CHAPTER 1: A Lying Witch, A Warden, And A Keyblade Wielder: ReMIX


(NOTE: Eeyup! I'm doing this. I'm doing an extended/rewritten version of the first chapter that started it all. Hopefully, you'll find this version a lot better. Enjoy!)


[Open to a theater stage]

A simple one, really. Platform made of wood with large red curtains closed in the back. Suddenly, a spotlight appeared, revealing a tiny red umbrella obscuring someone from view until it was moved. We now see anthropomorphized cricket. He has olive skin, thin black eyebrows, four-fingered hands, and wears the famous white gloves. He dresses very formally, wearing a royal blue top hat with an orange band near the base, a red vest with a single pink button on the front, a yellow ascot, a black blazer, and a high-collared white shirt. He also sports tan pants and yellow shoes with black tips.

Cricket: Hello, all. My name is Cricket, Jiminy Cricket. And I'm here to tell you a fascinating story. It is a story about a young hero who journeys to a new world filled with wonder and peril. And this young hero's name...is Sora. But first, let me tell you all a little anecdote.

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

Jiminy grabs a handful of magic power and throws it above him to create a magical cloudy projection. From there, he began to narrate. The projection shows the vast emptiness of outer space with various worlds passing by, along with images of beings seemingly belonging to each world next to them, with shadowy creatures eventually appearing out of nowhere.

Jiminy: Around these parts, heroes are found in all sorts of places. From Olympus with Hercules to Wonder Land with Alice. A hero might be a prince like Aladdin from Agrabah or only a boy like Peter Pan from Neverland. Each world has its own hero. But in this story, a very special one was needed to defend all the worlds of the Magic Kingdom. You see, a shadowy force had come called the Heartless. From where? Nobody knew. But all it brought with it was a lot of bad.

[Cut to a grand majestic white castle with numerous blue pointed roofs]

Jiminy: Determined to stop this threat, Mickey Mouse, the King of Disney Castle, went off to face it. And he entrusted his court magician, Donald Duck, and his captain of the guard, Goofy, to seek out that special hero that would save the Worlds. The one destined to wield a legendary weapon known as the Keyblade.

King Mickey is an anthropomorphic mouse with black fur, round ears of the same color, and a thin, long, black tail. He wears a black, hooded jacket that he keeps unzipped, with short sleeves, silver buttons, and a checkered pattern at the hem. Underneath, he wears a grey shirt with a V-neck. He also wears red cropped trousers hemmed with the same checkered pattern as the jacket and yellow and grey shoes.

Donald is an anthropomorphic duck with white plumage, a yellow-orange bill, legs of the same color, light blue eyes, and a short tuft of feathers on his head, visible under his hat. He wears a blue hat resembling a beret, has a belt in place of a normal brim, and sports a zipper that spans the length of the hat. His high-collared jacket is navy blue with sky-blue lining and cuffs. There are three pouches, all of which are blue with yellow lining, along the middle of the jacket; the center pouch is secured by a flap, while the other two use silver zippers. The middle pouch is framed by two other silver zippers that span the entire jacket length, from the top of the collar to the bottom. He wears a short, blue cape with yellow lining draped over his shoulders, kept in place by a silver strap. Donald also wears a thick, gold bangle on each of his wrists, and, like his cartoon version, he does not wear pants.

Goofy is an anthropomorphic dog with black fur and droopy ears. He also has two bucked teeth and three short hairs coming out of the top of his head. Goofy wears a green turtleneck sweater with sleeves that bell out slightly and a blue arrow-shaped strap on each cuff. He wears white gloves with a brown band around each wrist. Over the sweater, he wears a sleeveless, black combat vest with grey lining and four pockets of the same color. Goofy's pants are yellow and secured by a thick, black belt. They have rather large pockets and a pouch on each leg with a silver zipper. The legs of his pants have a peculiar style, with the bottom rims (which are dark orange) being pulled upward in the front by a brown strap. Goofy has very large shoes, which are brown with steel toes on the outside.

[Fade to an island with a tree bearing star-shaped fruit]

A boy can be seen sitting on the tree. His attire consisted of a red jumpsuit with puffy shorts and a zipper that ran down the entire front. He wears a black and white jacket over top, large yellow shoes, white fingerless gloves with yellow and blue straps holding on a silver circle plate, a blue belt with chains hanging off, and his signature silver crown necklace. His brown hair is longer and slightly more spiky up top and on the sides.

Jiminy: This boy, Sora, hailed from the world known as Destiny Islands. Before his heroic chapter began, Sora was an ordinary boy who greatly enjoyed leisure. However, he is also quite energetic, enjoying his participation in fun activities like games, swimming, or sparring with his friends with his trusty wooden sword. One interesting trait that Sora has is his heart. His heart is filled with compassion. He is often seen taking the time out of his day to help others in need and never expected anything in return. Overall, Sora was a truly upstanding fellow to be around with. Life was perfect for him, especially with his two best friends since childhood. A boy named Riku and a girl named Kairi.

Riku is seen as a slightly muscular boy who wears a vest with a yellow collar, yellow in the front and black on the sides and back. The vest has two black crisscrossing straps that go over his chest and on his upper back that are trimmed with white and have a white stud on each End. Just above each of his wrists are tight black bracelets and black and gray gloves on his hands that reach just to the base of his thumb. He wears a black belt with a silver rectangular buckle high on his waist, which secures his dark blue-gray pants. His pants are mostly covered by blue wading pants held up by black straps almost identical to the ones on his vest, except they are each layered and have more studs, as well as not being crisscrossed. The wading pants are tightened at the ankle with small black belts. His shoes are white and blue, with yellow strings on the inner sides, some crisscrossing each other. The shoes each have two black straps with white trim and gray soles.

Kairi is seen as a girl with auburn hair, blue eyes, a pale complexion, and a necklace with a silver bead. She wears a white top with a black one underneath (the black one shows at her collarbone and at the hem), which slightly exposes her navel, purple biker shorts underneath a purple skirt with a blue belt and white slip-on shoes with purple caps. She also features a black choker, a yellow wristband, a purple armband on her left arm, and a pair of bracelets on her right arm.

Jiminy: A year older, Riku was known to be responsible for the trio. While Kairi, despite appearing on Destiny Islands under mysterious circumstances, was a kind and gentle soul who...well...*chuckles* caught the attention of Sora's heart. The three were inseparable...until the night came...when the Heartless invaded Destiny Islands. By witnessing the disappearances of Riku and Kairi and summoning the Keyblade, Sora did his best to fight off the threat, but to no avail. The poor boy was sucked into a vortex in the sky as his home world became lost to the darkness in its final moments.

[Fade to a night street scenery with numerous brown buildings]

We find Sora meeting Donald and Goofy in a district with a large fountain nearby.

Jiminy: However, Sora was fortunately spared and ended up in a world known as Traverse Town, a world that serves as a refuge for those who lost their worlds to the Heartless as well. From there, he met Donald and Goofy, who learned of each other's purposes and teamed up to save all the worlds while looking for their friends. And from there on, the rest has been unforgettable.

The cloud shows various images of Sora, Donald, and Goofy's adventures throughout all the worlds they've visited.

Jiminy: Sora, Donald, and Goofy, while initially working together as a means to an end to find their friends, their experiences together have allowed them to forge a genuine friendship along the way. Together, they've defeated countless Heartless and other enemies known as Nobodies, Unversed, villains from their native worlds who joined together to conquer said worlds and saved their friends. However, these journeys eventually led to three of the most dangerous foes they've faced. Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness... Xemnas, the Superior of the In-Between... And Xehanort, the Dark Keyblade Master.

Ansem has tan skin, yellow eyes, and long white hair that is smoothed back into three spikes on the top and sides of his head. His attire is a black, high-collared leather coat with a red interior and yellow lining. This coat is grey from the waist down and has several buttons lining the hips, a belt around his waist, and a second one extending from the waist to the collar to connect to several smaller straps. The four shorter straps are buttoned to either side of the front of the collar, while the remaining ones are buttoned to the shoulders to form spaulders. A black leather pauldron is attached to each spaulder by three buttons and two straps that button the rim of the coat and two more that cross over his upper back. On his upper chest is the Heartless emblem in the form of a brooch that holds the outer coat together in place of a zipper or buttons. Underneath this coat, Ansem wears a white, thigh-length vest. This vest is also high-collared and exposes most of Ansem's chest, with three black buttons and two thin belts near his waist, closing it up while the three remaining buttons below are undone. In addition, Ansem wears wide-brimmed, white gloves with three buttons lining the forearms and a grey band on either wrist. He also wears black pants and black that are tucked into knee-high boots with silver trimming and high concave indentations on the top.

Xemnas wears a black coat, gloves, and knee-length boots with silver trimming and high concave indentations on the top. He has orange eyes and tanned skin. Xemnas's hair has bangs and is long, reaching to about mid-back, silver in color, and some of it falls over his shoulders, including it being layered with a messy look and the spike on the top of his head.

Xehanort appears as an old man, bald except for thin eyebrows and a curled silver goatee. His ears are pointed, and his eyes are yellow. He has broad, hunched shoulders and a crooked back. Overall, he appears somewhat feeble and old, certainly deceiving, given his immense power. His clothing comprises a white and black coat with a red inner lining over a white shirt with two thin black belts, as well as white gloves and calf-high black boots. Xehanort's coat also has a black lining on it's edges.

Jiminy: These three dastardly villains are actually one and the same. Ansem is Xehanort's Heartless, while Xemnas is Xehanort's Nobody. Xehanort split himself apart throughout time and space in his numerous attempts to obtain Kingdom Hearts. What is that, you may ask? According to Xehanort, one who opens the door to Kingdom Hearts will be able to obtain ultimate power. With it, Xehanort planned to destroy the current universe, which he called "the World," and create a new universe, calling it the "Next World," and shape it into his image. This would then allow him to be "reborn as something far greater than human" and gain control over all worlds and people. This whole plot stemmed from his curiosity about the legends of Kingdom Hearts. However, in order to accomplish this, he needed the only tool that could unlock the power, the χ-blade. The very first Keyblade, which all the others are modeled after. The χ-blade coexists with Kingdom Hearts itself, a perfect union of all hearts and worlds, and is the only thing that can summon its door. To acquire the χ-blade, Xehanort recruited twelve dark beings named Organization XIII to battle against Sora and six other Keyblade wielders, who formed a group known as the Guardians of Light. For you see, to form the χ-blade, light, and darkness must clash together, seven lights and thirteen darknesses to be exact, resulting in a Keyblade War. The battle was long and harsh, and while they did gain allies in Roxas, Xion, and Terra, they lost one of the most important to them, that being Kairi, who was struck down by Xehanort in the final phase of the war by seemingly shattering into crystals in a flash of light.

[Fade to a massive regal city with nothing but white buildings on top of endless views of water]

Jiminy: With that dark deed complete, Xehanort had acquired all 13 dark fragments to summon Kingdom Hearts. And so, to end this war once and for all, Sora, Donald, and Goofy ventured forth to the world known as Scala Ad Caelum and engaged Xehanort in the toughest battle yet while the rest of the Guardians did their best to keep Kingdom Hearts at bay. After it all, Xehanort was finally defeated and surrendered the χ-blade to Sora before his death. Sora then used χ-blade to seal Kingdom Hearts away for good, along with the help of his friends.

The cloudy projection disappears in puffs.

[Cut back to the theater stage]

Jiminy: Now, you may be wondering, what exactly happened to Kairi? According to Xion, a former member of Organization XIII and newly acquired ally to the Guardians of Light, she had informed Sora that Kairi was still alive due to being able to feel her heart. From there, Sora had gained hope to find her. But how exactly will he do that? Where exactly did Kairi end up? What new adventures await for Sora? *chuckles* Well, how about we see that for ourselves, shall we?

Jiminy turns to the curtains and presents them to open up, revealing a white light that engulfs everything.

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


[Fade to a mountainous outskirts of sorts]

After the light dimmed, we found various people standing around in the open mountainous plain.

WORLD: THE KEYBLADE GRAVEYARD

At long last, Xehanort and the Organization have finally been defeated. Sora, along with his friends, Riku, King Mickey, Donald Duck, Goofy, Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Roxas, Axel, and Xion, standing in awe of the pleasant golden sky. King Mickey sighed in relief.

King Mickey: It's finally over.

Almost everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. However, Sora lowered his head.

Sora: ...No.

Riku looked at Sora and told him something in assurance.

Riku: We'll find Kairi. Let's head back to Master Yen Sid. We can figure it out.

Sora: No, I know what to do.

Mickey's eyes widened.

King Mickey: Sora...

He turned to his friends and gave them a small smile as he shared his thoughts.

Sora: My whole journey began the day I lost her.

He placed a hand over his heart.

Sora: And every time I find her... she slips away again. I thought we'd finally be together. But she's out there, alone. Not for one more second.

Donald and Goofy jumped in.

Donald: We'll go too!

Goofy: That's right!

Sora smiled at them.

Sora: Thank you, Donald, Goofy. But this time, I have to go it alone.

King Mickey realizes how Sora plans to recuse Kairi and warns him with an explanation of his idea.

