Chapter CCXCVIII: The Final Battle Part XXIV

"HHHHAAAA!"

Charging forwards, Nozomi aimed her Keyblade straight for Xehanort when-!

CLASH!

Coming straight for her in retaliation, was one of his long pincer arms! It stopped her attack in seconds! Gritting her teeth, she tried to think fast of what next to do when-!

"Pathetic!"

SNAP!

His other pincer arm came straight for her! She wasn't ready and-!

"AGH!"

She was sent flying back, grimacing in pain, she opened one of her eyes and saw to her terror, the monster was charging straight towards her! His slithering appendages were aimed straight for her, and then she heard him declare manically with a smile, "You're mine!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"Not so fast!"

SHINE!

Quickly coming to Nozomi's aid, was the shining protective yellow of the Shield! Seeing her eyes widened in amazement, it shone all around her, deflecting all the tendrils and making them unable to grasp her! Immediately, she turned her head in the direction of the person who had cast the spell, "Kairi!" As she cried out her name, she saw the pink clad knight some distance away. With her hand up and in focus to maintain her defence!

"So the princess still has some fight left does she!"

Shaken hearing his voice, Nozomi didn't know what Xehanort would do next when-!

FWOOSH!

She saw to her terror, that he changed targets! He was heading straight for her friend, worried she cried out, "Kairi get away!"

Kairi herself was shaken too, she went to move. But it was clear that she was going to be too slow in turning! Soon she's be-!

"COME HERE!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Immediately his tendrils reached down to ensnare her again!

Horrified, seeing them come closer and closer for her! She braced for impact when-!

"STOP IT!"

SLICE!

In amazement, she then saw it was none other than, "Riku!?"

For indeed her friend and ally had swooped straight in, and had cut the tendrils away, stopping their nightmarish advance! As he did, he told her, "Go on! Get back!"

Worried though, she asked him, "But what about you and Sora, he-!"
"I've given him more potion! He should be okay at least to-!"

"HHHHAAAA!"

SMASH!

It was then the two of them saw Sora had dived down from on high! Smashing straight into Xehanort's body, making him take stumbling steps back in pain! As he did, he proceeded with his counter attack!

Seeing he was getting some much needed hits done to their foe, Kairi was glad. But then she heard Riku tell her, "Now go on, you're still not finished looking after yourself!"

Acknowledging him with a nod, she replied, "Okay, I'll get healed as fast as I can!" With that she retreated, however she added, "Just don't get grabbed by him!"

Seeing her go, Riku then called back, "Not planning on it!" With that he ran fast to join Sora in his desperate attacks against the monster!

Dim...

Finally the shield around Nozomi had faded away, gripping her Keyblade in hand. She watched as Riku and Sora proceeded to attack Xehanort together! Quiet, she tried to think of what they could do now.

For luckily, she'd granted Sora the time he'd needed to recover for the fight, she was hoping that she might have been able to do maybe the same for Kairi, however clearly that wasn't the case.

She needed to do better than this! For they couldn't stay in this darkness and on this weird ritual space for too long, because-!

GLOOM...

"Urgh!" The darkness around them, was draining their strength! If they remained there for too long, the negative force itself would end them all on its own! Their armour now was the only thing, keeping them from completely submitting, if they were destroyed by his tendrils, then-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Quickly she saw Xehanort's back tendrils started to move! As they did, even though the monstrous man was being pushed back by Sora and Riku. They were growing sharper and longer!

They weren't just moving aimlessly anymore, she realised quickly they were targetting somewhere! Looking to where, she became terrified and realised fast that she needed to move! She ran!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

Both Sora and Riku were doing their best to strike into Xehanort with their Alliance Blades! However with each and every blow they tried to make get through-!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

Xehanort's tendrils were there to meet all of them! They couldn't incur any damage at all!

"Tch!" Angered as they kept their desperate attacks, Riku couldn't help but comment, "Just like a pest!"

"You're telling me!" Sora agreed, then quickly leaping into the air they aimed their blades and-!

GLOW!

They ignited with the powers of their most powerful Fragments they both possessed, the First and the Fourth! As their blades burned with orange and red power, they unleashed their combine might and-!

"HHHAAAA!"

"HHHAAAA!"

STRIKE!

They cut through the tendrils, but before they could touch his body-!

SHINE!

Quickly a glow of yellow barred their path, not allowing them to make any contact with their hated foe!

Sora couldn't believe it! "What the-!?"
"I still have enough stolen power to survive against you!" Xehanort declared, then with a sinister grin, he added, "And you were too hasty again!"

Riku didn't understand asked, "What do you-!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

It was then that the two of them saw Xehanort's back tendrils move! They moved like countless sharp blades threateningly all around him, then-!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

They all launched them forwards! But it wasn't at them, turning they both then saw with terror in their eyes his target!

"KAIRI!"

Hearing her name being called as she finished recovering. The Princess of Heart was puzzled, turning she saw in terror the countless sharp dark tendrils coming to impale her to oblivion!

She couldn't move away in time! She was-!

WHOOSH!

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!

As the tendrils impacted the floor, Sora and Riku couldn't see anything through the dust that rose up! Terror had overtaken their Hearts! Kairi, was she-!

"Sparkling Luminous Tornado!"

Quickly the tendrils were all blown back, and there revealed, with Kairi being held protectively, with her other hand holding her Keyblade. Was Nozomi who'd just managed to make it in the nick of time!

Seeing this, Xehanort uttered mad, "The Seventh!"

"You're gonna pay!"

With that distracted, by Sora's cry. Xehanort was back to his desperate attacks against the two male Keybladers, who were now fighting with more force. Both enraged at the cheating tactic he dared to pull!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

Nozomi was busy trying to catch her breath, from the huge push she'd made to make it. Then she heard, "Are you alright, Nozomi?"

Quiet, she managed to recover enough breath to finally speak and said, "Ye, yeah..." then with a smile she added, "Good thing, we didn't get hit right?"

Kairi nodded with a quiet thankful smile. Then as Nozomi released her hand from around her, the two of them watched the intense fighting Sora and Riku were caught in against Xehanort.

Watching them, they could tell that they were putting their all into it. Using all the techniques they could, however it was clear the darkness was continuing to drain them as they were looking more and more breathless, the longer they continued.

Staring on, Nozomi then heard, "We can't let this go on!"

Looking to Kairi who said this with concern in her voice, Nozomi agreed and said, "Yeah, I know..." however looking down to her Keyblade, knowing she didn't have the same abilities as their Alliance Blades. She had to ask with frustration, "But what can we do?"

"I don't know," Kairi replied. Then looking to Xehanort's threatening tendrils, she knew one thing, "But we can't just rush in, otherwise we might get skewered for real!"

"Yeah..." Nozomi agreed, then looking around at the ritual ground they were on again. It was then she noticed-!

GLOW!

Blue lines glowing everywhere! As she did, staring around she asked, "What's this weird pattern everywhere?"

"Pattern?" Kairi repeated, then she looked to where Nozomi was. Seeing the lines, she realised and explained, "This is the work of Garland, its the remaining magic he used to make the Door of Light."
"Garland who's that?" Nozomi asked puzzled.

Surprised, Kairi enquired, "You don't know?"

"No, I don't think so?" Then quickly, she realised, "Wait? How do you know him, Kairi?"

The Princess of Heart then explained, "Xehanort mentioned him, and Yen Sid explained his origins, he and the Warrior of Light were the ones who helped to create the Door like I said, and the King-Blade."

Hearing this, Nozomi was quiet and then asked, "This Garland guy and the Warrior of Light did all that?" Then as Kairi nodded, Nozomi looked to the floor and saw the pattern on the floor, she remembered her own experience upon the Stained-Glass pillars. Before she met Riku and the others. As she did, she further enquired, "How did they manage all that?"

"It was Garland who did that," then looking uncomfortable, she admitted, "Xehanort said he sacrificed children's Hearts with the aid of a Black Mage, to make the Door of Light..."
Appalled, Nozomi cried out, "He did that!?"

Nodding, Kairi then added, "Yeah, and Yen Sid said that the King-Blade was born because his friend's who sacrificed themselves to make it, to seal the Door so he couldn't access it."
Hearing this and feeling dread now, standing on these haunted lines, Nozomi couldn't help but utter, "That's so horrible... so many lives lost, for something crazy like all this!"

….

It was clear that neither girl knew what to do then, how could they help now? What were they to do? When they were both just-?

"Hang on, there's something that's puzzling me here?"

Surprised hearing his voice, Nozomi asked, "What do you mean? What's puzzling you, Wairu?"

"How did the Warrior of Light himself make the King-Blade, were his friends magical users?"

Puzzled why that was important, Nozomi then asked, "Wairu, they all would have used magic wouldn't they? They could have all teamed up together to have-!"

"That's not how it would work Nozomi, someone would have had to have had knowledge about how to perform that type of magic, they'd need to have been taught that somehow to perform a miracle like that."

Perplexed, Nozomi asked, "One of his friends would have had to know that kind of magic already?" Then looking at the glowing blue lines, she realised with dread, "Wait, so... that person would have only known that if they knew Garland and..."

"They must have performed the children experiments with Garland, helping him in his endeavours."

Realising that dreadful truth, Nozomi put her hands to her chest and said, "One of the Warrior of Lights friends was-!"
"The Black Mage!" Kairi exclaimed, looking to the Princess as she realised this. Nozomi heard her red-haired friend continue to say, "Xehanort said that he betrayed Garland, he helped the Warrior of Light, to stop him."

Surprised to hear this, Nozomi asked, "He did that?"

"He must have been full of remorse for what he did... and now it all makes sense to me!"

"Wairu, what makes sense now?" She asked him.

"Why Xehanort said I had the forbidden power, to expose the darkness within someone's Heart, I have the Fragment that was that Black Mage's!"

"Whoa! Wairu, are you serious, you contain that Black Mage guy's Fragment and power?"

Unable to hear all their conversation, because Sora and Riku weren't with them, Kairi asked, "Your friend has that!?"

"I do! And if that's the case, I can decipher this power and help you guys to use it to your advantage!"

"You mean we can gain control of this magic!?" Quickly becoming excited and Kairi too, as she looked to her with a smile. Nozomi then asked her friend, "What do we need to do, Wairu?"

"Put your hand over one of the lines, I should be able to read its magical frequency if you do!"

"Okay you got it!" With that Nozomi rushed over to one of the nearest lines, letting Wairu sense its power as Kairi stood next to her, as they hoped that just maybe they could help their desperate allies against the monstrous Master of Darkness!

