CHAPTER 17: Enchanting Grom Night Pt.2
Previously...
Principal Bump: Luz has lasted surprisingly long. But what form will Grom take next?
Luz: LET'S FINISH THIS! Human-style!
Grom rises behind Luz, towering over her, and immediately reaches out to Luz's head and makes her eyes glow. It morphs into the portal door. Luz looks at it.
Luz: Hmph.
The door opens. Camila steps out.
Grom-Camila: Mija?
Luz looks on, shocked, for a bit. But shakes her head, snapping herself back into focus.
Luz: Nice try, Grom. I already faced this fear earlier. *gets into stance* There's nothing you can say or do that'll scare me!
[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix -Sinister Sundown- Extended]
Grom-Camila stood there, lowering her head in silence. Then it spoke to Luz in a terrifying yet somewhat unfamiliar voice.
Grom-Camila: Are you sure about that?
Luz: Huh?
[Play Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack - Dual Hearts]
Grom-Camila suddenly raised her head to reveal yellow eyes with a sadistic grin.
Luz: What the?
Suddenly, Grom-Camila rushed forward and kicked Luz in her stomach, launching her to the main floor. Everyone gasped as Luz yelled out in pain, clenching her stomach.
Amity/Sora/Willow/Eda: LUZ!
Principal Bump: What in the— Grom has never done that before!
Then, everyone saw Grom-Camila slowly rising in the air from their chamber and looked around at all the Grom goers.
Grom-Camila: Let it be known...now...that I ALLOW you to run...
This suddenly terrifies all the Grom goers. They immediately ran outside to escape the situation while screaming in the process.
Grom-Camila: Yes...keep running in fear...
Principal Bump: Everyone, remain calm!
Sora, Amity, Willow, and Eda immediately rushed to Luz.
Sora: Luz! Luz, are you ok?!
Luz: *wincing* That hurts...so much...
Sora: Don't worry! *summons his Keyblade* Curaga!
Luz was then instantly healed and allowed to stand on her feet.
Luz: Thanks, Sora. *turns to Grom-Camila* What the heck?!
Grom-Camila simply laughs.
Grom-Camila: How's that for scary?!
Sora and Eda widened their eyes in shock upon hearing Grom speaking.
Eda: That voice...
Sora: Impossible!
Grom-Camila: Heh, so you've figured it out already...
It was then Gus and King ran into the gym towards the others.
Gus: Guys! What's going on?!
King: Everyone started running away like crazy!
Gus then sees Grom.
Gus: Grom?
Grom-Camila: Nope... My name is...
Grom-Camila suddenly shrouds itself with immense darkness in a spiraling fashion as it slowly descends to the ground. The darkness then engulfs everything, depriving everyone of the sight of the gym. One clear thing was a sight of a glowing symbol that broke the surface of the void. The symbol is seen as a twin set of axes that crossed each other, and the hole in the middle formed what looked like a pierced heart. The symbol surprises Luz, as she has seen it before on Inner Willow. They then hear Grom laughing sadistically in a progressively louder manner as the darkness immediately disperses, leaving behind a black silhouette. The blackness then slowly disappears, revealing someone the group never thought they would see. They widened their eyes, shocked to see who was in front of them. This being is seen wearing a black and red organic-looking bodysuit and a silver helmet covered with dark glass, hiding his face from view. He is also somewhat taller than the other teens and more muscular. The being started to emit darkness around him as the group gasped, then glared.
Sora/Luz/Amity/Willow/Gus/Eda: VANITAS!
[Close up to Vanitas's mask, faintly showing his glowing yellow eyes]
Vanitas: Long time no see...
[End Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack - Dual Hearts]
[Play Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack - Dual Hearts]
The group stood there in disbelief. They never imagined seeing Vanitas at all.
Luz: How...
Eda: You're supposed to be dead!
Vanitas chuckles.
Vanitas: Hope you don't mind me crashing the party. Sora...Eda...it's good to see you again. *turns to the others* Luz, Amity, Willow, Gus, it's nice to finally meet you in person. Any friend of Sora's is a friend of mine.
Luz: Shut it!
Vanitas: Ooh, tough crowd.
Sora: How did you survive?! Tell me!
Vanitas: You wanna know how, eh?
Suddenly, Principal Bump jumps in.
Principal Bump: Everyone, step back! I shall deal with Grom!
Vanitas: Heh. Bring it on, old man.
Sora: Principal Bump! No!
Principal Bump quickly unleashes a pure magic energy beam at Vanitas. However, he blocks it and casts Dark Thundara, shocking Principal Bump into unconsciousness.
Group: Principal Bump!
Sora immediately rushes over and quickly casts Cura, healing Principal Bump greatly. However, he still remains unconscious.
Sora: Darn you, Vanitas!
Vanitas: Hey, don't blame me. He started it.
Everyone just became dumbfounded.
Vanitas: Now, where were we? Oh, right. As you recall, Sora, I disappeared into wisps of darkness, fading from existence. But it seems you forgot what I told you that day...
[flashback to the Keyblade Graveyard]
[Vanitas: I'm the piece of Ventus that was taken away. And you're the piece Ventus needed to be whole again. So...why shouldn't you and I look exactly the same? You define me, Sora, the same way that Ventus does. We are brothers who, together, make a greater whole.
Sora: Then why won't you stand by our side? Instead of with darkness?
Vanitas: Because I AM darkness. And I do stand by your side. I'm the shadow that you cast. How much closer could I be?]
Vanitas: What you didn't know was that I meant that literally. In my final moments, I discreetly hid a fragment of my heart inside you.
Sora: You what?!
Vanitas: You heard right. Since you have darkness in your heart, it was much easier than I thought. However, since it was only a fragment, I couldn't do anything except bide my time until I gained enough strength to take control. But, what I didn't expect was to find other...suitable candidates.
Sora: What do you mean?
Vanitas turns to Luz, Amity, and Willow, which startles them.
Vanitas: Willow...Luz...Amity... You three would have been perfect vessels. But of course, Sora had to ruin that by helping you with your constant moping.
Luz: What? Wait, you mean—
It was then that Luz remembered the symbol that she saw on Inner Willow's chest.
Luz: That was you! You were trying to take control of Willow, weren't you?!
Willow: W-wh-what?!
Luz: When Amity and I were fixing your memories, I saw the same symbol on Vanitas appearing on the inner you. At the time, the inner you was so angry at Amity for your past that it started to take shape.
Amity and Willow widened their eyes in horror, as well as the others.
Luz: And that also means—
Vanitas: That's right. Since I, in a sense, was there the entire time, I was hoping to take control and feed off the negative emotions from each of you. After all, it is what I was born to strive for.
Sora: Born for?
Vanitas: Oh, that's right. You never knew. Heh. Since Master Xehanort is gone, we might as well spill everything. You see...
As Vanitas speaks, he recalls the moment he was born from Ventus darkness at the hands of Xehanort.
Vanitas: It was Master Xehanort who brought me to life by extracting Ventus's darkness. For I am that darkness.
Luz: Tch! Figures that madman would be responsible for you. But what does that have to do with Willow, Amity, and me?
Vanitas: You see...being born of darkness and negative energy makes me naturally inclined towards obtaining as much of it as possible. The more of it I have, the stronger I become. Simple as that. Wherever negativity flows, I tend to follow. And so, that's where you three came in.
Luz, Amity, and Willow wondered for a bit until it clicked to them what Vanitas was talking about.
Vanitas: That's right. YOUR negativity from YOUR sorrows. Amity, your guilt for being responsible for Sora's damaged memories and being a bully. Which, by the way, nice job.
