Chapter CCXCVIII: The Finale

Staring on, no one in that lost darkened space could believe it! Staring on at the glowing figure of light that had appeared from Riku's armour, hearing the name that had come from Xehanort's mouth, Kairi repeated, "Bertros?"

"The woeful King!?"

Surprised hearing this cry, Kairi asked, "Oralee, you know him!?"

The others all looked to her, and listened quietly as they heard the explanation from the Princess, she held in her Heart.

"Yes, he's my ancestor! The King who failed!"

"Failed?" Kairi asked her friend, then feeling unease at this title. Looking to the purple, white and gold clad older man who was before them, she asked, "What did he fail at?"

"Uniting the worlds, he was said to have been the one who was closest to ever attaining that goal, through his efforts and charisma, making countless allies in his rule but..."

Kairi listening to her sad words, thought of what they'd learned and what they'd all gone through. As she did, she sadly realised what had happened, "Those allies all turned into enemies didn't they?"

"Correct Bertros was the one who was blamed for all of that happening, they turned against each other and him, all of them blinded by their fear, greed and lust for power... to obtain the ultimate Keyblade by any means."

"That led to the Keyblade Wars," Kairi stated. Then looking to Xehanort who stared at the sad figure before him, she asked, "But we all know he wasn't solely responsible for all of it, was he?"

"Clearly not, and I know there are historians that argued for his case... but he's not celebrated at all anymore, for all the loss of the past... the catastrophe, it ended the use of the Keyblade entirely."

"No one wanted to use the Keyblade after that!?" Sora cried out surprised. As the others looked to Kairi stunned hearing this.

"No, the King who came to rule after him, Fidelis declared the art should be lost forever, and the Fragments with it, so no one should ever have to suffer such great losses again. Then the rest of the Kingdoms all followed suite, cutting off all contact from each other..."

"It went that far?" Kairi asked feeling pain in Heart that was the reflection of her friend's.

"Yes, they did and shortly after, the darkness from that horrendous greed that began the war faded away, to be replaced by an inescapable sadness that shadowed every world for many centuries, preventing Keyblades from emerging again."

Quiet having listened to these revelations, no one knew what to say at all. But then with a sigh, Riku finally said "Well I can't blame that past King, all the heartbreak and chaos that must have occurred back then, is something none of us can ever comprehend."

However Nozomi with a hand to her own Heart, feeling Terra's and Aqua's pain said, "True, but that doesn't mean the sad echo of it hasn't crossed throughout time, has it?"

There was no argument there and looking to the glowing woeful figure, they waited to see what he would do to the man who'd helped caused the tragedy that had torn everything asunder.

….

It was clear that Bertros was preparing himself. Finally, after a long sad sigh, he spoke, "Greetings old friend, is what I would have said to you long ago..." Then looking at the old man who was before him, who continued to glower with the tendrils of darkness thrashing madly behind him. Looking at his enraged form, he knew better and said, "But I suppose, you don't even see me as that anymore do you?"

"How could you expect me to!?" Xehanort spat. Then he told the person, who he once respected as his King, "You're not the same man I once knew, the one who took no nonsense from anyone, who would smote those who transgressed!"

Quiet as he heard this, Bertros then looked down and replied with a small smile, "True, I did... we both used to do that together, I remember you enjoyed it so greatly... we even got scolded by Eraqus for being too unbridled against our enemies." Turning back up to him, the aged King continued, "But as time progressed, I had to be more cautious... I couldn't act as freely as I did in my youth, I often wished things could be simpler as they were when we were children."

"Don't try and change the subject!"As he said those words, Bertros saw that Xehanort was tightly gripping his right hand over his chest. The older man of darkness said with pain in his voice, "You're responsible! For all the loss...that I suffered! It's all your fault!"

Bertros looked pained as he heard this. Then closing his eyes, he replied, "So you truly do hate me now, don't you?"

"Are you going to play ignorant with me...at a time like this!?" Xehanort demanded.

Shaking his head, the old ruler replied, "That was not my intention, so no." Then opening his purple eyes to gaze upon him again, he stated, "I never wanted to mock you, not now, and not in the past either."

"Ha! You never wanted to mock me?" Then grimacing, the older dark Master said with a bitter smile, "That's all you did back then..." Gritting his teeth, his voice full of venom, he revealed, "All you ever did, was just walk around the courts smiling! Basking in the glory, pretending all the time, that nothing... absolutely nothing was wrong! While everything was collapsing in the shadows!"

Bertros wasn't smiling at all, as he asked, "That's how I appeared to you?"

"Always!" Then as the enraged man kept his fiery eyes focused on him, Bertros heard him say, "After my home world was annihilated... after you killed Eraqus, with those filthy hands of yours, all you did was smile... mocking me, over and over again!"

"I see..." Bertros replied, then after pausing. Looking to his friend sadly, he realised, "So you could never forgive me, for the airs I put on acting as a King?"

Xehanort didn't answer him. However Bertros expected as much, his sadness still apparent, he revealed, "It was me who truly broke your Heart long ago, am I right?"

"Don't describe it as something so soft!" Xehanort spat.

"I'm not, this is no laughing matter," then with both his hands upon his staff, he told his former friend, "I never had the intention of hurting you, Xehanort." Then seeing him stare at him with his hateful eyes, Bertros then continued to say, "But sadly I did, and I can't change what happened in the past... and for that, I'm truly sorry."

"Sorry?" As Xehanort repeated this simple word, he then couldn't help but chuckle. Though clearly in pain, he demanded as he winced, "You think that simple word is suffice!?"
"No,"
Bertros replied calmly. Then staring at him quietly for a moment, he continued and said, "There's nothing I could ever do, nor say now that could heal all that anguish you carry inside." Then tensing his hands on his golden sceptre, he said one word, "However."

"However what?" Xehanort asked him, still venomous in tone.

"I will tell you the truth, that I never got to back then," With that staring at the dark infected man, he confessed, "I wish that I had heeded your council more. If I had, I'm sure we could have expunged the hate, fear and greed before it took root within the Hearts of our allies..." Xehanort didn't reply to this, seeing this Bertros then added, "I was too kind, as you said, and I let it all fester and grow out of control, there were points back then that I shouldn't have been so forgiving."

Xehanort looked shocked by this admission, Bertros continued, "If I had been more forthright, undeterred by the possibility of fallouts from certain Kingdoms, then maybe your world could have been saved, even Eraqus, our friend that I-!"

"You dare think that still!?" Spooked by this outcry, Bertros then heard Xehanort say enraged, "That you have the right to call Eraqus your friend!? You murdered him with your own hands!"

Wide-eyed hearing this, Bertros looked hurt. Then biting his lower lip, he admitted the truth, "Yes, that is true... I ended his life." But taking in a deep shuddering breath, he gripped his hands and told Xehanort, "However, it was not in malice! I never wanted to do that to him, and there's not been a day I don't feel the grief of that loss!" Then as he ended his sentence, he looked away to the side, trying to hide the pain.

"It's still your fault though, you've admitted as much!" Xehanort scowled, then gritting his own teeth, he further added, "He died for nothing! The ugliness grew in people, and with it my pain! Seeing all that countless loss, you honestly think you have the right to-!"

"HE WAS CONTENT!"

Stopping Xehanort before he could continue on a hateful tirade, Bertros staring at him, then told him despite the pain of his own heartbreak, "He knew that as well as I did, that he was beyond saving, in his dying moments, he had faith in us...that we could still save everyone! For though his body would perish, his will would live on in us!"

The dark riddled man was shocked, then shaking his head he replied, "That can't possibly be true!"

Bertros stayed firm and revealed to his former ally, "It is! He believed in us! He implored me to do that with you, for he loved the worlds and their people! He wanted to save them!" Then with true sincerity, with his hand to his Heart, Bertros told Xehanort, "And he loved you and me! He asked me to be there for you, when he couldn't be anymore!"

As silence filled the air, the Keybladers staring at this interaction. Could feel the warmth of that love, that was echoed in Bertros. Then as the King stared at his shocked former friend, he admitted, "I'm just sorry that I couldn't stop your grief turning into bitter darkness in time, for not being the braver man I should have been! To become the support that could have helped you! But still!" With that, he reached his hand out to him, "Please stop this hatred Xehanort, its not too late for you!"

Watching on, everyone wondered if Bertros had persuaded Xehanort to stop now? If he did, then maybe this would mean-?

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

Hearing this wicked laughter break out, everyone was chilled. Outraged seeing him act like this, despite the heartfelt plea of his old ally, Sora demanded, "What're you laughing at Xehanort!? Just what-!"

"Because it is too late!"

Then before anyone could stop him, the dark infected mad ran to the enormous orb they had created to help rescue Terra! As he did, he put his hands to it and-!

VOOM!

The warm light it had once been shining with, was turned into an awful stagnant darkness and-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The dark tendrils that had once been surrounding his shadowed body were wrapping themselves around the orb instead and-!

"XEHANORT STOP THIS NOW!"

As the King shouted at him, the evil man grinned and told him, "NEVER!" Then gripping his white gloved hands around the powerful magical source, he declared the spell, "Eternal Catastrophic Descent!"

CCCRRREEEAAAKKK!

Immediately the stony floor underneath everyone's feet began to rumble and move! As it did, they were all taken off guard and quickly Nozomi cried out, "What's happening!? What-!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Quickly the dazzling lines of the magic circle, all turned red and angry! Then-!

ZZZAAAPPP!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

The Keybladers were inflicted with agony by a terrible power of darkness that the evil Master had unleashed! All of them were having their energy drained by the terrible pulses as they spread everywhere!

Feeling Riku's pain being reflected into himself, Bertros demanded with gritted teeth, "What have you done!? Xehanort why-!"

"Because I will have my desired peace in one form or another!"

Everyone hearing him cry this out were quiet, even as they grimaced in pain. They heard the Master of darkness declare, "I'm going to submerge you all into the deepest abyss! Where none of you will ever be able to escape!" Then as he shivered in pain, the spell clearly taking what remaining energy he had left to maintain it, Xehanort revealed, "I won't allow you all who have the Alliance Blades to leave, for without your powers and the Fragments, the Door of Light can never be accessed!" Then chuckling, he added, "And I know for certain that Mouse King won't be able to hold back the Heartless alone! He'll be overwhelmed! Then eventually, everything will end!"

Angered, Sora then spat mad, "You sore loser!"

"I don't care what you think!" Xehanort replied, then he said fiercely with determination, "I'm going to save everyone, in one way or another by having them fall to the peace that is darkness!"

"Xehanort! Eraqus would never want you to do this! You can't-!"
"I follow my own will! I will save everyone by my own hands, for both Eraqus, I and all who I lost! And I shall never accept you again! YOU FOOLISH COWARD!"
Xehanort declared with malice!

Bertros was in shock before he sighed and said with a heavy Heart, "You've been made insane by being in the darkness too long..." Then becoming determined he told him, "I won't let you destroy the future and let you harm any more people, so I'm sorry my friend, but you've left me no choice!" With that-!