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"FURIOUS CRIMSON SUNDERING SAW!"

Combining their Alliance Blades together again, Sora and Riku quickly moved their sharp and strong weapon together and-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

They sliced through Xehanort's barrage of tendrils, sending them flying everywhere left and right! Then aiming fast, they went to hit his torso! However-!

"Flare Pillar!"

BLAZE!

Quickly the two of them were thrown back, by a blazing wall of flames that stopped their advance!

Flipping back, Sora uttered mad, "That's cheating!"

Riku was about to say something else when-!

"HHHHAAAA!"

THWACK!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

They were both struck back, by a blow unleashed by Xehanort's massive dark insectile tail!

Landing fast on the floor, there was no time for a counter attack as-!

"DARK RAZING FLARE TORNADO!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

They immediately backed out of the way, flying over the deadly attack thanks to Sora's control over the Third Fragment!

As they floated over, Riku then uttered, "That was close!" Now they had to do something or soon-!

GLOOM...

Feeling the darkness drain more of his strength, he knew that they wouldn't be able to keep this up forever or-!

"Riku!?"

Distracted out of his thoughts, the white-haired Keyblader then saw-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

More of Xehanort's tendrils come to try and ensnare them! However they quickly moved with their Alliance Blades again and-!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

They cut through his horrible appendages! Stopping them from grasping them, however seeing more of them coming. He uttered mad, "Damn it! There's no end to this!" With that he and his best friend did their best to avoid Xehanort's attempt to possess them, and to survive the darkness!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

GLOW!

As Nozomi remained quiet and let Wairu sense the magic of the ritual lines. She couldn't help but look up, to see Sora and Riku struggle against Xehanort. She knew they had to do something and soon! For they needed help, the two of them on their own wouldn't be able to keep up against the monstrous man forever! Because soon they'd all-!

"Nozomi?"

Distracted out of her worried thoughts, she turned and saw Kairi was looking at her with concern. She heard her ask, "Have you and your friend been able to gather anything yet from these magic lines yet?"

Nozomi was quiet for a moment and then replied, "I dunno?" Then raising her other free hand to her chest, she asked, "Wairu, have you got the answers you need?"

"Hang on."

Nozomi quickly quietened and let Wairu do what he needed... then finally after a little more time, she heard him say,

"Yes, okay! I think I've got it now!"

Amazed she asked, "You have!?"

Kairi got closer to her, and kneeled beside Nozomi, her expression full of anticipation as she waited to hear what she'd discovered.

"This magic that's left, I understand it! It can work to grant the desires of the caster!"

Nozomi repeated, "Grant the desires of the caster?" Then as she thought to herself she asked, "But that's nothing new, magic always does that! So-!"

"Not just any desires, this magic can grant the wish in one's Heart! This is a magic beyond normal limits, it goes beyond that!"

"What? Beyond that? What does that even mean!?" For Nozomi couldn't quite understand.

Kairi listening to her, still not able to hear Wairu's words asked, "Could it be something like making something beyond your dreams, or defying the laws of reality?"

"Yes exactly that!"

"Whoa!" Nozomi uttered amazed, then looking to Kairi with a smile she told her, "You got it, Kairi!"

The Princess of Heart smiled too, then as she thought to herself she realised, "So wait, if we gain control of this magic, that means we could have our desire granted!"

Now understanding, Nozomi realised fast, "So we could stop Xehanort and save Terra!"

"Yes, absolutely! I'm certain of it!"

Becoming excited now, she then exclaimed, "Great!" Then she asked, "What do we need to do!?"

"Okay, its this! First you must connect to the central four key points in the circle!"

"Four key points?" Nozomi asked, then looking around she couldn't see where that was, amongst the chaos that their allies and Xehanort were embroiled in. Staring around she enquired, "Where would they be exactly?"

"In the points where the magical flow is at its strongest!"

"The magical flow where its strongest?" Nozomi asked.

"I can find them!" Kairi announced, then she concentrated and quickly she called upon Oralee's power and her right eye shone with pink light. Looking around, she then said, "I see them now!"

"You can?" To which, Nozomi was given a confirming nod by her comrade. and quickly she pointed them out to her where exactly they were. Then as she finished-!

"Great! Now when you have those four secured, Xehanort will need to be in the centre of it!"

"We need to trap Xehanort in its centre!?" Nozomi cried out.

"Yeah, since he's the target! Then finally the last step you'll need to do, is to create a catalyst."

"Create a catalyst? What does that mean?" Nozomi asked him, becoming a little uneasy with all these steps.

"The catalyst needs to be a great source of magical energy, something to kick start the whole process, to grant your unified wish! Think of it as something like setting alight a bonfire with a match."

Quiet as she absorbed all this info, Nozomi then took in a deep breath. Trying to ease her worried Heart, then she repeated counting upon her fingers, "Okay, gather the four of us!" Then curling down the first finger, she said pulling back her second, "Make it to the four magic circle points and connect them, with Xehanort in the middle." Finally came the last step, to which she gripped her fist saying, "Then make the catalyst, and set him alight!"

Silent after a moment, she heard giggling! Surprised she saw Kairi laugh. She was baffled, until she heard her say, "I think I got it now too, but try not to set him on fire Nozomi! You wanna save Terra don't you?"

Realising what she said, Nozomi became embarrassed and replied, "Ah, ha ha... yeah!" Then becoming depressed, she uttered, "Man, I'm dumb!"

"At least you admit it!"

"Hey!" Nozomi cried out mad. Then before she could say anything else-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Distracted the happy atmosphere vanished! For quickly the two of them saw Sora and Riku were inflicted by terrible volts of red electricity that sent them hurtling backwards and-!

SMASH! SMASH!

They crashed straight into a couple of tall pillars! As they slid down, Kairi cried out worried, "SORA RIKU!" They had to do something fast! For-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Xehanort was fast approaching! His tendrils at the ready to begin the process of turning them into his new possessed hosts!

Seeing this, Nozomi knew she couldn't let this happen, "I gotta go!" Then turning to her comrade, she asked her, "Kairi, can I count on you to bring them up to speed and heal them?"

The princess was quiet for only a moment, before she replied, "Of course you can!" But she looked worried as she asked Nozomi, "But what're you going to do? Do you know what you can do to-?"
"I got a few moves that can make this all work, don't worry!" She winked, then looking to Xehanort keeping her hands gripped around her Keyblade, she declared, "Now I'm gonna do what I do best!" In seconds, she took off finishing, "Be an irritating pest to him!"

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"Ugh..." Aching in pain, Riku couldn't move his body well. Then he saw sadly too, that Sora was the same way. But they had to move otherwise-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

To his terror, he saw Xehanort coming over to take him and Sora into his hold! He couldn't let this happen to them, otherwise-!

GLINT! GLINT!

It was then he saw the two new terrible creations the monstrous man had created! They were two atrocious looking blossoms that slithered and morphed, glowing with vicious red light. These were what he had used to attack them and send them flying!

Riku seeing them became agitated, but before he could speak. Xehanort spoke instead, "It's over!"With that he reared his grotesque body back and declared, "Now you will submit!"

Riku looked on with wide eyes, as he quickly sent his tendrils flying straight at him and Sora! They wouldn't make it, they'd be-!

"Luminous Sparkling Tornado!"

Quickly the vicious appendages were sent flying back, by a sparkling and shining wind! Wide-eyed seeing this, he then saw who'd come to their aid. He cried out, "Nozomi!" For indeed there was his cherished ally, her Keyblade out and ready!

Xehanort seeing her, then spat outraged, "Again it's you, Seventh!"

Watching her, Riku though saw that she didn't respond to him. Instead-!

SHINE!

Her wings appeared on either side of her feet! Then as they did, she ran forwards and leaped into the air where-!

STOMP! STOMP!

She landed on Xehanort's face and stomped on him hard! Riku couldn't believe her, then-!

"YOU DARE!"

He heard the monstrous man shout and quickly-!

GLOW! GLOW!

He saw the armed parasitic blossoms light up with red power! Their sights were set on her! Realising this, he shouted out, "Nozomi get out of there!"

She looked back to him, and then saw what was coming, she nodded and leaped again before-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

They unleashed their power, making them miss her!

Seeing her do this filled him relief, however he then heard Xehanort say, "You will not humiliate me twice!" With that his attention was diverted, and he started chasing straight after her!

The sight of this chilled Riku, he had to stop him! He couldn't let him hurt Nozomi again, or have him use his Keyblade on her, otherwise-!

"Sora! Riku!"

Quickly hearing this familiar voice, he saw coming to their aid. It was none other than, "Kairi!?" Seeing the Princess of Heart come their way, he saw her quickly heal Sora and just as swiftly come to his aid.

As his spiky haired friend woke up, he heard Kairi tell him, "Listen we haven't got much time! We gotta hurry up and help Nozomi!"

Hearing her say this, Riku could see she had something planned. He had to know what and asked her, "What have you found out?" With that he listened quietly to what the new plan was, and Sora did the same as he came over to them both...

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ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Agh!"

Jumping quickly out of the way of the blows, Nozomi though nervous was smiling and said, "I did it! I made him forget about them!"

"Yeah, that's great! Now just remember to look after yourself!"

"Yeah, I know, I just was-!"

SHINE!

Seeing this particular shining circle, Nozomi knew that was the first stop she needed! Quickly running to it, she moved and spinning in place she declared, "There! The first one!"

"What do you think you are doing?"

Hearing Xehanort's voice over her, Nozomi quickly turned and with her Keyblade clenched in both her hands. She told him angrily, "It's none of your business!"

As the grotesque monster peered over her, his angered look had been replaced with one of suspicion as he said, "I know that technique... you're planning something against me, aren't you?"

Nozomi didn't answer him, instead she gripped her weapon more tightly. Then as she did-!

GLOW!

She saw Xehanort's eyes glow brightly with pink light! He was going to peer into her mind and Heart! She moved fast closing her eyes and shielding herself, she couldn't let him find out! If he did then-!

SNAP!

"AGH!"

Quickly she was grabbed by one of his long deadly pincers! She grimaced in pain as he squeezed her tightly! But despite this, she refused to open her eyes, she couldn't let Xehanort know anything! If she did, then-!

"Nozomi! Hurry up! Use my power now!"

Hearing Wairu's worried voice, the female Keyblader began moving her right hand and as she did-!

"This is too easy!"

SHINE!