Amity grits her teeth, letting out a growl. Vanitas then turns to Willow.
Vanitas: Willow, your anger and hatred towards Amity. Your inner self actually tried to kill Amity. And let's not forget that sad little moment of Sora rejecting your heart for that brief moment. Two thumbs up, heh.
Willow also shows anger towards Vanitas. He then turns to Luz.
Vanitas: Luz... *chuckles* where do I even begin with you?
Luz widened her eyes.
Vanitas: Your dad dying, your bullied childhood, your rejected heart, being an outcast, your mom sending you away, seeing your own death, that mental breakdown of Master Xehanort's actions! *laughs* That was a theatrical masterpiece! You deserve a standing ovation for that! *laughs while clapping*
Luz growls loudly as darkness starts emitting from her. Her eyes started to flicker between brown to orange.
Vanitas: Ahh, there it is. Now, unleash your inner darkness. I would LOVE to meet her~.
Amity's right eye twitch.
Luz: Not even in your dreams, you son of a—
Vanitas suddenly blasts a dark fireball near her feet.
Vanitas: Ah, ah, ah. Mind your tongue, Luz. This is a family show.
Sora: Luz, calm down! Don't let him rile you up!
Luz growls.
Vanitas: Heh. Anyway, during my time in Sora's heart, I was feeding off the negative energy from each of you during your episodes. But of course, Sora, being the sap that he is, just had to cheer you all up with hugs. And then, there's you... *turns to Eda* you just had to ruin things for a while.
Eda: I'm guessing you're referring to that beating I gave to that memory? Or should I say you?
Vanitas: Yeah...I was in the process of merging myself with Sora completely. But when that memory of my battle against Sora and Aqua came up, I figured I would take it upon myself to take you out. But I wasn't strong enough. And as soon you defeated me, I lost all that power I had gained.
Eda: Aww, too bad for you!
Vanitas: It was...until today...
Vanitas places his left hand on his chest.
Vanitas: This "Grometheus," or Grom, as you call it, became a far more perfect host for me. This being could bring one's worst nightmares to life, so I couldn't think of anything better. And when you kids came into within range of Grom, I used all of my remaining strength to expel my heart fragment from Sora and entered into Grom, which resulted in Grom's heart merging with mine, allowing me full control and reconstructing my body. And as a bonus, I even gained its abilities. Adding it to my own arsenal. Like so!
Vanitas creates four black goop sharp tendrils from his back, points them at the group, and shapes his left arm into a blade. The group became unsettled by the sight of this.
Vanitas: *chuckles* Cool, huh? But... Even with this power boost, I'm still not at my full power. My powers are so diminished that I can't even create corridors of darkness to other worlds. And that really puts a dent in my goal.
Eda: Your goal?!
Sora: What goal?! Organization XIII is gone! Xehanort is gone! The χ-blade is gone! And Kingdom Hearts is out of reach! So there's nothing left for you!
Vanitas: Ahhh, there's where you're wrong. While Kingdom Hearts is out of reach, and the Keyblade War can't be waged again, I can still track down Ventus and take his heart to merge with mine and be re-completed at last! Allowing ME total control to do anything as I please and gain power!
[End Kingdom Hearts III Soundtrack - Dual Hearts]
Sora immediately summons his Keyblade and gets into a stance.
Sora: As if I'd actually let that happen!
Luz: WE won't let that happen!
Luz summons her Keyblade as the others summon their magic.
Eda: We'll make quick work of you! They're six of us and one of you! We'll make sure you STAY dead this time!
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Enter The Darkness- Extended]
Vanitas: *chuckles* While I may not be as strong as I used to be...
Vanitas began to emit darkness, splitting it into separate pieces and allowing it to take shape. The group widened their eyes in shock at what shape the dark blobs took. For Eda, she sees the Owl Beast. For Willow, she sees a black and purple vicious-looking ladybug. Gus, he sees a clown with a wicked grin. For Amity, she sees a duplicate of herself, but with black hair, yellow eyes, and wearing a similar bodysuit to Vanitas. And For Luz sees her mom, who also has black hair yellow eyes, and wearing a bodysuit similar to Vanitas. Meanwhile, Sora and Vanitas will be facing each other.
Vanitas: *laughs* I've still got a few tricks. Like my Unversed!
Vanitas sees the fear in the groups.
Vanitas: Oh? Don't wanna face your TRUE fears?! Well, too bad. Unversed!
The Unversed got into battle stances.
Vanitas: Let's get this party started. Attack!
Each Unversed charged at one of their respective opponents. The Owl Beast attempted to slash down Eda with its claws, but she dodged by jumping backward. The Clown, while laughing, attempts to pounce on Gus to deliver punches, while Gus creates several illusions of himself to confuse the Clown, which he succeeds. Willow immediately creates vines to trap the dark Ladybug in place and even creates thorns to pierce its body.
Eda: Never thought of fighting this thing!
Gus: Gah! I really hate clowns!
Willow: You stay away from me, monster!
Right now, with Sora, Luz, and Amity. They seem to be struggling the most with their Unversed. Next, we see Amity and her dark duplicate going all out with their abomination weapons. Interestingly, the Unversed Amity has her abomination weapons colored black and purple. As they fought, the Unversed Amity began to taunt the real Amity.
Unversed Amity: Heh, stinks, doesn't it? Going all soft on these losers?
Amity: Shut up! They're my friends now!
Unversed Amity: Are they? Maybe they're just being cool with you out of pity. Or maybe they just got tired of you being a bully toward them. You shouldn't have gone soft on them. Remember, you're a Blight. Blights are supposed to be above everyone else!
Amity: I. Said. SHUT! UP!
Amity then creates an abomination blade to slash across Unversed Amity's chest, forcing it back. With Luz, she wasn't doing too well with the Unversed incarnation of her mother. Despite knowing this wasn't her mom, Luz didn't want to fight it. Not to mention, Unversed Camila is simply faster and seemingly eager to strike Luz with its fists and kicks. All Luz could do at this point was dodge and block. Unversed Camila jumped and tried to deliver an axe kick onto Luz's head as she black flips to dodge. Unversed Camila slowly walks towards Luz while clenching its fists.
Unversed Camila: You disappoint me, Luz! Bad enough you got sent into the Principal's office the last three times, but you couldn't make any friends cause you didn't want to separate fantasy from reality! You didn't even try to fit in with the other kids! And to make things worse, you left camp just to go to a magical world! And for what?! Are you trying to live out a witch fantasy?! Live out magical adventures?! You know what that makes you?! Just a screw-up! An embarrassment to your mother!
Luz widened her eyes, welling in tears and growling in anger. She was absolutely livid by how this duplicate resembling her mother spoke to her in such a monstrous way, completely belittling. Luz knows her mother would never say this to her daughter, but it still hurts.
Luz: You...are...not...my...MOTHER!
Luz rushes forward, Keyblade on hand, and proceeds to pierce the Unversed through its chest. Over with Sora and Vanitas, they're locked into a struggle hold as they clash their Keyblades.
Vanitas: I would've created an Unversed just for you. But I know it wouldn't do any good. You faced your fears and enemies on a regular basis and always managed to keep smiling.
Sora: That's right! Cause I don't give up!
Vanitas: Right. Should we talk about Kairi? How you failed to save her?
Sora: You're wasting your time! Nothing you say or do to me will stop me from taking you out!
Vanitas: Oh, well. Guess I'll have the pleasure of beating you senseless myself!
Sora: You won't even get the chance!
