Kingdom hearts: Fragment

by kirramagic

(AU KH3) Nozomi living in Bamboo town, one day is sent flying from her world when the Heartless destroy it. Caused by a mysterious mechanical winged individual. She gains a Keyblade and somehow encounters Riku along with King Mickey. From this point on, her true fate will gradually unveil itself as the conflict that started the Keyblade Wars begins again...

294. The Final Battle Part 16

Chapter CCXC: The Final Battle Part XVI

BOOM!

Smiling at the destruction that he had caused, Xehanort was glad to hear the sounds of their irritating cries of triumph, had come to an end! Then looking on, at the kaleidoscopic display of power that blazed, he knew that if just one of those heroes survived, the Seventh Fragment would immediately join with their shattering heart. Then when that happened, he would-!

FLASH!

Suddenly though, a bright white light began to shine out everywhere! His eyes widened, as he asked, "What is this!?"

He couldn't see what was causing this! But quickly, he saw the radiance, of his deadly cannon's blasts, was being overwhelmed by this white power, and then-!

SHINE!

"Agh!"

This new power blinded him, temporarily. As it did, a ringing sound entered into the darkened realm, and as it did so, the power of his attack completely diminished and-!

FREEZE! FREEZE! FREEZE! FREEZE! FREEZE!

The white light transformed, and as it did, it hardened and shone within the darkness! As a cold temperature, entered the atmosphere, he opened his eyes and asked in disbelief, "A wall... of ice?"

For there indeed before him, was the enormous glittering and shining icy spectacle! Then there beyond it, he saw the warriors of light all looking on confused and astounded, at this miraculous creation that had saved them! As it sparkled in the distance, he didn't understand! Who had caused this? What could have-!

"Ha! So you're the foolish lout, who dares to take MY spotlight, huh?"

It was then Xehanort saw, that there standing upon the icy wall, was a single person. A young woman, with spiky red pigtails and red eyes, dressed in purple attire. As she stood upon the ice, she smirked and then told him, "Well show's over buddy, I'M the only one who has the right to rule the worlds!"

Quiet as he heard this, Xehanort staring on at her, was clearly unimpressed and said, "Another insect?"
Irma's eyebrow twitched and she responded, "What did you call me!?"

Xehanort didn't even bother to reply to her, instead he re-aimed with his enormous weaponry and said, "I'll simply smite you out of the way!" Then-!

SHINE!

His attack began to build up with ferocious power, as he prepared his next assault!

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SHINE!

With amazement, Riku watched on as his Keyblade transformed! In seconds the 'Way to Dawn,' was changed into one that was new altogether.

It resembled the King-Blade slightly, however it was more majestic somehow, with lines of gold and white wings, it looked in his mind liberated. Then in the ward of the key, he saw green and red jewels, that reminded him of the Fragment's that now came to lay in his heart. Staring on at the weapon, and it's remarkable majesty, he could tell somehow there was something different about it as compared to a normal Keyblade, he asked, "This weapon is-!"

"The next stage of evolution for the Keyblade's power..."

Hearing this familiar voice, Riku recognised it. It wasn't Hari nor Kagi's voice, this person. He was the purple clad man he had seen a vision of, as his words registered, he asked him, "What do you mean?"

"What you hold in your hands now, is not a mere Keyblade, this weapon you now hold, is what is known as an Alliance Blade."

Amazed hearing this, Riku asked, "An Alliance Blade?" Then as he looked down at it's new empowered form, he felt somehow that the mysterious man's words were true. As he held the powerful weapon, he couldn't help but ask, "How did this happen? Why would it-?"

"Because the hearts within you, are now harmonizing together, your power and theirs are joining together to create this miracle... just like the original Warrior of Light did, when he joined his heart, with his precious comrades."

Listening to these awe inspiring words, Riku couldn't believe it. Then he asked, "Our powers joining together, created this weapon?"

"That's correct, though I have to admit, it's not only them that are joined with you now."

Puzzled Riku asked, "It isn't?"

"No, I too have also joined my power with you."

Riku was quiet hearing this, then quickly-!

FLASH!

"Ah!" He then saw with astonishment, two more jewels enter the ward on the Keyblade, a purple and blue one. Staring at them, Riku recognised the blue as his, then the purple must be...? As he looked at it, he wanted to know one thing, "Who are you? How do you know all this?"

"I am..."

Riku could hear reluctance in his voice, for some reason it was clear he wasn't comfortable in answering him. He wondered why this could be? Then he heard the mysterious person say,

"A foolish man, one who lost many friends, and I now believe was never meant to have ruled as a king... for it's like as he always said, I had too soft of a heart."

Listening to these words, Riku realised those words were similar to what Xehanort had talked about, when they had first encountered him when he wielded the King-Blade. Realising this, he said, "So, you were the King who ruled during the era of the Keyblade wars."

"That is correct."

Hearing the sadness in his tone, Riku could feel the pain of regret inside him. As he did, he put his free hand to his aching heart and decided to ask, "What's your name?"

"It doesn't matter right now... what's more important, is that you aid your friends, and please...?"

"Please what?" Riku asked, wondering what he was finding so difficult now to say.

"Please save the one, we've never been able to, all this time... help us to release him from his suffering."

Hearing mention of this mysterious person, Riku wondered who he meant. He had no way of knowing, and sadly it wasn't the time to be asking more questions. So gripping his hand against his chest, where his heart beat strongly now with resolve he told the mysterious former king, "Don't worry, I'll do my best, and I know everyone else will do the same! We'll save that person for you!"

"Thank you, Riku..."

With that as his voice faded away, the white haired Keyblader lifted the newly formed weapon into the air, as he did, he recognised what it's name was and said, "Alliance Blade: Exaltation!"

SHINE!

The weapon shone with life and power! Smiling feeling it's glow, Riku then knew next where he needed to go! At the ready, he asked, "Hari, Kagi? Are you both with me on this?"

"You bet!"

"Of course."

Pleased hearing their warm voices within him, Riku then charged ahead and quickly-!

GLOW!

His body began to glow with green and red power, as the power of the Alliance Blade, granted him reign over the true abilities that lay dormant within the Fourth and the Eighth Fragment!

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Looking at the glittering spectacle that was before them all, Nozomi couldn't believe it! For just when it looked like, that she and her friends would all be blasted into non-existence, this glittering white power had stormed forth!

As she looked on, she asked touching the ice, "This is-?"

"You alright down there, dudes?"

Surprised hearing this voice, Nozomi and the others looked up. Then smiling she cried out, "Musashi!"

For there indeed grinning down at them, from on top of the ice, was the trusty laid back Samurai of the ARCS! As he saw her smiling up to him, he waved and told her, "Hey Nozomi! Long time no see!"

She smiled pleased, then quickly Yuffie beside her cried out, "Thanks for the save there! You guys really-!"

SHINE!

However seeing the shine of dangerous power from beyond their wall, Leon then said, "Don't get too relaxed, looks like we've got another wave incoming!"

Annoyed, Gandrake couldn't help but say, "Irma just had to get him riled up, didn't she!?"

Nozomi felt awkward hearing this, and said with a sigh, "Well, she's always had a way of doing that with people!"

"Let's just scatter!" Zidane cried out!

Nodding Donald quickly agreed saying, "You said it!"

With that everyone moved to back out of the way of the oncoming attack!

Seeing them all go, Musashi walking back forwards along the wall to his party, couldn't help tell their single sorceress, "You know, you could turn it down there, Irma! We're not on stage y'know!"

Annoyed, the red haired sorceress told him, "All life's a stage, you clod!" Then turning back to Xehanort, she declared pointing to him, "And I say it's time we throw that giant freak off of it!"

Pausing, Musashi then smiled and said, "Well that idea, I can totally dig!" With that grabbing his one ace weapon, he told her, "Let's get started with the plan!"

"Alright then!" With that the villainous sorceress began to burn with her power!

As she did, looking ahead, Musahsi asked, "Noel dude, are you and Raiyana ready?"
"Always!" The brunette warrior answered, with that he held a few paradigm crystals at the ready.

Seeing her partner was ready, the long blue haired Nobody then said, "I just hope the others are!" For they had to be careful with the next stage of attack! For timing would be everything, and looking towards Xehanort, she could tell they only had one shot at this!

Holding her long double scythe at the ready, she waited for their chance that would help to give, not only themselves but their allies an advantage in this bleak dark battlefield!

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"HHHAAA!"

SLICE!

Diving in fast, Sora using his Keyblade sliced into more of the terrible dark thorns. Then as he swung himself around, he heard Timbre within him ask,

"Did you do it!?"

Sora was quiet, then-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

He saw to his dismay more of the dark thorns had grown back! As he did, he told his ally, "Sorry Timbre!"

"No! At this rate, we'll never get my sister back!"

Feeling his pain echo, within his own heart, Sora though told him, "No we will, we can't give up, Timbre! We just gotta think of something!"

"But what else can we do! You've already tried fire and other spells! If that doesn't work, then-!"

"There will be something!" Sora told him, then looking at the horrible dark thorns, he added, "The worst thing we can do right now is give up, we do that, then we really won't have a chance to save Jona!"

Immediately Timbre's voice became silent, as it did, Sora didn't know what else he could say then. However keeping his hands gripped on his Keyblade, he tried to think of what their next move could be. As he did-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The regrown thorns of darkness came to try and grab at him again! Seeing this with agitation, Sora quickly moved, and diving in and out of the way of the terrible shoots, he moved his hand back, and quickly cried out, "Firaga!"

KABOOM!

Immediately he destroyed a huge group of them! Looping back from the huge magical blast, he cried out, "Ya like that, huh!?"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The remaining dangerous plants all reared back and slithered to and throw threateningly, Sora had no idea what their next plan was. But he had to be ready! He prepared his blade to get ready to cut away again, when-!

"Sora, behind you!"

"Huh?" The chosen Keyblader turned back to look, but-!

BIND! BIND! BIND! BIND!

"Hey!" Shocked he saw more of the shoots had somehow snuck up from behind him, then quickly they had grabbed him around his arms and legs! Becoming angered he cried out, "Let go of me! Get off!" However, he couldn't move his body right! He couldn't make them-!

"Sora! Ahead of you!"

