Chapter CCLXXXIII: The Final Battle Part IX
Shivering within the depths of darkness, the glowing blue presence continued to hold the dissolving figure close to themselves. As they did, breathing in and out, they were trying to recover what energy they could. The painful magical blast they'd been harmed by, had sapped from them a lot of energy, then after some moments of silent recovery, they asked, "Has... has it, stopped?"
For it seemed to be the case, the two of them were no longer being assaulted by the terrible painful magic that had been unleashed. The situation though, sadly for them hadn't changed for them both, for still they were trapped within the jewel pod and looking about them, the colours of the other Fragments continued to illuminate around the turquoise blue they were bathed in.
Looking to the red of the Fourth, the pink of the Sixth and finally the green of the Eighth. The presence was chilled seeing their glowing colours, pulsing in and out around them, for though it would have been beautiful in other circumstances, it wasn't now, due to what they symbolised. That the Fragments had nearly fully joined back together again, and once they were all one once more... they would have no need for any Broken Hearts nor other lifeforms to sustain their existence.
Remembering this terrible fact, the presence looked around themselves, they knew when the dark blue of the Second joined with them, it would signify that-!
GLOW!
Then in alarm, the presence saw there close to them, was the glowing dark blue line of the Second Fragment! It was only mere meter's away from them! Once it made contact with the jewel, their existence would come to an end!
Shivering as they looked at it, they shut their eyes preparing for the terrible final painful pulse of light that would come!
…
However, no pain came. Puzzled by this, they opened their eyes and looking back to the dark blue glowing line, they realised it wasn't moving! It wasn't getting closer to them at all. They were puzzled, "What's going on? Why has it-?"
"So? You were able to steal away a small piece of the Vessel's Broken Heart it seems?"
Hearing their captor's evil voice, the presence remained quiet. However as this fact was revealed, they were quiet, then they asked, "A small piece?"
She remained silent and listened on, and as she heard more of the details, she heard one special voice say,
"I'm not going to lose this precious light to you, nor those of any of my friends! For losing any of that to you, is worse than falling into the depths of Darkness itself!"
As everything was said and the sounds of battle began to echo beyond the dark realms, the presence was in disbelief as they looked to the figure who was with them. It was then as they gazed at what remained of their Broken Heart, that glowed within the centre of their transparent glass like chest, they noticed something. One particular big piece was missing in its centre!
Seeing this, as they thought of everything that was happening to them... they realised it. What they'd done, before they were taken into this terrible jewel prison! Looking to the figure, they told them with a relieved smile, "Did you hear all that! You did it! You've managed to stop the Interfusing process! You-!"
However they stopped, as then they realised in all that time, their companion hadn't uttered a single word. Looking to them worried, they asked, "Hey?" But there came no response. Something was wrong, very wrong...
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FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
Ahead of them as they flew in the air, a swarm of the terrible firefly Heartless started to shine with their awful rapid changing colours, as they were ready to explode on them again!
Irritated, all of these Heartless were impending their progress! With them swarming around everywhere, the group of heroes weren't as close to Xehanort as they should be. They needed to launch a direct attack against the evil man! Kairi knew this, and riding with her fellow Keybladers, she cried out as they turned in the air, "Not these guys again!" For if there was one thing they didn't need, it was a repeat of what had happened on their way up!
Flying on close by them though, one voice said, "This will not be an issue!"
Turning Kairi saw it was Vincent! As the transformed red clad man flew forwards with his tattered wings, he brought forth his revolver Cerberus and quickly-!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
He unleashed a hail of dark bullets against the creatures and quickly-!
KABOOM!
They were all destroyed in seconds! Seeing this, everyone amazed! Sora then pleased cried out, "Awesome! Well done Vincent!"
The demon transformed man simply nodded, however it was too soon to relax as-!
"RRROOOAAARRR!"
Again more swarms of Heartless came to attack from on high! These ones were pure bloods, Orcus's! However these one's were armoured variants, and were double wielders with long sharp curved heart ended blades, that were ready to tear them all to shreds!
