Chapter 61: An Unexpected Rematch

It was another beautiful day in the wonderful world of Pokémon. The sun's bright lineament smiled upon the luscious field located on the outskirts of the Coliseum. Wild Pokémon perambulated throughout the earth's long, lush hair, feeling safe from the vast, potential dangers that awaited on outside

They paid no mind to Sora and his friends as they strolled down the familiar dirt path towards the Coliseum. The group were vacillating over whether to be excited for the finals or not. On one hand, the champion title was with their grasp – a prodigious honor they'd wear like a badge. But they were still concerned about Pikachu.

Although reassured that the mouse would convalesce without issue, they were still worried about him. Pikachu wasn't just an asset that ascribed to their success; he was a cherished friend that stood by them with indefatigable encouragement. Sora couldn't inure the heartache if something happened to him. The others would acquiesce that sentiment.

Irrespective of Pikachu's status, Sora started pondering over useful strategies to use in the forthcoming rounds. "Hey, I bet that new Cure Spell we got we'll come in handy. Used during my time in the Paper World. It's OP."

"OP?" Luigi asked.

"Over-powered." Sora narrowed his eyes. "Learn your lingo, man."

"Is that what the kids say nowadays?" Luigi asked, rolling his eyes. "OP. Our speech is really devolving into monosyllables."

"Mono-what?" Sora asked, confused.

"Point proven," Luigi said, smirking.

Sora laughed, placing a rough, playful arm around Luigi. "Oh, excuse me! Last I checked, you're only a few years older than me! Afraid you're part of that crowd, buddy. Unless you don't mind checking into a retirement home early."

While the two began another round of badinage, Yoshi was enjoying the scenic view. The wind stroked a gentle comb of air over the tree. There was a paucity of clouds sewn into the sky's blue fabric today. It was peaceful. But such a concept could never last forever. Already, a strange, incipient feeling of concern rustled within Yoshi's stomach. He believed that someone was following him.

And he was right.

Floating right behind him was the strange, pink, cat-like Pokémon, observing every green scale on the dinosaur's body with a wonderous eye. Through instinct, it could sense that the dinosaur was not a denizen of this world. Which just caused the cogs of inquisitiveness to spin faster. Unable to keep the uncomfortable knot tied anymore, Yoshi turned around to see….nobody. The Pokémon took care to follow the back of his head, remaining undetected. It was probably nothing, Yoshi thought, and he continued walking.

Still being persuaded by a curious voice, the Pokémon leaned close to Yoshi, making sure not to be seen within his peripheral vision. Again, that knot was retied, pulling tighter this time. He was adamant that someone was there and planned to make his suspicions incontrovertible. So he decided to catch the pursuer by surprise.

Yoshi started whistling to himself, feigning ignorance (albeit, doing a terrible job at it). The Pokémon shook its head, seeing the obvious ploy seep out from the curtains. It vanished within a sphere of blue light.

Yoshi spun around to point as the supposed stalker. "Ah-hah!" His confidence faltered upon noticing no one in view. Only the leaves from the trees offered a response in the form of a wave. The dinosaur scratched his nose, perplexed.

"Something wrong, Yoshi?" Luigi asked, as he and the others approached the dinosaur.

Yoshi spun around; his expression was cemented with growing confusion. "Me could've sworn something following us."

The others looked behind Yoshi. Not a soul was in sight. Except for nature itself, which continued existing in taciturn.

"I don't see anyone," Isabelle said.

"You feelin' okay?" Sora asked.

"Me fine! Yoshi felt something behind him!" Yoshi said, in remonstrance. "Honest!"

"It was probably just some random Pokémon running around," Sora said. "Come on. Don't want to be disqualified for tardiness."

Yoshi shrugged, acceding to Sora. It made sense, he thought. There had to be some curious Pokémon among the reticent. Still, a small strain of suspicion rolled down his bumpy scales like a roller coaster. Something about its presence felt unnatural – that it was a massive question mark in pages of existence.

But there was no point in ruminating over it. Not when victory started glimmering on the horizon like the morning sun. Forgoing the subject, he hurried after the others. Unbeknownst to him, the Pokémon had rematerialized, letting out a gaiety giggle over its successful prank on Yoshi.

Upon entering the lobby, everyone noticed that there was a paucity of people. That might have to do the stertorous noise that filled the vicinity. It was so loud that the group's hair cells flailed around in a panic. Not even covering their ears protected them; their heads pounded like bars on a xylophone.

They soon discovered the source of the snoring. The giant Pokémon Snorlax had returned; once again, its massive body was pressed against the same wall, partaking in a long, fulfilling sleep.

"Not again!" Luigi said, shouting. "Is security throwing a slumber party or something?"

Isabelle winced. Given dog's acute hearing, this must've been excruciating to endure. "I think my ear drums popped several times over!"

"Yes!" Sora said. "It is louder than a lawn mower!"

"No!" Isabelle said, growing frustrated. "I said—"

Everyone saw Professor Oak hurry over to the large Pokémon, hoping to eliminate the skull crushing sound. "Leave it to me!"

He climbed on top of the Pokémon, inserted a pill into its mouth, and waited in silent anticipation. Soon, the snoring tapered off into light breathing, liberating everyone's ears from the grating noise. Luigi was amazed that there was a medication in this world capable of subduing snores. He needed one for Yoshi; it would obviate Luigi's need for placing pillows against his ears.

"Thanks, Professor," Sora said with a heavy sigh.

