Chapter 13: The Power of Zero
(Castle)
In the castle, Henrietta, the Queen, Agnès, and the council were all together, discussing the situation with Albion. The declaration that Albino made to Tristan had everyone worried; the country opposing them had a strong military and was twice the size of their own.
The council continued to run through ideas on how they were going to deal with the threat that was coming.
"I am saying that we should not engage in war."
"What do you suggest we should do?"
"We should try and negotiate a peace agreement."
Agnès on the other hand decided to intervene "I see no point in trying to strike a peace deal with them. With the prince dead and corruption running ramped I see only one of two options. Either we cower and surrender or stand our ground and fight." They weren't pleased to hear her.
"You insolent. Who do you think-"
"I agree with Agnès." They all turned and saw the princess "We are aristocrats are we not, for us to cower and hide means we chose death! We must stand up to the forces that would dare bring darkness and destruction to our land!" She stood tall "And to prove to our enemy that we will not surrender…I will personally lead the charge!"
They all could not believe what she said just now "But your majesty…"
"No buts," she said as she lightly rubbed the ring on her finger, thinking of Wales. "Wales sacrificed everything to protect his country, so I will do what I can to protect mine." Everyone present saw that the princess wasn't going to change her mind. The queen saw her daughter's leadership and growth, despite the fact that she had lost her lover.
(Academy of magic)
'War…' Louise froze in place as the idea of war coming crashed over her. She had known it would happen eventually, but she hadn't thought it would be so soon.
"Hey Louise." She turned around as Sora called out her name.
"Sora?" She said
Sora looked at her "Hey, I'm sorry for blurting out that to everyone. It just came out." He apologized to her for telling Kirche and the others that she was a void user.
"... It's alright." She told him in a calm voice.
"You're not mad?" That surprised Sora normally she would hold a grudge for a while.
"I don't see a reason to care, besides your leaving. You've been looking for a clue back to your own world?"
"Well I guess so?"
"Well I'm happy for you, you can finally see your friends again."
Louise said as the keyblade welder had something else in mind. "I am not too sure if I should leave."
"What do you mean?" Sora explained that if he does leave the the heartless could run rampant and the organization survivor could bring more trouble if he left, but if he did leave he could tell everyone that there was still a member of Origination XIII running around and they could formula a plan but there's still one problem to that… he still didn't know how to get to Halkeginia.
Sora had vanished from his world to this one with no idea at all on how he got here. All he did remember was similar on the tree with the star shaped fruit with Kairi and next thing he knew he was summoned here.
Louise recalled that day as well; it was still quite unexpected that he would become her familiar as well. Just then, Mr. Colbert arrived at Sora's side.
"There you are," the teacher said to the keyblade wielders.
"Hey, teach." Sora greeted.
"I'm glad I found you. Come with me for a moment."
Mr. Colbert brought Sora and Louise to his lab with a map of the stars. He had been searching for clues about the next eclipse that was due to occur, and his research had led him to believe he had finally found the answer.
"Are you serious?" Sora asked with a shocked tone of voice and Louise was just as speechless and surprised as he was.
The teacher gave a nod. "Yes. I've been chronicling and mapping the patterns of stars, and if I'm right…" He drew lines on the map before dropping it on the table.
"...Here we go, the next eclipse is to occur in the next three days. That is you best time to fly off this world."
Sora's eyes darted to the map, three days and the gate to this world would open, after weeks of searching for a way back to his Island or a way off of this world had finally come to him. But…
Louise looked at the expression he was making and said to him "I think you should leave."
"What?"
"You can tell your friend all about what's been happening here, and you get to see the people you care about again." She said walking out of the private studies, she left the two alone Sora was confused.
(Academy of magic- night)
In the main hall, teachers and students were all present; the headmaster was also there, as he began discussing the situation that was about to plague the land. He told everyone that the Albion's prince was no more, and the citizens of Albion had declared war on Tristan.
The students were shocked to hear this, as he also mentioned that because of this threat, all classes are to be suspended until further notice.
Chatter was among the entire student body
"Suspended?"
"War…"
I wasn't expecting this after returning.
"So what do you plan on doing?"
"Oblivious, I'm going home. Regrettably."
"Headmaster Osmond. If we're going to war, who's leading the charge?"
One student asked, "The princess herself will be leading the army." He answered as everyone was even more surprised, Louise especially.
The princess was leading the forces of Tristan against the forces of Albion. Louise wore a troubled look on her face, not just because of the declaration of battle but she also knew a certain brown haired teen who wouldn't think twice about staying to fight.
Louise left in the confusion but little did she know Kirche saw her making a swift exit.
'Now where is she going?'
(Louise room)
Sora looked out the window that he opened and started at the twin moons that floated casually in the sky. He thought about how the portal would open when the eclipse but that still left him with uncertainty, what if he did enter through the eclipse but it wouldn't take him back to his Island, what if he was sent to some other world that was completely different. Although even if the situation doesn't turn out right he manages to make a turn around.
[Hey bud, you okay?] Derf asked his partner.
"Hm." Sora turned " Yeah just thinking…"
[Do you have any doubts?]
Sora breathed out "I mean, Louise is right. I know that I'm not from this world, but I just can't abandon it either. Who knows what will happen if I leave."
[Sora, if it bothers you that much then don't go.] Delf said
Sora pick Delf up and carried him to his straw bed as he laid down with his arms supporting his head. "So if I do decide to go, what's gonna happen to you."
[Nothing really, prolly gonna be sold back to that second rate arms dealer.]
"Well then, how about you travel with me?"
[Really?]
"Yeah."
Sora knew he couldn't take anyone else to other worlds, but maybe it would be okay, as long as there was a new traveling companion with him, along with Donald and Goofy. He wouldn't mind, and he was sure they wouldn't either, well, Goofy anyway. Donald...he wasn't so sure about.