"Here they come!" Mickey cried out!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
As the creatures all rushed at them, Vincent with his weapon at the ready, said, "Let's see who's the superior demon!" With those words uttered, he flew ahead of them and told the Keybladers, "All of you stay behind me!"
"You're not doing this alone!" It was then Lightning rushed in to attack with him!
As she rode with Odin, her wing blades were ready, and quickly making it in close to them-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
She destroyed a large number of them, then the monsters backed away quickly as they all quickly turned into a huge storming swarm that all quickly came to overwhelm them with a tsunami of blades!
"I think that's gonna be tricky to deal with Lightning!" Hope told her, for he wasn't sure if he had anything that would help out!
However she told him, "It's not our turn now!"
"Huh?" Puzzled, Hope though didn't get a spoken answer. Instead he and Lightning pulled back and quickly-!
GLOW!
Vincent was ready to unleash his attack, against the hordes! His weapon ignited with dark burning light and as it did so, it's aim was locked on, and quickly he uttered the name of his devastating technique,
"Chaos Blasting Saber!"
SHINE!
In seconds, numerous beams of blinding dark light fired from his gun, and quickly they all raced ahead, whirling around and around everywhere!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The attack hit countless numbers of the Heartless, so many in fact, Pete couldn't help but say, "Wow! Now that's what ya call a one man army!" Then shuddering, as he imagined being on the receiving end of that attack, he added, "I'm just glad he's on our side!"
Donald agreed saying, "You said it!"
Then Goofy trying to see through this blazing barrage couldn't help but ask, "Do ya think he got all of 'em?"
Mickey was about to answer, when-!
"Lightning let's go!" Hope cried out, full of enthusiasm at what Vincent's attack had been able to accomplish!
"Right!" Quickly again Lightning rode on with Odin, gripping her blades she quickly leaped forwards and cried out, her own technique!
"Arising Storm!"
SLASH!
Immediately she cut a line straight through the monsters! As she did, it was then they all had the opening they needed to go on ahead!
Pleased Sora cried out, "Nice!" Then watching on, he saw the female Solider make it back onto Odin.
As she did, she called out, "C'mon! It's time to go forwards!"
"Right!"
Everyone all cried out in unison, and with that they all charged on, getting closer and closer towards Xehanort! As they all rode on, Riku looking at the Master of the Heartless, was busy trying to think of what to do. For they had to rescue the Vessels that were trapped within him, but how were they supposed to do that? How were they supposed to-?
RRROOOAAARRR!
Quickly though he was distracted from his thoughts, as he looked up, and there he saw to his dismay along with everyone else-!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
More Heartless come forth from countless portals of Darkness that surrounded the armoured tall, King-Blade wielding monster!
"Darn! Just when I thought we might have more leeway here in the sky!" Odyeux uttered, clearly agitated by these huge numbers! At this rate, it would be never ending for them!
Irritated, Riku then gripping his Keyblade stated, "This is completely unfair!"
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
Hearing this monstrous laugh as he leered down at them all, in his tall Darkside form, Xehanort then asked, "Is that the best you can all muster against the first wave?"
Nobody uttered anything to the monstrous man, instead they all looked on up with bitter anger! For if he didn't have all that stolen power, he'd be-!
PULSE! PULSE! PULSE! PULSE! PULSE!
Suddenly the massive King-Blade in his monstrous left hand began to glow with tremendous dark ominous power! As it did, they heard the monster tell them, "Let's see how you deal with a taste of this power!"
Mickey quickly realised what was going to happen! Immediately he cried out, "Fella's look out! He's gonna move!"
Then indeed, the Master of Darkness did! Lifting the gigantic dangerous weapon up, he pulled it back and quickly he declared the attack,
"Brutal Dark Blast!"
SLASH!
Immediately he swung the cursed weapon straight at them all! Seeing this attack coming, everyone quickly dodged out of the way to avoid the strike! They could all feel the chilling radiance of Darkness the blade pulsed with!