"Think nothing of it," Oak said. "Luckily the Pokémon Center comes equipped with Snorlax Snore Silencers. Should keep him quiet for a few hours." He turned to the Pokémon, nettled. "Not sure how he got back in, but we can deal with it later." Turning back to the group, he asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yep. Totally fine." Sora exhibited a shimmer of alacrity from his grin. "Who isn't alright is the guys we're up against today!"

"Well, you better be prepared," Oak said, sincere. "This is the final cup of the tournament. Win this, and you'll be crowned the champions."

Sora cracked his knuckles. "We're ready for anything! This'll be easy!"

"Positive you're ready?" Oak asked. "Because right now I only see three of you."

Sora paused for a moment, perplexed, until Oak's words become tacit, unraveling like loose shoelaces. The boy winced as his confidence started to somewhat dwindle before a harsh ray of worry. "Oops. I forgot. Is he…okay to compete?"

For a moment, Oak was inexpressive, as if reluctant to deliver the news. The suspense tapped against their spines like an aggressive pickaxe. Pikachu was part of their team. They couldn't share in the excitement without him. And even if they won, their victory would feel hollow; they wouldn't have made it this far without him. More importantly, they couldn't bear the thought of hearing that his condition hadn't improved. Their hearts would inherit a similar pain.

"Raring to go," Oak said, smiling. The group's anxiety dissipated from an explosion of relief. "Made a fully recovery."

"Mama-mia!" Luigi said, wiping his forehead. "So glad he's okay."

"I concur," Oak said. "His determination to compete is inspiring. Seems like he shares your passion."

Sora chuckled. "That's what happens when you hang around us for so long."

"That a good thing or bad thing?" Yoshi said, in a teasing manner.

Sora rubbed Yoshi's head, smirking. "Look at you, bringing the funny today."

"Let me go retrieve him from the Pokémon Center," Oak said. "Please wait here."

The hanging thread of Pikachu's status had been fastened to a comforting anchor. There was no longer a need to be stressed: the team had been reassembled. Inspirited with renewed fortitude, they planned to stand tall at the crest of the tournament bracket. Nothing could erode their confidence now.

While the group waited in anticipation, they saw Cloud approaching from the hallway, hefting his trusted sword. His dour countenance smothered the bright atmosphere in brooding shadows. He was still an enigma – a riddle whose answers seemed indecipherable, no matter how empirical study was done on him. But Cloud was still a good person at heart – he just kept his emotions tucked away within the safe caverns of thoughts.

"Hey, Cloud!" Sora said. Cloud walked over to the group, keeping words imprisoned behind his tongue. Sora placed both hands on his hips, expressing repine. "It wouldn't kill you to say hello once in a while."

Cloud finally relented. "Heard you boys made it to the final cup. Not bad. Thought you'd be out of the competition by now."

"Dream on!" Sora said. He grinned. "Admit it – you're just jealous we've made it this far, and that you're out."

Cloud raised an eyebrow, displaying a wide, excited smirk, which seemed rather incongruous for the stoic warrior. "Is that so? Well, this is awkward; looks like I have to deliver the bad news."

"Ba-bad news?" Luigi said, as a nervous tick tickled his throat.

"The good professor was nice enough to give me a second chance in the ring," Cloud said. "All I had to do was pass a few tests." His eyes shifted away from them. "If you can call them that. They were more like time wasters. Seems like I'm heading into the final cup with you."

Sora's heart pounded with excited adrenaline. He wanted to jump into the air from the accumulation of elation. "No way! Alright! We can settle the score!"

"Nothing ever intimidates you, does it?" Cloud said. His expression remained still behind an aloof pane. "Well, this isn't fun and games, kid. I need to win this competition no matter what it takes."

Sora's ears stung from the sour note of Cloud's words. "But that's kind of the whole purpose of this tournament, isn't it? There's nothing at stake. Well, maybe bragging rights, but why so uptight?"

"Have my reasons," Cloud said, remaining firm. "Winning this tournament will allow me to…no, it's none of your business. Better hope we don't cross paths, because I'm not holding back. I'll make sure you don't make it to the finals."

"Dude, what is up with you?" Sora asked, becoming irked.

But Cloud was implacable to any of Sora's comments. He had a goal; it had been planted in his mind, waiting for the day it would bloom into a reality. He would not let it wither into a frail disappointment.

For far too long he had been looking for an end to his interminable toil.

Wordless, he left the lobby, keeping his deepest, salient thoughts secluded from view, like a tightly sealed journal. Only Cloud's cape responded with a wave, as it moved in sync with his body. Sora frowned, somewhat repined from Cloud's harsh attitude. But it didn't daub over the gleaming coat of his determination. If anything, it endued him to fight harder, and prove that he was a worthy contender.

Although Cloud's vague motivation for competing held curious air trapped within a bottle.

"Well, he displayed good….sportsmanship," Isabelle said.

Sora crossed his arms, in thought. "I'll say. Why does he want to make sure we lose?"

"Maybe he with Team Rocket again?" Yoshi asked, suspicious.

"Doubt it," Sora said, without need for reflection. "He's a decent person at heart. Just doesn't show it every well."

"Still," Isabelle said, weary, "if you end up facing him again, be careful."

Sora placed both hands behind his head with a reassuring smile. "No need to worry. We have each other's backs."

Sora noticed Yoshi pointing towards the corner of the room, where the Snorlax was sleeping. Hiding underneath the Pokémon was Luigi, ague with tremendous fear as it crawled around him like perturbed centipedes. Sora slumped his shoulders in exasperation; seems someone was expostulating the idea of this once in a lifetime rematch.

