CHAPTER 15.13: Sora's Chain Of Memories Part 13
[Open to the group watching the memory of where they last left off]
After the group had just repaired the last memory, they watched what unfold after Kairi was struck down. As they were watching, Luz glared slightly.
A Keyblade appears behind Sora and strikes him.
Xehanort: Now...the Keyblade War will finally reach its conclusion!
Kingdom Hearts appears in the sky. The χ-blade appears in Xehanort's hand.
Xehanort: The χ-blade is complete. Kingdom Hearts! I call upon your true form. Open now and show me the World to come.
As Kingdom Hearts fills with darkness, the skies become pure white. Darkness then rains down. As Sora saw this happening, he fell to his knees and lowered his head, feeling hopeless. The group naturally felt sad seeing Sora like this. Behind him, Donald and Goofy walked toward Sora.
Donald: Hey, don't give up.
Goofy: We thought ya might be able to use a couple a' more half-pints.
Memory Sora (KH3): Donald... Goofy...
Donald: Typical. You can't do anything without us, Sora.
The group was extremely put off by what Donald said. Some even exclaimed on he was missing for most of what happened.
Goofy: Now wipe those tears and let's go stop Master Xehanort!
Memory Sora (KH3): Yeah...but... he controls Kingdom Hearts now. And Kairi...
Roxas: You, worried?
Memory Sora (KH3): Guys.
Axel: Sorry we took so long. Had a couple of plot points that needed ironing out.
Terra: Master Xehanort...
Aqua: He did it. He opened Kingdom Hearts.
Ventus: So, what now?
A flash of light occurs as King Mickey and Riku jump into the frame.
King Mickey: We've still got one hope.
Memory Sora (KH3): Your Majesty, Riku, are you okay?
[Play Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack -The Guardians of Light -Cutscene-]
King Mickey: We're fine.
Riku: Yeah.
Ventus: What hope?
Riku: It's Xehanort. During the Mark of Mastery exam, we learned that he can transcend space and time. He's a portal. And we can use that to trap him.
That bombshell shocks the group.
King Mickey: But, it won't be easy. Aqua, Riku, I'll need both your help if we're gonna push Xehanort out of this world.
Aqua: Understood.
Aqua walks forward until Sora jumps in.
Memory Sora (KH3): Wait. I'll do it.
Riku: What?
Memory Sora (KH3): Kingdom Hearts is a much bigger threat. Let me handle Xehanort...while you guys keep it shut.
Sora turns around to face King Mickey and nods at him before the others did the same.
King Mickey: Okay, Sora.
Memory Sora (KH3): I got this.
As Sora began walking towards Xehanort, Donald and Goofy followed him.
Donald: You can't forget about us.
Goofy: Without Keyblades, it's not like we'll be much help here.
Donald motions Goofy to shush as the three puts their hands together.
Memory Sora (KH3): Three half-pints together again.
Terra: Let's move. The darkness is spreading.
As everyone summons their weapons, ready to fight. Xion walks up to Sora.
Xion: Sora.
Memory Sora (KH3): Oh, hey.
Xion: Luz(Kairi) will be all right. *places her left hand over her heart* I can feel it.
Memory Sora (KH3): Thank you.
Sora turns around and readies his Keyblades, as do the others. The tips glowed yellowish-white as everyone points their Keyblades in the sky.
Memory Sora (KH3): Do it!
Beams of light shoot toward Kingdom Hearts as Sora, Donald, and Goofy hit Xehanort.
Xehanort: What?
The four disappear. The darkness in Kingdom Hearts began being overtaken by light.
[End Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack -The Guardians of Light -Cutscene-]
That is where the memory ends. Naminé then turns to the others.
Naminé: As the others stayed behind to keep Kingdom Hearts at bay, Sora, Donald, and Goofy went ahead to finish off Xehanort for good.
The group nods.
Naminé: Which leads us to this moment. Next is the final memory of the third set. And, of course, you've no doubt figured out what you have to do.
Group: Take down Xehanort.
Naminé: Correct.
Naminé motions a memory frame towards the group, revealing an image of Kingdom Hearts stationed above a destroyed building.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep - The Worlds - Extended]
Naminé: The final battle takes place in the world of Scala Ad Caelum. A world believed to be the nexus from which all worlds spring, having once served as a seat of power for all Keyblade wielders.
While the others marveled at the type of world that is, Luz was most intrigued by the name itself.
Luz: Scala Ad Caelum...
Everybody else took notice of Luz.
Eda: Luz?
Luz: Scala Ad Caelum. I know that name.
Everyone became surprised.
Naminé: How?
Gus: Does a place like that exist in your world, Luz?
Luz: No. I don't think so.
Eda: Then...?
Luz: In my world, there are many languages and dialects. One of them is Latin; an Indo-European language of ancient Rome and its empire. With that, Scala Ad Caelum translates to... "The Stairway To Heaven".
Naminé: That is... correct.
Naminé and Inner Sora were surprised to learn that Luz would know that. However, the witches were even more surprised.
Eda: Hey, Naminé. Is that world really connected to...Heaven?
Naminé: Nobody knows for certain. As far as I know, only Xehanort and Eraqus were connected to that place. And that world was only recently been ventured by Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Xehanort during the battle. The information about that world that I gave you was explained by Xehanort himself. Although I am curious...what brought that thought?
Eda, Gus, Willow, and Amity looked at one another while sharing a somewhat nervous expression.