GLOW!

His body returned back into an orb and quickly it raced straight back to Riku! As it did-!

SHINE!

Suddenly around everyone a glowing shield of white light appeared around them, that immediately stopped the painful pulses of red light Xehanort had unleashed! All of them breathless, they heard Bertros then say, "All of you, use this chance to escape! Don't let Xehanort drag you all down into the depths!"

Wincing, Riku replied, "Ri, right...!" With that quickly with this chance given to them! They all started to try and think fast how they'd get themselves out of that disaster!

GLOOM...

"Tch!" Wincing feeling more of her strength be taken, as they descended down into a thicker layer of darkness. Despite the shield Bertros had created for them. It was clear that the Keybladers couldn't stay there for too much longer. For the deeper they fell, the more the darkness was draining the source of Light that was their life! They needed to leave and soon!

"Nozomi, you all need to be strong, don't give up!"

Nodding, hearing her. The female Keyblader replied, "Yeah I know, we will! Thanks Aqua!"

For he was right! They couldn't give up! They could still face this, they-!

"Hey! I got it!"

Surprised, hearing Sora's voice. She turned to look at him, as did the others. As they did, they heard the Chosen Keyblader say, "Kairi the Glider! We can fly out of here, can't we?"
As the question was put to the Princess of Heart, she was quiet. She put her hand to her Alliance Blade and then moved it to her chest... she seemed to be feeling for something. Everyone was confused, however they quickly learned the terrible truth, "I can't do it now."

They all became shocked, Sora cried out, "Huh? Why!?"

Looking pained, she replied, "I've lost too much energy, the darkness here has sapped too much from me, I-!"

GLOOM...

"Urgh!" They quickly passed into another terrible layer, and everyone felt its effects and especially Kairi who staggered and-!

"Kairi!?"

Quickly Sora ran up to her, and caught her in his arms, she looked up to him gratefully.

Feeling pained seeing this, Riku feeling the pull of the terrible abyss that was going to swallow them whole soon, the pressure from it was horrible as it was getting harder to breathe! He couldn't help but ask, "What're we supposed...to do now? What can we-!"

"I think, that I can help you all now!"

Surprised hearing his voice, Riku asked, "Kagi?" Hearing him say this name, everyone looked to him, and then they heard their white-haired comrade ask, "What have you thought of?"

"One of you here can wish for a Door of Time! I can transport you all out of here!"

"A Door of Time!?" Riku cried in surprise, however remembering what had happened within Xehanort in the Interfusing Plane, he asked, "But it won't be able to survive here will it!? If someone wishes for it then-!"

"No it can survive, it would just ascend up to the point that it can tolerate the darkness!"

Amazed, as everyone else became the same he asked him, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, Rosso tested me vigorously! You can't imagine what she put me through in experimenting on me to get those results!"

Surprised, Riku then said with a small sad smile, "Yeah, that's right she did didn't she?" Then quickly, everyone had the beginnings of their exit, however one question remained, "But who can make a wish?"

Everyone quickly thought to themselves, Nozomi admitted, "I can't now, because of what happened in Alexandra."

Shaking her head sad, Kairi then said, "Yeah, and I can't because I made a wish for everyone to go home when we were still above here."
"And I made my one to get to Hari, so..." Then in surprise, everyone looked to the one person who could lead them out now. It was Sora!

Astounded, the Chosen Keyblader asked, "You guys want me to make the wish!?"

Chuckling, Riku told him, "Sora, you're the only one who can!"

Scratching his head as he continued to hold Kairi, he was quiet... then he laughed nervously and replied, "Ah ha ha, yeah I guess I am. Aren't I?" As they looked to him everyone smiled, despite the situation they were in.

Sora then said, "Okay! I'll do it!" But quickly he realised and asked, "But when should I make it for?"

"How about just after the Door I wished for was destroyed, then we won't worry everyone too badly when we get back to the Radiant Gardens!" Kairi suggested.

"Got it!" Sora replied smiling with determination!
Then as their hope grew, there was now one last issue that Riku revealed, "Okay, now the question that remains, is how do we reach it when its created?"

Everyone was quiet, then quickly Nozomi realised, "Wait! Maybe I can help with that!"

"Nozomi?" As Riku turned his attention to her, the female Keyblade put her hand to her chest and-!

SHINE!

Quickly the power of the Seventh Fragment was activated and her wings came to either side of her feet once more! As they did, she then looked up... however worried, she saw to her dread, "Oh no!"
Worried, Sora asked her, "What's wrong?"

"There aren't any orbs in the air!" Then feeling fear grip her Heart, she said, "I was thinking we could leap from one to another like before, but if they're aren't any down here then!"
Everyone immediately was on edge and Kairi uttered in fear, "That's not good!"
"How about transporting us, like before? Can't you-?"

Shaking her head, Nozomi told him, "I'm in the same dilemna as you now Kairi, I don't have enough energy against all this darkness to-!"

GLOOM...

They passed through another layer of darkness and-!

"Agh!" This was the worst one yet! If they passed through one more then-!
Nozomi couldn't imagine it, she didn't want to! She had to do something! If she couldn't help everyone then-!

"Nozomi, don't lose Heart!"

Hearing his voice in surprise, the female Keyblader asked, "Terra?"

"Listen, I think we might all be able to help you now!"

"All of you?" She asked him.

"He means us who're in you right now Nozomi, me, him and Aqua!"

"Wairu? What can you all do?" Nozomi asked him surprised.

"We can use our magic together as one in you, thanks to the Alliance Blade you now have! The combined spell we've thought up should give you the exit and boost you need!"

Really amazed now, Nozomi asked, "Really!? You guys can do that, but how?"

"By using the floor that's under your feet! Because my speciality was in earth magic, we'll make it useful!"

Hearing Terra's confident voice. Nozomi smiled with relief and feeling the warmth of their confidence, she said, "Okay, I don't know how! But if you guys are sure about this, then I won't doubt you!"

FLASH!

Quickly her Alliance Blade came to her hand, as it lit up with their power. She heard Aqua then tell her,

"Alright, now this is how you will perform the spell!"

Nodding, Nozomi looking to everyone's surprised faces. She told the one who would save them, "Sora, you better start making that wish!"
Quiet hearing this instruction, the Chosen Keyblader quickly nodded and replied, "You got it!" With that he turned to Riku, still holding Kairi close to him and quickly they began the plan that would let them escape Xehanort's darkness!

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

Laughing manically, feeling the darkness of the abyss coming to swiftly meet them, despite them being bathed in Bertros's protective magic, they wouldn't stand a chance against the deepest depths!

The Master of the Heartless could feel it! "Not much longer now, soon... soon!" For the end was fast approaching, and once they reached it, that would be it. He would never have to experience this absurdity that was life again, and eventually no one else would have to either. There would be no more pain, no more loss, no more loneliness...he would soon be back together again, with all he-!

"HERE WE GO!"

Startled out of his thoughts, he looked ahead and uttered, "Now what are those foolish children up to?" He didn't know and he didn't care, for it didn't matter what they would do. For they couldn't escape him, they had no chance against-!

SHINE!

Suddenly a green shining light lit up the darkness! As it did, piercing everything with its calming radiance, Xehanort didn't understand and asked, "What is this?" Then recognising this power, he asked, "The Eighth Fragment? Why would they-!"

WHOOSH!

Immediately that one light that had been born, raced into the heights above, higher, higher, and higher, climbing up, up and up until-!

GLEAM!

There in the tallest peak of that domain, came to exist one thing that he thought would never be able to. A Door of Time!?

He didn't realise they could even exist in a realm like this, however, "It doesn't matter! Even if they've made a Door, they'll never be able to reach it! They don't have the strength to-!"

DIM...

Then quickly Bertros's shielding power faded and as it did, he finished with a smirk, "There's no chance against these depths! They will all fall to-!"

"Here we go guys!"

Hearing this familiar female voice cry out, Xehanort then saw one figure. Angered looking at her, he uttered, "The Seventh!" He had no clue what she was up to? For what could she do when-!

GLOW!

Her body glowed all over with white light! Then with her Alliance Blade aimed in the air, her eyes closed in focus and then finishing her preparations. She opened them in fierce determination, and there quickly on its end came a bright light! She thrust it forwards and then running ahead, she leaped into the air where-!

SHINE! SHINE!

Her wings came out, making her take off! Then she dove straight down and cried out the new spell she'd been granted, "Rollicking Orb Burst!"

SMASH!

Her Alliance Blade plunged into the floor of the ritual grounds and-!

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Lines of white light snaked here there and everywhere before-!

BLAST!

Xehanort couldn't see past this brightness that had been unleashed! He didn't understand!? What was she-!

"HHHAAA!"

SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!

She struck into the once solid flooring, that flew up into the air as big chunks of debris and with each blow!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

Countless orbs were created from their remains! They glittered and shone in the air, like luminous pearls that lit up the darkness with warmth and light!

Seeing them all, Xehanort didn't understand!? How could she create orbs now!? The Seventh couldn't do that on its own!? These miracles spheres could only be born from creations of light!? Did she now have the ability to-!?

"Sora now! Send them all flying!"

"Flying!?" Xehanort uttered, then-!

"You got it!"

Then quickly the Keyblader who'd been his first nemesis ran forwards and-!

"HERE WE GO!"

SHINE!

With his hand aimed forwards, glowing all over with purple light that was of the Third Fragment, it surrounded all of the newly created orbs and-!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL! SWIRL!

They were turned into a spiralling storm that looked reminiscent of a long twisting path that reached up towards the Door of Time! Seeing this, it was then the Master of darkness realised what their ploy was now!

"I won't let you all go!" Then as his rage grew-!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The tendrils that had been threatening to take him, instead moved to his will! Removing them from the dark sphere, he ran forwards and as they all reared back ready to ensnare them, he shouted loudly, "YOU'RE ALL MINE!"

As he shouted this loudly, the Keybladers looked to him with wide eyed shock! However one pale haired figure ran forwards, his hand raised he quickly shouted his own spell, "Time Restrict!"

FLASH!

Then suddenly, the villainous man felt his dark appendages and himself become frozen! He couldn't move and-!

….

Amazed seeing him do this, Nozomi cried out, "Riku you stopped him!?"

Breathless, he replied, "Yeah, for a time!" However his strength was wavering due to the darkness that surrounded them, as he grimaced. He then said, "But we've got to move, Nozomi please!"
Seeing the pain he was in, she knew this was no time to be awestruck. So she nodded and lifting her Alliance Blade into the air-!

SHINE!

Her Fragment activated and quickly-!

SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

She granted her wings to all of them again with Wairu's support! As she did, she told them, "Okay! C'mon lets get out of here!" There was no hesitation and quickly-!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

All of them started ascending up the orbs, to make it to their exit that was the Door of Time that Sora had wished for!

As they continued to climb up the dazzling lights, with each step they took. They could each feel their strength returning gradually as they ascended through the layers! It was such a relief, they couldn't help but smile and become excited realising that their freedom wasn't too faraway now!

