A/N: Have a lot going on this month, so I will resume writing on August 6th. For now, enjoy the conclusion to Part 1 of Act III.
Chapter 72: Union of Princesses
Conversation was quiescent in the Labo ship's cockpit. Only the murmuring of machinery balked with staying silent. Everyone was restive as they approached the alternate route Cid provided them. Luigi's exterior appeared calm, but an undercurrent of anxiety flowed throughout the nervous system. Still, he couldn't let those feelings become imperious; to make him believe he was inept.
Keeping his friends alive surmounted every other thought. With firm hands on the wheel, and sedulous, unblinking eyes focused, he pushed forward through the alternative route. It wasn't long before darkness' gamut debauched the galaxy's starry mural with a black, squalid brush. Its ineffable form caused the ship to tremble, as if aggrieved. But Luigi would inure any tactic the darkness tried using to make him distrait.
A few Heartless ships soon appeared in front of the group – their sharp noses were pointed right at the lone ship, prepared to strike with the full velocity of a livid, implacable wasp and its stinger. Luigi took a deep breath; he was going to fly straight into the amorphous hive, aggressive, yet circumspective – contradictions impelled to work together for an exigency: survival.
One of the ships flew straight at them, firing dark lasers. Luigi tilted to the left, avoiding the blasts, and allowing the Heartless to pass by the Labo ship's wing. Another Heartless went on the offense, but the Labo ship's sharp, quick laser pierced through it like an arrow. It immediately disintegrated into black powder, forever forced to float adrift through the vacuum of space.
"Above you!" Sora said, in an alarming tone.
Luigi looked up to see a ship trying to dive bomb them. He hit the acceleration and moved forward, avoiding the strike. Luigi blasted down another Heartless, spun the ship around, and destroyed the one that dive bombed them earlier. Another ship crept up on them from behind, endued with the skill of stealth.
But Luigi was able to notice the ship edging closer towards them. Igniting the engine of the Labo ship, it discharged fire, burning the Heartless to a crisp. Luigi tilted the ship towards the left, rotating it around the area; his plan was to fly straight through the hoard towards the castle. While in the midst of this maneuver, he avoided more blasts from incoming ships.
Luigi saw an opening beckon for him, and he took a chance, flying straight through it. He moved the ship through a tangled web of darkness, dodging lasers from every angle, and countering with blasts just as fierce. Luigi stayed focused; his eyes were desiccated from the lack of blinking. One infinitesimal blunder would obviate their chances for success.
They managed to escape the restless crowd, debarring their fate as scrumptious repast. The dark castle was coming into view: still immemorial and dilapidated. But a welcomed sight, nevertheless. Before they could get any closer, another ship rammed straight into them. They were spinning off course; their destination was afield.
Luigi spun the wheel, regaining control. Princess Peach was in sight. He would not come alight onto a perch of satisfaction without knowing she was okay. Not just for his sake, but Mario's, too.
Her kind and loving deportment was the pacemaker that engendered his brother's stalwart, beating heart.
The Heartless ship that rammed into them fired lasers. Luigi caused the Labo ship to dip, avoiding the incoming blasts. He then took a hard-left turn, trying to wend back towards direction of the castle. Another ship blocked their path. Luigi gritted his teeth; Cid's warnings were warranted. But he would strive to keep those nervous whispers from breathing down his neck.
Looking over his shoulder, the ship they previously lost had appeared behind them. An idea had offered its succor; he would accept it without delay. As the ship in front of them fired lasers, Luigi jerked to the right, and it hit the one behind them. With no time to surcease, the Heartless ship that was in front of them crashed into the other; they both exploded, giving the dour sky an ephemeral lightshow.
But there was no time to celebrate. Danger had not been eroded, and impelled them to stay alert. Another Heartless ship appeared from the side, launching thorn shaped missiles at them. Each one would do more than leave a laceration on the Labo ship's metal skin. Luigi flit through the missiles with absolute concentration. Determination would not fain before the distracting cacophony around him.
Another ship appeared in front of them. Luigi veered towards the right, dodging the last missile, and causing its inexorable crash into the Heartless ship. Luigi spun around, flying straight for the one that fired the missiles. The ship retaliated by firing more. Luigi jerked left to avoid the incoming blasts.
He countered with lasers; the Heartless ship titled onto its side, avoiding potential disintegration. Once again, the ship went on the offense with more missiles. Luigi raised the Labo ship to dodge them. But another blast soon hit the edge of the Labo ship's wing, causing it to stumble off course. They saw a second Heartless ship coming right for them.
Luigi remained defiant despite the odds tapering off into the vacuum of space. He could hear the bombastic encouragement from his friends keep any doubt reticent in speaking its mind. The loudest voice in his head came from Mario.
He would never disappoint his older brother.
Determination provided a cogent reason for him to keep fighting. Luigi hit the thrusters; the entire roared with sonorous, zealous strength, and moved forward, just avoiding the potential ramming. The Heartless ship spun around; its plan was to ram the Labo ship's backside. The other ship pursuing them was in their line of sight; it launched missiles straight at them.
Luigi held his position; timing was perforce in performing this next maneuver. The missiles grew closer to them – from Luigi's view, they were dark, pulsating comets replete with dynamite. The familiar cold breeze exhaled against the cockpit's window. Luigi kept his gloved hands on the controls, keeping them still, despite anxiety trying to squirm between each finger with its ailing touch.
At the last minute, Luigi forced the ship downward, causing the missiles to explode upon contact with the ship that was behind them. The one firing the missiles flew into the smoke, blinded by its thick drapes. This gave Luigi ample time to escape and fly straight for the dark castle. Sora kept his eyes out back for any more Heartless ships. For now, they were in the clear.
It wasn't long before they were in proximity of the castle – still derelict as ever. Luigi fell back into his seat, letting the weight of relief sink into the seat. They were still in one piece. Luigi was proud of himself for how much he had improved as a driver – not just skill, but for being adroit in stressful situations. Not once did self-doubt try cajoling him into quitting. Small stems of courage started growing from within inquietude's soil.
Sora gave him a hard pat on the shoulder. "We knew you can do it!"
"Thanks," Luigi said. He looked over to face Yoshi and Isabelle. "You two okay?"
"Never felt better," Yoshi said, grinning.
"Even I kept my cool this time," Isabelle said. Although her calm expression purported the immense fear in her eyes.
"Aspirin?" Luigi asked.
Isabelle sighed. "Aspirin, yes. Please."
Sora chuckled. Well, she had improved in hiding her irrational fear of flying, he thought. The boy turned his attention back towards the castle. His task at hand was salient – not just seal the Keyhole, but weave together the tattered state of Riku's existence. It would be difficult to rejoin the fabric. But Sora believed it was possible, remaining adamant towards what he espoused – that light would guide him to Riku through the jungle of darkness, cutting off the branches with a radiant machete.
He gripped the pendant Kairi gave him; it was snug in his pocket, serving as a reminder that he wasn't just saving Riku for his sake, but Kairi's too.
He promised with all his heart: they would be together again soon.
Cold air began its wanderlust throughout the waterfall area that proceeded the castle. The rising falls continued their loud, incomprehensible litany. Sora stepped out onto the small, light blue island; the familiar sensations in the vicinity ascribed to a sudden, uncomfortable sensation in Sora's stomach. It reminded him of when he lost the Keyblade here: how for a moment in time, he was alone – powerless to do anything.
His subconscious commanded his fist to clench, as if keeping the Keyblade from slipping out of his hand (despite it not being present). Every harrowing memory of being in this world recapitulated its point. This world was his hardest challenge yet – in a way, it was a wake-up call. Life was an inconstant that you needed to prepare for, even if forthcoming results were not clear.
Luigi and Yoshi could see the firm expression coupled to Sora's countenance. They assented those sentiments. Especially Yoshi. He almost lost his big brother forever. Second chances were seldom beseeched; he would not this rare opportunity leave his sight. They would be vigilant as they walked through the castle's black veins this time.
Before Sora could take a step forward, he saw a laser fly right towards him. The boy ducked just in time, feeling a slight tingle slide across the top of his hair. Fear incapacitated him for a moment, and then he started combing through his hair in a frantic motion. Luigi and Yoshi looked up to see Fox on one of the floating islands, blaster drawn, shocked by what he had done.
"Oh, man!" Fox said, holstering his gun. He leaped down onto the floating island, and hurried over to them. "I'm so sorry! Thought you guys were Heartless! You okay, Sora!?"