Eda: No reason, just curious.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep - The Worlds - Extended]
[Play Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -Link To All- Extended [Redux]]
Naminé: I see. Before you go in, I will relay information to defeat Xehanort.
Eda: Ready.
Naminé: First, Xehanort will start with Ascension. This attack is him creating pillars of light that run around or forward continuously. It is telegraphed by him raising a platform of light and using the χ-blade to summon Kingdom Hearts. To counter this, I recommend creating your shields as well as being swift with your movements. Second, He will unleash a barrage of Continuous Attacks with the χ-blade. He will slash at you all from multiple directions and angles. Again, your shields are needed. Third, Knock Down. He does this by warping near you all and performing a downswing with the χ-blade while somersaulting, then knocking all down to the ground. This is telegraphed by moving through Keyhole-shaped portals. You will need to be fast with your reflexes to block and or dodge. Fourth, Call Calamity. He releases cold air from the thrown χ-blade, then smashes three fireballs together, and finally unleashes three lightning strikes on you. The cold air attack will indeed freeze you if it comes into contact. These attacks can be avoided with swift movements and guard, however, you must be accurate with your timing. Fifth, Dark Shooting. Xehanort fires dark shots one after another which fly after you all. Use your shields or guards to block and deflect the attacks. And finally, XIII Combo. This is his strongest attack. He does this by creating twelve clones to rush you all. He then creates alters to unleash light rays, firing them, followed by a more powerful denser light ray.
The group nods as Inner Sora approaches the group.
Inner Sora (KH2): Ok guys, this is it... Everything you've learned so far, the adventures, and the battles...it all comes down to this. Now, you'll have to fight Xehanort and this'll be the toughest memory yet. Are you ready?
Eda: I can't wait. *cracks knuckles*
Luz: I'm gonna enjoy this.
Willow/Amity/Gus: So will we.
Naminé: There is one last thing before you go. Luz.
Luz: Huh?
Naminé: In the final battle, Sora used his Keyblade to deliver the final blow to Xehanort by unleashing a light ray with the combined power of Donald and Goofy. To repair the memory, you must do the same.
Luz slowly widened her eyes.
Luz: Me?
Naminé: Yes.
Luz looked down to her right hand for a moment and then summons her Keyblade, gripping it tightly with a frown.
Luz: ...Delivering the final blow...
Eda places her hand on Luz's right shoulder.
Eda: Hey, don't worry. You've got this, Luz. We supply the magic and you aim real carefully and blow him up. Right, Naminé?
Naminé: Correct.
Luz looks at Eda silently at first but then smiles.
Luz: Yeah. As long as I have you guys with me, we can do this.
Eda gives Luz a thumbs up as Willow, Gus, and Amity do the same. Suddenly, Dark Luz spoke to Luz.
Dark Luz: *excited* Ooh! Ooh! Can I do it?!
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Why—
Dark Luz: Remember our deal. If you can't take the heat, I'll do it. Plus, I'm itching to beat the stuffing out of Xehanort.
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Since Xehanort's darkness, I think it would make sense for ME, light, to finish him off.
Dark Luz: At least, let me at him in the beginning.
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Deal.
Dark Luz: Sweet!
Naminé: I have given you all the information I can give you. The rest is up to you.
Inner Sora (KH2): *fist pumped* Good luck!
The group nodded with a smile as they walked toward the memory frame.
[End Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -Link To All- Extended [Redux]]
Upon entering, they appear on what appears to be a damaged building. The group looked around to see nothing but the destruction of Scala Ad Caelum. Destruction, which they frown upon, knowing full well this was Xehanort's doing.
Naminé: Everyone, turn around.
[Play Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series)]
The group does so and they see Xehanort, standing before them with the χ-blade in hand. The group immediately entered their battle stances as Luz immediately summons her Keyblade.
Eda: *smirks sinisterly* Ohohoho. This'll be fun.
Luz: Be ready for anything.
Immediately, Xehanort rises over the citadel, too far out of reach. He raises his arms high summoning a magic circle beneath the group's feet, causing them to rise into the air. The group became startled at first but kept focused their attention on Xehanort. He then vanishes in the light of the moon, reappearing and releasing the χ-blade from his grasp. It spins vertically over his outstretched hand.
Xehanort: Enlighten me!
He tosses the χ-blade high toward Kingdom Hearts, sending rays of light in all directions. While preparing to fight, Dark Luz immediately spoke to Luz.
Dark Luz: Tag me! Tag me!
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Ok! Just don't go overboard.
Dark Luz: Pfft, it'll be fine.
Luz turns around to the others.
Luz: Guys.
Eda: What's up?
Luz: Don't freak out, but watch this.
A flare of darkness emitted from Luz as she immediately hunched over. Her hair became white, her eyes became yellow, and her clothes colored black and grey. Seeing this surprised the group and Luz immediately raises her head to look at them.
Group: Luz?!
Dark Luz: DARK Luz; her inner darkness, how ya doing? Before you freak out, don't worry. In case you've forgotten, Luz told you that she and I worked things out, so I'm not gonna go crazy on you. I'm just here to help put the hurt on Xehanort. If you have any questions, save 'em for later. Right now, we got an evil geezer to take down and memories to fix!
The group, still perplexed, agreed with what Dark Luz told them and proceeded.
Eda: There's A LOT we need to talk about when this is over.
Dark Luz: Yeah, sure. *points her Keyblade to Xehanort* Get him!
Xehanort: Kingdom Hearts!
