Chapter CCXCIV: The Final Battle Part XX

BLAZE!

As the dark blue light faded away, it was quickly replaced by a hellish blaze of blue and red fire! Looking on, they saw the new form their hated foe had taken on!

In horror, they saw a colossal knight that loomed over them. His armour was black all over and was covered in sharp lethal spikes upon his shoulders and arm joints. Everyone shuddered as he began to move forwards. With each step, the flames flared out from every crevice that was upon his metallic form.

They could all feel the fury that those flames represented, but also the chill of the blue reflected the dark parasitic heart that beat within his chest.

GRIP!

Then they saw the burning terror, clench his right hand tightly. As he did this simple act, they then heard him say,

"Amazing... so this was the true potential that the Second Fragment held all along!"

With those words said, No-one present knew what to do or say. As the monster then turned his face down to look at them. The helm that donned his head, had a set of twisting horns that reached high into the abyss. Then other sharp jagged blue appendages that were decorated around his forehead, formed something like a threatening crown.

Then his double set of red eyes came to settle upon them all. They couldn't see his expression from under his newly armoured face, they could hear the dreadful glee in his tone though,

"I must be a thrilling sight for you to witness right now!"

All Nozomi could do was gulp hearing this, for her heart was thundering in her chest. For this appearance he'd taken was because of Wairu's power! She had to find him, otherwise they'd-!

"As if!"

Shocking her, Nozomi looked behind herself. As she did, she saw it was Sora who then pointing at their hated enemy, declared, "You're not scary! I've seen way worse than you right now! If this is all you could dream up, then you'll be nothing that we can't take on!"

As the awkward silence lingered in the air and everyone stared at him, Riku then had to ask, "Sora, did you really have to say that?"

However before the spiky caramel haired boy could respond,

"So...you're undaunted?"

Everyone then began to feel a an awful intensity fill the air, as they did Nozomi could feel something really bad was coming and then-!

"Very well!"

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

The snow and ice underneath them shook and trembled viciously, as it all did it was then they heard the monster declare,

"I will simply become something more than your fragile hearts can endure!"

RRRIIIPPP!

It was then their enemy's lower jaw opened widely and became jagged, with razors of sharpened teeth becoming exposed and then-!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

The fires of his massive body intensified and he became a haunting beacon within the darkness and quickly-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The countless dark hands of the Heartless returned and immediately they swarmed all around their Master! In seconds, they formed a nightmarish cape of countless arms that wavered in thousands of swarming eerie moving shapes!
Then as they attached to him, the monster declared,

"Now, behold I, Xehanort, the Sovereign of Shadows!"

Everyone really was unnerved, even Sora was beginning to sweat! Then Pete speaking for everyone cried out mad, "Now look at what ya dumb loudmouth's done!"

But there would be no time for protest's as-!

BULGE! BULGE! BULGE! BULGE!

BULGE! BULGE! BULGE! BULGE!

BULGE! BULGE! BULGE! BULGE!

BULGE! BULGE! BULGE! BULGE!

All along Xehanort's new slithering arms, appeared countless demonic eyes and immediately they all swivelled down and looked down in the heroes direction! Then as they became all locked onto them, their Master gave his command,

"Now! Become ensnared in the Darkness!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

In seconds the demonic Heartless limbs were all twisting and turning in the air and were all coming down to drag them all into oblivion!

Mickey seeing them coming cried out, "RUN FELLA'S!" Immediately everyone departed, scattering in different directions and-!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

They all smashed into the wide snowy platform that had given them all support within the epic battle, with Hana's enlarged flowers glittering away. However this white snowy space was quickly-!

SSSSHHHHAAAATTTTEEEERRRR!

The platform was completely eradicated, being turned into mostly floating useless debris, with only a few small patches. that still held a few of the precious flowers!

However thanks to those special blooms, the heroes had all been bathed within a huge amount of Pixie Dust. Then quickly, they all started to fly back on high, into the air using it, or the summoned beasts who were aiding them!

"Whoa!" As Sora flew on up with Kairi being held by his right hand, he couldn't help but say, "I never expected anything like that!"

"None of us did!" Riku told him, for as he held Nozomi's hand again. He couldn't help but critique his best friend, telling him, "But it would have helped, if you thought before you spoke back there!"
"True!" Kairi agreed.

Sora was annoyed, but before he could complain-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

On high alert, they saw again the arms had rounded back and were all quickly trying to grab hold of them, once again!

Everyone was terrified but-!

"GUYS!"

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

Suddenly swooping in and taking them all upon her warm back again, it was none other than their first loyal steed, Scriptium and her Master, Ody!

As her fires burned away the Heartless limbs, making them all angrily swarm on back towards their Master, Nozomi cried out to him, "Ody thanks again!"

He nodded to her happy call with a small smile of his own, then-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

They all heard again the horrible dark hands of the Heartless move over the head of their Master, forming new appendages for him and quickly-!

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

The monstrous limbs above him, had created a giant pulsating swirling sphere of dark power! It was ferocious and quickly-!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

It released a rain of laser-fire that everyone began ducking in and out from! All of them desperate not to get hit! However even despite everyone's best efforts-!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Nozomi grimaced, clenching her right hand tightly hearing the cries of her friends as Riku held her protectively close to himself. She didn't know who'd been struck, but she didn't want anyone to be suffering! Not because of Wairu, she knew he wouldn't want this! That he-!

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

She heard Xehanort burst out laughing again sadistically, he was enjoying their pain! He was-!

"KNOCK IT OFF!"

SHINE!

Suddenly around Scriptium emerged a protective spell, that quickly made the attacks of the monster divert here there and everywhere!

Amazed seeing this, Nozomi saw that the one who'd done this was, "Donald!"

The white duck Mage, using his protective magic cried out, "We're not gonna lose to this!"