"This is great! We'll get out of here soon!" Sora cried happily.

Nozomi smiled too, but before she could say anything-!

"Urgh!"

Hearing this groan of pain, she saw it was none other than, "Riku!" Worried for him, she leaped back towards him, as Sora and Kairi continuing moving up.

Making it to him, she asked, "Are you okay? Are you-!"
"It's hard to jump and keep the focus on the Time Restrict spell," he confessed. As he did, he said, "But I have to! I have to make sure Xehanort can't-!"
"Just stop!" Then as she stopped him from continuing, she quickly took his hand and said, "Let go of the spell, otherwise you won't make it out, if you lose all your energy! Besides he won't be able to do much now! We've left him far behind!"

For it was true, as they looked down. They saw he was far, far beneath them, it looked like it would be safe enough.

But it was clear Riku was still hesitant, as he said, "But what if he tries something else to-!"
"We'll handle it!" Nozomi told him, with that as she began to leap forwards taking him with her. Doing her best to catch up with Sora and Kairi, who had stopped to wait for them too. She told him, "You don't have to do everything alone, you've got Sora here with you, Kairi and..." then looking to him with a warm loving smile, she added squeezing his hand reassuringly, "You've got me too now, we'll face this darkness all together!"
He looked at her stunned. Then he was quiet for a little, before he sighed and revealed a smile of his own, before he tightened his hold around her hand too and said, "You're right, okay let's go!"

Nozomi nodded and feeling his tightened hold, she could tell that he'd stopped his spell and glad for this. She continued to hold onto him, and with that the two of them raced up to quickly re-join their allies!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Ah!"

Looking around himself puzzled, Xehanort was confused momentarily. For the Keybladers were gone! They were no longer on the descending ritual grounds with him! Where had-!

"C'mon you guys, hurry!"

Hearing this cry coming from above. Xehanort turned and there he saw racing up into the heights of the dark domain, were his prey! He saw again they'd been granted the Wings of the Seventh Fragment, and were now trying to escape his reach by leaving through the Door of Time that had been wished for!
Quiet, he became outraged. Then inside, his fury grew and grew, becoming an all consuming fire and seeing their pitiful shapes becoming smaller and smaller, he uttered infuriated,
"Unforgivable! It is...unforgivable!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

The darkness sensing this rage, swarmed all around him becoming a blanketing coat that merged with his spiritual body! However he didn't care for this, he had one goal only, he was going to stop them! That light could never shine again! Feeling the shadows around him peak in power, they erupted from within him as he shouted,

"UNFORGIVEABLE!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Then quickly with their dark powers, he turned into a new horrific shape altogether that grew and grew into-!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

Getting closer and closer to the light that was the Door of Time, everyone could feel their Hearts racing! Seeing that welcoming light, Kairi couldn't help but laugh and say, "We're half way there now!"
"That's great!" Sora cried, then looking behind he saw that Riku and Nozomi were keeping the pace with them. Then smiling fondly, he saw they were still both holding hands, he was glad for his friend that he'd finally found someone who could be there for him.

Then before he could move to shout out to them-!

GLOW!

He noticed then that his Alliance Blade was glowing with white light! Seeing this with surprise, he asked puzzled, "What's this? Is it-!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

"What is that!?"

Hearing Nozomi's cry, he looked down and then saw the nightmare that was approaching them!

"RRRRAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!"

There they quickly saw a colossal figure, wrapped in darkness that resembled a grotesque ghostly Chaser Knight! It slithered and crawled with dark tendrils all over it, its glistening armour was pewter in colour, the helm was drawn revealing Xehanort's enraged shadowed face and fiery eyes!

As he looked up to them all, the happiness they'd all been feeling was quickly drowned out by terror, as they saw he was growing bigger and bigger by the second!

"How did he get like that!?" Sora cried out in dismay.

"I don't know but-!"

"MINE!"

Kairi's words were cut off and looking on with startled eyes, she and everyone else then heard the nightmare Knight declare!

"YOU'RE ALL MINE!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Then quickly the crawling tendrils that made his cape, turned into twisted hand shapes that all rushed up and-!

"WHOA!"

"AH!"

"HEY!"

"YIKES!"

Everyone dodged left and right, fortunately making it out of the way of the monsters deadly grasps! However seeing them, Sora cried out, "Heartless?!"

Looking on though, Kairi said, "No! They're not! This is just Xehanort's darkness! He's-!"

"Trying to stop us from leaving!" Realising this with frustration, he quickly moved and-!

GRAB!

Amazed, Kairi cried out, "Sora!"

"We've gotta go!" He told her, with that he pulled her with him and immediately-!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

They started climbing higher! Desperate to get away from Xehanort's monstrous enraged form! Then as they ascended-!

"GUYS!"

It was then turning, that Sora and Kairi saw-!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

It was Nozomi and Riku, quickly coming up to meet them! As they did, surprised by their speed, Sora cried out, "How're you two-!"

"Haztazeo!"

SHINE!

He was given his answer and immediately both him and Kairi were coated in the speed enhancing spell! As they were, they heard her say, "I got back more of my magical strength, now c'mon let's get out of here!"

There was no hesitation, and with that they all charged ahead desperate to get to the Door of Time and leave this abyssal darkness!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

As they moved back and forth, trying to get to one orb and another, to make fast headway, aided by the speed spell Nozomi had cast on them all-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The deadly shadow hands were after them! Chasing after them, full of Xehanort's fury and obsession to stop them!
Disgusted by them as they charged forwards, Kairi couldn't help but say, "I wish we had the Mantis Heartless to deal with, rather than these things!"

"You're telling me!" Sora replied, however seeing the distance they were making. He couldn't help but feel a little relief saying, "But at least we'll get away from him soon! Xehanort won't be able to-!"

"RRRRAAAAGGGGHHHH!"

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST! TWIST!

Then suddenly more tendrils escaped from the back of his enormous dark riddled body, then from either side of his shoulder blades appeared-!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

Two pairs of giant red insectile wings! They started moving furiously fast and immediately the monstrous man was chasing after them by flying in the air!

Appalled, Sora cried out mad, "That's not fair!" Then-!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

The treacherous hands were after them all again! Seeing them coming, Kairi cried out, "Sora!"

Immediately the two of them started weaving in and out, trying to get away from the dark creations!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

The Keybladers were climbing up higher and higher, however Xehanort's speed was matching them, and it was clear that he would never relent in his chase after them!

SLITHER!

"Ah!" Just barely missing the grasp of another horrible hand, Nozomi fretful couldn't help but look back down to the monstrous man and say, "This is never gonna end is it!?"
"A dark obsession like that never does!" Riku replied, still holding onto her hand tightly. However, as they proceeded on desperate not to be caught, he said, "But we have to do something to change things otherwise-!"

GLOW!

Suddenly he noticed that his Alliance Blade was glowing with white light! Seeing this he asked, "What's this?"
"What's what? Nozomi asked not understanding, then quickly she saw what had caught his attention, she asked, "Why's it glowing like that?"

Shaking his head, Riku replied, "I don't know but-!"

GLOW!

Quickly her own weapon began to glow with the same light! Amazed she asked, "Mine too!" Then-!

GLOW!

GLOW!

Both Sora and Kairi's Alliance Blades had the same light too in the distance! As they did, their allies were just as surprised, but the question remained, "Why is this light gathering in our weapons, why-!"

"That must be it!"

Surprised hearing him, Riku asked, "Bertros?"

Hearing him say this name, Nozomi was quiet. The ancient King was talking to him? But she couldn't hear him without Sora and Kairi with them, so she concentrated on manoeuvring up as her dear partner listened to him, doing her best to avoid the slithering hands!

"Your Alliance Blades have been absorbing the Light from all the orbs you've been landing upon!"

"They've been absorbing the light!?" Riku asked him surprised.

"Yes I'm sure of it! They must all be sensing your wish to escape, and must be building now in power to aid you in that wish!"

"Our Alliance Blades want to help save us?" Then looking to his shining weapon, he couldn't help but be comforted knowing they wanted to help them too. With a small smile, he then admitted, "I'm glad, we'll need all the assistance we can get!"

SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER! SLITHER!

Then quickly dodging in and out of more hands that came for them, Nozomi just barely let them get away unscathed! However looking to her, he could see she was getting tired, they had to stop this insanity before they lost anymore energy or it would be the end for them!

Looking to his shining weapon, he asked, "So how do we use this power? What should we do to stop him!"

"There's one technique I know of that should aid you, it was said to be the very one that defeated Garland in ancient times!"

"The Warrior of Light's technique?" Riku asked surprised.

"Yes and this is it!"

With those words, Riku was quiet in concentration as Bertros explained and Nozomi continued hard her evasions with the others, as they all proceeded to get closer and closer to Door of Time!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Seeing his quarry were still escaping his reach, despite the darkness that was aiding Xehanort. Even with wings now on his back once more, the question begged why? Why were they still escaping his reach!

It was clear these methods were not aiding him! Xehanort had to think of something else... something that would-!

GLOW!

Seeing the glow of the Door of Light, he was quiet... however seeing its illumination. He realised one thing that would aid him, a smirk coming to his chilling face, he decided, "If I cannot grasp them!" With those words, he reached his long armoured hands up and continued, "I will draw them to me instead!" Then he began his preparations!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Amazed hearing the instructions from the ancient King, Riku asked him, "That's it?"

"Yes! Meet up now with your comrades and please... let this end, so we all may finally rest in peace!"

"I understand!" Riku replied, then looking to the person who was aiding him, he told her, "Nozomi!"

"Huh!?" Startled hearing him, as she made it to another orb. She stopped to look at him.

"We need to get to Sora and Kairi! Can you make it over to them?" He asked her urgently.

As this question was posed, she was quiet. Then looking around fast, she spotted them! Then quickly she made her calculations... she knew what she needed to do! With a smile she told him, "We can make it!" However gripping her hand around his more, she told him, "But you'll need to hold on tight!"

Riku looked puzzled as to what she had planned. But trusting her, he tightened his grip around her hand too and told her, "You got it!" But he had to add with a small smile, "Just don't be too crazy!"

"Never try to!" With that Nozomi aimed and then cried out her technique, "Shimmering Sewing!" Quickly a thread came from the orb that Sora and Kairi would come to be at and-!

WHOOSH!

"Whoa!"

Racing forwards, they were both drawn over to it fast and-!

SLITHER!

They missed another hand that came to chase after them!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

LEAP! LEAP! LEAP! LEAP!

Making more and more progress as they ascended, Sora saw to his and Kairi's relief that the Door of Time was getting closer, just a little more and-!

"Whoa!"

Hearing this loud shout, he looked to the side asking, "What-!"

"Sora!"

LEAP!

Quickly leaping out of the way, they then saw, "Nozomi! Riku!" For indeed, Sora saw that his two allies had made it to their point!
Balancing fast in a messy hurry, with Riku beside her, the female Keyblader looking to him then said with an awkward smile, "Hi guys! Sorry for coming out of nowhere like that!"

