CHAPTER 23.3: Hexside Trio

PREVIOUSLY...

Eda: ...Why?

Lilith: What?

Eda: Why did you curse me? What the heck possessed you to do something so stupid and dangerous? ...Was it because I was always better than you?

Lilith: ...No...

Eda: Was it because Ma paid more attention to me than you BEFORE the curse?

Lilith: No...

Eda: Was it because you just hated me that much!?

Lilith: NO! Titan, all mighty, no!

Eda: THEN WHAT!? TELL ME! WHY WOULD YOU CURSE YOUR OWN LITTLE SISTER!?

Lilith: YOU WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE CURSED!

Eda became taken aback by that.

Eda: ...W-What?!

Lilith: You weren't supposed to be cursed! You weren't supposed to turn into a beast! You were just supposed to lose your powers for a day!

Eda: Lose my powers for a day?! What do you mean by that exactly?!

Lilith: *sigh* Do you remember...when we were kids? When we were both trying out for a position in the Emperor's Coven?

Eda widened her eyes, starting to put the pieces from there.

Lilith: Being in the Emperor's Coven was my dream. I wanted to work alongside the most powerful witch on the Isles and make the world a better place. And you wanted to be with me. But then...

[Flashback]

[It was at the Hexside grudgby pitch, where a field day is being held. During this, Eda and Lilith were students standing in front of the Emperor's Coven stand.

Emperor's Coven Delegate: One spot is available. You duel tomorrow. The winner will join our ranks.

The young sisters looked at each other nervously.

Lilith: *voiceover* I knew you would beat me. You were younger but worked twice as hard. You met me at my level.

Teen Lilith walked away from the stand while Teen Eda reached out to her.

[Cut to Teen Lilith wearing a cloak and walking through the Night Market]

Lilith: *voiceover* Emperor Belos always said, "To be great, you have to make sacrifices." What would he do in my situation? I found a spell that would take away her powers.

Teen Lilith looks at a scroll with an owl seal on it. Her face goes from nervous to determined, and she breaks the seal. A bright red light comes from the scroll, taking over the screen.

[Cut to a door opening to Eda's room as she sleeps]

An indistinct, shadowy figure becomes Lilith as she steps forward and pulls down the hood of her cloak. She approaches Eda's bed, holding out the cursed scroll. It glows red again, reflecting in Lilith's glasses ominously.

Lilith: *voiceover* I thought it would just be for a day.

[Cut to the Hexside grudgby pitch again]

The stands are packed this time, and Teen Eda and Teen Lilith stand opposite each other. They each raise an arm in a dueling pose before Lilith runs forward with a yell, a blue flame appearing in her hand. Eda watches her approach.

Teen Eda : No!

Teen Lilith skids to a halt, the flame on her hand-dying out. She looks surprised.

Teen Eda: I refuse to battle my sister.

Teen Eda walks up to a shell-shocked Lilith.

Teen Eda: I've decided that covens aren't really my style. Don't forget me when you're a big shot, sis.

Lilith: *voiceover* And as you walked away...

Teen Eda barely makes it to the edge of the grudgby pitch before she starts yelling in pain and falls to her hands and knees. Feathers burst from her hand and race up her arm, tearing the seam of her uniform. Brown wings sprout from her back, her ears grow as she covers her face with claws, until she screams in a voice part-witch and part-beast, her eyes pitch black. The newly transformed Owl Beast looks at the crowd and looks at Lilith, terrified. The crowd yells and jeers.

Crowd Member #1: What is that?!

Crowd Member #2: That girl is a monster!

A rock hits Beast Eda's forehead. Emperor's Coven members continue to throw rocks at her as the crowd boos until Beast Eda flares her wings and snarls at them.

Crowd Member #3: Get out! Go!

Beast Eda does just that, turning tail and running away.

Teen Lilith: Edalyn!

Teen Lilith tried to go after her but was stopped by the Emperor's coven delegate.

Emperor's Coven Delegate: *grabs Lilith's arm* Lilith Clawthrone, we welcome you to the Emperor's coven!

He holds Teen Lilith's arm up in triumph as the crowd cheers. Teen Lilith lowered her head in shame, closed her eyes, and opened them again with a frown.

Lilith: *voiceover* I made my sacrifice for the Emperor, and it was time to receive my reward.]

[Cut to present day]

Lilith: I've been pursuing you because if you had joined the Emperor's Coven, Emperor Belos would heal your curse. It's not too late, Edalyn. Emperor Belos can still heal your curse. Just surrender yourself to him, and you'll finally be free.

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Aqua- Extended [Redux]]

[Play Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -Distant From You- Extended]

Lilith pled with a saddened smile, hoping Eda would still see reason. But instead, she became horrified. Lilith was met with a psychotic glare from Eda. Her fists were clenched tightly, her nails almost digging into her hands, gritted teeth were widely shown, her eyes widened and narrowed, her pupils dilated, and tears forming in her eyes. This whole time, she became cursed because Lilith simply wanted to win for once. And what's worse is that it meant that Lilith lied to Eda, their family, and everyone who was close to their family.

Eda: YOU...STUPID...WITCH...

Lilith: !?

Eda: I'VE SUFFERED FOR DECADES ALL BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO BEAT ME FOR ONCE IN YOUR TITAN FORSAKEN LIFE!? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!? DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO DAD!? I CUT OUT HIS LEFT EYE AND GAVE HIM PERMANENT NERVE DAMAGE BECAUSE OF YOU!

Lilith: Edalyn—

Finally having enough of this, Eda created a lasso spell with her left hand that wrapped around Lilith's neck tightly, dragged her towards herself, and slammed Lilith onto the bridge by punching her in the face with all her wrath and strength. Eda heard a sound of a bone breaking, very likely the front of Lilith's skull, and even lost a tooth in the process. A large amount of blood is splattered across the bridge, some dripping from Lilith's mouth and some on Eda's right fist. Eda panted for breath, trying to calm herself down. After which, Eda looked down, staring at the unconscious Lilith. An image popped into her head, an image of Eda and Lilith getting along with each other as kids. But that quickly fades away at the current sight of Lilith now.

Eda: ...I hate you.