The female Keyblader was quiet, then she heard-!

"You're right Donald, we won't!"

She turned and saw that it was Kairi who'd spoken up, as she did. She saw the pink clad knight stand up, though a little shakily. Sora was right by her side, lifting her up. He nodded to her with a quiet smile, to which she returned a grateful happy expression. Doing this, she then said, "I won't let Xehanort hurt everyone like this again!" With that she clasped her hands together!
Nozomi with the others, then saw Kairi and Sora's power begin to resonate! As their power of light grew, empowered by the harmony of their hearts and the Fragments that they housed within them, the Princess of Heart and the Chosen Keyblader revealed their combined new power,

"Encouraging Shield Embrace!"

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

Suddenly around all their comrades, shining domed shields came forth! As they did, Nozomi saw in amazement, "Everyone! They're okay now!" For indeed, the miraculous power of the two of them, worked now to defend them from Xehanort's wrath, along with giving them the strength and resolve to stand up again against the monstrous man!

Smiling brightly, Nozomi then told them, "Guys, you did it! You saved everyone!"

Both of them smiled back to her, however before they could speak-!

"Looks like you've managed to harmonise with the Fragments you contain within you already."

Hearing Xehanort again, Nozomi's focus returned to him immediately! Looking at the horrible man, she saw that he'd called back the countless eerie arms of the Heartless back to himself. As he did and he stood ready with his massive Keyblade by his side, he then said,

"I suppose fortune always does favour the bold!"

Nozomi remained quiet as she listened to Xehanort, however thinking of Wairu again. She looked over the monstrous man's huge armoured body and-!

SHINE!

It was finally then she saw it! Her eyes widening in alarm, she cried out, "Wairu!?"
Hearing her, Riku then looked in the direction her eyes had fixed upon. He saw it, within the centre of Xehanort's chest, was a huge jewel. Dark blue in colour and as it shone brightly with light, he could see something that looked like a human figure within it. Surprised, he asked, "Is that him?"

"Ah, so you've finally spied him have you?"

As Xehanort spoke, it was then Riku saw Nozomi get up quickly. As she did, he heard her demand, "What've you done to him!?"

"You wish to see?"

Silent Riku had no idea what this meant he would do, when-!

FLASH!

"Agh!"

Everyone became blinded by a bright flash, then quickly it diminished and there they saw before them, "Wairu!?" Nozomi cried out in horror.

HISS!

For then everyone saw what had become of the poor Vessel, there within a huge magical projection, they saw the dark-skinned boy with his head bowed. His limbs all entangled within terrible dark tendrils and there biting into his right side into his neck and shoulder was a monstrous reptile creature!

Looking at him, with the crown of thorns around his head and his downcast eyes wet with tears, Nozomi became incensed and then-!

FLASH!

Her own Keyblade quickly came to her right hand, as it did, she demanded of the colossal monstrous knight, "What did you do to him!? What have you-!"

"Making him permanently mine, that's all!"

"Huh?" Nozomi didn't understand him. But then-!

CCCRRREEEAAAKKK!

Hearing this horrible sound. They all saw with alarm that the poor boy's body and clothes, were beginning to turn a terrible dark grey, that was spreading from the bite that the monster was inflicting upon him!

Seeing this, Nozomi felt tears coming to her eyes. Gasping she uttered, "No! No, Wairu he's! He's-!"

"Being turned to stone!"

Xehanort informed them, everyone in that space immediately were horrified.

Riku then demanded angrily, "Why!? Why have you gone that far!?"

"HA! HA! HA! HA!"

Stilling him into shock, the living nightmare then told all the anxious heroes,

"So you will never be able to reclaim him!"

"Never reclaim him?" Sora repeated, then as he thought for a moment, he asked angered, "You're that mad, that you're willing to kill someone like that!?" Then gritting his teeth, he told him, "You're the worst sore loser there is!"

"Kill him?"

As Xehanort repeated this couple of words, he then chuckled sinisterly before he revealed,

"He will not die from this petrification."

Kairi then asked in disbelief, "He won't?"

"Of course not, otherwise the Fragment would have fled from his body, instead they both will be sealed inside of me, with no risk of escape provided by pathetic sentimentality nor whatever scheme you may concoct!"

Riku hearing this, then summarised it, "So you're simply going to make him suffer, by permanently turning him to stone, just so we won't win!"

The monstrous knight provided no words, instead he released another hideous chuckle.

As he did this, Nozomi had, had enough! She cried out, "Why!? How could you treat him so horribly! Just so-!"

"Why should I not, he deserves it doesn't he?"

Stilled into silence, Nozomi couldn't think for a moment and simply uttered, "What?"

FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!FLASH!

Quickly more panels appeared and showed more images! Looking on, they saw a white masked figure with lilac long hair, with a sinister smile on his face causing damage and suffering, calling upon the Heartless to attack people, him with Maleficent and-!

"GAGH!"

"Riku!?" Sora cried out horrified! For there in the past, they saw the ferocious attack that the boy had done. Almost killing his best friend!

Seeing this, Nozomi seeing the horrific things that her friend had done. Screamed, "STOP IT! DON'T SHOW THIS! THIS ISN'T-!"

"But it is, this is the true reality of who your friend was!"

Shaking her head, Nozomi didn't want to see the evil Wairu had done! He wouldn't want this! He was-!

"Beautiful, and with just one final kiss, you'll belong to me... and only me!"

Then quickly everyone was shown what Wairu had attempted to do, with the flower of darkness. As her terrified face and tears came into view, it was then everyone heard her cry,

"NO! STOP IT!"

As her shouts of panic and terror, sounded everywhere. No-one could say a word, this was horrific... this one boy alone had-!

"You see, he's a monster, why should you even bother to try and save him?"