Sora seeing the weapon's titanic shape held over them all, thought this was absolutely crazy! In disbelief he said, "I can't believe of all things we have to face, its a colossal Keyblade!" Mad as he looked up to Xehanort he added, "I don't want to be the fly in this!"
"No-one does!" However seeing the massive King-Blade hovering over them, Kairi had to add, "But at least our small size, is making it easier not to get hit by that thing!"
"You said it!" Ody agreed, for as he directed their Dusk dragon to move back in closer to the Master of Darkness, he couldn't help but add, "I'm not sure if even Scriptium could survive against a direct blow from something like that!"
"I don't think anyone would!" Riku replied, then as he looked at the weapon himself, as they circled. He wondered about something... As the idea revealed itself in his mind, he decided to ask, "Your Majesty?"
Hearing himself be called for, the mouse Keyblader looked to his friend and replied, "Yeah, Riku?"
"You remember Irma with the Magi Metamorphosis, when she and her goons transformed before... do you think the Fragments might have a similar process in how they work? Riku asked him.
Surprised that he thought of this, Mickey asked, "The Magi Metamorphosis? What made you think of it?"
Riku then said, "When Xehanort pointed to where he'd taken her, in that blue jewel..." Remembering his arrogant image filled him with fury, but focusing back on the jewel he explained further, "There was something about it, that I thought didn't think quite make sense."
Not quite understanding him, Pete asked him, "What're you utterin' about? We already know where he has 'em! They're in that giant weapon or whatever, aren't they?" With that as he pointed up to it, he added, "That's why we heard all that there screamin' back there! It was-!"
"That's where the problem is!" Riku replied, for then he stated, "If she's in that jewel, then what's up there?" With that he pointed on up too.
Mickey hearing this became quiet... then as he thought about what they'd been through until that point. He realised his comrade was right, he nodded and told him, "You're right, we don't know...and if we don't, there's no way we can rescue any of them properly if we can't figure out their exact whereabouts!" Then as he thought to himself, remembering the battles they had fought against Irma and Bebuzzu, he began to say, "We're gonna have to-!"
"I'm getting bored of waiting!"
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
Then suddenly interrupting the discussion, above them all, the darkened jewels within the King-Blade began to brim with dark power! As they did with widened eyes, Kairi asked worried, "What's he doing now?" Then-!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Suddenly a barrage of burning purple laser fire came straight down towards them all! As the beams stormed forth, everyone was terrified when-!
"Lustrous Shield!"
SHINE!
Immediately all around them, a shining yellow flower shield emerged and quickly this diverted the laser fire! Then thankfully, everyone in the group came out unscathed! With relief, turning to look at them, "Aerith, thank you!" Kairi cried out.
The pink clad white mage smiled happily, she was glad to help!
Seeing this happen, Mickey made a fast decision, "Okay fella's, we need to climb on up! We need to get a closer look at the King-Blade!"
Appalled, Donald cried out, "Get closer!?" With that looking at the terrible weapon, he cried out, "But we'll be sliced and diced if we get too close!"
Nodding, Mickey agreed and said, "It'll be dangerous, but we need to check on something!" With that, looking to Riku, he told him, "Ya better have the Shard ready, Riku!"
He wasn't what he had planned, but the white haired Keyblader nodded and said, "Right!" With that he held the fragile light close to him. For they needed to get answers and fast!
Glad, Mickey then said, "Ody take us on up!"
"You got it!" He replied and quickly-!
SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!
Scirptium beat her massive white flaming wings and quickly the lot of them ascended on high, as they moved to get above the dangerous King-Blade as it moved in the air!
Seeing them all go, Zidane cried out, "Hey! Wait for us you guys!" With that Ruby flew to catch up to them, with Lightning and Vincent following close behind to see what the Keybladers might have come up with!