Eda turned around and began to join the others but was surprised to see Sora standing there with tears in his eyes. Turns out, he stayed behind and saw the entire thing play out.

Eda: Sora? I thought I told you to—

Before Eda could finish, Sora immediately ran up to Eda and hugged her tightly, not saying anything. Eda understood what Sora was trying to do and knelt and returned the hug. She understood that this was Sora's way of saying sympathizing and, in a way, empathizing with her. Both had lost families, were forced to suffer, sought comfort from friends, and had some type of beast in them. But most importantly, it was his way of saying that he'll always be there for her as well, no matter what. And so, they maintained their hug while letting their tears fall.

[End Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance -Distant From You- Extended]


[Play KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX]

After Eda knocked Lilith unconscious, Sora embraced Eda to comfort her. They both sighed as they let each other go and looked toward Lilith.

Sora: I can't believe that was her reason.

Eda: I know.

Sora: The worst part of this...was that...it was all for nothing. Sure, she joined the coven, but at what cost? Nothing but pain.

Eda: Hmph.

Sora: And had she just talked this out with you, none of this would've happened.

Eda: Yeah. But even if she had, we'd still play cat and mouse anyway in the end.

Sora: Hm...

Sora turns to Eda with concern.

Sora: Do you need a minute? I can go on ahead... But I can also stay with you if you want...

Eda sighs before turning to Sora to ruffle his hair with a smile.

Eda: Let's go help the others.

Sora: Ok.

As soon as they stood up, they began to leave. Then, Sora noticed Eda's right hand was bruised and bloody...and remembered something else.

Sora: Wait, Eda! Your hand!

Eda: Hm?

Eda notices her hand, staring intently.

Eda: Oh. That. It's no big—

Sora used a Cura spell to heal Eda's hand, then summoned a clean damp towel, and it used to clean the blood off her hand, leaving it good as new. Surprised, Eda examined her to see that it was indeed better.

Sora: There. All better.

Eda lets out a pleased yet broken chuckle.

Eda: Kiddo, you didn't have to do that. I could've healed myself—

Eda then saw Sora immediately walking away from her and towards Lilith, summoning his Keyblade again. Eda tensed up, anxious about what Sora's intentions were.

Eda: Sora? What are you—

Sora: Curaga!

She got her answer by seeing Sora pointing his Keyblade and ultimately healing Lilith's injuries. Eda didn't know for sure, but she could've sworn she heard noises from Lilith's body, almost as if her body and bones were rebuilding themselves into place.

Sora: That should do it.

Sora takes out a Mega-Ether and drinks it to replenish his magic as he walks back to Eda. Eda had her mouth slightly opened, perplexed and in awe of Sora's actions.

Eda: Healing me, I get. But...healing Lilith? Despite...what she did?

Sora: *chuckles* In your case, you know me. I don't like to see you get hurt. *normal* As for Lilith, despite what she did to us, I...honestly wouldn't feel right just leaving her like that. She probably might not have survived later on the longer she went without medical attention. Plus, I feel like I owe you that much.

Despite seeing it repeatedly, in real-time, or in his memories, Eda became taken aback by Sora's kindness and compassion for others, especially his friends and even his enemies, when need be.

Eda: ...You really care that much...

Sora: Of course.

Eda: *chuckles* Aww, kiddo.

Eda pulls Sora in for a hug while also giving him a playful noogie.

Eda: I swear, I'll get a massive sweet tooth because of you.

Sora laughs. But afterward, as Eda lets him go, he grows a remorseful expression.

Eda: What's wrong?

Sora: ...I wanna say... I'm sorry.

Eda: For what?

Sora turns his head to look at the unconscious Lilith.

Sora: For losing control... Even though what Lilith did was horrible, I still hurt your sister.

Eda frowned, remembering Sora's Rage Form and how he was close to possibly killing Lilith if given a chance. While she was out of the event, she wasn't mad at Sora. She understood that Sora doesn't have control in the form aside from attacking enemies only. If anything, she was livid at Lilith. Sure, the Rage Form is a concern, but to Eda, it wasn't his fault. It was Lilith's, especially with what she had done. Eda could live with what Lilith had done to her, as she has done so for decades and managed it. However, she couldn't live with the idea of Sora completely losing his heart. That said, Eda wanted to talk to Sora about the ordeal.

Eda: Sora...you have nothing to be sorry about.

Sora: What?

Eda: It wasn't your fault. It was Lilith's. Lilith did something horrible that she shouldn't have done to you...to Kairi...or me. I can take her trying to capture me, but I'd be darned if I let her hurt you, Kairi, Luz, or the others. Besides, if you hadn't beat on her, I would've, as you saw earlier. And honestly, Lilith can consider herself disowned. Anyone who hurts my friends or my family is on my hit list.

Sora, closing his eyes, lowers his head with a nod. Eda could clearly see how remorseful Sora remains.

Eda: Heeeey, cheer up. Come on, look at me.

Sora does so.

Eda: You, Luz, King, and even Hooty are all the family I need right now. Remember, us weirdos...

Sora: We have to stick together.

Eda: Exactly.

Eda paused for a bit, then placed her hands on Sora's shoulders, taking on a serious expression.

Eda: That said, I gotta make something VERY clear with you.

Sora nods, ready to listen.

Eda: You heard my talk with Lilith, so you know what I said about you taking lives and not doing it out of anger and malice.

Sora: *slowly nods* Yes.

Eda: Sora...I know you killed some bad guys from their native worlds when they completely succumbed to darkness. And we don't need to talk about Organization XIII. I'm not going to judge you in those instances because I know it had to be done. But in Lilith's case... Look, I won't lie; if I had the opportunity, I would've torn apart if she was gonna have me or someone close to me killed. But the way you were doing it now, blind anger, didn't sit right with me. And if we hadn't stopped you, it would've ended ugly for everyone, especially you. Had anyone else seen that, they would've deemed you a murderer. A possible threat to everyone in the Isles. Do you get what I'm saying?

Sora: Yes.

Eda: Now again, you killed before to defend yourself and your friends and to save the universe. I'm ok with that. BUT. I don't want you to lose it like you did before and try to kill it that way. Don't get me wrong, I know life doesn't work that way. Meaning life will REALLY back you into a corner. But still, I want you to keep your heart. So...Sora...just like with Kairi, I want you to promise me something, ok?