Sora continued the exigent, assiduous rummage through his hair, making sure each strain was in its proper place. He sighed in relief. "Oh, my locks. Thank goodness you weren't fried. All that hair gel would've been for nothing."
Fox, having experienced an aberration in sanity, turned to Luigi with a puzzled expression, as if the answer for this oddity was written on his lineament. Unfortunately, not even a stroke of an equation for the inquire could be noticed. Only scribbles of homogeneous confusion left their mark.
"Erm…he'll be fine," Luigi said, trying to keep the conversation from becoming errant. "We're just glad you're okay."
"What Fox doing out here?" Yoshi asked.
Donning a serious expression, Fox's eyes focused on the castle. "Trying to keep the Heartless at bay. Someone needs to keep the princesses safe."
"They're still in there?" Sora asked, recovering from his melodramatic state of being.
"Including Krystal," Fox said, as his lower lip stiffened from concern.
That sensation strewn itself all over the others likes splashes of dross. Luigi and Yoshi were hit the hardest; vexing gunk seeped into their skin, increasing their worry for Princess Peach.
"Against their will?" Luigi asked.
"No," Fox said. "I think there's a reason."
Some of the distressed waste expelled itself from Luigi's pores. It was Peach's choice. But was it wise to occupy the same space as the Heartless? Especially when their hunger pans were more intense now.
"Wonder what it is?" Yoshi asked.
"Let's go ask them," Sora said.
"Sounds like a plan," Fox said, smiling (he wanted to make sure Krystal was safe; there was no way he'd demur such an offer). "I'll give you guys a hand. The Heartless are more aggressive than normal."
Luigi gave Sora a sly look. "We'll need it. Because if we encounter a Heartless shaped like clippers, it's all over for Sora."
"Oh, really?" Sora said, trapping Luigi in a playful headlock. "Then I better make sure that moustache of yours is front and center!"
After dipping their toes in a pond of levity, the four journeyed to the castle. Fox felt a sense of gaiety being with the trio – their playful banter and constant optimism reminded him of his teammates. It took a slight edge off the fact that he missed them with all his heart. Even though Krystal was safe, his world didn't have that same luxury.
He wondered what their future would entail. Would they have to start a new life together? If so, where? And how? Despite being the eminent leader of a prodigious team, he was faced with uncertainty. And uneasiness, to some degree. It's part of what makes someone a rational, living being. But, as Sora recounted everything that happened, those discouraging thoughts were ameliorated.
He had a smattering of the interminable conflict with the Heartless. But one thing was certain: Sora defied all odds. Ever since they first met, he never quit. The word 'no' was absent from his vocabulary. As someone who fights the darkness, Sora may be the one to awaken Fox's world from its imprisonment in black amber.
Fox had to keep that inspiring thought adorned on his forehead. He believed in his own teammates back home – that philosophy extended to his new friends, too. The four soon arrived at the main area of the castle. Ahead of them was the massive, intimidating door that lead to the Entrance Hall.
Sadness wrapped its uncomfortable vines around Sora's neck – it was the last place where he encountered Riku. Not a pleasant reunion, but at least Riku was still himself. Now, he was a part of Ansem's gestalt – a function forced to carry out its task, devoid of free will. Sora would find a way to remove Riku from that utilitarian responsibility.
Even if it meant putting himself at risk of becoming a Heartless again.
Before the group could continue, they'd have to overcome a morass of darkness: three Heartless appeared before them, floating in midair. They were muscular, demon-like creatures with two purple horns that connected together, forming the symbol of a heart. Small purple wings allowed them to hover in the air. The Heartless carried a blue sword that contained two rough edges towards the tip; forged on the fuller of the blade was kanji, being displayed with pride like a tattoo.
Sora summoned the Keyblade, squeezing the hilt to alleviate the sudden concourse of nerves holding a rally in his fingers. The area was overrun by a cold paroxysm. He knew these new Heartless wouldn't have the predilection for a swift, quick defeat. Still, nothing would stop Sora and his friends from retrograding the increased onslaught of the Heartless. The four divided into two teams: Sora & Luigi; Fox and Yoshi.
One of the Heartless swung downward towards Yoshi. The dinosaur curled into an egg, rolling past it. Fox thrusted his staff straight at the Heartless, who countered by swinging upward. Noticing Yoshi from behind, the creature spun around and thrusted its blade straight at the dinosaur. He brought his shield up block the incoming strike. The Heartless would gainsay the entreats of mercy, as it launched a large dark fireball from the opposite hand.
Once again, Yoshi used his shield, but the force of the blast slid him back a fair distance. The Heartless turned around to face its other prey. Fox drew his blaster, firing multiple lasers. But each one met an abrupt end before the Heartless' spinning blade. Fox gritted its teeth: this variant of Heartless was a lot smarter and stronger than the usual ones. He had to be more vigilant of every move.
Before the Heartless could go on the offense, Yoshi rammed his head straight into the creature's back, causing it to stumble forward. Opportunity had shown its scintillating form, gesturing for them to attack. Fox swung his staff downward, knocking the Heartless onto the ground. He hopped onto the nearby guardrail, leaped off of it, donned himself in a flaming overcoat, and slammed his staff straight into the Heartless; its form vanished, being masticated from the flames' merciless teeth.
But the Heartless assault had only reached the second chapter. A shield Heartless appeared behind Yoshi, preparing to swing its weapon. Fox was able to alert Yoshi in time; he spun around, bracing himself with his own shield. The Heartless delivered a powerful swing that knocked the dinosaur onto the ground.
A wyvern appeared overhead, and descended straight for Yoshi, planning to grab him with its three-toed feet. The dinosaur rolled to the left, avoiding the creature's sharp claws. Fox hurried over and slashed the creature right in the cheek with his staff. Yoshi stood up and rejoined Fox. They started panting from fatigue; it felt like hot ambers were rattling within their chests.
But they had to keep fighting. Their loved ones were counting on them. However, mental fortitude might be limitless, but their stamina didn't have an impunity towards exhaustion. They'd have to finish off the Heartless before torpor overmastered them.
Another Heartless wielding a sword stuck the tip of its blade into the ground and vanished. Sora felt like an extreme chill trussed itself around his body. A ring of dark flames surrounded the boy. No matter where he ran, it followed. Nervous sweat trickled down his forehead. He wasn't going to wait for the ring to make its move. There had to see some way to escape this imposing circle.
One of the other sword Heartless swung downward, preparing to strike Sora. Luigi leaped in front of his friend to catch the attack. Sora went on the offense by swinging the Keyblade upward, knocking both weapons in the same direction. Sora then used a Fire spell to knock the sword Heartless away from him. He noticed the ring had stopped spinning, and started to close in on him.
A laconic instruction called out to Sora the last moment. He dove onto his stomach, just missing being squeezed together by the ring. It soon formed a singular dark flame, and hovered over towards the sword; the Heartless soon rematerialized into its natural form, preparing to grab the blade's hilt. Sora would keep that disunion immutable.
He launched an ice spell that froze the Heartless' blade in place. As the Heartless was bludgeoned with bewilderment, Luigi took the chance to knock it away with his hammer. The Heartless flew off the balcony, but stopped itself with its wings. Next, Luigi conjured his charge attack through his hammer, swung it straight at the frozen sword like a club, and knocked the upper half off, which flew straight into the other sword Heartless' face (the one that was hit with the Fire spell).
Sora finished off the stunned Heartless by cutting it straight down the middle. But he didn't have time to fill his lungs with fresh, restorative air – the airborne sword Heartless launched a dark fireball, which Sora sidestepped to dodge. He countered with Gravity, sending the Heartless plummeting into the dark depths below the castle. It wasn't over, though. The future's injunction of turmoil was still being written.
"Behind you!" Luigi said.
Sora spun around to see a Yellow Space Pirate manifesting a lethal drop of lightning. The boy hopped backwards onto the handrail, and threw the Keyblade at the Heartless in retaliation. Which leaned left to avoid the blade. It wasn't lucky again, as Luigi knocked it into a wall with his hammer.
Before Sora could help, another demon-like Heartless appeared in front of him, delivering a downward, diagonal swing. Sora ducked underneath the strike, faced the long part of the rail, and ran forward on it. But the sword Heartless pursued him, preparing to thrust with its blade. Sora called the Keyblade back to his hand and deflected the strike.
Their blades clashed back and forth as they continued following the handrail. Sora tried another Fire spell, but the Heartless leaped above it, flew ahead of the boy, and stood right in his path. The Heartless tossed another fireball at him; Sora leaped off of the rail to dodge the blast. He looked up to see the Heartless delivering an over the shoulder strike. Sora was quick to roll underneath the attack, ending up behind the creature. It spun around, preparing a downward, diagonal strike.