As he started to think about Louise she said that she was at a meeting, and she sure was taking her time.
'I wonder what Louise is doing?' he closed his eyes, falling into a deep sleep.
(Morning)
Sora's eyes opened, and he got up to stretch. He turned towards Louise's bed and saw that it was still neatly made. Had she not come back? He turned towards the desk and saw a letter folded on top of it. He walked over and unfolded it, ready to read its contents out loud.
"'Sora, If you are reading this note you likely know I'm not here. There are two things I wanted to say to you. One is that you're fired, so you can go home without any problems. Second, I hope that I make it home safely. I know I haven't said this before but I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done. Take care. Louise.'"
"Fired?" Sora though, what was this all about. "What is she thinking?" He went out the door to try and find Louise to get some answers, he searched high and low but could not find Louise anywhere. Come to think of it, the school seemed to have less students then before he didn't even see not hide nor hair of Guiche anywhere.
Sora found himself outside; he turned this entire academy upside down but couldn't find her anywhere.
"Where the heck is she?" Sora said out loud as he heard footsteps, and saw Tabitha and Kirche walking towards him.
"Sora, what's wrong?"
"Have either of you seen Louise anywhere?" Sora asked the two girls but neither of them did.
Kirche asked if they got into another fight or something, but instead of telling her he handed her the letter, she opened the letter and read the content of it.
"You're fired?"
Sora said to her. "Yeah. Louise wrote this, and I haven't been able to find her anywhere."
Kirche stopped and thought back on how the pink haired girl suddenly vanished from the main hall, "You know, I bet she went to go see Henrietta."
"Why, did something happen?" Sora said as the girls looked at one another, she really didn't tell him anything did she.
"She didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
Kirche began explaining all that happened last night, and shocked wouldn't be the word he'd use.
"What?!? Albion and Tristan are going to war!"
He shouted as Kirche continued, "That's right, the declaration was made yesterday, school is closed too."
Sora scoffed as he realized what Louise was doing and why she left that letter, just what she was thinking. "I can't believe this. No wonder she wanted me to leave so badly."
"Although for once I agree with her."
"What? Why?"
"Well because you're not from our world remember, so really this war actually doesn't have anything to do with you."
"I know that… but I don't want to just leave things as they are now. I can't just leave if that organization's survivor is still running around." Sora's responsibility was calling strongly to him.
"When are they coming?" He said eagerly
"... Two or three days." Sora turned to Tabitha when she said that.
"Wha-"
"Last night they said that Albion's army will be coming to the motherland in less than three days." Tabitha responded as he was speechless at how short of a time they will arrive, but that's also when the only exit off this world will open. Sora explains to the girls what Mr.Colbert said. He asked the girls if they still remembered how the glider came here, they remembered.
Well Mr.Colbert said to him there was actually an eclipse happening sooner than he thought.
"You're kidding."
"No. He said that the eclipse was happening in less than three days…."
(Castle)
Louise kneeled in front of the princess who was glad to see her. When she heard that war was coming she immediately came running to her side and announced to her childhood friend that she would fight alongside her. Henrietta was joyful to see Louise giving her support in this crisis.
(Albion)
Soldiers lined up side by side in front of the castle where the late royal family once lived, on the balcony Matilda, Wardes, and Xigbar all stood behind Cromwell who made his announcement to the army that was present before him.
"Everyone, let it be known that the last of the Tudor family is no more, thus, it is time for the birth of a new Albion! And we shall demonstrate our power by conquering Tristan, for they have refused our offer to kneel at our feet. Warriors, I call to you all under this light, we will annihilate that country with our righteous power!" He raised his left arm up high with the
His speech stirred a fire in them they all cheered out at his leadership Wardes and Matilda smiled wickedly at this while the freestyle shooter walked into the castle quietly inside he saw a woman standing face to face with him, she was extremely beautiful with long black hair they stared at one another for a short time.
"Well if it isn't the secretary Sheffield, how's it hanging?" He greeted the woman named Sheffield.
"Xigbar…" she said back before walking away.
"What. No hello, how've you been, sheesh." She ignored him and passed him walking to the balcony alongside everyone else.
"If you think just because we happen to be working together that makes us friends, you're mistaken." She said
"Ow."
"I don't know what you're planning, but I know that you are completely untrustworthy."
"Like you're one to talk, I could tell him who you really are and who you're working with."
Next thing he knew a knife was but he did not even flinch, he wasn't even intimidated by her sharp gaze.
"You think that scares me? As if."
"You breathe so much as a word…"
"Chill, let's not forget we have an arrangement. I'll get you what you're looking for. And I'll help give your master an extra bit of help in return you let me in your services."
Sheffield put away her knife and breathed out as she walked away and disappeared in the hallway.
(Castle-night)
Soldiers gathered in front of the palace, Louise sat on top of a horse next to Guiche, she asked why he was here, he told her that his father is still a general, so he was obligated to fight. He returned the comment asking her where's Sora, with his power they could use all the extra help. Louise said that he's not coming.
But before she explained why a knight with blue hair came in front of the two of them and asked Louise to come with her.
Inside the castle, Louise followed the knight into the princesses quarters and opened the door.
"I brought the girl you requested." The blue haired female said.
"Thank you Michelle." The princess said to the knight named Michelle bowed and closed the door.
"Princess. Is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, I just needed your company."
Henrietta said to her friend with a wary expression on her face, Louise was seeing her concerned face.
"Princess…"
"Listen, I want to thank you for being here. I also want you to know that it's not your fault either, for any of this."
"It still feels that way, if I listen to him… maybe, maybe the prince."
Henrietta shook her head "No Louise, this is not only your burden to bear but mind as well, if I could only see the face of Wardes behind the mask he wore."
"Princess…"
Henrietta shook out those ideas "No I shouldn't think about that, our people are counting on us to grant them peace. We can not falter at all. I will be counting on you Louise you, and abilities."