"What now!?" With that looking ahead of him, he saw then-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The other thorns that had been moving about threateningly, had all bunched together and had formed a single huge point. It resembled a giant drill, and then to his terror-!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

They began to turn about rapidly, and then immediately they all charged forwards, to impale him! He looked on horrified and within, he heard Timbre cry out,

"Sora no!"

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SHINE!

His power now at its top most peak, Xehanort was fully fixed on his target! As he was, he declared, "Now to blow you all to smithereens!"

Worried for their pals in the distance, despite the ice wall that had protected them from the horrendous attack from before, Mickey knew it couldn't last! His mind fretted as he wondered what he and others could do upon Ruby. But nothing came to mind and-!

"Raging Fury!"

BLAST!

BLAST!

With that the two giant pieces of glass weaponry on either side of his cannon formed Keyblade blasted forth! As they did-!

FLASH!

They struck against the ice furiously! Creating a huge wall of fire that quickly-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Caused the wall of ice to splinter and crack everywhere from the furious heat of the blasts! It was clear that it wouldn't last much longer!

"This doesn't look good!" Pete cried out worried.

"Mickey is there nothin' we can do, pal!?" Goofy asked worried.

The royal mouse replied, "We don't have the magical potential on our own! And it's too late to blind him again! I don't know what-!"

SHINE!

"This is it now!"

Spooked they looked on and saw that the cannon had fully charged up its shot! As it did, glowing with that same terrible thunderous power, they all heard the evil man declare,

"Your finale!"

As he said those words, Mickey cried out, "Fella's get out of the way of there!"

"Ultima Cannon Blast!"

BLAST!

With that the terrible power was unleashed upon the wall! It was going to be blasted to smithereens!

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Closing his eyes, bracing himself for the pain! Sora shuddered, however-!

"Time Restrict!"

FLASH!

"Huh!?" Turning at this sound of this voice, it was then that he saw somehow that the giant plant drill had been frozen in place! As it stood deadly still in the air mere millimetres away, he couldn't believe it!

"It's been stopped?"

Sora was still too amazed to speak, but-!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

"Whoa!"

He felt himself fall in the air, but quickly with Timbre's aid. He was flying again! As he was, he turned and there saw with a happy smile, "Riku!"

As he flew over him, the white haired Keyblader smiled and told him, "Hey! Thought you could use a hand there!"

Sora laughed at this and replied, "You got that right I did!" Then looking at him, he saw with amazement, that sprouting from his back, were a pair of something like wings! As they beat in the air, glowing with red energy all over them, he asked, "You got the power to fly now?"

"I got lucky!" He smiled in reply, then looking to them he explained, "Since my heart is now harmonised with Hari's, I've gained access to the abilities she has...and someone mysterious, using his swords of light with the Fourth Fragment's influence means I can fly, I guess?"

Puzzled, Sora didn't understand what he meant and asked, "Harmonised?"

Riku then nodded and told him, "Yeah, it's what happens when two of the Fragment's or the people that hold them, resonate with your own heart..." With that putting his hand over his chest, feeling Hari and Kagi's warmth inside, he revealed further, "With your hearts combined together, it creates the power of miracles..." With that he extended his right hand out and-!

SHINE!

With that his new weapon came to his hand, as it did, shining with all their combined powers, he told Sora, "Like the ones my new Keyblade has gained," however he quickly corrected himself and then said, "Sorry, I meant my Alliance Blade."
Sora was understanding only a little of what Riku was saying, but as he looked at the new weapon he had. He couldn't help but be impressed and asked, "With your powers combined...?" Then looking at the terrible stilled plant shoots, he asked his best friend, "Is that how you were able to stop that attack just then?"
Riku nodded, then said, "Yeah, I now have the ability to manipulate time as well, because I'm also harmonising with Kagi too." Then gripping his weapon, feeling the freezing spell slowly unwinding, he added, "His true potential has come out, because of Hari's strength and mine aiding him."

"Whoa!" Sora echoed. Then thinking to himself, he realised, "Wait, when we get your sister out Timbre, that means we could get cool new powers too, right?"

"I guess so!"

Then as he heard the Sphynx inside him say this, with an echo of laughter in his voice. Sora grinned, then looking to his best friend, he told him, "Awesome!" Then looking up, he added, "We better hurry up and get to her!" With that, Sora flew on high with Timbre's power. Doing this he moved and-!

SLICE!

He cut away the dark plant shoots that were in his way! As the body of it slithered away above, and the deadly drill head dropped into the darkness. He had finally created the opening he needed in the glass ceiling, to enter the top layer! Moving to go through it, he told his best friend, "Riku, c'mon let's go!"

The white haired Keyblader nodded, with that he moved to join him, when-!

"Riku behind you!"

Quickly hearing Hari's voice, he turned and-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

More of the horrible plant shoots had come and quickly-!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

He immediately sliced each and every one of the horrible dark creations out of the way! As he did, he saw with agitation, more of the treacherous plants were coming his way. As he did, he realised he had to move now or-!

"Riku!"

Turning at the sound of his best friend's voice, he saw to his dismay that more of the shoots were growing back, to block the entry point! Realising this, he told him, "Sora, you go on ahead!"

Immediately the chosen Keyblader was upset and cried out, "No way! We should go together, so-!"

"There's no time, you gotta go now!" Then-!

CLASH!

Smashing away another deadly attacking thorn, he told him, "You won't get another chance like this, any sooner! Time is of the essence right now!" With that looking to him, he added, "Now go! Restore the First Fragment, make contact with them in the pod, Timbre can help them!"

Confused, Sora asked, "Contact?" Then-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

He heard the treacherous plants growing larger in number! With shocked eyes, he then became upset, and realised Riku was right! Gripping his hand around his own Keyblade, he called back to him, "Okay, I don't fully get it! But I'll save her!" With that he entered the cratered hole, and called back before he fully disappeared, "You just last until I get back, you hear me!?"

"You got it!" Riku called back. With that-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The opening was fully covered in the thorns again! As they slithered in and all around Riku, he braced himself ready with the Alliance Blade! As he did, he heard Kagi inside him say,

"This looks like it'll get rough!"

He nodded and replied, "Yeah, sure looks like it!" However as he glowed with all their combined power, along with his own, and with that of the mysterious King. He declared, "But with all of you on my side, I know that I won't lose!"

"It's good to see you shine, with certainty."

Smiling, hearing her voice, Riku replied, "Thanks Hari!" Then quickly, from all sides the dangerous plants came to attack! Seeing them coming, Riku revealed his new technique, "Radiant Crimson Blitz!"

GLOW!

With that his body glowed all over with red light, and then moving faster than lightning with the power of his wings, he began to hack and slash into the countless dark creations! As he did his best to survive until Sora returned!

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BLAST!

Seeing the attack that was coming to wipe them all out, Irma grinned, "Looks like it's time!" With that she brought her hands together and-!

GLOW!

A powerful spell began to form between her palms, as she concentrated, she smiled and-!

CLAP!

Smacking her hands together, she looked ahead and feeling the spell swell and surge, she cried out, "Piercing Blizzaga Crystal!" She cast the spell forwards and-!

SHINE!

Immediately a huge shining crystal of blue, shone in the darkness, pulsating with power! As it did, the girl looked up and cried out, "Hey, bleach head! Stripes! Get moving!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Musashi grinned hearing this familiar warm laughter, then quickly he saw with his comrades, descending from on high, it was none other than, their chilled and relaxed commander, Snow!

As the black bandanna wearing man flew down with the aid of the Pixie dust, he saw the blue crystal shining! As he did, he grinned and bringing his own special glittering gem out. He laid a gentle kiss on it, and whispered, "Let's see you ladies work your magic!" With that he moved his right hand back and-!

"HHHAAA!"

TOSS!

He threw the gem forwards, then quickly it entered the domains of the Blizzaga crystal! As the spell made contact-!

SHINE!

It conducted a huge glow of power, that became a shining spectacle in the darkness! Everybody was dazzled, but-!

BLAST!

Quickly Xehanort's attack smashed straight into it! The power of the ice and that of fierce burning power conducted fiercely against each other! As they did, it was clear one force was trying hard to overwhelm the other!

Noel felt uneasy seeing this, he couldn't help but say, "This looks like it's going to be close!"

"No it's not!" Irma said mad! For tapping her fingernails against her folded arms, with annoyance, she again cried out, "Stripes, didn't you hear me the first time! Get down here!"

"Shut it, conehead!"

Then looking above the heroes saw-!

SWOOSH!

Flying on down, upon the back of a new magical beast, was the Summoner of the ARCS, Alania! With irritation, she told Irma mad, "It's not easy to change summons in mid-air you know!"

"Whatever, just get to work!" The red haired sorceress told her mad!

Alania looked at her bitterly with irritation! Then looking ahead, she told the new beast she rode, her wishes, "Leviathan! C'mon, its time to cool things off!"

With that the long blue and multiple fin winged, sea-serpent brimmed with blue power, and quickly it moved its head into the air,

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

Immediately the power of water was enacted and as it was, Alania declared the attack, "Tsunami!"

SURGE!

The water emerged as a huge wave behind them, as it did Ori who'd been quiet up to that point, behind Alania, turned and said, "Okay, partner it's your turn now!"

Saria holding her violin at the ready nodded, then putting her bow to the strings she moved and sung,

"Water, water come and join, let us become one holy spring!"

Her music played forth, her own water magic came into being, then immediately it joined with the power of Leviathan. As it did, the huge wave became one huge swirling pillar, that moved and swayed, feeling it do this. The now confident long brunette haired Nobody, sang it's next direction,

"Now let us rain down together, and we become one in our dancing!"

SPLASH!

Immediately the water struck straight into the fierce conductive power display. It then empowered the ice spell and crystal, making it become stronger and stronger before-!

SHINE!

"AGH!"

"Whoa!" It blinded everyone and the monstrous man, as a dazzling light entered the darkness and it completely overwhelmed Xehanort's power! Then-!

FLASH!

Two figures emerged from the dazzling blue crystal and immediately they danced together across the darkness, as a new sparkling spectacle came into existence within the emptiness...!

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CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

Running within the darkness, sending more of the thorns away from him. Looking ahead, Sora saw it! His eyes widening, he could see the orange pod that held who they were looking for, looking on he said, "There she is, we found Jona, Timbre!"

"Great! I'm glad!"

Feeling the warmth of his happiness, enter the depths of his heart. The Keyblader smiled, however-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

More thorns came to immediately impede them! However ready, Sora moved back and quickly called upon the one spell that would clear the way, "Flame Salvo!"

