Chapter 76: The Ultimate Challenge

The sky was illuminated by a mauve light. It pulsated fast, like a rising blood pressure from pure anger. Mewtwo's power had been unleashed. No longer were his senses servile to the sordid commands of Team Rocket. He had been liberated. But that didn't mean the world could breathe a sigh of relief. Resentment had accrued during his sojourn in Giovanni's mental prison. Humans were an ailment to Pokémon. Yet, why were they so content with obeying trainer's every command?

It didn't matter. Perhaps his brethren were incurious just like humans, having a myopic view of the world. They were culpable for letting humans being imperious towards them. Everyone would experience the same punishment. As the light faded around Mewtwo, his true form was revealed: the group saw his stern pink eyes. Suffering had been daubed over his countenance; it seeped into his skin, becoming inimical dross.

He would use the gamut of his power and make all life surcease. No one deserved this luxury; their uses for it were untoward. He would start by taking out his pain on the one who brought him so much grief. Mewtwo spun around, glaring at Giovanni – the man that saw him as utilitarian towards their goals.

Although nervous sweat trickled down his neck, Giovanni tried remaining obstinate and taciturn. He was playing a dangerous game of roulette with his life. But pride was an overzealous gambler; he was not going to quit. Perhaps his voice still had cogence over Mewtwo's resolve. Trauma is a poison that couldn't be circumvented; it doesn't desiccate overtime.

"Stop this nonsense!" Giovanni said, snapping at Mewtwo. "I told you to eliminate them!"

But, to his horror, the command didn't work. Mewtwo had effaced every harmful invective. He was the master of his own ship once more. And his injunction was to turn this world into a derelict rock, bereft of the life that kept it flourishing. Extending one hand, Mewtwo grabbed Giovanni and tossed him across the arena. The man landed on his back, hollering as pain knocked on the receptors' door.

Mewtwo wanted to make Giovanni suffer, but he knew Sora and the others would oppose him. His first task was to destroy them. He spun around to face the four, surrounded by another purple aura. Sora gripped the hilt of the Keyblade, as he felt nerves supple throughout his fingers like slugs. The pressure from Mewtwo's power pushed itself against Sora's chest. He was incontrovertibly the strongest Pokémon here.

But the creature's mind had been fractured from repeated abuse, and he saw the world through a broken lens. Each piece of glass showed only vitriol, omitting the cordial lives that blossomed between the deluge of dour weeds. Mewtwo was nothing more than a pawn to Team Rocket. He didn't deserve the unconscionable treatment.

It was just like with Riku – he wasn't culpable for his actions.

Luigi trembled in fear. "Think the gift shop has a laser pointer we could use?"

"Why?" Yoshi asked, confused. "Mewtwo's vision looks fine to Yoshi."

"Can't I enjoy the last moments on this earth with some semblance of sanity?" Luigi asked, slumping his shoulders in exasperation.

Ignoring their badinage, Sora stepped forward wrapped in an empathetic shawl. "Hang on! We're not your enemies! We had no idea you were under Giovanni's control. It must've been…horrible for you. But we can help you. We're not like him."

But Mewtwo balked to extend a thoughtful ear. He was far too livid; rational thought was blinded by its hot white light. Nothing else mattered except letting this world experience agony tantamount to his own. And he would not take gainsay to any human's conciliations. He trapped Sora within a psychic aura, lifted him into the air, and started squeezing him like grapes. Sora shouted in pain as he felt pressure against his shoulders. Any second I'll be folded like paper, he thought.

Escape or death were the only possible outcomes of this predicament.

"Pika!" Pikachu said. He launched a lightning bolt from his cheeks. Mewtwo caught the attack, and sent it back at him. Yoshi put ups his shield to deflect the blast.

None of their attacks made Mewtwo flinched. He continued putting Sora through a gauntlet of pain. Survival would not offer succor. Sora needed to find some way to loosen Mewtwo's grip. But it was akin to pushing against steel. The boy couldn't move a muscle. Mewtwo decided to put Sora out his misery and toss him straight into the bleachers. Everyone watched aghast as the boy's back was about to collided with metal seats.

But Sora didn't have a rough landing. In fact, it felt like he just sunk into a soft mattress, which made him bounce for a moment. Sora turned around to see that he was lying on a large, pink bubble. The boy pressed a palm against it, feeling the liquid soaking into his fingers. He needed confirmation that his mental state hadn't become afield. His friends looked on with widen eyes, having homogeneous reactions.

