I feel that I can overcome anything with my father beside me. I fight not only for my family, but for all who I cherish. And I know having a strong heart and will are important."

Asteroth nodded and the chaos turned him back into a small hell butterfly"Good. Word of advice. Try to live your own life for once."

Serenia nodded"I will."

The trio made it Yuel's cell where she was chained up like Serenia was, but had a strangely red bracelet on her arm. Yuel was blindfolded, but still addressed them with a depressed tone"... I can tell there is more than one person. Are you here to free me, or to harm me? Saxito showed me no mercy. Manipulating the chaos to prevent me from dying."

Sora smiled'We're here to help you, I'm Sora."

"My name is Serenia" the red-head piped.

Sora summoned the Kingdom Key to remove the chains.

Yuel removed her blindfold" I am grateful that you have come to free me... Unfortunately, this era will meet its end very sooner than you all believe."

Sora shrugged"I know, Saxito is trying to initiate Time Compression using Rinoa's powers. But I'm going to put a stop to it."

Yuel sighed"You can interrupt the process, but you cannot prevent kingdom hearts from being damaged beyond repair. Eventually... Even the God of light, Bhunivelze, needs to be destroyed forever. Please... You... Need to stop Saxito and Bhunivelze... That... Is my... Final wish." She Collapsed as the bracelet started to crack.

Serenia nodded"We will. Huh?"

Sora glanced at the cracked bracelet"Oh no, what was that bracelet? Urgh, Caius isn't going to like this, he was looking for you, Yuel."

Serenia clenched her fist"Darn, darn, darn, Darn that Saxito!"

Yuel grimaced"That bracelet is made with lemurian draught... It rejuvenated my body and slowed the curse of Etro on me... But.. Now that it is broken... Tell Caius that... I will never forget him... Tell him... That I-...love...him." Her eyes glowed for a moment, then stopped as she was no longer breathing.

Sora nodded"We will. Rest in peace, Yuel."

Serenia sniffed"She, too, had someone who loved her..."

Sora nodded"So did Saxito, the loss of Raixikh made him snap, but we're going to defeat him. Let's go back upstairs."

Serenia nodded"Okay."

They went back while carrying Yuel's lifeless body with them until they eventually made it to the second floor of the hall of empty melodies. Caius was not happy to see Yuel's dead body"What did you two do to her?!"

"Caius, calm down. For all we know, saxito would've done this" Taios interjected.

Serenia frowned"She-... She died right in front of us."

"Yuel had one last wish, and had a message for you as well as us. She said that we must stop Bhunivelze and Saxito" Sora explained.

Tina nodded" We will do what we can."

"Sora, Tyler, Ven!" Aqua's group caught up with them"Sorry we took so long."

Ventus smiled"Right on time, Aqua. Unfortunately, Rinoa is held further ahead, somewhere."

Aqua nodded"I see."

"We won't let Yuel's death be in vain" stated Yuna.

Tidus pumped a fist"Yeah!"

Caius grimaced"Saxito will pay dearly for this..."

Squall glanced ahead"We're almost there, just hold on a bit longer, Rinoa."

They continued onward to proof of existence where the way forward was completely blocked off, and Luxord's and Saix's doorways were the only available ones.

Taios looked at them"Two doorways. Left or right?"

"Hm. Let's try the left doorway, first" Sora suggested.

Taios nodded"Alright. We'll rest here when we're done with the first doorway."

Squall squared his shoulders"I'm going in. You guys shouldn't push yourselves."

Cloud shook his head"No. We'll go in. I'm not sure who we're going to face."

Serenia sighed"guys..."

Sora squared his shoulders"All right. Let's go." He entered the first doorway. When they reached havocs divide, it looks a bit different than last time. They were in Kefka's Tower, and low and behold, the crystal that encased the demented clown from earlier was right in front of them.

Sora readied himself"Let's do it."

Tina mpdded"Right..."

Tidus glanced dumbfoundedly at it"Say, are we fighting Kefka again, or is it some other goon?"

Taios facepalmed"Tidus... no offense... but you're an idiot. That is clearly Kefka. And from the look of things, it seems like he's been frozen in that crystal for some time. I'm not sure if he's even aware of his surroundings."

Cloud frowned"Great, one of Chaos's warriors."

Sora readied his keyblade, just in case.

Tidus shrugged"I don't think he'd be much of a challenge."

Questa raised an eyebrow"We're fighting a Court Jester? I can hardly take him seriously the way he looks, unless he's a wielder of magic, which would make some sense."

Taios frowned"Questa... rule 1? Never judge a book by its cover... Cause he's waking up!"

The crystal started to crack and shatter as Kefka's aura started to gain in power"Ahhhh!" The mad mage stretched arms as multiple explosions of flare surrounded the group" That was a grand nap. Oh my... you all have grown old! But wow... new faces! I've gotten so giddy that this'll be interesting at least!" he gave an insane smirk while unexpectly fired multiple firaga spells.

Sora healed his allies"I don't think so, Kefka."