Feeling this terrifying and familiar radiance of light, she opened her eyes and there she saw Xehanort's Keyblade 'Annihilation,' was glowing with the light of Unlocking! He was going to-!

"Nozmi c'mon!"

She acted instantly, "Firagzeo!"

KABOOM!

"Urgh!"

"AGH!"

Being thrown back by the kick of the spell, Nozomi landed on the floor aching as Xehanort was forced back. As he was and she looked back up to him, she saw-!

DIM...

The stolen light of the Sixth Fragment was gone from around his dark irises. Seeing this, she was full of relief as she heard Xehanort utter, "What a pity..."

"That was close."

"You're telling me, Wairu!" Nozomi laughed.

"However this still proves my theory correct!"

Nozomi in alarm looked up and saw Xehanort was grinning as he told her, "You are planning something, with your technique 'Shining Steps' aren't you?"

Shivering hearing this, Nozomi asked, "How do you know what-?"
"Have you forgotten? When you were a part of me, I had full access to all of your memories, which means I know all of your techniques!" Then with a menacing grin he added, "I know everything about you and the ultimate truth of all things!"

Gripping her Keyblade, Nozomi knew she couldn't let herself falter! She then told him angrily, "You don't know everything! You never have! You're just-!

"But I do!" Xehanort informed her, looking to his Keyblade, "For all living things desire to fight and conquer!" Then gazing to her pitifully, he told her, "To grasp the source of all that agony, the Light itself!"

Nozomi mad then replied, "That's not true! The Light isn't the source! I know it isn't! It's-!"
"You are incorrect, the Light has always been the fuel for that disgusting desire in every shape and form, even the most altruistic of acts are tainted by that force!" Xehanort informed her.

Shaking her head, Nozomi didn't want to believe him! She told him mad, "I told you, I don't believe that! I won't especially coming from someone who-!"
"You have no choice but to!" Xehanort told her, for then he added with a smug smile, "After all, thanks to that greed in the ancient past, it led to you existing now!"

Nozomi couldn't argue on this point. For she knew it was true, if Xehanort hadn't released the Fragments when he had... she wouldn't even be alive right there and then.

Xehanort grinned seeing this, it was clear he felt triumphant as he informed her, "You see it now don't you? I am the fountain of all knowledge, I am the only one who can bring true peace to the worlds, by having them fall into the darkness where agony, fear and hate, will no longer harm others, everything will be peaceful, every living thing will-!"

"You're still wrong!"

As she shouted this at him, Nozomi stopped him in seconds. He looked to her quietly and then asked, "I'm wrong?"
"Yeah! Because even if that terrible desire did exist, it wasn't just because of it! You're the one who helped everything to collapse in the past! So there's no way I can ever believe in a liar like you!" With that pointing her Keyblade at him, she told Xehanort, "And for someone who keeps talking about ending pain for others, you've done nothing but leave that in your wake! Breaking Hearts, tearing people apart from those they love, and destroying their home worlds...!" She then revealed to him the one thing he truly was, "You're nothing but a hypocrite!"

….

A deadly silence filled the air and Xehanort then repeated incredulously, "Hypocrite?"

"That's right!" Nozomi told him, then she added, "And you don't know everything, because you don't even know how you're here right now!"

"How I'm here?" Xehanort it was clear didn't understand what she was getting at and asked her, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"I mean how you even came to be in this timeline!" Xehanort then looked to her with shock in his eyes, as he did. Nozomi then told him, "You never figured it out did you, for someone so smart? How someone like you, from who knows how long ago is in this time right now!"

Xehanort didn't respond, instead he only stared. He made no return.

Nozomi then revealed the one truth that he'd never realised, "But I do! It's because of Aqua and her wish!"

Hearing this long ago name, Xehanort asked, "Aqua's wish?"

"That's right! It was the one she made as she was dying!" Then feeling pain in her Heart, remembering the tragedy that occurred so long ago. Her eyes became misty as she told him, "She wished one day to be somewhere she could meet her friends again... when she did, that wish full of hope and light created a Door of Time!" Then looking to him, she revealed, "Which you wandered into, didn't you!?"

It was clear that the villain had never realised that, then as his eyes became wide-eyed remembering the vaguest memory of entering it when he'd first awakened. He uttered, "I'm here now... all because of...?"

"That's right! The Eighth Fragment partially granted her wish, and that's why I believe this right now!" With that she revealed the ultimate truth she'd concluded, "Nothing's been a coincidence! Everything that's happened has all been leading up to this moment! To this time, where finally the Fragment's can grant her wish!" Then shaking her head, she added, "No, all of their wishes, Ventus and the King, to have their friend returned to them and to make up for the tragedy of the past!"

Xehanort became enraged hearing this, he told her angrily, "There is in no way that pathetic sentimentality can be true!" For tensing his hands he told her, "I am the Fragments rightful Master, the one the King-Blade chose! All of you exist to fulfil my desire! You're-!"
"I don't care what you think! We're not things to abuse, no one is! And I know this for sure!" Then with her hand on her Heart, feeling the precious Broken Shards that were Aqua's heart. She told him, "I don't want anyone else to suffer, for the sake of power or the darkness! I want everyone to be together again, all my friends! So I'm going to finally grant her hopeful wish, and there's no way you can stop that, Xehanort!"

….

The monstrous man, hearing the ultimate truth that he never realised for himself. Started to shake, angered that fate was not moving towards his wishes... but for the sake of someone who was no longer of the living. His anger began to burn and surge, as the darkness around him became more toxic than ever!

VOOM!

"Nonsense... nonsense... it's all nonsense!"

Gripping her Keyblade, Nozomi could sense it. She'd really triggered him now!

"Nozomi get ready!"

She nodded and then-!

"YOU SPEAK NOTHING BUT SENTIMENTAL NONSENSE!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

Immediately Xehanort unleashed blow after blow from his ugly parasitic blossoms! Seeing them coming, Nozomi had already taken off running with her wings giving her the evasion she needed! However even she couldn't help but admit, "Man! Six at once, I really have ticked him off!"

"Well you always had a way with bullies!"

"True!" Nozomi laughed, however-!

GLOW!

Feeling this deadly familiar radiance, Nozomi saw to her dread Xehanort's Keyblade glow with the terrible Light of Unlocking. She then heard him declare enraged, "YOU WILL BECOME MINE AGAIN, MY FATE IS NOT DECIDED BY THE DEAD!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

With that he unleashed a massive beam of Light to take her again! However, moving fast Nozomi cried out, "Hastazeo!"

GLOW!

She was enveloped fast in its speed enhancing effects, and quickly she leapt out of the way! Making it miss her entirely! Then running fast, she ran back towards Xehanort and-!

"Alley-oop!"

She raced straight over him, making a leap frog! Then as he spun around incensed at her disrespect, he angrily demanded, "GET BACK HERE!"

"Who'd ever wanna get back with a creep like you!" Nozomi mocked him, with that landing fast, she spun around and-!

SHINE!

She made it to the second circle! "Great!" She cried, then-!

"HHHHAAAA!"

To Nozomi's dismay, Xehanort unleashed another deadly technique of his and-!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

She saw quickly his sharpened back tendrils were coming straight for her! As they were, she shivered in fright! She couldn't avoid all of these in time! She wouldn't-!

"Crimson Shining Maelstrom!"

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE! SLICE!

Running straight over, slicing all the tendrils to ribbons, coming to her aid. It was none other than, "Riku!"

Smiling hearing her, he couldn't help but look to her and say, "Look at you! You're only half finished and I still have to bale you out!"

Blinking surprised, she told him annoyed, "I can't help it!" Then she added looking to him with a small blush, "I mean after all, I'm still a novice compared to an expert like you."
"So I'm still better, huh?" He joked.

Nozomi was about to object when-!

"DON'T YOU IGNORE ME!"

Distracted the two of them looked back, and there they saw fast approaching was Xehanort again! His long pincers drawn back, he went to attack them both like a monstrous mantis, when-!

"Punishing Knockout Flambeau!"

SMASH!

He was smashed into from up above straight into his head! Throwing him back, he looked at who had attacked him and hissed, "YOU!"
Sora floating on high, grinned pleased with the blow he'd unleashed upon the hideous man! Then as he got up, he told his old enemy, "C'mon Xehanort! Your true fight has always been with me!"

GLOW!

In seconds he glowed all over with orange energy! As he did, he then told him pointing his Alliance Blade at him, "Now let's go!" With that Sora charged at him.

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!

He was pushing him back! As he was, Nozomi cried out happily, "Way ta go Sora!"

He grinned in response and kept the offensive! As he did, she then heard Riku say, "Okay, I'm gonna go help him again!"

Then watching him as he passed her, she heard her cherished ally say, "Nozomi, you go finish what you need to!"

Nodding she replied, "Okay!" With that she quickly was on her way and she went to make it to the next circle!

Xehanort in the meantime, within the throws of his rage. Seeing Nozomi escaping, he quickly moved back and-!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

"Hey!"

"Whoa!"

His treacherous blossoms fired at Sora and Riku, they quickly moved evading him! However seeing the monstrous man, move to chase after Nozomi again! Angered, Sora cried out, "No you don't!" With that-!

GRAB!

He took hold of Xehanort's long tail and stopped the evil man in his tracks! Riku followed suite and as he did, the enraged Master of darkness looked back and shouted, "HOW DARE YOU!"
"I ruined your day?!" Sora told him mockingly, then gripping his hands tighter around his tail, he made sure not to let Xehanort out of his grasp! For he couldn't let go of him! If he and Riku did then-!

SHINE!

Quickly in the distance they saw the light! Now there was only one more circle left to activate! Pleased, Riku said, "She did it!"

Sora smiled and replied, "Yeah, now there's only one more left to-!"

"One more?"

Seeing Xehanort halt in his tracks, they were confused. Why had Xehanort stopped moving at Sora's words? Then-!

"So that's your plan!"

Hearing realisation in Xehanort's voice, Riku paled and couldn't believe it, "Sora!"

For his best friend had slipped up in his joy!

VOOM!

The darkness intensified again! As it did, the monstrous man then told them all, "YOU WILL NOT CONTAIN ME!"

In seconds, he lifted his Keyblade up and unleashed his powerful spell!

"DARK RAZING FLARE TORNADO!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Quickly Sora and Riku were thrown back! Xehanort didn't bother to look back at them, instead he went back to chasing after Nozomi again!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

SHINE!

Having made it to the third circle, Nozomi then took some deep breath and looking to where she needed to go next. She then said, "Okay, this is it! One more!"