"Did Luigi use Bubble Flower just now?" Yoshi asked, referring to one of the various powerups from their home.

"Didn't bring one," Luigi said. "And think I have the lung capacity to make that!? My screams from imminent danger can only spread so far."

Before Sora could process further, the strange, flying white cat Pokémon flew in front of the boy, startling him. "Whoa!"

The little cat started hovering around Sora, examining every inch of his being. Curiosity rang with excitement within the creature's head. It spoke with a gentle, "Mew" while continuing to orbit around Sora, as if he were the sun. Mewtwo stared at the little Pokémon in stunned silence. Its energy patterns were akin to his own. Was this…Mew, the Pokémon whose DNA lead to his birth? A concourse of thoughts formed within the middle of his mind; amongst the cacophony, one stood tall, rallying the others to its opinion: that Mew, much like other Pokémon, were blind to the truth grotesque form of humans, even when it stared right at them.

Saving Sora unveiled Mew's tacit alliance.

Mew moved in close to the boy, engendered by curiosity. Sora's vision was obscured by the cat's ocean blue eyes. It started sniffing right in his face. The spasmodic bursts of quick air tickled Sora.

"Hey, personal space, little guy!" Sora said, laughing. "Heh, who am I to talk about personal space?" Mew continued examining the boy's face. It took a paw and tapped at his hair. "Yes, it's real. Who are you?"

But Mew stopped as it sensed a menacing force nearby them. Mewtwo launched a shadow ball at the little Pokémon. Mew popped the bubble, forcing Sora to fall onto the bleacher. The cat was quick to dodge the blast. Facing its offspring, Mew could sense unruly energy festering from within him. It was unlike anything that belonged in this world. And it was strong to make Mew drop the lackadaisical attitude. Staying alive was vital.

Mewtwo flew at the little cat, launching another shadow ball. Mew flew right to avoid the blast. Upon getting up to Mew's eye level, Mewtwo raised both arms, creating another shadow ball, and tossed it at his opponent like a basketball. Mew used its own psychic powers to catch the attack; it then sent the shadow ball straight back at Mewtwo, who moved left to dodge.

Mew flew at incredible speeds, ramming its head straight into Mewtwo's stomach. For the first time in his life, he experienced pain, as air was liberated from the mouth. Enraged, Mewtwo tried grabbing Mew, but it vanished, appearing behind him, firing a beam of pink energy. Mewtwo summoned another shadow ball, tossed it straight at the beam, causing an explosion. Sora and his friends watched on in awe, mouths gaped.

"What Pokémon that?" Yoshi asked.

"Who cares!" Luigi said, as his spirits were lifted by wings of hope. "Look at it go!"

Mewtwo thrusted his hand at Mew, trying to hinder its movement with psychic energy. But Mew disappeared, reappearing to the left. Mewtwo tried the tactic again. Mew vanished, reappearing to the right. Frustration was becoming alight within Mewtwo chest, and it grew stronger with each passing moment. He tried a powerful claw attack; Mew vanished, reappeared behind its offspring, and delivered a strong kick. Although it didn't hurt too much, the attack was strong enough to push Mewtwo forward, distracting him.

Mew appeared above Mewtwo, firing another beam of pink energy that pushed him straight into the ground, causing an explosion. The group shielded their eyes as smoke and debris lunged right towards them like a tiger. Moments later, it became quiescent. Not a sound was uttered. Only the howling wind gave a litany of nonsense. As the smoke vanished, everyone saw Mewtwo struggling to his feet. Aches and pains pinched at him like a crab. But he wasn't bothered by his damaged shell. Inside was where it hurt the most.

Right now, Mewtwo felt hopeless, just like when he was trapped inside that armor – he was a soulless machine amenable to every command. None of his thoughts belonged to him. He didn't want to feel worthless again. It was too painful. Dark energy discharged itself from his chest. Anger began its paroxysm attack on his mind, and would not relent until rationality was subjugated.

A familiar chill wrapped an unwanted arm around Sora. He knew what was happening. Mew was in terrible danger. Mewtwo unleashed whisps of dark energy that swarmed the arena like hornets. Everyone braced themselves as it collided with them. Mewtwo disappeared, reappeared behind Mew, extended a hand, and trapped the little cat in his psychic grip

He summoned another shadow ball, pressing it straight against Mew, causing an explosion. Sora gasped in horror as Mew started plummeting towards the ground. The boy leaped from the bleachers, extended both arms, and caught the legendary Pokémon in his arms. Sora landed back in the arena, looking over the hapless creature. Black marks were scribbled all across its skin. Its body trembled from sudden fatigue. The others hurried over to join the two.

