Our story begins in a large residence: the Smash mansion. Which served as shelter and housing for the fighters of the biggest tournament in the entire multiverse: Super Smash Bros.
One of the participants was none other than Cloud Strife. A former mercenary who was brought from Gaia to this strange world (God knows where it is). You can imagine the blonde's surprise when he received the invitation to participate in a tournament of this scale. Not only would he fight in the greatest battle of all time, he would also represent his world. He was unsure if he should go, he had his obligations with deliveries and helping Tifa take care of Denzel and Marlene. But with the support of the brunette herself and the rest of his friends, he accepted the invitation.
On its first day, the person who introduced the place was a short, pot-bellied plumber called Mario. His temporary home was something unimaginable: a huge mansion. And inside, it looked even bigger. Mario explained to him that the place always changed to welcome new fighters. In other words, that place would get even bigger over time. The rooms, leisure areas and battlefields were shown. Strife was shocked when he saw that there was a battlefield similar to Midgar.
He would be lying if he said it wasn't weird at first. There were a variety of very different fighters that filled the place. Some were little creatures that released electricity from their cheeks, others were angels that couldn't fly on their own, bounty hunters, princesses and swordsmen. Not to mention the macabre villains. Cloud has already asked about this, but Mario says it's not up to him to choose. That is a task for other hands. And the battles were different too, you can win by expelling your opponent from the battlefield, if time runs out or if they run out of stamina.
It took a while, but Cloud got the hang of things. Even with his introverted nature, it didn't stop him from making new friends. He had the respect of the vast majority of sword users, he made friends with a secretary dog, some Pokémon liked to sleep near him and he got along really well with the people of Hyrule. Link was a good friend and Zelda was sweet, which reminded him of a certain someone.
Time passes and more fighters enter the mansion. Despite the daily struggles, Cloud couldn't deny that it was interesting there. Even with the villains and rivalries, he didn't have any major problems being in the house.
Until he shows up.
Cloud couldn't understand how he could be there, alive and participating in the tournament. It was impossible, the blonde himself had killed him. He got rid of the one who was the cause of the greatest tragedies in his life. The man with platinum hair who carried the long sword Masamune. The One-Winged Angel: Sephiroth.
Obviously, Cloud was not at all satisfied with this, going to personally discuss it with Mario. But as the plumber said before, he has no control over this. Cloud couldn't accept the presence of that being with a messiah complex. His friends tried to comfort him, especially Samus, who is in the same boat. Since two of the creatures that made her life a living hell were also participating.
The atmosphere was always heavy when the blonde and the platinum were in the same room. Sephiroth never passed up the opportunity to tease Cloud, and always with a smug smile on his face. Strife always held back from stabbing him right there, as it was against the rules to fight outside the arenas, as it was also forbidden to kill. The two have fought several times during the tournament. The fights were always fierce. Sometimes with Cloud's victory, other times with Sephiroth's. Not counting when they were forced to be on the same team, much to the ex-mercenary's anger. Without a doubt, it was one of the most intense rivalries in that mansion.
(...)
Time passes, and two more fighters were invited to the mansion: one of them was a redhead who could go blonde and change her appearance whenever she wanted. The other was a grumpy, scarred man with daddy issues. And Mario announces that that day another one would enter, and probably the last guest for the tournament. But Cloud doesn't care anymore, at this point in the championship. No one would surprise him, he didn't expect the same impact that Sephiroth brought.
He leaned his back on a pile near the entrance, waiting like many others for the last fighter to appear. This type of event was almost like a party. Everyone was excited and hoping that the last guy was someone cool or someone they knew. Groups were created and drew conclusions or bets among themselves. And they were also spread out in the entrance area. The group from the mushroom kingdom is in a corner, you can hear Wario shouting for a certain Waluigi. In another corner is Marth with his descendants and friends. There are also people from Hyrule, and other groups that were a mix. Cloud is relieved that at least Sephiroth isn't there to bother him:
Mario: Attention guys! He is coming! - the side conversations ended in an instant. And everyone directed their gaze to the door, which could open at any moment. But time passes and nothing from the fighter arrives. Until a strange light appears and leaves everyone blind for an instant. When they got used to the brightness, they realized that the light had a peculiar shape, like a keyhole. It hovered in the air, right above the wooden gates. And from it, someone emerges. Floating, a boy comes out, who seemed to be sleeping. But he opens his eyes, straightens his body and looks at all the guests below.