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"C'mon wake up! You need to get up!" Again though there was no response, and growing further concerned, they shook them asking, "Hey! C'mon speak to me!" Still though, there came nothing, and this time, they turned the figure to make them look straight in their direction, as they did, they asked, "I told you, you can't fall asleep again! Otherwise-!"
But quickly they stopped, for their companion wasn't asleep. Instead they looked on listlessly ahead, with no light in their eyes, for what life was there was nearly all but spent... it was almost like, they were holding nothing more than the pitiful crumbling upper part of a glass statue. The only sign that they were even minutely alive, were the slow and weak small breaths they were taking in, which was probably some lingering reflex that was left within their body.
Worried in seconds, they cried out, "Hey! _! Can you hear me!" However there came no response to their summons. Nothing at all, this was not a good sign! This was bad! The dark magic had hit them harder than they thought!
The presence quickly looked about themselves, they tried to think of something, that might aid their crumbling companion. But as they considered what options they had, they knew what little they could do, it might not be enough to-!
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
Hearing this alarming sound, they looked back to the figure, and then they saw with horror in their eyes, "There are cracks in your face!"
For indeed, the figure's fragile state had become so bad, that there were long deep splintering lines in their face; which were threatening to split apart any moment! If anything else happened, they were sure to smash apart into unfixable pieces... there would be no recovery at this rate for them!
Terrified the presence uttered, "No, oh no...!" Then tears again began to form in their eyes, feeling terror at what was happening to the poor figure.
Looking at them, they tried to gently coax some life out of them, stroking their face they hoped this might do something. If only a little bit... then as they continued to do this small act of comfort, they told them shaking, "Please don't go please...please...!"
Again more tears fell from their eyes, for still there was nothing they could do to help them. This helplessness was the worst! It was-!
"Urgh..."
It was then they heard a groan, turning down to look, they asked, "Are you...?"
Then stopping them in their tracks, the presence saw the figure had reached up their remaining right hand. As they did, a few little splinters of it fell away, but as they did, their delicate fingers, touched their cheek where tears were staining the presence's face.
Feeling them do this, with barely any strength in their touch. Even though there was barely anything left of themselves, the presence couldn't believe it! As they felt the figure move their hand gently in a weakened stroking motion, they knew what their companion was doing... they were trying to comfort them again. To stop the tears.
They were shocked, then a sad smile came. But there would be no stopping the tears, as the presence cupped this gentle kind hand to them. For all they could do was pray and wish, hoping someone or something would come to stop this sea of sorrow they were both drowning within...
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Making it over the King-Blade, the Keybladers all flew trying to find the one particular gem that was embedded within it's long blade. Sora looking knew what colour they needed, and as he looked to the turquoise blue heart shard in Riku's hand, he looked down again and as he did so, he squinted trying to see past the horrible dark roses and thorns that adorned the blade.
As he did, concentrating hard it was then-!
GLOW!
He saw a similar shine, quickly he cried out, "Guys there!"
It was then the heroes, all saw it! Though it was buried underneath terrible thorns and black, there indeed was the same turquoise blue jewel!
Seeing it, quickly everyone flew to get closer to it! But as they did, they heard-!
"Just what do you think you're all doing?"
Nobody though paid any attention to Xehanort, instead they got closer. Flying on closer to the weapon, Mickey told his comrade, "Riku, hold the shard close to it! See if there's a reaction!"
"A reaction?" He asked. He wasn't sure what he meant by this, however he nodded and so with that they got closer. But-!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
Once more the King-Blade radiated with dark power, appalled in seconds. Pete cried out mad, "Oh not this again!" Then they heard-!
"None of you have the right to touch, my King-Blade!"
Mad Kairi cried out, "Weren't you trying to hit us with it anyway?!"
However ignoring this, Riku didn't want to hesitate anymore! Using the power of the Pixie dust that Hana had bathed them in, he flew forwards to touch the jewel, but as he did-!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
More laser fire was unleashed against them all! Sora knew he had to do something! So quickly he dove off Scriptium and cried out, "Riku look out!"
