5:30 AM
12 hours remain.
Blizzard and William followed Naked Snake cautiously through the jungle, doing their best to avoid the corrupted enemy soldiers with glowing yellow eyes. As they reached a nearby building close to a factory, Naked Snake prepared to infiltrate it. However, he was suddenly blinded by a bright light emanating from a motorcycle. A woman with a motorcycle helmet emerged.
Naked Snake cautiously entered the building, his senses heightened as he scanned the surroundings for any potential threats. As he stepped farther into the dimly lit space, a blinding light suddenly engulfed him, causing him to shield his eyes. Emerging from the brightness was a woman wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Naked Snake slightly took aback, commented.
Naked Snake: I thought you were supposed to be a man.
The woman's voice echoed from beneath the helmet as she replied.
?: Adam couldn't come.
Naked Snake's expression turned serious as he quickly responded.
Naked Snake: Alright, the password. Who are the patriots? (He paused, his eyes focused intently on the woman. After a few seconds, he continued.) La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo.
As soon as he spoke the final part of the password, a sudden shift occurred. The world around them began glitching and distorting, time appearing to accelerate. Blizzard, his Dream Eater, and William found themselves once again separated from Naked Snake, floating in the void of the loading screen dimension.
Blizzard, frustrated by the turn of events, spoke up, his voice filled with annoyance.
Blizzard: Not again! We're separated from Snake once more. This is getting ridiculous!
William, equally frustrated, chimed in.
William: And how are we supposed to accomplish our mission if we keep getting separated like this? It's like we're stuck in a never-ending loop.
Blizzard, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and concern, broke the silence.
Blizzard: It's strange how the events in this Locked World seem to be accelerating, as if the game is fast-forwarding to the most critical parts of Naked Snake's story. We have to be prepared for what comes next, even if we don't know what it entails.
William: We can't let our guard down. Our lives may depend on it.
The Dream Eater tilted its large rounded head in confusion, still unable to grasp the concept of a 'video game' or the intricacies of the world they were currently navigating. It let out a puzzled noise, expressing its perplexity to its companions.
Blizzard glanced at the Dream Eater with a hint of sympathy.
Blizzard: I know Buddy. It's all so surreal. Just remember, we need to stick together and support each other. We've come this far, and we won't back down now.
As Blizzard, William, and the Dream Eater floated in the void of lines of code, the background began to accelerate, and they found themselves abruptly in the middle of the jungle during the daytime. However, they also felt the sensation of falling, descending into a long cave. As they landed, the darkness enveloped them, leaving them blind and relying solely on their sense of hearing. Their senses heightened to the sound of Naked Snake's voice. He expressed surprise at their sudden appearance in the cave.
Blizzard, William, and the Dream Eater found themselves in a disorienting freefall, descending rapidly towards a seemingly endless cave. In the distance, they could hear the voice of Naked Snake, who seemed equally bewildered by their sudden appearance in the cave.
Blizzard, his voice filled with confusion, called out to Naked Snake.
Blizzard: Is that you Snake? Why are we in this cave? I can't see a thing.
Naked Snake's voice echoed through the darkness, tinged with frustration.
Naked Snake: Where have you guys been?! Anyway. I was confronted by Ocelot once again, and suddenly, thousands of bees appeared out of nowhere. They attacked everyone, including Ocelot's soldiers and myself. In the chaos, I had no choice but to leap into this cave to escape their onslaught. But now, I find myself in complete darkness.
Blizzard strained his ears, trying to make sense of their surroundings.
Blizzard: Do you have any idea where this cave leads?
Naked Snake's response held a hint of uncertainty.
Naked Snake: I'm not sure. It's disorienting, and I can't see a way out. We need to stay alert and find a way to navigate through this darkness. Our lives may depend on it.
The Dream Eater emitted a low, concerned growl, sensing the tension in the air. It huddled closer to Blizzard, seeking reassurance amidst the unfamiliar environment.