"Oh, no!" Yoshi said. "Is little kitty cat okay?"

Hearing Yoshi's voice was enough to keep Mew from wending off into the dark catacombs of unconsciousness. It looked up to see Sora's cordial expression. Mew felt safe with Sora in the moment. Something about his bright deportment made you trust him.

"Don't worry," Sora said. "We've gotchya. You saved my life; might as well return the favor, right?"

Luigi glanced up at the sky, and his eyes widened in alarm. "Incoming!"

The group looked up to see Mewtwo flying straight at them like a missile. Mew used its powers to teleport everyone away before Mewtwo made contact. They reappeared on the opposite end of the arena. The group's heads spun from the abrupt change in location.

Luigi clutched his stomach as he thought it was swaying like a boat against harsh waves. He groaned. "I don't think I like this new form of travel."

After Sora's equilibrium was restored, he used Cure to heal Mew's wounds. Magic had cleansed the Pokémon's body like fresh water from a stream. The little cat flew out of Sora's arms, letting out a grateful "Mew" for his help. Mew closed it eyes, emitting a psychic wave, transferring thoughts in Sora's mind like a satellite. He watched as the moving slide delineated everything Mew had learned about its offspring.

Sora felt replete with strong contempt. It bubbled throughout his body like lava, on the verge of eruption. Mewtwo had suffered for so long under the obedient finger of Team Rocket. He understood his pain. Given how short his time on this planet has been so far, Mewtwo's reasons for receiving an irrigation of anger was justified.

Once the images ceased, Sora tightened his fist, imbued with the desire to douse the flames of Mewtwo's agony.

"What little kitty cat do to you?" Yoshi asked, expressing concern.

"Gave me all the information needed," Sora said. "This is the Mew that Red was talking about. Just told me everything that happened to Mewtwo. We don't have much time! His abuse from Team Rocket has made him resent humans and Pokémon alike. No one EVER deserves that treatment. But the darkness is starting to grow in him. We have to stop him before he goes berserk."

Luigi turned to face Mewtwo, who was clutching at his chest; darkness was constructing a nest deep within his heart. Any moment an inexorable power would spread its wings, wrapping itself around Mewtwo, consuming his free will. It would be lost forever within a morass of oblivion.

"Afraid we're beyond that point," Luigi said, as sweat trickled down the side of his cheek. "Dropping an entire truck of tranquilizers on him would change him from livid to only adequately livid."

But Pikachu didn't care; the gravity of courage kept him from ascending into the restive air. His loyalty to Sora and the others was indefatigable – a tree that bloomed with salubrious colors of bravery.

"Guess the idea's not enough to make Pikachu run away," Sora said, standing in the shadow of Pikachu's influence. "Let's follow his lead! We've gotta help, Mewtwo!"

"Glad to see you're confident," Luigi said, appearing discouraged. "Especially after he easily clobbered us last time."

"C'mon, you forget what team your apart of," Sora said, grinning. "You know sitting around isn't our style."

"You're right. I did forget," Luigi said, with a nervous tick wandering around in his throat. "Must be old age. Twenty is the new seventy."

Sora just rolled his eyes in annoyance. Luigi was right, though. Mewtwo's psychic powers were too powerful. But Mew thought otherwise. It could sense an inconstant in the flow of Mewtwo's psychic energy. His concentration was impeded by rage's strident commands. Rational thought had been pushed to the sidelines of his consciousness. Perhaps Mew could use this knowledge to their advantage.

Mewtwo started hovering over to the group at an alarming rate. Everyone braced themselves as they were about to exit the storm's eye. Mew closed its eyes; a pink aura manifested on the group, just as Mewtwo thrusted his hand at them.

Nothing happened.

Mewtwo tried again. Still nothing. The group looked over themselves, noticing the pink energy illuminating from the bodies – warm and pleasing, like afterglow from twilight's lavish coat.

"It didn't work?" Yoshi asked, bewildered.

Sora turned to see Mew was responsible for the energy. "Oh! You're protecting us from his powers! Then this is our chance! C'mon, help us stop him!"