Everyone looked uncomfortable hearing this question be posed to them, for the imagery before them made it clear as day. The atrocities that Wairu had done, he'd helped in the destruction of the Radiant Gardens, he'd aided Maleficent and had even tried to harm their comrades... should any of them-?

"He's already accepted his fate, he belongs only in the darkness with me! He has no place amongst those of you who are the Light, he can never be forgiven for his past transgressions, destroying others with Maleficent and the Heartless, aiding in the destruction of the Radiant Gardens, he will never be accepted by any of you!"

Again no-one could say anything, Riku seeing everything couldn't deny it. Seeing Nozomi being in pain and terror by Wairu's hand, along with him near killing himself. It angered him deeply, but more so, what was this doing to Nozomi? How could she-!

"That's not for you to decide!"

Hearing this cry, everyone was shocked, for Nozomi had stepped forwards. Holding Riku's hand, she shouted at Xehanort angrily, "You don't decide whether he can't come back to us or not! That's our decision, and it will be his too!"

Surprised by her, Riku uttered, "Nozomi..." Then quiet, he felt it. Her hand as she held his, it was shaking. Worried quickly, he couldn't imagine what she was going through, during this but then-!

"Are you denying the past before you? Are you so delusional in your need to win, that you're willing to overlook these horrors?"

As Xehanort said this, Nozomi took in a deep shuddering breath, before she spoke again, "... I won't deny it, what I went through, it terrified me, it was painful and horrible, I can never forget that, and I don't expect anyone else to forget this either... what he did with the Heartless and Maleficent."

Riku could feel it was the truth, as her hand continued to shake in his hold. He didn't know what he could do to aid her, all he could do was listen on as the others around them did the same.

Then after a moment, Nozomi took in another steadying breath and declared, "But I know that side I saw and the others, it wasn't Wairu! Not the whole him... that was the darkness that was allowed to morph and grow into something horrible, thanks to Maleficent and..." then tearfully, she admitted in pain, "Not me being there, to stop him when he needed me to! I wasn't there for him at all!"

Surprised, Riku was shocked as everyone else was. Then as Nozomi wiped her eyes, her emotions overwhelming her, she though persevered and said, "But I'm gonna make up for all that now!" Then aiming her Keyblade at him, she told the monstrous Knight, "I'm going to give him his chance! So he can do better, so he can make up for all this horror he's caused, because I know he can do it!"

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

Hearing this mocking laughter, everyone was stilled. Then they heard him declare,

"You are such a naïve child! What gives you the right to think he can!"

"Because I believe in him!" Nozomi replied, then shaking with determination, she added, "Our friendship is a bond beyond words, that you can never understand, because you've never had anyone that you truly believed in or they in you, did you!?"

This time, it was Xehanort who became quiet as he stared down at her.

As the monstrous man was stilled into silence, everyone could feel the strength of Nozomi's belief. Her loyalty truly was a wonder to behold, Riku could feel his heart pulse strongly, then with a smile. He stepped forwards and gently squeezing her hand, he said, "She's right."

"What?"

It was then everyone looked to Riku, Nozomi did too. As she did, looking at him in surprise, it was then he nodded to her warmly before turning his eyes to look at Xehanort again, "Bonds like that can't be broken, not that easily, I should know from my own experience." For then looking to Sora and Kairi, who looked at him surprised he smiled and said, "After all, it was thanks to the belief that you both had in me, that's let me gradually earn my redemption, right?"
Sora and Kairi were quiet, however after they looked at each other. They smiled and then looking to their friend, they nodded their confirmation.

"So I'm going to help Nozomi too, I won't let you make us self doubt ourselves here! We'll give Wairu that chance, because everyone deserves to have one!" Riku declared, then-!

FLASH!

His Alliance Blade came to his hand, showing his resolve to be true.

"Riku!" Nozomi gasped, then as he smiled at her reaction. The female Keyblader's eyes shone with gratefulness, as they became misty again. However shaking her head, her resolve was strengthened by his support, along with Kairi's and Sora's, as it was. She then told the Master of Darkness, "You see, everyone's on my side! We can still change things for the better, even if you can't believe it! We do!"

"Just because your small quartet believes, doesn't mean-!"

"It's not just them!"

It was then Mickey stood up, walking ahead past Nozomi and Riku he quickly-!

FLASH!

Called upon his own Keyblade again, then he told the Master of Darkness, "I can feel it, and so can you, Xehanort! We all wanna rescue the Vessel-!" Then shaking his head, he corrected himself and said instead, "No, Wairu! We're united in that wish, cause I've always believed that anyone can change if given the right chance!" Then his eyes turned to the tallest figure riding Scriptium with them.

As Pete saw the Mouse King's eyes were on him, he uttered surprised, "Mick?" He brightened and nodded happily at his reaction. Pete was amazed, however he was never gonna tell him thank you, instead he became determined himself and declared, "That's right! I know and confirm that fact for myself right now!" Then with a fist raised he told the evil monster, "Ya better be ready for the wallopin' of yer life, Xehanort! Cause we're all comin' for ya, so we can restore what ya stole from us all!"

The monstrous Knight was quiet, then looking on he saw all the heroes who'd been shaken. All tighten their grips and got themselves into their battle stances again, the power of belief had restored their resolve!

"Tch! What utter nonsense!"

FWOOM! FWOOM! FWOOM! FWOOM!

Then quickly the monstrous images were all dismissed! As they were, Xehanort moved his gigantic right hand forwards and-!

FLASH!

His own hideous Keyblade 'Annihilation,' returned to his hand. As it did, he guided his other free hand over it and said,

"Belief, friendship, love... unbreakable bonds?"

Everyone could feel it, something really big was coming! As it was, Mickey then told them all, "Get ready Fella's!"

"RIGHT!"

As everyone cried this all out in unison, Nozomi felt so grateful, so happy! That they were all together in to support in saving her friend, that they-!