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

Immediately the fire spell came forth, and burned it's way straight through the thorns and with this parting made. Sora made his way closer to the orange pod that was before them.

GLOW!

Then finally he was in the same space as its warm radiance, looking at it, he was quiet. However inside of it, he saw much to his distress and Timbre's, was the long orange haired Sphynx girl, lifeless within the pod.

Her arms were held over her, and her legs were held firmly by the same terrible dark tendrils, that had wrapped themselves tightly around the rest of her body. The orange shining First Fragment, was held before her chest, with her eyes looking down to it, with no light in them... showing that she couldn't even see that they'd arrived to aid her.

"Sis! Sora, you gotta hurry up and help her!"

Nodding the Chosen Keyblader replied, "Yeah I know, don't worry Timbre!" With that he ran forwards to try and see what he could do, when-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

Hearing this chilling sound, Sora looked above at where it echoed from, and quickly-!

"Whoa!"

CRASH!

He immediately rolled out of the way! As he did, he looked up and there he saw before them, was a new petal winged monster that barred the way between them and Jona!

It was a creature that was formed of the dark thorns, it had long claws and hind legs. Looking at it, Sora thought the body of it somehow resembled that of a lion's, but it's front legs were more bird-like, and it's head resembled that of an eagle. He asked puzzled, "What kind of thing is that?"

"It's a griffin!"

Puzzled, Sora asked, "A what?"

"It's a monster that's a treasure keeper! It's also said to be the king of the beasts!"

Surprised, Sora repeated, "King of the beasts?" Then-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The monster roared loudly again, it's wings raised high on either side of it! As it did, it gripped it's long sharp plant talons into the glass floor before them. Then as the floor cracked from it's strength, it bowed its head back and-!

GLOW!

It crackled and glowed with orange and dark blue power, it was getting ready to unleash its wrath against them!

Seeing this, Sora was quiet. However, becoming pumped he said, "Okay, let's go then!"

"Sora?"

Grinning the spiky haired boy said, "I'm gonna teach this thing who's the real king around here!" With that gripping his Keyblade, he ran forwards and added, "Cause to me, it's nothing but a bully, especially when it's holding a poor girl hostage!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! You're way too much!"

Feeling his positive emotions overflow, as he heard Timbre's laughter, Sora was determined to help his friend! Then with that, the battle between the chosen Keyblader and the horrendous plant formed Griffin began!

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Her eyes closed as the spectacle shone out, Nozomi didn't know what was happening. Then she heard-!

THAW!

Opening her eyes, she saw that the wall of ice that had protected them all, had melted away from Xehanort's fire, but beyond it, all across the dark battlefield. She saw with amazement, a huge network of may iced lines, that spread about as far as the eye could see!

They were everywhere, making white glistening paths that shone brightly, making it all mesmerising behold. "Whoa!" She cried out, then as she echoed this out-!

SKATE! SKATE! SKATE! SKATE!

SKATE! SKATE! SKATE! SKATE!

She saw two wondrous female figures that danced upon the ice, they each had blue skin, one lighter than the other. However they were dressed in dazzling ornaments of gold and white, that formed rings and their long majestic hair. She couldn't get too many more details though as-!

GRAB!

GRAB!

They met in the centre of the networking ice and quickly joining hands, their bodies transformed. They seemed to bend and retract before-!

VRRROOOMMM!

The two figures turned into a gorgeous white and gold motorbike, that she recognised as belonging to none other than-!

"Shiva! C'mon let's ride!"

Surprised again, Nozomi saw that there appearing was none other than, "Snow!"

She then watched as he quickly flew down to his beloved ride, getting aboard the bike, the leader of the ARCS turned in her direction. Then with a grin, he gave her a thumbs up!

Nozomi smiled brightly in return, truly happy to see him. But before she could say anything else, she heard-!

"Now this is what I call a spectacular stage for the leading man!"

It was then they all saw another familiar face, who came flying down. There she saw there descending down from the air above, with his trusted partner by his side, it was none other than, "Balthier, Fran!"

The leader of the pirate group smiled to her, then he revealed descending with the two of them, it was none other than, "Hanahime!" For quickly arriving, flying over to them all fast, it was none other than her loyal friend, Ruby.

Seeing him come, Nozomi saw much to her relief and everyone else, that Mickey, Pete, Goofy and Ody were unscathed. As they flew up to the same level, that the new arrivals were at, the enormous red robin, felt the touch of his princess as she told him happily, "Ruby thank you, you've done so well!"

"Aww, it's nothing!" The big bird told her.

Hana smiled, then as she looked to everyone who'd been behind the ice wall, they stared at her dumbfounded. But she was determined, as she told them all, "Everyone come this way!"

There was no refusal, as Zidane cried out to her, "You don't need to tell me twice!" With that everyone who'd been protected, all floated up with the aid of the Pixie Dust and Donald's magic!

As they all stood upon the ice, they all discovered, "Hey, it's not slippery!" For it was true, and as Hope tested the grit, he smiled and said, "That's a relief!"

Lightning nodded and replied, "True, we shouldn't be hindered too badly in battle now."

"I take it you're impressed, sis?"

It was then Snow had made it closer to their position. As he did, Lightning still clearly unimpressed by his smug grin, told him, "Don't get full of yourself, hero!"

Snow though expecting as much, rolled his eyes and said, "Well, at least this should give everyone some relief and aid in this fight!" Then turning to look back at the enormous monster that threatened their peace, he added, "And should make his life tougher!"

"Couldn't have said it better, Commander Snow!" It was then his subordinate Musashi made his way over, then with his sword at the ready, he told him, "Now why don't we clean his clock!"

"Yeah, let's hop to it, Musashi!" Then he told him, "C'mon hop on!"

Smiling, the long haired samurai replied, "You got it!" With that he hopped on board too!

Then just as he did that-!

"So this is your new scheme now?"

It was then everyone turned in Xehanort's direction. As they did, they heard the evil monstrous man say,

"You think elements of the ice will be enough to hinder me?"

Balthier, hearing this then told the monstrous man, "Probably not, but it will give us an advantage for the numbers we have here." With that aiming his pistol at the evil man, he told him, "For after all, an antagonist like yourself, rarely has enough numbers in a supporting cast, to let them stay in a production for long."

"Theatrics will get you nowhere!"

With that declaration made, Xehanort called upon his power and-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

Quickly the huge Ouroboros Heartless behind him, spun around menacingly and-!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

In seconds, hundreds of Heartless began to appear from within it's dark void like hole! As it did, they all began to crawl and scurry across the ice in droves. They looked like thousands of ants, coming to rip them to shreds!

The sight was chilling, however Fran keeping calm said, "Let us eradicate these abominations!" With that she drew forth her bow.

Balthier smiling replied, "Eloquently put!" With that taking aim, he got ready to attack too!

Seeing this occur, the King then told them all, "Be on your guard fella's, don't underestimate their numbers!" Then as Hanahime joined their numbers, he added, "And watch out for his laser attacks! Flee when you need to!"

"Right!"

They all cried out in agreement, with that everyone went running across the ice. All of them determined to survive and make it to Xehanort, to somehow inflict damage on him!

Then as Nozomi continued to ride with Leon, Yuffie, Gandrake and Araxne, she whispered to herself as she stood next to Donald, holding her Keyblade ready, "Riku, Sora, Kairi, please be safe where you are!" Then as the giant arachnid they rode, ran across the ice getting ready to slice into the Heartless, she added, "And come back to us soon!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BLAST!

The griffin released it's orange blast of power from its throat! Immediately Sora acted and with Timbre's aid, he quickly flew straight over this blow! Then landing he said smugly, "Too easy!" However-!

RUSTLE! RUSTLE! RUSTLE! RUSTLE!

It quickly rolled into a huge ball! It looked like a spiky mess of orange leaves!

Perplexed at this, Sora didn't understand, "What's it-!"

ROLL!

The quickly it charged straight towards him! Seeing this, Sora couldn't believe it! However he quickly heard Timbre cry out within,

"Sora move!"

Knocking him out of his shocked state, the Keyblader quickly moved to dive out of the way! Then as he avoided the high speed collision-!

SLASH!

"Urgh!"

Suddenly from the mess of leaves a giant sharp clawed paw had emerged and sliced straight into him! Grimacing from the pain as he rolled back, he looked up and saw the creature had unfurled itself and then-!

GNAW!

"Agh!"

It grabbed hold of him, and quickly, it swung him around in its sharp beaked jaws before its swung its head to the side and sent him flying!

Annoyed at this, despite the pain, Sora told it mad, "Take this!" With that he aimed a spell and-!

"Firaga!"

BLAST!

The creature was engulfed in red hot flames! Seeing this, as they made it back onto the floor, he heard Timbre inside cry out,

"You did it! You got him!"

Sora smiled at his words, but-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The Griffin roared, clearly enraged from the damage before it reared it's body back onto its hind legs and-!

SMASH!

Perplexed Sora watched as it crashed down and dug its front talons hard into the floor, he didn't understand it, "What's it-!"

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

A shattering shock wave of broken glass was sent flying his way! Seeing this coming, he cried out, "Whoa!" Then quickly he flew out of the way, of the attack, using Timbre's power. However as they made it up high,

"Sora look out!"

"Huh!?" But it was too late as-!

BLAST!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

He was struck by the monster's own fierce power, it burned him all over! As he lay on the floor, hurting all over. He then heard,

GGGRRRR!

The monster bristle with agitation! It was clear it was gonna attack him again, he had to think and do something! For this thing was fast and could shoot in the air too! He didn't have the time time to-!

ROLL!

Hearing this distressing sound again, he knew it was doing it's roll attack!

"Sora you've gotta move out of the way now!"

He didn't need to think twice, with that he rolled himself swiftly out of the way! However, instead of taking off into the air, he held his Keyblade in front of himself defensively. Doing this, he told his Fragment partner, "Timbre, we gotta think of something and fast...!" With that, looking to Jona's helpless form again, he added, "We can't let Xehanort continue to abuse her, or the others anymore!"

"Yeah I know!"

However before they could discuss anything more-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

It was preparing its next assault, as it reared its head back, to unleash another blast of power! Seeing this, Sora prepared himself, quickly he and Timbre tried to think how they would get the best of this monster, and finally free, the poor female Sphynx from the orange pod!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Here comes another wave!"