But speed and timing had prepossession towards Sora, as he turned around first, knocking the Heartless' blade away with an upward swing. Aggression would remain obeisance towards Sora will; he launched an ice spell right into the creature's wing, freezing it in place. The Heartless was forced to plummet towards the ground.
In which its sojourn in the living world ceased from a horizontal slash of the Keyblade.
But the Heartless, more so than usual, coveted for the group's hearts. Their hunger only accrued as time continued its perpetual migration through existence. Two Soldiers rammed at Sora, knocking him onto the ground. Before they could attack, Fox blasted them away, and helped Sora onto his feet. The four stood back to back as the Heartless began to converge on their position.
Sora felt the confluence of their frigid presence; it caused his skin to become ague in a violent manner. If they didn't act soon, the four would become servile pawns to darkness' jurisdiction. Sora wouldn't go back there. Not while his indefatigable promise kept the boy's spirits afloat. He went through his pocket and pulled out one of the summon stones.
"Hang onto your pants!" Sora said. "Things are about to get really unpredictable!"
Yoshi looked over himself, being reminded that he didn't wear any clothes. He became anxious, and glanced up at the sky, whimpering. "Please have mercy on Yoshi's little oval shaped eyes."
Sora summoned Riki from his slumber in suspended animation; the dubiously titled Heropon appeared, landing right on the boy's shoulders. Sora felt Riki's weight press against him, like a mattress with unstable coils.
"Greetings, sidekicks!" Riki said, with pride in his eyes. "Riki knew you'd need the muscle of merry crew. Fret not, for Heropon will answer your prayers! And thank you for assisting in Riki's grand entrance, Sora. Your exterior makes a nice, squishy pedestal to stand on."
"Hey!" Sora said, annoyed.
Luigi couldn't help but chuckle. "You know what? Maybe there is some room for tolerance with that little fella."
"What am I looking at?" Fox asked, blinking in bewilderment. "Debased Furby?"
With verve pumping through his veins, Riki leaped high into the air; he rotated his staff around and pointed it right at the Heartless. "Now, now…behave!"
The Heartless were hit with a sudden ailment of paralysis. Sora and his friends made quick work of the majority. However, there were survivors, and the spell soon ended its temporary sentence of imprisonment. The remaining Heartless ran right for Sora and his friends – their sufferance of hunger unable to be maintained.
But Riki appeared behind the Heartless, ready to unleash more if his unusual tricks. "B-B-B-Burninate!"
The remaining Heartless spontaneously combusted from the spell, and hopped around the area as the large, crackling flames gnawed against their dark skin like ravenous vermin. Sora and his friends finished off the Heartless. They were soon beseeched with time of peace. Their panting echoed throughout the vicinity. And this was only one encounter. Given their destination was far above, they extrapolated similar battles.
"Well done, sidekicks," Riki said, approaching the four, content. "Was I not generous in letting you finish off bad guys? Riki didn't want to have all the fun."
Luigi frowned. He was considering retracting his early statement. Glad the great Heropon wore modesty on his shoulders like an ornate, shimmering mantle.
"Either way, thanks for your help," Sora said, between breaths. "The Heartless certainly didn't see you coming." He massaged his neck, as it was still sore from Riki's earlier grand entrance. "Then again, neither did my spine."
Riki yawned as his body became transparent; his incipient form would soon return to its imperceptible shelter of languor. "Time for well deserved nap. Heropon will be waiting for next heroic escapades."
Sora smiled as Riki vanished from sight. Despite his eccentricities, Riki was a huge help in their fight against the Heartless, just like everyone else, The Heartless were stronger now. But discouragement didn't think about expostulating a reason for failure. Sora had his own esoteric group at his side. Sure, their numbers couldn't budge the scale of the Heartless legion. But they made up for size with fortitude.
Sora was confident they could seal the keyhole. He believed in his friends without a pause of consideration. Sora could feel the slight weight of Kairi's pendant in his pocket. It served as a constant reminder for his tenacity – why he wouldn't quit in the face of opposition.
And so, the four continued into the threatening maw of the castle. All the while, Sora tried explaining Riki's existence to Fox, who, left the conversation carrying a stuffed docket full of more questions.
Sora's chest grew heavy with despair as the familiar sights of the Entrance Hall was absorbed into his pupils. He could hear the continuous wailing of the nearby waterfall, leading its misrable life of solitude. Just being here reminded him of his battle with Riku. He had to face his best friend in a battle of life and death. The entire notion was unconscionable – its squalid presence stung the walls of Sora's mouth. He couldn't swallow it, for fear of becoming further disheartened.
But the past is an unreachable exhibit in the museum of his mind. All you could do was stare at it, analyzing every detail. Nothing would change. He tried regaining his focus. Only the future would permit him that chance to see Riku again. Sora had to believe that Riku's could still reach out from the black silhouette of Ansem's form.
He hoped it wasn't too late.
Fox came to a halt as they walked towards the middle of the room. He sniffed the air – a familiar, pleasant aroma glided its way into his nostrils. An eddy of excitement swirled around the chambers of his heart. There was no doubt about the origin of this scent. Wordless, he hurried over to a door located on the left side of the hall.
"Hey, where are you going!?" Sora asked, startled.
The trio followed Fox into the next room, which was a two-story library. Everywhere one would look, red wooden shelves were filled to the brim with variegated books – some vibrant like a clear, summer sky. Others were faded like a brooding fog that lingered around an old, abandoned dock, mulling over its existence from contradicting temperatures.
A contaminated rag from the hands of time slid rust and cobwebs across the once sparkling shelves. It had been a long time since this room had donated the wealth of knowledge to anybody. Now the library remained abandoned, with each book keepings their written secrets to themselves. Sora's group hurried down the aisles, following Fox; their footsteps pounded against the green, cobble stone floor, producing strident, incongruous echoes that disrupted silence's eternal slumber.
They reached the end of the hallway, where they saw a group of thin windows against the wall. Their glass eyes were wide open, letting in a golden light from the afternoon sky, illuminating the library with its warm glow. In front of windows was a suspended staircase that went to the second floor, where more reticent books were safe within the shelves.
Underneath the staircase was a lone aspen wood table with a red chair. Sora shook his head; strains of déjà vu had seeped through his skull. Wasn't this the library he saw in his vision of Kairi and her grandmother? So this was her… original home? Never before had he passed through such a massive threshold of coincidences. She somehow ended up back here this whole time.
But, more importantly: this ended up causing various fireworks full of questions to explode. How could he even begin to delineate them? Did she live in the castle originally? Was she a princess in more ways than one? Was she…related to Ansem? That last question left a pang in his stomach. He didn't want to believe it for a second.
"Hey, you okay?" Luigi asked. "Looks like you've seen a ghost." He shuddered. "And never make me utter that expression again."
Sora rubbed his head. "I'm fine. Thought I saw a Heartless for a second there."
Meanwhile, Fox hurried up the stairs. The scent grew stronger, pushing its way into his throat. Upon reaching the top, he turned to his right, seeing another table in front of a bookshelf. He stopped right in his tracks. His body became heavy from the sudden weight of emotions. There, leaning against the table, reading a book, was Krystal.
To Fox, her presence brightened the dim, plaintive room with ardor. All the toil he felt before had been relegated to a mere footnote of history. Sensing his presence, Krystal looked up at him – her blue eyes radiated in a mixture of elation and relief. She was beyond happy to see him alive and well.
Fox was filled with the same sentiment. He wanted to walk over to her, but his foot was stuck in a pothole of hesitation, upon recalling being deceived earlier.
"Krystal," Fox said, as a small intonation plucked at his vocal chords. "I-Is that you? You're not another Heartless, right?"
Krystal chuckled with a smile and approached him. She spoke with a British accent. "Well, why don't you tell me?"
She wrapped her arms around him. Vacillation was drained through a tube of clarity. Krystal pressed her nose against his; they both stared into each other's eyes. He was conciliated by the warmth of her body. Every tense sensation he had carried floated away into the stratosphere; his body was light from contentment. He returned the gesture by wrapping his arms around her.
In this moment, nothing else matter to them. They were reunited at last, basking in the heat of their company.
"I'm…so….glad you're okay," Fox said, closing his eyes. They pressed their foreheads together, releasing a downpour of their affection upon the dreary room.