SHINE!

It was then her body shone, as it did Riku surprised quickly let go of her hand as her transformation occurred!

"Such trivial emotions, can never create such things!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Then quickly his Keyblade was bathed in ferocious red and blue flames! As it was, enraged, he declared to the foolish insects who thought themselves as heroes,

"For all emotions, all bonds, throughout the worlds..."

Immediately Nozomi's transformation ended and there, once more at last. She stood within her strengthened light blue Chaser armour! She was ready and then-!

"ALL OF IT FALLS TO DARKNESS!"

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

Quickly from the dark sphere above Xehanort, more Heartless emerged! They were countless and seeing them all, Mickey then cried out, "Ody! Let's fly!"
"You got it!" The Nobody replied, then quickly he said patting his stead, "C'mon Scriptium!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

Immediately the white Dragon Dusk, flew high on up and then-!

"COLASSAL RAZING FLARE TORNADOS!"

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

Five enormous blistering hot tornados emerged from the call of his left hand that spun rapidly all around Xehanort! As they came, the group of heroes all together twisted in and out evading each every one at top notch speed!

Seeing what was happening all around them, Pete couldn't believe his eyes, "This is just crazy!" Then-!

"ASENDING INFERAL BLADE!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Xehanort unleashed blow after blow, striking anywhere and everywhere with his blazing hot Keyblade! This was even harder to deal with, then seeing they had no choice, Ody made Scriptium pull back!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

As they did and the rest of their allies, got away from the blasts of laser fire, that came from the dark orb over Xehanort. The protective spheres provided by Sora and Kairi faded away, they all got a good look at what they had to contend with.

For Xehanort was now surrounded on all sides by tall pillars of fire and holding his blazing Keyblade, he'd become vastly more dangerous, along with-!

"Watch out fella's incoming!"

For at Goofy's announcement, there coming in to chase them all down were the Heartless, the double blade wielding demonic types and-!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

They all pulsed with vicious thunderous power! As they all charged towards them, Sora stepped forwards with his Alliance Blade drawn, along with Kairi. As he did, he couldn't help but say, "Xehanort's really pulling out all the stops now isn't he!?"
"It's because it's do or die now for him! If he loses Wairu to us now, he's truly lost everything!" Riku summarised.

Nozomi nodded, then thinking of the awful petrification her friend was going through, she couldn't help but say, "And if we don't hurry, there won't be anyway to save him!" Gripping her hands upon her Keyblade, she then said, "We've gotta hurry!"

"We will!" Mickey announced, then seeing the Heartless coming he said, "Goofy, Donald, Pete! Do you think ya can give us the time to cook something up?"

As the suggestion came, the response was immediate, "Not a problem!" "Anything ya say, yer majesty!" "I'll induldge ya this one time!" With that Goofy, Donald and Pete went to battle out against the Heartless with Ody assisting them with Scriptium, along with the other heroes around them!

With that done, Mickey pulled the Keybladers all into a group as they discussed the best way to finally rescue the Second Fragment's Vessel!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing his Heartless continue to battle away at the heroes of Light, as he continued to be shielded by his tornadoes of fire along with the dark portal above him. Xehanort felt confident now, they had no safe mean's to advance towards him, whether he had the Fifth Fragment anymore or not.

Then feeling the progress of his dark monstrous creation, he could sense that the petrification poison had just managed to turn over half of his Vessel's body into stone. Soon he need no longer fear him, escaping his grasp.

Smiling, he then uttered,

"It won't be long now, I will soon retrieve back my stolen Fragments!"

However saying that, he couldn't help but be bothered by the Seventh's words,

"Because you've never had anyone that you truly believed in, or they in you, did you!?"

Thinking of her naïvety and what he remembered from his restored memories, he scoffed at the concept and uttered,

"If everything could have been simply saved by mere belief, the kingdoms Chasers of the past would never have fallen to the seeds of doubt I sowed into them so long ago, they never truly believed then in each other, so how could anything be different now?"

For looking at the heroes as they flew about battling furiously against the Heartless, with the Keybladers eventually joining their ranks, he remembered at one time he had one time, held the light that was called belief. Along with the King who had led him, Including one other who he considered to be his closest and best friend.

Thinking of how the three of them used to discuss personal philosophies in their youth, and play many a game of chess, and various other activities together, he remembered something that King had once said,

"People suffer because of a lack of belief, if you believe there is no Light, then it cannot exist. That is what I think fuels the Darkness and gives it strength, that is distrust and hatred, that ultimately causes disbelief, that then like a poison can break the bonds we all hold so dear."

He then remembered himself, telling that King that, he was naïve for believing something so simple. However his majesty, with a smile had turned to him and his best friend, telling them,

"True its simple, but I think people, no matter how complex they are, can agree that learning to trust and believe in each other, is the key to uniting our worlds again and the force that can ultimately free us, from our fear of the Darkness."

Then at that moment, he remembered the King reaching his hand out to him and his best friend. With a warm smile on his face, he heard him say,

"And I know I can trust and believe in you both, you'll always be there to help me, won't you?"

His best friend had taken the King's hand in happy confirmation, then he in his youth had done the same. However he hated his past self, for the future would prove to be very different. That idiot and himself had both been truly foolish, for it was because of that belief his best friend had been-!

"Let's go fella's!"

Hearing this shout, Xehanort was pulled out of his recollections. Seeing the Heroes of Light gather again, having defeated all his Heartless, he grinned and then said,

"Now, I will prove to you my former friend, the price of gullibility, in believing something so foolish!"

With that he readied to create more Heartless again!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Charging in forwards, as Xehanort's tornados continued to spin furiously all around him, Mickey saw quickly that the Master of Darkness was focusing his forces again. But their plan ready, he started the desperate counter attack, quickly he cried out, "Kairi, start us off!"