Sora and Yoshi ran over to Luigi, wrapped their hands around his legs, and pulled him out from beneath the underbelly of Snorlax.

"Let me go!" Luigi said, struggling as the two pulled him back towards Isabelle. "He can't hurt me if he can't see me!"

"C'mon, Luigi," Sora said, helping him rise to his feet. "We can beat him if we all work together!"

"Oh, yeah?" Luigi asked, his eyes aglow with doubt. "Where are the statistics on that one? Show me the cold, hard facts!"

Isabelle's face brightened with joy. "Guys! Looks who's here!"

Everyone turned around to catch Isabelle's infection of jubilation. Oak approached the group, carrying Pikachu in his arms. The mouse's face illuminated with rejuvenation; his yellow fur was no longer ruffled with the vestiges of battles. Pikachu's welcomed presence surged through the room like alacrity static, ameliorating everyone's mood.

Jumping out of Oak's arms, he landed in Sora's, nuzzling against the boy's chest, squealing with unadulterated happiness. The two spun around, caught in a tornado of emotions.

Sora then lifted him into the air. "Welcome back, Pikachu! Gave us quite a scare there!"

"Pika!" Pikachu said in a cheerful tone.

"Like I said: raring to go," Oak said, enthralled by this reunion.

Sora lowered to his eye level. The mouse couldn't help but nudge his soft, red cheek against the boy's face. Sora was relieved that Pikachu had made a full recovery; it chiseled away the hardened worry he had form him. And now, they could focus on being crowned with the exalted title of champions.

Yoshi walked over to Pikachu, ruffling his fur with a loving lick. The mouse turned his attention to Luigi. For a moment, they stared in silence. Neither was unsure of how to react. Especially Luigi. Words were ineffable to him. A cacophony of jumbled thoughts and feelings clamored in his ear like an unruly crowd. But Pikachu made the first move, by leaping right into Luigi's arms, and embracing him. Luigi returned the gesture, fighting back the tears engendered by the swelling emotions in his heart. Soon, he relaxed, knowing that the past was afield, and it could never return to reopen the mental cicatrize.

Luigi looked down at Pikachu, chuckling. "Looks like you're not shocking me this time. Guess we've made some progress." Pikachu looked up at him with an assented smile. "About the other day – thanks for saving my life. I owe you one."

Pikachu responded with an affectionate lick from the tongue. Sora felt himself alight into a cushion of contentment. Luigi and Pikachu had a rough start together, but time had allowed their bond to conflate into a friendship. Now, their team was complete; there was no longer an incongruous cane keeping it from tumbling over in defeat. They stood tall, together, prepared to dominate the competition.

Including Cloud, and especially Red.

Being in this warm circle of support improved Luigi's morale. He wasn't afraid anymore to peer behind the door where challenged awaited them. "Why are we all standing around and looking? Don't we have a tournament to win?"

Zealous from Luigi's laconic, uplifting statement, Team Gonzales strode to the arena, entering as contenders. And hopefully, leaving as champions.

High on top of giant mountain, clouds parted in trepidation from the incredible force of an orange blur. Even the blusterous wind held its breath in awe at the prodigious display of speed. The force belonged to Charizard – the lifelong, stalwart companion of Red. He flew in the air at dizzying heights, letting his wings flap with incredible strength.

Standing on the plateau of the mountain, keeping both eyes focused on the powerful Pokémon, was Red. He watched with pride as his winged partner glided across with elegance and grace. In perfect, pinnacle health, Red thought. The rough wind produced from Chairzard's wings rushed through Red's body, filling him with excitement for today's events.

Red soon commanded Charizard to land nearby him. Content with the warm-up, he walked over to the Pokemon, and stroked his cheek. The two gazed into each other; they were of one mind – an indestructible being incapable of faltering from oppression. The unfortunate winner of today's cup was going to experience their full force.

"Attaboy, Charizoard!" Red said, pleased. "In top form as always! I think we're ready for today, don't you?"

Charizard nodded, sharing in the embrace of Red's rising zeal.

"Nothing ever slows us down," Red said. "Couldn't ask for a better teammate. Ready to head down?"

Charizard responded by spinning around, inferring for Red to climb onto his back. But before Red could climb aboard, a sudden thought hindered further movement. "Oh, right! Forgot one more thing!"

He pulled out a black, thick bracelet from his pocket and placed it around his wrist.

"Care for some last-minute training, buddy?" Red asked.

Charizard responded with a confident smirk. Whoever challenged Red and Chaizard today didn't have the slightest inkling to the full extent of their power. One thing was certain: it would be unleashed without mercy. Only the strongest could cling onto hope for survival.

Sora and his friends entered the arena to roaring cheers and applause. Praise swam across every bleacher in the arena. After everything that transpired yesterday, Sora needed a deluge of support to ring in his ears; to drown out the endless litany of morasses he was being reminded to fix. From the Heartless, to finding Kairi's heart, and to rekindle his friendship with Riku.

But for now, he and the others were going to have fun. Isn't that what made competition so invigorating? To imbibe every single drop of excitement offered? Well, that was their plan – to enjoy. And maybe sway Cloud's opinion in the process.

One of the opponents they faced was a penguin-like creature with red feathers. The white feathers on its face made it appear akin to a white beard. Above its eyes were three-pointed crests. Despite its wings lacking digits, the Pokémon carried a white sack. Yoshi gasped in surprised delight; his senses danced with elation, as the Pokémon reminded him of someone.