He must be around 14 or 15 years old. He wears black clothes with red trim and ridiculously large yellow shoes (kh3). His hair is brown and his eyes are blue. He looks at the mansion's residents with some confusion on his face. But it doesn't take long for his expression to change to pure joy. Then, the boy starts flying over the others. As he flew, he left a trail of glowing dust wherever he went. The way he smiled, it was like he was happy to be there, and he wanted to spread joy to everyone. Residents' reactions are mixed. Some were amazed, confused and others were infected by the boy's joy. He finally ends his show and lands in front of everyone:
???: Let's go! - Mario smiles and approaches the boy:
Mario: You're finally here, Sora. - the plumber extends his hand:
Sora: It's good to be here! - he accepts the gesture and shakes hands with the hero of the mushroom kingdom, while the others watched, still amazed by what happened:
Mario: But I must say, you made a great entrance there.
Sora: Sorry. That's the way I thought I'd get here. - he scratches the back of his head, embarrassed:
Mario: Don't worry. I'm sure your entry surprised a lot of people. I think some were even happy. - and with that, the other residents went to welcome the newcomer.
But Cloud didn't move. The blonde has to admit he wasn't expecting that one. In the time he's been at the tournament, he's never seen anyone arrive like this. That boy must be one of a kind. But, since he saw the newcomer, the blonde was already going on his way. Until Sora sees him from afar, and gets excited. He passes through the crowd and runs up to the former mercenary:
Sora: Cloud?! -the blonde turns when he hears his name, and is taken by surprise when the newcomer suddenly hugs him-It's really you! I'm so glad you're okay! - the audience is as surprised as Cloud. The groups begin to whisper among themselves, something like: "Do they know each other?" And "Why hasn't Cloud ever talked about him before?"
Cloud is uncomfortable with the attention he is getting, and decides to say something:
Cloud: Hey, kid. How do you know my name? - the boy's smile disappears immediately and breaks the hug:
Sora: W.What?! Cloud, don't you remember me?
Cloud: Have we met before?
Sora: Yes! It's me, Sora! - the boy seemed quite shaken, which makes the blonde feel sorry for him:
Cloud: Sorry, kid. But I-
Mario: Wait! - the plumber comes running - I can explain the situation!
Cloud: Mario?
Mario: Sora, this "Cloud", is not the "Cloud" you know.
Sora: Hmm?
Cloud: Come again?
Mario: In other words: this Cloud came from a different world. He came from Gaia. It's not the Cloud you know. - Cloud can't believe it. Mario seems to speak another language at this point. Maybe the plumber is making fun of him:
Cloud: Mario. What-
Sora: Oh! That's it? Why didn't you say it before? - Sora smiles again and puts both hands behind his head - That explains why he doesn't remember me. - Cloud's confusion only increases:
Cloud: Wait! Did you believe him that easily?
Sora: Of course! This is very common where I come from. Well, there must be 4 versions of me out there! Not to mention my friends' versions!
Cloud: ...Unbelievable... - he said with his hand on his forehead:
Sora: Well, since we don't really know each other... Nice to meet you, Cloud! I'm Sora! - and the boy extends his hand. Cloud looks at him thoughtfully. Even though they had a rough start, he didn't seem like a bad guy. The blonde decides to give it a chance and accepts the boy's gesture:
Cloud: Okay, nice to meet you... So, what does this other version of me look like?
Sora: Dude, he's just like you! You even wear the same black clothes!(Advent Children)
Cloud: Okay... and how did you meet?
Sora: It was during my first visit to Olympus. My friends and I entered a fighting tournament. One of the participants was you- I mean, the other Cloud. But, it seems he was a mercenary who was hired by Hades to kill my friend Hercules. - Cloud doesn't stop comparing similarities. Alternate version of him had also become a mercenary- We both got to fight. But man, I didn't have a chance! That guy was really strong! And his omnislash was incredible! I even created one of my attacks based on it! - But once, the similarities are incredible - I was lying on the ground, while the other Cloud raised his buster sword. I thought he was going to kill me. But he refused to do that. Which didn't please Hades. In the end, I discovered that he only agreed to work for the hothead to try to find his light.
Cloud: Wait... my light? What do you mean?
Sora: At the time I didn't understand either. Aerith told me he was looking for a friend. - upon hearing that name, Cloud's world seems to have stopped for a moment. Good and bad memories surrounded his mind. He opens his mouth slowly and lets out a faint:
Cloud: ...Aerith...? - Residents who are listening to the conversation also hear it. And those who knew the story are shocked:
Sora: Hmm? Is there also an Aerith in your world?