"Yeah same!" Riku agreed, then he said jerking her hand, "I told her not to do anything too crazy!"

Not understanding, Kairi asked, "Why did you suddenly come over like this! Why-!"
"I've learned something really important!" Riku said interrupting her.

Curious, Sora asked, "Something important?"

Nodding, he then said, "Yeah, you've both noticed our weapons glowing with light right?"

Looking to their Alliance Blades, Sora then replied, "Well its kind of hard not to!"

"True!" Kairi agreed.

"They're glowing for a reason, Riku's learned why from the King Bertros!" Nozomi explained.

"Really, what is it?!" Sora asked keenly.

"Its-!"

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

This manic burst of laughter interrupting them, Sora looking down with the others wondered what had caused this? Why had he suddenly-!

FLARE!

Then suddenly down below, a vicious sea of red and orange fire surged out from the dark realms below! As they did, it was then that they saw in terror that-!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!BLAZE! BLAZE!

The flames were climbing up fast to meet them and then-!

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

Within Xehanort's outstretched massive hands, was a giant orb of pulsating darkness that quickly activated and-!

WWWWHHHHOOOOSSSSHHHH!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

They were all being drawn down fast towards the giant orb, which they all realised was a giant gravity spell! It was just like that chain-saw Heartless, except this one had the added terror of the flames that were coming to incinerate them into nothingness!

Seeing what was coming, Nozomi knew she had to act fast and quickly-!

"Shimmering Sewing!"

With that, using the wings on her feet she moved drawing more threads left and right to her hands! Then quickly weaving in and out she made-!

"Whoa!"

"Huh!?"

"Ah!"

A fast made web, that quickly caught everyone stopping them from being drawn back! As they were, she cried out, "Are you guys alright!?"

Nodding, Kairi told her, "Yeah, thanks for that, Nozomi!"

She smiled in response and said, "It's okay! I'm glad I did a good a job as Araxne!" Then-!

BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!

Seeing the flames that were fast approaching, she said urgently, "Riku! Tell us what we need to do!"

He nodded and quickly, he began his fast explanations as to how they could finally stop this once and for all!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

WWWWHHHHOOOOSSSSHHHH!

Looking above, seeing his spell was drawing in all the orbs that were orbiting the atmosphere. He knew it would only be a matter of time before they were all gone and their hope with them! Even the Door of Time would be eradicated once it'd reached its peak!

Imagining their faces falling to despair, he smirked and uttered, "Soon, soon in the future, darkness will prevail!" Then thinking of all he had lost and feeling the pain of it, he couldn't help but wonder. Would he finally feel peace in the next life... would he be reunited with them all again? All his family... and Eraqus would he-!

"HERE WE GO!"

Distracted out of his internal thoughts by the boy he knew as Sora, Xehanort then saw something he never expected. The Keybladers were diving down towards him!?

Perplexed he was quiet, then he smirked and asked, "So they wish to meet their end of their own free will is that it?" Chuckling, he then said, "Well good! This just makes it easier to-!"

SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE!

SHINE!

Suddenly, he saw the four them arrange themselves in the air and as they did. The Alliance Blades in their hands shone brightly with light! As they did, he didn't understand! What were they-!

"Alright everyone! This is it, let's form our creation!"

Hearing the Princess of Heart cry this out, her allies then responded in strong unison,

"RIGHT!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

Their weapons moved at their call! Quickly all four began to combine and extend out. Like the Glider, however this time it was greater and bigger than before! Fuelled by their wish and the light to end this battle once for all!

As the weapon grew and grew, they all felt the power peak and they all cried out together-!

"FOCUS VISION!"

FLASH!

It finally came into existence, there revealed to the colossal master of darkness. Was an enormous floating long white and gold coloured Alliance Blade! It was intricate, beautiful with intertwining lines and countless multi-coloured gems embedded within it, showing that though it looked delicate. It was a creation beyond mere mortal understanding, as it continually weaved in and out, with its mysterious light powered mechanisms showing that it beat with life!

Staring at it, he saw that the Keybladers stood on four sides of the front point of it! Shining with their powers all linked together, it infuriated him and he declared, "You think this garish display will stop me!?"

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

With those words he intensified the spell of darkness, to crush them all into pieces!

However the heroes didn't move from their position. The spell was having no effect!How could this-!

"Let's go guys!"

Hearing Sora's cry again, it was then-!

GGGGLLLLOOOOWWWW!

The weapon's front point lit up and quickly the mechanisms in it moved! It rotated rapidly, becoming something like a massive cannon! Immediately it created a giant pulsating sphere of power that quickly reached its peak and-!

BBBBLLLLAAAASSSSTTTT!

That power of light was unleashed! Becoming an all piercing blinding beam that-!

KABOOM!

Immediately destroyed the spell Xehanort had been using and-!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

His dark hands were burned by the intensity of that power! As they were, he glowered in fury. Then behind him-!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH! FWOOSH!

The fire he had created had all but vanished with that single blast of light! He couldn't believe this! How could this one weapon-!

"Alright this is it!"

Hearing this cry, from the one that he had once used as a vessel, Riku. He heard the Keyblader declare, "Time for the final attack!"

As they all nodded, Xehanort though was undeterred and-!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

WWWHHHIIIRRR! WWWHHHIIIRRR!

Calling upon his wings, he used them to take off higher and quickly with his hands reaching out to take them all down! He told them, "YOU WILL NOT CONTAIN ME!"

As he fast approached them, he expected them to tremble in fear! To become deterred by his form, but instead-!

"Kairi, Riku now!"

Hearing their names be called by the Seventh, Xehanort didn't care! They couldn't stop him from-!

"Serrated Shackles!"

SHINE!

SHINE! SHINE!

"URGH!"

Suddenly Xehanort's arms were bound! As heavy yellow and red shining spheres multiplied and then linked together becoming chains that bound his limbs and neck, preventing him from now grabbing them!

Wide-eyed seeing this power being used this way, he realised, "The Fourth and the Fifth! They've managed to make these powers-!"

FFFFLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH!

"AAAAGGGGHHHH!"

Immediately the power of the Fourth: The Scythe activated and it cut into his body all over! As it did, he was unable to move! He couldn't fight back now! He couldn't-!

"Get ready guys!"

Hearing Sora's cry again, he then saw-!

GGGGLLLLOOOOWWWW!

The giant weapon they'd created together was surging with light! Glowing with all the known bands of the spectrum, it pulsed with life and quickly reformed into the most splendorousshining blade he'd ever seen!

As it beat with the power of life and light, the unified Keybladers declared the attack that had only ever been used by its original creator, the Warrior of Light himself!

"HARMONISING RADIANT STELLA SABER!"

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

A giant beam of light charged forwards from the shining weapon! It came straight for Xehanort! However despite the shackles, despite the pain that was restraining him! He fought back and-!

VVVVOOOOMMMM!

The core of his being, his dark Heart emerged and pulling all the power together it could-!

BBBBLLLLAAAASSSSTTTT!

Unleashed it as one counteracting dark beam from his being! It met the weapon head on! Both forces charging at each other, with one radiant trying to overcome that which was malevolent!

Xehanort had to win! He had to succeed so-!

GLOW!

GLOW! SHINE! GLOW!

GLOW! GLOW!

GLOW! SHINE! GLOW! GLOW! SHINE! GLOW!

GLOW!

GLOW! SHINE! GLOW!

But quickly, he saw figures emerged from around the Keybladers! Each of them glowing with power! He knew them! The Vessels he'd absorbed, the Chasers, Terra, Aqua and Ventus! Then looking on, he even saw Bertros standing there with them! They were all providing their powers to-!

GGGGLLLLEEEEAAAAMMMM!

The weapon surged with a new powerful light and in seconds-!

SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!

The attack became brighter and it overwhelmed Xehanort's last desperate retaliation!

"AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!"

His shadowed body was disintegrating as the beam charged straight through him! He could feel the darkness that empowered him all that time, was fading into pitiful embers leaving nothing but his frail older human spiritual body! As it all did, he uttered helplessly, "No! I failed, I've-!"

GRAB!

Suddenly a hand grabbed onto his arm, as it did. He saw that it was none other than him. Bertros! As the aged King looked to him, he heard him say, "That's enough now, come on its time to stop!"

Xehanort wanted to protest though, for how could he ever follow him again! He was the one who-!

GRAB!

"Xehanort!" It was then he heard another voice. One he thought he never would again, for there appearing next to Bertros, was the one other friend he treasured more than any!

"Eraqus...?" His aged friend made a small nod to his question, confirming it was him as he revealed a small smile. This was for real now, this wasn't an illusion, it was...! He felt tears line his begin to line his fiery coloured eyes, ones that hadn't come since the great loss from that ancient long time ago! He revealed a relieved smile of his own, to which the people he knew as his friends simply smiled back to him, showing they had no ill feelings towards him.

Then suddenly with each tear he released, despite his happiness. He felt a great tiredness come over him. As he did, he couldn't keep his eyes open, though trying he said, "I... I can't stay awake! I..."
"Sleep then friend, you should recover after a long rest."
Bertros told him.

"True! And when you wake up, I'm going to give you the biggest reprimanding of your life!" Then Eraqus added, looking to the past King sternly, "Same to you Bertros!"

"Ha ha! Yeah, I definitely deserve that too!" He laughed.

Xehanort smiled and would have laughed if he had the energy, but feeling that he was finally returned to the time he missed the most. Before he fully closed his eyes, he tried to tell them, "Thank you both...for coming for me...and I'm sorry for..." He couldn't continue anymore and-!

GLOW!

His Heart was fully released from the darkness, letting his spiritual form turn in a glowing orb! Then as it was cradled in both Bertros and Eraqus's hands, they nodded to each other, before they both flew back up towards the Keybladers, so they may all finally leave this space of darkness, to escape through the Door of Time!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"FELLA'S!"

SMASH!

As the Door of Time was destroyed before their very eyes, everyone panicked! This was the worst result they could get it! "We gotta do something?!" Donald cried out in terror!

"Yeah but what though!?" Goofy cried, for they didn't have the ability to make those Doors and their Gummi Ship would be no use! They didn't know the location of the place, and even if they did, they might not even be the in the present like them!

Mickey looked around himself, feeling his Heart beat with terror! Looking to his Keyblade and then to everyone else, his mind raced! They had to save everyone, they had to get them back or-!

GLOW!

Suddenly a light shone out from somewhere! But where was it coming from, they couldn't see clearly and then-!

"HEY!"

"WHOA!"

"AGH!"
"OOF!"

Suddenly appearing from seemingly out of nowhere, no one could believe it! There before them all, as a hapless heap of armoured bodies lying on the floor. Were none other than the people they'd just been panicking about!

"FELLA'S!"

"Urgh...!" Aching, Nozomi getting up first became annoyed. Then shaking her head to get rid of the ache, she protested saying, "Seriously! Why couldn't we land at least with some grace!"
"You're telling me!" Riku said, feeling much the same as he shook his head.