As Leon cried this out, Nozomi saw quickly what his meant, as more of the four blade wielding Heartless appeared! Seeing them approach, she quickly got her spell ready and cried out, "Thundaga!"

ZZZAAAPPP!

Immediately they were electrified in the air! Then as they became paralysed from the spell, Donald smiling said, "Great blast!" However pulling up his sleeves, he told her, "But watch this!" With that he swung his staff into the air and cried out, "Rocket Flare!"

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Yuffie cried out, "Wow!" As she saw the spectacle of glittering fireworks, then she said smiling, "Nice, now it's my turn!" With that she pulled back and-!

THRUST!

She threw her giant ninja star forwards and quickly, it damaged them all badly before her star returned! Then-!

"Now it's mine!"

Gandrake, launched himself into the air and-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

He immediately turned them all to dust! Then making it back onto Spidron as they sped on ahead, he uttered, "Tch! These things weren't even worthy for my blade!"

Nozomi then couldn't help but laugh a little awkwardly at this sentence, Donald tapping his foot uttered, "What a ham!" For there was just no pleasing this guy! However there was no more time to think as-!

KABOOM!

Leon unleashed more of his powerful fire magic! As he did, he stated, "The way's clear, let's go!"

"Yes let's!" Araxne agreed! With that she urged Spridron on, as they raced along the lines of ice, they were all getting closer and closer to Xehanort! It wouldn't be long until they were all in real battle distance against him! But as this thought came-!

BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ!

BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ!

BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ!

BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ!

BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ! BBBBZZZZ!

Some familiar unwelcome shapes came flying on down from above! More of the Firefly Heartless came to smite them down! Nozomi had never seen these things before, but she could tell they were bad news! As quickly-!

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

They all began to flash aggressively with power! As they did, Donald declared, "Oh I'm not gonna let ya all do that explodin' again!"

Alarmed Nozomi cried out, "These things explode!?"

But he gave her no explanation, as he moved his staff up and cried out,

"Firaga!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

He began to set them alight, making them explode in the air! As they were all bathed in sea of smouldering ashes, Nozomi couldn't see if he'd got them all, because it was so thick! Then-!

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

One horrendous buzz rung out above the rest and as it did, Donald cried out, "What the-!"

FLASH!

It was then one truly enormous bug Heartless flew on high above them! It resembled an illuminated moth, but like the smaller ones, this too had a giant bulb like rear that flashed angrily with red light! As it did, Yuffie cried out, "I think we just found the mama bug!"

As it stared at them angrily, hearing this cry, the monster flew ahead and then-!

SMASH!

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

"Agh!" Nozomi felt unbalanced upon the ice! As Spidron struggled to keep it's balance upon the path! Then looking above, she saw the enormous female insect Heartless had now blocked their path and-!

FLASH!

It charged with fierce power, as it's giant insect wings began to flash with dangerous red electrical power! Seeing this, everyone had no clue what it would do! But it wouldn't be good!

Araxne though cared nothing for this and decreed, "Spidron, engage!"

HHHIIISSS!

Her giant arachnid did as it was instructed and immediately-!

CLASH!

"Hey! Whoa! Whoa! Urgh! Agh!"

Their giant insect Dusk and Heartless one, struck straight into each other! As Spidron's sharp limbs struck into it, their monstrous enemy in turn tried to get at them too with its own appendages! As they all held on for dear life, trying desperately not to get struck, the showdown between spider and moth began!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Okay! Here it comes!"

BLAST!

Hearing Timbre's cry, Sora silently nodded and with that he avoided the blasting attack from the Griffin! Then doing this-!

ROLL!

It quickly barrelled towards them again! Seeing this happen, Sora said, "Alright second stage!" With that he got his Keyblade ready! Then he quickly charged towards it, as he came close to the monster-!

CLASH!

It again tried to slice into him with its long claws! But Sora was ready and barred it's attack! Then as it's leafy body moved again, Timbre told him,

"It's gonna unroll!"

"I know!" Sora told him, with that the monster's sharp beaked face was revealed! Seeing it, he moved his Keyblade and quickly-!

GNASH!

It bit straight into his weapon! Unable to grab him, with his weapon defending him! Seeing this happen, he remembered the quick plan of action he and his Fragment partner had cooked up! Gripping his hands against his Keyblade, he said, "Okay Timbre, let's see if this works!"

"Yeah!"

GLOW!

With that concentrating, Sora's body glowed all over with purple power! Then looking harshly at the monster, he told it, "It's time to send you flying!" Then-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

"HHHAAA!"

He felt the power of the Third Fragment move and quickly-!

FWOOSH!

The monster was lifted high into the air! Amazed, the Keyblader at first couldn't believe it, but then he heard Timbre say excitedly,

"Sora! You did it!"

"I did!" He cried out happily. Then looking at the agitated monster, he told it, "Not it's time for some payback!" With that using the power of the Fragment and it's gravity defying power, he swung the monster around and-!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

Grinning with each heavy impact it made, hitting the glass floor, he told it, "I bet you don't like getting thrown around by someone puny like me, huh!?" Then with one last movement-!

SMASH!

It indented hard into the floor and-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

It roared loudly in pain, then as this occurred and it was laid flat on it's back-!

GLOW!

A bright orange light filled the room! Seeing this, Sora was baffled and he asked, "That's-!"

"It must be it's core!"

Then quickly as they approached the monster, there indeed in the middle of its revealed chest, was an orange light that was within a brambled caging! Seeing it there as he arrived beside it, the Keyblader then heard Timbre tell him,

"Sora! Get it now, while we have this chance!"

"You got it!" With that taking his Keyblade, he focused calling upon the power he had used before, "Wingblades!"

SHINE!

Quickly six blades of shining white light surrounded him like wings, then as they hung over his back, he charged forwards! Landing fast on the monster, he said nothing, and began to unleash his blows against it-!

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

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

As he made his desperate attacks and it released it's cries of agony. He only prayed this would be enough to end it, so he inflicted more and more damage upon it!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

HHHIIISSS!

"Spidron, keep up your offensive!" Araxne said with determination!

Looking on from behind Araxne's long white couch, Nozomi couldn't help but say, "This is crazy!"
"I'll say!" Donald said, shivering from the intensity, he added, "I can't even cast any spells right now, without blasting ourselves by accident!"

"Yeah I think we all wanna avoid that!" Yuffie cried out, then as they felt the fierce struggle, she added, "But the question is what do we do now?"
Shaking his head, Leon replied, "I dunno! But we gotta do something soon or-!"

FLASH!

Quickly the moth electrified all over with red power! As it did, everyone was high on alert, but it was too late to do anything else as-!

ZZZAAAPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

They were all immediately caught in a fierce storm of electricity by the monster! It hurt all over, then-!

SSSWWWOOOSSSHHH!

The monster escaped Spidron's loosened grip! As it did, it then flew straight over them again and-!

SHINE!

It shone with deadly white light! Looking on, they then saw it's body was immediately covered in cracks, Gandrake in terror realised what it was going to do, "It's gonna...explode on us!"

"No!" As Nozomi cried this out, she couldn't think of what to do! For if that thing hit them there, it would mean-!

"NO YOU DON'T!"

"Huh!?" Perplexed, Nozomi then saw a new shape fly over them and-!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

She saw a dark blue skinned figure, with transparent mystical pale hair! Seeing her striking into the moth monster, Nozomi was amazed, then seeing her double ended scythe, she recognised her and cried out, "Raiyana!"

"HHHAAA!"

Striking into the creature with intense fury, the transformed Nobody, cried out, "Araxne! Get it while I blind it!"

Mesmerised himself seeing this glowing creature, Gandrake repeated puzzled, "Blind?"

"Hurry!" She cried out, with that she moved her free hand forwards and-!

VOOM!

Suddenly the Heartless was bathed in pure darkness! Seeing this, Gandrake though cried out, "What good is that gonna do when it's just gonna continue to explode!?"
"That's only if it can!" Araxne corrected him.

"Huh!?" The boy though was given no explanation as-!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

Spidron got up, despite the damage, and quickly it unleashed countless webs of bandaging! Doing this, immediately the moth monster was wrapped all over into a tightly wrapped cocoon! This would stop any explosion it could make!

"Whoa!" Nozomi couldn't believe it! When-!

"Solar Fury!"

SHINE!

From the mists of darkness, Raiyana's new form burned brightly! As it did, she called back, "Everyone who can help, you can do it now!"

"No need to tell me twice!" Yuffie cried out, with that she leaped forth to incur damage!

"Ditto! No bug gets to squash me!" Gandrake agreed! With that he leapt forwards as well!

"We need to go too!" Nozomi said.

"Yeah!" Donald concurred, however before they could both leap up-!

"Not so fast!"

GRAB! GRAB!

"Huh!?" "Whoa!?"

Both duck mage and Keyblader were stopped. As they were, they saw it was Leon who told them, "You two need to go on ahead! Make it to Xehanort!" With that taking up his sharp Gunblade again, he added, "We'll take care of things here!"

Shocked by this, Nozomi though, "But I-!"
"We'll be fine here!" Turning, the female Keyblader saw that it was Araxne speaking. Looking up to her, she heard the stoic Nobody tell her, "Go, you must make it to the true foe, don't let anything impede your endeavour!"

Quiet hearing this, Nozomi was troubled. She didn't want to leave them all there, but looking ahead to where Xehanort was, surrounded by his all his Heartless, as he charged again for another assault with his weaponry. She thought of Riku and the others, she knew they would need her and the rest of the Keyblade team when they returned... she realised they were all correct. So gripping her weapon, she said, "Okay!" Then looking to the duck mage, she asked him, "You ready to go Donald?"

"Whenever you are!" He told her with a thumbs up.

She smiled at his response, so with that she said as they ran off together, "Just be safe you guys!" With that the duo, left their friends behind to make their travels across the ice paths, to make it to their true destination!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"HHHAAA!"

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

Glowing all over, Sora's body began to glow brightly with white light! As he cut into the griffin's protected core over and over again! It's ominous pulse of orange was beating faster and faster, showing it was feeling the full pulse of his blows!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

As it screeched from the painful blows, Sora then felt his power had reached it's peak and-!

SHINE!

"Sora unleash it now!"