Sora pushes himself to overwhelm Vanitas, which causes the masked boy to struggle even more.
Vanitas: Gotta say, brother. It seems you have gotten stronger.
Sora: Don't hand me that brother stuff! Like I told you back at the Graveyard, you could've stood by our side, fighting ALONG SIDE us! But, you CHOSE to be darkness!
Vanitas: Because that's all I am!
Vanitas pushed himself even more. The two did their best to gain the upper hand. For each Keyblade swing, for each attempted punch and kick, actively increasing their speed. It wasn't progressing anywhere, it seems. A stalemate. Nothing but the sounds and sight of their Keyblades repeatedly clashing. Over with Eda and the Owl Beast Unversed, Eda was frustrated that it wouldn't go down so easily.
Eda: Darn it! Just die, will you?!
Eda used fire magic to blast with it. But no matter how many times she strikes it, the Owl Beast Unversed simply shrugs it off as if it hardly fazed.
Eda: Guess I'll have to take it up a notch.
Over with Gus, he created an illusion construct to punch the Clown left and right. As this happened, Gus remembered his time in Sora's memories.
Gus: I helped handle the memories of the Heartless, Nobodies, and all the enemies Sora had. I can handle this!
Clown Unversed: *giggles* Come on, little man! I just wanna be your friend!
Gus: *fast talking* You're no friend of mine!
The Clown Unversed destroyed the illusion construct and stretched his right arm out to punch Gus in the face, knocking him back. Gus sits up, looking at the Clown Unversed while wiping away his spit with his sleeve, slightly wincing from the pain. Over to Willow, the Ladybug Unversed roars as it pounces near Willow. Willow, using her thorned vines, whips, and slashes continuously.
Willow: Go away, already!
The Ladybug Unversed shrugs off the vines and rushes towards Willow, headbutting her away as she yelped in pain. Willow struggles to sit up, shaking with fear. She hated the fact that a ladybug managed to actually touch her. With Amity, she and her Unversed opponent were in a similar situation as Sora and Vanitas. The two did their best to get a leg up, but they both seemed evenly matched.
Unversed Amity: I gotta know. Why is it that your struggling so much? They're just pretending to like you so you'd stop annoying them.
Amity: That's not true!
Unversed Amity: Did Luz really want to go Grom with you? Does Sora actually see you as his little sister? Did Willow actually forgive you? Do any of these losers actually accept you? Deep down, you know what I'm saying is true.
Amity: It's not!
Unversed Amity: Ok, then. How about this? Do you really think you have changed? Are you really a "friend" now? Or are you just like one?
Amity: What?
Unversed Amity: Face it. You only have a dark heart. The only reason you have done good things so far is a ruse. You want to get on their good side, shut them up, and not bring up your dark past. I bet you don't even care about them. Heck, I bet you still hate Sora for beating you over and over.
Amity: THAT IS NOT TRUE!
Amity punches the Unversed straight in its mouth hard enough to cause it to tumble and fall over. Amity then pounces onto it and repeatedly punches it across the face left and right. Just as Amity tried to punch again, Unversed Amity caught her fist and punched her back, forcing her to back off. The Unversed stood and chuckled. With Luz, she tries to get her darkness to help, but she refuses.
Dark Luz: *to Luz* Can't help you! 'Cause, that's exactly what Vanitas wants! If I come out, he'll get stronger! So, you just gotta keep a level head and use your light, Light! But, you know this ain't really Mom, so beat it up already!
Luz: *to Dark Luz* I'm trying! But it's just too strong!
Unversed Camila: Come on, "Mija". Fight!
Luz rushed and swung her Keyblade toward the Unversed's face, but it dodged. This allowed it to punch Luz in her stomach, grab her by her shirt collar, and tossed her over on her back. Luz immediately recovers in midair, activates a fire glyph, and lands in a crouching position. Unfortunately, Unversed Camila blocks the fire spell, rushes forward, punches Luz in her stomach and on her lower back, grabs her by the hair, and tosses her away again. Luz rolls and stops by a slight skid. Luz coughs and groans in pain.
Luz: Please...stop...
Unversed Camila: No...I won't stop. It's time you learn a harsh lesson.
Everyone noticed the condition Luz was in. They all shouted out her name and attempted to rush over to help her. However, their Unversed opponents kept them at bay while Vanitas kept Sora busy.
Vanitas: *laughs maniacally* What?! Did you think you were going to save her?! Not on my watch! Remember, the more negativity is around, the stronger I get! And I'm not done feeding off it yet!
Sora: Darn it!
Sora immediately raised his Keyblade up high and started building up intense magic energy, but Vanitas kicked Sora in the stomach.
Vanitas: She's a big girl. She can handle it herself!
Amity: LUZ!
Amity tried to run over to Luz, but her Unversed opponent warped from behind, grabbed her head, and slammed her onto the floor, forcing her to watch Luz.
Unversed Amity: *smirking* Hey, now! Don't even think about saving that poser! Remember how she annoyed the heck out of you? How dorky, nerdy, and geeky she was? How she actually thought she could be a witch with that stupid positive attitude of hers? True, it was Sora who defeated you before. But imagine the disgrace you would've felt if SHE beat you instead. HA!
Amity struggles to break free.
Amity: Why...do...you keep...talking?!
Unversed Amity: Because I'm telling you the truth. The truth of who you really are within your heart! And deep down, I know that you'll enjoy her demise! So stop pretending and give in to your darkness again!
Amity: NO!
Unversed Camila lifts Luz by her collar with its left hand and gathers darkness from its right hand, preparing to blast Luz with it.
Unversed Camila: It's a shame. Had you listened to me and acted more normal instead of being stuck in your own little world, none of this would be happening. But at least you'll get to live out whatever fantasy you want...
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Enter The Darkness- Extended]
Unversed Camila: ...in death. Goodbye, "Mija."
Luz widened her eyes in absolute horror, her pupils shrinking as she welled up in tears, believing this could very well be the end for her.
Luz: *whispering* Someone...please...save me...
Sora immediately jabbed his Keyblade into Vanitas's stomach, causing him to wince greatly. Next, Eda blasts a light arrow at the Unversed Owl Beast's chest. Next, Gus creates a light barrier to trap the Unversed Clown. Finally, Willow completely wraps up the Unversed Ladybug down to the ground. As each opponent was immobilized, they all turned around to rush toward Luz as fast as they could.
Sora/Eda/Willow/Gus: LUUUUZ!
[Everything around Amity fades to black]
Amity's eyes became dilated. She believed she was about to witness the death of a girl who she befriended, the girl with who she...started developing feelings so, the girl who she wanted to ask out to Grom, the girl...who she had hoped to spend a lot of time with from this day forward. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she reminisced about her interactions with the human girl, from her annoyance from their first encounter to where their connection took them today. Amity felt even more regret and sadness about how she treated Luz. She wished even more that she was a better person back then. She slowly reached out to Luz with her right hand until her vision faded to black.
[Cut to a black void]
[Play Kingdom Hearts 3 - Dive Into The Heart -Destati- Third Inception - Extended]
Amity then opened up her eyes. She felt she was standing on top of something but couldn't determine what it was. Suddenly, a small purple glow appeared and began to increase as the light dissolved, releasing birds into the air. Amity looked down to see that it was her Dive to the heart.
Amity: My heart? Wait! What am I doing here?! Luz needs our help!
Suddenly, Amity hears a voice.
?: Yes. Time is of the essence.
Amity: What the— Who said that?! Who are you?!
?: So much to do, so little time... But don't be afraid. You can still reach your friend. Now, step forward. Can you do it?