"Me too," Krystal said. "You risked everything to find me. I was worried you get hurt."
Fox pulled his head away from Krystal's, and stared into her blue eyes with reassurance. "Nothing was going to break my vow to find you. Nothing. And I'll make sure to never lose you again."
"Same here," Krystal said.
The two gave each other a light kiss on the lips. It was a moment of pure bliss. They wanted to stay in this cocoon forever. But their intimate moment was interrupted upon hearing footsteps. They released their embrace, and turned to see Sora's group reaching the top of the stairs. The trio smiled upon seeing the foxes together.
They were glad Fox succeeded in reuniting with the one he loved. It was inspiration for them; to strive for their goals, despite the obstacles making the long trail ahead errant. Sora traced over the image of Fox and Krystal in his mind – this was what he wanted to experience upon reuniting with Kairi.
He would never break his promise to her.
"Sora," Krystal said, "I can't thank you and your friends enough for helping Fox."
"Hey, don't mention" –Sora realized there was something unusual about those string of words that borrowed into his inner ear– "wait, how did you know all that? Including my name!"
Fox placed a hand on his hip, chuckling. "Krystal."
"Sorry," Krystal said, blushing. "Just wanted to skip formalities."
Fox noticed Sora and his friend's expressions had become twisted by a corkscrew of confusion. "Guess I should explain. Krystal has telepathic powers."
"She does?" Luigi asked, in sudden worry. He tried pushing his hat down further. There was no progress made. "Why wasn't I born with a smaller head!?"
"It's okay," Krystal said, in an assuring tone. "I would never invade anyone's thoughts." She noticed Fox glaring at her, and formed an awkward grin in response. "Except for just now."
But Yoshi's curiosity craved a proper demonstration of her unique ability. "Oh yeah? That was easy guess. Me bet you can't figure out what Yoshi thinking about."
"Is that a challenge?" Krystal asked with a playful smirk. "Alright, then." She closed her eyes, sifting through Yoshi's mind for a discernible thought. "I see watermelons. Lots and lots of watermelons. A full turkey dinner with stuffing, corn, and pillow mounds of mashed potatoes."
"Lucky guess," Yoshi said, crossing his arms, as if not wanting to admit defeat.
Krystal pat Yoshi's head, and turned to Sora – her face was bedimmed from a disconcerting, looming shadow. "I do know that you wield the Keyblade, correct?"
"Yep," Sora said.
"Then I assume you're here to seal the keyhole," Krystal said. Her uneasiness expanded like aluminum from the heat of worry. "Please, be careful. The darkness is raging deep inside. We've been holding it back, but we can't hold out much longer."
"We'll take care of it!" Sora said, not once forgoing his rigid confidence.
Krystal appeared relieved. She was regaled by Sora's determination to keep fighting; nothing would stop him, irrespective of the dangers that hid behind intimidating foliage, ready to pounce when least expected. She turned her attention towards Fox – reluctance had placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
"I know we just reunited," Krystal said, trying to hold back sadness from pinching her neck, "but would you…"
Fox didn't need telepathy like Krystal's to understand her request. His discontentment was tantamount to hers. But they both knew that, right now, a bigger threat was approaching the coastline of peace like a raging, apathetic wave. It was impossible to ignore. And if it hit, their reunion would be for naught.
"Say no more," Fox said, with a firm, determined expression. He eyed Sora's group. "I'll help them out."
"Are you sure?" Sora asked, taken aback somewhat. "You went through so much just to find her."
Fox turned to Sora – not a single crevice of doubt ruined his stone-cold gaze. "And I did find her. I feel better knowing she's safe. But none of that'll matter if the darkness overtakes us. I may be a mercenary, but my friends' well-being always comes first."
"I think your mojo's rubbing off on everyone," Luigi said, giving Sora a light, playful elbow to his ribcage.
"Well, I aim to please," Sora said, with a chuckle.
"I owe you guys, anyway," Fox said. "Don't think I would've made it this far on my own."
Sora smiled, remembering how Fox helped him through a moat of uncertainty when he lost the Keyblade. He was fortunate enough to reach the light that waited at the end. It contained an oasis filled with hope. "The feeling's mutual. Thanks. Besides, I'm never one to turn down the offer for anyone to tag along."
"Just keep him out of trouble, okay?" Krystal asking, as her expression was tickled with levity.
Yoshi saluted her in response. "Yes, ma'am!"
"Hey, you still wanna learn how to fly an Arwing, right?" Fox asked, with a sly smirk.
"Of course I do," Krystal said, joining the stage of banter. "But I've seen you and Falco in action. You two are like little boys ready to crash your action figures together. Someone needs to keep you in check."
Sora chuckled, as he thought back to his halcyon days on the islads. He and Riku were always engaging in frivolous arguments that Kairi would have to defuse with an arsenal of rational words. They were childish disputes. Inoffensive. He would be satisfied in reliving a harmless disagreement instead of another fight for survival.
Those simpler time were hindmost from reach now.
"Alright, alright," Fox said, bringing a closure to their badinage. "I'll try to be on my best behavior. Scouts honor."
Sora placed an arm around Fox. "Don't worry. We'll make sure he does."
"Thanks, peanut gallery," Fox said, putting Sora in a chock hold. "Appreciate the much-needed interjection!"
It wasn't too long before the group had to exit the dome of laughter and merriment. There was much to be done. The darkness would not be amenable towards their time of leisure – a unnatural element that wasn't trammeled by the human trait of compassion and mercy. It was a virus that wanted to spread. They had to stop the darkness before its imprecation could affect existence itself.
After good-byes were changed, the four continued to ascended the castle. Krystal clasped her hands together; her shoulders tensed from concern over Fox's well-being. But he'd be okay. Fox had defeated ignoble militias in the past. And it was only him and three other team members against a platoon. History was repeating itself, with Fox in the company of Sora and his friends.
They would be together again soon.
Many battles were fought against the Heartless. Despite receiving frequent, unwanted visitations from aches and pains, perseverance would slam the door in the dark creature's faces, ignoring the muffled harangues. The Heartless continued their endless assault, but each encounter ended with same result: defeat. Still, even with using 'Cure' magic, their bodies still remonstrated for reprieve.
Soon, they arrived at the hallway leading to the room where they first fought Bowser. Unable to ignore exhaustion anymore, the four stopped to catch their breath. Their loud gasps echoed throughout the desolate hall, hopping around the walls like excitable crickets.
Luigi sat on the floor, letting the weight of his backside sink into the gravel. Between breaths, he said, "This keyhole better be worth the trouble. Otherwise, I'm going to deteriorate into silly putty."
"Least the name would be appropriate," Sora said, with a heavy chuckle.
"More appropriate than that sentences that formed the misshapen sculpture you call comedy," Luigi said, smirking.
"Touché," Sora said.
Fox's ears twitched as silence's blank speech was interrupted by sudden, quick footsteps. He drew his gun, gripping the handle with both hands, as alertness was raised like a balloon. The sound came from the door that lead to the Bowser room.
Luigi's usual, special brand of cowardice brought its imprecation on him. "You know? Maybe being silly putty ain't so bad. A viable cure for that nasty ailment we call pain."
Fox moved with careful footsteps towards the opened door. The others stood up (much to Luigi's disinclination), serving as backup for their friend. Fox's finger started sliding towards the trigger. Tension raised his shoulders like a red flag. But his mind remained focused on the footsteps as they became louder, storming the quietude of his inner ear.
A tall figure emerged from the dark threshold, and Fox pointed his gun right at them. To Fox's surprise, his eyes were soon staring into the barrel of a laser gun, too. Looking up, he saw that the weapon belonged to a blond-haired woman wearing a blue skintight jumpsuit. Both her and Fox lowered their guard upon realizing the other wasn't hostile.
Sora and his friends' expressions lit up in pure excitement upon recognizing her.
"I'm assuming you're not a Heartless," Samus said, looking over Fox with curious eyes. "They're not known for their fluffiness."
Fox chuckled. "Nor are they known for their smart mouths. Or any mouth, for that matter."
"Samus!" Sora said, shouting to her in jubilance.
Samus turned her attention to the trio; they were running right towards her like an overjoyed stampede. Her aloof demeanor softened upon basking in the aura of the group's positivity – a sensation she had pined to experience again. They her brought her into the tender lassor of a group hug. The trio could efface their worry for her from the whiteboard of their minds. It was blank now, and would be rewritten with pure delight.
"Boy, you guys really are touchy feely, huh?" Samus said, grinning.