"Huh!" The white haired Keyblader looked back and quickly he saw in horror the laser fire they were about to be struck by when-!
"REFLECT!"
"Lustrous Shield!"
SHINE!
SHINE!
Immediately both protective spells came in the nick of time, and thankfully they had stopped the terrible barrage from hitting any of them!
Riku seeing Sora before him, then saw his best friend look to him and as he did, he told him with a relieved grin, "Hey! Stop giving me more trouble will ya?"
Pausing for a moment surprised, he replied with a smile of his, "I can't make any promises like that!" But then he added, "Thanks Sora!"
The chosen Keyblader nodded, pleased. Then with that he told him, "Go on, see what answers you can get! I'll give you support!"
Riku nodded, with that he finally touched the polluted turquoise jewel on the King-Blade. With the Shard in hand, he waited to see if there would be a reaction of some kind, with the mysterious treasure.
Meanwhile recovering her energy, Aerith breathless told them all, "Hey! Stop overworking me! I'm gonna have to charge commission towards you guys at this rate!"
Ruby who continued to be their ride, couldn't help but say, "Boy, that was too close! Good thing you're one of the best healers out there, Aerith!"
"Praise isn't making me recover faster! But thanks Ruby!" She joked with a smile.
Nodding, assisting her with a good strong Ether, Shirma couldn't help but laugh. Then as she did, Zidane near to them said, "We just gotta hope nothing else comes! We're not gonna be able to keep up with all this at this rate!"
Shirma then replied, "Yeah, I just wish we knew what-!"
SHINE!
It was then everyone noticed and saw that the King-Blade was beginning to glow with a yellow light! The Shield was beginning to ignite into life!
"Oh no! Looks like he's activating his protective abilities!" Ody cried out.
"That won't be too bad will it? We'll-!"
"Time to rid my sacred blade of some insects..."
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
Interrupting Goofy though, quickly a viscous red was beginning to burn around the dangerous weapon as well as the shining yellow. Quickly Kairi realised, "He's using the two Fragment's powers together again!" Worried, she cried out, "Sora, Riku get back here!"
"Not yet! Please just wait a minute!" Riku cried back, with that he continued to try and see if he could feel something. For he couldn't lose the chance to release who he was looking for, if they were in the weapon!
Understanding his concern, nobody there wanted to rush him, but then looking to the weapon as it began to thunder with more power. It was clear, there wasn't much time left for them!
Even Shirma could sense it and she cried out, "Guys the spell that's coming is gonna be really bad! You need to go now!" With those words, quickly Ruby was already manoeuvring back to get them to a safer distance.
Sora seeing them go along with a reluctant Lightning and Vincent, felt anxious. Looking to Riku and back to Scriptium who held his friends as they tried to keep as close as they could, he didn't want to abandon him. He absolutely wouldn't do that, but would his spells and power be enough to cope with-!
"Riku!"
It was then Mickey called out, as he did he asked him, "Do you sense anything from that jewel?"
To which finally, Riku sighed, and then he turned and said, "No I can't sense anything at all! The Shard isn't doing anything either!"
Everyone then became depressed, for if there was nothing there in that jewel, it meant-!
BLAZE!
The spell had reached its zenith and quickly Xehanort released its power, with a sadistic smile,
"Shining Crimson Blitz!"
"Riku!?"
Sora quickly flew closer to his friend and as he did, he cried out, "REFLECT!" With that he went to intercept the attack! As his best friend came to him, covering him in a protective bubble. Riku was shocked, but before he could say anything-!
GLOW!
Suddenly the Shard in his hand glowed brightly and as it did, he asked, "What-?"
But there was no more time, as the shining shield spell came to protect the King-Blade in the same moment-!
ZZZZAAAAPPPP!
The red light of the Fourth Fragment ripped straight through Sora's shield and-!
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"
Both he and Riku screamed in agony and then-!
FLASH!