Amity runs forward, then stops as a light shines down from above. A large stone pedestal rises from the platform in a shower of light and magic. A red shield blinks into existence, floating above it.
?: Power sleeps within you...
Another pedestal rises from the platform, a blue staff floating above it. Amity turns around to face it.
?: If you give it form...
A third pedestal appears in front of the Amity, who turns toward it. A metal sword appears in midair.
?: It will give you strength.
Amity stares ahead at all three.
?: Choose well.
Amity: "Choose well"? Choose what, exactly?!
?: The path of your power. Choose one to gain...and one to sacrifice. Simply choose...from what your heart knows what's true.
Amity groans, wanting to get this over with.
?: Please, do not rush. I assure you, you will reach your friend in time. All you need is patience.
Amity, realizing she has no choice at this point, decides to go through with this. She looked around, analyzing each weapon. Finally, she notices the shield and staff. Something compelled her to choose those two weapons.
Amity: I choose to take the staff and sacrifice the shield.
?: Very well.
Suddenly, all three weapons disappear.
?: Your path is set.
The staff then appears in Amity's right hand.
?: You gained the power to fight.
Amity simply casts a fire spell.
?: With this power, you will use it to protect yourself and others.
Amity then noticed the Heartless suddenly appearing.
Amity: Heartless?! Now?!
Amity gets into a stance.
?: As you already know, there will be times you have to fight. So keep your light burning strong.
Wasting no time, Amity fights and finishes off the Heartless. Just as she finished, one crawls around to her back.
?: Behind you!
Amity points her staff behind her and blasts the Heartless with a fireball, destroying it. Immediately after, she sees a door near
the platform edge.
Amity: A door! Finally, I can leave!
Amity ran towards it and tried to open it but failed.
Amity: What the heck?! Why's it locked?!
?: Hold on. The door won't open just yet. First, tell me more about yourself.
Amity's eyes widened as they heard a familiar voice. She turned around to see it was Luz. Luz gasped with joy and ran up to her.
Amity: Luz! I'm so glad to see you!
Luz?: I'm glad to see you're happy. However, I'm not the Luz you know.
Amity: What?
Luz?: I am a mere construct of the power beyond. The door that will lead you out cannot be opened until you discover your true self.
Amity was bewildered. The Luz that was in front of her was showing no emotions whatsoever. And her voice sounded rather monotone.
Amity: My true self?
Luz?: Yes, there is a great power within you. And it, along with the door, cannot be unlocked until you discover who you truly are. Now, do tell me, What's most important to you?
Amity paused and thought about it.
Luz?: Think about everything you've experienced so far. Search your feelings and find the most important thing to you out of everything.
Amity paused again and went into deeper thought.
Amity: *thinking* My friends for sure... *to Luz?* My friends.
Luz? stands there in silence.
Luz?: While friendship is indeed important, I sense that is not your true importance. There is something much deeper that lingers within you. So, I ask you again: What's most important to you? Think carefully.
Amity went to an even deeper thought to reflect on everything she had experienced. Having friends made her happy, sure, but something was bugging her, but she couldn't figure it out...until...
Amity: *gasp*
Amity then started to remember Luz. Luz lingered in her mind more than the others. How she started to develop feelings for her. How she wanted to ask her out to Grom. How happy she felt when Luz said yes to her. But It was much deeper than that. She thought about Sora, her brother. Willow, her best friend. And Gus, a good friend. She also thought about her family. Amity blushed and looked at the construct again.
Amity: It's...love.
Luz?: Yes...
?: What do you want outta life?
Amity turns to her left and notices Willow. Or rather, a construct of her.
Amity: ...
Willow?: If love is most important to you, what do you want outta life?
Amity: *fidgeting* To be with them. All the time.
Willow?: Yes...
?: What are you so afraid of?
Amity turns to her left and sees a construct of Sora.
Sora?: If love is what's most important...and being with the ones you love is what you want outta life... What are you so afraid of?
It was then Amity realized what this all was. Amity had to be truly honest with her feelings. What her heart truly says. She then breathes in and out slowly.
Amity: I'm afraid of losing everyone. I don't want to lose those closest to me.
Sora?: Yes. Now, it all comes together.
?: Love is most important to you. You want to be with those who are closest to you. You're afraid of losing them, even one. That is who you truly are at heart, a loving person. Your adventure begins here and now. Your road won't be easy, but as long as that emotion continues to ignite within you, your journey will be a pleasant one.
Amity nods in slight embarrassment as the three constructs disappear. It was then Amity felt as if she sensed something from behind her, which caused her to turn around.
?: The closer you get to the light, the greater your shadow becomes.
A shadowy silhouette of Amity appears in front of her and enters a battle stance.
?: But don't be afraid. And don't forget...
The shadowy silhouette pounces at Amity, but she destroys it with her staff. The staff then disappears, and a sphere of purple light appears in its place. Curious about it at first, Amity noticed the door slowly opening, revealing nothing but white light.
?: You hold the mightiest weapon of all.
Amity clenches her right hand into a fist, where the purple light still remains and runs towards the light.
?: So don't forget...
The white light engulfs Amity and everything.
?: Love...is your power.
[End Kingdom Hearts 3 - Dive Into The Heart -Destati- Third Inception - Extended]
[Cut to Amity back at the gym]
Sora immediately jabbed his Keyblade into Vanitas's stomach, causing him to wince greatly. Next, Eda blasts a light arrow at the Unversed Owl Beast's chest. Next, Gus creates a light barrier to trap the Unversed Clown. Finally, Willow completely wraps up the Unversed Ladybug down to the ground. As each opponent was immobilized, they all turned around to rush toward Luz as fast as they could.
Sora/Eda/Willow/Gus: LUUUUZ!
[Play Hikari 光 (Simple and Clean) Orchestral Instrumental Version]
Amity slowly reached out to Luz with her right hand and began emitting a powerful purple glow from her entire body. As the glow got brighter, everyone, including the Unversed, stopped in their tracks to see what was going on as they shifted their focus onto the source. The purple light got even brighter, creating a flash that blinded everyone. Then, all they could hear was a loud thud. As the light finally subsided, Sora, Luz, Willow, Gus, Eda, and Vanitas became shocked at what they saw right before their eyes. They see Unversed Camila seemingly knocked out on the floor while Amity holds onto Luz with her left arm. And on her right was the most surprising of all, a Keyblade. Amity had summoned her own Keyblade. Upon closer look, The grip and collar are black, while the shaft and pin are shades of purple. The cross guard is heart-shaped and colored white. The blade and teeth take the shape of a translucent streak of abomination goop, forming the shape of a hook. And finally, the Keychain token is the shape of the Abomination Coven sigil.
Amity: STAY AWAY FROM LUZ!
The group, aside from Luz, gasped in excitement.
Sora/Willow/Gus/Eda: AMITY HAS A KEYBLADE!
Vanitas: Well... What do you know... A new Keyblade's chosen is among us...
While held tightly by Amity, Luz couldn't utter a single word. She was beyond happy that Amity now had a Keyblade, but she couldn't help but stare in awe at Amity with a deep blush. Luz's eyes sparkle at the sight of her Grom date holding a legendary weapon and protecting her as if SHE was her fearless champion. Her...knight, if you will. Amity turns her head to Luz.
Amity: Are you ok, Luz?
Luz: ...Better now that you're here...
Amity: *blushing* W-What?
Luz: *quickly shakes her head while blushing* Um, yeah! I'm ok.
Amity: Oh...good.
Luz: Amity?
Amity: Yeah?
Luz: You...have a...Keyblade.