"Santa!" Yoshi said, as he swayed back and forth. His tail wagged with the speed of a motorboat's propellers. "You are real! And here me thought you just Mario sneaking into my house to steal cookies! Me so happy you here! Yoshi been good boy! He took out garbage, brush teeth, solved world peace through hip-hop, and save orphan kitties from towering inferno." He smiled widened. "May I have my presents, please?"

The bird removed a present from the sack, and tossed it at Yoshi, which exploded upon hitting his face. Yoshi howled in pain; he covered his face to try and lessen the sudden aches. "Hey! Me no ask for a package full of ouchies!"

The Pokémon continued tossing exploding presents at the dinosaur. All Yoshi could do was run away, shielding himself from further damage.

"Are there any elves in the audience!?" Yoshi asked in a frantic tone. "Santa gone mad! Me knew too many fruitcakes make him lose marbles!"

Deja vu had snuck up on Luigi, breathing cold air on the nape of his neck. Staring him down was an unusual, quadruped Pokémon with pink skin, curled ears, and a long tail with a white tip at the end. But it had a vacant stare and a slacked jaw – a combination of dread that sent alarms ringing throughout Luigi's senses. Its unresponsive eyes continued starting into the Luigi's, digging deep to search for his petrified soul.

Luigi remembered the humiliation he had the displeasure of feeling when contending with the duck Pokémon. History would not make him an exhibit in its circus again. Luigi summoned his hammer, prepared to go on the offense. Retaining its blank expression, the Pokémon lifted one foot; it hovered for a few seconds before stepping on the ground at the listless pace of a sloth.

But Luigi remained vigilant; deep down, this creature had an innate ability that would strike when least expected. The Pokémon performed the same motion with its other foot. At this rate, Luigi would finish paying off the mortgage to his house before the creature reached him.

Still, dread roamed through his muscles, making them as tense as iron. He needed to act. Luigi struck the Pokémon with a Thunder spell. No response. Not even a flinch to indicate pain. It continued walking with the velocity of a steam roller….treading through mud. Panic struck its talons against Luigi chest. Much to his dismay, Luigi was perforce to move closer towards the creature.

Lifting his hammer with an ounce of courage, he shouted, "Running legs, don't fail me with a hasty retreat!"

Luigi ran straight for the Pokémon. He was about to swing when the creature shouted in agony. Only now did its pain receptors realize the truism of a disturbance. Overwhelmed from the massive shock, the Pokémon collapsed onto the ground. Luigi stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend the reality of the situation.

For a moment, he thought the Pokémon was playing a clever ruse. But the trainer soon withdrew the Pokémon from battle. Luigi's countenance became blank just like the Pokémon's face; he didn't have even a smattering as to what happened. Still, the audience applauded his victory.

Luigi waved an awkward hand. "Th-Thanks. 'Twas all skill. 'Twas all skill." He mumbled to himself, "No amount of sleepless nights will help me deduce the insanity I just beheld."

Sora and Pikachu found themselves staring down a Raichu. This Pokémon was the evolved form of Pikachu, generating far more powerful electricity that could sustain a nuclear plant. Raichu was larger than Pikachu, standing over the little mouse, flaunting its superiority. It had orange fur, a white underbelly, brown marks on its hands and feet, and a long, wire-like tail; resting on the tip was a lightning bolt symbol.

Raichu discharged intense electricity from its yellow cheeks, letting out a smug hiss at the opposition – a little yellow roden it considered inferior in pure strength. But Pikachu wasn't deterred; he stood his ground with unblinking, resolved eyes, unfazed by the sneering sparks. Sora admired Pikachu's courage; despite the gap in power, Pikachu was amenable to jump across that huge crevasse for success. Even if the possibly of plummeting was great.

It reminded Sora of his rivalry with Riku; he never quit, despite always being bested by him. A determined spring rebounded him back into action. His desire to win was immutable. Struggling was part of the process; it would be more satisfying once he overcame Riku, hoisting up that flag of pride. Although given their waning friendship right now, partaking in a friendly duel wasn't plausible.

But Pikachu confronting Raichu inspired Sora; it reminded him of those halcyon days of healthy competition. And he would engender those positive feelings to the crest of his heart, enjoying every moment of the challenge.

Sora grinned at Pikachu. "Yeah. There's no reason to be afraid of this guy. Showoffs always put their best feet forward. And, if that's all he's got, he better be ready to make them move in the other direction."

Scowling, Raichu unleashed a massive lightning bolt from the sky, to nullify Sora's claims. As well as their ranking in the tournament. Sora and Pikachu leaped away just in time as the bolt hit the ground. Intense heat emanating from the attack swept across Sora's face, releasing a contradicting cold burst of alarm in his spine. One false move would incarcerate his muscles behind paralyzing bars.

Sora unleashed a Blizzard spell, which Raichu deflected with its tail. While distracted, Pikachu tried headbutting it in the stomach. Like a balloon, the little mouse bounced off it, and stumbled backwards. He tried regaining his balance but was caught off guard by a fierce punch from Raichu. Pikachu slid back from the force of the attack, on his hind legs, while trying to dismiss the pain haranguing the receptors.

The little mouse stabilized his movement. Just in time, too, as he noticed Raichu preparing to deliver a high kick. Pikachu ducked under the attack, spun around, and knocked Raichu onto its backside with a tail swipe to the other foot. Raichu was stunned by a descending hailstorm of surprise; how did its inferior counterpart land a decent hit? Luck. Nothing more. For a moment, it played sides out of pity.