"Right!" At Timbre's call, he swung back and quickly the wings on his back followed suite! Then as they lined with his main blade, he cried out, "Take this!"

SLICE!

With that he cut straight into the orange core! Then quickly it was shielded with brambles as it absorbed the full force of his power! As this occurred, the terrible power pulsed vibrantly against him as it felt his strike and then... there was nothing, as the monster stilled, seemingly exhausted of power.

Seeing this, Sora was silent as he looked over it and his blade that had been stopped by the foliage. Then as he stared on puzzled, with his wing blades vanishing behind him, he heard Timbre ask,

"Is it over?"

"I don't know?" Sora replied, for he couldn't help but feel something was wrong? That something was-!

FLASH!

"Whoa!"

Quickly though the core of the monster, flashed angrily with power as it lit up again with life, beneath its brambled protective cage and-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The monster roared back into life and-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

"Agh!"

"Sora!?"

Suddenly the core of the monster, unleashed sharp thorns that struck straight into the Keyblader sending him flying! As it did this, he rolled onto the floor aching from the hit. He couldn't believe it, "That thing's still going!?"

"How could that not be enough!?"

Sora was quiet, then looking at the monster's core as the thorns went back inside of it. It's monstrous body, pulsed all over with orange and dark blue power, restoring itself from the damage the Keyblader had unleashed on it!

Seeing this, he uttered painfully, "I guess, I wasn't strong enough to wipe out the core in one swing, not when its protected like that!" Then getting up, he added, "If that thing remains intact, it can just revive itself all over again!"

"What do we do then!? How can we wipe out it's core!?"

"I need more power! Enough to smash the core and it's protection to smithereens! But where would I-!"

"My sister!"

"Huh?" Sora couldn't believe the words that had come from his partner's mouth, he asked him, "Timbre what do you mean, how would Jona help!?"

"She can give you the boost you need! That's her ability, to empower someone with strength!"

Amazed, Sora asked, "She can do that?"

"Yeah! She's the Gauntlet, that's what Rosso referred to her as!"

"The Gauntlet, huh?" Sora repeated. Then looking to where Jona was, still held prisoner within the depths of the orange pod. He came up with a quick plan and said, "Okay, let's try and get her out!"

"Can you do that though?"

As he got up and ran, Sora said making his way to her, "Don't you remember what Riku said, he said to make contact with the pod and that you're the one that can help!"

"I can?"

"Yeah, I know it!" It was then that finally Sora made it over to the orange pod, as he did he went to touch it, but-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

He was quickly struck by Xehanort's dark lightning, which had been left to stop any thieves from laying hands on his treasure!

"Sora!?"

"Urgh!" Pushing himself forwards, though wincing terribly from the pain, he told the male Sphynx, "Don't worry about me!" With that he moved his hand forwards and-!

GLOW!

Quickly the pod's surface he was touching glowed with purple light! As it did, recognising the radiance of his friend, he told him, "Timbre, I'm counting...on you! Help get Jona...out of there!"

"Sora!"

Then hearing the last call of his friend, the chosen Keyblader felt the power of connection, and quickly, Timbre's spiritual essence left him. As it fully entered the orange pod!

Struggling against the pulses of dark electricity that were trying to push him back. He gritted his teeth, desperate to keep his hands on the pod! Then he heard-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The monstrous Griffin behind him, was moving to get up and make it to his position! Seeing this, he told him despite the pain, "Don't... think, you can get me that easy!" With that using his free hand, he aimed it and quickly-!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Whoa!"

Nearly stumbling, Timbre quickly re-balanced himself. Then quickly he saw that he had a body once more! Though it was transparent and glowed all over with purple light. Seeing this, he asked, "Am I-?"

"Urgh...!"

Hearing this familiar, yet pained voice. Timbre turned and there he saw ahead of him in pain on the floor, of this strange domain was an orange figure. She was on her back and gasping painfully as a terrible dark pulse of black electricity pulsed over her body!

Seeing her, Timbre felt his eyes widen. He couldn't believe it! She was really there with him! Running over he cried out, "Sis!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Agh!"

She didn't hear him though, and continued to gasp from the pain, that the black electricity was dealing her. Seeing this, Timbre got down to her level quickly, then grabbing hold of one her long clawed hands, he cried out, "Jona! C'mon get it together!" Though as he said this-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Tch!" Even he was being hit by the same terrible dark power! However he didn't care, instead he continued to hold her hand, uttering mad, "Damn you...Xehnanort!"

"Who...?"

Hearing her voice, Timbre looked down. It was then he saw her golden eyes were fully fixed on him. As they were, they looked dazed and confused.

"Sis!" Timbre became overjoyed seeing that she was awake!

"Sis...?" She asked him, then staring on she asked, "You're...?"

"Your brother!" Timbre told her, though as his eyes lined with tears he admitted painfully, "Though...not a big one sadly, if... I was... then I might be...better help to you."

"Little brother?" She asked him, then doing this her eyes lit up with recognition and she asked, "Timbre?"

Nodding rapidly, he told her, "Yeah that's me! You got it...Jona!" Though sadly because of the black lightning, around them it hurt him and quickly he grimaced, "Urgh!"
Jona's eyes widening in horror at this, quickly remembered more and as she did, she cried out, "Timbre, no!" Then immediately she moved and-!

"Whoa!"

The exotic orange Sphynx moved and quickly she held him, holding him protectively on her lap. Making the electricity pulse over her back, making it miss him completely!

Amazed seeing this, Timbre then sadly smiled and said, "Man...even in a dire situation like this... you still try to protect me!"

"Of course...I would!" Then as she grimaced from the pain more herself, she told him with one flinching eye open, "You're...my family! I have to...protect you! For mom and pop's sake and...!"

Seeing her stop, Timbre was confused, he asked, "Sis?"

It was then he heard her say, "I can't remember...!" As she said this, he saw her looked pained. Then as she continued to protect him from the terrible pulses of electricity, he heard her ask, "How...did we... get into this situation, what's happened to us?"

Still for a moment, he then laughed telling her, "You'll never believe it! It's crazy...!" Then as he flinched himself, he knew this was no time for joking. So he told her, "But... this is everything...that's happened to us!" With that he made his explanations, as to how they were both in this horrible situation and more of their past.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Here we come!"

As Nozomi ran on with Donald, the duck mage aimed his staff and quickly he cried out, "Firaga!"

KABOOM!

With that he set light to a a huge group of Heartless! Sending them flying left and right! As he did, he grinned saying, "That's how ya do it!" But-!

"That's not how you do it!"

Hearing this angry cry, it was then both he and Nozomi turned. There they saw on a parallel path to them. It was none other than one of the people who'd made the battlefield ready for them. Irma, who looked utterly irritated as she told Donald off, blasting some more Heartless out of the way herself, "Don't cast fire recklessly! You'll ruin my paths!"

"Huh?" Nozomi didn't get it. But then looking ahead, she saw what Irma meant as-!

Melt...

The path ahead of them was completely ruined, and was now unpassable. Seeing this, feeling awkward, she then uttered, "Oh, oops."

Donald though cried back to her, "Well ya should have cast something better than ice! It's just-!"

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

Hearing this terrible roar, both Keyblader and mage saw then-!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

More Heartless emerge and they were ready to rip them all to pieces! Seeing this, Nozomi and Donald quickly got themselves ready, when-!

"More pests to get rid of, huh!?"

It was then they both turned and saw, "Alania!" Nozomi cried out happily.

The tanned Summoner nodded pleased, but before she could say more, "Hey! Don't be forgettin' us!"
It was then Ori and in turn Saria appeared from behind her too. As they did, the pink haired archer told them mad, "We're a part of the reason you guys can even fight more easily now!"

As she heard this, Nozomi smiled and then called back, "Oh right sorry!" Then with a wave, she added, "It's great to see you guys!"

With a nod, Saria told her, "Thanks, it's great to see you too, Nozomi!"

"Hello!" Stopping this pleasantry in its tracks, Ori then told them both, "This is no time for greetings!" With that looking back he got his bow ready and added, "We've got Heartless to get rid of!"

"Hey! Be nicer will ya!" Alania told him mad, then she added, "Otherwise I'll have Leviathan swing you off!"

Rolling his eyes, Ori looked to his partner and simply said, "Please would you?"

Laughing, Saria then said, "Okay!" With that she readied her bow and sung,

"Come and flee, come and flee! Water dance and be free!"

With that in seconds, Saria's water came flooding out, and quickly it struck a good number back of the monsters!

Seeing this happen, Ori was pleased and said, "That's what I'm talking about!" With that he brought forth his own bow, and aiming it, he unleashed his strikes!

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

Then as a huge batch of glowing arrows destroyed the monsters too, it was then Saria's water hit the paths. Then quickly her Silent Maid Dusks came forth and Ori's Agile Archers, and quickly altogether they eliminated big numbers of the monsters of darkness too!

Seeing the path that was being cleared for them, Nozomi cried out, "Thanks guys!"

Saria nodded happily to her in reply, as she continued to sing!

Then as she did, Alania cried out, "Hey, Irma fix the path will ya!"

"Don't tell me what to do! They busted it all in the first place so-!"

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Quickly stopping Irma's complaints, loud shots rang out that quickly blasted the Heartless that had tried to get at the distracted sorceress! Shocked, seeing this, it was then she heard-!

"You shouldn't find yourself distracted, otherwise you won't see what will come to rob you of the spotlight!"

The red-haired sorceress then saw that the one who'd come to her aid, it was none other than the pistol wielding pirate, Balthier. As he kept his sights aimed ahead, it was then his partner came from behind him and added, "Indeed, we need all hands at the ready to face this monstrous calamity."

Blinking as she heard this, Irma though simply muttered, "Showoffs!" Then looking ahead, she got her hands ready and-!

SHINE!

With that she resurrected the icy paths for Donald and Nozomi, as they quickly ran across them. She added, "I get no respect! Not even-!"

"Thanks Irma!"

Surprised, the red-haired sorceress saw Nozomi signal to her with a thumbs up. Seeing this silent thanks, she couldn't believe it! But then revealing a smile, she said, "Alright, I stand corrected!" With that she ran on ahead herself, with Balthier and Fran making their own way across their own path, they all aided the heroes from the back, so they may survive Xehanort's wrath!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Blizzaga!"

SHINE!