Sora nodded silently.

Eda: Never use Rage Form again unless you absolutely don't have a choice. Can you promise me that?

Sora: I promise.

Eda: Good. I would hate for you to turn into a bloodthirsty assassin.

Sora chuckles brokenly.

Sora: Ironically, Gus suggested we take out some guards, but I told him to try to keep the body count...to...zero.

Eda: Yeesh. That kid can be morbid sometimes.

Sora looks on at Lilith, still feeling guilty about the ordeal. Which Eda notices.

Eda: Still feeling bad, huh?

Sora nods.

Eda: Aww...you and your big heart. Well...if you really feel the need to make it up to me. I might have a few ideas.

Sora: Oh?

Eda: For starters, you can take King to the playground this weekend. Let me have some peace and quiet.

Sora: Sounds fair.

Eda: I could use some help organizing some stuff in my closet.

Sora: Ok.

Eda: Oh. And since it's past midnight, I'd like a chef's request.

Sora: Oh, really?

Eda: A giant breakfast with all our favorites and extras. You got all that?

Sora: Sure thing, Moooooo—

It was at this moment that he knew...he messed up. Eda, widening her eyes in surprise with a slight blush, couldn't help but lean towards Sora with a mischievous smirk.

Eda: No, no. Please continue~.

[End KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days [Xion's Theme] Kingdom Hearts HD I.5 ReMIX]

Suddenly, they heard an explosion from the castle.

Sora: Guys!

Sora immediately flew through the hole in the wall.

Eda: *smirks* Hmph. Saved by the boom.

Eda immediately followed Sora.

[Cut to Belos's throne room]

[Play Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix -The 13th Reflection- Extended]

We find Luz, who just cast Reflera to block a large black and green fireball from Maleficent.

Luz: Try harder!

Maleficent: Indeed I shall!

We then find Gus and Kairi fighting off Pete. Gus is using his illusions to keep Pete on his toes. Meanwhile, Kairi kept her distance and provided backup by casting Fire and Thunder.

Pete: D'oh! Stop with the party tricks!

Pete tries to punch Gus but swiftly dodges with a backward jump.

Pete: Ugh! Who are you, brats!?

Thanks to the concealment stones Sora gave, the witchlings still maintain their disguise. And because of that, neither Pete nor Maleficent can recognize them. Pete tries to punch Gus but swiftly dodges with a backward jump, landing next to Kairi.

Gus: Kairi, how are you feeling?

Kairi: I'm ok.

Gus: Good. Try not to overexert yourself.

Meanwhile, Amity and Willow have difficulty with the Golden Guard due to his speed every time they dodge their attacks. Every time they did so, they'd leave a gold streak of light behind.

Amity: Argh! Hold still!

Amity created an abomination sword, while Willow created vine whips. One after another, the girls did their best to get a hit on the Golden Guard. But of course, the Golden Guard used their staff to block every single attack, and it certainly didn't help that his speed continued to be their advantage.

Willow: Darn!

The Golden Guard landed in front of Willow, and with a quick glance, they used their staff's power to trap Willow in a red aura and flung her away, making her yelp. Fortunately, Willow recovered quickly, and Amity seized the opportunity to trap the Golden Guard in abomination goop.

Amity: Gotcha!

Amity, with all her strength, slammed the Golden Guard to the floor like a ragdoll, spun in place quickly, and flung them across the throne room, crashing against a wall, leaving them to slump on the floor.

Amity: Finally.

Amity ran towards to check on Willow.

Willow: Ugh.

Amity: You ok?

Willow: Yeah. I'm fine.

Amity: Here.

Amity extends her hand out for Willow to take, which she does. Both girls stand until they notice Gus landing on his back by their feet.

Gus: Argh!

The girls knelt to help Gus up.

Willow: Sneak!

Amity: You good?

Gus: Yeah. But help Kairi!

The girls see Kairi struggling against Pete. Kairi casts a Blizzard in hopes of stopping Pete at his feet, but it is futile when he shatters the ice with his fist.

Pete: Hahaha! What's wrong, princess? Feeling under the weather?

Kairi: Shut up!

Kairi shot a Fira spell at Pete, but he was deflected by his pure strength combined with darkness.

Pete: Hahaha! You're gonna have to do better than that, runt!

Before Kairi could do anything else, Pete was suddenly hit in the face by three bullets of abomination goop by Amity. With muffled yelling, Pete struggled to remove the goop off his face as it was really stuck to him.

Amity: Get away from her!

The witchlings regrouped with Kairi, huddling around her and ready to defend.

Amity: Are you ok?

Kairi: Yeah...thank you.

Pete then managed to rip off the abomination goop from his face and turned to the teens.

Pete: Oh, that's it! You brats are done!

Pete was about to strike until he got hit on his side by what seemed to be debris.

Pete: D'ow! Who did that!?

Everybody turned to see it was Sora and Eda standing in front of the hole.

Sora: Hey, Pete! Hot potato!

Sora used construction magic to mold 3 pieces of debris into stone spheres and launched them at Pete. One hit him in the face, and another hit him in the gut, causing him to almost fall over but still trying to keep himself standing.

[End Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMix -The 13th Reflection- Extended]

Unfortunately for Pete, the last stone ended up hitting him in the...well...let's just say it hit him in his little PJ's. Pete let out a small meow before bellowing in pain.

Pete: DAAAAAAH-

[Play The Commodores - Easy (1977) (0:53)]

Pete immediately went into his happy place by swinging happily under a tree while a unicorn neighs in the background.

[End The Commodores - Easy (1977) (1:02)]

Pete: AAAAAAAH!

We now find Pete, still in pain, falling on his stomach and holding onto his PJ's. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, winced at the sight.

Luz: Oooh! That's gotta hurt.

Willow: *nods, trying to look away* Uh-huh.

Amity: It's times like this...I'm glad to be a girl.

Not even Maleficent enjoyed this.

Maleficent: Of all the barbaric...

[Cut to the outskirts near the castle]

A figure standing out in the outskirts near the castle winced as they witnessed the event.