Eda: Here we go! Watch out for the lights!
Thirteen pillars of light strike the magic circle and spiral outwards as the group swiftly dodges through them.
Eda: I'll go first to bring him down to the lower level! The minute I do, everyone attacks!
Teens: Right!
Xehanort cackles loudly as he began to strike Eda with the χ-blade. Xehanort was fast with his strikes, but thanks to Eda's magic, she was slightly faster. She rushes at Xehanort, hoping to strike. But thanks to the χ-blade, Xehanort creates key-shaped portals to teleport, dodging her attacks. Seeing this, Eda kicks up her speed and suddenly appears behind Xehanort in the blink of an eye. Xehanort disappears as Eda attempts a swinging kick. Xehanort reappears behind Eda right as she disappears. The teens watch Eda and Xehanort zip across the sky, leaving nothing but gold lights and darkness weaving and crashing. Eda appears behind Xehanort once more and finally manages to kick him down and then blasts a lightning bolt, slamming Xehanort down to the surface of the magic circle.
Eda: Now! Don't hold back! Give it everything you got!
Gus: I'll go first!
Gus creates a massive army of illusions, seemingly confusing Xehanort.
Gus: Can you guess which one's real?
Xehanort proceeds to slice one of the Guses in half, only for it to poof, revealing it to be an illusion. Xehanort seemed to be taken aback by this until a lot of the illusions began dog-piling him, punching him repeatedly.
Gus: Feel our wrath, ya evil geezer!
The pummeling continued for a bit until Xehanort eliminated several of Gus's illusions at once, but still stands face to face with the remaining amount. One Gus leaps at him with a punch that he dodges. Another leaps at him with a jump kick, which he dodges. Xehanort manages to take a number of them out by warping through his keyhole portal and slicing each one in succession. Xehanort turns to find only one Gus left.
Gus: Uh-oh.
Xehanort rushed forward and was close to slicing the real Gus until a thorned vine suddenly whipped Xehanort across his face from the right, sending him flying.
Gus: What the?
Gus turned to where the vine came from and saw Willow.
Willow: My turn!
Xehanort composes himself to see Willow ready to fight. The dark seeker then launches three dark shots, one which Willow manages to avoid, the second one she disperses with two thorned vines, and the third crashing right next to her, causing her to be sent flying. Before being forced to land on her back, Willow summons a bedding of flowers to cushion the impact, leaving her relatively unscathed. She immediately stands on her feet, looking up to see Xehanort rushing towards her. Wasting no time, Willow summons multiple thorned vines to wrap around Xehanort. She then pulls him downward, slamming him to the surface with great force. She then unwraps the dark seeker so fast that it caused him to spin in place rapidly, breaking his concentration. This allowed her the chance to deliver fast whips left and right. However, Xehanort regains focus by slicing up each vine and flew towards Willow to deliver a powerful kick to her sides, sending her flying once more. Willow groaned in pain before being trapped in place by Xehanort planting his left foot on her abdomen. Using both his hands, he flips the χ-blade and points the tip above her, ready to finish her off for good. The sight brings fear into Willow's eyes. But fortunately, she was saved by a blast of abomination goop, which belongs to none other than Amity.
Amity: Willow, you ok?
Willow: *panting* Y-yes, I'm ok. Thanks, Amity.
Amity: *kneels* No problem.
Eda flies down to the two.
Eda: Willow, you ok?
Willow: Other than feeling my racing like crazy, I'm fine.
Eda: Don't cha worry, I'll stick with ya.
Eda proceeds to use her healing magic on Willow just in case.
Eda: Think you can take it from here?
Amity: Yes.
Amity stands, turns to Xehanort, and immediately summons the largest abomination she could.
Amity: Abomination, attack!
Amity points towards Xehanort, to which the abomination began stomping toward him. However, this was in vain due to the abomination's lack of speed as Xehanort simply slice in half and destroyed it with his dark energy...or so Xehanort thought. As the abomination splatters, Amity took advantage of sneaking from behind as it turned out, she planned the abomination as a distraction. Amity summoned more abomination goop and forged them as gauntlets and proceed to give Xehanort a three-punch combo to his chest and delivered an uppercut. Xehanort warped away with his keyhole portal and appeared behind Amity, ready to slash across her back. Unfortunately for him, Amity already thought that far ahead and immediately summoned a wall of abomination goop to back the χ-blade. She runs forward, turns around to see Xehanort chasing her, and proceeded to cast a large light spell to blind him momentarily. Xehanort was then suddenly hit by an abomination goop in the face, losing his sight and leaving himself vulnerable. Amity turns to Luz, or rather Dark Luz, and calls out to her.
Amity: Luz, your turn!
Dark Luz charges up her darkness.
Dark Luz: Here we...
And with a flare of darkness, she immediately goes straight for Xehanort to attack.
Dark Luz: Go!
Dark Luz manages to give Xehanort some good body blows with her Keyblade.
Dark Luz: Haha!
Xehanort blocks Dark Luz's last attack and jumped backward, unleashing dark shots. Dark Luz avoids the first two and swats away the third. She then activates three fire glyphs. To her surprise, the fireballs became engulfed with darkness, resembling Riku's Dark Firaga.
Dark Luz: Woah...
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Not gonna lie, that looks a little cool.
Dark Luz: Let's test it out!