Blizzard, recognizing the need for light in the dark cave, raised his Keyblade and summoned a radiant ball of light, illuminating their surroundings. Naked Snake, taken aback by this display of magic, couldn't help but express his surprise.
Naked Snake: What... What just happened? (Naked Snake stammered, his voice laced with astonishment.)
Blizzard offered a reassuring smile.
Blizzard: It's a long story, Snake. But let's just say that we possess abilities that allow us to tap into the power of magic. With it, we can bend and manipulate the elements around us.
Naked Snake shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around the concept.
Naked Snake: Magic... It's hard to believe. But given everything we've encountered so far, I suppose anything is possible.
Blizzard motioned for them to continue walking, the ball of light guiding their path through the winding cave.
Blizzard: We'll fill you in on the details when we have more time. For now, let's focus on finding a way out of here.
6:00 AM
12 hours remain.
As the group explored the depths of the cave for 30 minutes, they finally emerged into a larger area of the cave, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight, they were abruptly confronted by a swarm of thousands of bees. The buzzing intensified as the bees merged together, forming a figure within their midst. It was a man in a suit, an eccentric aura surrounding him.
The Pain: I finally caught you at last! We are the sons of The Boss! I AM THE PAIN! (He proclaimed, punctuating his words with flamboyant dance moves and acrobatics.)
Blizzard, William, and Naked Snake exchanged glances, struggling to contain their amusement at the spectacle before them. The Pain's theatrics seemed almost comical, causing them to question the seriousness of the situation.
William raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with skepticism.
William: You're The Pain? You don't strike me as much of a threat with all the dancing and flipping. Are you here to guide us or entertain us?
The Dream Eater let out a low growl, sensing the lack of genuine menace from their adversary. Blizzard couldn't help but chuckle under his breath, finding it difficult to take The Pain seriously.
The Pain, momentarily taken aback by their lack of fear, straightened his posture, attempting to regain his composure.
The Pain: I will guide you to a world of agony beyond your imagination. (He declared, his voice wavering slightly.)
Blizzard exchanged a knowing glance with William and shrugged.
Blizzard: Well, if that's your idea of a guide, I think we'll pass. (He retorted, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.)
Blizzard's gaze hardened as he stepped forward, making a clear gesture for his allies to stand back. He had grown tired of the theatrics and was eager to confront The Pain head-on, wishing to not waste anymore time. The air crackled with tension as the two locked eyes.
The Pain, taken aback by the audacity of Blizzard's gesture, felt a surge of anger rising within him. He straightened his posture, his voice laced with a mix of annoyance and arrogance.
The Pain: You dare to challenge me alone? You will pay for your insolence!
Blizzard's voice was firm and unwavering as he addressed The Pain.
Blizzard: We didn't come here to dance or be entertained. If you think you can guide us to agony, then show us what you're truly capable of.
The Pain's eyes narrowed, his demeanor shifting from flamboyant to deadly serious.
The Pain: Very well. Prepare yourself for the agony that awaits! (He warned, his voice laced with a touch of genuine menace.)
Blizzard simply nodded, his focus locked on The Pain. There was no need for further words.
As the swarm of bees descended upon Blizzard, he stood his ground, waiting for the opportune moment. With focus, he channeled his magic through his Keyblade, mustering his strength for the impending attack.
Blizzard: Reflect!
Blizzard shouted, the power of the spell resonating through the air. A brilliant barrier formed around him, pulsating with energy. The bees, drawn by instinct, rushed towards the barrier, their stings futile against its protective force.
The Pain watched in surprise as his swarm was repelled, his expression turning from confidence to frustration.
Blizzard maintained his composure, the barrier holding strongly against the onslaught of bees. His allies watched in awe.
Blizzard watched as The Pain unleashed another wave of bees, wanting to break through his defense. The intensity of the battle escalated, Blizzard knew he needed to bring an end to this confrontation swiftly.