?: I like pain...but not this kind.

[Cut back to the throne room]

Gus and even the Golden Guard began covering their own family jewels.

Gus: Ugh! Right in the oracle spheres! Why?!

The Golden Guard shook his head.

Eda: *to Sora* Yeesh, Sora! Overkill much!?

Sora: *wincing* Sorry about that, Pete! *tosses a potion at him* Here! Drink this!

Pete: Agh!

Pete caught it and immediately drank the whole thing in one gulp. After brief seconds, he instantly felt better, being able to stand and walk again.

Pete: I swear...I will end you!

Sora: It was a total accident! I swear!

Gus: *whispering to Luz and the witchlings* I'd watch my back around Sora if I were you guys.

Luz/Amity/Willow: *whispering* Agreed.

Sora: *to Luz/Witchlings* I heard that!

Luz/Witchlings: !

All the heroes regrouped together, as well as the villains. On each opposite side, each group stared down at one another, ready to fight again.

[Play The Key of Darkness - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]

However, a corridor of darkness appeared right in the center, and out walks Belos and Kikimora.

Belos: Do pardon the interruption, everyone.

Sora: You've come to face us this time?

Belos: Not quite. Just you, humans.

Sora/Luz/Kairi: What?

Belos: I've witnessed what you've done to Lilith, Sora. Truly gruesome.

Sora narrowed his eyes.

Belos: And don't get me started on Pete...

Kikimora: Titan, you humans are morbid...

Sora: *deadpanned* Seriously?!

Belos: If you possess that kind of brutality, who's to say Luz and Kairi wouldn't as well? Clearly, you three are too dangerous to us; I'll eliminate you myself. But first...I must keep any interferences away!

Belos raised his staff to open up multiple corridors of darkness, and they swallowed each and everyone else and transported them to different areas of the castle. Amity, Willow, and Gus were transported to the relics room along with Pete and the Golden Guard. Meanwhile, Eda and King were transported to the mural hall with Maleficent. Finally, Sora, Luz, and Kairi remained in the throne room with Belos and Kikimora.

Belos: I shall deal with you myself, Sora. Kikimora, handle Luz and Kairi.

Kikimora: Yes, my liege.

Sora: Luz...Kairi...

Luz: Don't worry, I'll watch Kairi's back.

Kairi: And...I'll...watch...Luz's—

Kairi suddenly falls to her knees, panting for breath.

Sora/Luz: Kairi!

Kikimora: Hmph. This'll be easier than I thought.

Belos: Attack!

Kikimora began to float in the air, which caught the Keyblade wielders' attention. She then immediately rushed towards the heroes while preparing a spell circle with her right index finger.

[End The Key of Darkness - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]


[Play Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Thirteenth Discretion]

Meanwhile, back with the witchlings, they had their guards up, ready to fight.

Pete: D'oh! I wish he had given us the heads-up first.

Pete and the Golden Guard then see the witchlings in front of them.

Pete: Well, well, well... Kid Keyblader's new buddies. You know, that brat has always been a sucker for picking friends. Especially with those two doofuses, he'd always hang out with. Glad to know they ain't here this time.

The witchlings narrowed their eyes. Despite never meeting Donald and Goofy, they don't tolerate anyone disrespecting Sora and or his friends. Meanwhile, Pete turns to the Golden Guard.

Pete: What say you? Ready to get rid of these brats?

The Golden Guard pulled his staff towards Pete's neck and summoned cuffs, gesturing that the witchlings must be captured alive.

Pete: Oh, right. You know, you could've just said that.

The Golden Guard simply ignored that as he turned his attention towards the witchlings.

Pete: (shakes head) Really? Tough and silent type?

[End Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories OST - Thirteenth Discretion]

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -The Tumbling- Extended]

The Golden Guard shifted his glances between the witchlings until landing on Amity, remembering what she did to him earlier. With all his speed, he rushed towards the young Blight, ready to fight.

Amity: Oh, cra—

With no hesitation, Amity summons her abomination magic to create a shield to block The Golden Guard's attack, startling Willow and Gus.

Willow/Gus: Abomo-queen!

Amity: Don't worry, I've got this guy! Go handle Pete!

Gus and Willow turn to see Pete cracking his knuckles.

Pete: Bring it on, punks!

Gus: *clenching fists* Ready, Paulina?

Willow: Ready, Sneak!

The three combatants lunge straight at each other, clashing with Gus kicking and Willow's fist colliding with Pete's, immediately jumping backward and away from each other.

Back with Amity and the Golden Guard, they began clashing with their staff and abomination sword.

Amity: *thinking* Sora's training, don't fail me now!

Amity and the Golden Guard repeatedly clashed their weapons, with the Golden Guard successfully repelling his opponent. When Amity charges again after being forced back, the Golden Guard uses his speed to dodge her attack and attempts to strike Amity with a diving kick. In return, Amity uses her Teleport spell to dodge the attack before following up by casting Fira on a vulnerable Golden Guard.

Amity: Yes!

The Golden Guard was surprised to see someone teleport, as not even he had that ability. He would have to be cautious around Amity. The Golden Guard then dashes towards Amity, kicking up his speed, getting behind Amity right as she begins to charge, kicking the young Blight. He then follows up with a punch to her face.

Amity: Agh!

The attack harms Amity, wincing from the pain of a soft touch. She then summons abomination gauntlets and boots, getting into a fighting stance.

Amity: Now, you're gonna get it!

Back with Willow, Gus, and Pete, Pete gave Gus a body blow, sending him back.

Pete: Hahaha! Kid, you're as puny as a chicken! You don't even get one inch of muscle on ya!

Gus groaned as he got up.

Gus: Maybe not... But I still got a few tricks up my sleeve!

Gus summons a ball of blue light from his right hand and shoots it at Pete at high speed. Pete barely managed to block it but didn't notice Gus leaping into the air. As Pete recovers from the attack, he then notices Gus as he creates a massive army of clones.

Pete: D'oh, please! I ain't afraid of your party tricks! I know illusions don't actually do squat! True, I can't tell where you actually are. But I can still mow you all down easy! Liiiike...SO!