Launching the dark fire glyphs, Dark Luz successfully landed at least two hits with them into Xehanort. However, the dark seeker was still ready to fight as he rushed to slice at her with the χ-blade. Dark Luz manages to block his attack with all her strength and immediately pulls a light glyph, activates it, and used it to blind Xehanort for a brief second. The two jumped back from one another and within that moment, between teleportation or dodging attacks, Dark Luz swings at Xehanort, knocking him away. She knocks Xehanort back and spins to right herself in the air, allowing her to deliver a blow to Xehanort's head. Seeing the opportunity, Dark Luz uses the back of her Keyblade's head and slams Xehanort to the ground with all her might. It was then the battlefield suddenly becomes completely engulfed by white light and faded as the group found themselves in front of dark thrones like those used by the Organization rising around the magic circle, stretching to the sky. Xehanort bathed in darkness sits casually on the tallest throne.
Luz: *to Dark Luz* Switch back, my turn now.
Dark Luz: *phew* That was fun!
Darkness, then light, flashes from Luz, revealing her natural form, pleasantly surprising the rest of the group.
Group: Luz!
Luz: *turning around to the others* Hey, guys! I'm back and ready to end this!
Naminé: Look out! In front of you!
Xehanort: Expire!
The symbol at the center of the magic circle glows red. A violet light shines from each of the thrones as dark clones of Xehanort were created.
Naminé: Everyone! Create your shields to block the incoming attacks and wait for an opening!
Eda: Got it! Kids, just like before!
Willow summoned all the vines she could muster to create a wall, Amity summoned her abomination goop to create a dome, and Eda, with help from Gus, created the same forcefield she had used to protect the Owl House from the boiling rains.
Luz: Here they come!
The dark Xehanort clones rushed toward the group, striking in succession. Already, the vines were destroyed. The abomination goop was indeed sturdier than the vines, but each clone struck faster and harder it splattered all over, leaving it destroyed. The aberrant gray sky around them undulates abnormally as rays of darkness blast from each of the thrones, striking the forcefield repeatedly. Eda and Gus did their best to keep the forcefield up, but the force from the dark rays was starting to overwhelm them.
Gus: Grah! I can't believe this is what Sora had to fight!
Eda: Stay strong, dweebus!
More clones and dark rays kept on attacking the forcefield. So much so, that it began to progressively crack. Eda and Gus struggled even more, even collapsed onto one knee. But they still did their best to keep the forcefield up.
Gus: D-darn it!
Eda: Naminé! How much longer?!
Amity: Look!
Amity was pointing towards the throne in the middle, where Xehanort began to build up immense amounts of dark magic.
Willow: He's gonna blast a bigger one! What do we do?!
Luz: *gasp* Guys! Move to the back!
Eda: *struggling* L-Luz! What are you doing?!
Luz immediately brought out all the ice glyphs that she had left and activated them simultaneously, creating a wall that resembled a glacier.
Luz: Last line of defense!
Xehanort finished charging up his magic. And without hesitation, he blasts an even stronger ray of darkness. The forcefield immediately shatters and the glacier wall held but barely as it shattered a minute after. The malformed sky retreats and the thrones vanish, leaving Xehanort alone beneath Kingdom Hearts and the group collapsed onto the surface from the force of the attack.
Luz: Is everyone ok?!
Eda: *pants* I'm good.
Amity: Me too.
Willow: Same.
Gus: Yeah.
Luz sighs in relief as the others began to stand on their feet. She then turns to Xehanort, who is seen floating in the air.
Luz: Now's my chance!
Luz immediately activated four fire glyphs, combining them into a large fireball, and launches it at Xehanort.
Luz: Take this!
Xehanort curls his fingers as the fireball strikes an invisible barrier and dissipates, bringing a smile to Xehanort's face. Luz became shocked.
Luz: Darn it!
Xehanort: It ends here and now.
He raises the χ-blade and an aura of darkness surrounds Kingdom Hearts as the sky around them turns white. With Luz in the front and Gus and Willow on her right and Eda and Amity on her left, they stood there as the moon becomes completely engulfed in darkness. Xehanort and the χ-blade glow as he aims it at Luz, surprising her and the others.
Luz: He's gonna blast us!
Eda: No!
Eda tried to utilize more of her magic, but with little success.
Eda: No! We're not gonna make it in time!
Naminé: Luz! It's up to you! Use your Keyblade to block the blast!
Luz: What?! How?!
Gus: Guys! *pointing towards Xehanort* It's coming!
Xehanort immediately blasts his dark beam down toward the group. Wasting no time, Luz does her best to block the attack with her Keyblade, sending large sparks and keyholes scattering as a dark mist sprays up from the beam.
Naminé: Everyone! Help Luz by maintaining her balance!
Eda, followed by Willow, Gus, and Amity, immediately lined up behind Luz, helping to hold her ground.
[Pause Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series)]
Luz struggles against its power until it knocks her and everyone back. As Luz was seemingly sent back, everyone shouted her name. Everything fades to black as Luz began to lose consciousness.
[Cut to a void]
Luz's heart. It's starting to beat slowly. Luz slowly opened her eyes halfway, only to see nothing but complete darkness. She hears Eda, Willow, Gus, and Amity calling out to her, though she doesn't respond. She then hears Dark Luz calling out to her.
Dark Luz: Hey, wake up!
Luz slowly turns her head to her left and sees her dark counterpart standing with her arms crossed.
Dark Luz: No sleeping on the job! We're so close to taking out Xehanort!
Luz: ...I...can't... I...feel...so weak...