Sora smirked as they pulled away from each other. "Afraid you have to deal with it." He gestured towards Yoshi. "Unless you prefer an assault of tongue lashes."
"And Yoshi use extra mouth wash today," Yoshi said, in pride.
"Think I'll pass," Samus said.
"What are you doing out here, anyway?" Luigi asked.
"Guarding the other princesses," Samus said. "They're all in the room up ahead." She focused her attention on Luigi and Yoshi. "I know a certain princess has been eagerly waiting for you two."
Luigi and Yoshi turned to each other, blistering with incontrovertible glee. Any second it would pop like a balloon, tickling the environ with giddiness. Although they were glad to see Samus, their princess took precedence above everyone else. The duo excused themselves and hurried towards the Bowser room.
"I really have underestimated you guys," Samus said, wearing a lapel of respect. "You three have come so far as heroes. Not just for your help on Zebes, but for giving the Heartless a hard time."
"Hey, I'm just glad you're okay!" Sora said. "We were worried about you. But I have faith you'd escape the planet."
Samus crossed her arms. A crestfallen shadow was casted over her face. "It wasn't pleasant, that's for sure. Being a bounty hunter comes with huge risks, obviously. But, for the first time in my life, being stuck with Ridley, I was afraid for death to tap me on the shoulder. And it's because you three reminded me that I shouldn't alienated myself from the people I care for. I couldn't accept my fate while weighted down by regret. Especially from the thought of never seeing you guys again."
"There's no point in thinking about it anymore," Sora said, with a reassuring smile. "You got your chance. Enjoy the moment to its full potential."
"You're right. Thanks." Samus smirked. "But let's keep the mushy platitudes confine to the walls of this castle. Otherwise you won't like how I rearrange those split ends of yours."
"Please, don't," Sora said, grabbing the sides of his hair. "I already had one close call today."
Fox rolled his eyes, chuckling. "Welp, better get used to hearing that broken record."
Luigi and Yoshi arrived in the dark room, where the four remaining princesses were located at the other end. They were the middle of having a trivial discussion. Zelda was the first to notice the two, and informed Peach. She turned to her two closest friends with that bright, cordial smile; it caused the shadows to stand aside, as if redoubtable of her presence.
Luigi and Yoshi clamored together: "Princess!" And they ran right towards her.
"Oh, thank you," Peach said. "But our princess is in another castle."
The two stopped dead in their tracks, as if their stomachs collided with a branch – sudden shock pushed upward through their bodies like a steam.
"WHAT!?" Yoshi asked, shouting.
Luigi clutched his chest, unable to feel a heartbeat; it, too, became paralyzed by the alarming sentence. "Oh, no!" He looks up at the sky. "Nonna, get an old rickety sign ready. Your little nipote is meeting you at the pearly whites any second."
He started fainting from the overdose of wild emotions, but Yoshi was quick to catch him.
"Oh, my goodness!" Peach said, dismayed. "I was just kidding! Luigi, are you okay!?"
Yoshi took Luigi's hat and fanned it across his face. The cool breeze kept Luigi afloat in a sea of unconsciousness.
"Oh, I see those little red spores again," Luigi said, in a weak, albeit, troubled state. "Giving me less and less hope. Please, take them away."
Dixie leaned in to examine Luigi. She turned to Peach. "I think you gave him war flashbacks."
It took a few minutes, but, soon, Luigi had regained his composure. The world around him ceased its practical joke of warping reality. He was in the company of both Yoshi and Peach – familiar faces that served as palings, keeping the feeling of apprehension from climbing over. For a moment, Luigi believed he was home in the carefree world of the Mushroom Kingdom. Life was simple again. He half expected Mario to be amongst the group.
Wishful thinking, unfortunately.
"I'm so sorry, Luigi," Peach said, wrapped in gloss of guilt. "Was just trying to make light of our predicament. It's been a long day."
But Luigi didn't care. His subconscious shoved him forward, and he embraced her without a second thought. Relief arrogated every sensation. All that matter to him was her safety – to be present in his life again, and rekindle a sense of normality that had been absent for so long. He was content. At least for the moment. There was still a blurred frame missing from the reel of a normal, peaceful life.
"Forget it about it," Luigi said. "I'm just happy you're okay!
"Me too!" Yoshi said, enlarging the embracing circle. "Yoshi was so worried about princess."
He began his ceaseless endeavor in licking her face. Peach laughed. "Okay, okay, Yoshi! You don't have to worry THAT much."
The three soon pulled away from each other.
"How are you feeling?" Luigi asked. He examined her. "They didn't hurt you, did they?"
"No, Luigi," Peach said. "Please don't be concerned. I'm perfectly fine."
But Luigi let that confirming ballot pass through his inner ear. "Hey, I have to! You're part of my family! You, Yoshi, and Mario mean everything to me."
"As do you, Luigi," Peach said, taking Luigi's hands, quelling the nerves that meandered throughout his body like restless insects. "And like any family member, I can't express how proud I am of both you and Yoshi. Despite how dangerous the journey was, you both never gave up and fought to the bitter end. Your altruism is commendable. Mario would be so proud – no, will be proud of you once he's home."
Luigi blushed. He had never received such praise before. His voice and actions did mean something to people. He wasn't just an ineffectual shadow that remained on the sidelines. What he did had a positive impact on others. It was a good feeling to wear around your neck like a medal. Although his usual fear gave it a dull shine, he would still display it with pride. The sensation was still there. Hopefully, over time, he'd be able to polish it, displaying full courage.
"Thanks," Luigi said, inspirited with valor. "We'll continue fighting the Heartless to protect everyone we care about!"
"As I knew you would," Peach said, with a grateful smile.
Sora, Samus, and Fox soon arrived, and everyone came together for a pleasant reunion. Verbal notes were exchanged. Specifically, about everyone being salubrious. Sora couldn't believe that some of his friends had been chosen for such an important task; to unlock a door that would change the trajectory of existence itself. Any moment it would plummet into an abyss of eternal suffering, excommunicating light forever.
Yet, the chosen princesses didn't seem overwhelmed by their daunting position. They've accepted the responsibility, ignoring the obtrusive question mark of doubt. Intuition averred that this was their destiny. Now, with the keyhole unlocked, they had to protect it. Maybe it was to redress their forced involvement in marking the universe with the sigil of extinction.
Either way, they wouldn't ignore the intense pleas that pounded in their chests. Today, they had been enlisted in a war against the darkness.
As their conversation continued, the woman with the long red hair, wielding the crescent moon staff, took her turn to speak. "I believe we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Jenna."
"Nice to meet ya," Sora said. "Glad you're alright as well." He glanced at Jenna's attire. It was familiar to him. Instinct encouraged him to pursue a theory. "Say, this is a strange question, but I'm curious: would you happen to know two people by the name of Kraden and Mia?"
Jenna gasped in surprise. "Why, yes! They're friends of mine! You've met them!?" Sora explained how integral they've been to his journey. "Good old, Kraden. Always eager to lend a hand, while sticking his business in every little affair." She giggled. "Don't let him fool you with that whole 'constantly seeking knowledge' excuse. But I'm glad they're both alive and well."
"What a crazy coincidence," Yoshi said. "Why planets always like to wait in big lines when that stuff happens? Is being boring a fun past time? They just stare at sun and continue orbiting."
"You're spurts of random knowledge both mystifies and scares me," Luigi said, with a puzzled expression.
Contradicting sensations were split down the middle of Jenna's stomach – one side contained hope, but the other, which was dejection, began its inflation of those positive feelings. "Would you have happened to know if someone named Isaac is with them?"
"Afraid not," Sora said. "Sorry." He noticed that dejection completed its subjugation of her emotions. "I'm guessing this person means a lot to you, huh?"
Jenna responded with a silent, crestfallen nod. Sora could commiserate with her. He knew the feeling of missing someone important all too well.
Zelda placed a comforting hand on Jenna's shoulder. "Do not worry. You will see him again. I know it. Expelling the darkness from this living world will reveal a guiding light to him. But, in order for that to happen, we must continue our duty. Being proactive is the only way forward, and we'll need your help."
"Y-Yes, of course," Jenna said, feeling the encouraging heat brush against her face. "I'll do whatever it takes."
"As much as I'm enthralled by this small talk," Samus said, trying to keep the conversation steering off into parts unknown, "we have more important matters at hand."
"Right," Luigi said. "They keyhole. Krystal filled us in."
"Then you guys need to get moving!" Dixie said, as urgency leaped from her throat. "Our power won't last much longer! The darkness is pouring out faster and faster!"