Kain attempted a jump attack on Kefka, while Ceodore and Cecil rushed in for a vibra plus.

"Kefka... You used to be evil. But you are nothing more than a punchline to a bad joke" said Taios with a smirk.

Yoran cast Holy on Kefka. Kefka retaliates with more spells, only for Tina to blast him with Flare.

"This is over kefka! For the last and final time!" stated Tina.

"Gr... Why you!" Kekfa cast Trine on Tina.

Tidus cast Blitz Ace on Kefka, while Cloud finished the job with Meteorain.

Kefka then noticed the chaos slowly consuming him"What- what is happening?!"

Taios smirked"the chaos is dragging you in, Kefka. I mean, you are a warrior of said chaos after all."

Kefka screamed"No! I will never let it! I have so much destruction to ensure!"

Tidus shrugged"You should've thought of that. Besides, nobody wants a psychotic killer like you."

Kefka screamed continuously until the chaos began to consume and dissolve his body to nothing as the sealing was removed to show the rest of the castle... And the giant moon-like heart slowly appeared.

Sora frowned"Huh, that's... Well, anyway, lets rest up before going through the other door."

Kairi nodded"Alright."

Taios sat down"You know... in a way... I kinda wished I'd fully meet you guys. Even you, lightning."

Lightning glanced at him"What do you mean?"

Taios shrugged"Well, on the world where I was raised... You, your sister, as well as the others on cacoon and pulse are quite famous."

Lightning was stunned speechless for a second"Famous, huh? ... Perhaps, infamous would be the more appropriate term, my comrades there and I were stuck as Pulse I'Cie for some time."

Serenia smiled"Taios, knowing you have been on our side, I find myself wishing we could've met under better circumstances."

Taios shrugged"Well, there's nothing to be done about it, now. And even though I'm not even a keyblade master... I'd still try and get things done."

Riku raised an eyebrow"Wait, you've been traveling for a while, and you haven't even taken the mark of mastery exam?"

Taios shook his head"Riku, you gotta understand... back then... I was bent on revenge... but... I see that revenge isn't enough. But taking the exam takes time that I don't have."

"I see. Well, Yen Sid sent Sora and I on a quest to awaken the sleeping worlds as part of the test" stated Rku.

Questa nodded"I wouldn't be surprised. Yoran and I had ours before the ancient Keynlade War occurred. You were only a babe then, Taios."

"Well, Taios, if you'd like, I could help you earn yours after Bhunivelze and Saxito are defeated. Master Eraqus would've seen your potential if he had met you. Of course, the way things are, I don't know If things will return to normal" stated Aqua.

"Well, with kingdom hearts being damaged beyond repair...It wouldn't be surprising to see my favorite childhood heroes and villains being all bunched up in one world" said Taios.

Sora had on a mix of amazement and uncertainy"It sounds good when you put it that way, but..."

Kairi frowned"Won't there be war, again? According to my grandmother, that's why the worlds were separated."

Taios nodded"There will be. But not the war you guys envision it to be. True, there's going to be corrupt politcians even crazy terrorists... But on Earth, we got technology that has a lot of drug wars, race wars, storage wars... Hell, even computer flame wars, where people rant about what's right and wrong through digital art and videos."

Cecil nodded"Indeed, such cycles are inevitable. But good shall always triumph."

"I was born in Spira, but spent my knighthood in the Sacred Key realm. Perhaps in some way, you and future generations can keep the peace" said Questa.

"Oh, I intend to... By doing the one thing that people of earth can't resist. They love entertainment weather it's amazing, tear jerking, or badas$... Even though most men and women are perverts" grinned Taios.

"Still, that would be awesome" breathed Serenia.

Riku pondered"A world with everyone living together sounds too good to be true. But, hey, everything goes, I guess."

Kain walked ahead"I'm going on ahead. The rest of you stay here until I return."

Ceodore nodded"Yes, Captain."

Sora smiled"We'll be right here."

Kain went through the other door, which he discovered was in the grand chapel area of Hollow Bastion of the past.

Exdeath appeared with a chuckle"Mawhohoho...it seems our paths have crossed once again."

Kain assumed a battle stance"Exdeath, I might've expected this. Almost unbelievable that Chaos' warriors have steadily been returning."

Exdeath laughed"indeed. However, it is thanks to that destructive and unpredictable nobody that prevents us all from fully returning completely. And surprisingly enough, Maleficent is nearly upon us. Do you expect to defeat us all?"

"Not by myself, perhaps. We cannot waste too much time with your ilk, but if you insist on impeding our progress, then I challenge you." Kain rushed forward with a slash of his spear before going for a jump attack.

"You are powerless!" Exdeath summoned a black hole to attempt to pull him in.

Kain managed to jump out of the way, and waited for an opportunity to hurl his lance at Exdeath. Exdeath then proceeded to use sword dance then jumps mid-air while dark energy gathers around the demon tree as it homes in kain "Face your demise!"

"Don't count on it" Kain dodged and homed in with a Jump Attack.

"Argh!" Exdeath retaliatesd with meteor spell before collapsing.