Pikachu leaped into the air, curled into a ball, and prepared to strike with his tail. Raichu rolled away, stood up, and deflected an incoming attack from the Keyblade. The orange mouse shot electricity from its cheeks in retaliation; Sora hopped back with only seconds to spare. Every hair on his neck rose to attention from the invading nerves. Gotta be more careful, Sora thought. Or else I'll become a makeshift lightning rod.

Raichu spun around to see Pikachu giving him a derisive wave. The Pokémon growled in response, as if its ego was being tampered by an annoying twig. It was Pikachu's evolved form – shouldn't it be superior? Isn't that the definition of evolution? To be the best nature had designed? Well, it had to remind him of that truism. Raichu launched another lightning attack, but Pikachu leaped to his right. The two Pokémon were engaged in a chase throughout the stadium. But, no matter what Raichu did, it couldn't compete against Pikachu's nimble legs.

That's when Sora came to an empirical conclusion. Its agility was inadequate. "Pikachu, keep running around. Tire it out!"

With an amenable nod, Pikachu continued wending Raichu around the arena in a hedge maze of confusion. Raichu tried more electric and physical attacks, but none hit their mark. Stamina stared to erode from exertion. Every attack became predictable. Its panting was audible amongst the relentless noise of the crowd.

Taking a chance, Pikachu rammed it in the stomach again; this time it stumbled backwards. Sora delivered a slash right across its chest. Wincing, Raichu fought through the incessant pain pounding against its muscles. Unearthing a seed of strength, it rammed Sora in the stomach, knocking him onto the ground; next, Raichu grabbed Pikachu, and pinned him straight onto the floor.

Livid sparks started flowing out of its cheeks. Despite exhaustion starting to take hold, Raichu would let not let his pride plummet into a valley of defeat. He was determined to main his balance. Pikachu's fur trembled as the electricity let out a fierce, intimidating growl; it was prepared to eat away at each little hair.

Sora scrambled to his feet. "Force!"

The Gravity appeared above Raichu's head, startling in in the process. With opportunity extending an urgent hand, Pikachu scurried away just as the spell hit its intended target. Raichu leaned over from the impact, becoming submissive to the domineering hand of lassitude. The outcome was tacit. Pikachu charged his tail with electricity, while Sora gripped the handle of the Keyblade.

The two lunged at Raichu; with one combined strike, the two knocked the Pokémon onto the ground, and it embarked on a mysterious journey in the land of unconscious. Victory had been obtained. Pikachu used his tail to give Sora a high five. The two basked in their accomplishment as they were lauded with cheers and applause.

Sora smiled at Pikachu; he was elated to have him back on the team. Winning wouldn't have felt the same without him.

And so, they continued climbing the ladder in ranks. Each step contained a challenge they had to press against in order to ascend. But, on the other side of the ladder was Cloud, keeping pace with them. Their rematch seemed inevitable. But Sora was going to be assiduous in watching Cloud's fight this time.

His eyes were cuffed to each of Cloud movements. Despite carrying a huge sword, Cloud's speed was unnatural; how he kept pace with his opponents was ineffable. But Sora continued staring with intense determination. There were moments where his eyelids didn't blink, being wedged open by unrelenting focus.

Sora saw Cloud rush through one of the competitors multiple times. It was the same attack he used against them during their first battle. Nothing seemed to cease its movements or quell its sharp strikes. Such a technique would be invaluable; probably useful against the Heartless. Their existence would be cut short before acknowledging it even began.

Still, he continued watching Cloud's matches, filling his mind with a docket of strategies.

Both Sora's Team and Cloud reached top of the bracket. After a brief reprieve, the stadium rumbled from a plethora of loud, shuffling feet. Soon, a deluge of people filled the empty bleachers. Eager eyes were locked on the arena. Anticipation spread wider than the coliseum itself.

They didn't have to wait long, as the combatants entered the ring. Everyone cheered with every single vocal cord; it was so intense that wild Pokémon afield from the arena were startled. But Sora didn't find the tumultuous voices irritating. In fact, it amplified the zealous adrenaline swishing through the chambers of his heart like a tidal wave.

Sora cracked his knuckles. "I can't wait for this! Cloud's going down!"

"Why us?" Luigi said, letting out a distraught sigh. Even though he enjoyed competing again, there were still dread about facing Cloud again. "Couldn't someone else be in the finals?"

"It be alright, Luigi," Yoshi said, offering a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We a lot stronger than before. Also, Pikachu helping this time."

Luigi shrugged, still a bit hesitant. "Well, I guess. At the very least, I'm hoping he gets a stomachache. Can't always trust stadium food."

"Now you sound ridiculous," Sora said, scoffing.

"It's all I have to comfort me right now," Luigi said, sincere. "Trying to sound normal can get dull, anyhow."

Pikachu shook his head, just baffled at Luigi's string of excuses. They could be used to form an entire ball of yarn. "Pika, pika."

With alacrity in his voice, the announcer introduced Sora's team, and the sound barrier was once again disrupted from its quietude by cheering.

"Me love you!" Yoshi said, blowing a kiss between each sentence. "And you! And you!"

Sora chuckled. "Okay, Mr. Cassanova. Save the slobbers for the kissing both."

The cheering temporarily subsided as the announcer introduced Cloud. Soon, they were unchained from their silence again. Taking a deep breath, Sora began walking towards Cloud. The others soon followed (with Luigi trailing from the hindmost). As the cheering subsided, tension encircled the combatants in its crab-like claws.