"Right!"

Immediately the pink clad Knight, flew into the air aided by the power of the Third Fragment! Doing this, she then called out, "Aerith, Shirma, Irma! Let's provide everyone with support!"

"You got it!" "Okay!"

With that the two White Mages, flew up on board with Ruby being directed by his Princess! Then as they did so-!

"Urgh! This is such a pain!"

Looking, Kairi saw that it was none other than Irma who'd spoken up. Flying with the aid of Hana's Pixie Dust! As she did, she couldn't help but comment with irritation, "Of all things! White magic is beneath me!"

"Stop complaining! You're one of the best magic users we've got here, so make good use of yer power will ya!"

Hearing Musashi fly behind her, followed by Noel and Raiyana. She turned her head and told him, "Don't tell me what to do, you hairdo reject!"

However-!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

As the sounds of the tornados sounded loudly, and seeing their unbearable hot flames. Irma relented and uttered, "But fine! This is gonna be a one time gig!" With that she focused her power and together all four protective spell casters, conducted their combined spells with that of the Fifth Fragment,

"Lustrous White Harmonising Shields!"

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

In seconds, bright white shining spells came to protect them and their comrades bodies, coating them all in a layer of sparkling glowing white magic! Then as they did-!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The horrible laser fire of Xehanort's was unleashed! However, the power of the harmonising white shields wouldn't let their damaging rays get through their protection! Seeing this with a smile, Kairi cried out, "We did it!" Then with a hand over her heart, she said, "Reeve, Oralee, Aqua, thank you!" She then felt her heart tremble with warmth, as she could feel their joy spread inside her.

But before she could do more-!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM! VOOM!

More of Xehanort's Heartless appeared! As they did, they all moved to strike into them! As they did, Kairi called out, "Okay guys, its the second wave let's go!"

Then in seconds, Zidane along with Vincent charged in along with Musashi and his group! Quickly the lot of them started to strike straight into all the Heartless!

CLASH!

As his samurai blade cut into one of the monster's, the long pony-tailed Ninja couldn't help but say, "Now this is what I call a mad dash, dude!" Then he moved and-!

KICK!

He struck it back with a hard kick! Then turning back, he cried out, "Okay dudes! Time for you guys to head on out!"

"Will do!"

It was Sora and quickly, riding with Scriptium and the others, they all charged in forwards to make it through the barrage of fiery tornados!

Seeing them all go, protected by her friends combined harmonised shields, Kairi said quietly, "Good luck guys!" With that she went to assist her defensive teams too, drawing forth her Alliance Blade, which she hoped would help end the Heartless faster!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Harmonising spells now is it?"

Xehanort asked, as he continued to watch their efforts. Quiet he couldn't help but be impressed, however he was in no mood for valour, so raising his free left hand he declared,

"I think, that I will add a new upgrade to myself!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

With that the cape of countless creeping hands around him, transformed into new shapes, that were more ferocious and deadly than before!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The army of heroes, passing through the blazes of the fiery tornadoes were again trying to avoid the barrage of laser-fire that was continuing to be rained down upon them all. As they did, Sora couldn't help but say, "This is getting real rough!"

"Always does when you head to the eye of the storm!" Riku agreed, then as he continued to hold Nozomi close to himself, the two of them were preparing still their move that they would do next, that would hopefully be their key to getting Wairu free again. Then-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

This sound alarming them all, they looked up and saw a nightmarish barrage, of slithering long, sharp-fanged black snake heads coming for them all!

"OOOOHHHH, ODY!"

Hearing Donald's alarmed cry, the spectacled Nobody quickly moved with Scriptium and immediately-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

The white fiery Dusk dragon was doing her best to avoid each and very blow, that was raining down on them! As they moved in and around trying not to get struck, it was hard as for each time they moved the snake heads, rounded back and chased after them all!

"This is a nightmare!" Pete cried out terrified! No-one could disagree with him and then-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

A pair of the snake heads had caught up to their position, they were going to be-!

"Not so fast!"

Hearing this cry with surprise, the heroes then saw-!

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

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Blasts of gunfire and magical arrow shots, looking to where'd they'd come from. The group then saw, "Balthier, Fran!"

As Nozomi's cry came, the charismatic pirate, made a small salute and said, "A great entry, wouldn't you say!"

"Totally!" She cried out, then-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

More of the snakes had come to grab them! Seeing this, Fran and Balthier moved again and quickly-!

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

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Their magical barrage of firepower, were keeping the snakes back. However the long rabbit-eared female pirate knew, "We will not be able to keep up this stand indefinitely!"

"That's a shame," Balthier replied, but before they could think of anything else-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

More snake heads emerged! This horrified everyone in seconds, urgently Mickey told his comrade, "Ody, we gotta move forwards!"

Nodding, the Nobody replied, "Yeah I know but-!"

"Oh, look out!"

The monsters were on them again, they didn't have the time to get out of the way! They'd be-!

" No tan rápido!"

A familiar Spanish accent spoke up and quickly-!

KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM! KABOOM!

Suddenly raining down bombfire down on the snakes, it was none other than, "Juan!" Nozomi cried out happily.

Grinning the Mariachi Gunner replied with a grin, "The one and only, Señorita!" Then-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Coming in to aid them too, shooting the snakes back more was Sazh! As he made it, he then told them, "Alright guys! Let's make some head way! We need to perform this rescue ASAP!"

Ody hearing this, nodded and replied, "You got it!" Then patting Scriptium, she quickly moved and-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

They all ascended once more, then as more of the horrible snake heads came-!

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

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

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

The white dragon Dusk, was protected by a barrage of gunfire and arrow shots! They were being kept at bay now, they were making greater distance. Soon they'd be-!

"So, you made it through that barrage did you?"