Dark Luz: Don't give me excuses! Give me results! We've come so far and gone through so much! We're one step away from beating Xehanort and saving Sora's memories! The others are waiting for us out there to finish the job! If you don't get out there, we'll be history!
Luz: I...would...I...just...need...a...little...boost.
[Cut to Naminé and Inner Sora]
Naminé gasps as she turns to Inner Sora.
Naminé: Sora!
Inner Sora understood immediately.
Inner Sora (KH2): On it!
Inner Sora disappears in a flash of light.
[Cut to Luz and Dark Luz]
[Play KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX]
Luz remained floating in place as Dark Luz was too frustrated to think clearly. Suddenly, they felt the heartbeat growing stronger ever so slightly as a bright light appears. The light flew down towards the two and emits a flash, revealing itself to be Inner Sora.
Inner Sora (KH2): Luz!
Luz: *trying to smile* Sora...is...that...you?
Dark Luz: What the heck took you so long?!
Inner Sora (KH2): Sorry, I got here as fast as I could. Eda called out to Naminé about what happened to you and sent me.
Dark Luz: Well, don't just stand there! Do something!
Inner Sora (KH2): Already on it.
Inner Sora approached Luz and gently grabbed her right hand.
Inner Sora (KH2): Hey.
Luz: ...Hi...
Inner Sora (KH2): Don't worry. I'm here. Everything's gonna be ok.
Luz nods as Inner Sora emitted light and began engulfing the two Luzs. Everything fades to white as Luz heard Sora's voice. Not the Inner Sora, but the real one.
[End KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX]
Sora (KH3): With our hearts connected, so is our power. Now...let's win this...together.
[Play Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series) (2:27)]
A sudden flash occurs as Luz opens her eyes to see she's still struggling to block Xehanort's attack. Feeling her load a bit lighter, she looks back to see Eda, Willow, Gus, and Amity lined up behind her, helping to stand their ground. She then hears Sora call out her name. She looks to her right and sees the Sora she knew well. The Sora that she had become best friends with when they first met, albeit, in a transparent-like state and was mimicking Luz's actions in blocking the dark beam.
Sora: Luz, Eda, Willow, Gus, Amity...thank you.
While the others couldn't see him, they heard him. That alone brought happiness to them all. Eda closed her eyes with a soft smile and opened them to face Luz.
Eda: Luz...get ready to end this.
Luz: Yeah.
With renewed determination, the five forced the beam away. Stirring up the air around them, Luz aims her Keyblade toward Xehanort. Everyone held on together as a large heart symbol appears at their feet. A magical aura began emitting from each member of the group as comets of purple from Amity, light blue from Gus, green from Willow, yellow from Eda, and finally, gold from Luz, spiraled into the teeth of her Keyblade.
Amity: THIS IS IT!
Gus: WE'RE GIVING IT EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT!
Willow: IT'S UP TO YOU, LUZ!
Eda: SHOW THIS GEEZER WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!
Luz, with all her strength, aimed her Keyblade precisely at Xehanort.
Luz: YOU'RE DONE, XEHANOOOOORT!
And so, with all their might, they launched the massive beam of light that destroys Xehanort's dark beam, and ultimately engulfed Xehanort, defeating him once and for all. The familiar white flash occurs and everyone is transported back to the Dive to the Heart. They find Naminé cheering for the group.
[End Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series)]
Naminé: Well done, all of you! The final memory of the third set has been restored!
The group stood there, motionless. They took a minute to process the entire battle.
Luz: We did it... We beat Xehanort.
Eda: Yeah, we did...
Willow: And...
Gus: It...
Amity: Was...
Group: AWESOME!
The group cheered loudly for their victory, bringing a smile to Naminé.
Naminé: *thinking* Sora...you make wonderful friends no matter where you go. This is no different. Despite what they've endured so far, the good, and the bad, they stayed strong and fought their way through it all. Just so they could save you and your memories. Hopefully...your friends and Kairi will meet soon. And I have no doubt they will all get along.
The group calmed down and turned to Naminé, but noticed that Inner Sora was not around.
Luz: Wait. Naminé. Where's Sora?
[Play Kingdom Hearts 3 OST - Dearly Beloved]
Naminé points towards the back of the group. Confused, the group turned around and slowly widened their eyes in shock. They see not one, not two, but three Soras. The first Inner Sora, the second, and the one they were all familiar with. The one they met and became friends with. Seeing them all together was a sight to behold, each one was truly different from one another. The first Sora was naturally the shortest and seemed scrawny looking, the second Sora was slightly taller and had a bit of physique, and finally the third was the tallest and had more physique. Eda, Gus, and Amity were amazed that over a year of his life, Sora changed and had grown so much. For Willow, she thought the same as the others. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but notice, albeit reluctantly, how handsome Sora had gotten in that year. Luz, thinking the same as Eda, Gus, and Amity, also admired how strong Sora truly was. Despite losing a lot, he didn't let that deter him from always fighting for his friends and hope. The other two Soras vanished as the third Inner Sora walks towards the group.
Inner Sora (KH3): Hey guys.
The group felt tears in their eyes as they rushed over to hug him.
Group: Sora!
Inner Sora (KH3): Thank you guys so much. You repaired three sets of my memories and I feel almost complete.
Luz: Wait. Almost?
Naminé: Yes. Remember, there are 14 memories total split into 4 sets that need to be repaired, you just restored the 13th. Three sets, meaning one more remain.
The group nodded in understanding.
Luz: Oh, right. Well, even so, I'm glad to see you Sora. And soon, we'll see you on the outside.