Releasing his spell, Sora saw his power strike into the Griffin! As it did, he saw to his relief that it was stopping the creature from getting fully back onto it's feet, as the floor beneath it became terribly slippery! He was pleased, then-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

He saw the orange pod was incurring damage, smiling he realised, "Timbre, he's doing it! He's saving Jona!" However-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

The horrible blasts of black lightning weren't leaving him be! He stung all over, and as he flinched. He was finding it difficult to keep one hand on the pod, and the other out to cast spells. But he had to do this, otherwise-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

He heard the monster move again! As it did, he grimaced and saw to his terror-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

It moved more of it's thorns, and quickly they stabbed themselves into the floor around it! As this occurred, he saw that the creature was using them as fixing lines to rebalance itself against the ice he'd cast! He couldn't let it continue doing this! So he told it, "I'm not gonna let you cheat your way out of this!" With those words, he aimed and-!

"Aeroga!"

WHISH! WHISH! WHISH! WHISH! WHISH!

He unleashed the power of the wind, it would have been easier to cast fire. But he couldn't melt his ice, but the wind would help. But even then, it wasn't enough to completely stop all the penetrating thorns. But he couldn't give up, he had to keep up the offensive, otherwise it would all be over!

As he kept up his barrage of spells, he whispered to himself, "Timbre...hurry up! I don't know...how long I can keep this up for!" Because sadly again-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AGH!"

The black lightning inflicted more damage onto him! Causing more terrible pain against the desperate Keyblader, as it tried to stop him, in his desperate attempts to rescue the First Fragment!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Listening to all the information her younger sibling told her. Jona was quiet, then she asked, "So that man, Xehanort... he Unlocked you?"
Timbre nodded simply and sadly to her question.

"And he's using us...to create the ultimate Keyblade, so he can destroy everything?" Jona continued.

"Yeah that pretty much sums it up," Timbre told her.

Sighing as she continued protecting her younger sibling, Jona then told him, "You were right, this is insane..." Then sadly she added, "And now look what I...got you caught up in," Her hands gripped tightly around Timbre, as she said pained, "I couldn't even protect you...when you needed me...I'm just-!"
It was then that Timbre saw his older sibling release tears of pain and regret. As she did, he uttered shocked, "Sis!"
"I'm the worst! I can't do anything! Even with all this power... I've only made things worse for you, and...!" Then pursing her lips, she added, "And our crew, they're in the worst danger...because of me! I can't protect any of my family at all... I'm supposed to be able to do anything with this power, I-!"

"Sis, stop it!" Angry Timbre got out from under her!

"Huh?" The orange haired Sphynx didn't understand him, what was he doing? When-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Agh!"

She saw to her horror, her little brother being struck by the lightning! As he was, she cried out, "Timbre!" Then-!

HUG!

He grabbed her and held her tightly, now being the one shielding her from the terrible blows of electricity! As he did, he heard her cry out distraught, "Timbre don't!" But he didn't stop, instead he continued to hold her, as the terrible lightning continued to pulse around them!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"HHHAAA!"

SLICE!

Cutting in half another Heartless that was in their way, Nozomi said determined, "There!" Then looking up, she saw with a smile, "We're almost there, we've nearly reached Xehanort!"

"Yeah! We're keeping a good pace!" Donald cried out happily, but before they could say anything else-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

"AGH!"

Suddenly the remaining centre jewel upon Xehanort's chest cracked badly with damage all over it! It was near to its breaking point, smiling with delight, Nozomi realised, "Jona! Jona's being saved now!"

Pleased, Donald then cried out, "Great!" However as he said this-!

VOOM!

In seconds, a larger wolf Heartless emerged! As it did, and it towered over them, gazing down with it's hateful yellow eyes. Both Keyblader and duck mage were shocked, and then they heard the Master of Darkness tell them,

"Get them!"

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The wolf Heartless moved its claws and-!

SLASH!

They both managed to dodge the first blow but-!

THRASH!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

Both of them were thrown back from another powerful impact it made as it swung around with its long strong tail! As they slipped back down the icy path, Nozomi achingly got up, when-!

GGGRRR!

The monster had its claws raised right over them, ready to strike them both down! They wouldn't be able to get out of the way in time! It was-!

SLASH!

The wolf unleashed it's blow against them! Nozomi tried to get ready to defend with her Keyblade when-!

"STOP IT!"

CLASH!

Amazed, both Nozomi and then Donald saw the one that had come to aid them was none other than, "Noel!?"

As they cried out his name, the brunette Hunter turned back and told them, holding his blades out and ready, "C'mon! Hurry up, we need to take this thing down!" With that looking ahead, he added, "We have people we need to save!"

With that he threw forth one of the paradigm crystals he had and-!

GLOW!

A new monsters appeared, it was a strange blue creature with a ring like body and with something that looked like headphones on it's buggy eyed head. It pushed against the Heartless with it's big orb throwing arms, as it drove forwards with the wheels upon its feet.

Seeing him persevere for those trapped in Xehanort with his monster, Nozomi nodded to him, and replied, "Okay!" Then looking to Donald, she asked, "You think you can help me take out this big bad wolf?"
As he got up, the duck mage nodded and replied, "You bet!" Then with that the two of them moved together and quickly cried out a new unified attack!

"Exploding Star Cataract!"

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

In seconds, Nozomi and Donald released a huge wave of showering stars that on impact exploded against the monstrous creature! As this happened, it was clear the creature couldn't keep up! But-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

Again it moved and-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

It released pulses of darkness to take them out! They were all shocked when-!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

More shots rained out! These quickly cancelled the blasts from the Heartless and instead struck it instead! Amazed, the heroes turned back and saw again, "Balthier! Fran!"

To which the gentleman pirate bowed and told them, "Always a pleasure!" Then taking aim with his pistol, he added, "Now let's end this savage beast! We need to reclaim the rest of our precious cast!"

"Indeed!" Fran agreed, with that they released more of their powerful blows against the Heartless!

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Pleased, it was then Nozomi nodded to Donald. Who did the same to her, and with that they continued their battle, aiding Noel on his monster to take down the Heartless so they could finally make it to Xehanort!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Timbre...let go of me! Please stop!"

Hearing the pleas of his older sister, Timbre told her, "I won't, I can't!" Then as he flinched against the thunderous pain, he told her, "Not until...you understand!"

Baffled Jona asked, "Understand?"

"Yeah... that you alone, can't protect everyone...all the time!" Tensing his hands around her, he added, "No matter...how much power you have!" Then he added looking down to her, "Do you really think... you as one person... could protect everyone...all by yourself" Then flinching again, he finished asking, "Just because... you have crazy amounts...of strength!?"

Shivering as she heard him say this, Jona protested, "But, that's my job... I'm supposed to do that...as your older sister! It's my job...to make sure nothing comes to take you!" Then gripping her claws, feeling pain from the promise she'd failed to keep, she continued, "To thwart it... in whatever way I can! Mom and Pop...wanted me to! I-!"

"Don't be stupid!" Timbre told her mad. Then as he ached, he told her, "It was never...your job alone...to look after me!"

"Huh?" Jona was puzzled.

Timbre asked her, "Don't you understand...what family means!?" Then as her golden eyes met his heterochromia ones, he told her, "It means we look out for each other... we each become...one another's strength... so we can do things together!" Then flinching again, he told her, "That's what...true strength means!"

Surprised, Jona uttered, "Timbre...!"

"That's what...I always wanted you to do!" Then feeling another terrible blast strike he gasped, "Urgh!" However he persevered and said, "I wanted you...to believe in us... to believe in me!" He told her, then his eyes became teary eyed. As they did, he added with a painful smile, "Because...I wanna look after...you too, Balthier and everyone else... they all feel...that way!" Then thinking of their smiling faces in his mind, he continued, "We wanted...you to rely on us more...to not do...crazy underhanded things...anymore!"

"Timbre...!" Jona was in clear disbelief, as tears came to line her own golden eyes. She couldn't help but say though, "But I-!"

"Now let's end this savage beast! We need to reclaim the rest of our precious cast!"

"Indeed!"

Hearing these voices, they both recognised them! Jona echoed, "Balthier! Fran! They've...both come to-!"

"Yeah! Everyone's come...not just for me, but you too!" Then smiling brightly despite his pain and tears, he asked her, "Do you...get it now?" With that increasing his hold on her, he added, "Do you understand...how much they love us...and how strong...we all are truly together?"

Jona's eyes were wet with tears, then closing them, she quickly moved and-!

HUG!

She held him tightly too on the same level as him! As she held him, Timbre couldn't see her face, but he heard the remorse in her voice, as she told him, "I'm sorry...! For everything, I-!"

As she struggled to talk, he laughed and told her, "Awww! Look at you...blubbering! I can't even...remember the last time...you cried...in front of me!" Then as he smiled, enjoying her familiar warmth, he added, "Can I take it...that this is...your first step forwards?"

"Shut up!" She told him with irritation! Then as her hands tensed, he heard her say, "Don't get...arrogant with me! When all this time...I've...!"

"I'm just copying...your attitude!" He told her, then moving back to look her in the eye, he told her smiling as tears continued to stain her cheeks, "Ya see? That cockiness...is a real pain, huh?"

Jona was quiet, but then after a few moments a pained smile came to her own face. Then she moved and playfully, she poked him in the head saying, "Smart...alec!"

Timbre laughed at this, then looking at her, he said, "It's good...to have you back sis!" Then stroking her cheek, he added, "I love you!"

He heard her make a hard gulp, then looking down, it was clear she was embarrassed, as she told him, "...Show off!"

Timbre only laughed again, then-!

"AGH!"

Hearing this cry of pain, they both turned and saw a glowing silhouette struggling against the side of the orange pod!

Seeing him, Timbre cried out, "Sora!?"

Puzzled, Jona asked, "Sora?" Then quickly she remembered, "Wait? That...guy who was against Maleficent...before, he's come to-?"

"To save you, like me!" Timbre told her. Then he added, "But he's in trouble! He... needs our help! You...in particular right now!"

Surprised Jona repeated, "He needs...my help?"

Nodding, Timbre told her, "Yeah! You're the only...one who can now, sis!" Then smiling he asked, "You can do that...for the guy that...saved your little brother, can't you?"

Jona became quiet, however after another moment she smiled at Timbre herself and said, "Well of course...how couldn't I?" With that stroking his head, she added, "After all, it's my...job as the older sister...to look after, sweet little honey's like you!"