King Mickey: Sora, listen. The power of waking isn't to go chase hearts around! Even if you do locate Kairi, you might never come home to us again!

Sora smiled with determination.

Sora: I will. And we'll both be back before you know it.

King Mickey: Please...

Riku walked over and knelt to the King.

Riku: Let him go, Mickey.

King Mickey turned to him.

King Mickey: Riku...

Riku: His heart and his mind are made up. Now, believe in him.

Mickey relented, knowing Riku was right.

King Mickey: Yeah...

He then gave Sora a small smile.

King Mickey: Safe journey, Sora.

Sora: Thank you.

Sora nodded before turning away. He then summoned his Kingdom Key keyblade and aimed the blade toward the sky; magic swirled around the keyblade and fired a beam of light toward the sky. Sora activated the power of waking, and his search for Kairi had begun again. Sora bid farewell to his friends and assured them of his plan to succeed. After ascending towards the portal he summoned, Sora was zooming through what seemed like a swirling vortex comprised of a black stream with gold-colored auras. Sora kept his composure and braced himself for what he was about to face. Suddenly, a bright white light appeared, and Sora went through it.


[Cut back to the theater stage, where Jiminy Cricket is standing under the spotlight]

Jiminy: As you can see, Sora has set out on a new adventure to find Kairi. But he doesn't know that he'll run into another girl, a girl who's also about to begin a journey of her own. A journey that she has no idea of. You may be thinking: "But who is this girl?" Well, I'll show you.

We zoom in through the blinding light behind the open curtains.


[Fade to dark-red colored cavern]

After the light dimmed, we find a witch with green hair and a staff in her hands backflipping onto a cliff. She glares up at a large purple snake.

The witch in question is a medium-sized woman with light brown skin, a pointed face with long braided teal-colored hair, dark cyan eyes, and a dark beauty mark below her left eye. Her attire consisted of a white sweater with flared half sleeves surmounted by a purple yoke decorated with a yellow star over a black long-sleeved dress with a dark gray long skirt. Under the skirt, she wears dark gray leggings and black boots. On her head, she wears a floppy, white, pointed, broad-brimmed hat surrounded by a gold coronet. She carries a white staff with a huge blue teardrop-shaped crystal at the top, which has a sliding dark gray area on the handle, able to be cocked like a cannon or gun.

Giant Snake: Foolish child! I could swallow you whole! *hisses*

Witch: Do not underestimate me, Gildersnake, for I am the Good Witch Azura, warrior of peace!

As the wind blows her hair, Azura poses before dropping into a battle stance and holding her staff like a bazooka.

Azura: Now eat this, sucka!

Azura blasts the Gildersnake with fire magic.

Gildersnake: *being shot* No! My only weakness! Dying! *collapses*


[Cuts to a doll of Azura and a green snake being held]

Girl: And that's the end.

We see a teenage Dominican-American girl with tan skin, dark brown short hair that is usually styled in a pixie cut, and brown eyes. Her clothing consists of a pair of ebony earrings, a short-sleeved, half-white, and half-indigo hooded shirt with cat ears attached to the hood, high-waisted jean shorts, dark gray capri leggings, and a pair of white loafers.

We then see a Dominican-American woman with tan skin, a medium body frame, brown eyes, and short-cut, jagged hair. She currently wears a set of cyan scrubs with darker, blue-rimmed sleeves, white shoes, glasses with red and black frames, and blue earrings.

We also have a man sitting behind a desk who seems to be much older with grey poofy hair and a big mustache. He wears a green short-sleeved buttoned shirt with a blue-teal tie and has a gold watch on his left wrist.

Woman: The end of what?

Girl: My book report.

The snake hisses and bites the doll.

Girl: I think I knocked it out of the park.

Man: Your book report is why you're in here.

He gestures to the door, through which two students can be seen outside running by screaming, snakes biting their heads.

Girl: Oh. That's where the backup snakes went.

Woman: And what were you going to do with this?

She holds up several firecrackers tied together.

Girl: That was for the Act Three closer.

Woman: Mija, I love your creativity, but it's gotten out of hand. Do you remember why you were in the Principal's office the last three times?

[Flashback]

[[Cut to the girl on stage at an audition for Romeo and Juliet, holding a spork]

Girl: O happy dagger, give me death!

The girl stabs the spork into her torso before tearing her dress, making several links of sausages fall out. Everyone else on stage screams and runs.

[Cut to the girl sewing a pigeon head onto a squirrel's body on a platform labeled "baby griffin"]

Girl: Now for the final anatomically correct touch, spider breath!

She opens the model's beak. Many spiders come out, crawling over her and the table. People scream in terror, throwing objects everywhere.

[Cut to cheerleading tryouts, where a girl does a successful backflip]

Every other student applauds.

Girl: You think that's an impressive trick?

Throws her pom-poms to the side.

Girl: Take a look at this.

She turns around to reveal she flipped her eyelids inside out.

Girl: Bleep, bloop, bleep!

Everyone else screams and runs, and it sounds like at least one person is gagging.]

[Cut back to Principal's office]

Woman: We all love that you express yourself, but if you can't learn to separate fantasy from reality, you may need to spend the summer here.

She holds out a pamphlet for Reality Check Summer Camp. The girl takes it reluctantly.

Girl: Don't worry, Mom. I won't let you down. *stands up triumphantly* No more weirdness!

The snake in the girl's hand suddenly jumps out and bites the Principal. He falls to the ground with a yell while the snake hisses. The girl and the woman revealed to her mom, look at one another.

Girl: *nervous* That doesn't count, right?


[pause]

[Cut back to the theater stage, where Jiminy Cricket is standing under the spotlight]

Jiminy: As you can see, this is the girl I was talking about earlier. A young, imaginative girl named Luz Noceda. Poor Luz, unfortunately, landed herself in hot water despite her pure intentions with her creativity. But! As I've said before, she was about to unknowingly take on her own journey. Let us see how, shall we?


[Cut to Luz, who is standing disappointedly in front of her house]

Luz's mom: *exits the house* Oh! Oh, my baby! *hugs Luz* Now, don't worry. Summer camp is only going to be for three months. You'll be so busy balancing checkbooks and learning to... appreciate public radio. The time will fly by!

Luz: But I don't like any of that stuff. I like editing anime clips to music—and reading fantasy books with convoluted backstories.

Luz's Mom: Mija, your fantasy world is holding you back. Do you have any friends? Real ones, not imagined or drawn or reptilian?

Luz drops her book, disappointed. She walks slowly over to the trash bin.

Luz's Mom: Summer camp is a chance to make some friends, but you have to try. Can you do that?

Luz: Yes, Mom.

Luz puts her book, The Good Witch Azura, into the trash bin. Camila's phone vibrates in her purse. She checks to see a message for her.

Luz's Mom: Oh. I gotta go to work. *kisses Luz's forehead* Your bus is coming soon. Text me when you get there. (speaking Spanish) Cuídate mucho, mija. ¡Qué te vaya bien! (Take good care of yourself, mija. Good luck!) *walks away*

Luz: Bye, Mom.

Luz watches her mom leave, then gasps and rummages through the bin.

Luz: Where is it?! Where is it?!

An owl hoots. Luz looks up and sees a little owl, her book sticking out of the bag in his beak. It turns and flies away.

Luz: Tiny trash thief!

Luz chases the owl. She pauses when they reach a decrepit, abandoned house, but the owl continues right inside. Luz stares at the house. Luz growls. Steeling her nerves, Luz runs inside. The front door slams shut behind her, and the entire inside glows, visible through the windows and the holes in the roof.


[pause]

[Cut back to the theater stage, where Jiminy Cricket is standing under the spotlight]

Jiminy: And so, our real story begins from here. As Sora and Luz venture off into their journeys. But what they don't know is that their journeys will crossover together. Welp, I believe I kept you waiting long enough. As I've said, our real story starts here. So, I hope you enjoy it.


[Silence]

WORLD: ?

Sora was lying on the floor. He awoke and groaned as he opened his eyes.

Sora: Ugh, What a ride that was... where am I?

As Sora pulled himself off the ground, he took a look around to see that he was in an alley of sorts. After walking out of it, Sora ends up in a town, but much to his surprise, the town is filled with creatures. He then sees what looks like vendor stalls, believing that he's in some kind of marketplace. He seemed intrigued with what the merchants were selling and decided to look around for a bit.

[Cut to the inside of a tent, where a door unfolds in three parts before opening]

The little owl hops through it, and a second later, Luz follows.

Luz: Stop adorably hopping away, you—Huh?

Luz looks around the tent, which is full of old odds and ends. Whoa. I thought I had a lot of weird stuff. *grabs a creepy-looking doll* But this? This is impressive.

?: *outside the tent* Finally, you're back.

Luz makes a noise and drops to the ground. She peeks back up and walks forward, moving the tent's flap aside to see a woman's back.

The woman in question seemed to be a tall, slender woman appearing to be middle-aged, or possibly older, with ivory skin and pointed ears covered by a green bandana with yellow polka dots, maroon lips, and golden eyes. Her untamed hair is thick, long, and layered with tones of gray. She has a removable gold fang, orange claw-like nails, and an oval amber gem on her sternum. She wears a sleeveless, two-tone maroon dress with a ripped hem design and gray tights. Her jewelry consisted of two orange spherical earrings and a gold spherical ring. For footwear, she wore maroon high-heeled boots.

Middle-Aged Woman: Now, let's see what we've got here.

The little owl lands on top of the woman's staff. She turns him around, and he becomes a wooden fixture of the staff. Luz silently gasps at the sight of this.

Middle-Aged Woman: *takes out a phone from the bag* Garbage. *takes out a ring* Garbage. *takes out a golden shining chalice* Garbage. *gasp* Now, this... *takes out a pair of joke glasses with eyes on springs and puts them on* This will make me rich. *takes out Luz's book* And this... Oh, this will make good kindling. *holds the book with a candle, burning it*

Luz gasps at this, runs out of the tent, and grabs her book back.

Luz: Excuse me, sorry, it's mine, thank you!

Luz runs back into the tent and heads for the door. It folds up before she can walk through it and disappears. The middle-aged woman holding a key with an eye on it, the same eye that was on the door, approaches Luz.

Middle-Aged Woman: *takes off the glasses, glaring* You're not going anywhere.

Luz Wah-ah!

Luz shoves Azura into her messenger bag and ducks out the back of the tent. The middle-aged woman was about to chase after Luz when she heard a customer call out to her.

Middle-Aged Woman: Be right with you! *muttering to herself* I'll find that kid later.


[Cut to the back remote area of the vendor stalls]

Sora is walking by, enjoying some nick-nacks he bought. A necklace, a couple of magical gemstones, and a magic wand was an awesome purchase to him.

Sora: *thinking* Woah... So far, this place sort of reminds me of Halloween Town. What with all the folks around here. And these stuff make great souvenirs.

Sora stops in place and makes the items vanish in a small flash of light, putting them away in his inventory space.

Sora: *thinking* Ok, this place doesn't seem hostile, if a little weird. But I gotta remember why I came here. I need to find Kai—

Suddenly, Sora saw a girl, Luz, desperately running towards the cliff. Seeing this, Sora goes after her.

Sora: Hey, wait! Stop!

Luz: Huh?

Luz looks ahead and sees herself running towards the cliff's edge. She yelps, trying to stop until she reaches the very edge. She began to flail in hopes of falling backward until she felt tugged and skidded to a stop mere inches away from the cliff. Luz pants, trying to calm herself down.

Luz: Oh, boy. That was close.

Sora: I'll say. You almost took a bad dive.

Luz: *widens her eyes* Huh?

Luz turns around to see and becomes surprised, silently gasping. What she sees is a boy. Luz analyzes the boy's attire, consisting of a black v-neck t-shirt with white hemming black long baggy shorts and gray pockets held on by red straps. His shorts are tight around his calves. He wears a longer black hooded jacket with red hemming, gray pockets with white hemming, and red flannel flaps that are held down by a series of yellow buttons. His shoes are black and yellow. The ankle and tongue of the shoe are folded down and have a single black strap. His gray fingerless gloves come to a v on his hands and are just short of his elbow. The gloves have red hemming, a yellow strap around the wrist, and a silver circle plate on the back of the hand. His brown hair is short and spiky, and he wears a silver crown necklace. This boy, of course, is Sora. To conclude this analysis, Luz noticed Sora holding her hand and gently pulled her away from and closer to him, finally letting go.

Sora: Are you ok?

Not saying anything, Luz took a closer look at Sora's face. She notices that Sora has light blue eyes and seems quite handsome, causing her to blush a bit. Sora slightly tilts his head in slight confusion.

Sora: Uhh...hello?

Hearing his voice, Luz snaps out of it.

Luz: Oh, um, yeah! Um-hm, thank you for NOT letting me plummet to my death.

Sora: *chuckles* You'reee welcome.

Brief pause.

Luz: Sooo... Um...are you...a native here?

Sora internally grew nervous. He remembered that he was in another world now and must keep the world order. However, he also had a strange feeling coming from this girl. It's almost as if it's the same feeling he gets every time he visits a new world himself, feeling...alien. That said, he did his best to play it cool.

Sora: Huh? Why do you ask that?

Luz inhales through her nose, then exhales.