Sora's felt like his heart was rattling through his body like pinballs. He had been waiting for this moment. Last time, he was dissatisfied with the results of their match. It was apparent that they were going to lose. But now he was going to redress that defeat into a win – a insignia of pride he would forever keep in his memories. Although Cloud's earlier behavior stilled irked him. He didn't want to leave that issue ajar. Not until it clicked shut for good.

"Hey, Cloud. About earlier—"

"Look, I'm sorry if my attitude wasn't pleasant before," Cloud said. Sincerity peered out from his pupils, before retreating into its reclusive locker. "Having worked part-time on the staff, I've learned something important. They were going to save a special announcement for if you win the whole thing."

"What's that?" Sora asked, leaning over a railing of intrigue.

"Combatants, please go to your respective corners," the announcer said. "The match will begin momentarily."

Sora didn't want to be rude and delay the match (although Luigi wouldn't remonstrance the idea). But he continued leaning over the railing, curious about this special announcement.

"Never mind," Cloud said, brushing a strain of hair. "You don't need to know now. Not like you'll be winning, anyways."

"Oh, we'll see about that!" Sora said, undeterred. "Now I'm even more determined to beat you! Want to know about this special announcement."

Although he didn't show it, Cloud could feel annoyance simmering in his stomach from the boy's overconfidence. While he did admire Sora's ability to never let it shatter, sometimes realistic cracks needed to form – to prepare you for the inevitability of failure. It was too unhealthy.

"With you, determination is nothing more than a façade for stubbornness." Cloud walked away, spun around, and prepared his blade. It would soon receive another bandage from a fresh, new mark. "And you're going to regret holding on tightly to it."

With one final call from the announcer, the long-awaited rematch ensued. Cloud flew straight for the four, and swung his blade straight down at them, with a diagonal angle. Sora, Luigi, and Yoshi combined their weapons to catch the strike. A loud clang reverberated throughout the arena, making the audience's ears ague as if the clapper of a bell raddled from within.

Cloud used his strength to push the three backwards. He then thrusted straight for Yoshi, who blocked with his shield. Spinning around, he swung upward, again at a diagonal angle, to deflect Luigi's strike. Then, raising part of the blade over his head, he blocked an incoming strike from Sora. The boy went on the offense with a thrust, but Cloud brought his blade straight down, pushing the Keyblade onto the floor (the force almost made Sora fall, but he regained his balance).

Cloud was prepared to attack when he saw Pikachu leaping off Yoshi's shield. While airborne, he curled into a ball, spun down towards Cloud, and prepare to strike with his tail. Cloud leaped back before the attack could connect; then he ran straight towards the two, blade held at his side. Pikachu unleashed a lightning attack, but Cloud side stepped with ease.

Next, Sora launched a Fire spell. Cloud brought his blade up towards his chest at a horizontal angle; he pressed his free hand against the tip and deflected the blast right back at two. Both Sora and Pikachu rolled away, just avoiding becoming singed from the fire's burning claws.

Luigi leaped into the air and tried delivering a downward strike with the head of his hammer. Cloud stepped back to avoid it. He retaliated with an inward strike, but Luigi brought the hammer close to his face, deflecting the blade. But Cloud continued his relentless pursuit, by swinging downward at a diagonal angle from the opposite direction. Luigi side stepped to avoid being split in two like soft bread.

Going on the offense, Luigi swung at Cloud, only for him to duck under the hammer. An opening presented itself on a large, vulnerable plateau. He kicked at Luigi's lower leg, causing him to wince from the sudden pain, lowering his guard. Cloud delivered a powerful punch to his face, which knocked Luigi back a fair distance; he tottered onto the floor. Cloud slammed his blade into the ground, releasing a beam of energy.

Yoshi leaped in front of Luigi to block the strike. Next, Sora leaped in front of the two, pointed the tip at Cloud, and launched his spiral attack. Cloud raised a curious eyebrow; seems Sora and his friends' skills have improved since their last fight. Perhaps this wouldn't be an entire dilatory, Cloud thought.

But he was still perforce to win this match without difficulty. Nothing would stop his path from tumbling down an errant slope. Cloud leaped into the air to avoid a few energy blasts; the rest continued pursuing him. He swung his blade to destroy the remaining ones. Looking up, his eyes were alerted to Pikachu, flying at him with a headbutt.

Cloud brought his blade up to block the attack; the force pushed him back onto the ground, where he landed with the grace of leopard. Pikachu flew towards him like a bomb ready to explode into a wave of electricity. Cloud prepared to swing his blade; at the last moment, Pikachu used his speed ability to defy the laws of physics, dodge the attack, and land to the right of Cloud. But the enigmatic warrior also remonstrances the written rules, and with amazing speed, he kicked Pikachu in the chin, knocking him into the air.

Cloud grabbed Pikachu by the nape of his neck and tossed him towards the others. Sora leaped over Pikach as he slid right into Luigi and Yoshi. He wasn't letting Cloud have a moment's reprieve. Sora swung inward; Cloud leaned back to avoid the strike. Next, he tried bringing his blade downward. With the tip pointing down at a diagonal angle, Sora raised the Keyblade to block the strike.

Using every ounce of strength, Sora pushed Cloud's blade up, and then tried a downward swing. Unfortunately, Cloud was quick to bring his down and catch the strike. Then, he pushed Sora to the left, spun around, and slashed the boy in the back. Painful tears started their decent down the mountain of Sora's cheek. But the boy shut his eyes, ignoring the aches trying to break down his concentration like a battering ram.