"Oww...!" As Sora ached, getting up he asked, "Is it always gonna be like this if we have to go through a Door of Time!?"

Wincing herself, Kairi replied, "Maybe this just happened because you wished for it Sora!"
"What's that supposed to-!"

"EVERYONE!"

"GUYS!"

"AMIGOS!"

"FELLA'S!"

Quickly the heroic Keybladers were all surrounded by the comrades they'd left behind, who quickly pulled them up and immediately started crying out in relief and joy at their return! As they did, the group was humbled and embarrassed at the reaction. But gradually as everyone calmed down, ridding themselves of the anxiety and stress they'd just experienced. They would then begin to gradually explain to them all that had happened, who they saved and the final confrontation against Xehanort.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Gawrsh...!" Hearing about all that had happened to them, in the time they'd been forced apart. Everyone was left stunned! Goofy who uttered his astonishment, then pondered for a moment and said, "And you fella's did all that in under minute! That's real swell!"

Baffled by what he meant by this, Nozomi then realised why he thought they'd done it that fast and replied, "Well not exactly Goofy, but the Door of Time helped to make it feel that short for you guys!"

Nodding, Mickey then said, "Sure did, and I'm glad you were all able to make it back to us!" Then looking to the Chosen Keyblader, he said, "We were lucky that you hadn't made a wish yet, Sora!"

"I know right!" He grinned pleased.

Everyone was truly happy then, but now there was only one last problem to solve. "So guys?"

Everyone turning their eyes to Kairi, they heard the Princess of Heart continue to ask. "How do we restore everyone now? How do we get back Oralee and the rest?"

Quiet hearing this, everyone looked shocked. Then Sora with his hand to his Heart replied, "I don't know..." then looking to his best friend, he asked him, "Riku do you have any ideas?"

After a silent moment of thought, his strong friend shook his head and replied, "I don't have a clue either..." then looking to the person he cherished, he asked, "Nozomi, do you know at all?"

The female Keyblader hearing the question was quiet herself. Then putting her hands to her chest, she thought back to what she and the others had learned in the Palace of Alexandra... as she did, she sorted her thoughts and said after organising them, "I think that... I might have an idea of how?"

Surprised, Sora asked her, "You do!?"

Nodding, the light blue clad knight reached her hand out to everyone and said, "I think we should all start by holding hands!"

Perplexed by this, Riku asked her, "Huh? Why?"
Nozomi was quiet, then she explained counting down her points on her fingers, "Well, I remember that in order for us to come back, everyone has to be in the same space." With that she curled a finger down, "They have to be awake." Then she curled again, "And they must have a clear image of themselves with people who still remember them, which we all do right now right?"

Everyone confirmed this with some silent nods. Nozomi brightened and then explained, "So if all those conditions are met, the Fragments will resonate with the wish to restore their Vessels, so I thought the best way to make that resonance happen was to hold hands, since we'll be all be connected that way and..."

As they heard her words, Sora who usually didn't understand most complex stuff a lot of the time, replied, "Well that makes sense to me!" With that he walked over and-!

GRAB!

"Huh?!" He took her by her right hand!

As he did and he looked at her, he grinned and said, "Let's try out this idea right now!"

Quiet, Nozomi then recovered from her surprise and smiled. She replied with a nod, "Yeah let's!"

GRAB!

All of a sudden, Riku took her remaining hand. As she looked up to him, she then heard him say with some annoyance, "You should have let me hold your hand first!"

Surprised by this, Nozomi quickly realised what was going on. Then giggling she replied, "You jealous, huh?"

Riku only turned his head away with a small blush on his cheeks. Clearly not in the mood to answer.

Nozomi and Sora both grinned finding Riku's reaction amusing when-!

GRAB!

Kairi came along and took Sora's hand, then she told him annoyed herself, "Don't leave me behind again! You know I hate it, right?"

The Chosen Keyblader looked to her surprised. Then he clearly felt awkward and replied, "Oh! Sorry Kairi... I guess I got too carried away again, huh?"

"You did!" She replied, then moving her other hand-!

GRAB!

She took hold of Riku's and as he looked to her surprised himself, she said, "Neither of us likes being left out of stuff you wanna do, am I right?"

As she smiled up to him, Riku recovered from his moment of irritation. Then he nodded brightening up and replied, "Of course!"
Nozomi was glad they were going to agree to her idea, then looking around. She saw that the others were gathering around them, all of them clearly intrigued by what they were doing. It felt a little strange having an audience around them, however this wasn't the time to be self conscious! So preparing herself, she said, "Okay let's do this!"

Everyone nodded, all of them quietly gripping their hands gently with one another... however not much was really happening. So, Sora asked, "Um? Is this all we do?"

"I don't think so...um?" Then thinking to herself, she remembered everyone's numbers that dictated which Fragment each one contained. As she did, she then said, "Okay let's try this, why don't we go down in sequence?"
"Sequence?" Riku asked her.

"Yeah, lets talk about each one we have inside our Hearts in their numeric order, then maybe that might do something?" Nozomi suggested.

"Sounds good, so who should go first?" Kairi asked her.

"The first, that would be Jona, so?" With that looking to the one who held her friends, she said, "Sora, why don't you start us off? Tell us about her and who else you have inside?"

"Me first?" As everyone nodded to him, it was clear he was the one now being put on the spot. He looked a little uncertain, however taking a deep breath and gripping Kairi and Nozomi's hands said, "Okay, I'll talk about them, Jona and her brother, Timbre who holds the Third Fragment."
Hearing these names close by, Zidane standing with his family of pirates repeated with slight wonder, "Timbre? Jona?" For somehow those names were familiar to him and the others as they stared on.

"Jona... the one who holds the First Fragment, she's the older sister to my pal Timbre," then feeling their warmth in his Heart. He had to reveal the sad truth about them first, "She and him are Sphynxes, a race of cat-like people, who sadly are on the verge of extinction... they were chased for a long time, by people in their home world who wanted to take their golden eyes and use them for awful things."

Hearing this with surprise, Yeul standing with Noel and Raiyana asked, "They had golden eyes?"

Sora nodded then replied, "Yeah, well Jona had both and Timbre only had one... that his sister hid away behind an emerald eyepatch she gave him," then looking to those who were family to those in the Sphynxes Heart, he couldn't help but smile as he saw their memories play within his mind, at the various moments they shared together, "They thought they would be chased forever, and one day they were caught by those bad people and they killed their parents... but Balthier, you and Fran, you rescued them!"
Surprised the Captain of the group asked, "We did such a thing?"

With another nod, Sora replied, "Yeah! You saved them from those guys, but more than that... you gave them a family, a place to belong when they'd lost everything."

Then Fran who rarely said much asked, "We shared such a bond?"
"You did! The two of them wanted to protect you guys, no matter what for giving them happiness!" Then thinking of Jona who saddled the most sorrow, he said, "Though because of them being Sphynxes, and having the powers they did, Jona knew you'd all be chased forever, so she always tried to outsmart the bad guys when she could. So you all wouldn't be in as much danger... though, sadly it led to more trouble than she expected."

Surprised, Balthier though couldn't help but say, "Causing dramatics everywhere is that right?" He chuckled after a moment and replied, "I'd expect no less from a member of my crew!"

"Yeah, she sure did that!" Sora grinned, feeling Jona's happy emotions. But continuing he said, "But no matter what she did, where she went, she cared about all you guys the most and Timbre too!" Then looking to the monkey tailed boy who stared back, he said, "And he Timbre, really missed you the most, Zidane!"
Surprised he asked, "Me?"

"Yeah, cause the two of you grew up together! You were brothers who did nearly everything together, chasing after treasure, going after bad guys and always keeping an eye out for cute girls!" He laughed, then as Zidane looked stunned, Sora on a more serious note added, "And you always had each others backs no matter what, he trusted you the most to be the one who could get him out of any fix, and he always wanted to do the same for you! Since you both were lost drifters, you 'd always be each others compass to help lead each other back home."
"Compass?" Zidane asked, he looked amazed. Then looking on, Sora saw him put a hand to his chest as something was moved within his own Heart.

GLOW!

Sora's body suddenly glowed all over with vibrant orange and purple light! Dazzled by this, with excitement the Chosen Keyblader cried out, "Hey, something's happening! I think it's working!"

Nozomi and the others all became enthused! Then thinking of the numbers, she said, "Okay! Now its my turn!" With that closing her eyes and feeling him within the depths of her Heart, the female Keyblader began to speak, "The one who holds the Second Fragment, my best friend, Wairu!"
Feeling his memories and emotions, she explained with closed eyes, "He was someone... who sadly had a tragic start like me, he lost his papa to bad people who chased after him, probably for his Fragment."

Then seeing the heartbreak that he went through and his mother Mrs Raindra, she pursed her lips. Shaking a little, she calmed down and continued to explain, "Because of that and also, seeing the pain I went through with people hating me for my supposed curse, which they believed led to the loss of my Master Auron... he wanted to become a strong user in magic."
"Magic lass?" Merlin asked her surprised. Then as she opened her eyes and nodded to him, he asked, "I thought most young lads would rather take up a sword!"

Chuckling a little, Nozomi replied, "Well Wairu never had that much in a way of a strong punch, though he tried to build up some muscle!" Then smiling remembering the training they did in play, she continued, "But, his truly calling was always in magic... he loved bringing a smile to peoples faces, by performing as he moved, creation was one of the greatest joys he ever found in that power!"

"Oh?" The old wizard uttered, then he couldn't help but admit, "That's very impressive for a motivator I must say!"
Nozomi smiled, however she had to confess, "But as you guys all know, sadly he was drawn to the darkness because of Maleficent... she bewitched him unknowingly, making him gradually crazy, he did a lot of bad things."

Then as everyone looked to her sadly, she tensed her hands on Sora's and Riku's. Not wanting to let the melancholy get the best of her, she said, "But he wants to make up for it! For all the pain he caused, to me and everyone else! He wants to truly be one of the best wizards of all time, so he can be who he was always meant to be. Someone who helps others and brings a smile to everyone's face, for to him that is the true reason that magic exists in the world!"

Amazed, Riku couldn't help but utter, "Nozomi..."

GLOW!

Quickly she too glowed brightly all over with turquoise and dark blue light! As she did, she smiled brightly full of happy excitement! Then looking over she said, "Okay! Riku, I think its your turn now!"
Hearing her, the white-haired Keyblader was surprised. However he was only too happy to proceed and replied, "Alright, here we go then!" With that he closed his own eyes and feeling those in his Heart, he spoke of those he contained, "Hari, the Vessel of the Fourth Fragment and Kagi who holds the Eighth."

Pete who was close by, hearing her name asked in surprise, "Wait? Yer the one who has her right now?"

With a nod, Riku replied, "I do." Then carefully he began to explain who she was to everyone present, "Hari, she was someone who sadly has been used by others her entire life."