Now looking over them, it was Xehanort, however no one had time to reply to him, as again he released his new deadly attack,

"ASENDING INFERAL BLADE!"

Hearing it coming, Sora cried out, "Guys watch out!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE! BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Immediately Scriptium was flying in and around each of the strikes from the giant burning Keyblade, however-!

"You were too focused!"

Xehanort's free left hand was focused on them and quickly-!

"DARK FLARE SHOT!"

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

Quickly the gigantic ball of pulsating Darkness came straight down at them, to wipe them all out! Seeing this, everyone upon Scriptium were horrified, but then-!

"Hope! Snow! You're both up!"

Hearing these names, Nozomi couldn't believe it! But then-!

"REFLECTIVE LIGHT/FROST WALL!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Suddenly a giant magical glassy white panel appeared in the air above them, it looked like a mirror as it shone with brilliant glowing light. They were all awestruck when-!

GGGGLLLLEEEEAAAAMMMM!

The blast collided with the shining protection spell! It was intense for some moments before-!

BBBLLLLAAAASSSSTTTT!

It was sent flying straight back, missing Xehanort's hand and blasting into the dark abyss above! Gobsmacked by this spectacle, Nozomi turned and there saw having flown over them it was, "Snow! Hope!"

For there indeed was the leader of the ARCS and the brave apprentice, as she got their attention, they waved to her and smiled.

"That was amazing!" Ody gasped.

"You're darn tootin'!" Pete agreed, however he couldn't help but ask, "How did that spell become like a mirror there!? What did-!"

"Mew!"

It was then appearing on Hope's shoulder, was the summon spirit, "Carbuncle!" Mickey gasped, then he realised, "Alania, she must have let them borrow him!"

"Lucky for us!" Sora smiled, but before they could feel any lingering relief-!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

Another strong blow from Xehnaort came to strike them all down! Seeing the gigantic sword coming to smite them, they heard the monstrous knight tell them all,

"It's over for you all!"

As the fiery blow came to strike them, they quicky were all horrified as they felt the hellish heat, but then-!

"ARISING STORM!"

CCCCLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH!

In amazement, everyone saw that there coming to take the blow, it was none other than, "Lightning?!"

As Goofy cried out her name, everyone watched on as the brave pink-haired soldier used all her power to push the blow back from Xehanort! Her body and Odin's were being protected, by the glittering white shield spell provided by all their powerful white magic allies, and the Princess of Heart.

However, even with all that support, Sora noticed, "Oh no!" For she was struggling to keep Xehanort's horrible strength at bay, for she was being pushed back and she was shuddering from the pressure!

"She needs help!" Realising this, Sora leaped up into the air, using Timbre's power! Then doing this, he gripped his Alliance Blade: Lionization tightly, as he went to aid her!

"Sora!?" Hearing Riku call out to him, he wasn't going to stop though. For he had to aid everyone as much as he could!

"Sora, honey?"

Suprised, hearing her. Sora asked, "Jona?"

"Please do your best here, I wasn't able to stop Uri honey from falling to this fate, if I hadn't been trying to play it so cool back then, and realised everything sooner, I might have been able to...!"

Feeling her pain at not being able to save the person she adored, Sora was quiet. However after a moment, he then told her, "Don't worry, I'll help save him, to make up it for you!"

"Thank you!"

Sora smiled, however he couldn't help but tell her, "Though Timbre was right, you really do fall for the wrong guys!"

"Hey!"

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

Grinning hearing Timbre's laughter, this wish strengthened Sora's resolve and immediately he rose up higher and faster, as the harmoinisation in his heart increased! Then before making contact, he said, "Okay, time to use my new trick!" With that he moved his left hand back and cried out,

"Wing Blades!"

SHINE!

Quickly the mysterious shining white blades of light came to surround him! As they did, he moved with them, and focusing the powers of the Fragments within him. Along with his Alliance Blade, he cried out finally grasping the ability he imagined, "Focus Vision!"

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

Immediately the six blades, merged and quickly they all became one focused upon his Alliance Blade! As they did-!

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

It extended out, becoming a longer and bigger blade and as it flashed brightly with all this power, he cried out the new technique's name,

"Vital Skyrocketing Assault Blade!"

BBBBLLLLAAAASSSSTTTT!

Quickly the Alliance Blade became like a giant rocket of orange and red light! It sped forwards and quickly-!

CLASH!

He hit into the blade beside Lightning!

"Wowzers!?" Goofy cried out, then looking on he couldn't help but ask, "He's shinin' with the colours of our Gummi Ship!?"

Quiet hearing this, Riku realised he was right! Then laughing, he couldn't help but say, "I bet that's where he got the idea for that move!"

Lightning, seeing Sora beside her, was shocked. But then as the red clad, spiky-haired Knight looked at her, he asked, "Hey! You wanna strike him down, together?"

The pink haired warrior was quiet, but then with a smile of her own she replied, "I'd love to!" With that the two of them joined their forces together and-!

SSSTTTTRRRRIIIIKKKKEEEE!

"AGH!"

Immediately Xehanort's giant blazing Keyblade was pushed back! As it was, Sora turned to looked down and cried out, "Guys get to his core now!"

With that, it was then they all saw as Xehanort was pushed back that indeed his chest was exposed! They could get to him now!

"Right!" Ody replied, then quickly he cried out, "Scriptium, c'mon let's go!"

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

The white fiery dragon Dusk, flew up to get straight to where they needed to! However Xehanort spying them, moved his blade forwards to intercept them, saying,

"I won't allow it!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

But before the massive fiery blow could strike them all down-!

"NO YOU DON'T!"

SSSTTTTRRRRIIIIKKKKEEEE!

"AGH!"