Cloud: ...Yes. - weakly states:
Sora: Man, she's awesome! She helped me a lot when I started my journey. Not just her, but everyone on the committee: Leon, Yuffie, Cid, Merlin and not forgetting Tifa! Everyone was essential in the battle at Hollow Bastion. I mean, Radiant Garden. - Sora spoke excitedly, but without any care. He looks at Cloud, and notices how empty his gaze seems, staring at the unknown - Cloud?
Cloud: I... need to go now. - And without saying goodbye, Cloud moves away from Sora and the crowd, with hurried steps. Wanting to seek some solitude:
Sora: Cloud?
???: Sora. - The boy turns around and sees a beautiful lady next to Mario. She is blonde, wears a tiara, has a long dress and pointy ears:
Sora: Yes? Can i help you, miss...?
Mario: Her name is Zelda. Princess Zelda.
Sora: A princess?! Nice to meet you! Your highness! - Sora bows as a sign of respect, in an awkward way. What makes the princess stifle a laugh with her hand:
Zelda: Please, there's no need for formalities. In this tournament, we are all equal, regardless of our roles out there. You can just call me Zelda.
Sora: Oh, okay. So what do you need, Zelda?
Zelda: It's about Cloud. Mario and I need to clarify some things. Please follow us.
Sora: Ok. - and the bearer enters the halls of the mansion with Zelda and Mario. From afar, they are observed by two angels: one with white wings, the other with dark wings. Which are also accompanied by a green-haired Goddess:
Pit: Wow, is that Sora? The one who hangs around with Donald Duck and Goofy? Amazing! I never thought he would be the last one to enter! What do you think Pitto?
Dark Pit: Yeah. Who would have thought Disney would give in. Or was Nomura holding him? Anyway, don't call me Pitto!
Pit: But, Sora is new here in the fanfic. But in the game, he's been in the there for 2 years already. Why did the author only write this story now?
Dark Pit: How should I know? Maybe he only got this idea after a while. Or he was busy.
Pit: Maybe he was unsure whether to post or not. He may have been motivated by the Kingdom Hearts 4! Who knows, maybe he'll create a story about it? What do you think, Lady Palutena? - angel innocently asks the Goddess beside her, who could only snort after listening to the conversation:
Palutena: I think you two should shut up. Don't you know how many rules you broke, breaking the fourth wall like that? What if "that company" sues us?
Pit: Disney?
Dark Pit: Shut up, PitStain!
(...)
Zelda and Mario decide to take Sora to the mansion's Library to talk. Which is not very crowded. There are two platinums sitting at the table reading, Isabelle organized and placed the books on the shelves. Bowser is there too. Sitting in an armchair too small for his size, with reading glasses, reading an interesting book with the cover: "how to be a good father". The trio chooses an empty table and sits down:
Sora: So, what do you want to talk about Cloud?
Zelda: Sora. You already know that this Cloud is different from your Cloud, don't you?
Sora: Yep!
Zelda: That means they both have different stories.
Mario: And our Cloud... didn't have a happy story. - admits the plumber, which catches the bearer's attention:
Sora: What do you mean? What happened to Cloud? - Zelda and Mario exchange quick glances and continue the conversation:
Zelda: Cloud's story is long and complex. So I'll try to summarize it as best I can. - She looks at the boy to see if he is paying attention. But when she sees that he is totally focused on what they are going to say, she continues - Just like your Cloud, our Cloud also became a mercenary, after some remarkable events in his life. But a shadow from his past, a man had returned to haunt him. That man was Sephiroth.
Sora: SEPHIROTH?!
???: SSHHH! - Robin, who was reading at the next table, asks Sora to be silent:
Sora: Sorry...
Mario: Do you know him?
Sora: Yes... there's also one where I came from. He's my Cloud's archenemy. Every time he appears, the two fight.
Zelda: Well, it's not much different. But our Cloud's Sephiroth is the main culprit of the horrible events in his life. - she pauses before continuing - He burned his hometown to ashes, killed his mother, manipulated, tortured and controlled him to attack his friends. - with each horrendous feat that the princess mentions, it leaves the boy more shocked and horrified - But worst of all... he killed Aerith, right in front of Cloud's eyes. - After hearing this, Sora's breathing seems to have stopped for a moment. His eyes bulge and his pupils tremble. Did he hear right? Sephiroth really did... After the initial shock, Sora gets up from his chair:
Sora: WHAT?! - the boy hears another whisper. But he completely ignores it - He... he did... but... how could he... - Sora tried to assimilate that information:
Zelda: Yes. Sephiroth is the worst person in Cloud's life. Just mentioning his name makes him nervous. - said Zelda, which Mario sighs:
Mario: And the situation doesn't improve, since Sephiroth is also in the tournament.