A helpless shape was sent flying through the air as Xehanort moved the King-Blade back to his side! Horrified seeing it through their own protective spell they'd cast, immediately Kairi cried out, "Sora!?" For there indeed falling through the air, helplessly was the Chosen Keyblader who hadn't been able to withstand the force of the Scythe and Shield!
Seeing him fall, Ody immediately cried out, "Scriptium get him now!"
The Dusk dragon immediately acted and went to fly down and grab him, however quickly-!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!
A huge wave of long Heartless appendages came to quickly grab and drag him down into the dark depths below! Worried in seconds, Kairi absolutely wouldn't let that happen! "I won't let you take him!" With that she launched herself off Scriptium!
"Kairi no!" Mickey cried out.
But the pink armoured girl didn't stop, instead she raced forwards and grabbing him, pulling him close to herself she acted on instinct and feeling the ancient relic she donned fill her with power, she cried out, "Meteor Shower!"
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
Quickly she destroyed huge numbers of the Heartless, however still more of the limbs came for them both! Holding Sora close to her, she was determined and said, "I'm going to protect you this time! I won't let them take you!"
Then before the monsters could touch them-!
BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!
BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!
BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!
BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!
Suddenly a familiar burning white shape came and quickly whisked them both to safety! As it did, perplexed at first as she came to lie upon her warm form once more. Kairi couldn't believe it, but then she was filled with relief as she cried out, "Guys, Scriptium! You came for us!"
"Of course we did! You're our buds!" Goofy told her with a smile.
Nodding, Donald then added, "Yeah! We'd never let ya down!" With that he went to heal his pal who continued to be held in her arms, saying, "Now let's get Sora fixed up!"
Nodding pleased, Kairi smiled as Donald quickly got to work. But as the relief sank in, she then became worried, as she turned and looked back, "No, what about Riku!" Then with dread, she said, "Oh no! I didn't let him drop below did I!? I didn't-!"
"Kairi it's okay!" Mickey cried out, as he ran over to her.
Seeing the Mouse king kneel before her, she uttered, "Huh?"
"I didn't see Riku fall back there!" The King told her, then as he looked back to the King-Blade, that was above them all. He added, "And if I'm guessin' right, I think we might have another miracle that's been made!"
Surprised, she asked, "A miracle?"
The King nodded and then quickly-!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!
Everyone saw with agitation, more of the Heartless emerge from countless portals of Darkness that surrounded them. Seeing them all, Pete feeling irritated cried out, "Oh not again!"
RRROOOAAARRR!
The monsters though cared nothing for his protests and quickly as they raced through the air to intercept them, Sora finally opened his eyes and asked, "What?"
"Sora!" Kairi cried out full of relief!
Hearing her, the spikey haired boy then saw where he was. He blushed madly and didn't know what to say when-!
"Oh get lost will ya!"
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
Quickly Donald began to get rid of more of the terrible monsters numbers! As he did with a huge storm of rockets, he looked down to his comrade who was continued to be cradled by Kairi. As he did, he told him, "Sora this is no time to sleep on the job! Ya've got work to do!"
Silent as he heard this, Sora didn't know at first what to say. But quickly seeing all the Heartless coming their way, he knew this was no time to be embarrassed so he nodded and said, "Right sorry!"
With that Kairi watched him get up and out of her arms, but as he did. She saw him lean down a hand to her, as he did she heard him say, "Thanks Kairi, do you wanna finish these guys off together?"
Surprised by this suggestion, she was more than willing and replied, "Yeah let's do it!" With that she stood fully upright and quickly, both she and Sora launched themselves forwards with the aid of the Pixie Dust and with that the warriors of Light again began their fierce struggles against the ferocious monsters!
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"Urgh...!" Aching all over from the ferocious attack that had been unleashed upon them both, Riku moved to get up and as he did, he asked, "Just what-!"
"That's right my Heartless!"
Hearingthis voice quickly becoming startled, Riku looked up and there he saw towering before him, looking down at the viscous battle that was taking place, he saw the Master of Darkness!