Inner Sora (KH3): Yeah. Looking forward to it. Oh, and let me just say how epic that was! The way you guys combined your magic to unleash that light beam!
Eda: Hahahaha! That was pretty epic!
Amity: I haven't felt that kind of power before. I didn't think we had that kind of power inside us!
Gus: I loved every minute of it! And let's not forget the beginning! Eda slamming Xehanort down to the surface, each of us whooshing in giving him blow after blow after blow! What a rush!
Willow: Admittedly, it was a bit scary considering how strong he was. But it was pretty fun to nail a killer right hook on one of my vines!
Luz: And it was amazing...how you came in to help me, Sora.
The others took notice of what Luz said.
Eda: Whaddya mean, kid?
Luz: That moment, when I almost passed out from Xehanort's beam, Sora came to me and helped me.
Inner Sora (KH3): All I did was passed my magic onto you, giving you the boost you needed.
Luz: Exactly, when you gave me your magic, it felt...pleasant. Like...the kind of warm feeling you get when you're cold...it also felt
like...hope? Ok, I don't exactly know how to describe it in words. All I know is that it helped a lot.
That did confuse the group at first, but they shrugged it off with a chuckle. They figured if it helped Luz, that's all that matters.
Eda: Hold on a sec, Luz.
Luz: *turns to Eda* Hm?
Eda: That darkness you did earlier, how?
Luz: Oh, you met my darkness. Remember? My darkness is still a part of me, but I managed to control it now. By coming to terms with my past and my feelings, I've made peace with my darkness. And now, we've learned to balance each other out and not go extreme with one or the other. In other words, I can access my darkness at will, sort of. Also, she manifested throughout my past and has her presence in my heart. And of course, seeing as this was the fight against Xehanort, she wanted to have a crack at him.
The others, aside from Sora, were amazed to hear that Luz has that kind of power now.
Inner Sora (KH3): Let's not forget one other thing. By coming to terms with your darkness and unlocking your Keyblade, you now have access to magic itself. You felt it, right? When you unleashed the light beam at Xehanort, your magical aura, which was gold, mixed in with the others.
Luz: *gasp* You're right. I did feel that. And I still can. *looks at her right glowing a gold aura* I can actually feel my magic.
The others were even more surprised. Luz officially now has magic within her.
Luz: Now that I have magic, I can really learn a lot. From Sora, from Hexside, *turns to Eda* and now from you, Eda! You can teach me spells that Hexside can't.
Eda: Ha, you're right! And when we get back, we'll even have spars. Your magic can't be tough on its own, you gotta be tough too!
Luz: *giggles* Yeah, I'm feeling pumped!
The group laughs in joy as Naminé approaches them with a memory frame in hand.
Naminé: Everyone, the memory is ready to be viewed.
The others turned to her.
Amity: How did the battle end after all that?
Gus: Only one way to find out.
Willow: Let's watch it.
Luz and Eda, remembering Sora's story nodded at one another and followed the others to watch the memory play out.
Naminé: Be sure to pay attention, you'll learn a lot here.
[End Kingdom Hearts 3 OST - Dearly Beloved]
The group nods as the memory starts playing out. It starts with Scala Ad Caelum flashing white as Xehanort is sent back to the roof of the citadel. The aura of darkness emits from him as he drops the χ-blade. Sora, Donald, and Goofy catch their breath as the old man collapses to the ground. He struggles but is too weak to stand.
Xehanort: Why... How...
Sora: It's over now! You lost!
Xehanort pushes against the floor to maintain eye contact with Sora.
Xehanort: No, look... You are too late...
Sora, Donald, and Goofy look up, seeing an orange emanation from Kingdom Hearts. Sora gasps and Goofy turns to Donald.
Goofy: Are we really?
Donald: I don't know.
Sora: What's gonna happen?
Xehanort struggles to speak, getting to his knees. He grasps his side with one hand and holds himself up with the other.
Xehanort: A purge... The World will be returned whence it started.
As Willow, Gus, and Amity paid attention to Xehanort's words. Luz and Eda suddenly remembered Sora's story as he explained Xehanort's reason, word for word. They both imagine Sora and Xehanort simultaneously speaking.
Sora/Xehanort: The World will be returned to whence it started. The World began in darkness. And from that darkness came light. From the light came the people, and the people had hearts. Evil burgeoned in those hearts, begetting more darkness. And the darkness spread across the World like a plague. The light, the symbol of the World's hope, was devoured by shadow. Leaving nothing but ruin... An utter failure. But, the first light- the light of Kingdom Hearts- it could give us a new start. An empty World, pure and bright...
Willow, Gus, and Amity understood and couldn't believe Xehanort's motive. In the end, all he wanted was to reshape the universe and lead it by his example. They thought he was insane. As for Luz and Eda, they thought the same thing, but their thoughts were a little deeper. Luz still hates Xehanort for all that he's done. However, she also thought that if he wanted to make changes, there could've been other ways to make a difference, but he chose the dark path to do so. Eda was disgusted by Xehanort. To her, Xehanort was just another wannabe tyrant. Eda is a person who values the freedom to do as she pleases and despises harsh authority. She even began to think about a certain individual she was well aware of. An individual who she sees as another Xehanort, but on a smaller scale, but still evil nonetheless. The memory continues.
Sora: It wasn't your decision to make.
Xehanort looks up at him and grabs the χ-blade, slamming it into the ground to use as a crutch to stand.