Sora: WHAT?! - the bearer exalts himself once again, slamming his hands on the table:
???: SSHHH! - this time, it is the female version of Robin who asks for silence:
Sora: Why did you do that?! You invite the guy who ended his life to the tournament?! - Sora accuses, which makes Mario upset:
Mario: Oh my God! Why does everyone assume it's my fault?! I've said a million times that it's not up to me to decide! This is the work of other HANDS! If I could, I wouldn't invite him! Just like I wouldn't invite Ridley and Dark Samus! - Mario also gets up, but he is on top of the chair to reach the table and hit it, just like Sora did:
Sora: So, what's wrong with the organizers of this tournament?! Why bring in the one who did so much pain to Cloud?!
Zelda: Sora, calm down.
Sora: How can I calm down?! Sephiroth is here! He brought so much disgrace into Cloud's life?! - then, the bearer realizes - ... And I'm the idiot who made him remember everything... - head down, Sora falls back into his chair, feeling defeated - I don't believe it... how I could do this...
Zelda: Sora... - Zelda puts her hand on the boy's shoulder, to try to comfort him - You didn't know.
Sora: Even so... I made him remember all these memories... I spoke so happily about my Aerith to him... I... I brought him pain...
Zelda: Sora...
Sora: I'm sorry for yelling at you. Turns out I'm to blame. - Mario can't help but feel sorry for the boy:
Mario: Sora, you're not guilty of anything. Like Zelda said, you didn't know. There was no way of knowing. I'm sorry. I should have spoken sooner.
Sora: No, Mario... it's not your fault.
Zelda: Exactly. No one is to blame here.
Sora: What should I do? Cloud must be upset now.
Zelda: Sora, what does your conscience say? - asks the princess. Sora thought for a moment that she was talking about Jiminy Cricket, but he soon understood the message:
Sora: I don't know what my conscience says. But, I know what my heart says. - he gets up from the chair, feeling determined - I need to talk to Cloud!
(...)
Cloud finds himself alone, sitting on the edge of the "Big Battlefield". Looking at the landscape and thinking about several things at the same time.
???: Cloud? - the blonde turns his head and sees Sora standing behind him:
Cloud: ...Hi, kid.
Sora: Can I sit with you?
Cloud: ...Do whatever you want. - even though he doesn't think he's welcome, Sora sits down. A silence fell for a while. The two with spiky hair admire the landscape from afar. Is really beautiful:
Sora: Zelda told me about your story. - Sora breaks the silence - Everything you been through and the people you lost...
Cloud: ... - even though he wasn't looking at the youngest, he heard every word:
Sora: I... I'm sorry. I had no idea... I'm sorry to remind you of all these bad things. - said Sora. Strife can hear the honesty in his voice. He sighs and says:
Cloud: ...don't worry, kid. I'm not upset with you, but with myself.
Sora: Cloud?...
Cloud: It's pathetic. Even after everything. Her loss still affects me. Sometimes I spend sleepless nights thinking about her. And wondering if I could have prevented this. Me and my comrades, this really shakes us. It was as if we had failed her. As if I had failed her. I was supposed to protect her. Be her bodyguard. But in the end... I couldn't. - Cloud closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, tired, from reliving these memories again and again. He opens them when he feels Sora puts his hand on his shoulder:
Sora: Hey. It's only natural to feel this way. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself like that. This just shows how important she was to you. How much you cared. If we're talking about Aetith, I'm sure she doesn't hold a grudge against any of you. I bet she wouldn't want you to put yourself down. She must want you to move on. Of course, there may be sad moments, but there are also happy moments. There are the good memories you shared together. I understand that it's not easy to overcome these things. About losing someone important. But as you said before, you have your companions. You can bear this pain together. You are not alone. - Cloud's eyes widen at the younger boy's words. For a moment, as if Aerith herself were there, speaking through him. This makes the blonde let out one of his rare smiles:
Cloud: You know. You reminded me of her. She always managed to calm the spirits of everyone on the team. And it seemed like she knew exactly what to say, like she saw right through our hearts.