Cloud hurried in front of Sora, delivering an uppercut to the chain. As Sora stumbled back, Cloud grabbed the boy's shirt color, and held him over his head. His cold, blue eyes were fixated on the Keyblade wielder without a hint of commiseration.

"Guess you let all that gibberish about grander dictate your defeat," Cloud said. "Should've used some common sense and ducked out before facing me."

Using all his strength, he tossed Sora a few feet into the air; when he started descending, Cloud kicked him in the stomach, knocking Sora into the others. But Sora quickly stood up, refusing to let his confidence become servile to Cloud's words

"Surrender is such a foreign concept to you, isn't it?" Cloud asked, frowning. "Have to give you credit in that regard. Unfortunately, the only other option you have can be understood in any language."

Cloud held his sword into the air. The tip sparkled like a new, vibrant start in the sky. He hefted the blade behind his shoulder, swung it forward, and unleashed a powerful burst of wind. Audience members braced themselves as they were pinched from the relentless wisps of wind. The force started pushing Sora and his friends backwards, where they would soon fly out of the ring, ending their long, arduous journey through the tournament.

Their victory would descend into a hopeless dream.

But that prescience didn't prevail. The four pushed against the powerful wind, fighting through the sharp, affectionate kisses from the wisps. For the first time in a while, Cloud's reversed eyes started to crack from infinitesimal surprise.

Sora continued trudging through the wind. "Seems like you made a worse mistake than I did," Sora said, grunting. "You constantly underestimate us, which is making you sloppy. Better try harder before it's too late." He extended his hand. "Thunder!"

Cloud looked up to see the spell materializing in the sky. He didn't have time to dodge. Cloud's only chance was to buffer the damage with his sword. Wasting no time, he lifted the blade, just as the spell struck him. Electricity crawled throughout the massive sword, converging on Cloud himself. He winced as the spell slithered throughout his body.

Any normal person would be incapacitated in an instant. But Cloud's body was reliant, defying the limits of the human endurance. To him, it was like being bitten by deer flies. It hurt, sure, but no repercussions would erode his ability to fight. However, he was stunned right now, so the doors of opportunity flung open. Sora threw the Keyblade right at Cloud, hitting him in the chest.

The warrior clutched his chest; real pain festered within it like vines. He wouldn't lose to these four. They never had to endure interminable training and hardships throughout their lives. Everything was a game to them – a flawed mindset that would end in tragedy. He would make them see his mindset through every painful, invective word from his blade.

Pikachu and Yoshi both rammed their heads straight into Cloud's stomach, making him slide back a fair distance. Upon recovering, Cloud noticed the little mouse running straight for him. Cloud thrusted straight at Pikachu, but he leaped onto the blade, ran up it like a hill, leaped into the air, and prepared a lightning attack from his cheeks. Pikachu lunged at Cloud, who ducked his head to avoid the attack.

But Cloud didn't have time to linger. One of Yoshi's eggs flew right at him. Cloud rolled to one side, spun around, and delivered a horizontal swing to the dinosaur. Fortunately, Yoshi brought his shield up in time to block. Although the force pushed him backwards. Looking over his shoulder, he noticed Pikachu's tail coated in a sliver glow. Cloud swung his blade the other way, deflecting the incoming strike from the Pokémon's tail.

Pikachu leaped at Cloud's face for another headbutt, but Cloud blocked it with the blunt of his blade. Meanwhile, Luigi used Cure to recover Sora's injuries; they hurried to rejoin the battle. Pikachu leaped at Cloud again; this time, the warrior rotated his body, allowing the mouse to pass by him. There was his opening! Cloud grabbed Pikachu's tail and tossed him into Yoshi; the two toppled onto the ground.

Cloud turned to see Sora and Luigi running towards him. He gritted his teeth; their persistent seemed immutable. The desire to win pumped boundless energy through their veins. Cloud planned to cut off their supply. Luigi leaped into the air and brought his hammer towards the warrior. Cloud side stepped left to avoid the strike. He placed his free hand against the blunt of the blade, brought it up at horizontal angle, and blocked Sora's incoming thrust.

While still in that position, Cloud thrusted the blade's hilt right into Luigi's stomach (who was just about to attack), making him double over in pain. He then tried bringing the blade straight down on Sora, who hopped to the left just in time. Sora then spun around – holding the hilt with both hands – and tried swinging at Cloud. But the warrior was quick to swing upward – at a diagonal angle – to deflect the attack.

Sora tried another thrust, but Cloud jerked his head right to avoid; then, he retaliated with a kick that knocked Sora back a fair distance. However, Sora was able to regain his balance with little difficulty. Cloud once again slammed his blade into the ground, engendering another beam of energy.

"Wind!" Sora said.

Sora swung a tornado of whisps at the beam, causing an explosion. Its booming roar was only matched by the audience's gaiety. Every eye absorbed the action, fueling the heart with a smorgasbord of excitement. Even Isabelle was in awe of the spectacle, despite having to shut her eyes over the worry for the group.

Cloud leaped above the smoke, spinning his blade in the air like the propellers of a helicopter. Sora's stomach was solidified from the cold feeling of anxiety. What was he planning now? Well, if you were expecting him to launch miniature meteorites from his blade, then, congratulations: you're thinking fourth dimensionally.

Sora rolled out of the way to avoid being hit by one. A miniature explosion sent him flying over to the others. Heat from the blast tapped against Sora's skin like alarming fingers. Any closer and he would've become an overcooked pancake. Cloud threw more meteors at the group. All they could do was run and dodge every rock.

"Is he that desperate to beat us that he's willing to bring upon the apocalypse!?" Luigi asked, panting.