"What about Ansem?" Sora asked. "I'm sure we'll have to confront him."
Silenced imbibed the noise in the room with a single, large, uncomfortable inhale. Sora noticed the princesses exchanging perturbed looks with each other.
"He's gone," Peach said.
Sora felt disappointment descend his neck at a rapid rate, like an elevator that had lost control, just moments away from its imminent disaster with the floor. In a way, he shouldn't be surprised. Why would Ansem make this easy for him? But Sora wanted to fight him now – to save Riku if a spec of his humanity still existed.
He didn't know long time would continuing ticking; any second, its mechanical voice would be muted.
"When the keyhole appeared, darkness crept out of it," Zelda said. "Ansem walked straight into the darkness, enveloping his entire being in it. Soon, he vanished."
Yoshi tried to wear a band of optimism around his writs. "So, that a good thing, right?"
"Doubtful," Jenna said. "He was smiling as he disappeared." A small chill crept through her skin like spiders. "The image of that sadistic grin still chills me to the bone."
"But that hasn't stopped the darkness," Samus said. "You need to seal the keyhole quickly."
Sora nodded. They didn't have a minute to lose. His contribution to this process was needed. Especially if he had any hopes of seeing Riku again. "We're on it! Let's move!"
Upon arriving at the Grand Hall, the group hurried up the stairs, and walked onto the hexagonal platform – where Sora had his duel against Ansem. Terrible memories started playing disharmonious bells in his head. Sora rubbed his chest, as if someone pinched it. Not once did he regret his sacrifice to save Kairi. But – and the mantra would continue its endless parade – Sora was thankful that he had a second chance because of her.
He would make sure not to waste it.
Sora noticed that his group felt a bit lighter. He spun around to see Yoshi standing at the end of the hexagon with a reluctant demeanor. Sora wasn't the only with horrible, indelible memories. Yoshi was afraid something horrible would happen again. The image of Sora stabbing himself still burned like wildfire. Nothing could douse the flames. Losing his big brother figure was one of the worst moments of Yoshi's life. He didn't want that taste to sting his tongue again.
Sora walked over to Yoshi, placing both hands on the dinosaur's shoulders. He spoke in a gentle tone. "Nothing bad is going to happen again. I won't let it. Besides, we're all together this time. And you know we're unbeatable as a team, right?"
Yoshi had never doubted Sora's claims. And this wasn't any difference. The reassurance blazing in his eyes ascribed to that sentiment. Sora always knew how to help Yoshi find his courage when a leash of skepticism tugged against the dinosaur's neck. Those atrocious memories were tossed into a receptible. Confidence slammed the lid shut, so that they couldn't be seen anymore. Yoshi took Sora's hand, as a little concern trickled down his back.
"That's my buddy," Sora said. "Best friends forever, right?"
Yoshi nodded with a smile. It was time to begin the first phase in dismantling Ansem's master plan. United as one, the four entered the heart shaped door. On the other side of the threshold was a room composed of the same red, blue, and green energy. They were on the ceilings, walls, and floor, moving towards the group like a stream.
At the end of the room was a Heartless symbol embedded on the wall. Sora squinted his eyes, noticing the insignia contained an unusual skin growth: one in the form of a keyhole.
"There it is!" Sora said, with alacrity. "C'mon!" But they didn't get far, as a dark, oval shaped portal appeared in front of them. "Not surprised at this point. We never get it easy."
Luigi sighed in annoyance. "Why can't your jinxes work in reverse for once?"
The four prepared their weapons as a figure walked out from the portal. It took on the form of a human, wearing the Heartless' familiar dark skin, and seeing the world through cold, unblinking yellow eyes. Sora recognized the form it took in an instant. His heart swelled from the injection of conflating emotions. More abhorrent memories seeped through the cracks.
It was shaped just like Riku, wielding the same blade, and wearing the same dark outfit.
"Is that…?" Fox asked.
"No," Sora said in a low, flat tone. "It's a doppelganger. Same trick Riku used on me once."
"Guess Ansem's trying to get under your skin," Luigi said.
"It won't work!" Sora said, trying to reinforce his emotions with positivity. "He just afraid of us, and will use any underhanded tactic to throw off my game! This Heartless is gonna regret trying to be Riku!"
"Yeah!" Yoshi said, inspired by Sora's boisterous tone. "Besides, it four against one!"
So it should've been a breeze. Unfortunately, they had such a luxary. A giant, quadrupedal Heartless with blue skin faded into existence behind the doppelganger. The creature had a dark red horn on its forehead; its tusks connected to the jagged maw in the center. On the chest was the familiar Heartless insignia.
Luigi shouted in frustration. "THAT'S IT! I'm imposing a 'no talking' policy before a fight."
Ansem must've foreseen that the doppelganger couldn't defeat the group by itself. So he summoned this creature as recourse. Ansem did live up to his title as a 'Wise Sage.' Too bad he had been cozening about all his other traits. Unfortunately, if they were going to reach the keyhole, Sora would have to become the pawn in Ansem's game.
"You three deal with the big guy," Sora said, as his blue eyes focused on the doppelganger. "Leave this faker to me."
"Is Sora sure?" Yoshi asked, growing a concerned knot in his throat.
Sora grinned. "Yep. I'll be fine. This phony can't compete with the real deal. This'll be easy.
"You got it," Luigi said, respecting Sora's decision. He did wonder if his cheery demeanor belied a different motivation – perhaps trying to show Ansem that he wouldn't be affected emotionally by the image of Riku. But trauma was not a transparent obstacle you could look through and ignore. "Just holler if you need us."
Although a bit reluctant, Yoshi and Fox joined Luigi to fight the Behemoth in front of them. The doppelganger dove into the ground, becoming a black spot, and moved towards Sora. He gripped the hilt of his Keyblade. Sora wouldn't be distracted by the Heartless' appearance. It wasn't the real Riku. He refused to let the guilt cajole him into a state of elegiac inactivity.
The doppelganger leaped out from the ground, delivering an upward slash. Sora hopped back to dodge the attack. He then spun forward and struck with a horizontal strike. But the doppelganger brought its blade up at a diagonal angle, with one hand, catching the attack. Sora wasn't done with his offensive maneuver; he tried thrusting straight for the Heartless' chest. It swung inward, deflecting the Keyblade.
The roles were soon reversed, as the Heartless tried an over the shoulder attack. Sora side stepped to his left. But the Heartless wasn't done yet; it rotated towards Sora with a horizontal swing. Sora thrusted the Keyblade straight up to catch the strike, and then jerked it right, forcing the Heartless to stumble ahead of him. Opportunity beckoned for him to go on the offense. Sora tried a straight, downward slash, only for the Heartless to sink into the ground again.
It remerged with an upward slash. Sora stepped back to dodge. The doppelganger then tried an upward slash; Sora ducked underneath the strike. But the doppelganger continued it assault, by spinning around, preparing a downward, diagonal slash. Sora held the Keyblade at a horizontal angle, pressing his free hand against the tip, and caught the strike.
Sweat began its descent down the mountain of his forehead. Although it wasn't Riku, the Heartless fought just like the genuine article. But that wouldn't intimidate Sora. He had come too far to experience an ignominious defeat, disappointing his friends.
Especially Riku and Kairi.
Luigi hopped onto Yoshi's back, and they, along with Fox, ran right for the Behemoth. The creature unleashed a large dark energy ball from its horn. Yoshi and Fox leaped away from each other to dodge the blast. It fired another one straight at Fox; he used his dash move to avoid the blast, reappearing in front of Luigi and Yoshi.
The creature once again used its redundant tactic. This time, Fox caught the ball with his hexagonal shield, and deflected it. Luigi leaped off Yoshi's back, slamming his hammer straight into the beast's face. Upon landing, he followed up with a charge attack, delivering a blazing uppercut to the chin. To Luigi's disappointment, the attack had no effect on the Heartless.
The creature glanced down at its prey, filling his senses with fear from a ferocious growl.
"Hey, now," Luigi said. "I wasn't trying to hurt you. Just wanted to loosen up that tense jawline."
The Behemoth lowered its head; electricity pulsated from its horn. Its target? A trepid Luigi, incapacitated by the sensation's numbing needle. Just as the Behemoth discharged the electricity, Fox tackled Luigi to the ground. They felt the heat from the blast soar by them like fierce falcon.
As they both sat up, Fox frowned at Luigi, exasperated. "Boy, you have an excuse for every situation."
"I keep two whole volumes stored in my noggin," Luigi said, with a sheepish grin. "One day I'll produce a whole trilogy."