Summoning his second Keyblade, 'Inferno' Blizzard held it high, flames engulfing its fiery blade. With a focused gaze, he unleashed a powerful vertical slash, sending forth a wave of fire that surged towards The Pain and his swarm.
The flames roared, devouring the bees in its path as it traveled with immense speed. The cave became a blazing inferno, the heat intensifying with each passing moment. The Pain, now confronted by the overwhelming power of Blizzard's attack, stared in disbelief.
As the flames subsided, the once-thriving swarm of bees lay defeated, charred and lifeless. The cave was now shrouded in a smoky haze, the aftermath of the intense battle.
William and Naked Snake, witnessing Blizzard's mastery over fire magic, exchanged glances of awe and admiration. The Dream Eater let out a contented growl, acknowledging Blizzard's display of strength and skill.
The Pain, his composure shattered, spoke through gritted teeth.
The Pain: You... You will regret this!
The Pain's frustration grew, and his desperation pushed him to resort to drastic measures. With a sinister smile, he withdrew a needle filled with a dark substance, identical to the one used by Ocelot in their previous battle. Blizzard and William recognized it instantly, realizing the extent of The Pain's willingness to embrace the darkness.
In an act of sheer madness, The Pain injected himself with the dark substance, surrendering his humanity and succumbing to the corrupting power within. The transformation was swift and horrifying. His form contorted and twisted, the once-human figure before them, morphed into a grotesque, giant Heartless resembling a nightmarish wasp.
Naked Snake's expression turned to one of the disgust and disbelief as he witnessed The Pain's descent into madness, forsaking his humanity for the sake of the Cobra Unit. The abomination before them was a stark reminder of the lengths some would go to fulfill their twisted desires.
Naked Snake, his expression contorted with disgust, spoke through clenched teeth.
Naked Snake: What have you become? Is this what the Cobra Unit has reduced themselves to?
Blizzard turned to Naked Snake, his expression serious.
Blizzard: Snake, The Pain has lost himself to darkness. He's become a mindless Heartless now, driven solely by instinct. He can't hear reason or understand us anymore.
The Pain, now consumed by madness, emitted a sinister buzz, his monstrous form radiating an aura of darkness. The air became heavy with tension as the group prepared themselves for the impending battle against this abomination.
Blizzard and William tightened their grips on their Keyblades, ready to face the formidable Heartless. As the transformed The Pain flitted through the air with astounding speed, the sound of its massive wings reverberated through the cave. The thunderous flapping created a cacophony that assaulted their ears, causing a sharp pain to resonate deep within. Moved with astonishing speed, its movements almost a blur. It darted through the air, its giant wasp-like form buzzing relentlessly.
Blizzard, William, and Naked Snake gritted their teeth, struggling to withstand the piercing noise. They pressed their hands against their ears, trying to muffle the overwhelming sound. The Dream Eater, too, trembled in discomfort, its sensitive ears particularly affected by the reverberations.
Blizzard and William focused on evading the rapid sting attacks, their bodies moving with incredible agility. They leaped, rolled, and parried, doing their best to stay one step ahead of the Heartless's lightning-fast strikes.
The Dream Eater conjured fire magic, sending streams of fire towards the Heartless in an attempt to slow it down. But The Pain's speed was unmatched, effortlessly dodging the magical assault.
Naked Snake, realizing the futility of close combat, aimed his assault rifle, firing precise shots at the Heartless. However, even his expert marksmanship struggled to keep up with the Pain's blinding velocity.
The battle became a relentless dance of speed and precision. The group fought tooth and nail, each movement calculated to avoid the Pain's deadly stingers. But the Heartless's impossible speed made every attack a challenge, pushing them to their limits.
Blizzard and William exchanged glances, their minds racing to find a way to counter the overwhelming speed of the transformed Pain. They knew they had to come up with a strategy quickly before they were overwhelmed.