Xehanort: Then whose was it?
Once to his feet, he pulls the blade out of the floor. Sora finds himself without an answer.
Xehanort: The World needs someone to stand up and lead.
Xehanort clenches his fist.
Xehanort: Someone strong, to stop the weak from polluting the World with their endless darkness. Someone to dictate their destiny.
Hearing those words made the group angry at Xehanort, especially Eda. In her mind, she's thankful that Sora got rid of him for good.
Sora: If so...you're not that person, Xehanort.
He stares at Sora heavily.
Sora: A real leader knows that destiny is beyond his control...and accepts
that.
The others simply agreed with what Sora said.
Xehanort narrows an eye and Sora mimics him. Xehanort smiles softly.
Xehanort: You...make me think of an old friend.
Group: He had friends?!
Back at the memory, Goofy sees something in the sky and points.
Goofy: Look!
[Play Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack -The Guardians of Light -Cutscene-]
Sora looks up as, with a great shatter, a Keyhole appears. Streaks of light fly from the Keyhole forming the shapes of Riku and King Mickey. Axel, Roxas, and Xion follow and join Sora on the ground, along with Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.
Seeing this brings smiles to the group.
Donald: You made it!
King Mickey walks up to them.
King Mickey: Are you okay?
Donald: *nods* Yep.
Sora and Goofy also nod.
Riku: Kingdom Hearts is closing on the other side. But we managed to follow our hearts to you.
Sora smiles and Terra turns toward Xehanort.
Terra: Master Xehanort...
He starts to walk toward Xehanort but Aqua grabs his arm. He turns to her and his stare is all she needs to release her hold.
Eda: Terra, what are you...
Ventus joins Aqua as Terra faces Xehanort. He exhales.
[End Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack -The Guardians of Light -Cutscene-]
Terra: There's more to light than meets the eye. As I told you.
Xehanort's eyes widen in surprise.
Xehanort: You sly fox...
Terra shines with light and a heart floats out of his chest. The light coalesces into the form of a tall serious-looking man in a white robe.
Ventus and Aqua gasped at the sight of this figure. He glows with a rich aura as Terra and the man speak as one.
Terra/Robed Man: Now, hand over the χ-blade, Xehanort.
Xehanort: It is too late.
Robed Man: For us, perhaps...but not for them.
He turns toward Sora and Riku as Xehanort raises the χ-blade.
Xehanort: No... I can do this.
The Robed Man says nothing as Xehanort's right hand trembles. He walks up and grabs the χ-blade, placing a hand on Xehanort's shoulder.
Robed Man: Enough. Checkmate.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Destiny's Union- Extended]
Xehanort concedes as he calmly walks over to Sora, offering him the χ-blade.
Xehanort: Very well done.
Sora pauses, but takes the blade in hand, looking back up. Xehanort folds his hands behind his back and the Robed Man looks over to his three former students.
Robed Man: Terra, Aqua, Ven. Forgive your foolish teacher.
Eda: Teacher...? *eyes widened* Eraqus.
Inner Sora (KH3): Yeah, that's him.
Luz: So, that's Eraqus...
The memory continues with Aqua and Ventus start crying and rushing over to him.
Ventus: Master!
Aqua: Master!
Aqua and Ven embrace him as Terra approaches.
Terra: Master!
Tears fill his eyes and he joins the hug. Eraqus looks down.
Eraqus: Ven, I put you through such a harrowing experience.
Ventus cries.
Eraqus: And Aqua, I left you with such a heavy burden.
Aqua sobs as he turns to Terra.
Eraqus: Terra, look after them for me. Please.
Terra nods and Ven and Aqua wipe away their tears.
Eda closes her eyes and lowers her head in sympathy. As she knew the three wielders from long ago, she could understand their feelings of having been forced to depart from those close to them. Luz and Inner Sora took notice and comforted her, which she appreciates.
Xehanort glances at them momentarily before his attention is turned to his weak knees. He struggles to stand and just before his leg gives out, Eraqus catches him.
Eraqus: Here.
He lifts Xehanort's arm over his shoulder.
Eraqus: Ready, my friend?
Xehanort: Yes...
Xehanort glows with the same warm aura as Eraqus, shining brighter together. As the light settles the two appear as boys again, softly chuckling in each other's company. They rise into the air, the light of Kingdom Hearts shining down upon them, becoming hearts and disappearing altogether.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Destiny's Union- Extended]
[Play Always On My Mind - Extended - Kingdom Hearts Music]
Everyone was a bit in awe of the sight as the beacon of light dims and King Mickey walks up.
King Mickey: Sora, let's close it.
Sora nods, taking the χ-blade in hand.
Sora: Everybody, help me out.
They nod and approach Sora, creating an arc around him. Sora holds the χ-blade with both hands and raises it skyward. He and his friends glow with a yellow shine as blue and gold wisps of energy focus themselves on the blade. A radiant orb of light erupts from the χ-blade, sending a beam toward Kingdom Hearts. As the beam strikes, a brilliant light flows forth, bathing the world. The χ-blade shines with an equal radiance as they stare into the light.
[End Always On My Mind - Extended - Kingdom Hearts Music]
With a flash, they return to the Keyblade Graveyard. Sora, Riku, King Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Roxas, Axel, and Xion, stand in awe of the pleasant golden sky.
King Mickey: It's finally over.
Almost everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. However, Sora lowered his head.
Sora: ...No.
Riku looked at Sora and told him something in assurance.