"Guess he's getting serious now!" Sora said.

Luigi narrowed his eyes. "Your continual observation of things never ceases to make me evaluate our state of existence."

Once the last meteor was unleashed, Yoshi hurried over, wrapped his tongue around Cloud's leg, and pulled him onto the ground. Then, the dinosaur leaped above Cloud, preparing to stomp on him with his backside. Cloud rolled away just in time, stood up, and prepared to retaliate. Until Pikachu leaped on his back, not once letting go.

"Get off me, you table scraps connoisseur," Cloud said, squirming with all his might.

Pikachu's grip didn't falter. Just like Sora, he wanted to show Cloud the full extent of his strength. Size was an illusion. True strength came from within. Summoning every ounce of electricity from his cheeks, Pikachu encased Cloud in a bright, yellow bubble of agony. Electricity stormed through every muscle, leaving its painful mark.

Cloud clenched his teeth together as he fought through the pain. But his mind was also fighting a battle of disbelief. How were they able to keep pace with him? Sense seemed to have been discarded into a receptacle of nonsense. But he would pick up the pieces of logic and regain control. Despite being in pain, he managed to ram hos back into a wall, knocking Pikachu off him like a leech.

He turned his attention to Yoshi, positioning himself for an attack. Sora recognized his posture; it was the same one he used for the dash move. Sora mimicked the exact stance; when Cloud dashed towards Yoshi, Sora performed the same move, arriving to block the attack.

Surprised, Cloud dashed backwards, and performed the attack again. As did Sora. Their blades were locked together.

"D-Did you just…?" Cloud asked, somewhat astonished. But he regained focus, almost smirking at Sora's ability to learn at a fast race. "Unoriginality isn't going to get you far."

"Me? Unoriginal?" Sora asked, as he pushed against Cloud's blade, grunting. "How about getting a different hairstyle?"

The two dashed through each other at incredible speeds, parrying their attacks. Unfortunately, Cloud's next strike against Sora knocked the boy across the arena. He landed on the ground, panting from exerting so much energy into that technique. The others hurried over to help him onto his feet.

Cloud could hear panting come out of his mouth – a sound he had seldom experienced. Sweat stared dripping from the strains of his hair like raindrops. Weakness was nothing but dross – an infection he didn't wish to carry. Not with the opposition he sought to face. Any sign of fatigue was an opening for a fatal wound. He wouldn't be restrained by fatigued chains. Cloud had come too far to lose this tournament – to seek the one that escaped his grasp for years.

Anger stared to seep into his aloof demeanor like venom. His blue eyes flared with unwavering resolve. "It's time I end this. You won't stand in my way any longer. Farewell."

Cloud closed his eyes. His body was engulfed in golden electricity. Soon, a long, black wing appeared on his right shoulder. The others stared in baffled, yet fearful silence. Electricity discharged from the warrior's body. They felt the heat brush against their faces. It was intense, like the arid air of the merciless desert.

Luigi gulped. "With that wing, I don't think he plans to pester us with the word 'Nevermore.'"

"What?" Sora asked, confused.

"Look out!" Yoshi cried.

Cloud flew straight at the group and delivered a power strike. Everyone dodged, but Cloud's speed had been amplified. He flew over to Sora, striking him in the side. Sora once again ignored the anguish cries from his receptors. Cloud flew over him, trying to attack Sora from the other side.

This time, Sora was able to roll away to avoid the strike. Luigi tried hitting Cloud with his hammer, but the attack had no effect. What unfathomable power did Cloud possess? Didn't matter. Staying alive was far more pertinent. All the group could do was dodge or deflect Cloud's attacks. He was invisible – a polished sheet of tungsten that had no crevasses.

Maybe Cloud was right, Sora thought. Perhaps the constant victories had impaired his judgement with overconfidence – reminded him that every person must abide to their limits. If not, they'd succumb to the plaintive feeling of defeat – a notion that they'd be forced to heft like heavy luggage.

Sora took a deep breath. It was okay. Losing was a part of life. He had experienced it for a long time fighting Riku. After a while, it can feel a bit dispiriting. But winning in this tournament made him feel like king of the world. He had forgotten the sting of defeat. But he prepared for its reintroduction. After all, becoming more efficient at something was sometimes contingent on failure.

Either way, this had been a fun experience for everyone – something they'd revisit in the journal of their minds.

Suddenly, Cloud reverted to his original form. Even the dark wing was gone. To their surprise, Cloud was growing tired. Perhaps the technique took a serious toil on him. Opportunity had granted them one last chance. They shouldn't squander it. Before Cloud could attack, Yoshi curled into an egg, ramming himself right into his stomach.

As Cloud stumbled backwards, Pikachu ran behind him, charged his tail with electricity, and struck him straight in the back. Luigi hit him in the left shoulder with his hammer. As he teetered towards the right, Sora struck him in the hip. Finally, Sora used Cloud's dash technique, rushing him through him several times with quick, sharp attacks.

Sora then delivered one last strike, sending Cloud back a fair distance. The combatants were exhausting. Silence had plagued the entire stadium. Only the competitors' sonorous panting kept the absence of sound from declaring its full dominance on the stadium. Everyone in the crowd leaned forward in anticipation; their bodies quivered from the deluge of emotions rattling around like marbles.

Sora never took his eyes of Cloud, waiting for even an infinitesimal amount of movement. Vigilance held its breath.

Then, Cloud collapsed onto the ground. Wild cheers and applause subjugated the omnipresent force of quietude.

Today, history was made. Champions were born.

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