"Good! Now hurry up!"

"Yeah I know!" With that, Nozomi went to run when-!

"DARK RAZING FLARE TORNADO!"

BBBBLLLLAAAAZZZZEEEE!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Hearing this horrific attack and the screams of pain. Nozomi spied what had happened to Riku and Sora! As she did, she cried out, "Guys!" She was horrified, then she saw quickly coming her way, were more of the dark flames that were coming to incinerate her!

Spooked, she went to shield herself when-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Suddenly appearing around her, was the bright yellow of the Fifth Fragment! As it came around her, it also quickly covered Riku and Sora! Then-!

"Shining Renewal!"

GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER! GLITTER!

Quickly the shields shone with healing light! Nozomi quickly felt what aches she had vanish, and simultaneously amongst the fires of darkness, Sora and Riku were being healed too!

She was so relieved, and then she saw who'd come to their aid again! Standing upon the last circle, with her Alliance Blade aimed. It was none other than the Princess of Heart! Nozomi cried out, "Kairi, thank you!"
She nodded, however quickly she cried out, "Nozomi c'mon you need to move now!"

Puzzled, she then heard-!

"SEVENTH FRAGMENT!"

Xehanort's monstrous form emerged from the flames, looking more and more nightmarish by the second! His entire body was covered with fire and his hideous form now matched the rage he burned with inside!

It terrified Nozomi, however determined to grant Aqua's wish. She moved and-!

SMASH!

One of Xehanort's giant pincers impacted the floor, however her enhanced speed made him miss her! Gasping, she then quickly moved and aiming-!

"Shining Swift Star Rays!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

"Urgh!"

She had shot him straight in the face with her signature move! The firework display left behind by it, blinded the monstrous man and quickly she took her chance to run straight back in Kairi's direction!

"YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME!"

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP! ZZZZAAAAPPPP!

In seconds, he unleashed his laser fire form his parasitic blossoms! However they fired out irregularly everywhere! Seeing him do this, Nozomi tried desperately to avoid him, with all her remaining strength! Turning around, she told him mad, "Will you quit it! These dumb potshots are annoying me!"

However in retaliation-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

He unleashed another Light of Unlocking against her! "Eeek!" Unnerved, she fortunately was able to dodge it in time, as she leaped up again! Gasping as she cartwheeled, she then uttered, "That was too close!"

"Obviously! Now hurry up, Nozomi! Don't get distracted again!"

"Okay, Wairu!" With that, Nozomi got up and quickly ran to get into position and make it to Kairi!

Getting closer and closer to the Princess of Heart, she heard her cry out, "Nozomi c'mon, hurry!"

She nodded and quickly in seconds, with the help of the speedy spell, she finally made it to her friend's position and-!

SHINE!

She made it to the final circle spinning into place and making it light up! She'd completed the tough first part of the plan!

As she stood next to her, Kairi cried, "Nozomi you did it!"

Nodding she replied, "Yeah!" Then looking to Xehanort, she said "And now he's in the centre!" For at that moment, their hated enemy had landed just at that right point! Quickly she cried out, "Sora! Riku! You guys each get to a circle!"

Xehanort stopped as he heard, her words and asked, "You're all now-!?"

"You got it!"

"Right!"

With that in seconds, Sora and Riku raced to the nearest glowing circles of light that were near them! Then-!

GLOW!

GLOW!

They both glowed vibrantly with power and the various colours that reflected their Hearts and the Fragments they both contained! The magic was beginning to be activated, as they pointed their Alliance Blades in Xehanort's direction!

Pleased by this, Nozomi then looked to her female ally and told her, "Kairi, you too now!"
She nodded in reply, then she pointed her weapon at the monstrous man and instantly-!

GLOW!

The circle lit up with her power too, then Nozomi smiling said, "Now it's my turn!" With that she activated her power and-!

FLASH!

Her Shining Step technique, allowed her to teleport to the remaining vacant circle! She then said, "It's over Xehanort!"

"NO IT'S NOT!"

As this hideous snarl came-!

SPLATTER!

"Urgh!" Nozomi then saw in disgust, his remaining human arm fell onto the floor! Then the Keyblade it once held faded away!

Riku seeing this cried out, "Nozomi don't hesitate or you'll-!"

"YOU'RE TOO LATE!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"Agh!" In seconds, Nozomi was grabbed by the tendrils that slithered out from the hole Xehanort's remaining arm had once been!

Horrified Riku cried out, "Nozomi!?" But it was too late as-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"Hey!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"Urgh!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"Tch!" He and the others had been grabbed too! As the terrible wriggling appendages tightened around their bodies, they couldn't direct their weapons now! They wouldn't be able to-!

"Dark Calamity!"

FLASH!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

In seconds, the heroes were all subjugated to Xehanort's wrath and power, as it flowed all over them in punishing blows of vicious red! It was robbing them of their strength and-!

GLOOM...

The darkness in the space was sapping their strength too! They couldn't move now! They'd-!

"Now it's all over! You will all become my hosts and using you, I will regain the Door of Light!"

"NO!" Sora cried, but there was nothing he could do! Again he could feel that horrible power trying to cut into and destroy his armour! With that gone, he and everyone would be-!

"NO! YOU WON'T!"

Hearing her voice, Sora looked in Nozomi's direction and quickly-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Suddenly the floor around them, lit up brilliantly with light! Then quickly a giant diamond shape grew, and immediately Nozomi called out the technique's name, "Diamond shining steps!"

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

In seconds, Xehanort was blasted by powered shots of light that engulfed him in a sea of blinding radiance and-!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

He screamed in agony from the powerful ferocity of the attack that also quickly turned the tendrils that held them all and the parasitic flowers to be disintegrated, leaving nothing but dark embers that faded away!

Amazed by this, as he gasped falling to his knees. Sora then cried out, "Nice one, Nozomi!"

She nodded pleased, then-!

GGGGLLLLOOOOWWWW!

Within the centre of the circle, before Xehanort a giant orb of pulsating light grew out! Seeing it, everyone was amazed! As she stared at it, Nozomi asked, "Is that it?"

"Yeah! The core of all the magic here! It's ready now to be activated!"

"Activated?" Nozomi asked, but quickly she realised what she needed to do! Immediately she cried, "Everyone! Get ready! This is it!" With that she pointed her Keyblade forwards again, and-!

GLOW!

Her Keyblade quickly glowed brightly with light! Then as the others all saw her do this, they all followed suite and getting up, despite their aches and pains-!

GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!

They moved to activate the spell too! They were ready now!

However, Xehanort despite his pain was clearly not willing to give in and shouted, "NO! I WILL NOT BE OVERCOME BY MERE CHILDREN!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Then quickly the horrible tendrils upon his back, quickly moved themselves and twisted their forms to become disgusting branch like wings, that rapidly beat up and down before-!

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH! SWOOSH!

He took off, trying to fly off into the sky!

In dismay, Nozomi cried out, "No!" Trying to think fast, she said, "We gotta stop him!"

"Yeah, but you can't break the circle now!"

"So what do I do then?! How-!"

"Teleport! Combine your powers with someone else here, who can catch him!"

"Someone who can-?" Nozomi stopped, she had an idea! Moving fast, she used her power and-!

FLASH!

She teleported and made it to, "Kairi!"

The Princess of Heart, amazed to see her asked, "Nozomi!?"

Quickly, she then told her, "Kairi! Let's stop Xehanort! We can't let him leave this place!"

"But how!? What can we-!?"

"You remember the Glider before? I've imagined something that will catch him in seconds!" Then looking to him angrily, she added, "And will keep him stuck in place!"

Quiet she asked, "Imagined something?" Then remembering the powers of her Alliance Blade, Kairi gripped it tight and then looking to her said, "Okay! Tell me what you've thought of and I'll make it!"

"You got it!" Nozomi nodded and with that, she quickly explained her idea!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Haa! Haa! Haa!"

Gasping, Xehanort barely had much strength left! However he was never going to let go of the only thing that gave him any kind of advantage! He would not relinquish Terra's Heart! For he was the only thing left of-!

Thinking of the past again, he didn't want to dwell on it! Instead, looking down he then uttered with a grin, "They'll have no chance left soon anyway, for the darkness of this realm will-!"

GLEAM!

Then stopping his thoughts, something was glowing with an odd light he'd never seen before! What was-!

"Securing Lucent Arrow!"

SWISH!

Quickly racing up fast to meet him, was a huge long shining arrow-shape, consisting of pink and turquoise blue light!

Angered he realised, "The Alliance Blades again!" Immediately he moved and-!

FWOOSH!

It flew straight past him, smirking he said, "It will take more than that to-!"

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Hearing these sounds, with alarm he turned to look when-!

PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE! PIERCE!

The arrow had raced straight back, dividing into four bright beams and pierced through into his back, which-!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!

Wiped out all the tendrils! Seeing this with alarm, he uttered, "No!" Then gravity quickly took it's toll and-!

"NNNNOOOO!"

He immediately plummeted down, heading straight back towards the glowing circle!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing him plummet down, Nozomi cried out, "We got him!"

"Yeah! Because we did it together!" For holding the new shape her Alliance Blade had taken, a beautiful bow shining with the colours of their combined powers. Looking to her comrade, she told her, "Thanks for your input and choosing to work with me, Nozomi!"

"No prob!" The dark-haired girl smiled. Then as the monster came closer to their position, she said, "Okay, now time for me to get back into position!"

Kairi nodded to her and with that-!

FLASH!

Nozomi returned to her original circle and-!

CRASH!

Xehanort crashed into the centre of the circle! However despite his pain, he was agitated and uttered, "You all dare to-!"

FREEZE!

Suddenly his body was stilled, he was confused by this when-!

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

He was smashed about left and right all over the place, before-!

SMASH!

"URGH!"

His body was smashed and forced to lie in front of the giant orb! Sora then declared breathlessly, concentrating using the powers of the Third and First Fragment together, "You're not going anywhere, Xehanort!" Then he pointed his Alliance Blade forwards and cried out, "Okay guys! Lets do it!"

Everyone nodded and quickly-!

GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!

Their weapons all glowed with their unified light again and quickly-!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

They all unleashed beams of light that made it to the centre orb and-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

It shone out with blinding light and-!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR!

TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR!

TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR!

TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR! TEAR!

Quickly the lower half of his body, the grotesque shadowed insectile part of him reared up and was being ripped to pieces by the power and combined wish of the magical circle! Removing all the darkness that was swarming underneath Xehanort's humanoid form and-!