Amity slowly turned to her right hand and saw a Keyblade, HER Keyblade, in her hand. She slowly widened her eyes and softly gasped.
Amity: I...have...a...Keyblade...
Sora immediately runs over.
Sora: CONGRATULATIONS, AMITY! YOU'RE A KEYBLADE'S CHOSEN!
Amity: I...I am...
Sora: Luz! Are you ok?!
Luz: Ugh. Hanging in there.
Sora: Don't worry. I got you.
Sora casts Curaga, healing her instantly as he drinks an elixir afterward.
Luz: Thanks, Sora.
Sora: No problem.
Amity lets go of Luz, allowing her to stand on her feet.
Soon, Willow, Gus, and Eda joined in to congratulate Amity.
Willow: Amity! This is so great!
Gus: Hooray for our new Keyblade wielder!
Eda: Alright, kiddo! Nice work on saving Luz!
Amity: Thank you. I...just can't believe it... I actually...have a Keyblade.
[End Hikari 光 (Simple and Clean) Orchestral Instrumental Version (0:52)]
Vanitas: Yes, it is quite something.
They all shifted their focus to Vanitas.
Vanitas: Although, it begs the question... How did you get chosen? What drove your heart for you to be worthy? What is...your power...?
[Play Kingdom Hearts - Naminé [Extended]]
Amity had a flashback of what she experienced in her heart, remembering what the voice said at the very end.
[?: Love...is your power.]
Amity paused before turning her head to Luz, looking at her. Luz looked back, and the two were locked in each other's eyes.
Amity: It's... love.
Luz: W...What?
The two continue to blush.
Amity: I mean...like for my friends! My family! Stuff like that!
Sora, Willow, Gus, and Eda internally smirked. They figured out exactly what Amity's power was.
[End Kingdom Hearts - Naminé [Extended]]
-RECORD SCRATCH-
This was interrupted by Vanitas laughing.
Vanitas: Are you serious?! Love?! THAT'S your power?!
Both Amity and Luz looked away, still blushing.
Vanitas: Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. You two are lovebirds now, right? Aw, isn't that cute?
Amity: We're not— We're not *whispering* yet—
Luz: *to Vanitas* Are you serious right now?!
Vanitas: Yes. If I recall correctly, Amity asked YOU out to Grom. And you gushed like a little sap.
Luz growls before looking at Amity, then back to Vanitas.
Luz: You know what? Why not?
Vanitas: Say what?
Luz: Well...I can't exactly say we're in... love... But...
Luz looks back at Amity with a small smile.
Luz: Amity...if...you're...you know...up for it...we can...maybe...give..."us"...a try?
Amity silently perked up.
Amity: Um...yeah. That...sounds nice.
Vanitas: Wow. Asking a girl for a date at a time like this? Bold move, Luz.
Luz: Tch. I'm guessing that's not to your liking?
Vanitas: *shrugs* Eh, I could care less. "May your heart be your guiding key," as they say.
Sora: ENOUGH!
Everyone turns to Sora.
Sora: I'm glad that Amity has a Keyblade and that she and Luz are getting closer. But we'll talk about that later. Right now, we've gotta take out Vanitas! Right here! Right now!
Luz: Oh, right! Amity? Care to take that Keyblade out for a test drive?
Amity: You bet!
The three Keyblade wielders and Willow, Gus, and Eda got into their battle stances, preparing to end this battle.
Vanitas: For once, I agree with you, Sora.
Vanitas immediately summons the Unversed back to his side as he points his Keyblade toward the group.
Vanitas: Let's end this now.
Both sides locked into their stances. Amity, seemingly more ready to fight, grips her Keyblade tightly as she remembers her time facing her fears. From Sora's potential prejudice against same-sex relationships to working up the courage to ask Luz to be her date to Grom, to seeing her date beaten brutally, and overall the battles that Sora himself has faced, like right now. It was then that she and Luz coincidentally remembered one thing Sora once said.
[Sora: They can take your world. They can take your heart. Cut you loose from all you know. But if it's your fate...then every step forward...will always be a step closer to home.]
[Play Hikaru Utada, Skrillex - Face My Fears (English Version)]
The opposing sides stare at one another for a moment before finally clashing again. Except for this time...
Luz/Amity/Willow/Gus/Eda: SWITCH!
They leaped over each other and changed targets: Eda vs. Unversed Camila, Willow vs. Clown Unversed, Luz vs. Unversed Owl Beast, Amity vs. Ladybug Unversed, and Gus vs. Unversed Amity. Meanwhile, Sora and Vanitas were still battling. This time it was much quicker work than before. Thanks to her experience in combat, Eda swiftly dodges Unversed Camila's attacks until Eda lands a blow to its stomach, followed by a blast of light magic to its chest. Willow created her thorned vines to wrap around the Clown's legs and arms and launched a bomb seed at its face, causing an explosion. Luz immediately created light glyphs everywhere to blind the Owl Beast, leaped into the air, and slammed her Keyblade down, striking its head, and causing it to crash to the floor. Amity summoned her abomination goop to trap the Ladybug and simply jabbed her Keyblade into its head. Gus managed to disorient Unversed Amity by creating tons of illusions of himself and having them speak utter gibberish simultaneously. Irritated, Unversed Amity tried to attack each one to find the real Gus, but to no luck. Then the real Gus jumped back, traced a magic circle, and used his index finger to point through and blast a concentrated blast of light magic, hurting his opponent severely as it pierced through its chest.
Gus: Good thing I studied a little more in light magic.
Sora and Vanitas clashed their Keyblades left and right. Dodging each other's hard blows and magic casts. They were still in a stalemate until Sora quickly pulled out a light glyph right in front of Vanitas's mask and activated it, blinding him. This gave Sora a chance to thrust his Keyblade into Vanitas's stomach, launching him backward. Then the others switched back to their original opponents and finished them off one by one. Willow sliced off the Ladybug's head, Gus used his raw magic energy to create a wave attack that sent the Clown straight into the wall, Eda created a blade made of fire and slashed the Owl Beast across its body, Amity did the same thing to her Unversed duplicate. Finally, Luz activated three light glyphs to blind Unversed Camila and finished it off by leaping into the air and performing a vertical slash from head to toe. All the Unversed screeched as they disappeared into a puff of darkness. It was then, Vanitas absorbed all the remnants of the defeated Unversed back into him and increased his power.
Vanitas: *laughs* You may have defeated the Unversed... But remember, as long as negative energy is around, I can absorb it and get stronger!
Vanitas began to overwhelm Sora in their struggle hold until he was knocked away from Sora by magic energy. Vanitas skidded, then stopped with his feet firmly planted onto the floor. He looked to see that Amity had made the attack with her Keyblade.
Vanitas: Oh? Think you're big and bad cause you have a Keyblade now? Amity, you've only had that for a few minutes. I have had mine since my creation and trained under Master Xehanort, learning his brutal techniques.
Vanitas notices the group panting for breath.
Vanitas: And you all seemed to have run out of steam. So...
Vanitas enters his battle stance.
Vanitas: Time for me to finish you all off!
Deciding to end this, Vanitas summons three large dark spheres circling him, points his Keyblade directly at the group, and charges up massive amounts of dark magic to unleash his Dark Cannon.
Wasting no time, everyone rushed towards Vanitas.
Luz: Let me and Amity go last! I've got an idea! Amity, follow my lead!
Amity: Got it!
Sora: EVERYONE, NOW!
Gus creates an illusion construct behind Vanitas to lock him into a bear hug.
Vanitas: What the— let me go!
Willow: I don't think so!