Luz: Ok. You might think I'll sound crazy or weird for saying this, but I feel this is not my world.

Sora: *widens his eyes* *thinking* NOT from this world?!

Luz notices the look in Sora's eyes.

Luz: I know! I know! *fast talking* It does sound crazy, and you really don't believe me, I can't blame you. But, I really am—

Sora: Hold it!

Luz stops.

Sora: ...Tell me more about this "world" of yours.

Luz raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Luz: *thinking* Wait. Does he actually believe me? But...the way he said "world" sounded really...suspicious. He looks human... Maybe he's human too but is just paranoid by those around him, kind of like I am. Or maybe he's one of those haughty natives who thinks I'm a whack job tourist. Either way, he looks like he's willing to hear me out, so...here goes nothing.

Luz then regains her focus.

Luz: Ok. I'm a human. And I've come from a world called Earth.

Luz raised both her hands and parallelly circled them down slowly as if she were a magician performer.

Luz: A world of humans!

She then became neutral.

Luz: I say this because of...that.

To prove her point that she's clearly no longer on Earth, Luz gestures toward the town before her and Sora, which is made up of far too many arms and teeth. A dragon flies by and is caught by one of said arms.

[Cut to denizens of the town going about their days]

A cloaked figure holding an ice cream cone eats someone, the legs of what appears to be a giant chicken, a centipede-looking thing opening its mouth to let a winged creature fly out. The latter two kiss before going their separate ways.

[Cut back to Luz and Sora]

Luz: Stuff like that doesn't exist where I'm from.

Sora: Wow.

Luz: Yup.

Sora actually ponders about this. After looking at Luz for a bit, and thanks to his usual hunches, he believes her to be sincere. Well, that and the fact that a human in a world full of monsters does seem pretty obvious. He then decides to come clean.

Sora: I believe you. And...to answer your question from earlier, I'm not a native here. Like you, I'm also human.

Luz: *gasp* Really? Wait. Don't mean to doubt you, but... *adverts her head while folding her hands together, pointing with both index fingers, maintaining eye contact* Can you prove it?

Sora moves his hair around his side to show off his ears, which are clearly human. Luz gasped with sparkles in her eyes.

Luz: You ARE human! Oh, thank goodness!

Luz hugs Sora tightly, startling him.

Luz: I'm not crazy! And I'm not alone! Either that, or I'm dreaming in some way!

Sora: *strained* You're hugging too tight!

Luz let go of Sora immediately.

Luz: *sweat dropped nervously* Sorry. Sorry. It's just been so crazy in the span of a few minutes.

Sora: *chuckles, sweat dropping* Yeah. I've been there.

Luz: *nods* Hm. Now, it does beg the question: where exactly are we?

Luz shrieks as a light-purple-skinned fairy in a much lighter-purplish white dress approaches her. Sora wasn't fazed by the fairy, however.

Luz: Oh, hello, little fairy. Are YOU going to tell me this is all a fantastical dream?

Fairy: *shows off her huge teeth* Give me your skin!

Luz screamed until Sora stepped in and slapped the fairy into the ground.

Luz: *phew* Thanks.

Sora: No problem. Happy to help.

Luz was taken aback by this, realizing that someone she just met was really that kind. At least, that's the impression of him she's getting so far.

Luz: Ok, seriously? Where are we? Did we die? Are we in the BAD place?

Sora: Nope. This is definitely not the Underworld. *muttering* Otherwise, Hades would show up and whine about seeing me again.

Luz, having her interest piqued, heard what Sora just said.

Luz: Underworld? Hades? What are you talking about?

Sora internally groaned at those questions.

Sora: Oh! Well...I...

Suddenly, Luz felt a hand grabbed her by the shoulder.

Middle-Aged Woman: *glaring* Found you!

Luz yelped as her shoulder was gripped tightly.

Middle-Aged Woman: *smirking* Thought you could get away?

Luz: W-wait—

Middle-Aged Woman: Now, you're mine!

The middle-aged woman suddenly felt pain on her wrist, letting go of Luz. She winced from the pain by flicking her wrist, then holding onto it with her other hand. Turns out, Sora jumped in, karate-chopped her, and used both his hands to push both females away from each other. Gently with Luz, harshly on the middle-aged woman.

Sora: Back off!

Luz became surprised. Yet again, the boy she just met was actively defending her. While grateful, she was confused as to why.

Middle-Aged Woman: What the heck, kid?!

Sora: What the heck, YOU?! You just show up out of nowhere and try to kidnap this girl?!

Luz: Kidnap?!

Middle-Aged Woman: Kidnap?!

Sora: Don't play dumb with me! You want her? You'll have to go through me first!

Sora enters a fighting stance by slightly crouching, his legs apart from each other, his left being slightly further away, planting his feet firmly, extending his left arm out while having his hand slightly open, resembling a beast's claws, while his right arm is curled close to his face and his hand doing the same thing as his left. While the middle-aged woman deadpanned in confusion about what Sora was doing, Luz was in awe as she recognized his stance, internally geeking out.

Luz: *starry-eyed* *thinking* Kung Fu!

The middle-aged woman just stood there, completely deadpanned and confused by Sora's stance.

Middle-Aged Woman: Uhhh...what exactly are you doing?

Sora and Luz raised an eyebrow.

Sora: Umm...getting ready to fight.

Middle-Aged Woman: No, I got that. I meant...*gesturing Sora's stance* this.

Luz stayed behind Sora.

Luz: Kung Fu! You better watch out!

Middle-Aged Woman: Kung Fu? You mean like—

It was then it clicked in the middle-aged woman's mind about these kids.

Middle-Aged Woman: You two are from the Human Realm!

Luz/Sora: The Human Realm?

Sora: *thinking* This lady knows about the other worlds?!

Middle-Aged Woman: Yeah. The Human Realm. Where do those action-fight movies come from? That uses that Kung Fu thing?

Luz: Ummm...

Sora: How exactly do you know about...the Human Realm?

At this point, the awkwardness has reached its peak, and the middle-aged woman has had enough of it.

Middle-Aged Woman: Ok. Few things. First, we got off on the wrong foot. No, I'm not trying to kidnap anyone. That girl there took something from my shop, and I have a feeling the three of us have a lot to talk about. So, whaddya say we head back to my shop and talk?

Sora and Luz were still suspicious of the middle-aged woman. However, Sora still had his mission on his mind but didn't want to leave Luz behind and alone with a somewhat brash and potentially dangerous stranger. He also wanted to ask Luz if she wanted to go.

Sora: *whispering to Luz* Hey, do you wanna check out her shop? If so, I'll stay with you. I know we just met, but you can trust me to ensure nothing bad happens to you.

Luz ponders a bit, unsure of what to do. But, for some reason, seeing the look in Sora's eyes gave her a sense of comfort and sincerity. She felt like she could actually trust Sora. And, of course, she was really taken aback by his display of compassion for her.

Luz: *whispering* You... won't...leave me?

Sora: *whispering* *nods* Yeah. At this point, we're the only two humans here. Might as well stick together for the time being.

Luz ponders again but agrees.

Luz: *whispering* Sure. As long as you're with me.

Sora: *whispering* No problem. *to the middle-aged woman* Alright, we'll go. But, I've got my eye on you.

Middle-Aged Woman: I know I'm pretty, but just don't stare too much, okay, kid?

Luz and Sora deadpanned.

Sora: *sarcastically* Haha. SO funny.

Middle-Aged Woman: HA! *snort* I know. Anyway, come on. You two, out of all people, will really appreciate what I've got in stock.

The middle-aged woman walks back to her stand as the humans carefully follow.

[Cut to the middle-aged woman's vendor stand]

Luz explained to the middle-aged woman that the book did actually belong to her and saw her owl taking it from her and hopping away through a door. After that, Eda relented and apologized for almost burning it, allowing them to move on. Sora also apologized for attacking Eda earlier, but Eda waved it off and forgave Sora. Eda realized that her approach and choice of words did sound bad in hindsight. Because of that, Sora seemed to be at ease. However, Luz then propped up an odd question.

Luz: You're not leading us here to be eaten, are you?

Sora clenches his fists in preparation.

Middle-Aged Woman: Eat you? Why would I eat...potential customers?

Both humans raised one eyebrow each in confusion.

Middle-Aged Woman: Can I offer you a human foot filled with holes?

She holds up a green Croc.

Sora: That's a shoe.

The middle-aged woman then puts it aside and grabs a stick of men's deodorant.

Middle-Aged Woman: A Bar of Green Human Candy?

Sora: That's deodorant.

Middle-Aged Woman: Oh, oh! How about this black shadow box that reflects only sadness?

She then holds a portable TV up to Luz and Sora.

Sora: Aaaand that's a TV.

Middle-Aged Woman: Huh. You really do know these things.

Sora: Yup.

Luz looks at the middle-aged woman and laughs, confusing her.

Luz: And that's not all a TV can do. Here, let me see it.

Luz takes the TV and grabs two batteries from a dish labeled "Human candy! (?)" She puts the batteries in and presses the power button. A jazzercise video of a man in a leotard started playing with loud music.

Luz: Voilà!

Sora silently squints in disgust at what he is seeing as several customers and vendors stop at the noise.

Monster #1: Huh?

Monster #2: What's that?

Monster #3: The sound—it's so alluring.

Several monsters are now crowded around the TV.

Monster #1: *holding up green bill* I'll pay 40 snails for the screaming box!

Monster #2: I'll give you a hundred!

Monster #3: Can I eat the tiny person inside?

The whole crowd starts bidding.

Middle-Aged Woman: *looks at the humans* Hey, what are your names?

Luz: I'm Luz. Luz Noceda.

Middle-Aged Woman: And you?

Sora: I'm Sora.

Luz: *leans towards Sora, whispering* Nice to meet you.

Sora: *leans towards Luz, whispering* Same here.

Middle-Aged Woman: *taking people's money* Well, Luz, Sora, you two are pre-tty clever...for a pair of humans.

Luz: I'd say, "That's kind of a weird thing for another human to say," but I'm guessing that's not the case.

Middle-Aged Woman: Oh, you're right, dear child. *take off bandana to reveal pointed ears* I'm not like you. *climbs onto the table* I'm Eda the Owl Lady, the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles!

Luz: A Witch?

Sora: Huh...

Eda: I am a respected, feared—

Suddenly, a masked man shows up.

This masked man seemed to be a humanoid with a large rotund build and blue eyes with black sclerae and pupils. Their uniform consists of a gray long-sleeved shirt with brown gloves and a brown belt with a gold buckle, followed by black harem pants and brown boots. His mask is dark gray and pointed. Finally, a golden triangle is placed at the center.

Masked Man: Busted!

He smashes a TV with his fist, causing the people that were surrounding Eda's stand to run away screaming. Sora and Luz ducked behind the table to keep their distance enough to hear what was going on. Eda then hops down from the table. The Masked Man then holds up a wanted poster with Eda on it.

Masked Man: Eda the Owl Lady, you are wanted for misuse of magic and demonic misdemeanors!

Both humans were peeking over the edge of the table.

Luz: Whoa! Witch criminal!

Sora: Witch criminal?

Sora took a closer look at Eda to see if there was any hint of her being what she was being accused of, but there was nothing. At least, there was only a tiny hinge of darkness inside Eda's heart. Sora was a bit confused about that.

Sora: *thinking* I don't get it... If there's very little darkness in Eda's heart, why would this guy act like she's one of the worst people alive?

The Masked Man proceeds to grab Eda's arm.

Masked Man: You are hereby ordered to come with me to the Conformatorium!

Eda breaks free from the Masked Man's grip.

Eda: Would you guys quit following me around?! I haven't done squat.

Masked Man then turns to Luz and picks her up by her hood, not noticing Sora.

Luz: Aah!

Masked Man: And you're coming too, for fraternizing with a criminal!

Luz: Wh‐What?! That's not cool!

Sora then turned to the Masked Man and noticed darkness surrounding the Masked Man's heart, much larger than Eda's, indicating bad news for him. On top of that, he did not want to see Luz get hurt by him. Eda was about to interject when Sora suddenly jumped in.

Sora: Hey! Let her go!

The Masked Man turned to Sora, confused and wondering who he was. Meanwhile, Luz and Eda were anxious about what Sora was going to do, albeit for different reasons. The Masked Man began questioning Sora in a stern tone.

Masked Man: Who the heck are you, kid? Are you also involved with these two?

Sora paused for a bit but then answered his questions.

Sora: So what if I am?

Masked Man: Good enough for me! You're coming too, for interfering with official guard duty!

The Masked Man, revealed to be a guard of sorts, tried to grab Sora with his free hand, but he managed to avoid it by jumping backward.

Sora: I said, let her go!

Sora began to summon a blue aura around his body entirely, shocking the others.

Eda: What the?!

Luz: *starry-eyed* Oh, wow!

Guard: What kind of magic is that?!

Suddenly, Sora disappeared from sight, startling everyone.

Eda/Luz: Woah!

Guard: Where'd he— GOOOO?!

What can be seen as a speeding blue blur, Sora punched the guard right in the gut with his right fist. The pain from that attack caused the guard to let go of Luz, allowing her to safely land on her feet. The guard winced from the pain but was still standing, ready to fight.