They rose to their feet, and noticed the Heartless leaning over, presenting its horn. Any second it would ram into the two, making them lighter in the torso region. Before the Heartless brought the idea to pass, Yoshi tossed his shield at the Behemoth. Again, the creature wasn't affected by the impact, but it was annoyed for being disrupted. The Behemoth slammed its front hoof into the ground, producing a purple line of darkness that went straight for the dinosaur.
Yoshi brought his shield up to catch the attack. A miniature explosion occurred, knocking Yoshi backwards. Fortunately, hiding behind the shield mitigated damage. Whoever made Link's original shield was a master of their craft. Despite the numerous battles, its rich and detailed coat remained free of hideous battle scars.
Luigi hurried behind Yoshi and instructed him to lower his shield. He leaped off it, raised his hammer, and slammed the top of the Heartless' head. Although, like before, the strike didn't hurt, it was strong enough to make the creature kneel over. Fox ran right for the creature, unleashed his fire attack, and struck the Heartless in the horn with a flaming staff. The Behemoth stood on its hind legs, roaring from the sudden pain.
Fox smirked. "Gotta love enemy weak points. Need to respect them for their lack of forethought. Not that these 'things' have many wrinkles in those coconut heads of theirs."
But the Heartless soon recovered, ignoring the pain pulsating through its head like a heart attack. Right now, the creature was being fed a heaping portion of rage, keeping its strength satiated. The Behemoth slammed its hoofs into the ground; bolts of lightning rained down from the sky, attempting to shut down every nerve in the group's systems like the flick of a switch.
The three dodged the incoming bolts just in time; Fox and Luigi's hairs stood up on edge, having been awakened from the static.
"And antagonizing this beast doesn't make you much better," Luigi said, in a tone of panic.
Fox just glared at him. The Heartless tried ramming into the three. They hurried out of the way, letting it pass by them. When the Behemoth came to a halt, the creature turned around, swung its horn, unleashing a yellow beam of energy. The three dived under the attack. For something massive, the Behemoth was quick to strike. Sometimes outward appearances were purported to imperceptive eyes.
The Heartless raised its head; another energy ball formed at the tip of its horn. Upon unleashing it, the ball exploded into miniature descendants of itself; they flew at the four with the speed of a meteor. Luigi and Fox twirled their weapons around to deflect the blasts. Yoshi deflected one, ate a second one, and spat it at a third that that flew towards an oblivious Luigi. The two energy balls exploded upon contact.
The Behemoth leaned over, discharging another beam of electricity. Both Luigi and Yoshi leaped away from each other. With the Heartless in a vulnerable state, Yoshi ate his shield and spat it right into the creature's horn. It once again released an agonizing roar that rattled the group's ears, as if loose metals spun around their cochlea. But they wouldn't let this moment depart from the station of time.
Luigi slammed his hammer into the creature's horn from the side. As its head was forced left, Fox came in and slashed at the creature's weak spot. Livid growls rumbled from the creature's throat like a powerful motor. It would not remain manacled to this agonizing conveyer belt. The Heartless stood up, and conjured more electricity from the sky, which rained down on the group. Fortunately, the group's reflexes were blessed with enough forethought to dodge the blasts.
Armed with temerity, Fox leaped off of Yoshi's shield, and landed on the Heartless' head. He slashed his staff right across the creature's horn, causing immense pain. But the Behemoth fought through the suffering, focusing on its intense hunger for hearts. The creature swung its head around, trying to make Fox fall. But he squeezed the creature's horn with the power of a boa constrictor. His grip wouldn't falter, despite being jerked back and forth.
Frustration coiled around the creature's body as it continued in a vain attempt to remove the unsightly vermin. Luigi and Yoshi hurried around to the creatures' backside, jumped on, and became part of this less than stable ride.
"Fox, move!" Luigi said. "Force!"
Fox leaped aside as the spell loomed overhead; it fell on the Heartless' horn like a boulder, forcing the Behemoth straight onto the ground. Struggling did not help in warding off the overwhelming strength of gravity's boot. It had become submissive towards vulnerabilities commands. The group made their move. This was the termites' chance to overtake the oppressive aardvark.
Meanwhile, the doppelganger swung inward, as did Sora. Both blades both collided, moving past each other. Sora tried a downward strike, but the doppelganger, holding its blade at a horizontal angle with one hand, thrusted it out, catching the Keyblade's hilt, preventing the complete motion. Using all its strength, the Heartless pushed Sora backwards, causing him to stumble in surprise. It then rammed a fist straight into the boy's abdomen, and followed up with a diagonal uppercut to the face.
Despite the sudden commotion of pain, Sora tried staying focused, placing the Keyblade near his shoulder to block another strike. He could feel his feet performing an awkward shuffle to remain balanced. Sora tried going on the offense with a horizontal strike, but the Heartless parried by holding its blade diagonally, making the boy totter again.
With Sora engaged in another fight to regain balance, the doppelganger focused on its foot; it was soon coated within an aura of purple energy. The doppelganger spun forward, delivering a kick straight to Sora's chest, sending the boy flying back a fair distance. He landed on his back, feeling the impact play sharp, agonizing notes on the vertebra. Sora sat up, taking a second to catch his breath as fatigue made its boisterous presence known.
The Heartless stared at him, silent, inexpressive. All it desired was to take away what made him human. Despite being a Heartless, its appearance was akin to Riku's: complete with the same height, body type, and long hair. It served as a reminder as to what became of him: a resident of the darkness. And Sora failed to keep him from sinking through.
He started peeking into his memories, recalling their days growing up on the island – how they would never be relived again. It saddened him. But he closed the curtains. Ansem was trying to implement doubt into his mind, making him belief that Riku could never be saved. A lost cause that was never worth fighting for in the first place. And that he'd have to carry that guilt until closing his eyes for the last time.
Sora wouldn't become obsequious towards the notion. Not when he still believed that Riku could be saved. He himself was a testament towards returning from the brink of oblivion. It was all because of Kairi. He would borrow her unwavering optimism, and keep fighting to save his friend.
No matter what. It's wasn't worth disposing a lifetime of friendship over feeling sorry for yourself.
"It won't work," Sora said, resolue. "Riku will never become what you are! He's stronger than that! And that's why you'll lose; you don't even have a fraction of that strength!"
Unfazed by Sora's compassionate candor, the Heartless slammed its blade into the ground. The boy felt a sudden chill press against the soles of his feet. He looked down to see a dark spiral underneath them. Leaping to his left, he avoided a giant, dark spike that came out from the ground. Another one appeared below his feet. He leaped forward just as it the spike move upward.
Sora raised his Keyblade. "Thunder!"
The doppelganger was struck by the powerfulness lance of lightning, leaving it in a temporary steel cage of paralysis. Sora ran over and slashed it right across the chest. The doppelganger flew back a great distance. Upon landing, it merged with the ground, and moved towards the boy as a living black blotch. The Heartless thrusted its blade out, but Sora knocked it down with a strike from the Keyblade. It jumped out from the ground, hovering high in the air, and followed up with a downward strike. Sora held the Keyblade up with both hands (his left hand supported the tip) to catch the attack. He then pushed the Heartless back, who landed on its feet.
Sora went on the offense with an upward, diagonal swing. The doppelganger leaned its head back to dodge. Sora kept the throttle of aggression pushed forward, as he spun around, preparing a horizontal swing. But the Heartless wouldn't be overtaken by the boy's state of being. Gripping the hilt with both hands, the doppelganger swung in from the opposite direction. When both blades connected, the force was strong enough to push them back somewhat.
Sora performed an over the shoulder strike. Once again, the Heartless merged with the ground, gained some good distance, and emerged. It launched Riku's dark fireball attack. Sora leaped left, and retaliated by throwing the Keyblade at a horizontal angle. The doppelganger leaped over the Keyblade, jammed the tip of its weapon into the ground, and released a straight line of purple energy.
Sora jumped into the air to avoid it, responding with a Blizzard spell. But the doppelganger hopped back to dodge it. As Sora landed, he swung inward to knock away a downward strike. The Heartless next tried an inward strike itself. Once again, Sora held the Keyblade at a horizontal angle with both hands (the left gripped the tip), and he pushed it downwards, causing the Heartless to stumble.
He was quick to follow with a fire spell, which hit the creature. The doppelganger's dark skin brightened as the flames rubbed its lethal ointment all over. Sora slashed the Heartless across the chest, forcing it to slide backwards. Upon regaining balance, the Heartless shook off the spell as if it were plain, harmless leaves, and dove into the ground again. As if going through mitosis, the round, dark circle dived into two; both remerged as two doppelgangers.