Pete slams his right fist to the ground, causing a tremor of dark magic to send all the Guses into the air and poofing into puffs of smoke. However, within that puffs of smoke, another wave of Guse's land and get into fighting stances, ready to charge Pete. Meanwhile, Pete regains his composure, surveying the Guses around him and allowing each side to stare down at one another. One Gus leaps at him with a punch that Pete dodges. Another leaps at him with a jump kick, which Pete dodges. Pete manages to take a number of them out by blocking and punching each one in rapid succession. Pete turns to find only one Gus left.

Pete: Any MORE party tricks you've got?

Gus: Hmm... I guess I can show you one more...or rather INTRODUCE you!

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -The Tumbling- Extended]

Gus kneels on one knee, slams his right palm, and unleashes a puff of smoke. Cutting himself off from everyone else's sight. Everyone else became confused, wondering what was going to happen next. Just then, a silhouette breaks the surface of the smoke.

[Play Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]

As the smoke dispersed, the silhouette is revealed to be a statuesque tall, immensely beautiful, alluring, voluptuous, and...very well..."developed" female cat. Her fur is white, her eyes are bright gold, and her coat is shiny and trimmed. Her attire consists of an almost (ALMOST) see-through black noodle-strapped 1920s flapper dress, which really shows off her curves and barely goes past her upper thighs. She also wears a white pearl necklace, a black flapper feathered headband, and black high heels and fishnets on her legs. The cat in question waved at Pete while playfully wiggling her fingers.

Female Cat: Hello~. *purrs*

In a very cartoonish manner, Pete shook his head briefly, then dropped his jaw, eyes popping out making 1900's jalopy car horn honk noise.

Pete: SWEET...SHEBA...!

Willow looks on in disapproving disbelief.

Willow: You've gotta be kidding...

Amity and the Golden Guard stopped fighting to see what was going on, then noticed the female cat. Amity blushed slightly as she was where she could only see her from the back.

Amity: *blushing* ...Woah. Who is that?

Amity then sees the Golden Guard staring as well, even dropping his staff. Nobody could see his reaction, but he was mad, blushing underneath his mask. Almost as if he just saw the most beautiful woman in his entire life.

(NOTE: For now anyway...)

The two even walked towards the scene. Amity stopped with Willow and Gus while the Golden Guard approached the female cat. The Female Cat then noticed him.

Female Cat: Aw, hello, little man.

The Golden Guard slightly cucked his head out of shyness but waved. Although he had no idea how or why he was feeling this way. Willow continued her disapproving disbelief look, while Gus looked proud of himself, smug even.

Willow: I CANNOT believe this is working.

Amity: So...who's that?

Willow: *sigh* One of Gus's bright ideas.

Amity: *turns head to Gus* What?

Gus breathed on his right fist and used it to brush off his shirt.

Gus: *smug* Amazing, isn't it?

Willow/Amity: No./Yes.

Still in his smug expression, Gus directed his pupils in Amity's direction while Willow turned her head to look at her. After a brief pause, Amity shrugged.

Amity: What?

Willow: I don't think Luz would approve of you leering at another girl...or construct.

Amity: ...To be fair, she'd like this too.

Willow: ...Sora wouldn't approve of you leering at another girl.

Amity: Well, the boss ain't here. Is he?

Willow closes her eyes and sighs as she pinches the bridge of her nose.

Pete cleared his throat.

Pete: S-So. What brings you here?

Female cat: I have something important to tell you, stud.~

Pete: *blush* S-st-stud?!

The Golden Guard couldn't believe what he just heard. He thought to himself how Pete would be considered a "stud" and not a bumbling freak of nature.

Female Cat: And you too, little buddy.

That caught the Golden Guard's attention. He gulped, becoming anxious to hear what she had to say.

Female Cat: Please, come closer.~

The two leaned in.

Female Cat: A little closer.~

The two leaned in closer.

Female Cat: Purrrfect.~

The two listened in. The Female Cat suddenly hugged both Pete and the Golden Guard.

Female Cat: BOMB voyage~.

Pete: What?

The Female Cat suddenly glowed very brightly and instantly exploded, leaving Pete, and Golden Guard covered in soot. Pete coughed to clear his throat. Gus laughed hysterically while Amity and Willow looked on with deadpanned expressions.

[End Donkey Kong 64: Sassy Swing (Candy's Theme) HD]

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Innocent Times- Extended]

Willow: ...I CAN'T believe that ACTUALLY worked.

Amity: ...Huh. This is clear and cut-proof...

Gus: *laughing* Pete really IS dumb! Hahahahahahahahaha!

Amity: And so is the Golden Guard...apparently. *thinking* I heard he was supposed to be some sort of prodigy by Lilith. Guess not.

Pete and the Golden Guard shook off the soot. Pete and the Golden Guard then realized what had just happened and angrily turned to the witchlings. The Golden Guard was absolutely livid that he felt for that, made of a fool out of.

Pete: *to Gus* D'ooooooh! You little BRAT!

Gus: *smug* Who? Meee?

Pete: You think you're so funny...

Gus: ...Maybe.

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Innocent Times- Extended]

Pete: Well then...let's see you laugh at THIS!

[Play The Key of Darkness - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]

By opening his right palm, Pete slams the ground with enough force to crack open a small crater and unleash a widening tower of darkness. Out of the crater, he crashes through a towering anthropomorphic reptilian Heartless. Like all other Heartless, its appearance is pitch-black with glowing yellow narrowed eyes. Its body was of the female variant. Voluptuous yet muscular. It wore a dark green leotard, silver breastplate armor, shoulder guards, and gauntlets.

Pete: May I introduce YOU to...Onagi! A brand new Heartless that me and Maleficent have been working on!

The Onagi let out a roar as soon as it saw the witchlings. It then emitted a blue aura, warping out of sight.

Amity: What the?!

Gus: Where'd she go?!

[End The Key of Darkness - Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep OST Extended | Yoko Shimomura]

The Onagi suddenly appeared behind Gus, which he immediately sensed before turning around, widening his eyes out of shock. The Onagi lowers her head to glare at Gus, narrowing her eyes.

Gus: *waves nervously* Oh...h-hi.