"Princess Henrietta… forgive me, but you know that my abilities are…"
Louise was stopped "You shouldn't sell yourself short I have confidence in your powers Louise…and besides. I already know about you and Sora."
The pink haired girl gasped and did… does this mean she knows about Sora's secret if so how did she learn about it?
"You know?"
Louise said as the princess nodded, staring out the window and slowly walking towards it.
"I learned when I last visited the academy, Headmaster Osmond explained it to me."
"Princess I can explain-"
"You possessing powers of the void it's unreal."
Henrietta cut off Louise, she thought she was talking about she knew Sora was from another world but no, she was referring to Louise's so-called power so other than that, Old Osmond didn't say anything about Sora.
"You know about that." Asked Louise
"That's right." Said the purple haired princess "But know this it's not me saying this as your princess but also as your friend… I'll be counting on you now more than ever."
"I understand your highness, I swear I will not fail you!" She said with determination in her voice just then, the queen, Agnès and Michelle came through the door, it was time for them to mobilize their forces against their enemies.
(Outside)
Once they all made it outside the castle Henriette donned an outfit that was perfect for combat. Louise and the other females were at her side as she gripped her scepter tight, taking a deep breath to try and calm herself down. Henrietta turned to the leader of the musketeer knights and asked where will the enemy strike from, her reply was they will likely strike the village Tarbes first, based on their trajectory.
She turned to her mother and bowed "Be safe out there." Her mother said to her daughter.
"I will, and I will keep them from destroying Tarbes as well. Come along." The princess said to the girls who all followed her to battle.
They all got on top of their horses and with a simple command they all left the castle on their way to Tarbes. The queen saw how much her own daughter had grown, how strong she has become, sooner or later she knew she would have to step down and let her flesh and blood take the throne and it seemed that now would be the appropriate time for that.
On the way Louise thought back before they left.
Flashback
"Here Louise." The princess handed her a small book.
"What is this?" She ask
"It's known as the book of invocation, for generations this book has been passed down in the royal family for generations."
Louise was confused and asked why she would give this to her, as she said that it will be of use to her.
"By the wait, I was wondering where's Sora?" The princess asked her childhood friend but was unsure how to answer.
"He's…He's going home soon."
"What?"
"He doesn't have anything to do with this. So I decided he should return home."
Flashback end
They all made their way to Tarbes in hope to stop the invasion and to keep the people who lived there safe as well.
Meanwhile back at the Castle on the balcony, a mysterious figure wearing a black coat walked in undetected in the princess chambers. The unknown figure looked on the table and saw a small box he opened it and saw the wind ruby resting safely. He picked up the ring and closed the case, leaving it on its original spots as he soon vanished into a dark corridor.
Inside of the darkness he eyed the ring closely, walking deep into the shadows.
(Academy of magic)
Morning had resin and Sora was just sitting in front of the glider. Today was the day… However he thought about what everyone else had said, and maybe they were right. Maybe he should go back, if he did he could also warn all his allies about what has been happening and to the world he has been currently stranded upon.
And also Kirche was right too, he wasn't supposed to interfere in the matters of the world as well, so this isn't really his war either, his job was to deal with threats that appear in the world.
So maybe he should go back to where he came from, it might not also be easy trying to find Halkeginia either but he and everyone else might be able to…yet at the same time he still felt like he shouldn't just leave Halkeginia in the state it's in. No he felt more like he couldn't.
"Hey Delf… what do you think I should do?" He asked the sword strapped to his back.
[You're still conflicted.] Delf replied [Honestly kid, I am not sure myself. But this is just me saying this to you, but if you really don't want to go then you shouldn't.]
"You really think I shouldn't." Sora asked
[Everyone here's only thinking about what's best, but really, it's your call on whether or not you should leave or to stay. Just ask yourself this, 'what is it that I want?']
Sora stood up and crossed his arms carefully thinking about what he wanted "What I want, huh…?" Sora was now at this cross rode of decision just what does he wanted to do. To go and see his friends so that they all could formulate a plan...or to stay here and help everyone with this current problem.
Footsteps could be heard behind him. Sora turned his back and saw Mr.Colbert along with the girls. "Oh, there you are."
"Hey. What's wrong." Sora asked.
"Well we got trouble!" Kirche said
"Albion." Tabitha replied.
"What about Albion?"
The teacher said "Word has reached the mainland. They said that Albion forces had already reached land. Our forces had arrived as well."
"What are they here now?!"
"That's correct, and likely their battle will be taking place near Tarbes, but given that Albion has a much stronger military than us, I fear how this battle may go."
"Wait a minute…Did you Tarbes?" Sora repeated as soon as he did the image of a black haired girl came to his mind but not just her but also her family.
'Oh no…Siesta!'
(Tarbes)
Speaking of Siesta and her family Lauren and Sophie were having lunch with their daughter, while her younger siblings were outside playing with each other, the girls had told the adults everything about what Sora had said to them about how their Grandfather was actually the same as Sora, how he was and Sora were actually both off worlders.
Lauren's excitement couldn't be contained; he knew it, he knew that his grandfather wasn't crazy—those tales were actually true after all. His parents were equally surprised to learn Sora wasn't from this world either. As for the Keyblade that Siesta had brought home, she also explained that Sora was a kind of warrior who fought against evil forces, and that her great-grandfather was also one of these 'Keyblade wielders.' That they would tavel from world to world fighting monster.
Sora had given it to her since it really belongs to her and her family, but since none of them had a use for it they had it mounted on the wall as a keepsake and to remind them that this world was just only one of many others. And maybe someday they could see others with Sora.
At the table her parents were asking about the next time she would bring Sora over again for another visit. But she was reluctant to see that happening especially after all the teasing her mother and brothers were giving her like 'Is Sora your boyfriend?' or 'Are you and Sora gonna get married?'