GLOW!

From amongst the horrible struggling dark threads, a single golden light shone amongst their terrible depths! Looking at it, Nozomi recognised the unconscious human figure within it and cried out, "Terra!?"

"NO!"

However despite the agony he was clearly in and the spell, that was tearing apart his abominable body, Xehanort decreed, "HE IS MINE! YOU CANNOT-!"

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

Quickly though, his body was restrained by long golden chains that held him down and-!

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

They connected to the circles the Keybladers were upon, showing their intent not to let him escape! Then as the one before Riku came, he put his hand down onto it and looking to Xehanort with determination, he uttered a spell of his own, "Verholy Igniga!"

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE! FLARE!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Quickly Xehanort's body was covered in white flames!

Nozomi stilled and couldn't help but say awkwardly, "Uh, I guess Riku lit him on fire anyway?"

"It's fine, those are purifying flames! What's more important than that is-!"

GLOW!

GLOW!

Two figures of the group shone with white light all over, looking on Kairi and Riku cried out, "Sora! Nozomi!"

For indeed the two of them were shining! As they were, confused Nozomi asked, "Why're we-?"

"Because the two of you shine with the wish to save him the most!"

Stilling, Nozomi couldn't believe it! She cried, "Aqua! I can hear you!"

"Yes, I'm glad you can! Now run across the chains and finally grant Terra his freedom!"

Nodding, fighting back her tears. Nozomi started running across the chained path before her! Then quickly she cried out, "Sora c'mon! Let's defeat Xehanort now!

Hearing her, it was clear Ventus had told something similar to him! He didn't hesitate, he ran to meet her crying out as he ran down his own path, "You got it!"

SHINE!

Then quickly the Keyhole appeared, over the captive Xehanort held! The remaining magic had created the opening they needed!

"NO!"

Seeing the two of them fast approach, Xehanort was struggling with all his might to free himself! But he couldn't, the flames and chains were too much! But still he protested, shouting madly, "YOU CANNOT TAKE WHAT IS MINE! WE'RE DESTINED TO FREE EVERYONE FROM SUFFERING, WE'RE-!"

"HHHHAAAA!"

"HHHHAAAA!"

Seeing them coming, Xehanort was determined to the bitter end to resist and despite the flames-!

"RRRRAAAAGGGGHHHH!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

He called forth the last tendrils he could to throw them both back!

Seeing them coming, Nozomi and Sora weren't scared and taking each other by the hand, they aimed their weapons together and called forth their new combined attack!

"SEEKING STRIKE OF LIGHT!"

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!

They shredded the attacking appendages to pieces! Then making it through the snaking chaos of darkness, that held the captive light in its thrall with the aid of the Seventh and Third Fragments, they quickly together with their Alliance Blade and Keyblade, simultaneously thrust their weapons forwards and-!

CLICK! CLICK!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

A powerful light began to shine, as they finally made contact with the Keyhole before the unconscious captive! Simultaneously performing the Unlocking! They both cried out together the name of the one they wanted to save, "TERRA!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Terra!" "Terra!"

Opening his eyes, the brunette warrior at first couldn't see anything, he uttered tiredly, "Who's...that?" He was bathed in a sea of shadows, they were gripped around his body so tightly that he couldn't move nor think properly. But then-!

SHINE! SHINE!

Two figures bathed in warm light appeared, chasing the horrible darkness away. As they did, he couldn't quite see their features at first. However quickly, their images became sharper and looking on, he saw two armoured figures. A young male was before him, his hair was spiky blonde and a female was beside him, who had short blue hair. They both looked at him with warm blue eyes, full of relief and smiles.

As he saw them, he didn't understand and asked tiredly, "Who are...you two? Why are you both...here?"

"Who are we?" The blonde one asked, then he laughed and told him, "Terra are you dumb? We came here to save you!"

Surprised, he asked them in disbelief, "Save...me?"

"That's right!" The blue haired woman told him, then reaching her hand to him, she told him, "It took a lot of time, and hard work to find you! But with some help... we've finally reached you!" Then with tears in her eyes, she added, "We're here to take you home now, Terra!"

"Home?" Then as he looked at their forms, something began to stir within his Heart. Looking at them, he asked as their names gradually returned to him, "Ven...Aqua...?"

"You remembered us!" Ventus cried out pleased, then reaching his hand out to him, he told him, "Great! Now c'mon! Let's go back! Everyone's waiting for us!"

Terra looking on quietly, then began to reach his hand out to take who he remembered to be his friend's hand. However he hesitated, as his past sins quickly returned to his mind, "Do I deserve to though, after everything...?" For then looking at them, with pain in his Heart he realised, "I mean...I'm one of the main reasons everything collapsed, I couldn't save everyone...!" Then with agony he further realised, "I even let you both die! How can you both want to save me, when-!"
"Because we do!" Aqua told him strongly, then reaching out. She took his withdrawn hand and held it tightly in both of her own. As he stared at her, he heard her say with her eyes becoming misty, "We were just as helpless as you! Don't put all the blame on yourself! We all failed back then!"

Terra was stilled into silence. He didn't know what to say, then Ventus took his other hand and added looking behind to the Light that was shining, "Yeah, but despite that! They're people who are fighting right now, who want to make up for what we couldn't stop."

Astonished to hear this, Terra asked, "Really?"

Ventus looked back to him and nodded, confirming this with a smile.

Aqua looking back to the Light too, she revealed, "That's right, it's thanks to them we're here right now with you." Then turning back to him she said, "Now c'mon, you don't want to keep them or us waiting anymore do you?"

"Aqua!" Terra couldn't believe it. Despite everything, the loss, the tragedy, the horror he'd caused with Xehanort. She, Ventus and the others all truly wanted him back?

"Terra c'mon! Lets go back together!" Ventus begged him, pulling on his hand.

Shaking, unable to believe that he could be blessed like this. Terra shivered then nodded and quickly-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

A brighter light shone all around them, and as it began to engulf them, he pulled both Aqua and Ventus closer to him. Holding them to himself strongly, he told them with tears coming to his eyes, "Thank you...!"

They both nodded to him, weeping too as they held him as well and with that, the Light fully absorbed them and at last! Terra was freed from the darkness that had imprisoned him for so long!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"NNNNOOOO!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Quickly, Terra's shining gold form was pulled out from what remained of Xehanort's body that had been his cage! Then in seconds the evil man's monstrous body began to disintegrate! Turning into pitiful dark atoms that faded into the darkness that surrounded them!
Feeling warm hands around his own, Terra opened his eyes and smiled saying,
"Aqua! Ven! Thank you!"

They nodded to him, then he watched in surprise as their shapes changed and they turned into a new pair of individuals. One a boy with spiky caramel hair and the other, a girl with dark hair who both smiled up to him warmly.

Staring at them he couldn't believe it! Then quickly he realised and said, "Wait, I remember you! You're that girl from before!"

With a nod, she then smiled brightly with tears in her eyes as she told him, "Yeah! It is, I'm Nozomi!"

"Nozomi?" Terra repeated curious, then looking to the boy beside him. He asked, "And you're?"

"Sora!" Then with a single shake to his hand, he tod him with a grin, "It's great we got you back, Terra!"

"Yeah it is!" With that as he turned to look back to Nozomi, he heard her say full of happy relief, "I'm sorry it took a little bit! But I managed to keep the promise I made to you!"

Quiet, the ancient knight then couldn't help but smile himself, as he told her, "I'm glad you did, thank you, Nozomi!" To which he made a small bow of his head, putting his free hand to his heart.

Nozomi nodded to this, however before she could say anymore-!

"GUYS!"

It was then removing themselves from the circles, two other figures came to join them, Curious as he watched them, he heard Nozomi and Sora both cry out, "Kairi!" "Riku!"

Guessing who was who, as the two newer knights joined them. As Terra looked on, seeing them all celebrate their hard earned victory, he couldn't help but say with a smile, "I guess, this is the new generation of us then?" For looking at them, he couldn't help but think of the past, they reminded him of more wholesome days he had in the courts of Alexandra when things were more at peace. If the same energy could have prevailed back then, maybe they wouldn't have all had to-!

"HOW DARE YOU!"

Spooked, everyone looked and saw Xehanort's disintegrating body was reaching out to grab them all! Seeing him do this, Sora cried out, "Guys move it!"

Nodding, everyone moved but before they left, "Terra c'mon!"

"Whoa!" Quickly Nozomi took him by his hand and pulled him with her, to get away from the nightmare that tried to ensnare them all! They were too fast for him and-!

CRASH!

Xehanort's massive body crashed into the floor, leaving a huge dent within the centre of it!

Making it to a safer distance, Kairi trying to catch her breath with everyone couldn't help but say, "That was... too close!"

"You're telling me!" Riku agreed, then-!

Dim...!

In alarm, everyone there felt a certain precious light was beginning to die! Looking on, they saw that Terra's gold aura was fading, he was struggling and was in clear pain!

Alarmed Nozomi cried out, "Terra no!" Nobody understood and could only stare on in shock, "What's going on? What's happening to you?!"
"Urgh, a body!" The brunette man gasped.

"A body?" Riku asked him concerned.

"My Heart, it can't survive in this space...without a body, soon I'll-!"

As he winced, Nozomi was pained. Then growing pale and looking to Xehanort's form that was fading away, she realised with horror, "Oh no! We destroyed your original body, because of Xehanort and now you'll-!"

Kairi's asked urgently, "Isn't there anything we can do!?"
"There's one way!" Terra admitted with grimace.

"What is it?" Nozomi asked him desperate.

"I could stay...in one...of you!" He revealed.

"One of us?" Riku asked.

"Yes," Though Terra admitted regretfully, "But since...I was in a body...of pure darkness for so long," He then took a shaking breath in to steady himself, before he revealed, " I can't blame...any of you, if you don't want-!"

"Come into me!"

Surprised at her cry, Terra and the others looked to Nozomi amazed. As he stared at her with his blue eyes, the ancient knight asked her, "You would be alright... with me being-!"

With a nod, Nozomi then told him, "Yeah, I'd be fine with it!" Then gripping his hand, she added with a gentle smile, "I'll be glad to look after you Terra, because I'm doing this for Aqua."

Feeling the warmth of her hand and feeling the strength in it too. He could see no shadows of hesitation in her. Amazed by this, he then smiled gently and told her, "Thank you, Nozomi." With that he closed his eyes and-!

GLOW!