The Onagi continued her glare at Gus.

Gus: Has...anyone ever mentioned...that you're very pretty?

Amity/Willow: *thinking* Are you serious right now!?

The Onagi cracked her knuckles, making Gus sweat fearfully.

Gus: Oh no.

*WHAM*

With a punch from the Onagi, Gus was sent flying and crash-landed near the Oracle Sphere relic.

Gus: I'm ok!

Gus cast Cure to heal himself. Meanwhile, Amity and Willow sweat drooped with deadpanned expressions.

Amity: Why the heck would he flirt with a Heartless?

Willow: I don't know, but I worry about him sometimes.

Pete: Hahahahaaa! Where's that smug face of you now, runt?

Now that an elite Heartless has appeared, Amity and Willow realize that it's time they end this quickly. And so, they summoned their Keyblades. Pete and the Golden Guard were surprised by this.

Pete: D'oh-w-wh-whaaat? MORE Keybladers?!

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dark Impetus- Extended]

The Golden Guard re-summoned his staff, twirled it in place to build up energy, and rushed towards Willow.

Willow: What the?!

Wasting no time, Willow raised her Keyblade, and the two clashed their weapons, locking themselves into a fierce struggle.

Amity: Willow!

Amity then gasped as she sensed the Onagi pounced towards Amity with her right claws winded to strike. Amity quickly blocked the Onagi's attack, doing her best to not be overwhelmed by Heartless.

Pete: Ha! While you two take off those two, I'll take care of little "party tricks" over there.

Pete then ran towards Gus to fight him. Gus immediately saw him running and did a backflip to recover himself, summoning his Keyblade to fight. Back with Willow and the Golden Guard, their fight began.

Willow: They say you're a prodigy. Let's find out if that's true!

Both charge at each other and start swinging their weapons, with Willow getting a good hit on the Golden Guard. She was able to block his rapid swinging and counter it. Willow then tries diagonally swinging her Keyblade down on the Golden Guard, but he effortlessly blocks the attack with his staff.

Willow: What?

The Golden Guard counters it and pushes back Willow's Keyblade, then uses the bottom of his staff to slam Willow in the stomach, causing her to wince.

Willow: Agh!

The Golden Guard then seized the opportunity to kick Willow away from him. The Golden Guard scoffed, believing this would be easy. But he didn't realize that Willow landed near the Green Thumb Gauntlet relic. With a quick reflex, Willow took the gauntlet, discreetly summoned a vine, and used it to vigorously uppercut him. The Golden Guard winced from the pain, lost his balance, and fell on his back. Wasting no time, Willow cast Cura to heal herself.

Willow: *phew* Always wanted to use this.

Meanwhile, the Heartless dashes forward with Amity and the Onagi and gets a couple of slashes on Amity. Amity tries attacking back, but it is blocked as the Onagi delivers a massive combo that punches her into a column. The Onagi suddenly kicks into a higher gear with her speed and circles around a recovering Amity. Startled at first, Amity remains calm, closing her eyes, trying to focus on the Onagi's magical energy. After a bit, the Onagi immediately dashes toward Amity, ready to slash at her. But at the last second, Amity instantly opened her eyes, dodged the Onagi's quick attack, jabbed her Keyblade at the Onagi's stomach, and then wrapped it up in abomination goop.

Amity: It's no use!

Amity then tossed and slammed the Onagi onto the ground, delivering a swift barrage of slashes.

Amity: Take this!

The conclusion of the combo sends the Onagi flying back. However, the Onagi proved quite resilient as she stood back up and let out a loud growl, ready to continue the battle.

Amity: Still eager for a fight, huh? I'll fix that.

Amity enters her battle stance and rushes toward the Oangi.

With Pete and Gus, Pete rushed at Gus with rapid punches, but Gus swiftly dodged each one.

Pete: Hold still, gah, dang it!

Gus: Nah!

Gus dodged the last attempted punch by backflipping and pointing his Keyblade at Pete in mid-air.

Gus: Eat this!

The tip of Gus's Keyblade glowed light blue and fired rapid blasts of concentrated light magic.

Pete: Wa'ah!

Pete runs around and dodges the light blasts. But with quick thinking, Pete opened up a corridor of darkness below him and fell through it.

Gus: What the?

Gus looks around, hoping to find him quickly. But then, he saw it. He saw the Oracle Sphere relic. If he remembered correctly, the sphere creates an ethereal version of the user who tells them how to become their best self. In this case, he figures that it could also be a resource of foresight, meaning a possible clear path to victory.

Gus: This'll come in handy...

It was then, however, that he realized what Pete was planning. And if his calculating was accurate in his head, he knew what Pete was going to do. And so, Gus created multiple illusions of himself all over the area. Pete then jumped from the floor through his dark corridor and began to rapidly punch at one of the Guses, but it poofed, revealing to be an illusion.

Pete: D'oh! A fake!

Gus: Face it! No matter what you do, I'll always be two steps ahead!

Pete: Oh yeah?!

Pete then slammed his fist to the ground causing a tremor of dark magic to be unleashed and destroy all the other ethereal duplicates.

Pete: Ha! How d'ya like that?

Gus: Ugh!

Pete: Don't feel bad. Cheer up. I've got a present for you!

Pete then tosses Gus a black sphere bomb with a lighted short wick, which he catches.

Gus: *deadpanned* Seriously...?

The bomb causes a massive explosion. Pete blinks back to avoid the shockwave. When the smoke clears, Gus appears to be completely gone. Pete laughs, believing he won. But then he felt a tap on his left shoulder. He turned to his left to see Gus with a smug look on his face.

Gus: Sup?

Before Pete could react, Gus swung his Keyblade across Pete's face and whacked him hard enough to make him stumble.

Pete: D'oh! How do you keep doing that!?

Gus: *smug* A master of showmanship never reveals his secrets.

Pete: Grrr... How's THIS for showmanship?!

Pete leaped into the air and readied for another punch.

Back with Willow and the Golden Guard, the two clash their weapons as Willow knocks back the Golden Guard. He then charges at Willow and clashes with him in the air; Willow then uses her Keyblade to cast a fire spell to blast the Golden Guard back. Willow then recovers quickly. Willow then charges until the Golden Guard uses his staff to trap her in a red aura and push her back.