Guard: You...little...punk!

Sora enters his Kung Fu stance from earlier, exciting Luz and Eda a little bit.

Luz: Whoo!

Eda: This oughta be something.

Initially perplexed by the stance, the guard didn't waste any time attacking Sora. The guard threw punches left and right, but Sora swiftly dodged each and every one.

Guard: Hold still!

The guard threw another punch but was caught by Sora.

Guard: ?!

Sora: Sure thing.

Sora pulled the guard in closer and gave him a 3-attack combo by back-fisting him across the face, punching him in the chest, and finishing him off by leaping with a full-body spin to kick him in the stomach, sending him flying backward. The guard was ultimately defeated as he landed on his back. Sora dusted himself off as he turned back to Luz and Eda.

Sora: You girls, ok?

Sora then saw the two with eyes widened and jaws dropped, completely in awe. Luz even took out a purple phone, presumably her phone, to record the whole fight.

Luz: That...was...so...cool!

Eda: Nice work there, kid.

Sora: Thanks.

Before the three exchanged more words, the guard was starting to get up. The three notice.

Luz: He's getting back up!

Sora: *cracks knuckles* Round two, then.

Eda: No need!

The humans turned around to see Eda spinning her staff, tapping the bottom of it on the table, and making all her stuff float in mid-air.

Eda: Whoops. Can't forget this.

Eda reaches into her hair and pulls out a key, pressing the eye to summon the portal door. She closes her hand into a fist, making the tablecloth wrap itself around all of her stuff. She sticks her staff through the bundle and starts running.

Eda: Follow me, you two!

Sora and Luz looked at each other briefly, shrugged, and then followed Eda.

Luz: This is crazy. If I die here, my mom's gonna kill me!

Eda: Ha! I won't let 'em hurt you. A human like you is much more valuable to me, alive than dead.

Eda looks back at Sora.

Eda: In fact, both of you might be.

Luz: Wait. What's that supposed to—

Eda jumps, pulling herself and the Human Girl onto her staff. They take off into the sky as the guard runs into the frame.

Eda: Whoo‐hoo!

Sora continues running after them on foot.

The guard catches up, but it is too late to catch them.

Guard: You won't get away with this, Owl Lady! We'll get you and your little sidekick too!

[Silence]

[Cut to Eda and the Luz crying, flying on Eda's staff above the Isles]

Eda: You can open your eyes now, human.

Luz does so, yells, and nearly falls off the staff when she sees the ground below them.

Luz: Flying staffs, crazy monsters, you're a witch! What is this place?! Wait. Where's Sora?

Sora: Over here!

Luz turned her head to where Sora called out to her and was shocked to see Sora flying next to them. She was about to say something but lost her balance, and Eda picked her up and righted her.

Eda: Woah! Easy there, kid.

Luz: Thanks. *to Sora* I must be going crazy this time...YOU CAN FLY!?

Eda: I had the same reaction myself.

Sora twirls his body once on his back while folding his arms behind his head, looking like he was reclining so casually.

Sora: Yup.

Luz: ...Since when?

Sora: For about a year.

Both Luz and Eda deadpanned at that answer.

Luz: ...I have SEVERAL questions.

Eda: So do I. But first things first. Take a look around.

The humans do so. They see what looks like a desolate wasteland with a giant skull in sight in the distance. Several flying creatures can be seen passing by.

Eda: This is the Boiling Isles. Every myth you humans have is caused by a little of our world leaking into yours.

Sora was surprised to hear what Eda had just said and wondered if she knew about the other worlds. But then, he decided to stay silent for now. A griffin that looks extremely similar to the one Luz made at school flies up next to them and screeches.

Luz: A griffin!

The griffin barfs spiders.

Luz: *points excitingly* I knew it!

Sora was grossed out by the sight, however.

Eda: Yep. Griffins, vampires, giraffes...

Luz: Giraffes?

Eda: Oh, yeah. We banished those guys. Bunch of freaks.

All three land as Eda hops off her staff, though her hand stays behind. Sora and Luz see it move on its own, surprising the other two.

Sora/Luz: Aaah!

Eda: Oops. That happens sometimes.

Eda screws her hand back on and gestures them to follow her. Sora wanted to question how and why that happened, but Eda started walking.

Eda: Ah, now, come along, you two.

Luz and Sora turned their heads to where Eda was walking when they saw something catching their attention.

Luz/Sora: Whoa!

What they see is a tower, on top of which is an owl with an uncanny human face that cackles, zooming out as it flies down to reveal an interesting-looking house. The two followed Eda and looked over her shoulder until Luz spoke.

Luz: Aren't you worried about those guards finding us?

Eda: Nope. My house has a state‐of‐the‐art defense system.

Door: Hoot‐hoot! Password, please!

Sora was somewhat surprised to see a talking door. But then he remembered that he once met a talking door back in Wonder Land. Eda pokes the talking door's eyes.

Door: Aah!

Eda: We got no time for this, Hooty. Let us in.

Hooty: All right, all right! Geez! You never want to have any fun! Ow! Hoot!

Hooty opens his mouth wide enough to open the door completely. Sora was put off by that a bit. The three stepped through, though Eda's bag stayed outside. Hooty then closes his mouth with a burp. The three walked into a dark room.

Eda: Welcome to... *snaps fingers* the Owl House!

Candles ignite. A fire in the fireplace starts, a cauldron starts stirring itself, and a broom starts sweeping the floor. Overhead, a depiction of an owl beast of some kind begins to glow with a great screeching noise. Sora and Luz look at all of this in awe.

Eda: Where I hide away from the pressures of modern life. Also, the cops. Mm, also ex‐boyfriends *chuckle*.

Luz puts down her book on a coffee table.

Luz: This place is beautiful! Do you live here all alone?

Eda: Actually, I have a roommate.

Eda then turns to the two.

Eda: Now then, I believe it's time we have a chat. For starters, Sora.

Both Eda and Luz turn to Sora.

Eda: Care to explain how you learned to do magic?

Sora: Magic?

Eda: *deadpanned* ...Yeeaaahhh. Like the blue aura, you surrounded yourself with and went all zoom?

Luz: Really cool, by the way!

Sora: Thanks. And that actually wasn't magic.

Eda's eyes widened.

Eda: What? What do you mean that wasn't magic? That was clearly magic.

Sora: Nope. What you actually saw was Flowmotion.

Eda: Flow...motion?

Luz: Wazzat?

Sora: Flowmotion is a technique that requires your physical strength and natural energy or stamina. It doesn't require magic unless you want to add some for a boost. With this, you can scale on walls, jump off them, grind rails, leap great heights, increase your speed, and damage opponents with super cool air combos.

Eda: Physical strength? Hold on... you're saying that—

Luz: *starry-eyed* ANYBODY can learn this?!

Sora: Yeah. I learned it from a friend of mine.

Luz began to imagine herself performing Flowmotion, hopping over tall buildings. She then snaps out of it and gets closer to Sora.

Luz: *excited* Who is this friend of yours, and do they teach lessons?!

Sora sweat dropped, chuckling.

Sora: His name is Neku. ... And I don't think so. Aside from me, he's not much of an open person.

Luz: Aww.

Sora: Heh, heh, sorry.

Eda: And what about about the flying? You said you learned that about a year ago.

Luz: Is that ALSO some sort of ancient technique?

Sora folds his arms behind his head in a relaxed manner.

Sora: No. THAT was magic.

Eda: Magic!

Luz, starry-eyed, leaned in closer to Sora with her fingers folded together in an excited manner.

Luz: *excited* How did you learn magic?!

Sora: I was taught by a couple of magicians. One of them mostly taught me to use basic magic. The flight was taught by another. It started off as gliding in the air, but over time, I practiced with wind magic to give myself more mobility.

Eda: Huh. That's kinda of clever.

Luz: THAT. IS. SO. COOL.

Eda: Ok. There's A LOT more to unpack there.

Sora was taken aback by Luz's enthusiasm, but he does seem to appreciate it nonetheless. Luz then backed away and daydreamed herself flying. However, it was then Luz remembered what happened before coming to the Boiling Isles as she turned to Eda.

Luz: Well, I've had enough adventure for today. This is clearly not the PG fantasy world I always dreamed about. So, can you help me get back home?

That question piqued Sora. He was about to say something, but Eda spoke first.

Eda: But only if you help me first. Hmm, I think I'll need both of you to help me.

Sora looked a bit confused about what Eda had said. But suddenly, thudding footsteps shake the house, shocking the humans.

Sora/Luz: What is that?!

Eda: That would be my roommate.

? *deep voice*: Who dares intrude upon I, *normal voice* the King of Demons?

The little demon squeaks his rubber duck. To which Luz and Sora gasped in awe. Then Luz ran towards the demon and scooped him up for a hug.

Luz: ¡Ay, que lindo! (Oh, how cute!) Eda, he's so cute! Who's a widdle guy? Who's a widdle guy? Is it you? Is it you?

The demon was struggling to free himself.

Demon: No! I don't know who your little guy is!

The demon then sees Sora standing close to him with a smile.

Sora: Aww, hi there, little guy.

Demon: No! There are two of them! Eda, who are these monsters?!

Eda drags Luz away from the demon.

Eda: Oh, this is Luz, the human. The other one is Sora, also a human.

Eda puts Luz down on the floor.

Eda: They're here to help us with our little... situation.

Demon: Oh! Hooray!

Luz: Wait, wait, wait. I don't like the sound of this "situation".

Sora: And what exactly is your "situation"?

Eda: Let me explain...

Eda draws a spell circle that darkens and effectively turns into a storybook. Eda begins to narrate.

Eda: (narrating) King was once a mighty King of Demons until his Crown of Power was stolen, and he became-

[Cut to Luz hugging King again while Sora smiling with folded hands behind his head]

Eda: -this.

Luz: You mean this little bundle of joy?

Eda: (narrating) The crown is being held by the evil Warden Wrath and locked away behind a magical force field that only a human can break through.

The storybook circle fades, returning to Luz hugging King.

Eda: And since they're two of you. It should be easy to help us retrieve the crown, and then we'll send you back to your realm. So whaddya say? Plus-

Eda picks up King by his face and shakes him gently.

Eda: -who could say no to this cute face?

King: No! Please don't encourage her!

King gets dropped.

King: Nyeh!

Eda: I mean, we're kinda your only way home.

Luz: So I don't really have a choice, do I?

Eda: Nope.

Eda picks Luz up and tosses her over her shoulder as she heads for the door.

Eda: Now, we've got no time to lose.

King picks up his rubber duck.

King: Soon, Mr. Ducky, we shall drink the fear of those who mocked us.

He then follows Eda.

But everyone was stopped by Sora.

Sora: Woah, Woah, Woah. Hang on a sec.

Everyone else turned to Sora.

Sora: I understand you guys need help with King's crown. But I should clarify that I'm here for a different reason.

Eda: Really? You're not in the same boat as this one here? *gestures her head to Luz*

Sora shook his head.

Eda: Then...why are you here?

Sora: I came here to find a lost friend of mine. I plan to bring her back to our home.

Eda and Luz became shocked.

Eda: Hold on, a lost friend?

Luz: As in, there's another human here?! *thinking* Wait...her?

Sora: *nods* Yeah.

Eda, Luz, and King looked at Sora for a bit, then at each other, then at him again.

Eda: Actually, you might be in luck, kid.

Sora: Huh?

Eda: Where King's Crown is located, your friend might be there as well.

Sora: Really?!

Eda: Probably. But it's a good place to start your search either way.

Sora thought about it for a bit. And just like Luz, he doesn't have any other choice. For now, he'll have to go along with them and agree to help them out.

Sora: Ok, I'm in.

Eda swings her arm in enthusiasm.

Eda: That's the spirit! Now, let's go!

All started to go together, heading for the door.

Luz: Where are we going?

Eda: Somewhere, super fun!

[Cut to the group looking at a building in the distance, where thunder claps]

The base structure seems to resemble a half dome, mostly open-spaced on the inside, with a spiral tower directly in the center of the base structure. Violet lights shine from the inside of the base.

Eda: The Conformatorium, a place for those considered unsuitable for society.

Luz notices Eda's wanted poster on the wall they're hiding behind.

Luz: Whoa. These guys really have the hots for you.

Eda: Yep. But we were never caught because we're too slippery.

King: Try to catch me when I'm covered in grease. I'm a squirmy little fella.

King falls off of Luz's head.

Eda: I'm gonna make sure the warden's distracted so they don't catch us.

Eda then looks at Sora.

Eda: Sora.

Sora: Huh?

Eda: You know how earlier I said you might be able to find your friend?

Sora nods.

Eda: As I've said just now, The Conformatorium holds people here for being unsuitable for society. And you said your friend IS human, right?

Sora: Yeah.

Eda: Then your friend will most likely be here. She'll stick out like a sore thumb since humans don't exist in this world.

Sora: Oh, I see. Now I understand what you meant: "This is the best place to start my search."

Eda: Mm-hm.

King then cuts in.

King: Alright, listen up. You two and I will sneak up to the top of the tower, where they're holding my crown.

The humans nod in agreement.

Luz gasps with an idea.

Luz: Will I need a disguise?