Quickly his spiritual body was absorbed into the glowing source of light that was his Heart, then he floated forwards and was cradled gently within Nozomi's hands. She smiled, as she allowed him to enter her chest to stay within the sanctuary that was her own Heart.

Feeling his light shine from within her, Nozomi then said softly, "Terra..."

BA BUMP!

Her eyes widened and quickly, an image of the ancient past began to replay in her mind!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"AAAAWWWW!"

Walking within the courts of the Alexandra palace, Terra was smiling as Ventus looked depressed.

"I can't believe you beat me at Quartet Shards again!" Ventus groaned, for looking to his friend with annoyance, he told him, "How do you manage to keep getting good card combos!"

"Luck I guess!" Terra joked, then he added, "Or maybe you need to strategise better in the future, Ven?"

Pouting, Ventus was about to say something else when-!

"Terra, Ven!"

They both turned and there approaching them from the far end of the corridor, it was none other than, "Aqua!" For indeed approaching them, was Terra's and Ven's fellow Chaser Knight who was smiling happily as she waved to them.

As she made it over, Ventus asked her, "So how did the talk go with my Great Uncle? Did you learn anything new?"

"A few things!" She replied, then she admitted with a sigh, "Though I do wish the royal family would make more information available! It would help in deciphering the mysteries of the dark ages, I want to better understand the past so it can help us in the future."

"Yeah that would be swell!" Ventus agreed, though he couldn't help but add, "I don't know how it would help Aqua, but if you say it would. Then I believe you!"

Sighing, the blue-haired girl told him, "Ven you're related to the royal family, you should know these things already without me having to ask your Great Uncle of all people!"

Laughing a little embarrassed, Ven admitted, "Yeah I guess should!"

Aqua just put a hand to her forehead, while Terra just smiled himself amused at their usual antics.

Then catching her eye, as Ven laughed. He saw her reveal a small blush and a fond smile to him, which made his heart race and then-!

"He's too young to know any of those deeper secrets right now!"

Turning then, all three of them saw approaching, "Your majesty!" With that they all bowed, showing their respect for the ruler of the Palace.

Then as the light brown-haired older man came closer, garbed in his rich purple, white and gold robes. With his hand upon his gold sceptre, with his crown upon his head, he was the very definition of royalty.

However as he came closer, he then told them, "Come now you three, no need to bow right now!" With that as they lifted themselves up, seeing his smiling purple eyes he told them, "It's only us here right now, you can all drop the expected etiquette!"

"Okay!" Ventus said brightly, with that shaking his arms free, he uttered, "I'm glad we get to relax with you Uncle, its too tense in the palace usually!

"That I can agree on!" The King replied laughing. With that he walked with them and made it to palace gardens. As he did, he then asked, "So? What have you all been up to lately?" Then smiling he guessed, "I suppose Ventus hasn't broken his losing streak against you, Terra?"

"Not in the cards at least!" He smiled, then rubbing Ven's head he admitted, "Though he has got better with the Keyblade lately!"

"Get off!" Ventus told him mad, then he said batting his hand away, "You should give me more credit than that! I've already made it through the Eight trials of the Mark of Mastery!" With that he grumbled looking to the side, "I just can't keep up as well against you and Aqua yet!"

Aqua hearing him smiled, then she told him, "Don't worry Ven! Just keep going and you'll get there one day!"

Amazed, the blonde haired boy asked, "You think so?"
"Maybe after a decade?" Terra laughed, which instantly caused Ventus to give him a dirty look.

The King laughed too, then he couldn't help but comment, "I have noticed that you have been putting your all into your training lately, maybe I should test you in a little bit to see if you've mastered your Wingblades?

"Oh, I have! Don't worry about that Uncle!" Ventus grinned, then he told him, "I'll outshine you someday too!"

The King laughed, amused by his nephew. Then he asked remembering, "I heard you even had some tutoring from Xehanort to better yourself, is that right?"
Ventus nodded and said, "Yeah I have, I just trained with him recently, though..."

Hearing the uncertainty in his voice, Terra asked him, "What's wrong, Ven?"
The young boy after some thinking, shook his head and replied, "It's nothing really, but the last time I met him, I was knocked out cold and... I can't remember the session too well now."
Worry entered Aqua's voice as she asked him, "Did you get checked out afterwards?"

Nodding, he replied, "Yeah I did, don't worry Aqua!" He smiled, then he explained, "The matron said I was in peak health!"
"That's good then!" She said with relief.

The King though listening, couldn't help but say, "I wonder what he would have done to have knocked you out like that." Then dread coming to his face, he said after some thought, "I hope he's not taking out his frustrations on you."

"Frustrations?" Terra asked, then he realised and asked, "Do you think he's upset we haven't located the Fragments yet?"
"Possibly," The King replied. Then with a sigh, he added, "But personally, I think it might have more to do with-!"

"Terra!"

It was then the group was stopped, for approaching them was the wise advisor to the King. His long serving comrade, and one of the eldest Keyblade Masters, Xehanort.

Seeing him, no one in the group at first knew how to respond, when the older man demanded, "I request an audience with you, I take it I will not be taking too much of your precious time?"
Silent as he heard this, Terra was puzzled. Why he did he want to speak to him? They hadn't had much interaction with each other, since one particular mission they did together, with the King and...

Feeling pain enter his Heart as he thought of one particular person, he then sighed and looking to the older man. He replied, "No, you won't be taking much at all." With that he told his friends, "Sorry everyone, I'll catch up with you all when I can."
"Okay!" Ven smiled, then he added, "I hope you have a good talk, Terra!"
Aqua simply smiled and nodded to him, while the King called out to his advisor, "Don't be too tough on him, Xehanort!"

To which in seconds, the older man looked back at the King with an angry glare. It was clear he was not happy with this relaxed tone he spoke with.

Everyone was taken aback, but they couldn't say anything until they saw he was out of earshot. Seeing him go, Ventus asked, "What's his problem?"
The King then sighed and said with sad awkwardness, "I guess he still hates me for the lack of results...and various other things..." Then scratching his head looking sorrowful, he added, "He's been very hard to read of late, I just don't know what he's thinking nowadays, its tough to even initiate conversation with him."
"That's true, "Terra agreed. Then knowing he shouldn't keep the old advisor waiting, he said, "Well, I better go or his mood will surely worsen!" With that he was off, and the others watched after him as he disappeared around a corner.

Walking together after catching up to him, Terra followed Xehanort quietly as he led him through the gardens and back into the corridors of the palace. He had no idea what he wanted to say to him? It must be important, but why couldn't he say it in front of the King? Was it something that-?

"This should be a suitable spot."

It was then that the two of them finally stopped. Terra found, that he and Xehanort were now upon the walkway that overlooked the training area that was within the gardens, they were obscured by trailing lines of purple wisteria. Terra was puzzled. Why had they stopped here?

"Terra?"

His attention, drawn back to the old man. Terra stared at him and after a moment replied, "Master Xehanort?"
"You must be wondering why I have asked to speak to you, considering the last time we exchanged words." Xehanort said solemnly.

"I won't deny that I'm curious," Terra answered.

"As is expected," replied the old man. Then as he turned his golden eyes to look at him, the loyal knight heard him ask, "Terra? Do you love this kingdom?"
Puzzled why that was asked, he replied, "Well of course." Then looking at the lush greenery of the gardens and the warm shining sun, he continued, "I always have, how couldn't I?" Then thinking of his past, he continued, "I was rescued from my crumbling world, and was given refuge here, thanks to Master Eraqus." Thinking of his adopted father, with a smile. Terra finished saying, "He gave me a new future and hope, a family too which I thought I'd never have again, when my original home was robbed from me by the darkness."

"Ah, yes Eraqus, a beloved father to you." Then looking to the scenery himself, Xehanort continued, "And a treasured friend to me..." As he said those words with warmth, Terra looked to him and then saw his white-gloved hand clench tightly against the stonework as he finished, "Now lost forever."

Terra flinched. For it was true, Eraqus had passed on. Sadness entering his expression, he though countered Xehanort's pained words saying, "But always alive in our Hearts."
Chuckling Xehanort replied, "How true," then as he looked back to him. Terra heard him ask, "Did you learn that from him?" However his warm expression changed to a cold one, as he then suggested instead, "Or from our so-called King?"
Surprised he said that, Terra didn't answer his question. Instead he asked one of his own, "You've found fault with him?"

"That's just saying it lightly," Xehanort replied. His contempt couldn't be contained as he continued, "But I must ask, haven't you?"
"Why would I?" Terra didn't understand.

"Are you really that naïve?" Xehanort asked him, for as he stared at him. Terra could see he was searching his expression. Then he asked, "Don't you realise the truth?"

"What truth?" Terra asked him, feeling uneasy.

"That the King is responsible for Eraqus's death." Xehanort said with anger in his tone.

Shocked hearing this, Terra asked, "You think the King is-!"
"I know that he is!" Xehanort it was clear did not tolerate being doubted! Unnerved seeing this, all Terra could do was stare on as he continued to say, "You were there Terra! Our numbers were not enough, the enemy overwhelmed us! We were not enough! Even the King himself couldn't stop them... I saw it with my own eyes! That fool led to us-!"
"Winning!" Terra countered. For then as the old man looked to him shocked. Terra stared back with hardened eyes. He explained, "I admit it, the numbers were high and sadly a lot of us were lost, but we still won and claimed victory for those who were suffering." With a hand to his Heart, he continued as he remembered the struggles of that day, "And our sacrifice was not unnoticed by the enemy, it was because of that, they ceased the fighting when they saw the honour we fought with!" Then finishing, with strength in his eyes he told the enraged man, "The very Light, that was my Master Eraqus, outshone their darkness."
Xehanort was clearly shocked by Terra's strong conviction, but quickly he argued asking, "Have you truly fallen for that idiot's propaganda? Eraqus was lost for nothing!" For gripping his right hand, he said with gritted teeth, "I've learned that insurgents have already started to rise up again in that same kingdom!" Venom in his voice, he uttered with bitter hatred, "They haven't learned anything!"