Blizzard's mind churned with possibilities, contemplating how to level the playing field without resorting to his Keyblade Armor. He knew that using it now would drain his stamina and limit its effectiveness later when they might need it even more.
As the Heartless Pain continued its lightning-fast assault, the group remained agile, dodging its strikes with every ounce of their skill. In the midst of the chaos, Blizzard's eyes widened with a sudden realization. He turned to William.
Blizzard: We can't match its speed head-on, but perhaps we can use its momentum against it. If we time our strikes and maneuver just right, we might be able to redirect its attacks and create openings.
William nodded, understanding Blizzard's plan. They both knew it would require impeccable timing and coordination. It was a risky strategy, but they had no other choice.
With focus, Blizzard and William adjusted their stances, preparing to implement their plan. They focused on observing The Pain's patterns, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike back.
Their movements became more deliberate, using precise dodges and parries to redirect the Pain's attacks. Each time the Heartless lunged, they evaded with calculated precision, countering with swift and calculated strikes of their own.
It was a dance of strategy and finesse, as Blizzard and William used the Pain's own speed against it. They found moments of vulnerability amidst the flurry of its assault, exploiting them with calculated strikes.
The transformed The Pain, momentarily thrown off balance by their unexpected counterattacks, hesitated for a split second. It was in that moment that Blizzard and William struck with synchronized precision, landing powerful blows on the Heartless.
The group continued their relentless battle, now fueled by the glimmer of hope that they could overcome the seemingly invincible foe.
Blizzard, focused on matching the impossible speed of the transformed The Pain, made a calculated move, his body poised to strike. As he closed in, the Heartless Wasp swiftly retaliated, piercing his chest with its giant stinger. Naked Snake let out a cry of alarm, fearing the worst for Blizzard. However, to their surprise, Blizzard durability as a Keyblade Wielder allowed him to withstand the attack, though he could feel the venom coursing rapidly through his veins, he would not survive another attack like that.
Blizzard's mind raced as he sought the perfect moment to turn the tide of the battle. He patiently waited for the Heartless Wasp form of The Pain to make its move, its giant stinger poised for another attack. As the Heartless lunged forward, Blizzard sprang into action. With a swift leap into the air, he evaded the stinger, his keen eyes focused on the creature's weak point.
As the giant stinger of The Pain became lodged in the stone ground and unable to move, Blizzard seized the opportunity. He brought down his second Keyblade, 'Inferno,' with all his strength, slammed down at full speed, slashing the Heartless Wasp form of The Pain directly on its Heartless symbol in a wide arc. The force of his attack sent burning shockwaves through the Heartless Wasp form of The Pain, causing it to dissolve into particles of purple smoke.
The group stood in awe as the Heartless Wasp disappeared, its threat finally vanquished. Blizzard's exhaustion was palpable, his breathing heavy. Yet, a sense of accomplishment has filled the air as they realized they had emerged victorious against the seemingly insurmountable foe.
Blizzard: I become a Keyblade Master, and yet there are still Heartless out there that can annihilate me like a common grunt... Just my luck.
As the group recovered, the Dream Eater sensed the lingering effects of poison within Blizzard's body. With a wave of its paw, the Dream Eater casted a healing spell, purging the poison from Blizzard's system. A wave of relief washed over him as the effects of the poison dissipated.
As the cave around them began to glitch and distorts, Blizzard and William exchanged worried glances. They knew all too well what was about to happen, they were being pulled back into the loading screen dimension, leaving Naked Snake behind. Blizzard mustered his voice and spoke to Snake, his tone filled with concern.
Blizzard: Snake! we're about to be separated again (Blizzard began, his voice tinged with regret.) We won't be able to accompany you for a while. But don't worry, we'll find a way to reunite soon.
William nodded in agreement, his expression solemn.
William: Take care, Snake. We'll catch up with you as soon as we can.
The glitching intensified, and the loading screen dimension enveloped Blizzard, William and the Dream Eater, whisking them away from Naked Snake and into the unknown.