Shocked hearing this, Mickey asked, "She was used?"

"Yes," then opening his eyes as the painful memories returned, he continued, "She was born one of triplets to a woman, Rosso Crimson and was given the title first of Lachesis."
"Title?" Goofy asked, then confused he asked, "You don't mean her real name do ya?"

Riku shook his head and explained, "No, she was born to become a weapon with her sisters, Clotho and Atropos... but they both perished, because of Rosso and her obsession to have the Fourth accept one who contained her blood... so one of them would become its Vessel."

Chilled hearing this, Sora asked, "Why? Why did Rosso want that? To sacrifice her own children so badly?"
"For revenge..." Riku explained with a heavy heart. Then feeling Hari's pain, he remained strong for her and continued, "Rosso wanted to destroy the man who ruined her life, Xehanort, then eventually she would have aimed for the Radiant Gardens themselves... destroying everything and everyone she hated."

….

All present were chilled hearing this terrible truth, Riku couldn't blame them and he continued, "Lachesis, the only one to survive, was to fulfil this role... she thought that was the only reason she existed, was to be a tool and nothing else, it was the only life she'd ever known."

"That's not true at all!" Hearing her, Riku looked over to Nozomi, she looked upset as she said looking down, "People are not tools or objects! No one is born to be used like that!"

Quiet as he heard his, Riku nodded and he said with a small smile, "Yeah, you're right." Feeling her Heart again from within, he continued on, "She realised that eventually too, by meeting two very important people, Kagi who I also hold." Then turning his eyes in his direction, Riku added, "And you too, Pete."

Shocked hearing this, the former lackey asked, "I'm important to her?"

"Yeah, you are..." Then he explained, "For Kagi, he reawakened her emotions and the her light, that she subconsciously buried inside after her sisters perished, and her gave her a new identity, a new name for herself that she decided to keep from that time on, that's when she truly became, Hari."

"Wow..." Kairi uttered in amazement.

"Though of course Kagi himself, wasn't too fond of Hari at first, since he was forcibly taken away from his family to help in Rosso's experiments, but through his invention making, their bond with Oliver and the others... and just being his kind self, Kagi came to love her and she him." Then feeling that genuine warmth he smiled and continued, " He wanted to become stronger to help her and them... but sadly, he failed and her Heart was broken, making her become the weapon her mother wanted and they were torn apart from each other, when Xemnas attacked and took over the World That Never Was, which was originally Rosso's lab."

Pete hearing this was horrified and he asked, "Her Heart was broken?"

"Yeah it was, and she couldn't feel anything anymore, with the Lock in place that kept her Heart scattered and imprisoned... she was doomed to be nothing more than an object to others, at least that's what she thought." However knowing better, Riku then explained as he looked to him, "But you changed that, Pete."

Becoming amazed, he asked, "I did...?" Curious he asked him, "How'd I do that?"

"By being yourself," then as he looked puzzled. Riku explained, "You didn't treat Hari as an object; you treated her like a person, you cared about her, you worried for her... you even cried as she was fading away." Then feeling the warmth inside of her, Riku couldn't help but smile and say, "Just by doing those simple kind things, you kept the light of her Heart alive, that warmth was the only thing she ever wanted to have and you gave it to her."

It was clear Pete was moved, then looking to the popsicle stick that he held as a precious treasure. His eyes became misty and he couldn't say anything as he held it in his palms tightly, he shuddered clearly experiencing something overwhelming inside.

Riku seeing this kept his smile and then finally revealed, "You also gave Kagi hope too, and though the two of you have felt helpless and useless, you're more valuable than you both know, that's how Hari feels towards you both... you're both truly precious to her."
Pete shuddering still couldn't speak. However keeping his head bowed, he nodded slowly showing he understood. As he did, Mickey smiled up to him warmly and patted him on the back, as Donald and Goofy looked at him with the same kindness as their King.

Riku continued to smile with the others then feeling all this warmth and kindness around them-!

GLOW!

His body glowed all over with red and green light! He was amazed seeing this, then nodding to Nozomi, she smiled herself and then looking to the Princess of Heart she told her, "Okay Kairi! Now finally its your turn!"

"Right here I go then!" With that feeling the warmth in her Heart, of the two who had aided her throughout the battle, and granted her the confidence to fight. She was all too happy to talk about them, "The two I contain, are the Vessels of the Sixth Fragment, the Princess Oralee and the Fifth, her knight Reeve."

The ARCS standing nearby, with their leader and his fiancee Serah. The betrothed hearing this particular name repeated in wonder, "Oralee?"
Kairi smiled and then explained, "She's my friend, someone who I was getting to know, before she was suddenly stolen away... turned into the Sixth Fragment before I could truly get to know her, while she was still human." Then thinking of this sadly, she didn't dwell on it and continued, "But in a weird way, because of everything that happened, she I got closer than I ever thought possible, and she helped me when I needed it the most."
Sora surprised asked her, "She did, Kairi?"
The Princess of Heart nodded with a smile, then she continued and said, "With her coming into my Heart, she gave me the confidence to keep going." For thinking of the battle she had won against the Alicorn monster, she confessed saying, "Because to be honest, I worried I wasn't really going to be able to help in all the fighting... since I've always been a hindrance in one way or another, getting taken by others or being immobile before I had a choice in anything." Sadly, she then looked to Riku and Sora, telling them, "I always hated that fact, that I could never do anything to help you both."
As she said this, Sora cried, "But Kairi that wasn't your fault! You didn't have a choice in what happened! You were-!"

"I was helpless..." Kairi said interrupting him, then as he stopped. She looked to him with a sad smile, as she continued, "That's all I've been for a long time, even with a Keyblade, I was nothing but a weak Princess."
As an uncomfortable silence filled the air, no one knew what to say to her... however Kairi continued despite this, "But, I learned I wasn't alone in that fact, Oralee was the same."
Surprised, Nozomi asked her, "Oralee was the same as you?"

Nodding, Kairi then explained, "Yes, even though she was born naturally of royalty, she was considered to be a lesser Princess because she was a born of a commoner... everyone always looked down on her on her home world, no one had any confidence that she could be anything but that status she was born to." Sadly she said feeling her pain, "She had no confidence in herself... a lot like me, because I've felt for a long time, that I had only worth being a Princess of Heart."
"I don't care about that!" Sora protested, then looking upset he told her, "You've always been more than that to us! No matter what, and to me you've always been..."

Seeing him become this way, warmed Kairi's Heart greatly. Smiling softly, she replied, "Thanks Sora, I know!"

Then feeling this warmth, she took a couple of moments before continuing, "And those words you've just said, someone said something like that to her too. That became the key to her, that let her realise that she was more than just some title."
Surprised hearing this, Riku asked her, "She did? Who was that?"

"Her Knight, Reeve," Kairi smiled. Then feeling the warmth in her Heart she had for him, she continued and said, "He told her, that she could shine! That even if it took time, she could be one of the brightest stars there are... just from working hard and being herself, and that had nothing to do with her being a Princess!"

Amazed hearing this, Nozomi asked her, "That's all she needed?"

Nodding, Kairi replied, "Yeah, it was simple encouragement, but it was enough!" Then feeling Oralee's happiness she continued to say, "She was so glad to be valued for who she was by him, by her loving Guardian Beatrix... and her biggest supporter of them all, Cait Sith!"
"Cait Sith?" Hearing this name, Juan in the ARCS couldn't help but say, "That's a funny name?"

"I won't disagree with you there!" Kairi laughed, then she continued, "She aimed to do her best, to channel her magical talents and those she had in singing to support those who loved her so much, so she may protect them... she wanted to be stronger, just like me."
For looking back to her treasured friends, she told Sora and Riku, "And thanks to her, I was able to see that I can be stronger too, because we find it in the connections we make with each other as friends and more, that give us the true strength to overcome anything, right?"

Smiling pleased by this, Sora replied, "Yeah!"

"Absolutely!" Riku agreed.

Kairi truly happy then, continued and said, "And Reeve found that too, after he lost his family, Oralee when he saved her, she saved him too." Feeling his memories, she said, "She gave him a new family to belong to, a new role where he could be the protector he always wanted, so no one would ever suffer anymore loss..." However remembering the tragedy of Alexandra, she continued and said, "Though sadly when their home Kingdom fell, he was unable to anymore after he became wounded... but despite that he didn't want to give up helping others, so he hid himself in his companion who could be an aid to his Princess and others." Then she revealed, "And that was, Cait Sith."

Hearing this, Nozomi then finally understood Reeve and Cait Sith's reasons for how they were. She smiled and said, "Yeah, he definitely was always that, he wouldn't let anyone stay gloomy for long!" Though she had to add, "Though I wish he could have been more gentler doing it!"

"Oralee wished the same!" Kairi laughed. Then thinking of what happened to her, after they'd been forced away from their home, the Princess of Heart continued, "But despite the terror that came from that time, along with Maleficent and the Heartless... she experienced the greatest freedom when she made it here to the Radiant Gardens."

"She did?" Snow asked her surprised.

Nodding Kairi explained, "Yeah, because she found something that she could to help, by being a part of the ARCS! She gained new friends and a new power of her own that she grew with someone else." Then turning to the fiancee of the Leader of the group, she said, "And that was you, Serah."
The pink-haired girl looked surprised and asked, "I helped her do that?"

Nodding, Kairi said with a smile, "Yeah, you and her became Songstresses together, you helped her realise her true calling, and that her power could be used to inspire others!"

Quiet as she heard this, Serah asked, "We were Songstresses together?" Then as she said this, a hand came to her chest, it was clear that Kairi's words resonated with her strongly. She then said with realisation, "That's what missing, I no longer had that partner sing with!"

Pleased to see this, Kairi continued, "Yeah, the two of you were forming a group together! You both wanted to bring joy and inspiration to all who heard you singing!" Then feeling her own gratefulness for that, the Princess of Heart said, "And because you helped her realise that, she helped me in turn, by becoming my inspiration! To keep going, so that we may shine for all those we love!"

Amazed hearing this, there was no much sincerity in all the Keybladers words, that everyone present no matter who they were, villain, hero or otherwise, they couldn't help but be moved hearing the stories of the Vessels...

GLOW!

At last, Kairi too glowed all over with the pink and yellow light of those she contained! As she did and all the Keybladers looked to each other, it was then they all shone all over with white light and this mysterious illumination became brighter and brighter! Everyone in that space had to close their eyes and quickly-!

BA BUMP!BA BUMP!BA BUMP!BA BUMP!

BA BUMP!BA BUMP!BA BUMP!BA BUMP!

The sound of strong Heartbeats filled the air, making it all comfortable and warm somehow and then-!

SSSSHHHHIIIINNNNEEEE!

A great power pulsed everywhere, that created a sound of harmonious ringing and as rung strongly for many moments, it softly and slowly faded away, as the light too went with it.

Opening her eyes, cautiously. Nozomi puzzled by this asked, "Is that it? Did we-?"

"You did!"