Eda: Uh...

Luz: I've been waiting to use this.

Luz pulls her hood on and flicks up cat ears.

Luz: Meow, meow.

The three pause and look at her with different reactions.

King: It's hideous.

Eda: Oh, you'll fit right in.

Sora chuckles, thinking it's a bit funny. Eda taps the bottom of her staff against the ground, creating a round glowing platform. Luz, Sora, and King stood on it.

Eda: Hang on tight.

Luz: Whoa!

The platform rises, floating up to a window in the tower. It disappears suddenly, forcing Luz to grab the edge of the window sill with King clinging onto her while Sora used Flowmotion, performing a swift rushing movement to latch onto the wall.

Eda, meanwhile, tosses her staff and casually sits down on it as it rises.

Eda: Meet you guys at the top of the tower.

Sora, still latched to the wall, swiftly enters through the window, while King grunts as he climbs up Luz and into the window, while Luz struggles to pull herself up to get in. Sora then extends his hand out to Luz to give her a hand entering through the window. Luz sees Sora with a small smile on his face.

Sora: Need a hand?

Luz smiled and lightly giggled. She takes his hand and enters through the window safely.

Luz: Thanks.

Sora: You're welcome.

The three of them marvel at the number of prison cells before them, all of them occupied by shadowy beasts of varying shapes and sizes, though all of their eyes glow in the light. In his mind, Sora hopes that with the number of cells here, Kairi, his missing friend, could be in there somewhere. Suddenly, someone spoke to them.

?: Hey, you three.

The humans and King turned to them.

Female prisoner: Yeah, you. Cat lady, the little furry guy, and spikey hair. How'd you get out of your cells?

The female prisoner in question is a humanoid female witch with pointy ears, dark skin, and black hair styled in a ponytail with a few tuffs sticking out the front. She has upturned hazel eyes with three eyelashes on each eye and distinguished fangs. Her attire was an off-the-shoulder indigo-colored dress covering all of her upper arms and about half her forearms. She wore a gold band around her neck and wore black, calf-length blue-grey high-heeled boots.

Luz: Oh, no, no, no. I'm not a cat. Also, we're not criminals.

Luz pulls her hood down.

King: Not yet, you're not.

Female Prisoner: Neither are we. The stupid warden likes to lock people up who don't fit in. Like, I write fanfics of food falling in love.

She pulls out a book of said fanfiction.

Fanfic Prisoner: I like food, I like love... Just let me write about it!

Male Demon Prisoner: I'm here because I like eating my own eyes.

The male demon prisoner is a light grayish-blue monster with at least six eye holes, which will either have all his eyes or a few missing. Said eyes have sea-green irises. He had a tuff of orange hair atop his head in his youth. He wears gray capris with shredded ends and walks barefoot. He also has an ankle lock on his left foot.

Sora was creeped out by his appearance but didn't want to say anything out of respect. The demon was about to demonstrate his alleged crime, but Sora stopped him.

Sora: I'm sorry, but can you please NOT do that?

Another prisoner speaks up.

Third Prisoner: We are agents of free expwession! They will never silence us!

The third prisoner is a small, round white demon with large blueish eyes within a yellowish sclera, a rather prominent nose, and long red hair. She also has two off-white buck teeth. She is effectively just a head with no body, with her limbs coming directly out of her head.

Fanfic Prisoner: Yeah, she's really big into conspiracy theories.

Conspiracy Prisoner: The world is a simulation! We are but playthings for a higher being!

Luz began pacing around.

Luz: Wait. These aren't crimes. None of you actually did anything wrong.

She pulls out Eda's wanted poster.

Luz: You're all just a bunch of weirdos... like me.

Sora, slightly confused, thought about what Luz said and agreed with her.

Sora: *thinking* This world is starting to sound oppressive.

Suddenly, thudding footsteps caught their attention.

Fanfic Prisoner: It's Warden Wrath! Hide!

The humans and King panicked a bit and ran into an open cell, pulling the door down as they entered.

Footsteps continue until a door is pushed open, revealing a huge shadowy figure.

Warden Wrath: I can hear you.

Luz whimpers while Sora tries to calm her down. Warden Wrath stomps forward. Upon closer look, he wears a non-standard hood for a guard and a beaked mask with yellow button-like lenses, resembling masks worn by plague doctors and 17th-century physicians who treated victims of the Bubonic Plague in certain European countries. Under his mask and hood, he hides a huge mouth of large sharp teeth and almost tiny eyes, which are difficult to see under a hood that he has not yet removed. In addition, he wears a white sleeveless tunic with brass buttons, a brown leather belt with a brass buckle, and black trousers tucked into dark purple shoes. One can also see a triangular brass badge on the uniform, which emphasizes his position.

Warden Wrath: Just what are you fools whispering about?

He looks down at Eda's wanted poster that Luz had dropped.

Warden Wrath: Ah. The Owl Lady.

He picks up the poster and crumples it, turning his fist into a hammer and slamming it into the door of the group's cell.

Warden Wrath: I'll get my hands on her soon enough.

Warden Wrath looks into the cell, where the group huddled in the corner.

Conspiracy Prisoner: Fight against the oppressor! We will wait! We will conquer! We will never be afraid of you, you old creep!

Warden Wrath walks over to her cell and opens it. She stares at the opening door.

Conspiracy Prisoner: Hooway! I'm free!

Warden Wrath grabs the prisoner, making her yelp. His fist fits around her entire body, then holds her up and points at the other two prisoners.

Warden Wrath: Let this be a lesson to all of you. You have no place in society if you can't fit in.

He tightens his grip, making the prisoner squeak again. Warden Wrath stomps away, crushing the crumpled-up wanted poster on his way out. A door slams and the group opens their cell, running to that of the Fanfic Prisoner.

Luz: Don't worry. I can get you out.

Luz tries to pull up the lever but can't lift it.

Luz: No! My weak nerd arms!

Fanfic Prisoner: Just get out of here while you still can, kid. Enjoy freedom for us.

The Fanfic Prisoner walks deeper into her cell, but Sora stops her.

Sora: Wait.

The Fanfic Prisoner and Luz turn to Sora.

Sora: Let me give it a shot.

Luz/Fanfic Prisoner: You can open the cages?

Sora nods and turns to Luz.

Sora: Luz, you and King can go on ahead. I'll take care of things here and catch up with you guys later.

Luz: Are you sure?

Sora: Yeah.

Luz is reluctant about walking away but then sees Sora nodding at her with a small smile and remembers HIS reason for coming here. Luz nods back and turns around.

Luz: Come on, King. Let's find your crown.

The two began walking away as Sora turned to the prisoners.

Sora: Ok, guys. Ready to get out of here?

The prisoners said yeah in excitement.

Sora: Hang on a sec.

Sora extends his right arm out and immediately summons his Kingdom keyblade.

The Kingdom Keyblade is seen as a classic skeleton key approximately 3.5' long with a long silver Keychain and a token on the end of the Keychain that resembles the head of King Mickey. The blade and teeth of the Keyblade are silver, the rain guard is blue, and the guard is bright gold. The teeth of the Keyblade form the outline of a crown, which matches the crown charm Sora wears.

He then points it toward the lever switches and shoots a beam of light at each one, unlocking the mechanisms inside and opening the cages. The prisoners expressed their gratitude towards Sora and began to leave. But the Fanfic Prisoner was stopped by Sora.

Sora: Wait.

Fanfic Prisoner: What's up?

Sora: Quick question before you go.

Fanfic Prisoner: Shoot.

Sora: Have you seen a girl locked up here with red hair and blue eyes, wearing a pink and black dress with black ruffles on one side of her skirt, plaid on the other, and thick belted boots?

The Fanfic Prisoner responds with an apologetic tone.

Fanfic Prisoner: Sorry, I haven't seen anyone like that. But, with all the cells here and others on the above floor. Maybe she's around.

Sora: Ok, thanks anyway.

The Fanfic Prisoner puts her hand on his shoulder, wishing him good luck in finding the girl he's looking for. She then leaves. Sora stood there for a bit and looked up at all the cells. He thinks about Kairi, wondering if she's even here at all and if she's ok. Sora clenches his right hand into a fist. Sora turned around in the direction of where Warden Wrath went.

Sora: *thinking* I gotta save one last "prisoner" first...

[Cut to a hallway, where Eda flies up to the others]

Eda: Hey, I just checked.

Eda hops off her staff.

Eda: The warden is distracted, tormenting some tiny creature. He won't be coming around here anytime soon.

Eda then notices one human short.

Eda: Hey, where's spikey hair?

Luz: He's helping the false prisoners escape and is searching for his friend.

Eda: False prisoners?

Luz: Yeah, it's not fair that they're all in here. They just want to be themselves. Why does everyone think that being a weirdo is so bad?

Eda went into thought about that question. However, they reach a towering door reading "CONTRABAND."

King: My crown! It's close! I can sense its power!

King runs up to the door and fiddles with the doorknob that's as big as he is.

Eda: Aw, he gets so cute when he's thirsty for power.

King struggles for a bit until the doorknob comes off and throws it onto the ground with a clink. King pushes open the door, cackling, and runs through the doorway.

Eda: Come on, before he hurts himself.

ZAP

King: Ow!

Luz and Eda follow King inside the room, empty save a giant glowing pillar in the center. King rubs his skull before charging at the pillar headfirst, succeeding only in launching himself backward.

Eda: We have a human, remember?

King: Oh, yeah.

Luz takes a breath. She puts a hand against the pillar before walking through it. Inside are piles of what can only be described as junk: everything from books to skulls to a dead fish in a tank. Atop the central one is a glowing crown. Luz began climbing the pile to reach for the crown until she noticed something strange. It looked like a pink charm of sorts. Intrigued by it, she grabs it, puts it in her pocket for safekeeping, and continues to the top until she comes close to the crown.

Luz: Wait a second. Is that a...

[Cut to a small stoney room of sorts]


The conspiracy prisoner has her wrists chained up and was just given a black eye when the warden punched her.

Warden Wrath: I told you to be silent or else, didn't I?!

The conspiracy prisoner loudly whimpered and sniffled with tears welling up. These two didn't know that Sora was silently watching them from behind the door. Seeing what had just transpired made Sora furious. He gave off a deathly glare, really wanting to beat the warden to the ground. But he had to keep a cool head and remember why he was there in the first place. Looking around, he reached into his pocket and pulled out some shards of crystals. Looking down into a clear hallway, Sora, with all his strength, threw the crystals hard enough to make a loud shatter noise. The warden heard this and immediately went out to look for the source of the noise. Fortunately for Sora, he used Flowmotion to latch onto the ceiling to hide from the warden. After seeing the warden heading off towards the hallway, Sora dropped to the floor and immediately ran inside the room towards the conspiracy theory prisoner. She was surprised to see Sora.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *silently gasped, whispering* It's you!

Sora: *whispering* Yeah, don't worry. I'm gonna get you out of here. The others had already left.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* Hooway!

Sora pulls out a blue bottle with a neon-green star symbol on it.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* What's that?

Sora: *whispering* A potion. This'll heal that black eye of yours. Drink up.

Sora pops it open and feeds it to the Conspiracy prisoner, her eye instantly healing. She was in awe of the potion's effect while Sora summoned his Keyblade again and pointed it to each keyhole on the chains, setting her free.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* Thanks so much! I owe you big time!

Sora: *whispering* No need. The warden is gone. Now, go.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* Thanks again.

The conspiracy prisoner started to run but stopped and turned around.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* Oh, hey. What's your name?

Sora: *grins* *whispering* Sora.

Conspiracy Prisoner: *whispering* Good to meetcha, Sowa. Call me Tiny Nose. See ya, and thanks again!

Goodbye waves were exchanged before Tiny Nose ran away as quickly as possible while Sora ran back to the cells.

Sora: *thinking* ok, time to look around. Kairi, I hope you're here and that you're safe.


[Cut finds Luz standing with the Eda King, holding a Burger Queen paper crown, looking frustrated]

King: My crown!

King jumps in place before taking the crown from Luz and placing it on his head.

King: Yes. Yes! I can feel my powers returning! You, there! Nightmare critter!

King points to a stuffed rabbit with one button eye falling out of a box.

King: I shall call you Francois, and you shall be a minion in my army of darkness! Ha‐ha!

He picks up the rabbit.

Luz: That crown doesn't give him any powers, does it?

Eda: Uh, no.

Luz glares at Eda.

Eda: Oh, look at us, Luz. King and I don't have much in this world. We only have each other. So if that dumb crown is important to him, it's important to me. And besides, us weirdos have to stick together, you know?

Luz smiles and blushes.

Eda: Well, we owe you one. Now, let's go find spikey hair and get out of here before the warden finds us and loses his head.

Warden Wrath: Too late.

Warden Wrath's hand turns into a blade, and with an easy swing, he decapitates Eda. Luz catches her head. Luz screams, seeing Eda sticking her tongue out like a fake corpse.

Eda: Ow! Oh, I hate it when that happens.

Luz then screams longer and louder.

Eda: Kid, calm down!

Luz: Eda! Are you okay?

Eda: Yeah. This just happens when you get older.

Luz: Does it?