Willow launches thorns at Vanitas, piercing his arms and legs and causing him to yell out in pain.
Eda: My turn! Spicy Toss!
Eda blasts and briefly traps Vanitas in a spiral of fire.
Vanitas: Grr!
Sora: Gravira!
The spell formed a miniature event horizon that traps Vanitas in its weight.
Vanitas: N-no! What are...you...doing?!
Luz: Time to bust THIS out!
Both Luz and Amity ran towards Vanitas in perfect synchronization. Luz pulls out her newly discovered plant glyph.
Luz: Time to end this!
Luz slams the plant glyph onto the floor, activates it, and out comes a large tree with pink leaves, launching Vanitas high into the air. It was then Sora casts Gravira again.
Sora: Force!
Vanitas is then sent downward at high speed.
Vanitas: N-NO! THIS CAN'T BE!
Sora: LUZ! AMITY! FINISH HIM OFF!
Luz: Get ready, Amity!
In a desperate attempt to attack, Vanitas summons sharp tendrils from his hands and tries to pierce both Luz and Amity, but they dodge.
Vanitas: GAH!
Luz and Amity readied their Keyblades and let out a war cry as they rushed and leaped towards Vanitas.
Luz: You may feed off of negativity—
Amity: But you won't get any more from us!
Luz/Amity: Because...
Vanitas: !
They both reached up to Vanitas simultaneously and performed a cross slash.
Luz/Amity: WE'RE NOT AFRAID...AAAANNYYYYYYMOOOOOOORE!
With all their might, Luz and Amity slammed Vanitas deep into the floor, knocking him out and creating a crater loud enough to be heard by all the Grom goers that ran outside. And so, it was done. Vanitas was defeated. The group regained their composure to scope out the damage as the dust cleared. Aside from the crater, there was very little collateral damage. They then took a closer look at Vanitas. It really seems like he's unconscious. Sora then steps forward.
[End Hikaru Utada, Skrillex - Face My Fears (English Version)]
Sora: This time, I'll end him for good.
Everyone else paused but nodded, telling him to do it.
Sora was preparing himself to indeed finish off Vanitas until he suddenly raised his head and did a backflip with his mask falling off. This startled everyone as they got ready to fight again.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Master Xehanort- Extended [Redux]]
Vanitas raised his head to look at the group with a tiring yet sadistic grin. The group sees it all, Vanita's true face, identical to Sora's, just like in the memories. Black hair and yellow eyes.
Luz: Get him, Sora!
Sora rushed forward but was blocked by Vanitas, creating a large barrier with every inch of his leftover magic.
Vanitas: N-not bad at all, rookies... I wish you could've unleashed your darkness, Luz. That would've been nice to see.
Luz: Heck no!
Vanitas: Tch. Oh, well. You may have won today...but I'll be back...
Vanitas then creates a dark corridor below him and leaves through it, allowing the barrier to disappear.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Master Xehanort- Extended [Redux]]
Sora: *growls* He got away again...
Eda: Eh, don't worry about it. He's a lot weaker now, so he won't last long.
Luz: Next time...
Amity: We'll be ready.
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]
Everyone else turned to Amity, who still had her Keyblade in hand. They stood in awe. Especially Sora. He was proud. Proud to see that Amity was worthy and chosen by the Keyblade. Sora was the first to walk up to Amity with a soft smile.
Sora: Look at you.
Amity: ?
Sora: Another Keyblade's chosen right in front of us.
Amity: Y-yeah... But...am I really worthy of it?
Sora: You have it in your hand, Amity. Of course, you are worthy.
Amity: Yeah...but...
Luz then stepped forward, also smiling.
Luz: Don't doubt yourself, Amity. Look at everything you've done to get to this point.
Amity did just that from the day she met Luz and Sora. She began to tear up, hugging her Keyblade.
Amity: I honestly didn't think...I was good enough...for this...for you guys...for anything. All I ever did in the past was hurt others.
Sora: And now, you changed. You've changed because you wanted to. You felt the darkness in the past, and now you feel light. Don't you?
Amity: ...Yeah.
Sora: During the battle, I heard what your opponent said to you. You know that none of it was true. You are good. You may have been lost, but you're still good. And the fact that you unlocked your Keyblade's power by...
Amity: Love.
Amity and Luz glanced at one another and quickly looked away with blushing smiles.
Amity: *ahem* To be clear...
Sora: I know. Love doesn't always mean...well, you know. It can also be platonic. For your friends and family, and just caring about people deeply overall.
Amity: Yeah, that. Totally.
Sora: Love is your power. You don't want to see people you care about getting hurt. You want to protect them. And, of course, bad guys aren't getting that from you.
Amity: Tch. Darn right, they're not. I know you guys are strong, in your right, but I still want to protect you and be there in any way I can.
Sora: I would like that.
Willow: Me too.
Gus: Yeah!
Eda: And now that we have three Keyblade wielders, we'll be stronger!
The three wielders un-summoned their Keyblades.
Luz: And, of course, Sora has a new student. And we have a new training partner!
Luz side hugs Amity, causing her to return the hug with a blush.
Amity: Great. Totally great.
The two noticed the others smirking at the two.
Eda: Try not to get too distracted while training, Ok?
Luz and Amity immediately let go of one another and began to stammer about how they were not exactly that close.
Sora: Alright. That's enough teasing, you guys.
Luz/Amity: Thank you, Sora.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]
Sora: We should get everyone back in here and let them know.
Luz: They're already here.
They then turn to see everyone back inside the gymnasium, with King leading them. It was then Principal Bump awakened and saw all the students.
Principal Bump: Oh, what has happened here?!
King: I managed to get everyone back after seeing "Grom" defeated.
Principal Bump: Grom has been defeated?
Skara: Is it true?!
Sora: That's right! Luz and Amity delivered a killer final blow!
Willow: It was awesome!
Both Luz and Amity sheepishly chuckled and waved.
Gus grabs a mic.
Gus: That's right, folks! A happy ending for this year's Grom! Let's give a big hand to Grom Queens, Luz, and Amity!
The students ran toward the two, cheering. They parade the girls, holding them up as Sora, Willow, Eda, Gus, and King clap for them.
Luz and Amity laugh and smile at each other warmly.
Sora: Hey! Aren't we supposed to be having a party right now?!
Principal Bump: That is correct! Let Grom Night continue!
Everyone cheered but stopped when they didn't hear music playing.
Principal Bump: Where are the musicians?! Don't tell me they quit!
Sora: Not to worry, Principal Bump. I have a solution.
Principal Bump: Oh? And what is that?
Sora: Let's just say I called up a friend willing to provide quality music.
?: THAT WOULD BE MEEEE!
It was Genie, disguised as a demon, wearing an outfit resembling a DJ from the '90s with shades. Genie instantly summoned a whole sound system and inserted the vinyl, playing music.
Genie: *Steve "Rollin" Gibson impression* What is good, young ladies and gentlemen?! The name's Jax! And I'm here to provide y'all some sick beats! So, grab your dates and dance the night away!
[Play Final Fantasy 7 Remake - Funk With Me (Extended)]
Liking the music being played, everyone did just as Genie said and danced, really having a great time. Sora then presents a hand to Willow.
Sora: Care to dance?
Willow: Oh, of course.
The two went off. With Sora holding onto Willow's waist and Willow holding onto Sora's shoulders, the two danced to the rhythm.
Luz: Alright, now it's a party!
Amity: Well then, if it is, may I have this dance?