Sora could feel his chest expand, inflated with a thick air of concern. This was a presage for a tougher fight. One doppelganger stood behind the other, and they ran towards the boy in a straight line. Sora launched another Fire spell. The doppelganger in front dove into the ground, crawling under the boy's feet, and reappearing behind him. Meanwhile, the other one deflected the spell with its blade.
Sora spun around, swinging the Keyblade at horizontal angle, to deflect an incoming thrust from the one behind him. He turned back, lifting the Keyblade with one hand at a diagonal angle, to block a downward strike from the other one. Sora tried a sweep strike at the first one; it hopped up to avoid being split a part from the Keyblade's razor sharp teeth.
As Sora turned back to face the second one, he leaned back and to the side, avoiding an upward slash. He tried countering with a downward, diagonal slash. But the Keyblade's journey towards a swift strike was canceled when doppelganger two brought its blade up at a horizontal angle; upon catching the strike, doppelganger two pushed Sora backwards.
The first doppelganger punched him square in the cheek. Unfortunately for Sora, the pain accrued like a car pileup, as doppelganger two gave him a knee to the stomach. They both finished their combo with a strong kick to the chest, sending Sora sliding back a fair distance. Although agony teemed throughout him like a rambunctious, vitriolic crowd, his focus remained locked away in a tranquil temple, ignoring the outdoor noise knocking against the door.
Both Heartless orbited around Sora until they were facing each side of him. They continued their offensive crusade by running straight for him. At the last possible moment, Sora used Aero, shielding his body within wisps of sharp wind; they latched onto each doppelganger, cutting through their dark skin with the strength of perfectly sharpened knives. They stumbled back into a muddled state of pain.
Sora rushed towards the first doppelganger, ramming the hilt of the Keyblade into its stomach, He followed up with an upward slash, knocking it into the air.
"Force!" Sora shouted.
The Gravity spell flattened into the ground. Before the Heartless attempted to merge with the floor again, Sora used Blizzard, transforming it into a patch of ice. He ran over, thrusted the Keyblade into the ground, and disposed of the doppelganger's twin. Sora looked over his shoulder, seeing the original doppelganger prepared to thrust. The boy stood up, spun around, and swung the Keyblade at an upward, diagonal angle to deflect the strike.
But vulnerability placed a reticle on Sora's chest, as the Heartless delivered a fierce kick to it, knocking the boy over onto his back. Sora sat up, opening his legs as the Heartless swung towards them. The doppelganger tried attacking Sora's head with its blade, but Sora rolled away, gaining some distance. Upon stopping on his side, Sora saw the blade had pierced the ground's colorful skin.
He used this situation to his advantage, launching another Blizzard spell to freeze the blade in place. While the Heartless struggled to free it weapon, Sora stood up, ran over, and kicked the doppelganger in the chin. It tried retaliating with a punch, but Sora blocked it with his hand. He then thrusted the Keyblade right into the Heartless' stomach, causing it to reel back from the pain. Sora connected again with a downward, diagonal slash; flakes of the creature's skin flew out of its body like debris. It was at the mercy of Sora's blade.
He continued with a few more heavy strikes until the doppelganger fell to its knees. It no longer had the strength to fight. Sora raised his blade once more; he had a Keyhole to seal. His friend's safety mattered most to him. Lingering would only put them at greater risk. He couldn't bare to watch as they were consumed by the darkness long, endless maw.
Yet, something held him back from delivering the final blow. This Heartless wasn't Riku. But every facial feature was there. It reminded him of his earlier fight with Ansem – how he was forced to slay the body of his best friend. Was what he did the right choice? Did it ruin his chances at saving Riku? Doubt had barged through the temple, vandalizing the elegant walls with graffiti of guilt.
Maybe Riku couldn't be saved. And he had no one to blame but himself. But, then, he found himself back home, spending every afternoon roughhousing with Riku. Even as a kid, Riku always bested Sora. He was an impenetrable mountain. Until recently, Riku was unbeatable. And that's what Sora admired and respected about Riku; his unwavering strength. Nothing could break it, regardless of how hard you hit it.
Ansem couldn't destroy it, either. Rather, he was using it as a vessel. Without it, the Seeker of Darkness was a threadbare coward that resorted to tactics of opprobrium – a pitiful man with malicious desires to hurt people. If Ansem had borrowed Riku's strength, then he had to be alive. Once again, Ansem was trying to lower his morale by any means necessary. Because manipulation was the only viable option available.
He could hear Riku in his head, telling him to keep fighting. For a fleeting moment, it was like he was standing right next to him. Sora would cherish those words, and never hang over the reluctant rail anymore, pushing himself back up in the process.
Liberated from such thoughts, Sora finished the doppelganger off for good. He took a second to catch his breath. His conscience felt light, as it no longer sank into the crestfallen depths of his heart. The ground started trembling, startling the boy. He spun around to see the Behemoth on its stomach, weakened from the combined efforts of the others.
"Good timing," Luigi said. "Care to do the honors?"
Sora rotated his shoulders up and down, releasing a small burst of enthusiasm. "Saving me for the grand finale? I'm flattered."
Luigi explained the Heartless' weakness, and Sora hurried over, releasing a string of combos on the horn. He leaped into the air, performed a front flip, and delivered the final blow. The Heartless stood up, roaring, moving about in writhing pain. It collapsed moments later, beyond exhausted; the creature remained still as a massive mountain of sand, until each fragment was carried away by oblivion's unseen hands.
Soon, it was gone, meeting the same fate as those that had challenged Sora and his friends prior. Everyone took a moment to catch their breath. The specters of battle still lingered, until their souls found eternal peace. Sora stared at the spot where he fought the doppelganger. Even though it wasn't the genuine article, every feature appeared accurate. All the memories of the past overcrowded him, holding up big signs that highlighted their life together; from the good and the bad.
Sometimes, he missed those carefree days with Riku, where they partook in harmless adventures through their imaginations. It could never hurt you, unlike the consequences of real life.
Fox walked over to Sora with a sympathetic expression. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Sora said, although sadness lowered the dial in his tone of voice "I know it wasn't him, but…I can't help but reminisce, you know?"
"I get it," Fox said. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "But you won't need to once you're together again. I know you'll save him. He knows you'll save him. Your battle here proved that nothing will slow you down. Ansem should enjoy his last miserable moments while he can."
Feeling somewhat inspired by Fox's words, Sora let out a small smile. "You're right. Thanks."
"Hey, I know we're probably beat, but there's gonna be nothing left of us unless we seal the keyhole right away," Luigi said, in an urgent tone.
Sora nodded, and hurried over to the heart insignia, where the unsightly spot of the keyhole lingered. It was covered in a large purple mist. But the keyhole was still visible through its unstable veil. He wasted no time in pointing the Keyblade right at it.
Closing his eyes, Sora supplicated that all their efforts and sacrifices would not be in vain. This one moment would decide their fate. The familiar beam of light was launched from the tip of the Keyblade, and flew straight down the keyhole's throat. Everyone watched as the keyhole vanished; the only vestige that reminded behind was the loud locking sound. Soon, it joined the keyhole at the final resting place of nothingness.
The insignia – along with the purple mist – followed suit, vanishing before the group's eyes. Everything was calm. Everyone waited in silent anticipation, expecting more Heartless to appear for disrupting their source fulfillment. But nothing happened. Stillness was the only presence that graced the room. The cold air had joined a sudden stream of warmth.
It was over. The Heartless threat had been reduced by a substantial amount. There was only one way to celebrate this momentous occasion: collapse onto the ground. Although all four of them were still conscious, they closed their eyes, talking slow, deep breaths, letting the exhaustion seep into the nondescript floor, donning the burden.
Sora let out a tired chuckle. "Funny. My friends and I were gonna build a raft to visit other worlds. It was gonna be fun meeting new people, sightseeing, and trying all sorts of foods."
"Things didn't go as planned, did they?" Fox asked.
"Understatement of the century." Sora smiled. "But you know what? I don't regret a moment of this desire."
"Same here," Luigi said.
And it would be even better once Sora was finally reunited with his two best friends. It would make everything worth it.
Twitter: kingdomkey23
Facebook: kingdomkey23
Discord: Send me a message
Instagram: kingdomkey23
Deviantart: kingdomkey23
Twitch: kingdomkey_23
Cover Artist's Twitter: jitart1