Naked Snake stood there, his eyes wide with disbelief, as Blizzard, William, and the Dream Eater vanished before his eyes. The empty silence of the cave echoed around him, and a feeling of confusion enveloped his thoughts. He couldn't comprehend what had just happened - the sudden disappearance of his comrades, leaving him all alone on this mission.
He clenched his fists, trying to make sense of it all. Questions raced through his mind, searching for answers that were nowhere to be found. He felt a sense of isolation, a weight on his shoulders as he grappled with the uncertainty of his situation.
As the lines of code accelerated around them at a faster pace than usual, Blizzard and William exchanged puzzled glances. The realization sank in that their presence in this Locked World was restricted, limited to specific moments and circumstances. It seemed that they could only intervene when it involved Heartless, Darkness or Keyblade-related events, as if they were tasked with preventing time paradoxes and maintaining the integrity of the game's story.
Blizzard shook his head, his expression, a mix of bewilderment and acceptance.
Blizzard: This is... strange. It's like we're bound by some invisible force, only able to appear when the rules of this world allow it. We can't interfere with the normal flow of events, only when it's directly tied to the forces we're connected to.
The duo contemplated the nature of their existence within this Locked World, the significance of their presence and the rules that governed it. It was a peculiar realization.
As they continued to ponder their limited presence in this Locked World, William's voice broke the silence, his tone contemplative.
William: Perhaps our role is to prevent time paradoxes. If Naked Snake were to die outside of the predetermined events of this game's story, it could create a ripple effect that alters the course of history. After all, Naked Snake eventually becomes Big Boss and play an important role in the future games of this franchise.
Blizzard nodded, his gaze focused as he absorbed William's words.
Blizzard: That could be it. Our interference might be necessary to ensure the integrity of the timeline. By guiding and protecting Naked Snake, we're safeguarding the future events that lead to his transformation into Big Boss.
The gravity of their mission weighed heavily upon them. They understood the significance of their actions and the potential ramifications if they were to fail. But amidst the uncertainty. Maybe, just maybe, if they persevered and reached the end of this journey, they would uncover the truth and find the comatose body of the Keyblade Wielder, trapped within this enigmatic world.
As the lines of code ceased their rapid movement, Blizzard and William found themselves in a disorienting situation. Instead of solid ground beneath their feet, they were submerged underwater in the jungle. Panic gripped them as they struggled to hold their breath and orient themselves.
15:30 AM
2 hours remain.
Bubbles escaped their lips as they desperately kicked their legs, propelling themselves towards the surface. Their lungs burned, yearning for oxygen, as they broke through the water's surface with gasps of relief. But their relief was short-lived as they beheld a scene of chaos and destruction.
The once vibrant jungle was now a raging inferno, flames consuming everything in their path. The air was thick with smoke, making it difficult to breathe. The intense heat bore down upon them, forcing them to shield their faces.
Blizzard coughed, his voice strained.
Blizzard: What... What happened here? How did the jungle catch fire?
William scanned the horizon.
William: Wait, this setting, this fog, this rain, this is... familiar.
Amidst the hazy orange fog, the figure of Naked Snake emerged, his appearance disheveled and his body bearing the marks of recent torment. His tattered clothing clung to his form, soaked with blood. William, Blizzard, and the Dream Eater called out to him, their voices filled with concern and relief.
Blizzard: Snake! We're here! (Blizzard exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.)
Naked Snake turned towards their voices, his one remaining eye widening in surprise. He struggled through the water, his movements labored and weary. Each step he took seemed to be an arduous task, a testament to the pain he had endured.
As he reached them, the weight of exhaustion and pain evident on his face, Naked Snake managed a weak smile. I didn't expect to see you all again so soon, he rasped, his voice laced with weariness.
William's gaze fell upon Snake's missing eye, his expression somber.
William: And your eye?
Snake's smile faded, replaced by a haunted look in his remaining eye.