Riku: We'll find Luz(Kairi). Let's head back to Master Yen Sid. We can figure it out.
It was then the group remembered, Kairi was struck down by Xehanort.
Sora: No, I know what to do.
Mickey's eyes widened.
King Mickey: Sora...
He turned to his friends and gave them a small smile as he shares his thoughts.
Sora: My whole journey began the day I lost her.
He placed a hand over his heart.
Sora: And every time I find her... she slips away again. I thought we'd finally be together. But she's out there, alone. Not for one more second.
Hearing those words made the group truly understand how much Kairi means to Sora. Everyone was pleased to hear how much Sora cares for her. Willow on the other hand, while thinking the same thing, remained completely silent.
The memory continues with Donald and Goofy jumping in.
Donald: We'll go too!
Goofy: That's right!
Sora smiled at them.
Sora: Thank you, Donald, Goofy. But this time, I have to go it alone.
King Mickey realizes how Sora plans to recuse Kairi and warns him with an explanation of his idea.
King Mickey: Sora, listen. The power of waking isn't to go chase hearts around! Even if you do locate Luz(Kairi), you might never come back home to us again!
Sora smiled with determination.
Sora: I will. And we'll both be back before you know it.
King Mickey: Please...
Riku walked over and knelt to the King.
Riku: Let him go, Mickey.
King Mickey turned to him.
King Mickey: Riku...
Riku: His heart and his mind are made up. Now, believe in him.
Mickey lowered his head, knowing Riku was right.
King Mickey: Yeah...
He then gave Sora a small smile.
King Mickey: Safe journey, Sora.
Sora: Thank you.
Sora nodded before turning away. He then summoned his Kingdom Key keyblade and aimed the blade toward the sky; magic swirled around the keyblade and fired a beam of light toward the sky. Sora activated the power of waking, and his search for Kairi had begun again. Sora bid farewell and assured his plan to succeed. After ascending towards the portal he summoned, Sora was zooming through what seemed like a swirling vortex comprised of a black stream with gold-colored auras. Sora kept his composure and braced himself for what he was about to face. Suddenly a bright white light appeared, and Sora went through it. That is where the memory ends.
Eda: So, that's how that war ended.
Luz: And that's how you came here.
The group turned to Inner Sora.
[Play Kingdom Hearts III - Main Menu & New 'Dearly Beloved' (Concept) (2:30)]
Inner Sora (KH3): That's right. I didn't want to waste a single second waiting for clues. I wanted to find Kairi as soon as possible. By using the Power of Waking, her heart led me here to this world. She's out there somewhere, I've searched about almost every part I could think of. But I won't stop until I find her.
The group smiles at Inner Sora's determination to find her. Luz then approached him.
Luz: Sora?
Inner Sora (KH3): Hm?
Luz: "I thought we'd finally be together." Hmm.
Inner Sora blushed a bit.
Luz: Be honest...you have feelings for Kairi, don't you?
The rest of the group looked at Inner Sora with slight smirks as Inner Sora, while blushing, stammered a bit. Realizing that there's no way out, at this point anyway, he gives in and comes clean.
Inner Sora (KH3): *blushing* I...I do.
Luz/Eda/Amity: Awwww.
Inner Sora blushed a bit even more and adverted the girls' gaze.
Inner Sora (KH3): Aw, geez.
Luz: Hey, don't be embarrassed. We're rooting for you.
Eda: After everything you've two gone through and everything you've done for her, she'd be crazy NOT to accept your feelings.
Amity: Though we don't know for certain what'll happen, Luz is right. We're rooting for you.
Luz, Eda, and Amity gave winks before embracing Inner Sora to comfort him. As for Willow, while she felt moved that Sora cares that much, she couldn't help but feel hurt a little. In the back of her mind, Willow had started to develop feelings for Sora. She had hoped to tell him and hoped he would accept them, but now she knows that it won't happen. Gus chuckles to himself, though he's not an expert on having crushes, he does know that if anyone was in trouble or needed help, Sora can be counted on. As this went on, Naminé approached the group with a memory frame.
Naminé: Everyone.
The group snapped out of their thoughts and turned to Naminé.
Naminé: You've all done so well with restoring the 13 memories. Now, is the time. Time to restore the final memory of the final set.
The group looked at Naminé with anticipation. They've practically seen it all. They've seen what darkness can do to hearts and worlds, they've fought Heartless, Nobodies, Riku, Roxas, Ansem, Xemnas, and finally Xehanort. What could the final memory be? Is it something simple? Or is it the most difficult memory out of all the others? Luz was the first to ask Naminé:
Luz: What do we have to do?
Naminé looked at the group with a smile.
Naminé: It is quite simple.
[End Kingdom Hearts III - Main Menu & New 'Dearly Beloved' (Concept)]
NOTE: Aaaaaaand DONE! Sorry about how long it took. So many ideas brewing in my head I couldn't really decide which one to go with. Aside from that, I work a 7-3 job. Meaning, I don't really have a lot of time as much I want to have compared to weekends. As well as Thanksgiving, NO work on that day. And admittedly, there are days when I don't feel like writing at all. Nevertheless, the Kingdom Hearts 3 portion of this Memory Arc has reached its conclusion. Might as well say this now, 2 chapters remain. One last memory, the epilogue, and after that, we resume our regularly scheduled program. I will do my best to get through this as fast as I can. Because I already have a lot of ideas for a certain Hexside event. Until then, Byeeeeeee!