Honestly this is the first boy that she ever brought home, so she must've really liked him. Especially after her mother told her husband and Scarron that Jessica might also be interested in Sora.
They continue to play with her telling their daughter to act fast or somebody else will steal him from her.
Speaking of Jessica she came out of the kitchen with glasses of water. She decided to stay one more day while her father went back to town to open up his shop. She also joined the fun
As for her brothers they noticed a large shadow flying over their heads. Some of the people in the village saw it as well.
Meanwhile The princess and her army all gathered near the village, they stood tall and with a common they began their assault. Henrietta and Louise watched the battle commence. The griffin knights had taken to the skies in an attempt to launch an attack on the flying forces of Albion but Albion retaliated by sending dragon knights who quickly made fast works of the Tristan forces.
The noise could be heard pretty close, everyone in the village ran for cover, Lauren and his family all in the forest nearby along with the other villagers.
More soldiers flew in the air. Henrietta and Louise could watch as the knights fought in the air. But as their fighting continued one of the knights who was riding a griffin noticed an unknown creature flying in the air. It was almost like a dragon but there was no rider.
It flew up high and did a dive, knocking one of the griffin knights off. Soon a small fleet of the same kind of dragons circled the knight and the other riders saw this and the next thing they knew he suddenly turned into the same thing. They all casted spells but they had no effect, repeatedly the Wyverns did this and the number of griffin knights dwindled.
"I give Xigbar credit, his heartless are making this easy for us." Matilda said on the airship with Wardes and Cromwell.
"Well of course they're useful." And speak of the devil here he was, aboard the ship as well.
"You really show up whenever you want, don't you?"
He shrugged, "Eh."
"Yes, with this we will win."
The ground forces of Albion were also advancing upon them "CHARGE!" With Henrietta's command her army and they all rode into battle on horseback. The ground soldiers with another order the mages on the ground fired off magic while the musketeer knights fired off bullets from their muskets, swords clashed against one another.
Louise and Henrietta watched the battle go on and to see that their forces were starting to get pushed back.
"I can't believe that Albion has this much power now." The princess said.
Louise couldn't believe it as well, were they…were they going to lose. She stared upward to see more heartless than before and even less riders.
"What manner of monsters are these?" The few remaining rider's huddled together
"I don't know but we can't keep this up any longer."
"If this is how I die, my one regret is not being able to see my newborn."
The soldiers and heartless all flew close to finish off the rest of the griffin knights but as they began to close in on them.
"Strike!"
Lightning came, shocking the dragon's and heartless as well. Soon lasers hone in shooting the Wyvern and the dragon's. The griffin knights, Agnès, the princess, and especially Louise were all shocked to see who was in the air…it was none other than Sora with his Oblivion keyblade in his right hand and riding upon the glider.
"Just made it."
[Almost missed the party.]
"You guys ok?" Sora asked the riders who were supposed to see a child in the air. They replied yes.
"Who is that?" Agnès said "And what kind of dragon is that?"
"Sora?!" Louise exclaimed. Henrietta looked up in the air as she remembered her last conversation, but Louise said that he was going home, why is he here? And where did he get a dragon like that?
"What are you doing here, this is no place for a kid." Sora flew the glider closer in towards them.
"I'm not a kid!" Sora argued.
[Now's not the time partner.]
"Oh you're right." Sora got back on track. "Listen, you guys should hang back. I can take it from here."
(Play-Gandálfr)
They all tried to stop him but he immediately got away to join the aerial fight. Sora flown the glider he was on shot orbs of light off his keyblade and destroyed some of the Wyverns the dragon knights charged after him with spells but he placed a barrier on the glider and fired off another homing lasers to them sending the dragons down from the sky. More dragon's were flying to him as he did a shooting off more light orbs at them, as the dragon knights fell from the sky two Wyverns flew at him he quickly did a knife avoiding them before straightening out he quickly turned around firing more lasers at them.
The ground team watched as they all were seeing the enemies in the air being decimated by one boy. Agnès was speechless to see a child holding his own very well. Henrietta was smiling happily to see Sora helping. And Louise was in shock, just what is he doing and why is he here.
As for the villagers they also were watching the battle that was taking place in the sky, they all wondered who was this myself rider that was fighting alongside the armies of Tristan. In Siesta's mind she knew it had to be sure that it was Sora that was fighting, no she believed in her heart that it was him.
A sudden wind caught their attention though as a familiar blue dragon landed next to them. Louise turned her attention to it before she saw a couple familiar faces jump off the dragons back.
"Tabitha! Kirche!" Louise said as she hopped off her horse and approached the duo. Henrietta approached as well with Agnes right behind. Both stayed on their horses.
"What are you doing here?" She asked the duo.
"You see it's like this, Sora said, 'There's no way I can just let something happen to Siesta's village.' And the next thing I knew he's flying away on that thing to join the fight."
"You told him about the war?!"
"Yeah, surprised that you didn't tell him?"
Louise scoffed "I was trying to keep him away, you know how he is."
"Yeah I do. But you also know he's not the kind of person that would just leave people in parallel right."
But that is exactly why she didn't tell him, she knows just as well as anyone else Sora wouldn't think twice about giving up his own needs to save someone else. But she didn't want him to stay, this isn't his home.
Suddenly the sky was turning dark but it wasn't even night. They all looked up and saw the two moons moving closer to the sun.
The eclipse. Louise completely forgot all about it. The pink haired girl jumped on the horse and began riding.
"Louise, where are you going?" The princess yelled.
Back in the air Wardes and everyone else were seeing their aerial fleet being destroyed.
'This boy has been an inconvenience for way too long!' He glared at Sora with hateful eyes. He's been a nuisance to him for long enough.
"Matilda, come." He said to his comrade. "I think it's time we get some payback." She smiled at the thought of that. As they turned to Xigbar.
"You in?"