Warden Wrath: Finally, *transforms his hand back into a hand* I have you cornered, Eda the Owl Lady. *takes King's crown*

King: Weh?

Warden Wrath walks closer to Eda and Luz. King follows him, his arms up and reaching for his crown.

Warden Wrath: My guards could never get you, but I knew if I took your pet's toy, you'd come running. *crumples the crown*

King: No! My power!

Eda: What do you want with me? I've never actually broken any of your stupid laws...in front of you.

Warden Wrath: I want you...*pulls out a bouquet of flowers* to go out with me.

Eda: *confused* Wha...?

Luz: *disgusted* What?

Guard#2: Go, boss!

Warden Wrath: *shoots the guard a thumbs-up* You've always eluded our capture. You've always been the one who got away. I found that alluring~.

Eda became flabbergasted, King became annoyed, and Luz remained disgusted.

Luz: I hate everything you're saying right now.

Warden Wrath: You stay out of this!

Warden Wrath tosses the bouquet over his shoulder, turning his now free hand into tentacles to grab Luz and hold her above the ground.

Warden Wrath: So how about it, Owl Lady?

Warden Wrath picks Eda's head up by the hair.

Warden Wrath: The most powerful witch of the Boiling Isles and the feared Warden Wrath. We'd be the strongest-power couple ever. I mean, it's—it's not like you can say no right now.

Eda looks up at Luz, who's struggling to free herself from the warden's grasp. She looks to King, who gets picked up by one of the guards and also struggles for freedom.

Eda: *sighs*All right, warden. You win. I'd just like to say something first. Come closer. No. Just come a little bit closer. Just...yeah, that's good. *blows raspberry*

Warden Wrath yells and drops Luz, who also yells. He wipes Eda's spit off his mask. Eda laughs.

Warden Wrath: Impudent wench! Don't you know how many germs are in your mouth? Blegh!

Eda: Get over it! You had your guards stalk me, and then you cut off my head! I am not going out with you!

Warden Wrath: If you don't accept, then I have no choice but to des—Oh!

Luz hits him in the head with Eda's staff. He falls to the ground with a loud crash.

Eda: *chuckles* Nice!

The two guards step next to Eda's head. She glares at them as her body walks up behind them and drags their hoods over their eyes.

Luz: Ok, we're going now.

Luz runs forward, grabbing Eda's head. Eda's body frees King of the guard's grasp, and Luz grabs her by the waist, and they all mount the staff. Owlbert unfurls his wings and hoots.

Luz: Expecto... flying? Magicus... escapicus!

Warden Wrath grunts as he gets up.

Eda: Gun it, magic stick!

The staff takes off. Warden Wrath clamors to his feet.

Warden Wrath: Owl Lady, I won't let you get away again!

His arms transform into bundles of tentacles, which he uses to chase after the staff.


[Cut to Sora, in his Flowmotion, jumping around the walls upwards, checking all the cells but one]

Sora lands on the very top floor and in front of the last one. He sees it's empty and yells in frustration.

Sora: *thinking* I've checked all the cells, AND ALL OF THEM ARE EMPTY!

Sora slams his fist on the wall. Sora starts to tear up a bit while having flashbacks of all his and Kairi's experiences together.

Sora: *thinking* Kairi...


[Cut back to Luz, Eda, and King flying on the staff]

They burst through an outer door high in the center of the Conformatorium with a yell from Luz, then plummet. Warden Wrath exits right behind them, front flipping off the pillar. The staff and Warden Wrath fall toward the ground. Warden Wrath extends one of his tentacles, hitting the very back of the staff and launching Eda, Luz, and King off of it. They roll when they hit the ground, and Warden Wrath steps in front of them, his hand shifting into a blade again.

King: Ow, my bones!

Eda: Luz...

Eda reattaches her head, then reaches into her hair and pulls out the key to the portal door.

Eda: Go back to the human world!

Eda hands Luz the key, then runs at Warden Wrath.

Luz: What about you guys?

King: *stands and runs to join Eda* If you think this guy is bad, you shoulda seen her last boyfriend!

Eda: Not my boyfriend! *grabs King and jumps back towards Luz, avoiding Wrath's blade hands* Go! Go! *puts Luz onto her staff*

Luz: But—But I—

Eda slaps the bottom of the staff, sending it into the air. Warden Wrath takes off his mask to reveal a face that's mostly mouth, which opens to breathe fire. Eda expertly draws two spell circles, one that catches the fire and one that launches it right back. Wrath slams into the wall of the Conformatorium. Luz whimpers as she tries to not fall off the staff. Wrath stands up, brandishing his blade hands and running at Eda again. As this happens, Sora hears the commotion, runs towards a balcony, and sees Eda battling Warden Wrath and Luz in the sky, riding Eda's staff. Luz notices Sora and flies towards him, and lands on the balcony.

Luz: Sora! Did you find your friend?

Sora, with a sad face, shook his head slowly.

Luz could see the sadness on Sora's face and sympathize with him.

Luz: I'm sorry, Sora.

Sora remained silent as Luz looked down and saw Eda redirecting Warden Wrath's fire attack against him and starting to struggle against him. Luz then turn to Sora.

Luz: Sora! You have to help Eda beat Warden Wrath!

Sora remained silent.

Luz: Sora?

Sora: I'm sorry, Luz. I...

Luz: Sora, please. I know you're sad that you couldn't find your friend, but we can't let Eda and King get captured or hurt.

Sora slightly lowers his head and notices something sticking out of Luz's pocket. Something that looks familiar to him. Sora points at the object.

Sora: Luz, what's that?

Luz looks towards what Sora is pointing at and takes it out of her pocket. She shows it to Sora in its entirety.

Luz: Oh, this? I don't know. It looks like a charm. But, Sora-

Sora's eyes widen.

Sora: Luz! Please give it to me!

Luz: Huh?

Sora: That charm belongs to my friend!

Luz: Really?!

Luz then hands it over to Sora, and he examines it closely. Sora starts to tear up a bit as he holds the charm to his chest and asks Luz:

Sora: Where?

Luz: I found it in a pile of other stuff when I was looking for King's crown.

Sora looks at the charm again.

Luz: Wait, this has to be some good news. If that's her charm, and it was here, then that means-

Sora: Kairi was here.

Luz: Kairi?

Sora then realizes that he never said her name to the others.

Sora: Oh, I guess I never told you her name.

Sora wipes his tears away and shows a happier face.

Sora: Thank you, Luz. Thank you so much.

Luz also shows a happier face.

Luz: You're very welcome.

The humans heard a scream and looked down. They see Eda thrown against the ground and King being thrown into her arms a second later. Warden Wrath looms over them. They then turn to each other and think the same thing—time to help Eda quickly.

Luz: Ready?

Sora: You bet!

Sora hopped on the staff and flew down towards Eda and King.

Warden Wrath: No more running away, Owl Lady. Today, I capture you once and for all!

Eda glares at Warden Wrath while King whimpers and hides his face in Eda's chest. As Warden Wrath was about to attack, he got tackled by the humans. The humans then land in front of Eda and King.

Eda: Luz? Sora?

Warden Wrath picks himself up and angrily turns to the group.

Warden Wrath: You runts!

Sora then turns to Luz.

Sora: Luz, stay back with Eda and King.

Luz: Huh?!

Eda: Hold it, Sora! I know you took care of that one guard, but he was puny compared to this guy. Your King Fu won't be enough!

Sora just stands with his back turned and turns his head to look at Eda.

Sora: Trust me, I've got this.

Sora turned back to Warden Wrath.

Sora: By the way, I saw what you did to that one prisoner. She was chained, and you just punched her, giving her a black eye.

Luz, Eda, and King became shocked.

Luz: You did what?!

Eda: Even MORE reason to not go out with this freak!

Warden Wrath: So what? That runt had it coming for her weirdness.

Sora: Weirdness?

Luz shouted in frustration.

Luz: Weirdness, weirdness, weirdness! I've had it with people badgering me about weirdness! Why is being a weirdo so bad?!

Warden Wrath: I should think it's obvious, kid. It simply just is.

Luz: Just is?!

Warden Wrath: Here in the Boiling Isles, we have a system in place for all witches to serve in. And all witches are born to follow this path of normalcy: behaving properly, studying at an academy, pursuing a specialty, join a coven, and live out that life indefinitely to maintain the status quo. That is the purpose of all witches. Those who refuse to follow this order must be dealt with, just like the prisoners we have here in the Conformatorium. This facility serves more than just to imprison criminals who break the law. It serves to rid the oddities within a being...by any means necessary!

Warden Wrath points at Eda.

Warden Wrath: And the Owl Lady is a prime example of breaking our society's law and taboo. Not only is she wanted for thefts, misdemeanors, and other illegal activities, but she is also a complete wack job who constantly throws her detached appendages at people while under the influence of apple blood consumption! Seriously, who does that?!

Luz, Eda, and King deadpanned.

Luz: And yet...you wanted to go out with said "wack job."

Sora: Wait, what?

Luz: Oh yeah, this guy tried to hit on Eda while she was captured.

Sora deadpanned and slowly turned to the warden.

Sora: You went on and on about what should be normal for everyone... And yet, you, a cop, I assume, tried to ask out a "criminal"...

Warden Wrath stayed silent, internally groaning, realizing that he just made himself out to be a hypocrite.

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

Sora: ... ok. So, not only do your inhumanely treat your "prisoners," you made yourself out to be a hypocrite...and a total sleazebag. That settles it. I'm gonna beat the daylights out of you.

Sora turns to Warden Wrath, extending his right arm, and immediately summons his Keyblade and gets into a fighting stance with a smirk on his face.

Luz, Eda, and King were completely surprised to see Sora summon his keyblade.

King: He has a magic sword?

Eda: He has a magic sword.

Luz: *eyes sparkling* HE HAS A MAGIC SWORD!

Luz immediately took out her phone and began to record.

[Cut to Sora and Warden Wrath]

Warden Wrath: What? Do you think a giant key will save you from me?!

Sora: I know it will.

Warden Wrath cracked his knuckles and used his right arm to shape it into a blade.

Warden Wrath: Then show me.

Sora: C'mon!

Sora pointed his Keyblade at Warden Wrath. The tip glowed bright red, and fireballs suddenly shot out at the warden.

Sora: Fire!

Warden Wrath dodges a few of them and then uses his blade arm to deflect the last one. He then charges at Sora, but Sora activates Flowmotion, allowing him to fight at high speed in time to counter him with a Keyblade swing and send him back.

Warden Wrath: What?

Sora: You're too slow!

The two then rushed at each other again and clashed their blades multiple times before Sora sent him back and kicked some debris his way.

Sora: Coming at ya!

Warden Wrath slashes the multiple debris his way but is caught off guard by a blast of ice that hits him in the back of the head as a result of Sora teleporting behind him.

Sora: Freeze!

Warden Wrath: Hmm... You're quite skilled, boy. But you'll have to do better than that!

Warden Wrath extended his arms and vigorously swung all around, trying to land a blow on Sora, but Sora easily dodged a few attempts by side-stepping and the last few attempts by backflipping. However, Warden Wrath saw that moment as an opportunity to slam his fist toward Sora, punching and sending him hurtling and crashing through a wall. Seeing this surprised Luz, Eda, and King.

Luz: Sora!

Eda: Aw man, that's gotta hurt!

King: Is he ok?!

The dust from the wall crash began to settle as Warden Wrath chuckled to himself, thinking he had won.

Warden Wrath: Skilled...but insufficient. You know, once he's taken into custody, he'd be a valuable asset with the right incentive.

From the dust, a voice was heard.

"Thunder!"

A large thunderbolt suddenly appeared from the sky and engulfed the warden entirely, causing him to yell out in pain. As the attack subsides, the warden collapses to his hands and knees. Sora swung his Keyblade horizontally to blow away the dust.

Sora: Like you said, you'll have to do better than that!

Luz, Eda, and King gasped in awe.

Luz: He's ok!

Eda: Well, I'll be! The kid's tougher than I thought!

King: Alright!

The warden recovered.

Warden Wrath: I've had it, boy!

Warden Wrath turned his arm into tendrils and whipped them at Sora from all directions multiple times at a rapid rate. Sora did his best to block a few attacks by twirling his Keyblade but was eventually dealt with blows and received more damage. He blows to his body and face, all over in aches and pain. Sora tumbled all over, trying to maintain his balance. Warden Wrath then used this opportunity to expand his fists to an even larger size and slams Sora down with his left, then punches him with his right. Sora was sent hurtling into a wall and crashed into it harder than before, leaving a huge crater. Warden Wrath began to deeply inhale, fire surging from within his mouth, perpetually increasing in size and glowing brightly.

Warden Wrath: This is where it ends, kid...

Realizing this, Eda rushed towards the warden, shocking Luz and King.

Luz/King: Eda!

Eda: Not on my watch, you monster!

Eda leaped into the air towards Warden Wrath with a large traced spell circle, ready to attack. But the warden simply swatted Eda away and back to Luz and King.

Warden Wrath: Patience, Eda. I'll come to you soon enough... *to Sora* YOU'RE DONE!

And then, with all his might, Warden Wrath unleashed a massive blast of fire from his mouth, and the wall collapsed from the explosion of flames, burning to sunder. The warden's attack subsides, and pants for breath.