"Urgh..." Feeling her ruffle his hair, he said, "Well I know you're back...for real now!" Then looking in Sora's direction, and once more back to her, he said taking a hold of her hand, "What do you say? Let's...get out of here, and put...that creep Xehanort in his place!"

Grinning Jona then told him, "Yeah, let's do it!" With that she gripped his hand tightly in return and-!

SHINE!

A bright healing light shone forth, that finally would grant liberty to the Vessel of the First Fragment, and let the siblings fight as one, once more!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

This was is it, Sora had reached his limit! He didn't have anymore strength to call upon any magic, he was exhausted from holding onto the pod too. He couldn't-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

With the use of it's terrible thorns, the horrible Griffin, had re-balanced itself. It now stood upon it's legs once more, and stared at the Keyblader hatefully!

All Sora could do was gasp, breathlessly as he looked at the monster! He couldn't move from that spot, for if he had any hope in rescuing the Vessel inside the orange pod. He had to-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

It was then the chosen Keyblader, saw the monster unfurl it's petalled wings! As it did, it beat them hard, and quickly he saw with alarm that it was taking off into the air! Annoyed he protested, "Of all times... you wanna fly now!?"

The monster didn't answer him, instead it climbed up higher into the air! Then as it did-!

ROLL! ROLL! ROLL! ROLL! ROLL!

It rolled itself up into a huge ball of leaves! Becoming confused, Sora couldn't understand, what it was doing!? Why was this monster-!

CHARGE! CHARGE! CHARGE! CHARGE! CHARGE!

Looking on, he then saw it charging up with fierce power all over it's body! In horror, he realised what it wanted to do! It was gonna hit him with everything it had! He had to evade! But he couldn't otherwise-!

SHINE!

"Agh!" A new light came that nearly blinded Sora, however as he turned back to look inside the now warmly illuminated pod, he saw the dark tendrils that had wrapped around Jona's helpless form, were all quickly wiped out!

In turn the black lightning around him also was cleared away, freeing him from it's agonising blasts! As it faded away along with the tendrils that turned into dark specks, he then witnessed a gentle purple light wrapping around Jona's form, seeing it. He knew it was Timbre, who quickly and gently returned the shining orange Fragment back to his sister's chest! Mesmerised by this sight, Sora then heard-!

"Agh!"

A breath of life escape from the female Sphynx! She stood upon her legs and looked at herself puzzled and breathless. The sight was unbelievable to him, and forgetting his terror and pain, he uttered, "Wow...!"

Then quickly he saw the purple light inside of the pod, return in his direction! As it did, it was human shaped, and quickly it placed it's sharp looking hands against his own that were on the glass, immediately he felt something warm enter him and-!

"Man, that was a trip!"

Gasping as he heard him, Sora cried out, "Timbre you're back!"

"Yeah! Did you miss me?"

The Keyblader simply laughed, glad to feel his warmth again when-!

"Why hello there!"

He looked up, and there he saw that there looking at him, with her golden eyes and warm smile, upon her legs again with her tail swinging back and forth behind. It was none other than, "Jona?"

"That's me!" The orange haired Sphynx said, then as she looked at him, up and down, Sora heard her say, "You're pretty cute, for a shorty!"

"Hey! I'm not short!" He protested.

Jona only laughed, then she asked, "So my little bro told me, you need my help, huh?"

Then remembering the situation they were in, he cried out, "Yeah I do! In fact right now!" For it was then-!

BLAZE!

The monster above them, had nearly finished it's terrible charging! It was going to unleash it's power on them any moment!

Seeing this, Sora felt himself sweat and heard Timbre say,

"Oh man! This doesn't look good!"

Jona though simply uttered unimpressed, "Ugly buzzard!" Then as she looked back to Sora, she told him, "Well, if he's been hurting you and my little brother, then I'm gonna pluck all his feather's out!" Then as the Keyblader looked to her himself, he heard her say, "Because nobody hurts my friends or family!"

Surprised she said that so strongly, Sora then quickly smiled and replied, "Glad to hear you think of me that way!"
Jona simply smiled in response, then-!

CRACK! CRACK!

Sora saw with amazement the pod underneath his fingers was breaking! As it was, he asked, "This is-!"

SMASH!

"Agh!"

"Whoa!"

Quickly then, the one thing they needed the most was revealed, a Keyhole!

Jona was surprised and asked, "That's-?"

"Your exit!" Sora told her, with that jumping back-!

FLASH!

He called his Keyblade out, and told her, "You ready to be with your brother in my heart?"

Jona was quiet as she heard this. Then she laughed and asked, "Is that your idea of a proposal?"

"Ugh!" Taken aback as he realised what he just said, Sora cried out, "No! No it doesn't mean that! I just-!"
"I know, I'm just joking!" Jona told him, but she couldn't help but add, looking at him warmly, "You're even cuter when you get flustered!"

The Keyblader felt embarrassed hearing this, but inside he heard Timbre sigh and tell him,

"Sora, just let her out already!"

"Oh, right, yeah! I will hang on!" With that the spiky haired boy aimed and quickly-!

SHINE!

The light of Unlocking was released from his Keyblade, making it enter the Keyhole and then-!

SMASH!

The orange pod that held the First Fragment, was smashed to pieces, and finally the exotic female Sphynx was freed, and as she was absorbed into the orange treasure it raced forwards, entering the domains of Sora's heart!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Xehanort was focusing all the forces he could summon, with the assistance of the Ouroboros Heartless, he could summon endlessly. Giving them increased power and strength!

However despite all this, the heroes of the light were evading him so easily upon the paths of ice! It was absolutely frustrating! It was then though, that he felt his artillery and Keyblade had fully charged up!

GLOW! GLOW!

"Finally!"

With this done, he got his powerful technique ready! Aiming with his cannon, he declared his attack,

"Dark Invincible Ultima Cannon!"

SHINE!

In seconds, all the heroes who had been racing upon the ice. All stopped in their tracks! They were clearly all terrified! Smiling as he saw this, he then declared,

"You're all finished!"

With that he went to release the blow, when-!

CRACK! CRACK!

Shocked feeling more damage be incurred on him, he looked down and saw the orange jewel upon his body had reached it's limit! His eyes widening, he saw more of the splintering damage it had received, he uttered,

"No!"

SMASH!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

The the last centre jewel on his body, smashed into pieces, then as this happened-!

VOOM...

The central light within his cannon, died with it! Shaken as he saw this, he realised it. He'd lost more power! He was going to-!

Shaking his head agitated, he wouldn't let himself finish this thought! Looking at the heroes who'd started to celebrate again loudly, he thought them foolish, for he still had strength left! So gripping his weapons, he shouted loudly,

"YOU WILL ALL FALL!"

BLAST! BLAST!

Then his glass artillery fired their power, so he may wipe them out and their pathetic paths of ice!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The Griffin had reached it's peak! Then finally unfurling itself, it opened wide its beak jaws and-!

BLAST!

It unleashed a giant ball of burning energy, straight at the Keyblader to vaporize him out of existence!

GLOW!

Sora though revealed a shine of orange light all around him! It healed him quickly, then turning to look up, he saw the power that was coming! As he did, he said gripping his Keyblade with determination, "Let's get him guys!"

"Yes let's!"

Then hearing Jona's voice, he smiled and quickly-!

SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN! SPIN!

Immediately the fiery attack struck straight into his Keyblade! However, with the propelling speed he was spinning it at, the fiery blow couldn't touch him! His physical strength was increased so dramatically by the First Fragment, that this was practically now child's play!

"Wow!" Sora couldn't believe it, excited he cried out, "You're so powerful, Jona!"

"Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh, you flatterer!"

Sora just grinned, feeling warmth in his heart as Jona's joy grew.

"Alright my turn! Let's roast this bird!"

"Right on!" He agreed, hearing Timbre's voice! With that concentrating, his body glowed all over with purple power too and-!

SHINE!

He caught the giant fireball with the power of the Levitator, then moving back holding his Keyblade with both hands, he cried out, "Take this!"

SMASH!

Then he unleashed his power, smashing straight into the fireball with his Keyblade, like it was a baseball! In seconds it flew straight in the monster's direction and-!

KABOOM!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

The monster shrieked in agony! Then seeing it fall in the air, Sora saw his chance, "Okay! Let's go guys!"

"Right!"

Hearing them both cry this out together in unison, Sora's body glowed all over with their combined power! Then quickly he flew straight into the air, making it up and fast, he landed on the beast's exposed chest again! Getting ready, he cried out, "Wingblades!"

SHINE!

Again the six blades of light around him returned! As they did, he aimed quickly, when-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The core once again, was doing it's best to protect itself!

However Sora said with confidence, "Not this time!" With that he moved with all six of the swords and-!

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

He cut them all to ribbons with the aid of the swords! Then with the core exposed, he cried out, "You're finished!" With that he swung down with the Keyblade, impacting the core with all his strength, then-!

SHINE!

With the needed boost of the First Fragment, it crushed the glass casing of the core, until finally-!

SMASH!

At last it was smashed to pieces and with it-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

For as it finally released it's last death cry. It was at that moment, the monster ceased to exist, turning into dark embers that faded away into nothingness.

Seeing this, as they descended in the air, Sora cried out, "You see that guys! We did it!"

"That was awesome! Way to go, Sora!"

The spiky haired Keyblader smiled happily at this, then he heard,

"Yeah! That totally deserves applause!"

"Thanks Jona!" He told the female Sphynx, then as he came to the floor. Suddenly a memory began to reply within his mind...!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"HHHAAA!"

SMASH!

Destroying the practise dummy before her, Jona glowing then with orange light, wiped away a bead of sweat. When-!

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

She turned surprised and saw standing there, it was none other than, "Boss?"
It was her captain, Balthier who told her walking forwards, "That was an excellent display of power!" Then finally standing before her, he continued on to say, "You certainly put your all into your performances, don't you?"

Laughing, Jona told him, "Well I try!" Then looking behind them, she saw in the distance, her little brother, a young kitten. Playing with his new favourite best friend, Zidane, who were both being watched over by the careful eye of the serious, yet graceful Fran.

Seeing him play so carefree, the sister smiled and said, "Afterall I have to do my best... since Mom and Pop aren't around anymore, I'm all that's there to protect him."