"As if." He slang his iconic line "But best of luck to ya." He said as he disappeared into a portal. They both waved it off knowing he likely wouldn't help but it didn't matter it's time for them to get their revenge.
Meanwhile Louise continued through the land on her horse trying to get him to listen. "Sora, what're you doing, hurry and go!" Suddenly the ground shook and a golem appeared that scared the horse knocking Louise off.
"Well well, if it isn't Gandálfr's little master." She looked up and saw Matilda on the shoulder of the golem.
"Fouquet?!" Louise shouted as Guiche came to her side on his horse and Kirche and Tabitha also arrived on Sylphid.
(Sora)
Sora was closing in on the last pair of Wyverns slashing them and knocking two more Griffin knights out of the air.
"And that's that." Sora finished off the last of the enemies.
[Look out!] Sora looked straight ahead and a large black dragon came flying right in front of him. He avoided the dragon and stopped mid air. Sora saw Wardes on top of the dragon.
(Stop playing Gandálfr)
"You…"
"Wardes…"
They both seethe in anger just staring at the two of them was enough to make both their blood boil.
"You insignificant worm. I should have known this was too easy. If you hadn't come here all our plans would have been perfect! Louise would have been within our grasp."
"You know I can't believe you would backstab Louise and the princess. You were someone that they trusted and you betrayed that trust, why?"
"You will never understand why. I was offered power, something that all nobles seek, so I took it. It is the pride of a noble to have as much power and influence as possible."
"At what cost… power and pride do not go well. It's that pride that will be your downfall."
"Cheap words if you're a man then let our sword speak on our behalf." He prepared his sword.
"Fine! It's time you pay… for hurting everyone, especially Louise!" They both flew to each other for the dog fight they never will forget
Meanwhile Louise and everyone else were standing in front of Matilda and her golem "Well this is even better I take you all down right here and now."
"Really, an old lady like you is taking us on, that's a mistake." Kirche sassed the earth mage who was angry at that old lady comment.
"Old lady? I'm 23 you brats!" Just as she was distracted a gust of roses flew from Guiche's wand and the wind was caused by Tabitha's staff covering her and the golden in petals.
"Ha! What's that supposed to do?"
"I call upon the alchemic arts. Turn these petals into oil." Soon after his spell he chanted his petals immediately turned into oil. Next Kirche unleashed her fire magic setting the golem and her ablaze.
She jumped off her golem and began patting herself down to extinguish the fire on her clothes. Next her golem began to crumble and fall apart, with no other option she was forced to make a retreat.
"And that's that. Guiche, be a dear and go get her." Kirche said who was startled.
"Why me?" He asked.
She gave a playful look exposing some her cleavage. "Well for being a brave guy, I promise I'll give you a little reward."
That immediately got his juice pumping as he chased after her. Louise had a disapproving look.
"Typical Germanian woman."
"I was just playing around. Remember there is no man that set my heart blaze on fire more than Sora has." And speaking of Sora they all looked up and saw him fight Wardes and the sky continued to darken. Louise asked Tabitha to fly her up, she needed to help so that Sora could go home.
Tabitha agreed as they hopped on Sylphid's back and Sylphid began to fly.
Sora did a loop flying behind the dragon, Sora's glider pick up speed as Sora shot light orbs Wardes did a dive avoiding the attack as he flew up with great speed, sora charge in with his glider and the two flew pass each other but not before they both left a scratch on their faces as they turned around facing each other again.
The girls started to fly to their position as Louise wondered how she could help and she remembered the spell book that the princess gave her. She pulled out the book of invocation hopefully to find a spell that would tip the scale in her favor but much to her shock….The pages were all blank. She turned page after page but there was nothing written at all. Frustrated, she closed the book and put it back for safety.
Wardes focused the powers of darkness into this staff as he started to chant a spell. Immediately, black arcs of light shot straight at Sora.
Sora swerved and avoided the arcs before straightening out he casted a fira spell aiming at the dragon but pure black winds enveloped the dragon and Wardes protecting them. Soon after Black lightning came after striking Sora, the keyblade wielder scream holding tight on the handle of the glider Sora shook off the electrical shock. But Wardes managed to fly right beside him and ready his staff prepared to finish this fight at last.
But just before he made contact his dragon was shot down by a combination of wind and fire. Sora looked in the direction of the attack and saw Kirche, Tabitha and Louise all riding on Slyphid.
Sora flew up to the girls. "What? What are you guys doing?" He asked the girls
"We thought you could use a hand." Kirche replied as Louise followed up.
"You idiot! What are you doing here?" She yelled at Sora.
"I came to help. You should've told me!" Sora said
"This isn't your concern!"
"It is too. Don't think I don't have anything to do with this."
[Guys.]
"I swear you never think about yourself, do you always have to think about other people!"
"It's my nature Louise, you can't seriously think I'll change that part of me."
[Guys!]
"You can't just expect me to just pack up and go. Not when there's danger."
"I know you, that's why I wanted you to go. I mean look." She pointed up as they watched the moons completely align with the sun.
"This is your chance, go home Sora, go back to where you belong."
"Louise-."
[GUYS!]
"What!" They both yelled
[Incoming!] The all wondered what he was talking about as a strong gust of wind blew them apart, the wind was so strong that it causes Slyphid to lose her balance and because of that Louise was knocked off the dragon.
"Louise!" Sora quickly dived down and angled the side platform of the glider. He nearly made it as she landed on the platform rubbing her butt.
"You okay?" Sora asked.
"Yeah." She said Louise soon went speechless Sora asked what's wrong as he turned and saw a Wardes back up in the air but was surprised as to what he was riding now.
'A heartless.' That ran in Sora's mind. It was definitely a heartless one that had taken the form of a dragon, it's dark purple scales covering its body with four pairs of wings on its back a trident shaped tail. This beast was called…Fafnir, the dragon roared in furry and Wardes flew in after them.