Eda recovered and gasped in horror, along with Luz and King.

Eda: No! Sora!

King: Sora!

Luz: SORA!

As the dust began to settle once again, Warden Wrath didn't say anything, believing he had won this time. Luz, Eda, and King began feeling grief, believing Sora was gone. At that moment, all hope seemed lost... Until...

*FLASH*

A sudden flash blew all the smoke and dust away. From there, Sora is revealed, standing and panting for breath while emitting a silver-colored aura. This sight shocked the warden and the trio to their core.

Warden Wrath: WHAT!?

King: No way!

Eda: ...HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Luz: ...It... shouldn't.

Luz didn't realize it, but she was still recording the whole battle.

Luz: ...Sora...just...who...or...WHAT...are you?

Warden Wrath angrily clenched his fists.

Warden Wrath: My thoughts exactly... JUST...WHAT ARE YOU?!

Sora: ...Heh. You wanna know?

Sora began to float in mid-air, barely above the ground. He briefly twirled his Keyblade, criss-crossed his arms above his head, and pulled them down, spreading his arms and legs parallelly and letting out a battle cry while unleashing a burst of silver magical energy. After which, Sora slowly lands on his feet, firmly planted as he stands tall, with determination showing in his eyes. Warden Wrath was taken aback by this sudden transformation, while Luz, Eda, and King were in absolute awe. All four couldn't believe this was happening right before them.

One thing everyone noticed was that Sora's attire had changed colors. His attire now consisted of a black v-neck t-shirt with white hemming, black long baggy shorts with now red pockets held on by now yellow straps instead of the previous gray and red. His longer black hooded jacket with red hemming gray pockets became black while the white hemming remained, and the red flannel flaps that are held down by a series of yellow buttons also became black. His shoes are still primarily black and yellow, but the ankle and tongue of the shoe that is folded down have turned yellow instead of black. It still has the single black strap on each, however. His gray fingerless gloves that come to a v on his hands and are just short of his elbow are still the same. But this time, the gloves now have yellow hemming instead of red. The yellow strap around the wrist is still the same, but the silver circle plate on the back of the hands is now gold.

Sora: I'm a guy on a simple mission to rescue a lost friend from a previous battle.

Luz/Eda/King: A previous battle.

Sora: A guy from a small town who has a purpose of his own.

Warden Wrath: Oh? Then do tell me, boy. What is your purpose?

Sora: My purpose...is to be the hope of others. I'm the answer to all those who look for times of joy and peace.

Luz had already become moved by Sora's words. She even began to see an image of the Good Witch Azura standing and speaking alongside Sora.

Sora: I'm a protector of the innocent. I'm a light of the darkness. I'm the heart that links to all. I'm someone who fights for my friends.

Everyone was taken aback. No matter how much they wanted to, they couldn't utter a single word. Sora then slowly points his Keyblade at Warden Wrath, startling him.

Sora: My name is Sora! Guardian of Light!

Luz, Eda, and King weren't just moved by Sora's words; they suddenly felt hope. Hope and joy greatly resonated within each of them. So much so that they just hollered with cheers for Sora.

Luz: GO, SORA!

King: WIN THIS!

Eda: BEAT THIS SUCKER!

Sora gave them a thumbs up.

Sora: You go it!

Warden Wrath: No! NO!

They all focused on the warden, who was seemingly quivering in fear.

Warden Wrath: I...I don't care what you say or think you are! As the warden of the Conformatorium, as a member of the Emperor's Coven, I will not lose here! I WILL FIGHT YOU TO THE VERY END!

Warden Wrath expanded his arms in great size once again and shaped them into blades, rushing towards Sora with all his speed and strength.

Sora: That so? Then, I guess I'LL wrap this up!

The two opponents rushed and clashed blades until Warden Wrath feints by launching himself up into the air and over Sora to try and slam his fists onto him. However, Sora instinctively teleports behind Warden Wrath, rushes toward the warden with his Keyblade pointed at him, and delivers a 7-piece combo attack by jamming strikes into him with racing speed.

Sora: Sonic Blade!

Warden Wrath then collapses onto his knees. But before he could recover, Sora instantly appeared before him and projected a shock wave that seemed to have stunned the warden in place.

Sora: Stun Impact!

Warden Wrath: No! NOT POSSIBLE!

Sora: Time to end this, Warden Wrath!

Sora aims his Keyblade directly at the warden and unleashes one of his strongest attacks. A maxed-out shotlock.

Sora: RAGNAROOOOOK!

Sora then fires streams of brilliant light that fly at the warden, sending him flying fast and hitting through the wall and shattering it, knocking him out. Finally, Sora returns to his base form and stands there victorious. He turns around and sees Luz (still recording on her phone), Eda, and King staring with their jaws dropped. Sora chuckles a bit.

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

Sora: I told you I've got this.

The three ran to Sora, praising his victory and complimenting his prowess during the battle.

Eda: Amazing work, Sora!

Luz: That was incredible! YOU were incredible!

King: I respect your power, mighty Sora!

Sora feels a bit embarrassed, but he does appreciate the praise.

Sora: Thanks, guys.

Eda: Anyway, let's bounce before any more monsters fall in love with me.

Sora: Sounds good to me.

Before leaving, they noticed the prisoners Sora freed were standing at the front gate. They met halfway at the said gate.

Sora: Hey, why are you guys doing here?

Fanfic Prisoner: We were all about to leave after making sure guards didn't spot us until we saw you fight off Warden Wrath. Gotta say that was pretty cool.

Tiny Nose: So cool!

Sora: *rubs the back of his head sheepishly* Oh. You saw that. *chuckles* It wasn't THAT big of a deal.

Eda: Don't even start with that modesty nonsense. Haha!

Luz: Seriously, they're right! You went from hero to SUPER hero! All that bashing, slashing, swooshing!

Eda: Not to mention your style of magic and that sword of yours! I've never seen anything like it.

Sora continues to rub the back of his head sheepishly.

Fanfic Prisoner: Yeah... it...really was... incredible.

Sora then noticed that dejected tone in the fanfic prisoner's voice.

Sora: Hey... what's wrong?

Fanfic Prisoner: We stayed behind to make sure you won before we actually left.

Luz: Why?

Eye-Eating Prisoner: We got scared that the warden'll catch us. He always does.

Katya: For a few moments, we thought we belonged here.

Tiny Nose: Self-doubt can also be a prison you can never escape from.

The Prisoners mutter in agreement. The others stood there in Silence, processing the prisoners' words until Sora spoke up.

Sora: Is this because of what the warden said earlier? About people having to live the life of just being normal and fitting into society or whatever?

Fanfic Prisoner: Yeah. The three of us don't have much in this world except for our hobbies. And it's those hobbies that make us happy. And yet, people like Warden Wrath will just keep coming at us and make us feel bad.

The others stood in Silence again until Luz spoke up this time.

Luz: So, you have a different way of doing things and seeing things. That might make you weird, but it also makes you awesome.

Sora: She's right. Just because you do things differently doesn't really mean you're bad. Your hobbies make you unique. And that uniqueness can be good.

The prisoners looked at one another, then back at Sora and Luz.

Fanfic Prisoner: That's...kind of you to say... But why tell us that? Why care about us? Why help us?

Luz: Because I feel the same as you three. Where I'm from, I have my hobbies too. And people gave me a hard time because of it.

Fanfic Prisoners: Really? What do you do?

Luz turns around from the others, then back to them to reveal she flipped her eyelids inside out.

Luz: Bleep, bloop, bleep!

Eda and King deadpanned while the prisoners laughed a bit.

Fanfic Prisoners: Oh, wow. That's a good one.

Sora was a BIT taken aback by that but chuckled. Thinking it was KINDA funny in some way. Luz noticed this and was glad that was Sora's reaction. The rest turned to Sora.

Fanfic Prisoner: How about you?

Luz: Yeah, Sora? What's your weird thing?

Tiny Nose: Please show us!

Sora: Huh?

They all look at him with anticipation.

Sora: Whaaat?

Luz: Come on! I know you have something!

Sora: Ugh, if you insist.

Sora walks away from the group and faces them to give them all a better view of him. Sora lowered his head for a bit, then raised it to show off the funniest face he could make. He does so by grinning like a 1930's cartoon character. He puffed out his cheeks, widened his smile, and fluttered his eyes as if he had three large eyelashes.

Sora: Eeeeeeeeeeeee!

Everyone just stood there with eyes widened and blank expressions, completely surprised at what they had just seen. Eventually, they bursted out laughing. They were laughing so hard they actually had a hard time standing.

Luz: I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard!

Fanfic Prisoner: Me neither!

Eda/Tiny Nose: Ditto!

As they pulled themselves together, they each chuckled to get the last of it out of their systems.

Sora: So you see, we all have our weirdness. And like I said, those can be a good thing, making us unique. As you just saw from us.

Luz: That's right. And a wise kook once told me, "us weirdos have to stick together." And nobody should be punished for being who they are at heart.

Eda heard what Luz said just now and smiled with her eyes closed, appreciating those words.

Fanfic Prisoner: You guys are right. Thanks a lot for sharing that with us.

Sora: Happy to help.

The three prisoners finally felt free after talking to Sora and Luz. And so, they parted ways. But not before one last question.

Fanfic Writer: Oh yeah. *to Sora and Luz* what are your names before we go?

Luz: I'm Luz.

Sora: And I'm Sora.

Fanfic Writer: Luz. Sora. I'm Katya.

Tiny Nose: Call me Tiny Nose.

Eye Eater: Name's Issoc.

Katya: Good to meet ya. Hope to see you around sometime.

Luz/Sora: You just might.

They finally all parted ways as the former prisoners walked away, and the other four flew off to return to the Owl House.

[Cut to the living room of the Owl House, where Eda left her staff leaning against the couch]

Eda: Well, that was quite a day, wasn't it?

Luz: Totally!

Sora: Yeah.

Eda: *nods* Hm. Anyway, Luz.

Luz: Huh?

Eda: A deal's a deal. Let's get you home.

Eda snaps her fingers, and her key flies out of Luz's bag and into Eda's hand. She presses the eye, and the portal door unfolds itself in front of the fireplace. Luz walks up to it, then hugs herself, and turns back to look at Eda and King. King looks at the ground, visibly sad. Luz reaches into her bag.

Luz: Before I go...

She holds out the head of her Azura doll and gives it to King.

Luz: I know it's not the same, but... a king shouldn't be without a crown.

King accepts the crown and places it on his head.

King: This shall suffice. You there, plant! You are now under my command!

He points to something and walks off-screen. Eda grabs the Azura book off the table and hands it to Luz.

Eda: Oh, and don't forget this.

Luz takes it and the pamphlet for Reality Check Summer Camp that's on top of it and walks toward the portal. She stares at the pamphlet before putting it under the Azura book. She pauses in front of the door, looking at it. She looks back down at her book and a mirror above the fireplace. Luz gasps as she holds up the book, on the cover of which is Azura in the foreground, with an older witch looking at a dog/cat creature in the background. She lowers the book to reveal the mirror showing a very similar image, King and Eda in the same positions as the creature and the older witch, and herself in the foreground between them. She also looks at Sora and brightens while turning around to face Eda.

Luz: Ok. I know you got your head cut off, and we started some kind of prison riot, but this was the most fun I've ever had.

Eda blinks owlishly in surprise.

Luz: I don't fit in at home. You don't fit in here. If I stay, we could not fit in together.

She looks at the pamphlet for Reality Check one last time, then crumples it.

Luz: I'm not going back to summer camp.

Eda chuckles.

Eda: What's summer camp? What are we talking about here?

Luz: I want to stay and become a witch like you.

Luz holds her book up to Eda.

Luz: And Azura.

Eda begins to laugh.

Eda: What? All right, that's crazy.

Eda pushes Luz's book down.

Eda: Humans can't become witches.

Luz: Maybe that's because they haven't tried. If you teach me to become a witch, I'll do anything you want.

King starts tugging at Eda's dress.

King: Let her stay! *whispering* She can make us snacks.

Eda smiles and picks King up.

Eda: Well, I could use a hand keeping this goofball out of the cupboards. All right. I'll teach you how to be a witch. But you have to work for me before you learn any spells. Deal?

Eda holds out her hand. Luz looks at it before grinning and crushing the two in a hug.

Eda: Gah! What's going on?

King: Too tight! Too tight!

Luz lets go as everyone turns to Sora while he looks at them. Eda walks over to him.

Eda: So, you didn't find your friend?

Sora shook his head. Eda sighs, seeing his response.

Eda: Sorry, kid.

Sora: It's ok. I have this.

He shows everyone the charm that Luz found.

Eda: What's that?

Sora: It's my friend's lucky charm. Luz found it when she got King's old crown. The fact that it was there means that she was also there.

Luz chimed in.

Luz: Kairi is her name.

Eda: Kairi?

Sora then realizes that he never said her name to Eda as well.

Sora: Oh, I guess I never told you her name either.

Eda: Well, I never asked.

Sora: In any case, I know Kairi is in this world somewhere. And I won't go back to my home until I find her.

Luz: You must care about her a lot.

Sora: I do.

Eda chuckles.