Naked Snake: Colonel Volgin... He tortured me. But I managed to escape.
Blizzard: We need to get you out of here. Can you walk?
Snake nodded.
Naked Snake: I can manage. We have to keep moving.
As the group trudged through the water, their progress slowed by Naked Snake's injuries, they were suddenly halted by the emergence of a translucent figure from the depths. Their eyes fixed upon the transparent figure as he floated in mid-air. The weight of his presence hung heavily in the air, the atmosphere shifting from the fiery chaos to an eerie calm. The orange fog gave way to a dark green hue, and the sound of crackling flames was replaced by the pitter-patter of rain.
Naked Snake: Are you one of the cobras?
The Sorrow stood before the group, his spectral form radiating an intense aura. His repeated whisper.
The Sorrow: So Sad... (Echoed through the air, seeping into their consciousness like a haunting refrain. The words hung heavy, carrying with them a weight of profound sorrow and understanding.)
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as The Sorrow's gaze shifted, fixing upon Blizzard, the Dream Eater, William, and Naked Snake. His spectral eyes pierced through their very beings, as if searching their souls, peeling back layers of their experiences and emotions.
The Sorrow: A host of sorrows. (He uttered, his words hanging in the air like an ancient prophecy. The intensity of his presence filled the space, enveloping the group in a chilling embrace.)
The silence hung heavy, broken only by the sound of raindrops falling, the rhythmic patter creating a haunting backdrop. The group could feel the weight of The Sorrow's presence, an embodiment of anguish and lost souls.
They exchanged uncertain glances, the unspoken understanding that they were in the presence of something profound, something beyond their comprehension. The Sorrow's words, though cryptic, resonated within them, stirring memories and emotions long suppressed.
Blizzard, his Dream Eater, William, and Naked Snake stood still, captivated by The Sorrow's presence. It was as if time had paused, allowing them to contemplate the depths of their own sorrows, their past traumas and regrets.
The Sorrow's gaze shifted towards William, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and understanding.
The Sorrow: And you... Our one of them (He uttered, his voice carrying a weight of realization. The words struck William with a sudden sense of anxiety and fear, his mind racing to comprehend the implications.)
Feeling a surge of desperation, William turned to the group, his voice trembling with urgency.
William: Please! You have to eliminate him. You can't be witness to what will happen! (He pleaded, his eyes pleading for them to act before it's was too late.)
Blizzard, the Dream Eater, and Naked Snake exchanged bewildered glances, unable to fully grasp the meaning behind William's words. They could sense the gravity of the situation, the unspoken threat that hung in the air, but the specifics eluded them.
The Sorrow's smile twisted into a sadistic expression, a dark satisfaction radiating from his being. His presence seemed to grow even more imposing, the weight of his words pressing down upon them.
Time seemed to stand still as the group grappled with the decision before them. A sense of unease filled the air, as if they stood on the precipice of a choice that could change everything.
The Sorrow slowly unraveled his green hooded cloak, revealing his weathered face beneath. His voice carried a weight of melancholy as he addressed William.
The Sorrow: I am The Sorrow. Like you, boy, I am also filled with sadness. These worlds are realms of sadness. (He declared, his tone laced with a haunting resonance.)
William's heart pounded in his chest as his realization turned to panic. He frantically tried to flee, his desperate footsteps echoing in the eerie atmosphere. But his efforts proved futile, as an unseen force held him in place, trapping him within the river road.
Blizzard, the Dream Eater, and Naked Snake watched in helpless disbelief as William's escape was thwarted. Their gazes locked onto The Sorrow, their expressions a mix of fear, confusion, and concern.
The Sorrow's eyes seemed to bore into William's very soul, his presence suffocating and oppressive. A surge of sadness emanated from him, enveloping the surrounding space. The weight of despair grew heavier, filling the air with a tangible darkness.
Unable to break free from The Sorrow's hold, William's fear intensified. He pleaded with the group, his voice laced with desperation.