Sora: Wow, I don't think my Aerith is far behind. - They both laugh at this statement, in the blonde's case, a more restrained laugh:
Cloud: ... How is she like?...your Aerith? - Cloud risks asking. Sora looks at the sky with a nostalgic smile:
Sora: Man, she's amazing. Even though I've never seen her fight, she must be one of the strongest people I know. With great willpower. Like your Aerith, she seems to know exactly what we need to hear. But she can be stubborn at times. When she has an idea in her head, she is unlikely to get it out. Affectionate, but strict when necessary. Like a mother. Not that I see her that way! To me, she's more like an older sister. But I kind of see everyone on the committee as big siblings. Except Cid. To me he's the grumpy uncle. - once again, the former mercenary finds the minor's honesty amusing:
Cloud: Tell me a little more about this committee.
Sora: Wow, where do I start...? Oh yes! I think I should start with "Great ninja Yuffie"! But I must admit that, for a ninja, she is quite clumsy at times. And a bit childish, liking to tease others from time to time. Mainly Leon. But I must admit that she is amazing! She is very strong. She has helped me on the battlefield several times. - Sora laughed at the memories - There's also Cid. He was the first person I met when I started my journey. At first he just seemed like a grumpy old man. But when I really got to know him, I realized that he has a heart of gold. He can be a little strict, but I believe it's his way of showing affection. He is brilliant at mechanics and computers. One thing I envy, technology, has never been my cup of tea. - he scratches the back of his head awkwardly - And there's Leon. He's one of the coolest guys I know! So strong and cool! He really helped me learn about my new powers. And his gunblade is really cool! - once again that day, Cloud couldn't believe the coincidences. The way Sora describes his friends on the committee, it's as if he were talking about his own teammates. It's incredible to imagine that there are others like them between the worlds. But he doesn't recognize just one name:
Cloud: "Gunblade"? "Leon"? - and Cloud then realizes - Are you talking about Squall?
Sora: Oh? You know his real name! Do you know any Squalls? - unbelievable. That's what the blonde thinks, as Sora even knows Squall:
Cloud: ...yes. Once, warriors from different worlds met to fight each other. And there I met a Squall. A boy a little older than you. He didn't like to socialize. But he wasn't a bad person.
Sora: Strange. The Leon I know must be your age. Or even older. He doesn't really seem to enjoy conversation. But it wasn't enough to push people away.
Cloud: Really strange. Looks like you know an older, more mature Squall.
Sora: Wow... who knew...
Cloud: But are these all the committee members?
Sora: No. There's Merlin too. A very powerful wizard. Able to travel between worlds and see the future. He helped me train my magic.
Cloud: Haven't you mentioned Tifa before?
Sora: Oh yes! She's not exactly on the committee, but she helped us a lot. Especially in the big battle of Hollow Bastion. I don't know her very well, although we have fought together. But she seems to have a connection to the other Cloud. She wanted to find him at any cost. And help him with his dark problems. I must admit that her fighting spirit is really cool.
Cloud: "Just like my Tifa." - thinks Cloud smiling. It doesn't matter if they are parallel versions. Tifa is always there to help him. But darkness? The former mercenary imagines what demons his alternative self has to face.
Cloud: Sora.
Sora: Hmm?
Cloud: By any chance... is there another Sephiroth? - Sora remains silent. He didn't know if it's right to reveal- It's Okay. You can you tell me.
Sora: ...Yes. There is. He is his darkness. I guess where I came from. Sephiroth is the embodiment of the other Cloud's darkness. He always provokes him to fight, and embrace his inner darkness. -although the blonde said everything was fine, he didn't like hearing that. He doesn't like to think that he and Sephiroth have a connection so deep that it spread over into other worlds. As if reading the other's thoughts, Sora says - Hey. Don't worry. Even if there are several Clouds and Sephiroths out there, Cloud will never lose. If it is destiny for the two of you to meet. It is also Cloud's destiny to always win and overcome Sephiroth. - Cloud isn't sure if this improves the situation, but he appreciates the little boy's effort to calm him down. He may be younger, but he knows how to give good advice. The blonde once again gets lost in his thoughts and remembers something the boy said a few moments ago:
Cloud: Sora... you said before that you understand what loss feels like. By any chance... have you ever lost someone? - Sora is taken by surprise by the older man's question which makes Cloud nervous- I'm sorry. I shouldn't...