Gasping, Nozomi releasing her hands quickly from Sora and Riku, looked behind her. There she saw fully reformed, with the last of the light fading from him that helped in his resurrection. With a warm happy smile on his face was her best friend, that she helped to save from Xehanort! Seeing him there stunned, Nozomi then heard Wairu say with a grateful smile, "We've come back, Nozomi!"

Her eyes becoming misty, seeing him there! Nozomi acted before she could think and cried out, "Wairu!" With that she ran up and hugged him tight, so glad to feel his familiar warmth again!

Riku and Sora couldn't believe it! Then looking at the dark-skinned boy who held his friend happily in return, their memories of him quickly returned! Then as they did-!

"Oralee!"

They saw immediately Kairi had embraced the person who'd reformed behind her. They saw the blonde-haired Princess Oralee, and quickly they remembered her too, as she smiled and laughed, holding their own Princess in her arms, truly happy at last being reunited!

Beside them both was the guardian knight of the Princess, who smiled warmly at their reunion, truly pleased too that he'd been able to return with her.

Sora couldn't believe it, he laughed and said, "Is this for real!? We're not dreaming are we!?"

"You better not be! I don't wanna be just a dream!"

Turning, it was then Sora saw there fully reformed behind him too, it was none other than, "Timbre!?" Then seeing her beside him, he cried out happily, "Jona, you made it back too!"

"Sure have honey!" Came the joyful reply! Then seeing her little brother by her side who was smiling, she said, "And now!"

GRAB!

"Hey!"

Quickly, Jona had pulled him over and held him in a tight hug saying, "Its time for an overdue welcome home hug!"

"Sis c'mon!" Timbre complained, for though he was clearly happy she was back, it was still embarrassing for him! This was just-!

GRAB!

"Whoa!" Feeling this other surprising embrace from behind, he turned to see who it was.

He then saw with happy tears in his eyes, it was Sora who told him, "I'm so glad! I'm so glad you guys are back! I'm-!" But it was clear the emotions were too much for him, as he couldn't say another word.

Timbre smiled awkwardly at this, then he sighed saying, "Some hero you are, huh?"

"Awww!" Jona cooed, then quickly she moved her arms and said, "Here ya go, sis's big arms have enough love for all the cute honeys here!" With that she held both boys and let them feel the warmth that was her love.

Riku seeing this happen, couldn't help but laugh. Then shaking his head, he said, "That's just like Sora!" Then turning around, he calmly looked to see who had made it back too.

There he saw with smiles on their faces, holding each other by the hand. It was the two who had helped in their return, he told happily, "Welcome back, Kagi, Hari!"

The long brunette pony tailed haired girl bowed her head with a small smile, then Kagi beside her said, "It's great to be back!" Then lifting his free hand, he said, "Riku thank you! Thanks so much in helping us come back!"
"Its alright, its the least we can do!" He replied, truly glad to see them both. However before he could say another word-!

"HARI!"

Quickly running over to them, it was none other than, "Pete."
For there indeed arriving fast over to them, the former henchman to Maleficent looking at her asked, "Yer back, Hari!" Then quickly he realised, "My memory, its all come back now! Yer-!"
"Yes," she replied. Then smiling simply, she told him, "I've been fully resurrected, the miracle of the Fragments has restored all of us completely." Then letting go of Kagi's hand, with her hand to her chest she added, "And that also means now, that I am free of the Lachesis Lock, my senses are normal once more."
"Really?" He asked her shaking.

She nodded, then walking over to him she moved her right hand up. Then she stroked his cheek and told him, "You're wonderfully warm Pete, I'm glad I can finally feel you properly now."
Hearing this, he was quiet... then quickly he couldn't hold it in. Pursing his lips, feeling her hand, he knew this was for real now! Then moving his hands, he held her close and gently, then said, "I'm glad... I'm so glad yer-!" But he couldn't continue as it was all so overwhelming!

"Awww!" Walking over, Kagi looking at the scene couldn't help but say, "Looks like you've enchanted another feline there, Hari!"

In turn, the usually stoic girl released a small laugh and replied, "It appears so!"

Then Pete's ears pricking up, hearing this comment replied annoyed, "Who're ya callin' a feline!" Then quickly he moved one of his big hands and told him, "Ya little punk, don't get smart with me!" With that he gave him a hard noogie in the head!

"Ow! Ow! I get it okay! I won't do that again just-!" Suddenly he was stopped and pulled into the hug too!

Baffled he didn't know what to say, until he heard Pete continue, "Honestly! I don't want my Steamboat Apprentice disrecpectin' me!"

Surprised Kagi asked, "You want me to be-!"
"No more talkin' just let me..." with that Pete just held them both close and as he did, both Hari and Kagi could see he cared. He was just awkward at getting the words out, so they simply smiled and enjoyed the warmth of him, as they returned the same quiet affection as they held him too.

Mickey, Donald and Goofy then gradually approached and smiled truly happy to see the former villain, had truly turned a new leaf and had grown a big Heart in their absence!

Riku simply smiled at this, then as he did-!

"ORALEE!"

"TIMBRE!"

"GUYS!"

"AMIGOS!"

With that the surrounding heroes gathered around those they'd forgotten and immediately Riku saw Serah hug and cry, holding Oralee too with Kairi, as the ARCS welcomed back the royal member of their group.

He also saw Balthier and his pirates come to the Syphnx siblings. Zidane hugged Timbre tight, truly joyful at seeing him again, while Yeul hugged her big sister Jona whom she'd missed so much, causing the female Syphnx to weep in relief seeing her again too. With Balthier and Fran, along with Noel and Raiyana who waited for things to calm down, so they might be able to say something too.

While the others gathered around Nozomi, who explained what she could to them, he even saw Wairu was talking to Merlin the wizard and shake hands with him, as Peter the little Pegasus flew down to welcome him back too, making the boy laugh awkwardly at his joyful affection. Everyone was truly happy then, it was amazing to witness and then-!

"I'm glad the old tales proved to be true!"

Surprised, it was then he saw-!

GLOW!

His body begin to glow again, then quickly leaving his body and Heart was a few orbs of light and then-!

"Huh!?"

GLOW!

The same thing happened to Nozomi, as a pair of orbs escaped from her! A tiny blue one and normal shining one-!

GLOW!

GLOW!

Immediately two more orbs escaped from Kairi and Sora! Looking on in wonder at this spectacle, the Keybladers immediately went to see what was happening as the orbs raced away to a certain distance. While the restored Vessels stared on fascinated with those they'd been returned to.

Looking at them, Nozomi asked, "What's happening here?"
"I don't know," Kairi replied. Then suddenly, the orb she'd contained and the smaller blue one that had been held in Nozomi, quickly merged together and-!

SHINE!

A spiritual figure emerged, that she recognised as, "Aqua!?"

The short blue-haired young woman fully returned as a whole spiritual being nodded to the Princess. Then looking to Nozomi, she told her, "Hi, its good to be fully reformed with the rest of myself!"
Nozomi was stunned into disbelief and before she could say anything-!

"Not just that!"

"Huh?" It was then she saw-!

SHINE! SHINE!

The two other orbs there took on human form too and they were, "Ventus! Terra!"

For there indeed, were the two noble Keyblade Masters who were standing before them, glowing all over with warm golden light.

Seeing them there, it was then she heard Ventus say, "Its great that we're all finally back together again, right Uncle?"

Then finally the last orbs arrived and quickly-!

SHINE! SHINE!

They took on two new shapes! One they knew as the ancient King Bertros and the other was, "Eraqus?" Nozomi asked in surprise.

The calm glowing dark-haired Keyblade Master nodded to her quietly, then looking to his charge, he heard him say, "Master Eraqus!"
He smiled to him, then walking over he told him with a hand to his shoulder, "I'm glad you were returned, its good to see you safe and well again, Terra."

The spiky brunette young man looked shocked, then with a relieved smile he nodded. Truly happy beyond words to see him again too.

Then Eraqus looking to Nozomi told her, "And thank you, for helping in returning him to us."

Stunned, Nozomi then shook her head and replied, "It's okay! Don't worry!"

Eraqus simply smile and then closing his eyes-!

GLOW!

Shocked, everyone saw him turn back into an orb and then race up high into the heavens! As he did, Terra cried out, "Master!"

"Its alright Terra, don't worry!" Quickly calming the situation, it was none other than Bertros.

Surprised, Terra asked, "Your Majesty?"

Smiling, the past King explained, "His time was up, the true Unified King-Blade let him return to us for just a little while, so that he might aid us." Then looking up into the skies where he vanished to, he added, "He's just gone on ahead, he'll be there waiting for us when we arrive soon."
Alarmed hearing this Nozomi asked, "You guys are going?"

Turning to her, Bertros nodded and said sadly, "Yes, I'm afraid so." Then holding the one orb that hadn't reformed like the rest, he explained, "We've finally have managed to overcome Xehanort's darkness and save Terra, so hence... living memories such as ourselves cannot remain here in the realm of the living any longer."
Shocked, Sora looking at them asked, "That's what you guys are? Living memories?"

Nodding to his question, Ventus replied, "Yeah, that's right, Sora!" Then looking to his friends who looked back quietly, he explained, "You see, what's before you right now, is simply the living remnants of those who had unfinished business..."

Quiet hearing this, Sora then asked, "So you guys are like ghosts then?"
"Close," Ventus admitted, but he clarified and said, "We're living memories, brought forth by the strength of emotions that lingered in the shards that left behind from the Hearts that were shattered into pieces, when Xehanort's destroyed Kingdom Hearts ripped them apart or was killed by someone who served him. We're just simply the remains of those people who had wishes left unfulfilled."

"So you're not the whole real Ventus?" Sora asked him shocked.

Shaking his head, the memory of Ventus replied, "Yeah, pretty much... the person who I'm the memory of, he died a long time ago." Looking up, he added sadly, "That Heart can never come back to this earth again, not as who he was." But looking to Sora, he told him, "However, the rest of him that left me was re-formed and turned into a new being through the Cycle of Light, becoming a new persona... which I've realised now is you, Sora."
As this was explained to him, Sora was quiet with bewilderment and after a moment of realisation, he stuttered saying, "Wha, wait a minute! You mean..." then pointing to Ventus and to himself, he asked, "I was you once?"

Laughing, Ventus replied, "Something like that!" Then he explained, "Your Heart contains some of Ventus's essence, but the rest is all you." Sora only looked more confused, so smiling the memory clarified, "Think of it as like having a candle, the flame upon the wick of it, that was once Ventus's light was put out on top, and a new fire was given life in its place." Then pointing to him, he said, "And that's you, so even though the candle is the mostly the same, the flame that burns upon it isn't."

Quiet hearing this, Sora seeing the imagery in his head understood this at least. But he couldn't help but be annoyed saying, "I don't really wanna be a candle, y'know!" To which again the memory laughed, however Sora couldn't help but sigh and ask sadly, "So, do I only have the Keyblade too because of Ventus being a part of me?"