William: Please, don't let him... don't let him do it. (He implored, his words tinged with a sense of anguish.)
As The Sorrow's chilling words echoed through the air, a somber hush fell upon the group. Blizzard, Naked Snake, and the Dream Eater stood frozen, their eyes fixed upon The Sorrow, unable to tear their gaze away from the impending anguish that awaited them.
The sorrowful specter continued his haunting speech, his voice carrying a weight of remorse and despair.
The Sorrow: Fighting brings death. Death brings sorrow. Living beings may not hear them. Their voices may be falling on deaf ears. But make no mistake, boy. The children are not silent.
A sense of dread washed over William as he realized the gravity of The Sorrow's words. The weight of his past actions bore down upon him, the lives he had taken in the throes of combat haunting his conscience. He felt a profound sadness welling up within him, an overwhelming burden he could no longer bear.
The Sorrow: Now you will witness the sorrow of those lives you ended, and the lives that you seen fell in combat.
With an eerie grace, The Sorrow ascended higher into the air, his ethereal form casting a haunting silhouette against the dimly lit backdrop.
The river road was filled with the ethereal presence of hundreds of spectral children, their transparent forms wielding ghostly Keyblades. They ran, floated, and lamented, their voices a chorus of sorrow and longing. Naked Snake, the Dream Eater, and Blizzard watched in awe and disbelief as the echoes of the past surrounded them.
Blizzard recognized these apparitions as the children who had fallen in the devastating Keyblade War, their remains manifested as illusion to torment William. The weight of their presence and the tragic history they represented hung heavily in the air.
William, overwhelmed by the haunting sight, became consumed by frustration and desperation. Covering his head with his hands, he retreated, running ahead of the trio. His voice echoed through the river road, filled with anguish, as he screamed.
William: IT'S NOT MY FAULT!
Naked Snake, the Dream Eater, and Blizzard stood in silence, their hearts burdened by the intensity of the moment. They could sense the torment that William carried, the weight of his past and the guilt he bore.
As the group pressed forward, the haunting laughter of children surrounded them, echoing through the dark green fog that enveloped the river road. The sound seemed to come from all directions, disorienting their senses and heightening the eerie atmosphere.
Amidst the chilling laughter, William's voice pierced through, his words filled with desperation and denial.
William: You don't understand! I was forced to fight in the Keyblade War! (His voice echoed, blending with the spectral whispers of the children and the distorted giggles that permeated the air.)
Naked Snake exchanged a worried glance with Blizzard, both understanding the depth of William's anguish. They knew the weight of the choices they had made and the consequences that followed. The river road seemed to play with their senses, intensifying their emotions and challenging their resolve.
As they moved deeper into the river road, the laughter and whispers continued, their intensity rising and falling in a discordant symphony. The dark green fog cloaked everything in a hazy veil, limiting their visibility to just a few meters ahead, but Blizzard had enough.
Blizzard's With a swift motion, he summoned his Keyblades, "Frostbite" and "Inferno" their shimmering forms illuminating the darkened river road.
Leaping into the air, Blizzard scanned the fog-covered surroundings, his eyes sharp and focused. He sought any sign of The Sorrow, the elusive figure who had inflicted this torment upon his friend.
The Keyblade wielder swung his arms with precision, sending forth multiple spheres of radiant light. The spheres burst upon impact, releasing radiant energy that dispersed the fog around them.
As the fog dissipated, revealing brief glimpses of the eerie landscape, Blizzard's search continued searching, to find and confront the spirit, driving him to explore every nook and cranny of the fog-laden river road.
His movements were swift and calculated, guided by instinct. With each swing of his Keyblades, the balls of light illuminated the surroundings, casting fleeting shadows and revealing hidden corners.
Through the mist, Blizzard's eyes darted, his senses attuned to the slightest disturbance. He searched for any sign of The Sorrow, the source of their anguish and the catalyst of their current plight.