Eda: Sorry, but that mushy stuff sounds cheesy. Alright, since you helped us out a lot back there, and I won't lie, your skills will come in handy if we end up in a tight spot like that again.

Sora looks up at Eda.

Eda: Until you find this Kairi girl, you're also welcome to crash here with us.

Sora: Really?

Eda: Of course, like Luz, you'll have to help us out from time to time. Deal?

Eda holds out her hand.

Sora: Sounds fair. Deal.

Just as Sora was about to shake Eda's hand, she and King flinched.

Sora: What's wrong?

Eda: Oh, sorry. I thought you were gonna do what Luz just did.

Sora: You mean...hug?

Eda: Umm...yeah.

Sora sweat dropped, then chuckled.

Sora: ...No. just shaking your hand.

Eda: Oh. Good, then.

The two shook hands.

Eda: Ok, everything's settled. Come on, lemme show you the rooms upstairs—time to hit the hay.

[Cut to Luz opening the creaking door to a storage room]

She unrolls her sleeping bag and throws herself onto it. She then turns over and takes a picture of her and her mom out of her messenger bag. She rubs her thumb over the glass before placing the frame right next to her pillow. Her phone vibrates, and she grabs it and turns it on. A message from "Mom❤️" reads: How's summer camp? Luz's expression falls, and she moves her phone away from her face.

Luz heard a light knock on her door. It was Sora. Luz got up and walked towards him.

Luz: Hey, what's up?

Sora pulls out Kairi's lucky charm.

Sora: I wanted to say thanks again for finding Kairi's charm. It means so much to her and me.

Luz has a smile on her face.

Luz: You're welcome. And thank you for saving us from Warden Wrath.

Sora chuckles.

Sora: You're welcome.

There was a slight pause between them. Until...

Luz: Hey, Sora?

Sora: Yeah?

Luz: This may sound...out-of-nowhere...but...

Sora: Hm?

Luz: Do you...wanna be...friends?

Sora became slightly taken aback by this.

Sora: Friends?

The two stayed silent, staring into each other's eyes until Sora chuckled.

Sora: Funny. I thought we were already.

Luz: Huh? *thinking* He already thought we were?!

Sora: you found Kairi's charm and gave it to me. You helped lift up the spirits of those Katya, Tiny Nose, and Issoc. Overall, I can tell you're a nice person at heart. But yeah, I'd like to be your friend. After all, having friends IS a good thing.

That was it. That was what Luz wanted...NEEDED...to hear. She internally did her best to hold back her emotions and suddenly hugged Sora, which surprised him.

Sora: Woah, Luz?

It was faint but also clear. Sora heard Luz whimpering as if she trying to cry. Even though he didn't know why Luz was feeling this way, Sora gently hugged her back, hoping it would ease her emotions. After a little while, they both let each other go and looked at one another.

Luz: Hey, I know you'll find Kairi someday.

Sora: I know.

Luz: And you won't do it alone. While one friend is out there somewhere, you've got another one right here, willing to help you. Ok?

Sora: *nods* ok. Good night, Luz.

Luz: Good night, Sora.

Sora heads back to his room, and Luz flops back to her sleeping bag. She quickly wiped away the tiny remnants of her tears until she heard another noise. It was King clearing his throat while stepping into view while holding Francois.

King: Your sleep cocoon looks fluffy.

Luz sits up and pats the sleeping bag. King curls up at the bottom below her feet and falls asleep. Luz smiles at him before replying to her mom: "I think I'm gonna like it here. Oh! And good news, Mama. I've just made my very first friend today! Wait till I tell you all about him!" Smiling, she puts her phone down, turns to the side, and falls asleep.

[Cut to show Sora in his room, also in a sleeping bag, looking at Kairi charm one last before falling asleep]

Sora: I'll find you soon, Kairi. I promise. And I have a friend to help me.

Sora then falls asleep.

[Zoom out to the exterior of the Owl House while the giant stained glass eye above the door blinks]

WORLD: THE BOILING ISLES


A voice of Sora can be heard in a void filled with mist.

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)]

Clouds in the sky gradually the sky darken until the clouds dissipate to reveal a starry night sky. A Boy in Black is sitting on a windowsill, a game board in front of him. He looks out the window into the stars. One of the stars is bright purple and larger than the others. We see it in the sky and then reflected in the boy's pupils in a close-up of his upper face. We're shown the game board as the boy lifts a game piece. When he places the piece on the board, a vortex of black smoke forms, enveloping everything.

The smoke turns into purple trails, and we follow them as they disperse to reveal a young witchling with orange hair sleeping in her bedroom. The door to her bedroom then opens up to reveal a shadowy silhouette, taking a step forward to thrust its right arm forward to unleash dark smoke toward the sleeping witchling. Within the mist, another silhouette appears, but larger, resembling a winged beast. It roars with glowing yellow eyes. The mist then spirals away and turns into purple trails, and we follow them as they zoom over a human city, swarming everywhere. From the grounds, we see a family of three, a man, a woman, and a little girl with braided pigtails. The three walk around a local park, smiles and all. Suddenly, the dark mists hit them. As this was happening, the little girl, now grown slightly older, revealing to be Luz, looked around in a panicked manner. She then sees the man, presumably her father, slowly fade away from existence. With tears in her eyes, she looked around to see the woman, now revealed to be her mom, slowly turning her back with a tired expression on her face. Luz tried to reach out to her, but she was struck by an incoming stream of darkness. She then finds herself standing in the center of a Station of Awakening that depicts her and another version of her but with a dark expression, white hair, and yellow eyes. The station shatters, and Luz falls. As she plummets down, she closes her eyes with sadness.

Elsewhere, On Destiny Islands, the night turns to a beautiful day and we see Sora, Riku, and Kairi-all of them in their attire from their first adventure-start to race each other along the beach.

Sharp cut to the Boy in Black placing another game piece down. An image of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, flashes on and off in front of the piece.

Back to the beach, the sky turns black, and Sora is surrounded by smoke. He gasps as the smoke surrounds Riku. As Riku turns to Sora, he transforms into Ansem, who gives a wicked smirk. Sora yells and reaches for his friend, but the smoke blows Sora back and he is sent flying into the air. Kairi is being blown around too and they reach out for each other, fingers barely out of reach, before being sucked away and separated for good. Sora spirals wildly, and the game board spins into view as he is thrown out of sight. The Boy in Black tosses a game piece in his hand and smiles to himself. We see Sora again, unconscious and plummeting through dusty clouds. He opens his eyes, and a shine appears on his pupil.

We then see a young female witchling with brown hair in a small bun and another young female witchling with navy-blue hair and glasses running around and playing together. The two practiced magic. While the glasses girl feels down for not succeeding, the brown haired girl comforts her, making her feel better.

Sharp cut to a woman with green hair flashing in and out from view. However, the woman's face is obscured by shadow.

We then cut to the brown haired witchling yelling at the glasses girl to leave her party, causing her to well up in tears. We then cut to the front door of a manor, where the glasses witchling runs out the door, crying. We then see brown haired witchling running out the door to see her off. She ran a little bit forward, reaching her arm out in hopes of stopping her. But she falters. She, too, wells up in tears before falling to her hands and knees, crying. As this happened, the green-haired woman, who was with the brown haired girl, simply walked back into the manor with a smirk on her face.

The world then becomes dark and purple. 2 of the same witchlings stare down at one another. One had green hair with a smug look on her face. The other was the brown haired who had a look of anger. The two ran at each other, posed to strike. The brown haired witchling clenched her right fist as the green haired one clenched her left, both swining. And as they clashed, a white light engulfed everything.

We zoom down a tunnel, passing gold and black game pieces on the way. At the end is a white piece, where a white flash occurs. After which, we see a slightly younger male witchling with brown skin and dark brown hair with lighter shades. His upper lip is curved, and he has dark blue eyes. He sitting alone in a classroom, sulking while remembering memories of fellow students turned adversaries. It was then a hand was placed on his shoulder. The boy looked up to see his soon-to-be first friend, the glasses witchling. We then cut to Kairi, in her current attire, holding a paopu fruit to her chest while feeding another paopu fruit to someone in front of her. A tear then falls from her eyes into the distance and hits something, sending a glowing ripple across the black that spreads and becomes light. We see Sora, still falling, open his eyes to see the light above him. He reaches for the light as it rushes up and envelops him.

Everything flashes white, and then we see Sora flip to his feet. A blue glow is fading from him, and he now wears his outfit from his 2nd adventure. He summons the Kingdom Key, twirls it, and slashes across the empty void. A giant white schism forms before him, and he flies off into its light.

We see a black silhouette wearing a golden mask, the brown skinned witchling, and then the glasses witchling standing in the darkness. One by one, the light schism opens behind them, taking the form of a blindingly bright door. We see the same thing happen to the brown haired witchling and Eda, as they are bathed in light, then Kairi as he stands in front of his door. Kairi walks forward, and then we see Luz walking out of the darkness.

Another white flash occurs again and we are taken to Sora, on the giant game board. He charges forward, his Keyblade raised, and two bright purple orbs fly at him. He slashes one orb, and Ansem is shown watching from up ahead. Sora slashes the other orb and then attacks Ansem, but Ansem dashes out of the way. Marluxia appears and swings his scythe at Sora, but Sora flips out of the way. The two clash blades, and Sora jumps back, landing on the side of a game piece. When he jumps back into battle, his opponent is now Xemnas, fighting with his blades. They clash, and Sora jumps back. Xemnas spirals in the air, changing into his white battle cloak, and flies at Sora. Sora jabs his Keyblade forward and a jet of light bursts from its tip, piercing Xemnas through the middle.

Then, flash to Luz, standing in white emptiness. Sora steps into the frame, and as Luz turns to him, the Boiling Isles fade into existence around them. Luz runs towards the Owl House to meet Sora, but before they reach each other, the sky cracks with lightning and becomes a roiling storm. Everything fades above and away from them, and the scene turns back into the game board, this time showing two white pieces placed next to each other. A black piece is slammed onto the board, and we span up to see the Boy in Black. He looks into the camera and lightning flashes as he turns into Master Xehanort, who smiles.

Back on the Isles, Sora and Luz huddle back to back as giant walls of the mountain rise around them. The mountain forms a cluster of square platforms, all at different levels, and each one is topped with a dark corridor, within which cloaked people can be seen. The corridors fade, and on the tallest platform, Xehanort now stands. He throws his hand out, and Ansem and Xemnas are shown on the platforms beneath him. They both zoom in to attack. Ansem summons more purple orbs and throws them at Sora and Luz. But before impact, the dark skinned witchling, the brown haired witchling, and the glasses witchling appear, jumping up to shield the orbs away with pure magical energy, each colored light-blue, purple, and green. Sora and Luz smile, grateful to them. But they did not notice as Xemnas looms behind them, summoning electricity to strike at their backs. Before he can attack, a projectile shoots down from the sky, forcing Xemnas to zip away before the weapon strikes right where he had been standing. Sora and Luz turn to see the Owlbert staff stuck in the ground, having been thrown to save them. Eda steps forward to retrieve her staff and King pops out of her hair and lands next to her, entering battle stance of sorts on all fours. Sora then summoned his Keyblade while entering a fight stance of her by clenching her fists and holding two cards in both hands. And together, the group prepares themselves for battle.

Xehanort smiles as he pulls his Keyblade from the shadows, and the cloaked figures-all of them with their hoods up, aside from Xemnas and Ansem-flash into formation behind him. In addition, numerous black silhouettes appeared towering behind Xehanort's group. Interestingly, four of the silhouettes stood out compared to the others as two had glowing yellow eyes, one glowed blue eyes, and the last had red glowing symbol on his chest that resembled a twin set of axes that crossed each other. The hole in the middle formed what looked like a pierced heart. Suddenly, Sora's Keyblade begins to glow, and without hesitation, Sora aims it upwards, shooting a beam of light into the sky. The beam forms a burst of light and grows, slowly enveloping Xehanort, who looks into it calmly.

We are back at the windowsill, with the Boy in Black looking out the window. This time, however, the sky outside is sunny and bright. The boy smiles softly to himself and looks down at the game board, where one white piece-one with a crown as its marker-remains in the center of the board.

Everything fades to white and then onto the cloudy place from the beginning of the cutscene, where Sora stands in his current attire. The clouds are darker now, but a beam of light shines down from above, bathing Sora in warm yellow. Sora looks down at his hand, where he holds Kairi's lucky charm. Sora closes his palm and looks up into the light, which is revealed to be coming from Kingdom Hearts, glowing bright and high up in the sky, half hidden by the clouds.

Flashes of sparkly white light form around Sora, fading away to reveal Luz and the natives from the Boiling Isles. Sora, Luz, Eda, King, and the three witchlings look up in awe, with the floor reflecting a brilliant blue sky and Kingdom Hearts beneath them.

[End Hikaru Utada, Skrillex - Face My Fears (English Version)]


[Play KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night (1:30)]


"Friends..."

"Balance..."

"Love..."

"Courage..."

"Confidence..."

"Action..."

"Justice..."

These are the keys that make up the tale...

The tale known as...

The Hearts of the Boiling Isles


[End KINGDOM HEARTS III – Original Soundtrack - Secrets of the Night]