She holds out her hand to Luz. Luz grins and takes it. They come close to dance as everyone makes room for the Grom Queen. Luz and Willow made their way to the center in front of everyone and danced. Sora and Willow, of course, stopped dancing to see Luz and Amity show off their moves. Luz spins Amity, and Amity casts a spell with her feet, leaving behind a trail of sparkles. Amity then rises as she dips Luz. Luz stands up and lets go of Amity. She stands from behind her, and the two perform some synchronized freestyle dance moves. Luz and Amity quickly extended their right hands outward, then downward while swinging their left arms counterclockwise before separating. They did a little hip-hop before turning around and swooped her hips side to side and lined up with Amity in the front and Luz in the back. They dipped themselves in opposite directions twice. Amity started with her right, while Luz started with her left. The two separate again while twirling, and Amity struck a pose by placing her left on her hip as she swooped it out with a smirk, while Luz struck a pose by lowering her head with a smile, placing her left hand on her chest, while extending her right arm outward with her index finger pointing. The two then slid across each other left and right, turned around, and finished by pointing their arms to their left and slowly rotating them to their right. Everyone clapped, and their hands roared with cheers.
Gus: *on the mic* Alright, Grom Queens! Awesome dancing!
Sora: Our turn!
Everyone turned to Sora and Willow.
Willow: Grom Queens were good!
Sora: But we've got some moves to show off, too, if you don't mind.
Luz: Oh-ho! By all means, show us what you got!
Amity: Bring it!
Gus: *on the mic* Alright, ladies and gentlemen! It seems we have challengers! Let's see what they got!
The crowd cheers as Sora and Willow step into the center in front of everyone.
[End Final Fantasy 7 Remake - Funk With Me (Extended)]
[Play Final fantasy 7 remake OST Sync and Swim extended]
Sora and Willow stand next to each, completely still for a bit, before turning to the crowd, swiftly moving their arms in a pattern and circling them above their heads. They then turn around again, slightly leaning their shoulders to their right and bopping them a bit before circling their arms above their heads again. Finally, they turned around again, standing in place. They swung their right arms up, then lowered them while swinging their left arms up and shook them while kicking downward with their right legs. They bounced once while crisscrossing her legs, twirled, stopped, clapped their hands once, and extended their arms to their left. They then lined up with Willow in the front and Sora in the back, moved their arms diagonally in a mirrored fashion briefly before finishing with Willow curling her arms and hands over her chest and Sora doing the same thing over Willow's stomach and extending their arms and hands outward, making it seem like Willow has four wings. The crowd, especially the girls, clapped their hands and roared with cheers.
Gus: *on the mic* Alright, that was excellent!
Luz: Hey! Let's end this "dance battle" with a bang!
Amity: I'm in!
Sora: Ready, Willow?
Willow: Heck, yeah!
Gus: *on the mic* Alright, go wild!
[End Final fantasy 7 remake OST Sync and Swim extended]
[Play Final Fantasy 7 Remake - Vibe Valentino (1 minute ver.)]
The four lined up next to each other and started tapping their right foot for a bit until they began sliding left and right while curling their arms downward and sinking their knees in which direction they slid in repeat. They then spun in place, stopped, swung their right arms, and placed them onto their knees as they sunk their left knees and moved their bodies in a wavy movement. They then stood up, crouched, stood up, crouched, and stood up again before they high stomped while they threw swung their arms downward repeatedly. Luz and Amity faced each other. Sora and Willow did the same. And the two groups, still in perfect synchronization, waltzed to the rhythm fabulously for a bit until they neared the big finish. Sora grabbed Willow, and Luz grabbed Amity and spun them around several times before putting them on their feet. To finish, Sora and Luz twirl Willow and Amity in place for a few seconds before dipping them in a mirrored fashion. Both Willow and Amity even performed jazz hands.
[End Final Fantasy 7 Remake - Vibe Valentino (1 minute ver.)]
Gus: *on the mic* That was AWESOME! Give it up for this year's greatest dancers of Grom.
The crowd roared with cheers again as they applauded with whistles. Luz, Amity, Sora, and Willow took a minute to breathe before high-fiving each other.
Luz/Amity/Sora/Willow: AW, YEAH!
[Cut to the outside of Hexside's entrance]
Grom had finished, and everyone had already left. Except for our group.
Gus: *yawns* Guess it's time for me to head home now. That was some party. And battle.
Luz: I'll say.
Sora: Ok, guys. Gotta drop Willow off at her house. *to Willow* Ready?
Willow: Yup.
Sora picks her up and floats into the air.
Sora: See ya guys later.
Eda/Luz/King/Amity/Gus: See ya.
Sora and Willow immediately flew straight to Willow's home.
Gus then notices a man with glasses looking at him with staff in hand.
Gus: Oh, hey, dad! *turns to the others* Welp. Ride's here. See you guys later.
Luz/Amity/Eda/King: See ya.
Gus heads towards his dad, and the two fly off.
Amity: Hey, Luz?
Luz: Yeah?
Amity: Despite Vanitas showing up and crashing the party, I hope you...still had a great time.
Luz: Of course. I'll admit, I'm more scared than before. Of course, that comes with the territory of fighting Vanitas.
Eda: Yup. We saw the memories and, first-hand little psycho craves pain and misery.
Luz: Right. But I'll just have to get stronger! And no doubt, Sora's gonna step my training.
Eda: Me as well, kid. It's great that you discovered a new glyph, but now we gotta get you to use magic on the spot. And let's not forget our newest Keyblade wielder, Sora's gonna recruit you soon.
Amity: *nods*
Luz: Right. But, other than that, I had a great time. And YOU are an amazing dancer.
Amity: *giggles* So are you.
The two paused for a bit before Eda and King discreetly stepped back, giving the two teens privacy.
Amity: Hey...um... About what you said earlier...
Luz: Hm?
Amity: You know...about giving..."us"...a try?
Luz: Oh. OH. Yeah, that.
The two blush and smile sheepishly.
Luz: If you're up for it...we could...say...schedule something for...just us...sometime?
Amity: Yeah, sure.
Luz: Ok! Cool! I mean...cool.
The two giggle as Eda pretends not to be watching.
Eda: *thinking* Real smooth, kiddo. *chuckles*
[Cut to Willow's House]
Sora and Willow landed right at the front door.
Sora: Well, aside from Vanitas showing up and crashing Grom and fighting us, I hope you had a great time, Willow.
Willow: Of course I did. You know, you're one heck of a dancer.
Sora: Thank you, and so are you.
Both chuckle before sighing.
[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
Willow: So...will Amity be training under you soon?
Sora: Oh yeah. But, before any of that, I'll have to let Master Yen-Sid know the good news.
Willow: And...about Luz. She got the worst of the battle. I hope she'll be ok.
Sora: I'll make sure she recovers. In fact, I'm thinking of holding off on her training until she fully recovers.
Willow: *nods*
Sora: Oh, by the way, Willow. Thanks for asking me to Grom and for...you know...getting those girls off my back.
Willow: *playfully punches Sora's arm* Heeeey, don't sweat it. That's what friends are for.
Sora chuckles.
Willow Plus, I didn't want you to just go alone...if that's what you were planning to do.
Sora: Honesty... I kinda was considering just going alone.
Willow: Well, that wouldn't be fair, now would it? And...I kinda figured you were thinking about Kairi and how it would've been cool if she was here. No doubt you two would've Grom King sand Queen material. Wink wink.
Sora: Tch. Naaah.
Willow: Uh-huh~.
The two laughed a bit before hugging.
Sora: Thanks for looking out for me.
Willow: You've done that for me so many times. About the time I returned the favor.