To which, Balthier looked surprised, and asked her, "You don't consider us a good enough support cast him to do so?"
Jona looked uneasy, then looking away from him. She sighed and said after a moment, "...You helped in rescuing us, which I'm eternally grateful for, but." Then she struggled as she tried to find the best words to describe her feelings.

Balthier, watching her then asked, "Does this relate back to your parents?"
After a moment, Jona nodded and then admitted, "Yeah, Mom and Pop, they put their trust in the wrong people, they weren't bad, but... they didn't have the strength to protect us, and..." looking pained she finished saying, "The stronger ones then, they took their lives along with the group that helped us."

Sighing, Balthier replied, "I see..." then walking past her, he continued on to ask, "And you don't see I, and Fran the stronger, for rescuing you both from those same heathens?"

Jona then told him, "You are... for now." To which, Balthier looked back to her. He still remained quiet. As he did, Jona continued on to say, "But there's no guarantee that it will remain that way, I have to make sure it does."
"By doing what?" Balthier asked her.

Jona then clenched her right fist tightly and told him, "Whatever is necessary!"

Balthier looked at her with truly serious eyes as she admitted this. Then asked her, "You're dead set on this endeavour aren't you?"

"I have to be," Jona told him. Then looking up to the stars that shone above their ship, she continued on to say, "For afterall, it's survival of the fittest... which makes reality terribly cruel." For thinking of the worlds and all the people that must be struggling, she looked back again to Balthier and said, "But I'll fight against that cruelty, and make sure, that what I cherish, isn't lost again."

"No matter the cost?" Balthier asked her.

"Yeah!" Jona told him strongly, though she admitted, "But, I'm sure along the way I'll hurt people... and you guys maybe, but I'll always be trying for you all," With that looking back to Balthier, she told him sincerely, "Because I never wanna lose any of my family again."

…

Jona looked down then as the silence filled the air, she didn't know how her captain would react? She was expecting him to call her foolish, even naïve, but still she-!

Stroke...

Shocked she looked back up to him, and saw that he was stroking her head! Her eyes widening, she didn't understand him, why would he-?

Then she heard him sigh, as he removed his hand from her head. As he did this, he told her, walking past her puzzled form, "Well if that's what your set on, I can't do that much to change it at this moment."

Jona stared at him, then as she did, she saw that he was heading in her brother's, Zidane's, and Fran's direction. As he was, she heard him then say, "However, I will just have to make sure, that I and Fran, along with our younger support, become stronger ourselves..." then with that he turned to look at her again and added with a smile, "Then maybe you'll change your mind?"
"Boss?" Jona was surprised to hear this.

Then her captain walking forwards again, finished telling her, "For after all, it is only with all the cast working together, that we truly make a beautiful performance upon the stage of life."

Jona hearing these eloquent words was quiet, however she revealed a small smile and told him, "Yeah, maybe?"
To which she heard her captain chuckle, then with that he walked further on ahead to join the rest of her family. With that she went to join him too, however looking to her right clawed hand, that glowed again with that same mysterious orange light, she couldn't help but admit sadly to herself, "Though, I doubt anyone will ever be stronger than this weird power I have..." However dismissing those thoughts for the moment, she went to enjoy the warmth that she and her little brother had finally found for themselves again...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Landing on the floor again, feeling the troubled pain of that memory. Sora asked her, "So? You were never able to fully believe in anyone, because of this strength you have, could you, Jona?"

"I guess not... because someone would always come after us, for either the fact I and Timbre were Sphynxes, or for this mysterious power we both have."

"I see," he told her. Then quiet for a few moments, he told her, "Well, I don't know if what I say will make much difference, but you know it now right?" With that gripping his hand against his chest, he told her, "How strong Timbre and I are with you in my heart, we have true strength when we come together!" Then looking above, seeing the memories the two of them with Balthier and their band of pirates, "It's the same for your family, you were all truly strong, because of the bonds of love you grew together... that's where I believe is the true source of your strength."

"What're you trying to get at?"

"That you shouldn't live in the shadow of your Fragment Jona, or the fact you're both Spynxes, to be obsessed with who's stronger or not..." Then putting both of his hands over his heart, he added closing his eyes, hoping his warmth would reach her, "Because it doesn't matter who comes to try and take either of you away, as long as you have the bonds you made, we'll always come to get you back! No matter what, I promise, we'll make sure you'll never have to live in that kind of fear again!"

"Sora..."

Hearing the echo of awe in Timbre's voice, he was quiet. Then looking down he asked opening his eyes, "Jona, do you get it now, what we've all been trying to say to you?"

"Yeah...I, no, me and Timbre, we're never alone are we?"

"Yeah that's right!" Sora smiled, hearing the surprised sad tone she spoke with.

"You really are too much! All of you... you're all too sweet, I-!"

Sora could hear it, she was crying inside of him and he only smiled more. Then he heard Timbre tell her,

"C'mon sis, cheer up! Ya see, it's like I always told you! We've always been stronger together!"

The Keyblader nodded, then he heard Jona say with warm joy now in her voice,

"Yeah! You're right!"

Sora then laughed again, and quickly-!

SHINE!

"Whoa!"

Quickly his Keyblade began to morph and change! As it did, it became similar to Riku's one! However this one shone with colours, of red, purple, orange and yellow! To look at it, was to spell the very word majesty!

Surprised, he asked, "This is-!"

"Yeah!"

Surprised he then heard the voice of the guy who looked like Roxas, he listened then and heard him say,

"You've formed your own Alliance Blade! Through the powers of connection you've made with all of us, you really are incredible, Sora!"

Quiet for a moment, the young boy then smiled and said, "Thanks!" Then holding his new weapon above him, he spoke his name that he knew instinctively, "Alliance Blade: Lionization!" With that it shone with light, showing it was ready to assist the Chosen Keyblader and his friends!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BLAST! BLAST!

Seeing the attacks that were coming, Nozomi cried out, "This is not good!" Then quickly she moved crying out, "Noel! Donald! We gotta go!" With that she moved and-!

GRAB! GRAB!

"Hey!"

"Whoa!"

Quickly she grabbed them both, then quickly Noel's monster disappeared too and they were launched straight out of the way of the dark attack, as she climbed up more orbs! However looking behind herself, she cried out, "Balthier! Fran! Get out of the way!"
The pirate nodded, then quickly he and Fran went to move when-!

"RRROOOAAARRR!"

More of the horrible Heartless emerged and-!

SMASH!

"Agh!" Quickly they destroyed the path, they could have taken to get away! Irritated, Fran moved her bow and-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

She quickly fired into them, making them part away! However, looking behind it was clear they weren't going to have enough time to get away!

Balthier himself couldn't help but feel nervous and say, "This doesn't look good!" Then-!

"Everyone!"

Suddenly a voice from on high spoke, they all looked and saw it was Hanahime! As the long blonde haired girl stood upon Ruby's big form, she dug her hand into her brown satchel bag, and quickly-!

SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE!

SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE! SPARKLE!

A huge cloud of golden Pixie Dust floated down everywhere, as it did she cried out, "Here! All of you fly out of the way right now!"

Baffled, Balthier asked, "Fly?"

"There's no time!" Then quickly-!

"Hey!"

Fran dragged him out of the way of the oncoming attack and immediately all the heroes there, who hadn't been able to fly before got swiftly out of the way! As they all did-!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

All the paths of ice that had been created were destroyed! Then immediately the Heartless on them fell into the depths below, becoming a part of the abysmal sea of terrible reaching limbs!

As this occurred, they were shaken up! Balthier, holding onto his partner, then told her, "Well that was a spectacular finish!"

"But now the next act is beginning!" Then hearing her say this, Balthier looked up to Fran, he saw her smile down to him and then ask, "Am I right?"

Balthier after a moment, then smiled himself amused, then flying next to his dear partner said, "Indeed! For it is I, the true leading man that will end this production with an elegant bang!"

Standing upon an orb that was nearby, Nozomi was grateful that everyone was alright. But looking back to Xehanort, she saw then there were only two jewels left, Reeve's and Wairu's! She prayed that Sora and the rest could get them out soon, otherwise-!

"AAARRRGGGGHHHH!"

It was then they head an angry roar erupt from Xehanort! As they did, it was then they saw the monstrous man move and again-!

SHINE!

His form changed colours, now he shone with black and yellow in his armour, with lines of dark blue. He still looked as treacherous as ever, like a horrible devil, but then they heard-!

"HHHAAA!" "HHHAAA!" "HHHAAA!" "HHHAAA!"

He was gasping loudly, seeing this Donald asked, "He's...breathless?"

"Why though?" Nozomi asked puzzled.

"Cause he's lost the power of the First Fragment!"

It was then they saw flying up to meet them, it was none other than, "King Mickey, everyone!"

Nodding at Nozomi's call brightly, the Mouse King explained, "Without that one, he hasn't got as much physical strength, which means he strugglin' to keep that form!"

Surprised Nozomi asked, "Really?"

"Makes sense!" Noel replied, for then he told her, "For the bigger you are, the more strain it is against the strain of gravity! And I guess he can barely cope with just the two Fragments he's got left!"

"That makes sense?" Nozomi replied as she thought about it, then looking at all their allies she added, "And he can't shrink down, otherwise he'll have no chance against us all, so-!

SMASH! SMASH!

Suddenly the sound of breakage erupted out everywhere again! As it did, they all looked up, and saw quickly, the artillery he used were destroyed and they re-formed themselves yet again!
This time they became long and snake like, forming long glass chains that on their ends had sharp spear like heads! Seeing them with alarm, Nozomi asked, "What're those!?"

"Chain whips!" The King cried out. Then quickly he saw the monstrous man move them and-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

They darted here there and everywhere, in hideous zig-zagged lines! Trying to stab into each and all the heroes who were flying in the air!

Seeing this, Donald cried out, "This is isn't good!"

Knowing there was no choice, the King told them, "Fella's get on Ruby here!"

Hearing this call, there was no hesitation! Then quickly all three were on the robin's back, seeing them join with his princess, he heard her say, "Ruby please go as fast as you can!"

"You got it!" He told her, with that he flapped with all his might, as-!

SWOOSH!

One of the terrible snake like chains came to chase after them! Seeing it, Nozomi realised, that though Xehanort was getting weaker, his rage was only getting stronger! And if they weren't careful, he would massacre them, with all he had left, using the darkness and the poor remaining captive Vessels who were still in his clutches...