Kain dodged and kept an eye on Exdeath's body for a minute.

Exdeath slowly got back up as chaos aura started to slowly engulf his body"huhuhuhuha... AH hahahahaha! You fight well, But time runs short for you." Multiple berserker nobodies as well as delusory dragoon manakins started to appear as he spoke"with kingdom hearts greeting its utter annihilation, the void grows ever so stronger. Light and dark will be soon swept into its depths. And soon, you as well."

Kain looked around, there were too many for him to fight by himself, so he quickly jumped backwards and made a break for the exit, only for him to be attacked from behind by the dragoon manakins, trapping him.

"Prepare for your end. this would be most satisfying to have you eliminated, for-" Esdeath was interrupted suddenly by Ventus' keyblade as the two groups rushed in to Kain's aid

"Kain, any later and you would've met the same end as in the twelfth cycle" Lightning remarked.

Sora attacked the enemies with Rising Sun while Tidus and Tina engage Exdeath head-on.

Taios used a dark drive while throwing guardian warrior to Serenia"now!"

"Right" Serenia caught Guardian Warrior and used it to attack. Tidus charged at Exdeath with Spiral Cut, while Tina backed the blond up with Flare.

"To the depths of chaos!" Caius blasted Exdeath with Megaflare.

"ARRRGGHHHH! ... fight until you all are consumed by the void... the destruction of kingdom hearts cannot be stopped..." Exdeath gasped as the chaos dissolved him.

Sora, Kain, Cecil, Ceodore, Tyler, Serenia, and Riku helped dispose of the remaining enemies.

"Thank you for your aid, but Exdeath spoke of Maleficent's return" Kain stated.

Sora was astonished"Maleficent? Hm. That sounds like bad news."

"We can easily take her. I mean, in my universe, she couldn't even defeat me and I was a novice" said Taios.

Sora nodded"Right. Well, let's move on."

They arrived in the high tower as the witch of evil that was encased in crystal was free, but had a intrigued but slightly angered look

"Maleficent" Sora readied his keyblade.

Maleficent smirked"Dear me, so many familiar and new faces. Come to partake in my vengeance?"

"You'd best step aside, Saxito's the one we're after" said Sora.

Maleficent scoffed"Let that suicidal fool play his little game, I shall deal with you, personally."

"Don't be stupid, Maleficent, there won't be any worlds for you to rule if they get destroyed, but we'll stop you, anyway" said Riku.

Taios smirked"Hey, Maleficent. I'm Taios. But you know? It's funny. You have all these powers of evil... And you always loose in the end. Tell me: how DID that sword feel when Phillip and Aqua beat you back then?"

Maleficent snarled"You insufferable...! I shall show you the full power of my wrath!" she transformed into her dragon self.

Sora got into a stance"Let's do this, guys."

"Right" Serenia nodded.

Sora led the charge with Strike Raid. Taios activated his glider surprising everyone as he uses it to attack the dragon

"Why didn't I think of that?" remarked Ventus.

Aqua cast Blizzard at the dragon, which retaliated by breathing fire at Taios and stomping and biting at the others.

"She just doesn't learn" said Sora, attacking with Arc Arcanum. Tidus pitched in with Slice n' Dice.

"Hmph. How regrettable" said Caius, charging at the dragon with brute force and the chaos forced her to back away a bit.

"ha!" Taios grabbed his glider and threw it directly at the dragon itself"now!"

The glider connected with the dragon's chest, causing it to rear back. Sora attacked with Ragnarok, followed by a Flare spell from Tina. The dragon roared and reverted back into the witch herself and barely got up.

"How... How was I defeated again?" Maleficent gasped.

Taios was about to reply when someone interrupted"Its because that you are incompetent, Maleficent."

The group turned to notice a new person walking in. He had long blue hair, violet eyes, White robes, and an over cape that had more of an intimidating aura

"It is surprising that you failed to destroy them... But that doesn't mean I myself isn't any different either" said the man as he walked past them and stood in front of the groups.

Sora glanced at him"Who was that again?"

Cecil shrugged"I don't remember seeing him, either."

"Oh, it's quite fine that you all don't remember of the wise one mentioning my existence to you all." The man turned around as he began to heal the witch with glowing blue water and started helping Maleficent up a little"Oh that reminds me. Taios, do you still have the other half of the X-blade?"

Taios gasped"how did you-"

"Saxito informed me when you all were trying to reach the village of Prox." The two duo began to fade in light while appearing at the entrance behind them"I wish you all the best of luck. farewell."

Tidus clenched his fist"Man, that son of a shoopuff is almost as unpredictable as Saxito."

Riku nodded"I agree, what does he want with Maleficent?"

Lighting shrugged"I'd hate to even think about it."

"We have more urgent matters anyway, let's mosey along" said Cloud, leading the way forward.

Finally got this chapter ready. Oh, and the blue-haired man is Alex from the Golden Sun series, but didn't put his name in because I don't remember him giving his name. At this rate, only two or three chapters left until Dawn to Twilight is done.

Feel free to review if you'd like.