But he noticed Mew struggling to maintain its link with the group.

"Actually, never mind," Sora said. "You probably need to concentrate." He turned back to Mewtwo, cracking his knuckles. "We've got this! Alright, guys! Let's show him why you can't beat good ol' fisticuffs!" He winced upon realizing the choice of words, and turned back to Mewtwo with an apologetic expression. "Erm, no offense."

Mew opened its eyes, responding with an understanding nod. Everyone ran straight for Mewtwo; their spirits had a predilection for confidence. They could bring peace back to this world. Sora's last memory of the coliseum would not be bedimmed by remorseful shade. Mewtwo launched a group of stars at the group. Sora used Aero to deflect the attacks, sending them straight back at the Pokémon.

Mewtwo vanished, reappearing in front of Sora, going on the offense with a claw attack. Yoshi hopped in front of Sora, deflecting the strike. Sora leaped over Yoshi, preparing to deliver a downward slash. Mewtwo vanished again, moving back towards the edge of the arena. But Luigi hurried over, delivering a horizontal swing to the head. Mewtwo stepped back to avoid it. After Luigi landed, Mewtwo attempted to trip Luigi with his tail. The plumber slammed the head of his hammer into the ground to block the strike.

Luigi swung upward next towards the Pokémon's face. Mewtwo raised one arm as he completed turning around, blocking the hammer's head. Luigi then tried ramming the head into Mewtwo's stomach, but the Pokémon slapped it downwards with his three fingered paw. Luigi leaped into the air to avoid an incoming tail swipe, raised his hammer, and tried bringing it down on Mewtwo's head.

The Pokémon created a barrier to catch the attack. As Luigi leaped back to reorient himself, Mewtwo felt a sudden, alarming heat exhale against his back. He looked over his shoulder to see Pikachu charging a Skull Bash attack. As Pikachu flew straight at him like a rocket, Mewtwo disappeared again, causing the little mouse to collided with Luigi's head; they both fell over onto their backsides.

Mewtwo rematerialized a good distance away from the two. But he wasn't safe, not when Yoshi appeared like an annoying floater within his peripheral vision. Mewtwo raised his hand into the sky. Fossils started raining down from the sky like a meteor shower.

"Oh, no!" Yoshi said, eyes widening in fear. "It possibly raining Yoshi's ancestors! Me don't want their bones on my hands!"

Yoshi raised his shield to deflect one of them. He stopped to let another fossil hit the ground, leaving an unsightly growth within the concrete's smooth skin. Another one plummeted towards him. The dinosaur only had enough to time to dive into a somersault, avoiding the fossil from cracking his skull. Yoshi ended up in a kneeled position, trying to recover. But Mewtwo wouldn't let reprieve buttress the dinosaur's balance. He launched another shadow ball at him.

The dinosaur deflected the blast with his shield. Mewtwo remained relentless, as he fired a beam of energy. Yoshi had enough time to stand up, rotate his body, and avoid the blast. He countered by throwing his shield with the strength of an Olympic athlete. Mewtwo stopped the shield midair with his psychic powers.

But it was all a ploy.

Sora leaped in from the side, kicking the shield straight into the Pokémon's face, rendering him vulnerable. Not wasting a single grain of time, Sora lunged forward, delivering a fierce slash to the chest. Mewtwo reeled back as he was endued with pain's elongated, sharpened nails. He slid back, holding his chest to subside this sensation.

Sora ran straight for Mewtwo, holding the hilt with both hands, determined to keep the Pokémon from stepping through an offensive threshold. As Sora leaped into the air, preparing an over the shoulder strike, Mewtwo encased his arms within blades of energy. He crossed both blades, catching Sora's strike, and pushed him backwards. Sora landed, and looked up to see Mewtwo flying straight towards him.

Mewtwo swung the left blade down at a diagonal angle. Sora swung upward at the same type of angle to block. As Mewtwo brought the right blade inward, Sora curved the Keyblade straight up, catching the strike. The boy leaped backwards to gain some distance, but a phantom leash of anger pulled Mewtwo towards him. Mewtwo hugged himself, and then swung both blades outward. Sora swung straight down to catch both pulsating blades of energy; the heat from them exhaled against Sora's skin.