His giant blade was struck out of the way, as it was, he saw that it was his hated foe. Who was using his new combined power to fly through the Darkness, with the aid of the pink-haired warrior!
"You won't stop us now!" With each strike he tried to land, Sora was there to intercept him, with his fast new giant blade with Lightning aiding him, along with Snow and Hope who both provided them defense against his other powers!

Gritting his teeth, the monstrous knight's flames blazed brightly with his fury! But before he could say anything-!

"Alright! We're nearly there!"

It was then, he saw that the remaining warriors of Light, were almost upon him, despite his desperate manouvers! Seeing this, he commanded,

"YOU SHALL NOT HAVE HIM!"

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

With that he called upon more tornadoes, to surround his body! This drove back a fair few of the heroes, however the Dragon Dusk was still coming towards him! He moved to strike them again!

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

But just as quickly-!

SSSTTTTRRRRIIIIKKKKEEEE!

He was stopped, by his foe again! He was running out of options! Then acting quickly, he moved his other free hand and-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

He called upon more of his living Snakes!

Seeing the monsters coming, everyone was preparing for an assault by them, when-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Instead their monstrous forms came apart and they all swarmed over Xehanort's chest! Seeing this slithering and disgusting mass all over him, everyone was appalled! Nozomi then cried out, "What's he doing!?"

"I don't know!" Riku told her, but-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

It was then the snakes had turned into terrible sharp thorns, surrounding the dark blue crystal core. They locked around it tightly, becoming a caging of some kind, as they threaded over each other rapidly!

Seeing the terrible mess that had been created, Mickey realised what was going on, "He's creating a barrier! So we can't get through to Wairu!"

Hearing this, Nozomi cried, "No! We have to stop it!"

"We will!" Then looking ahead, he cried out, "Ody!"

"Okay!" Then looking to his Dusk he told her, "Scriptium, c'mon! Let's break on through!"

The white dragon Dusk, answered her Master's call! Lifting her head up, the fires in her chest built up and up, until-!

BLAZE!

She unleashed her own fiery blow, against the living abominable wall! As she did, quickly it was burning through the barrier that Xehanort had assembled!

Seeing this, Nozomi cried out, "We're doing it! We're getting through!"

There was excitement growing, soon they'd get through this nightmare! Soon they'd-!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

Then suddenly in horror, the heroes saw that the wall came to life! In seconds three giant, red hooded cobra heads emerged and immediately-!

SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK! SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK!

SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK!

"WWWAAAGGGHHH!"

They sprung out to attack them! As their long sharp fanged faces came out to get them, everyone had to evade, flying swiftly backwards! Unnerved as they all flew back, Donald cried out angrily, "Hey, that's no fair!"

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

The creatures though didn't care and just eyed them all angrily, with their dark blue eyes all fixed on them, as they wriggled and around unsettlingly!

Nozomi looking beyond them though, saw the web of terrible plants was getting thicker! They couldn't wait, "Guys if we don't hurry, we'll never get through! We'll never get Wairu back and-!"

"Cool it down, honey!"

Surprised, hearing this relaxed tone. Nozomi looked behind and there saw coming to meet them, it was, "Meixeng!"

"The one and only!" The long white haired Nobody replied, with a wink. Then as she heard the intel of what was going on from the whispers of Uma and Fuma, as she rode with Araxne and her companions, she deduced, "Well, if fire didn't work there, we'll just have to give these things the chill pill!"

Baffled, as they heard this, Pete asked her dismissively, "The chill pill?"

However not replying to him, Meixeng looked back and asked, "Hey! Alania, Saria, honeys, think ya can both give me a hand here?"

To which the Summoner, continuing to ride with Shirma who maintained her focus on Carbuncle's Summon Gem, replied, "Of course, who do you think we are?"

The white Monkey Master Nobody smirked, then moving fast-!

VOOM!

She called forth her own big ape Dusk, then getting onto its shoulder, she cried out, "Okay, let's get started!" Her creation, revealed its big left palm and there shining in the centre of its palm was its blue jewel, as it lit up-!

FFFWWWIIISSSHHH!

It released its power, as the heavy charge of water shot out! It struck straight into the monsters!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

They were incensed and tried to chase after the Nobody! As they did, Meixeing cried out, "Saria, its your turn!"

"Uh, okay!" The nervous long brunette replied, then setting her bow to her violin, she released her own power, singing out,

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

SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH!

Her own watery powers came gushing out! As they did, they too struck the monsters! Distracting them, the creatures turned in their direction!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

Mickey cried out worried, "Hey! Watch out there!"

"Ha! Too easy!"

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

A rain of arrows came forth! Striking into the monsters, which blinded them temporarily! As it did, Meixeng cried out, "Nice shots there, Ori!" Then she cried out, "Okay, you guys who can cast any icy element spells, ya better do it now!"

"Hey! What about me!?" Alania cried mad.

"You'll have to wait there, honey!" Then with a laugh, she added, "Sorry for being such a tease!"

The heroes then saw, what the Nobody had thought of! Impressed, Mickey cried out, "Good fast plannin' there, Meixeng!" With that as she waved her thanks, everyone got into position, as the horrible snake heads retreated back, grouping around the dark blue crystal, the Mouse King cried out, "Alright fella's focus your spells, straight ahead!"

"RIGHT!"

Came the unified response, then quickly they all gathered their power as the snakes slithered about angrily! They in turn they started to prepare something of their own, however they weren't as fast for the combined spells quickly came together!

"Quartet Cast Blizzaga!"

FREEZE!

With that Mickey, Donald, Nozomi and Riku cast their spells! In seconds it hit the three snakes and as it did, the creatures all froze in place! They couldn't move!

"Hey! Nice work there guys!" Yuffie cried out pleased.

Hearing her, Nozomi nodded then seeing the way was clear for them. She didn't hesitate, "Okay, let's go!" With that she moved to jump forwards.