Everyone on the ground saw this and began to quake from the loud roar. Henrietta and Agnès were shocked while Cromwell smiled.
The villagers hiding in the forest were also scared, especially the children. Siesta and Jessica hugged the little one to calm their fears.
The dragon began to fly at Sora and Louise.
"Tabitha, get going! Louise, hold on tight!" Doing as he said she held onto the sides of the platform. And Sora began to fly at full speed. Away from the heartless, but Wardes was quickly on their tail Sora transformed into his dark form as he knew this was about to get serious, very quickly. Wardes fired a barrage of arcs at Sora who put up his dark barrier protecting him and Louise from the attack. Sora sent a barrage of fire and ice spell at the traitorous viscount who return fired a burst of wind orbs at them the results was a mini explosion as their spells collided with one another.
The dragon heartless began to take a deep breath as it soon fired an air cannon at them Sora did a nose dive straighting out. He circled back and unleashed a volley of blade projectiles at him as the dragon did a barrel roll to avoid the projectiles. Just as Wardes then
"Man, this guy just won't quit." Sora said to Louise as they stopped and hovered in the air.
"Sora! I swear I will end this battle one and for all!" Wardes yelled at Sora with full animosity and right now he didn't think he would care if anything happened to Louise or maybe he still needed her for their plans. Not only that but he looked up at the sky that eclipse he knows it won't last forever not to mention he still has Louise to worry about as well.
"Wardes, stop this at once." Louise pleaded. "You don't have to keep doing this.
"Oh but I do. This country is being ruled by a weak queen, but with our powers we can rebuild this nation and make it stronger." He stretched out his hand once more to her.
"My offer still stands, Louise, join us and we will rule Halkegenia as king and queen."
His offer still stood on the table for him and Louise to masters of this world. Louise looked at his hand… she didn't want that, she wanted no part in any of this.
"Forget it, Wardes. She is not going with you, not if I have anything to say about it." Sora said to the wind user.
"I don't understand why you keep interfering. You're just a fool he always sticks his nose in places he has no business meddling in."
"I don't care!" Sora said "Power isn't what should matter. You will never understand Wardes… You'll never understand the kind of power that comes from fighting with everything you have to protect the ones you treasure more than anything."
"I don't care about power, or whatever else. I don't care what happens, as long as I can protect the people I love, that's all that matters. What I want is to keep her and everyone safe, nothing more and nothing less. After all… I'm zero's familiar!"
Tears ran down Louise as she heard his speech. All of their adventures she and Sora had together he's always been there for her giving her support, comfort, and at other times joy. All her life she was belittled by everyone for her lack of skills, and she was also envious of how everyone can use their magic with no problem. And when Sora came into her life she thought the same but she was wrong, he was different.
When he learned that Louise wasn't as gifted with magic as others were he really didn't seem to care, instead he was just the opposite. He gave her sympathy and compassion not once making fun of her talents. Her heart started to beat faster and louder.
…This feeling she denied for some time couldn't be denied any longer.
Next thing they knew the runes on his hand began to glow brightly underneath his glove and this surprised Louise. Soon there was something else glowing Louise pulled out the book of invocation and suddenly the pages started turning on their own.
"Louise what's going on?" Sora asked
"I-I don't know?" She wondered herself as the pages stopped and writing began to show on the page.
'What is this?' She thought as she looked at the words it seemed to be a spell.
[Well it's about time.] Delf said, grabbing their attention.
"What are you talking about?"
[Isn't obvious, Gandálfr, that book. Louise in your blood lives the blood of the founder, the power of void runs in your veins.]
Sora and Louise looked at one another. "Sora." She stood up on the platform, with her wand ready.
"Yeah?"
"Keep this thing steady while I cast this spell." Her eyes were focused on the spell on the page
"Are you sure you can do it?" Asked the keyblade wielder.
"Weren't you the one who told me to believe in myself right? I know I can do this."
She said to Sora as he could see there was a flicker of fire and determination in her eyes. She is stubborn, maybe as stubborn as him, Sora couldn't help but smile.
"…Alright then, focus on the spell, and I'll keep you safe." He replied having his usual grin and this caused Louise to smile back as she closed her eyes and began focusing on the incantation.
(Play Ketsui)
Wardes began to fly towards them but not before calling a small flock of Wyverns and gargoyles. Sora who was still in place of the glider fired lasers off shoot one Wyvern and one Gargoyle. Wardes rode in close to them with his Fafnir heartless, the dragon was getting ready to attack but the attack was stopped when Sora put up his dark guard preventing the claw from reaching them and with a swift motion he his dark burst to send it back.
Wardes regained control of the beast and with a wave of his hand Gargoyles and Wyverns started to fly around Sora who flung his keyblade forward as it ricocheted between heartless. Sora placed up a barrier protecting him and Louise again as they circled trying to break it. But again Sora uses his dark burst to push them away.
Wardes was getting angry as he swore to kill this boy and soon he will have Louise as his queen.
Meanwhile back on the ground all the soldiers on both sides continue to fight one another.
"Keep fighting!"
"For the glory of Tristan!"
Henrietta looked at the army on her side. It seems that she was driving the enemy back, but she turned her attention skyward on the keyblade wielder and his master who were still fighting in the air.
'Sora is the only one with the power to deal with them. But I wish I could do more.'
Siesta and her family were also watching the heartless that were surrounding Sora. She wished she could help but all she could do was pray for Sora's safety.
Back in the air Sora fired off magic bullets from his keyblade Destroying three Gargoyles as the Wyverns came flying behind Delf warned him he casted his firaga spell sending a large fireball at the dragon heartless but as he turn his focus back at the enemies at the front. Just as he defeated them more showed up.
"There's just no end to this!" He grunted. Sora then looked to Louise who was still reciting the spell.
"How long does this take?"
[For as long as she needs to get ready. Void magic takes longer to cast than most spells. Just buy her time.]