Willow: Woah!

As the aura fades, Willow puts her Keyblade on the ground to maintain her position before seeing the Golden Guard rushing towards her. The Golden Guard then disarms Willow, but then she is able to summon her Keyblade back to block the Golden Guard's staff.

Willow: Huh, you're pretty tough, after all.

The Golden Guard doesn't respond.

Willow: Really? Nothing to say? Ok then.

Willow pushes the Golden Guard back and shoots a stream of water at him.

Willow: Water!

The Golden Guard halts the magic and redirects it from him with his staff. He scoffs, suggesting that it was a fallible attempt.

Willow: *thinking* (chuckles) You thought it was that easy?

Willow scratches her nose smugly as she discreetly uses the Green Thumb Gauntlet again, and a thorned vine appears and hits the Golden Guard in the back, knocking him down on his hands and knees. But, what Willow didn't see coming after that, was that the Golden Guard trapped Willow in the red aura again, flung her up, let her fall, and then rushed at her with a barrage of punches and kicks, finishing it with a powerful punch to her stomach, sending her flying.

Back with Gus and Pete, the young illusionist casts multiple Fira spells at the large cat. Pete blocks and deflects the incoming projectiles and punches through one of them as he runs forward.

Pete: This time, I'll crush you!

Gus: We'll see about that!

Just as Pete approaches, Gus summons a pillar of light that slightly burns Pete.

Pete: Hot! But not hot enough!

Gus immediately follows up with an aerial combo as the light pillar fades. He did manage to get in a good few hits until Pete grabbed him. Pete then punches Gus in the stomach and sends him to the ground.

With Amity and the Onagi, the young Blight somersaults forward and clashes her Keyblade into the Heartless's claws. After exchanging a few blows, the Onagi disarms Amity, but she then summons her Keyblade back to her hand. As they clashed once more, the Onagi suddenly began to breathe dark fire. With quick thinking, Amity kicks the Onagi in the stomach in hopes of stopping it, but the Onagi follows up with a spinning claw swipe that disarms Amity again. Unfortunately for Amity, the Onagi then unleashed her dark fire breath and blasted Amity away.

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dark Impetus- Extended]

As this all happened, the Hexside trio all collided with each other and landed together, groaning from the pain. The villains gather around the Witchlings, approaching them slowly.

Pete: Well, well, well. Looks like this is the end of the road for you runts. Don't worry, though. I'm sure you'll be taken good care of in the slammer!

The Onagi prepared her dark fire breath attack while the Golden Guard prepared cuffs for each of the Hexside trio. They suffered from scratches and bruises throughout the battle. The villains could see that.

[Play Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]

But despite that, they were doing their best to get back up.

Amity: No...!

Willow: We're...not...

Gus: Done...yet!

The trio stood up.

Amity: We'll...keep...

Willow: Fighting...

Gus: To...the...end!

Pete: What? You still wanna fight? Look at you! You're all roughed up. You can barely stand.

Amity: We have to...keep...fighting!

Curiosity got to the minds of the villains, wondering why the teens wanted to keep fighting. Until...

?: Why?

Everyone else turned to the source of the voice. It came from the Golden Guard, speaking for the first time, at least to the others. He became the most curious as to why the witchlings wanted to fight. So curious that he approached the witchlings and wanted to question them about it.

Golden Guard: You're beaten. Why continue to battle?

Everyone else noticed that Hunter's voice sounded somewhat smooth, calm, a little deep, and somewhat emotionless, yet at the same time not.

Amity: Because...of Sora.

Golden Guard: Sora? Ah...your superior. He has ordered you to fight to the end, even at the cost of your life? Correct?

Amity chuckles.

Amity: Not even close. He's not...our superior. He's...our friend.

Golden Guard: Friend?

Amity: Yes. He...didn't...ordered us...anything.

Willow: That's right. We...*pant* are doing this...because...

Gus: We...want...to.

The Golden Guard seemed perplexed.

Golden Guard: You are doing this for him? Why? Tell me. What is it about Sora that you would be willing to go to these lengths for him?

The teens cast a bit of Cure to replenish their strength.

Amity: Like I said, he's our best friend.

Willow: Before we first came to this world, each of us was in a lonely place.

Gus: We had our own issues. But when he came, he changed our lives. He made them better.

Pete: *groan* Whaddya on about?

Amity had a flashback of her experiences before Sora came to the Isles.

Amity: Before Sora came here, I was a bully. I shut out everyone I thought was inferior to me, even my best friend.

Willow had a flashback of her experiences before Sora came to the Isles.

Willow: Before Sora came here, I was weak. Wallowing in self-doubt. Scared of standing up against whatever odds against me. Not having a lot of friends. People looking down on me.

Gus had a flashback of her experiences before Sora came to the Isles.

Gus: Before Sora came here, I was nothing more than a pawn. People pretended to be my friend and used my intellect for their own benefit.

The Golden Guard became slightly taken aback by this. Meanwhile, the trio stood firm.

Amity then had a flashback of all her recent experiences after Sora came to the Isles.

Amity: When Sora came here, he slowly changed my heart. At first, I didn't like him; I thought he was a nuisance. But because of him, I became a better person. And now, I can't imagine my life without him!

Next was Willow, who had a flashback of all her recent experiences after Sora came to the Isles.

Willow: Same here. Because of him, I learned to stand up for myself, and he gave me the confidence I needed in my life!

Finally, Gus then had a flashback of all her recent experiences after Sora came to the Isles.

Gus: He saw me for me. He didn't care for my intellect or any of my other skills. He and I just got along together really well. He valued me as a genuine friend!

Hexside Trio: He also taught us the most important aspects of ourselves! Aspects we really needed to learn!

[End Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep -Dearly Beloved- Extended]

[Play Hikari 光 (Simple and Clean) Orchestral Instrumental Version]

Amity remembered the time when she and Luz confronted their fears, asking Luz out to Grom and unlocking her Keyblade. As this was happening, the magically powered-up charm Amity had on her began to glow.

Amity: Thanks to Sora, I've learned...to love!