Sora: No... it's okay. You shared some of your pain. I think it's fair for me to do the same. - he takes a deep breath before continuing - I have two best friends. Riku and Kairi. The three of us grew up together on Destiny Islands. And we were inseparable. But when our world fell into darkness. They were both taken away from me. They were not killed. We just separated. And I dedicated myself to finding them. Although I wasn't too worried about Riku, as I knew he could take care of himself. But Kairi... the idea of her being lost left me agitated. In the end, I managed to find them. But it didn't take long for Kairi to be taken away again. Throughout my journey, we meet and she is taken from me. Again and again. In the last one, we fought side by side in a war. But the enemy captured her, and made her disappear right before my eyes. I couldn't stay still. I did the impossible and brought her back. But, as a consequence, I ended up getting lost in the end. And I stopped in a completely strange place for me. That's when I received the invitation. But I wonder... did I just end up too far away, or, am I dead?
Cloud: Sora...
Sora: But, that doesn't matter. At least I know Kairi and the others are okay. And I will see them again one day. I can't wait to meet them... and especially... her. - Sora said, with a smile on his face, as if it had never left.
Cloud has to admit it. This boy is strong. He's definitely been through a lot, but he's still smiling. It reminded him a little of Denzel. Even he is a little envious of your relaxed manner. In fact, the kid isn't that bad:
???: What a touching moment. - They are both startled and turn to see the source of the voice. They are even more alarmed when they see the platinum there:
Sora/Cloud: Sephiroth?! - they both get up with their guard up. And Sephiroth just laughed:
Sephiroth: It has come to my attention that the last competitor in this tournament has a connection to Cloud. I admit that I was curious and decided to see it for myself. My search brought me here. I couldn't help but listen to your little conversation. And I must say: fascinating. I already knew that there were several worlds out there, but copies of certain individuals? Really intriguing. I wonder how many of my copies live up to their names.
Cloud: "Asshole."
Sephiroth: And that just proves what I've been saying all this time, Cloud. You and I will never be apart. From mortal enemies, to being the same person. You do not understand? You will never get rid of me. Not while you will continue to be, you. No matter where you go, I'll be there. There is no way out, there is no hope. Just... despair... - said the Jenova preacher:
Sora: Shut up! Leave him in alone! Isn't everything you've done enough? Why do you need to do this? - Sephiroth looks at the boy from the corner of his eye:
Sephiroth: Child. As far as I know, dead people have no right to give an opinion. - the weight of these words makes the bearer take a few steps back. But he tries to keep a sharp look on his face:
Cloud: Sephiroth.
Sephiroth: Hmm? - and looks back at Strife:
Cloud: This is between you and me. Don't involve him in this.
Sephiroth: Oh? Have you become attached to this child by any chance? Interesting indeed. Not just anyone makes you act like this. It's a shame that this tournament prohibits death. I would love to take your new friend away from you.
Cloud: Your son of!-
Sora: You can try! - the boy draws attention and summons the keyblade - But where I came from, I already fought against you! And I won!
Sephiroth: ...Hunf! What imagination. But if you want to know what despair is, I'll be happy to show you. - said the angel, while taking his sword from his waist. And a voice echoes from the heavens:
???: And now, we will have the last fight of the day! The red team, with Cloud and the newbie, Sora! Against the green team: Sephiroth!
Cloud: What?!... - Would they have to fight? Now? The blonde thinks he should have chosen another place instead of a battlefield to be alone. Now he dragged Sora into his problems:
Sora: Cloud! -the boy's voice takes him out of his thoughts once again-Remember, you're not alone this time! You and I can fight together! -Sora smiled, as if he wanted to say that everything was fine. Cloud reflects a little on those words and smiles too:
Cloud: Of course... - he takes his sword from his back and holds it in front of him - Just don't slow me down.
Sora: Right! - and Sora gets ready. But suddenly, the battlefield changes. Transforming into a place the wielder knew very well - Hollow Bastion?! But how?!
Cloud: It's not what it seems. The field can change according to your memories. Focus!
Sora: Yeah... right! - and Sora enters his typical battle pose:
Sephiroth: What an interesting sword you carry.
Sora: It's the keyblade!
Sephiroth: Keyblade, huh? Despite it appearance, I feel like it carries great power. I wonder if I can take it once I defeat you.
Sora: Keep dreaming! - and the speaker's voice is heard again:
Announcer: 3... 2... 1... GO!
And the battle begins.