Sora nodded as he lifted oblivion up, sending arks of lightning from his keyblade raining down bolts that struck most of the skyborne heatless.
Having enough of this the dragon that Wardes rode on opened its mouth wide and released a powerful stream of air at them Sora quickly put up his dark guard shielding the two of them. The breath attack ended and Sora fired another round of fire from the keyblade.
But Fafnir used it's wings to create four slices of air that dissipated the fire but it also went flying to Sora who once more placed a barrier keeping him and Louise safe from the first three, but on the last one created a crack in the barrier. Sora gasped when he saw this but Wardes only smiled, it seems he might be reaching his limits after all.
"Well now, I see there's only so much you can take." Sora dropped the barrier and glanced over at Louise; he's not going to keep this up any longer. But that shouldn't matter, he promised to keep her safe and he is not going to break it.
'Come on Louise, you can do it!'
The tip of Louise's wand began to shine with a bright light. Sora continued to fight making sure Louise can perform this spell.
'So…this is what my power's feel like. It's so… distinct, yet at the same time it feels so familiar to me.'
Louise thought as Sora fired lasers at the incoming does took them head on from the glider just as he threw his keyblade at the flock of Wyverns but he missed. He called back his keyblade and unleashed his aeroga sucking them up in a wind trap before freezing them with a blizzard spell.
'I never had any magical abilities whatsoever and was constantly scolded by my family as well as my teachers. At school, everyone called me 'Louise the Zero.' And the one time I actually did a spell correctly, I ended up summoning a human to be my familiar.'
Sora had done a circle raid after a group of Gargoyles surrounded him.
'I honestly hated it, even more so when I discovered he could use magic, along with Siesta and Jessica. They were all commoners, yet they could use magic. I felt like this world hated me. But Sora, you were different. When you learned that I wasn't compatible with magic, I thought I would be ridiculed again. But you never did that; you've just been there for me.'
Sora raised his translucent barrier again as two Wyverns flew into it, cracking it even more. He pushed them back and launched a strike raid at them.
'You never once made fun of me or called me zero either. You instead gave me support, and compassion.'
She started to remember the good times she and Sora had together. As well as the times that he saved her. Always there for her despite how badly she would treat him, always smiling and joyful. Her final memory ended when She and Sora rode on the back of Tabitha's familiar and she kissed him for that.
Every bad situation they've been in Sora was there to turn it around, at some point those feelings she had towards Sora began to change for the better.
'And now… it comes to this… I still have doubts about if I can do this, but I have faith, Sora… you've helped me so much during our time together, you got me to start believing in myself. You believed in me, now…it's time to see what I'm really made of.'
Fafnir released another wind blast and Wardes fired a barrage of dark energy from his sword at Sora who had his dark barrier in place once again but with the sheer combination of power the barrier couldn't hold out anymore as more cracks began to appear. When the attack finished all of the heartless including the one the viscount was riding on flew right at Sora hitting the dome more and more leaving more cracks and finally the dragon heartless flew in and with a strong swing of it's tail shattered it leaving them wide open for an attack.
Wardes smiled uncontrollably as he would finally finish off this pain once and for all, leaving him and Albion to take root over all of Tristan and soon all of Halkegenia would bow beneath them.
Just then. As he was about to prepare for one final move, Louise waved her wand and everyone was forced to shield their eyes from a massive source of brightness from Louise's wand. It seemed to consume everything in its path. All of the heartless were completely obliterated by the light as it continued to spread. It consumed the warship at Albion's command, causing it to erupt in flames and descend to the ground.
Everyone from the ground to the sky had to shield his or her eyes as the light continued to overtake everything.
Finally, for what seemed to be hours, the light suddenly faded. The results were more than substantial. Every Heartless was gone.
Sora was in awe at what just happened, all the heartless were gone including Wardes, was this really Louise's power. He looked at his pink haired master who was motionless but not before losing consciousness she fell off the platform and was falling from the sky.
Sora gasped as he flew the Glider down to catch her. But she was falling further and further, Sora reached out his hand trying to grab hold of her.
'Come on. Almost…' He was flying faster while she was falling faster he kept reaching out his hand and by miracle he managed to grab her arm with his strength he held her underneath his arm as Sora straighten out the glider flying close to the grass, he stopped the glider and slowly placed it on the ground carrying the unconscious Louise in a princess hold.
Sora looked up at the sky and saw the eclipse ending.
Sigh* "Oh well."
Siesta, her family and all of the villagers saw the huge light in the sky that consumed everything.
"What-What in the world is going on?" Sophie asked.
"I think- I don't even know?" Lauren was unsure as he held onto his boy's shoulders.
"That had to have been from Miss Vallière and Sora…Right?"
"Maybe."
Over by the battle field the soldiers momentarily stopped fighting as they were surprised by the sudden light that enveloped everything. The Albion soldiers saw this, their ship, and monsters as well as their leaders were all gone. With no one left to give orders to, they could only do one thing.
"R-Retreat!"
"Fall back! Fall back! The soldiers of Albion followed orders and started to fall back. The princess and Agnès watched as they were pulling back; today marked a win as the Tristan armies cheered cries of victories.
Meanwhile in another part of the forest Cromwell somehow managed to survive the ship falling out of the sky.
"I can't believe I survived? And that power… that was most definitely the power of old." Cromwell glanced at the ring on his finger. "I must find that girl, with the ring of andvari still in my control-" He suddenly was pushed back, landing into a tree.
'Xigbar?' That was his idea but before he loss consciousness Cromwell failed to see the wand in his hand. This was not Xigbar but someone else.
The figure walked over to the unconscious Cromwell and took Andvari's ring off his finger. He then disappeared into a dark corridor vanishing out of sight.
Meanwhile Sora was sitting on the grass next to Louise who was still asleep.
"So that was void magic, huh?"
[Yep.]
"That honestly, was awesome!"