"Tear them apart! Make them fall into the depths of despair!"
On heavy alert hearing this, as he looked up to this colossal sized armoured Darkside, Riku remained quiet as he brought forth his Keyblade, keeping it at the ready! Then as he silently looked on, he saw that he was to Xehanort's side, on a slope of some kind?
As he realised this though with puzzlement, he asked, "Why am I-?" Then when he looked down and around himself. He saw that the slope that he was standing on, was actually the King-Blade itself! He was right on top of it!
As he was, he asked, "Wait how can this happen? I thought I was going to be thrown off, like-!"
It was then he quickly became worried, thinking of Sora he looked around himself and immediately there in the distance he saw-!
"Lightning Ray!"
To his relief he smiled, as there in the far distance with Kairi by his side, the two of them were racing here there and everywhere, slicing into each and every Heartless that came to try and harm their allies Lightning, Hope, Vincent and the white mages who gave them their aid too. With the King, Donald, Goofy and Pete continuing to fly upon Scriptium's back with Ody as they all cheered for them!
"I'm glad they're okay!" He said softly, then looking on up, it was then he saw something strange. Across Xehanort's body he saw a huge shape of light that looked like a heart, it was made with intertwining lines of colour, orange, dark blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, green and finally-!
GLOW!
It was then ahead of him, he saw the turquoise blue jewel upon Xehanort's giant armoured left hand, that held the King-Blade's hilt tightly. Seeing this, as it glowed vibrantly with light. He continued to make his observations, and it was then, he saw from that jewel, the other coloured lines had joined together and were linking down together creating veins that made up the entirety of the King-Blade's form!
Seeing this large network of pulsating coloured light all over it, he saw that each of the jewels on the King-Blade were gathering the light from the armour in huge pools that radiated power...
"Those lines...?" Then looking to the Shard in his hand, he asked it, "Are you the one letting me see all this?"
GLOW!
Seeing it confirm this, he revealed a small smile. Then he said, "That must be the Interfusing network between the Fragment's, I can see it properly now because I have more of a connection with it through you."
Then as he looked at the networking of this powerful ancient magic, he thought again about the Magi Metamorphosis... it was then he realised what was going on. With a serious look, he confirmed, "We were right... it is the same, except the key difference, is that the power isn't going to the body of the controller, its entering this weapon instead, into these jewels its sapping the power of life from it's Vessels and gathering it all here in this blade!" Then looking ahead, he deduced further, "And just like that dark magic, the main body is in that jewel on his hand!"
Realising this, it was then he realised what he needed to do! Taking the Shard in his right hand, he said, "It's time for me to get you back!" With that there was no more hesitation, Riku ran on and quickly began to climb up the surface of the ultimate Keyblade, doing his best to avoid the treacherous dark thorns that threatened to cut into him at every turn!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Tidal Flame!"
BLAST!
Quickly releasing his blasts of power, Zidane destroyed more of the Heartless that tried to come for him, along with the two precious white mages that were riding Ruby!
As he did this, with relief, Shirma told him, "Thanks Zidane!"
Smiling with a cheeky grin, the monkey tailed young man replied, "Hey! Anything for a pretty smile!" With that he didn't hesitate, he ran on ahead to get rid more of the Heartless numbers!
Shirma was pleased, but then she couldn't help but become worried. For even with Vincent, Lightning and the Keybladers to aid them, she knew that they couldn't keep doing this forever, because-!
"Oh, dear!"
It was then she felt some struggle underneath her, looking she saw that Ruby was faltering. As he had been flying for a very long time, and she knew it must be a giant strain on him, worried she immediately acted and cried out, "Curaga!"
GLITTER!
With that she healed him and filled him with what energy she could. Quickly the red robin smiled and said, "Thanks Shirma!"
The pink haired white mage smiled, pleased she could help him, but-!
"I grow tired of this!"
Quickly on edge hearing the voice of the colossal nightmare that was Xehanort, everyone then saw the monster move his right hand and as he did, he declared with a sinister smile on his face, "Now, it's about time you pests all give me back what's mine!"