Using all his strength, Sora pushed Mewtwo back, and countered with a beam of energy from the Keyblade's tip. Mewtwo deflected it with one of his blades; he lunged forward, bringing the opposite one straight down on Sora. The boy was quick to parry by swinging the Keyblade upward with a half circle motion. But Mewtwo once again attacked with the opposite blade. Sora performed a butterfly kick to jump over it just in time. After landing, the two clashed their blades together again; the force of the impact made them both slide back from each other.

Mewtwo vanished again, reappearing above Sora, prepared to bring both blades down on him. Sora dove forward into a roll, avoiding the strike. After getting into a kneeled position, Sora turned his torso around, launching a Blizzard spell at the Pokémon's feet. Once again, he vanished, reappearing in front of the boy, delivering a thrust; Sora raised the Keyblade at a diagonal angle to block.

Mewtwo's offensive path became errant as an egg hit him right in the face. Spinning around in anger, he saw Yoshi running up to him. The dinosaur swung his shield at a horizon angle. Mewtwo swung upward at a diagonal angle to deflect the strike. Sora stood up and made his move with an inward swing of the Keyblade. But Mewtwo's reflexes were fast as a bullet; he thrusted the opposite blade to halt Sora's attack.

Yoshi swung his tail at the Pokemon, but Mewtwo spun back somewhat to avoid the strike. As Mewtwo focused on the two again, he saw them preparing to attack together. He caught their strikes with both blades, and countered by releasing a powerful burst of energy. Sora and Yoshi flew back a great distance, as if having been rammed into by caprine. They crashed into the ground, landing on their backs, feeling their spines rattle like a drum.

Mewtwo summoned two shadow balls to each hand; he was prepared to ameliorate his frustrations. But it was debarred as Luigi and Pikachu rammed into clone's side, knocking him away, and causing the shadow balls to shatter. Furious, Mewtwo retaliated with another burst of wind, sending the two straight over to Sora and Yoshi; they helped Luigi and Pikachu onto their feet.

Mewtwo was beyond vexed with their persistence. He wrapped himself in another warm pink aura, as if donning a elegant robe; it was ornate with jagged corners. Sora and his friends could hear their heavy breathing perambulate throughout the ear canals, struggling to locate an exit. Fatigue delivered its candor to every muscle in their bodies.

"I don't know why I expected this to be easier," Luigi said, gasping between breathes. "I'm starting to miss the embarrassing dance number I performed, courtesy of that duck with the frequent headaches."

Pikachu shivered as the traumatic scones encircling his mind lit up with bright flames.

"Listen, I know we're in a bad spot," Sora said, as his confidence remained eminent over pessimism, "but we can do this. We're the champions of this tournament – the best of the best! The four have been unbeatable together! And we need to continue to show everyone why we deserve that title!"

Luigi just chuckled. "Curse you and your inspiring speeches! They always keep me from running away!"

"Would you still run if it a ghost giving speech?" Yoshi asked, smirking.

"Don't fill my head with mixed signals!" Luigi said.

"C'mon, guys," Sora said, silencing the banter with an exigent knife. "Let's keep our winning streak going!"

Mewtwo fired another energy beam at the group. They leaped to the side, avoiding consumption. Pikachu leaped onto Yoshi's back, and the two ran right for the clone. Mewtwo gritted his teeth in frustration; their persistence was demur to faltering. It stood tall, impervious to doubt. But Mewtwo would soon eclipse such courage in a blanket of darkness, causing hopeless asphyxiation.

Mewtwo vanished, reappearing in front of the two. He tried bringing a blade down from above, but Pikachu deflected it with his tail. The clone tried thrusting the opposite blade straight ahead, only for Yoshi to catch it with his shield. Yoshi's body trembled from the intense collision, but he remained immovable, as if his feat were cemented in the ground.

Sora launched another Fire spell; this time, it made contact with side of Mewtwo's abdomen. He winced as the burning sensation clawed against his skin like a ravage beast. They needed the distraction to make their move. Luigi swung his hammer straight into Mewtwo's cheek bone, knocking him back a fair distance.

Yoshi embraced Pikachu and the two curled into a giant egg, discharging electricity throughout the arena. Mewtwo didn't have enough time to block, as the egg rammed right into his stomach; they flew straight into the wall, creating an indent. Mewtwo roared in pain as the electricity began its pilgrimage throughout his skin. But he ignored the agonizing wails from his receptors.