Finally, Blizzard's eyes narrowed as he stared up at The Sorrow floating in the air above William, his grip tightening on his Keyblades. He spoke with a resolute voice.
Blizzard: Release him! This torment serves no purpose. William does not deserve to this!
The Sorrow looked at Blizzard, with sadness in his eyes. He began to speak in a sorrowful tone.
The Sorrow: War brings death, and death brings sorrow, and sorrow brings understanding. It is through pain that one learns the true nature of the world.
Blizzard's raised his Keyblades, ready to strike down The Sorrow and put an end to this illusion. But The Sorrow had one last trick up his sleeve. He attempted to inflict an illusion on Blizzard, transforming himself into the apparition of John.
However, Blizzard's heart remained strong. He saw through the illusion, refusing to be swayed. He focused his gaze on The Sorrow, undeterred by the apparition before him. The Sorrow was taken aback, surprised by Blizzard's resilience. As Blizzard's Keyblades slashed The Sorrow, the spirit started to dissipate.
The Sorrow: In the end, it is the sorrow that remains (The Sorrow's voice resounded, a mixture of melancholy and twisted amusement.) You may break my hold over this illusion, but the sorrow will always linger. It is the burden we bear.
The white light intensified, enveloping the scene as The Sorrow's essence dispersed into the afterlife. The laughter faded, leaving behind a haunting silence. Blizzard stood there for a moment, catching his breath, his mind filled with a mix of relief and lingering sadness.
The battle was won, but the impact of The Sorrow's words remained. The weight of the sorrow and suffering caused by the Keyblade War lingered in the air, a reminder of the harsh realities they had faced.
As Blizzard slowly opened his eyes, he found himself lying on the grass of the Jungle. Confusion filled his mind as he tried to make sense of the events that had just unfolded. The encounter with The Sorrow, the illusions, and William's sudden fear—it all felt so vivid, yet distant at the same time.
As he glanced around, his gaze fell upon William, who had also awakened. But instead of a welcoming expression, William's eyes widened in fear. He scrambled backward, gasping.
William: No! Don't touch me!
Startled by William's reaction, Blizzard instinctively reached out a hand. But it was too late. William turned and runs, disappears into the depths of the jungle, his footsteps fading into the distance.
Blizzard heart sank, knowing that he couldn't comprehend the depth of William's pain and fear. The amnesia that still plagued him for more than a year added to his sense of helplessness. As he sat there, a sense of helplessness washed over him, unable to console or understand his friend's pain.
In the midst of uncertainty, Blizzard tried to gather his thoughts. The fragments of memories and emotions swirled within him, elusive and frustrating. He longed to recover his past, to understand the connection between the Keyblade War and his own existence. But for now, all he could do was continue on his journey, searching for answers and hoping that one day he would find the truth.
Blizzard's concern for William's safety deepened as he contemplated the dangers lurking within the Jungle. The thought of his friend facing another Cobra Unit, encountering The Boss, or crossing paths with Colonel Volgin sent shivers down his spine. He knew that William had only recently awakened from a long coma, and his strength as a Keyblade Wielder might not be fully restored.
Turning to his Dream Eater, Blizzard expressed his worries, his voice tinged with anxiety.
Blizzard: I'm afraid for William. He's been through so much, and he's still recovering. If he were to encounter The Boss or any other formidable adversary, it could be disastrous. We need to find him quickly.
The Dream Eater, with its calming presence, spoke in a soothing tone.
Dream Eater: Blizzard. While William may not have fully regained his strength, he possesses a resilience and inner power that can rival your own. We must trust in his abilities. However, stumbling upon The Boss could indeed be a grave threat. We should locate him before any such encounter occurs.
Blizzard nodded.
Blizzard: You're right. We must move swiftly and ensure his safety. Let's search the Jungle diligently. We cannot afford to let any harm befall him.
16:30 AM
1 hours remain.