Hearing the anger in his voice, Terra lowered his head and replied, "Yes I am aware of that." However looking back to the old man, he told him, "However, that's not the entirety of that kingdom, it's a small number that I'm sure will calm down in time." Then looking below to the training grounds again, he saw that Aqua, Ventus and the King had made it to the training grounds, dressed for a practise battle. Smiling as he saw them, he continued saying, "His majesty believes they'll see the way, if we're patient things will work out eventually."
Xehanort it was clear, was disgusted by Terra's undaunted belief, as he told him, "You believe him so easily, you're an utter fool! He still killed your Master!"
"No I'm not," came the calm reply. Then looking to Xehanort he said, "For Eraqus believed in him too, for it was because of another sacrifice he made that day that I'm even here right now."
A perplexed expression came to Xehanort's face, as he repeated, "Another sacrifice?"
Terra then revealed, "My Master Eraqus in that final battle and myself, were poisoned by a terrifying creature that was unleashed, there was only one antidote left between the two of us." Gripping his right hand, thinking of the helpless state he was in at the time, along with his Master... he couldn't deny he hated himself for being unable to help him. But despite that, remembering the pained smile his Master had given him as he made his final decision, Terra had no doubt that his lost Master was at peace and told Xehanort, "And he gave it to me, so I would live in his stead."
"Eraqus? He sacrificed himself so you'd...?"

Terra simply nodded to Xehanort's trailing question. Then seeing the mock battle had started between the King and Ventus. He continued his explanations as to why he believed in his majesty, "And my Master fought on, until he was unable to anymore... at the stage the poison was untreatable, he asked his Majesty to end his suffering, which he did." Then remembering the pain and heartbreak of those last moments, between the two loyal allies, he shuddered sadly and said turning back to Xehanort, "The two parted with honour, there was no trailing bitterness between them, I was witness to it, and that's why I believe his Highness absolutely with no grief held towards him."

As the silence lingered between them, it was clear Xehanort had been unaware of what Eraqus had done for him. Seeing the sad old man stare at him dumbstruck, Terra then went to walk away saying, "If this is all you wished to discuss, then I'd say we're finished here." He also added before moving to proceed towards where the stairs were located, "And I would suggest at some stage you speak to his majesty to clear your Heart and mind, so the darkness of despair does not overwhelm you, Xehanort."

As the silence lingered between them, Terra imagined this was it. He couldn't blame the old man for being bitter, but to show such animosity towards the King. He would need to let him know what had occurred, otherwise-!

"You're still wrong, Terra."

Puzzled by this, the Knight paused and looked back to the old man. Quiet he didn't say anything, as then Xehanort continued, "For believing in the King, and his pathetic wish to believe in others."
"And why do you think it's pathetic?" Terra asked him, for now even he couldn't help but be irritated by the aged Keyblade Master insulting his friend.

"Have you not seen it?" Terra didn't answer him, as he stared on. So Xehanort explained, "While you all wait, hoping for others to come around and join us in union, suffering continues to spread from greed and power, destroying countless lives in its terrible wake! Trying to gain the Light, and now even the Fragments that can lead to it."
Terra replied, "Yes I am aware of late, that chaos has been surging more strongly in recent times, and sadly, I know many people have suffered great loss..." However with conviction, he told him, "But it's still manageable! We still have time to-!"

"No, you've all taken too long!" Xehanort rebuffed him and as Terra was stilled into silence again, he revealed, "For you're unaware of the loss I have suffered!"
"Loss you've suffered?" Terra questione.
"He never told you, did he? Your so-called loyal King!" Silent, Terra then heard the truth from him, "My world home world and its people, have been utterly annihilated by those who he wished to have patience in!"
Horrified, Terra asked him, "Your home world was-!"

"Wiped out! Everything I knew and loved in that place... its all gone now!" Xehanort replied, then gripping his right hand he added, "That includes the family I had remaining, I have nothing left... they are all lost now."

Losing his irritation, to be replaced by shock. Terra didn't know what to say, "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize that-!"
"But because of it, I finally understand," Xehanort said in a chilling tone.

"What?" Terra was confused, what was he-?

Then Xehanort with his right arm outstretched over the side of the walkway, opened his right hand and held it aloft. He then revealed the truth he'd realised, "That there's no hope now for humanity, that is so obsessed with power and forever seeking the Light!"

VOOM!

Then quickly in Xehanort's opened palm, an orb of darkness swelled and he heard the old man declare, "So now I'll punish all those who continue to seek that hideous radiance..." Then eyeing the King and his nephew, who combatted with smiles on their faces, revealing their Blades of power from behind their backs, he finished saying, "And those who are cowardly sloths that have let them fester out of control!"

FLASH!

Xehanort's dark power was activated and-!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Terrified hearing this, Terra realised who was screaming, "Ven!?" Racing to the edge of the walkway, he saw his young friend and fellow Knight had collapsed and was holding onto his chest with both hands, his Wingblades vanishing!
His mind raced, then as Xehanort grinned next to him looking at the agony he was inflicting, Terra moved and-!

FLASH!

He called forth his Keyblade and demanded, "What're you doing!?"

"Subjecting the King of course for his uselessness!" Xehanort replied with a smile, as he turned to look at the angered young man.

Hearing this, Terra's eyes widened and looking back he saw quickly the King he trusted, run over to try and assist his nephew, while Aqua worriedly tried to do the same. Angry, Terra demanded turning back to him, "Stop what you're doing now! Otherwise I'll-!"
"You're not going to do anything!" Xehanort replied, then with a grin he moved again and-!

FLASH!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

The hideous dark force intensified again, and as Ventus screamed more, showing the agony he was in. Terra was stilled into horror, for what could he do! He didn't understand, what had Xehanort-!?

"Now you will listen to me from now on, Terra!"

Turning back to the horrific man, Terra was stilled into silence as he heard him declare, "From this point on, you will answer to me and me alone!" With that he explained, "I will have you cause discord throughout the worlds, when the King sends you to locate the Fragment's!" Then with a sinister grin he added, "I will have you tear apart the barely intact threads of trust he has left amongst those foolish Kingdoms he's aligned with!"

Disgusted hearing this, Terra then argued, "There's no way I'd ever do that! You can't-!"

VOOM!

His words were stilled by the pulsing orb of darkness in Xehanort's hand. As they were, he heard the evil man then warn him, "If you decide to go against me here and now, or in the future, I will shatter Ventus's Heart into pieces!"
Shivering hearing this, Terra repeated, "Shatter?"

Grinning, Xehanort then told him, "Ventus is now my living guarantee, that you will be an obedient puppet!" Hearing this, Terra felt his Heart fill with fearful ice! Then he heard the hateful man continue to say, "You agree to this, I will spare his life... for now at least, so. What will you do?"

Shivering and then seeing the torture that was happening to his friend down below, with Aqua and the King helpless to save him... he knew there was no choice! So biting his lip, he did but one thing. He nodded.

Grinning at his acquisition, Xehanort moved and-!

Dim...

Finally at last, the screams of agony ceased and as they did, Terra released a sigh of relief. However still angered, he demanded to know, "Xehanort, what did you do to him!? What've you done to Ven's Heart!?"

Hearing this question, Xehanort lowering his hand then looked to him and replied simply with a smug smile, "I broke it."

Shocked hearing this, Terra asked him, "Broke it?"
"Indeed, I smashed it to pieces when his back was turned during his last training session with me." Then looking to the breathless and confused boy who continued to be assisted by his worried allies, he continued, "He was so easy to take advantage of, too trusting." Then narrowing his eyes with fierce dislike, he finished saying, "Just like his Great Uncle."

Terra though was trying to register what had been revealed to him, he said, "But if his Heart's broken, he should be dead!" Then looking to his friend, who was gesturing to ease his friends, he didn't understand this and asked, "How can he still be alive and-!"

"Because I made him into a Vessel!" Xehanort answered.

His own Heart stopping for a moment hearing this, looking to the terrible man. He asked him, "You turned Ven into-!"
"That's right, you heard me!" Then as Terra heard this, he was shocked. Then more was revealed, as Xehanort said with amusement, "I turned him into a Vessel, for the Fifth Fragment!"

"The Fifth?" Terra asked, then realising what that meant he realised, "Wait...it was you! You're the one who stole them all away!"
Chuckling, Xehanort replied, "Most I did!" Then with his other hand, he put it to his chest and-!

GLOW! GLOW!

There he saw in Xehanort's hands were two of the most precious treasures that could create the ultimate Keyblade. The Third and the Fourth Fragment; the Levitator and the Scythe!

As they floated within Xehanort's right hand, he gazed at them fondly and said, "Though I did keep half, for myself." Then looking to the horrified young man, he told him, "Otherwise, this venture wouldn't be as exciting would it?"
Terra didn't understand this, it was just one devastating revelation after another! Further enraged he demanded, "Why're you doing this!? Why would you take them and use Ven to-!"
"I've already told you, I'm punishing every single hypocrite in this Kingdom!" Then looking below, he saw Aqua arrive back with some people who were giving Ventus swift aid! Then finally after some quiet moments, with more assistance given by the helpful courtiers. Aqua and the King left with them to get Ventus properly treated, all of them clearly unnerved by what had transpired.

Xehanort seeing this be done told him, "I'm going to show his majesty, the folly of his ways of trying to believe in others, also the rest of those power hungry fools who never learn from their mistakes!" Then looking at the landscape of Alexandra, he smirked as he finished, "I'm going to tear this facade of a Kingdom apart and its pitiful unions into pieces, so the truth is undeniable to all, that there's no worth in placing your trust in others or the Light!"

Terra staring at him, couldn't believe him! He then declared, "You're insane!"

This didn't faze Xehanort, instead he told him with his confident grin still in place, "Think of it as you will, but now you're a part of this!" With that-!

GLOW!

One of the Fragments in his hand left his clutches, it was the red one. The Scythe and quickly-!

"Urgh!" Terra felt it enter his chest making it into the depths of his Heart! As it did, he felt its incredible power spread throughout him! Clutching at his chest, as it burned throughout him, it made him breathless, it was exhilarating but terrifying! For with this, he now had the ability to-!
"I knew it would find you suitable!" Then smiling at their union, Xehanort then added, "And from now on, you will use it to tear apart anyone who dares to get in the way of your search!" Looking up towards the man who'd given him this power and who held his friend unknowingly captive, Terra was quiet as he grimaced hearing these hate filled orders, "You will locate and bring the other Fragments I had go flying into other worlds, you will be the terror that shatters peace and brings ruin!"

Gritting teeth, with his Keyblade clenched still in his hand. Terra could feel the Fourth Fragment burn all around it, he could use it right there and then to turn him into ashes!

BLAZE!

As he burned with its power, Terra then told him, "How do you know I won't use it on you right here and now!?"