"Hold on!" With that stopping her, she turned and saw it was Riku. Surprised, she heard him say, "You're not going without me, are you?"

Quiet, she then smiled and replied, "No, never!" With that she gripped his hand, with that she leapt forwards, carrying Riku with her as her wings lit into life.

Seeing them go, Goofy cried out, "Hey! Wait up, fella's!" With that he helicoptered his way over, then quickly the trio went to get through the horrible plant caging!

Standing upon one of the snakes, the heroes using all their weapons then-!

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

They started to try and cut their way through! However the horrible plants and vines that were impending them, only continued to grow furiously more in numbers, trying to stop them from reaching the despairing captive on the other side of them!

Seeing this, alarmed Nozomi cried out, "No! At this rate, we'll never get through all this!"
Angered, Riku had to agree and said, "Yeah, if all that fire and ice before wasn't enough, then-!"

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!CRACK!

Then in alarm, the heroes saw the ice that should have held the snakes back was beginning to break apart!

"No, not now!" Anxious, Nozomi couldn't think of what to do! "What do we do!? How do we get through, how do we-!"

"Fella's! Get back here quick!"

It was King Mickey, hearing him. Goofy couldn't think of anything either, but before leaving, he told them both, "Don't worry fella's, we can still think of somethin'! We just gotta put our heads together!"

Hearing one particular word, Riku repeated, "Together..." Then thinking to himself, he put his hand to his chest and searching through Hari's memories and Kagi's... he quickly knew there was only going to be one way, for them to save Wairu!

It was then as Goofy left, with his precious partner looking torn. Riku looking to her, said, "Nozomi."
Hearing his voice, she looked to him. As she did, he told her, "I think I know how to reach, Wairu."

Amazed, she asked, "You do!"

He nodded.

"Well tell me, we need to get him out so-!"

"But when I do this with you, you'll need to do the rest on your own," Riku told her with a pained expression.

"What?" Shocked hearing this, Nozomi couldn't understand what he meant.

Riku then explained, "Only a Vessel like you will be able to enter the same space he is in now... and I know, only your special connection to him can save him, I wouldn't be able to."

Quiet as she heard him, thinking of it all. Nozomi knew it was true, as she remembered how he saved her, she nodded and replied, "Okay, I understand." Then holding his hand, she told him, "Let's do the way you've thought of then!"
"Alright, but..." then as the pained expression returned to him, he told her, "I hate this, that I can't reach the same place as you, that I can't support you more through this, I just wish-!"

HUG!

Stopping him in his tracks, he was about to ask Nozomi what she was doing. When she told him, "You've helped me all the way so far! Don't guilt trip yourself..." With that holding him a little more tightly, she added, "I mean, I feel the same, I wish I could have done more to help you, and the others through all this insanity!"
Riku was quiet, then holding her too just as gently. Feeling her trembling touch, he heard her finish, "But, this one thing now is something that I can do for everyone...and for you, that makes me happy!" With that moving herself back, to look at him with a brave smile she said, "So don't worry about me, I'll make it back with Wairu! We'll fix everything that Xehanort ruined, you'll see!"

Seeing her be brave for them and him, Riku was quiet. Then with a small smile of his own, he told her, "Okay, let's do it then!" She nodded and with that they went perform the technique he'd thought of!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!CRACK!

The ice was breaking up even more now, horribly worried for his comrades, Mickey cried out, "Nozomi! Riku, c'mon hurry up!"

He couldn't tell what they were up to, but then-!

SHINE!

A combined shining light of turquoise and red lit up! As it did, it was then a new technique was unleashed as both his allies cried out,

"Combined Shredding Transference!"

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

Immediately the viscous network of plants and vines were sliced into ribbons, as red and turquoise blue lines of power travelled throughout the insides of them!

Amazed, everyone watched as the wall behind the snakes fell away and as they did, they saw one lone figure glowing brightly with turquoise blue light amongst the destruction.

Seeing them, Pete asked not being able to see too well, "Who's that there!?"
"It's..." Looking Mickey couldn't see too well himself, but as the light began to vanish, he saw the shape of the person, was disappearing too! Then looking on, he realised fast what was happening, worried he cried out, "Nozomi!?"

However the girl didn't turn to look back, instead she quickly vanished away entering the dark blue jewel! As she did-!

LEAP!

It was then their remaining ally, leapt forwards off the heads of the snakes! As he did, he quickly made it over to them and Ody cried out, "Riku!?" Then-!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

HHHHIIIISSSS! HHHHIIIISSSS!

HHHHIIIISSSS!

The horrible shadowed snakes had escaped their icy imprisonment! As they did, they quickly moved furiously and-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

They unleashed fiery red laser blasts against them, to incinerate them all!

However moving fast, everyone evaded the deadly blows! As they did, Riku just barely made it back! As he reached them, Mickey, Donald and Goofy surrounded him worried, as they did, the leader of the group asked worried, "Riku, why did Nozomi not come back with you!? Why-!"

"Because, she's the only one who can finish this now!" He told his worried ally. Then after catching his breath and looking at the furious battle they were going to have to maintain against the snakes, he added, "We have to wait for her, to finally rescue her lost friend!" Then gripping his Alliance Blade tightly-!

SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK! SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK!

SSSTTTRRREEEAAAKKK!

The snakes came after them again, chasing them all through the air! As they held onto Scriptium tightly, beginning their fast evasions with their allies aiding them. Riku then finished saying, "We have to believe in her now!"

The King hearing this, quiet for a moment. Then nodded and replied, "Okay, we will!" Then gripping his own golden Keyblade he replied, "I'm sure she'll be able to do it!"

Riku nodded, pleased for the King's belief. Then with his allies around him, the lot of them continued the fierce battle. As they waited and believed in their ally, the Vessel of the Seventh Fragment, Nozomi to rescue the lost despairing boy, Wairu.