Suddenly, Harvey's voice came from the house.
Harvey: Willow? Is that you?!
Willow: *whispering* Oh, shoot! You better go quickly!
Sora: *whispering* Right! See ya at school!
Willow: *whispering* See ya at school!
The two quickly fist-bumped before Sora blasted off to the Owl House.
[End Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]
[Cut to the Owl House]
Eda, King, and Luz have just arrived home, with Luz looking down.
Eda: Whoo! Watch out for this, human! Oh, you did good, kid.
Luz: Thanks, but... I'm gonna go to bed.
Luz enters her room with a sigh. She opens the window and sits on the windowsill, looking out.
Luz: I managed to face my mom in my heart...but I failed to face Vanitas and his power adequately. But, of course, Eda and Sora did tell me he was dangerous. And he's out there somewhere...
Luz recalls her fight against the Unversed Camila. She shudders while hugging herself.
Luz: I've never been so scared in my entire life... And this is just a taste of what Sora faces on a regular basis. Am I really ready for this? Am I really cut out for this?
It was then she heard a knock on her door.
Luz: Who's there?
Sora: Sora.
Luz: Sora? Come in.
Sora does so as he walks towards Luz.
Sora: How are you feeling? And be honest.
Luz: *sigh* Scared. I actually thought I was going to die back there...from that Unversed beating me down.
Sora: ...
Luz: I wonder if I'm really cut out for this. Being a Keyblade wielder.
Sora: Yeah, I get that. I had that feeling lots of times. When my world was destroyed, that time in Hollow Bastion when Saix showed up, failing to save Kairi in time.
Luz: And yet, you managed to keep hoping. Hoping that everything will work out in the end.
Sora: Yeah. But...it's not the only thing I keep. Hope is important, but it's not enough to do what you need to do.
Luz: Are you going to up my training?
Sora: Yes. But not now.
Luz: What?
Sora: Luz. You just experienced the terror that Vanitas can bring. It's not something you can just shrug off. Yes, you'll need training. But you rest first. Take time to process everything. We'll resume your training at a later time. Ok?
Luz: Ok.
Suddenly, Luz's phone vibrates. She turns it on to find two texts from her mom: "How was your day? ❤, Mamá!" and "Miss you, Mija."
Luz: Hmm.
Sora: Your mom?
Luz: Yeah...
She types a duck emoji. Then, looking into her room and at Sora. she changes her mind and types, "Miss you too, Mami." She sends it.
Luz: Give me a sec, Sora.
Sora: Right.
He turns around and walks a bit away while Luz continues typing.
[Play KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX(0:00)]
Luz: [Narrating] I won't lie. Today was hard. And I don't always feel like I'm supposed to be here.
[Fade to Amity sitting in her window, looking out of it]
She opens a memory box she has in her lap.
Luz: [Narrating] But when things get tough, my friends help me out.
Amity puts her tiara in the box and closes it. She closes her eyes and leans against the window frame before standing up and heading toward her mirror. She notices brown coring becoming more prominent in her hair. Her face turns stern.
[Fade to the Owl House living room]
Eda is snoring on the couch. King jumps up and lays on her stomach, then falls asleep.
Luz: [Narrating] I think you'd like them.
Eda wakes up and looks at King. She smiles, puts a hand on his back, and closes her eyes again.
[Fade back to Luz sitting on her windowsill]
Luz: [Narrating] Te extraño también, Mami. One day, I'll tell you all about this.
The wind howls, blowing clouds away from the moon. Luz looks out at sea and smiles. She receives another text from her mom. It reads: "can't wait! P.S. love receiving your letters!"
Luz: Aw. That's a cute way of saying "text."
Sora: I'm guessing she can't wait to see you?
Luz: Ever the sharp one, aren't you?
Sora: Hmph. Listen...about your Unversed opponent. I heard some of the things it said... And...
Luz: You're thinking if I'm gonna let that get the better of me? I won't. Yeah, it was scary and hurtful to hear those words from my mom's voice. But I know that's not who my mom really is at heart. She would never say or do those things to me. But, dang it, I wish I could see her again.
Sora: You will. We just gotta take it one day at a time. Until then, you're not alone. And I promise to be there for you and keep you safe.
Luz: I know. Thanks, Sora.
Sora: And for what's it worth...
Luz: ?
Sora: I don't know if anyone's ever said this to you before, but... I think you're pretty cool. Just the way you are.
Luz began to tear up but stopped herself before any could form. She then turns around and hugs Sora tightly, to which he returns. After that, Luz didn't say anything until she started to cry a little bit.
[End KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX (1:01)]
[Fade to Camila Noceda]
Camila is lying in bed, smiling at her phone. She turns it off and puts it on her nightstand next to a pile of letters, seemingly written by Luz. Finally, Camila turns and goes to sleep. Among the letters, the top letter says, "Hi, Mom! I am having a great time at camp. Today we learned what mortgages are! I can't wait to get home and see you. Let's do lots of fun mother/daughter activities forever and ever. Love, Your Daughter, -LUS- LUZ".
[Fade to outskirts of sorts]
[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Master Xehanort- Extended [Redux]]
Vanitas stands on top of the tallest plateau.
Vanitas: They're something else, aren't they? Hmm...if Amity had unlocked her Keyblade, I would've won. No matter. I'll just have to acquire more power and deal with them next time. And once I do, I'll pay my brother a visit.
[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Master Xehanort- Extended [Redux]]
[Cut to a photo album titled "Grom Memories"]
It flips through pictures of the night: A photo of Cat and the pufferfish student posing awkwardly, trying not to touch. Of Skara and her date pushing them out of the way. Of the two with their Grom jerseys. Of Boscha, Bo, and Selene posing. Of them making silly faces. Of Mattholomule photobombing, with the girls looking angry. Of Luz posing in her Grom outfit. Of her looking over. Of only her boot in the frame. Lastly, a photo of Luz with her arm around a blushing Amity, Willow, and Sora next to each other, throwing peace signs next to them, and Gus posing with his microphone behind them.
[Fade to Kairi and Naminé in a void]
[Play Kairi III - Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]
Naminé: Sora and the others not only had a great time but also successfully defeated Vanitas.
Kairi stood there with a soft smile.
Kairi: I'm happy that Sora and his friends are doing well. Thank you for going over there and checking on them.
Naminé: Of course. And soon, they will all come for you.
Kairi: *nods* Hm. Although, I gotta say...
Kairi puts up a small pouting face.
Kairi: He seemed to have lots of fun with that Willow girl.
Naminé: Oh, come now. You know he only has eyes for you. AND vice versa~.
Kairi blushes and quickly adverts Naminé's eyes.
Kairi: *smirking* I don't know what you're talking about.
Naminé: *giggles* I'll head back later and relay more information we have learned about this place.
[End Kairi III - Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]
Kairi: Right. Thank you again.
Naminé nods.
[Play KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night (1:30)]
[Fade to Kairi in a bed in a regal bedroom of sorts]
Kairi is seemingly sleeping in a bed peacefully.
[Fade to the outside of hallways]
Two Emperor's Coven guards stand in front of the door leading into Kairi's room. The hallways are painted with art features displayed on their walls.
[Fade to the outside of the large castle in its entirety]
The castle is large, with color being primarily dark white with gold being the secondary. Banners of the Emperor's Coven sigil are hung all over each level. And the bottom base has spikes erected from the very bottom. On the very top, the tower appears to be producing vast flames like a volcano. The castle is surrounded by man-made walls, buildings, mountains, and spikes filling the very bottom of the ground.
[End KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night (2:04)]