Surprised he asked this, the memory shook his head and said, "No, the Keyblade chose you Sora, Ventus doesn't exist anymore and what's left of him, could never call a Keyblade to him, so you have no need to worry about that, it recognised you for your own strength and light."

Amazed hearing this, the sadness quickly went away. Then with a smile Sora said, "Well that's a relief," then thinking to himself a little more, he realised, "Then I guess this explains why Roxas looked like you and not me... right?"

Nodding again, the memory of Ventus explained, "Yeah that's right," then walking over to re-join his friends he said, "In rare instances, Nobodies take on the forms of ancient past selves when they sense an essence, it's rare but it does happen from time to time." Then arriving back, he smirked and said, "But I can't blame him, I definitely am better looking between the two of us!"

Angry Sora said mad, "Hey! You take that back!"

Everyone couldn't help but laugh at this, then Bertros looking at them said after finishing his chuckling, "Well, now you've heard the summary of our existence... I must apologise for the grief that occurred because of Xehanort in this time line and say thank you," then with a truly grateful smile, and a bow of his head. He told them, "For helping us put everything to right, that we couldn't in the past."

"It's alright!" Kairi said speaking up for everyone, then as she did and the past King looked at them all again, she asked, "So where will you all go now?"

"We too will re-join the Cycle of Light, and await our chance for possible resurrection." Bertros explained to them all.

Amazed, Riku asked, "You all might be reborn!?" Then looking to the orb Bertros held, he asked, "Even Xehanort?"
Looking to the friend who still slumbered in his hands as only his Heart, Bertros explained,
"I will imagine he will need to go through many cleansing trials, before such a chance is granted to him..." However closing his eyes, he continued and said, "But I would like to believe he might become a better man, if given the chance with the right support around him." With that opening his eyes, Bertros finished saying, "That's why Eraqus and I will stand by and wait, until the day comes he's earned that chance, we won't abandon him to be alone again."

Riku hearing this, then couldn't help but say, "You really are kind aren't you?"

"Perhaps a little too much?" Bertros laughed, however he continued on and said, "But that's just the way I am."

"Nothing wrong in that!" Sora laughed, then he decided to say, "Well good luck to you guys! I hope you all do get another chance to live again!"

"Thanks Sora!" Ventus replied smiling.

Terra nodded pleased too, then he and the others with him watched curious as Aqua's memory approached Kairi. As she did this, they watched with surprise as she lifted the girl's pink armoured girl's right hand to her lips, as she did, she then said, "My thanks to you my old friend and the rest of your allies, for protecting us and your new Masters who wear you, I hope you'll continue to look after them for us."
Surprised, Kairi didn't know who she was speaking to. However she was quiet, as she heard a small whisper inside...listening to it, she then smiled up to Aqua and told her, "She says she will! They armours all will and that... they'll all miss you!"

Aqua smiled, and gently gripped Kairi's hand quietly in thanks. As she did, she looked to be returning to her friends. However instead she turned to look at one last person, she wanted to speak to.

As she saw her, Nozomi then watched her approach. She was quiet, then she heard her say as she finally made it over to her, "Finally, I get to say it before I say goodbye," then opening her arms, she said, "Hi Nozomi, its so great to meet you!"

Her eyes becoming misty hearing this and knowing this was her last chance to ever speak to her, Nozomi ran over and she cried out, "Aqua!"

Then quickly hugging her spiritual body tightly, she shook feeling her warmth all around her! Doing this, she told her, "I'm so glad! I'm really glad I get to meet you like this now!"

Holding her tightly too, Aqua told her, "Same, I'm glad to meet you too properly as the whole complete you, with nothing lost at all!"

"Yeah!" Nozomi cried, then she told her pleased, "I'm really happy Aqua! I'm so happy for you! I'm so glad your wish came true! That you get to be with everyone again!"

"Thank you, Nozomi!" Then stroking her head affectionately, she told her "So am I! And I'm so glad my second wish came true too!"

"What's that?" She asked puzzled, wondering what else she could have wanted?

Aqua smiled and then held her closer to herself and said, "That I finally get to talk to you like this and tell you...I'm so proud of you! I love you, Nozomi!"

Gasping in surprise, she wasn't expecting that all! Then she heard the strong female Knight tell her, "I'm so glad it was you I got to stay with all this time in your Heart, it waswonderful getting to experience life with you as you grew! I'm so happy!" With that she moved back, and told her smiling with tears in her eyes, "I hope you'll continue to shine always!"

Wide eyed, Nozomi felt her eyes water then immediately she cried and said overwhelmed, "Thank you, Aqua! I love you too... I'm so glad you were with me! Thank you for always being by my side!"

Aqua nodded in reply, truly at peace now that she got to say everything she wanted. With that she gently detached from her, as Nozomi did the same.

The female Keyblader was sniffling, trying hard to get her emotions under control as she wiped her eyes. Then-!

"Hey!"

STROKE...

Looking up, she saw Terra had made his way over. As he did, she heard him say, "There's no need to cry."
Quiet as she heard him say this, Nozomi replied, "That's easier said than done, Terra! I mean saying goodbye is always-!"

"It won't be forever!" Then stopping her from shedding any more tears, she heard him tell her with a smile, "It'll only be till we all meet again, and remember having strength of Heart will always carry you through the hardest of trials," then as she looked at him surprised, he finished saying, "Just stay strong, and you'll always make it through, alright?"

Silent for a little, Nozomi finished wiping her tears saying, "Yeah I know... my Master always said something like that, so I'll always make sure to do my best!"

"It is okay though to cry now and again, for that's never a sign of weakness." Surprised hearing Aqua's voice. She looked up to her and heard her say kindly, "Never feel ashamed to shed tears, especially at times like this, alright?"

Nodding hearing this, Nozomi then replied finally feeling a smile come back to her face, "Okay! I'll do my best, to stay strong and... cry when I absolutely need to!"

Both Terra and Aqua chuckled, then the brunette warrior told her, "I'm sure you'll do well, and your Heart's really strong already." Then placing his hand on Nozomi's shoulder, he told her, "I know this for certain, though I wasn't in your Heart for as long as the others, you shine with a beautiful light, and it will continue to grow with help from your friends!" Then with a nod of his head, he told her with a warm, "That I promise, Nozomi!"

"Thanks Terra!" She told him, then quickly she hugged him too and said, "I'm so glad we could rescue you! And you that you get to be with everyone from now on too!"

He simply smiled and returned the grateful sentiment, gently hugging her back with a small smile on his face.

Then after a few moments, he detached from her too and walked away holding Aqua's hand as they left. With that, they finally arrived back with Ventus and his royal highness Bertros, as they did their bodies all began to shine brightly with white light!

Everyone was left awestruck, then they heard the past King decree, "May your futures always be bright! You who hold the Fragments, and you, who are all now I consider to be True Keyblade Masters!"

Everyone nodded and with that, with lots of goodbye waves and cries of good luck from everyone present, witnessing this miracle they saw-!

GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!

Those who were the precious living memories of the Chaser Knights and their King, along with slumbering Xehanort were all racing forwards on their way to re-join the Cycle of Light, so that one day in the far distant future... they all might live again, to experience a better life maybe together!

….

As they all left, everyone was quiet. Kairi couldn't help but say, "It's kinda sad, but I'm also really happy for them!"

"Yeah same!" Sora agreed, then holding her hand. He said, "But wherever they go, I just hope they can be happy!"

Kairi nodded, then looking over she saw that Riku and Nozomi were holding hands too. As they were, she was about to move over with Sora to say something to them when-!

DIM... DIM... DIM... DIM...

The Keybladers were once again back to their normal attire, however looking on each of them now had badge armlets on their bodies! Sora on his left arm, Riku too and Kairi as well! Looking at them, Riku asked, "I guess this is the upgrade we get to keep out of all this?"

Nodding, Nozomi replied, "Yeah, so you guys can access your armours like I can!"

Quiet Sora then replied, "Awesome!" Then looking to his arm, he said, "I like this cool new feature!" Then he couldn't help but ask, "I wonder if we can still tap into our Alliance Blades too?"
"Time can only tell!" Riku replied. But smiling, he said, "But I guess with this, everything's done now!"

"Almost!"

Turning around, it was then that Reeve walked forwards and Oralee followed alongside him. As she did, he then said with a happy smile, "There's still one more person who needs to make an appearance!"

Everyone was curious as what he meant, when he put his hands to his Heart. Then quickly-!

SHINE!

Quickly a small sphere emerged glittering with yellow light all over, it turned over and over itself as it floated fast high into the air before-!

SPARKLE!

He was fully formed again, and there everyone saw, "Cait sith!?" Immediately Nozomi and Riku went running towards him, leaving Kairi and Sora looking on baffled.

The small crowned cat finishing his formation floated back down, and quickly landed in the arms of his Princess. As he did, it took a moment before he stirred and uttered, "Mmm, what time is it now? What was I-?"

"Good morning, Cait Sith!"

Gasping in shock, the black and white cat quickly looked up and then asked, "Yer highness? Yer here with me and-?"

"Yes, I'm back Cait Sith!" Then smiling with tears in her eyes, she finished saying brightly, "We all have come back!"

"...Yer highness!" Cait Sith uttered, unable to believe his eyes. Then crying out loudly again, he hugged her tight, "Yer highness!" She returned the embrace and everyone couldn't help but smile seeing the cat and Princess being reunited.

"Ha! Ha! I knew he'd hug her first!"

Shocked hearing this voice, he stopped. Then he turned and saw, it was Nozomi talking, she smiled at him and Riku next to her said, "Well you can't blame him, he loves his Princess more than life itself!"

"Ha! Ha! That's true!" It was finally then, that Mickey came to join them and as he did, the three approached him and his Princess along with her knight.

Seeing them come over, Oralee placed Cait Sith on the floor and immediately he ran up and cried out, "Banshee!" Then he landed on Nozomi's head!

"Hey!" She cried out, then quickly unprepared she tried to bat him off saying, dreading a hair pulling, "Watch what you're doing, Cait sith you-!"
"Snowdrops!" With that he turned targets and landed on Riku!

"Whoa! Cait sith what're you-!"

"Ya sure are excited here, aren't ya? Cait sith?" Mickey smiled happily.

"Mouse cheeks!" Then quickly, the crowned cat landed on him too, everyone was baffled by his chaotic behaviour!

However seeing him do this, Nozomi asked, "Cait sith! What are you doing!? You can't just-!"
Then quickly he launched himself at her again, however this time he landed in her arms. As he did, he hugged her tight and cried out, "I'm here with ya all again! We all made it! We-!" But it was clear the magical cat was overwhelmed with emotion as he started bawling, crying loudly for all the world to hear!

Shocked by this, Nozomi though couldn't blame him and quickly she hugged him gently to herself, cradling him like a baby as she released a few happy tears too. Riku and Mickey, both smiled at this and quickly the adventuring group, joined her and linked their arms over her shoulders. For now finally, finally...everyone was truly back together again and they celebrated this by doing this tight group hug.