In seconds, the Heartless all retreated back and as they did-!
SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!
SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!
SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!
SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!
Immediately a huge wave of glittering sharp glass shards of glass filled the air! Their sharp edges pointed at all the heroes in one huge spiralling circle, all of them ready to tear them to pieces, as they glowed with viscous red and purple conductive power!
Seeing the preparation for this attack, Mickey knew this wasn't good! Quickly he cried out, "Fella's look out! He's gonna rip ya all to shreds!"
Everyone could tell this wasn't good and Shirma, along with Aerith knew they didn't have enough protective power left to shield them all from this horrible barrage! Mickey knew this too, and sadly Donald as well their magic was nearly all but spent from these long battles, if they only had more forces on their side, they might've been able to-!
"Kali!"
With that the shards all became longer and they all became sword like, as they brimmed with violent energy, ready to bathe them all in a raging sea of agony!
Zidane landing quickly back on Ruby felt sweat coming down his back, as he said, "This doesn't look good!" No-one disagreed and quickly Xehanort began to call out the rest of his attack,
"Torturous Diamond-!"
"XEHANORT!"
Stopping the evil monster in his tracks, Riku moved and then-!
GLOW!
His hand made contact against the dark cloudy blue jewel upon Xehanort's enormous left hand! As it did, he could feel the power of the Shard was connecting with it, as he pressed against it! He was making the final important connection he needed!
Everyone was shocked seeing this all powerful glow, and even Xehanort himself was shocked as he demanded, "What're you-!"
"He's gonna stop you, Xehanort!"
It was then the monstrous armoured Heartless looked to King Mickey, as he did, he repeated not understanding, "Stop me?"
The King then told him, "That Broken Heart Shard he has, has been bathed in the light of the Seventh Fragment since the day it was born, which means it has a small part of its power!"
Remembering this fact and what the power of the Seeker would do for its user, then that would mean the Interfusing, that this brat could-!
"LET'S GO!"
SHINE!
With that shout Riku's body glowed all over with vibrant turquoise light! As it did, Xehanort realised he was about to initiate its power! Angered he demanded, "Don't you dare!" Then he went to grab him with his right hand, but-!
"SCRIPITUM!"
BLAZE!
"Agh!"
Quickly the enormous dragon unleashed it's fury upon the monster! Blasting him with white hot flames, in the side of his face! In his distracted state, Xehanort hadn't paid attention to how close the Keybladers and Dusk had got to him!
"Ha! How do ya like getting burned for a change!" Pete cried out, pleased again that finally the evil man was getting some form of punishment!
Infuriated, Xehanort went to strike them out of the air with his weapon, when-!
GLOW!
He saw it! Upon his left hand, Riku's body was beginning to enter into the jewel! As he did, he yelled "No!" Then quickly he moved and called upon the powers of the Fifth Fragment! He needed to throw him off!
SHINE!
However even as the yellow shield came forth over the King-Blade, it didn't push Riku back at all! It wasn't working!? "How can this-!"
"You can't throw me off, because the Fragment wants this light! It wants to be complete, and since I'm the one that's holding it, it's got no choice but to bring me with it!" Riku told him, as he looked at him angrily!
Infuriated at this blinds sight he hadn't foreseen, Xehanort mad roared, "YOU!" With that he went to call upon the Fourth Fragment to cut Riku to ribbons!
CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!
But it was too late! Riku was going to get to where he needed to go, and he declared, "You're going to give back the rest of her you stole from me!" With that he was fully absorbed into the jewel, as the power of the Seventh would lead him to the one place he wanted to go to the most, and behind him-!
ZZZZAAAAPPPP!
The King-Blade was bathed in ferocious red power! As is it crackled and burned with destructive power, the heroes who were all left on the outside, could only pray that their comrade would be successful. That he would be able to stop this viscous monster, as more Heartless began to emerge to engage in fierce battle with them...