[Yeah, but what are you gonna do now? I mean your window home is gone.]
"Not the worst thing that's happened." He said as he looked up at the sky. "Sorry everyone, sorry Kairi…just, wait for me a little bit longer."
Sora and Delf soon heard the sound of groaning, Sora crawled over to Louise who was starting to open her eyes.
"Good to see you awake." Sora said.
"Your…still here?"
"Yeah. I got to say, your magic was amazing!"
Louise sat up "Well of course it's amazing, after all I am Louise the zero." She boasted.
"Wait a minute, I thought you hated being called that?"
She smiled looking up "I did. But after reciting the spell I felt something so unfamiliar yet similar." She placed her hand on her chest "I worked so hard on practicing spells but none of them ever worked, I started to think that maybe they were all right, and something was wrong with me. But when I cast that spell I began to realize my explosions were really just one of the powers of the Brimir. Now I understand that I am a void user."
[And let's not forget you got a legendary sword with a legendary familiar, and even before you summoned him, his power is already something to behold.]
Sora flopped on the ground with his hands behind his head. "Ahhh, legendary this and legendary that."
"Being a legend means shouldering a lot of responsibility. I mean I'm worried about what's gonna happen."
"Well, isn't that why I'm here?"
"But what about your home, and your friends? Shouldn't we try to help you figure out how to get you back to your own world?"
Sora let out a breath of air from his nostrils "To be honest… my situation can wait. There's no need to rush, I do want to see my friends again but with Albion, heartless and the organization XIII member still running around, I can't just leave things the way they are. I'll find some way back home one of these days, but until then, I have a lot of work to do." He said giving Louise his usual smile as he stood up.
"You mean 'we' have a lot of work to do." She stood up beside him. "You forgot something, you're my familiar and I am your master, that means we're in this together right?"
"Right. Come on, let's meet up with everyone." He said as Sora began walking with Louise following him but she briefly stopped and rushed hugging him from behind.
"Thank you. For everything." She said to him smiling dearly as Sora smiled as well. He may have lost his ticket back to the Islands but as long as everyone is okay that's all that matters.
"What the-!" They both pulled away as Kirche, Siesta, Tabitha, Jessica, and Guiche altogether.
"Guys?" Sora was surprised
"We saw the fight that was happening so we rushed over to check on you!" Siesta replied.
"So what's going on here?" Asked Jessica.
"Well, well, Louise. Quite the romantic mood setting you two have." Kirche smirked.
"Sora tell us, is there something between you and Miss Vallière?" Siesta request.
"Yeah. What's really going on with you guys?" Jessica chimed in as well.
"Ah…well…" Sora tried to speak as all three of the girls were extremely close and demanded an answer. But Sora grabbed Louise's hand as they both started running which led to them being chased by the others as Guiche followed along and Tabitha was being pulled by Kirche. As they were pursuing them Louise looked at his hand and smiled just a tad bit.
With everything that has happened it seemed to be only the start of something more.
(Night)
Bushes rustled and Matilda came out completely exhausted. She held onto her knees after finally losing that little pretty boy. She could believe that she was beaten again by those kids.
As she got her second wind she continued walking after a few steps she happened to come across Wardes who was worse for ware.
"Matilda…" Wardes said.
She gently picked him up as they were shoulder to shoulder. "You look like hell."
"I know… I don't even know how- Ngh." He groan in pain
"Well let's get back to Albion, get you patched up."
"Good…next time I won't fall for the same tricks again."
"... Technically it's your fault for not listening to my warning."
Matilda turned her head sideways and saw Xigbar coming out of the woods. They were both not very pleased to see him.
"Oh, now you show up!" The green haired woman barked.
"Xigbar…" Warded growled
Whistle* "Man, goatee you ain't looking too hot."
"Why are you here-no better than that why did you come back here." Matilda demanded answers.
However Wardes stopped her "Forget it Matilda. You… know how he is. We should at least search for Cromwell."
"Cromwell, why?"
"Andvari's ring…" he reminded her about the ring "I doubt Cromwell survived from the ship falling…but if the ring is still intact…"
"You mean, this little thing?" Xigbar playfully said as he held the Andvari's ring in between his right middle and ring finger. They were both shocked to see it.
"How-?"
"Yeah a buddy of mine got this thing off him, but he didn't take it off a dead body. Turned out he survived but not before he took a little nap."
"Unfortunately though, I know someone else who needs this." Anger was visible on their faces.
"You traitor!"
"Traitor, please. I said that I would give you my assistance…I never said I would join your girls club. Especially when I have my own." Suddenly five dark corridors opened and out came five individuals wearing the same type of robe that Xigbar wore. Matilda grabbed her wand as she was ready for a fight.
"Who are they?!" She asked.
"Friends of mine, but the guy on the far left is a new recruit. Actually, Wardes should know this one pretty well." Xigbar said as the guy on the left pulled back his hood to reveal his face and he and the mage supporting could not believe what they were seeing or rather who they were seeing.
"You… but, that's…no"
"Impossible… I know I… with my own…"
He pulled his hood back up as Xigbar continued "Now with that out of the way, There's some I need you guys help with. And because you say anything, you're not exactly in the best position to decline." He snapped his finger and a black portal open underneath their feet as they were getting sucked into it.
"But don't worry… I promise you'll get what you both deserve." That was the last time he said to them as their world suddenly went black.
"Hey! Forehead. I got it." He called out in the woods as Sheffield came out.
"The ring of Andvari."
Sheffield wasn't even bothered by the insult. Xigbar threw the ring to her and she caught it. She smiled at this.
"I see you make good on your word."
"I always do." He said "So a deal's a deal right?"
"Yes. You kept your end of the bargain, so I'll honor mine." The dark haired woman walked over to and shook hands at the start of their partnership.
The pieces of this world are now coming into place, now there will come a time when it all falls into place.
End.