Willow remembered the time Sora prevented Boscha's bullying attempts, beating Boscha in their Witch's Duel and unlocking her Keyblade. As this was happening, the magically powered-up charm Willow had on her began to glow.

Amity: Thanks to Sora, I've learned...to have courage!

Gus remembered the time the pixies attacked Willow, struggling to succeed in the Galderstones' quest and unlocking his Keyblade. As this happened, the magically powered-up charm Gus had on him began to glow.

Gus: Thanks to Sora, I've learned...to have confidence!

The Hexside trio themselves began to glow brightly.

Hexside Trio: That's why we're doing this! That's why we're fighting!

The charms then began to emit three different colored powerful lights. Purple, green, and light blue. The lights engulfed everyone and everything, blinding the villains. As the light subsides, they then see the Hexside trio standing even firmer. Almost looks like their wounds have almost healed and have gotten stronger. Which was indeed the case. The charms being infused from the Galderstone energy back from their final training sessions gave them the huge power boost they needed.

Amity: *thinking* Sora...is my big brother.

Willow: *thinking* Sora...is my hero.

Gus: *thinking* Sora...is my idol.

Amity's eyes glowed purple, emitting small sparks.

Amity: And right now, his friend, Kairi, is in danger!

Willow's eyes glowed green, emitting small sparks.

Willow: We came here to help rescue her from you!

Gus's eyes glowed light blue emitting small sparks.

Gus: We're not leaving without her! And we're certainly not letting any of you get in our way!

The Hexside trio re-summoned their Keyblades, ready to finish this fight. The Golden Guard then regained his composure after taking everything they said.

Golden Guard: I see. Because of your forged bonds with him, you believe in him that much...

Amity: And he believes in us that much! He's counting on us to win this fight!

[End Hikari 光 (Simple and Clean) Orchestral Instrumental Version (0:52)]

[Play Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series) (2:20)]

Golden Guard: This Sora sounds very endearing to you all. Hmph. Since you're willing to go this far for him, then you won't mind laying your life down for him! Pete!

Pete: Wha?!

Golden Guard: Activate "Giga Mode"!

Pete: Right!

The Hexside trio readies themselves.

Pete: Since, you runts wanna fight so bad, let's see how you handle THIS!

Pete used a lot of his dark magic to expand the size of the Onagi in her entirety, resembling that of a Darkside. The Onagi let out an echoing roar as the Hexside trio looked up at the now gigantic Heartless, eyes narrowed and unfazed, for they knew they had one big trick up their sleeves.

Pete: Onagi! FINISH THEM!

The Onagi let out another echoing roar as she leaned in, ready to crush the Hexside trio once and for all. Until...

Amity: THIS IS IT, GUYS! JUST LIKE WE DID BEFORE IN SORA'S MEMORIES!

Willow/Gus: RIGHT!

With quick thinking, the air began to stir around as the trio stomped their feet, planting deep for support, and then pointed their Keyblades toward the Onagi. They held firm as a large heart symbol appeared at their feet. A magical aura began emitting from each group member as comets of purple from Amity, light blue from Gus, and green from Willow spiraled into the teeth of their Keyblades. And so, they unleashed their devastating united attack.

Hexside Trio: *echoing* TRINITYYYYYYYYYYY...BLAAAAAAAAAAAST!

With all their strength and heart, the Hexside trio unleashed a massive, almighty beam of light that completely engulfed the villains. The villains reacted with horror as they were hit by the beam of light with full force. They felt an excruciatingly burning sensation as the Onagi was completely destroyed. As the light finally subsides, the Hexside trio finds Pete and The Golden Guard unconscious on the ground. They looked around for the Onagi, only to find it nowhere, realizing that they defeated it. They've done it. The Hexside trio has won this battle. And so, they collapsed onto the ground on their backs, panting for breath.

[End Death Battle: Hearts of Light (From the Rooster Teeth Series) (3:10)]

Amity: We *pant* did it. We won!

Willow: *grinning, eyes closed* Yeah. *pant* We sure did!

Gus: *raised both fists* Score one...for the new Guardians of Light!

Amity: Huh...Guardians of Light...

Willow: Well, we're not Guardians yet. It's up to Master Yen-Sid if we are or not.

Gus: Oh, yeah. But still—we did it.

Willow: Yeah.

[Play Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]

Amity sighs as she reflects on everything from before she met Sora, then after. After which, she began to let out a small broken laugh.

Willow: *chuckles* What's with you?

Amity: Oh. I was just thinking...who we were...before Sora came into our lives. As we all said, we were all in a bad place until he arrived.

Amity teared up.

Amity: He AND Luz changed everything when they came here. I mean...really, I feel like they made our lives a lot better. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be where we are today. Happier AND stronger. Truly so.

Willow and Gus paused for a brief moment to reflect on their own experiences again as well.

Willow: Yeah. *tearing up* You're right.

Gus: *tearing up* We owe a lot to them.

The three let their tears stream down and laughed out of joy. After all, they still won, which should be celebrated. At least as much as they can at that moment. After the joyous laughter died down. They lay down in peace.

Amity: We won. But Eda and King have to deal with Maleficent.

Willow: And Sora, Luz, and Kairi with Belos and Kikimora.

Gus: We gotta help him. But...man. Too tired to fight again. And we're out of potions.

Amity: I guess we'll just rest for a bit. They're strong. They can handle themselves until we get our strength back.

Willow: Yeah. We gotta believe.

Gus: Right.

[End Kingdom Hearts 1.5 HD ReMix -Treasured Memories- Extended]

The three remained lying there for a few moments until their stomachs grumbled.

[Play Kingdom Hearts OST - Oopsy-Daisy]

Gus: Great. Hungry.

Amity and Willow groaned in agreement.

Amity: Sora'll cook up a feast once we leave.

Gus: Wait. Just remembered something.

Willow: What?

Gus: The catering room is just above us. You girls wanna go raid the kitchen? Once we're good to walk again?

Both girls deadpanned. Normally, they'd scold Gus on stuff like this. But...at the same time...

Amity/Willow: *deep sigh, turning to Gus* ...Yeah.

[End Kingdom Hearts OST - Oopsy-Daisy]