"Because if I die, Ventus will fall with me!" Xehanort revealed with a chilling smile. Immediately Terra faltered once more, as he heard the cunning monster explain, "The dark spell I have around that boy's Heart, is reliant upon my own Heartbeat to sustain it and let the Fifth stay within him, and if it ceases..."

Terra was shaken, hearing this. If he destroyed him then, Ventus would-!
"So I already have a full guarantee in place!" Then with that the old man went to leave. His back turned to him, Terra felt his rage ebb away to be replaced by another terrible emotion he never thought he'd feel again. Helplessness...

SHINE!

His Keyblade faded immediately from his hand, the blazing red vanishing with it. He couldn't believe everything that was happening! What was he to do!? He had to tell someone! The King had to know otherwise-!

"Oh! And just so you know, Terra..."

Gaining his attention again, distracting him from his racing thoughts. He looked to the old man, and heard him say, "Don't even think about confessing what you've discovered to anyone-!"

FLASH!

It was then within Xehanort's right hand again, appeared a viewing orb. Looking at it, Terra recognised the vibrant Pink of the Sixth Fragment! As he did, he then heard the old man say, "For I have eyes and ears in the court everywhere and always, they will all be monitoring you whenever you return!"

Terra was puzzled, what did he mean by-!

"Ven are you okay!?"

Spooked, it was then Terra saw Aqua with Ventus who was being carried by the members of the court, with the King following closely beside him! Looking on, he couldn't understand! How could they be seeing them!? They were in the walls of the palace, how could they-!?

"Should be... I don't know what happened back there! I just don't get it, I've never been like this before...I-!"

"No more talk!"

Spooked, it was then he saw that the person who was now talking, was the one who he was viewing this scene from! He watched on shaken as the person in question put their hand on Ventus's forehead and said.

"Rest, otherwise I won't be able to face you later in practise will I?"

Ventus then laughed at the person who was trying to comfort him, then Terra heard,

"True, thanks a lot there-!"

FLASH!

"No!" Quickly the image was dismissed before he could hear a name! But maybe-!

"And there won't be any point of you asking for details, I will obscure the memory so Ventus won't be able to tell you their name or even recall the so-called match they would have had!"
Shaken hearing this, Terra couldn't believe it! He had this much power to-!
"Also, before I finally leave Terra, I know you and Aqua have been courting each other," taking a sharp intake of breath hearing this. For how could he know that, when the two of them-!

"So I advise you to be vigilant and dutiful, otherwise I cannot guarantee what fate will befall her either..." Xehanort chuckled, then with that he was finally on his way. But with a single wave he made behind him, he told his powerless accomplice, "I look forward to the results you'll bring me, in our new pursuit, Terra!"

With that as he left him completely alone, with the powers of the Fourth Fragment pulsing within his Heart. Despite all the strength that was now at his disposal... he was helpless to use them, without the threat of losing those he treasured the most.

He had now been made a slave of Xehanort with invisible chains that bound him, with no ally now he could rely on, nor any liberator who could free him from the shackles that now held him hostage to the evil man's whims...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing the horror that he'd been forced into. Nozomi couldn't believe it! Holding her hands to her chest, she asked him, "Terra, you were forced to-!"

"Yes, he made me do it... I was made into his blade, and I caused ruin to many worlds, in pursuit of the remaining Fragment's for him."

Her eyes tearing up, feeling the helplessness of the past. Nozomi understood his reasons and realised, "So all that time... you were just trying to protect them, you didn't want to Ventus and Aqua to-!"

"No, I didn't want them to perish, nor his majesty... I thought I could gain the advantage over Xehanort somehow if I gained more of the Fragment's! If I did then maybe..."

Shaking her head, she told him, "It's okay, I understand... you were just trying to do the right thing when you could." Then feeling his pain, she told him trying to be reassuring, "It wasn't your fault! Not at all, Terra! It wasn't!"

"Thank you for saying that, but the fact remains, I caused devastation to many worlds and people... I couldn't even save my own friends, nor those who'd been turned into the Vessels at that time... I can never forgive myself for that."

"I don't blame you! I know how that feels..." For then thinking of what had happened with Wairu, how she'd taken his Fragment and had been unable to help everyone else who were Vessels and friends to her, she told him, "... But Terra, you, me and everyone here, we're gonna make up for all the grief Xehanort made you do!" Then tensing her hands on her chest, she added, "I won't ever let him abuse you for power, or anyone else like that anymore! You won't feel the pain of loss like that again, you've got nothing to fear now, I promise you!"

"Thank you, Nozomi!"

She nodded, as she felt a light of relief shine in him, that felt so refreshing as it spread throughout her chest. It caused her to reveal a gentle and happy smile.

"You know what you said there, you reminded me of my Master Eraqus a little bit."

"Eraqus?" Nozomi asked. Then in her mind, she saw flashes of Terra's childhood, in them she saw a man interacting with the young boy he'd once been. He had scars on his face he'd received from many battles, his dark hair was tied up into a short, high topknot and he had a moustache making him a warm fatherly figure, dressed in white robes.

"That's him?" She asked, then she couldn't help but remark, "He reminds me of my Master Auron."

"Does he? Where did you and he originate from?"

"Me and my Master come from Bamboo town," Nozomi told him. Then she explained, "It's a countryside town, in the middle of a mountainous area with tall bamboo growing everywhere with satsuma trees everywhere, and a warm orange sun that shines down on everything, making it a really warm place."

"The town of Bamboo!"

Hearing amazement in his voice, Nozomi asked, "What's wrong?"

"That place, my Master Eraqus originated from there!"

Shocked, Nozomi exclaimed, "Are you serious?!"

"Yes, the place you described is the same as what he told me of his home growing up. When he raised me in the Palace of Alexandra!"

"Whoa!" Nozomi uttered, then startled she couldn't help but ask, "You don't think that means, that I'm related or something to him do you I-!"

"Ha! Ha! I think that would be unlikely!"

"Huh?" Nozomi didn't understand.

"My Master never married nor had children of his own, he was the last of his family line."

"Oh, okay?" Nozomi then couldn't help but say feeling foolish, "That would be unlikely wouldn't it?"

"Obviously! Things are crazy, but not cliché here, Nozomi!"

"Wairu!" Nozomi protested mad.

"Ha, ha, ha!"

Terra laughed again as Nozomi grew annoyed, but then she heard Terra say,

"But still, the fact you and him come from the same world... I can't deny that's amazing."

"Yeah, that's true I guess?" Nozomi replied. Then quietly, a warm thought entered her mind. Thinking it, she couldn't help but say, "But y'know, maybe that's a sign somehow... that no matter what, your Master wanted you to be saved, Terra."

"That's a nice sentiment, I like that idea, Nozomi... I'd like to believe that."

"I believe it!" Then looking to her friends, who all looked on guessing at the conversation she was having with him. They all smiled to her, all of them in understanding and warmth, she said as she smiled at them too, "And I know together, we're all gonna save more worlds and people, we'll return the joy that Xehanort stole!" To which they all nodded to her, all firmly in agreement!

"I'll be more than happy then, to lend you my power for a shining goal like that!"

"Totally, my magic will support you all the way!"

"And I'll always be with you too!"

Hearing their voices resound in her Heart, Nozomi then told them smiling warmly, "Terra, Wairu, Aqua... thank you!"

SHINE!

"Huh!?"

Shocked, it was then that Nozomi's Keyblade morphed and change! Seeing it shine with various colours, a lighter blue and a dark one, red and then with a dark hue. It quickly took on a new shape that was all too familiar!
Amazed, she couldn't believe it! "Wait this can't be! I now have-!"

"An Alliance Blade!?"

Turning, it was then she saw the others all crowd around her. All of them amazed and clearly delighted. Sora who cried out, seeing the weapon in her hands, then told her, "You did it, Nozomi! You're harmonising with those in your Heart, you got the same power as us now!"
"Congratulations Nozomi!" Kairi smiled.

Nodding, Riku then told her happily, "Well done!"
"I've really done it?" This was so hard to believe! She could use this power too? She'd now be able to assist them more? The realisation of this, was incredible. Then quickly she couldn't help but laugh and smile happily, then looking to the weapon in her right hand. She knew instantly its name, "It's really here now, my Alliance Blade: Jubilation!"

The name was very fitting for her and all of them then in that moment. But before they could do more-!

"THERE YOU ALL ARE!"

On alert in seconds, everyone turned and there they saw swarming all over with darkness. Was an elderly figure of a man, covered all over in shadows. He was clearly in pain, holding his aching transparent body, he dragged it forwards. Then he demanded angrily, "Give him back to me! GIVE ME BACK TERRA NOW!"

Putting her hands to her chest defensively, Nozomi looked at him angrily. Then she told him, "Never, you won't ever have him again!"

"You said it!" With that Sora aimed his Alliance Blade at the shadow covered man! Then quickly joining him, Riku had his own weapon ready, as he did the Chosen Keyblader added, "We're never letting you hurt anyone else again!"

"You have no right to stand in my way!" Xehanort declared, then as the shadows around him swarmed angrily, "Return him! He and I exist to bring peace to all living things! You children will never-!"

VOOM!

"URGH!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Quickly around Xehanort appeared massive tendrils of darkness! However, these ones were now binding themselves all over his body. It was sickening!

Clearly feeling revolted, Kairi asked covering her mouth and nose, "What's happening!?"

"I don't know!" Riku replied, however he kept his Blade at the ready for he didn't know what this shadowed old figure might try!
Breathless, the old man looked demonic, as he said to them,
"No! This is not over, I can still win! I absolutely won't give into this! I have to-!" Then as he grimaced again, it was clear that he was reaching the end of his limits as the tendrils behind him swarmed angrily, preparing to drag him into oblivion!

"Xehanort that is enough now!"

Shocked to hear this voice, the vicious man looked up. Then he saw-!

GLOW!

Particles of light escape from within Riku's armour! Looking on in amazement, everyone saw the shining cluster quickly from into a human figure!

They quickly saw the shape of an older man, he looked to be maybe a little younger than Xehanort. He had long lighter-brown hair that was tied into a ponytail that fell by his left side, he was donned in warm purple and white royal robes with a crown upon his head, a golden sceptre in his right hand.

His purple irises looked at Xehanort with sadness and pity, as he saw the form he had ultimately become. However the sight of those eyes filled the dark Master with bitterness as he spat the name of the foolish King who dared look at him this way, "BERTROS!"

Seeing the King appear, everyone was quiet at seeing these two figures from the ancient past stand before them in the present. The air was full of suspense, as they watched to see, what the Master of darkness and the King of Light would both do...