He grabbed the egg, tossing it away from him, onto the ground. Both Yoshi and Pikachu emerged, landing on their stomachs. Mewtwo pushed himself out from the wall, preparing another shadow ball. But he sensed a presence to his left; it was Sora flying in with an over the shoulder strike. Mewtwo stepped back to avoid Sora's blade. But the boy would not relent; he spun around and deliver a vertical swing.

Once again, Mewtwo vanished, reappearing on the edge that separated the bleachers from the arena. Another presence to his right. Mewtwo spun around to see Luigi running at him, swinging his hammer inward; Mewtwo swung one of his blades in from the opposite side, blocking the attack. Luigi tried bringing it straight down, but Mewtwo swung an arm up at ninety degrees to block it.

Mewtwo thrusted both blades straight at Luigi, who leaped into the air to avoid them. The plumber tried delivering a kick, but the sole of his foot soon found itself stomping onto the bleacher's edge. Mewtwo appeared to the side, knocking Luigi off with his tail, crashing into Sora. The clone soon reappeared above them, preparing another shadow ball. But he lost all concentration when a long tongue wrapped itself around his leg.

Mewtwo glanced down to see Yoshi was the guilty party involved. Pikachu wrapped himself around the dinosaur's back, helping to pull the clone towards them. Both Sora and Luigi scrambled to their feet, joining the duo; they were successful in pulling Mewtwo towards them. He flew pass them, spinning out of control like a leaf in the unruly wind.

"Luigi!" Yoshi said, lowering his shield to form a makeshift step.

Luigi nodded, clenched his first, leaped off of Yoshi's shield, and delivered a charging punch right into Mewtwo's face. The psychic Pokemon flew across the arena, crashing into the ground at an angle, producing a cloud of debris from impact. After landing, Luigi hurried over to the spot, keeping their advantage from drifting away into the sea of Mewtwo's power.

Before Luigi could move any further, Mewtwo appeared in front of him; his emotions were permissive to anger. He would not return to his submissive life. To be tormented within his own body. Mewtwo kneed Luigi right in the stomach, grabbed him using psychic energy, and launched the plumber straight into the sky. He tossed a shadow ball straight for him.

"Force!" Sora said.

The Gravity spell pushed against Luigi, making him plummet to floor. Yoshi was quick to catch him in his arms. Mewtwo's power was out of control. It needed to be subdued before spreading across the world like wildflower. Life would dilapidate into ash, not even remembered by the esoteric.

Pikachu ran towards Mewtwo at incredible speeds, dodging incoming shadow balls from Mewtwo. The little mouse stopped right near Mewtwo's feet. He thrusted one of his energy blades towards Pikachu, who dashed to the right, avoiding the strike. Using his opposite arm, Mewtwo swung the energy blade straight down at Pikachu. The mouse dashed under Mewtwo's legs to avoid it.

Pikachu spun around, discharging electricity from his cheeks right into Mewtwo's giant purple tail. While it didn't hurt too much, the shock was strong enough to startle Mewtwo for a moment. This gave Sora the chance to perform his dash attack, slashing at Mewtwo nonstop. The pain grew with each sharp strike. Mewtwo was feeling trapped again. Everything around him grew smaller, as if reality itself was his cage.

No. I won't submit again.

Finding a new source of strength, Mewtwo stopped Sora before he could deliver the finishing blow. Mewtwo took his free hand, pressed it against Sora's chest, and unleashed a shadow ball that exploded in front of him. Sora flew back and landed on his stomach, in agonizing pain.

"Sora!" Luigi and Yoshi said, dismayed.

But Mewtwo impeded their movement with a powerful psychic attack, sending the two flying. The boy struggle to fight against the aches in his body; he managed to get onto his hands and knees. But drive would not accede to his body's commands. Sora didn't even have the strength to heal himself. He was cornered like a rodent; there wasn't a small, hopeful hole to facilitate his escape.

The purple aura appeared around Mewtwo again. He was preparing to end this fight. With Sora eliminated, the others would have their faith topple over like dominos. There was no point in continuing, especially in morning. Exhaustion forced Sora's eye closed. Consciousness started sliding under the covers, being greeted by darkness.

He couldn't avoid this attack.

Mewtwo fired the blast. It grew closer. Sora felt the heat grow stronger. Soon his entire body would be consumed in its form. But suddenly, he felt something collided with his side. It was Pikachu! At the last moment, he rammed his head straight into Sora, and they both avoided the blast. Mewtwo was in utter shock by this unusual gesture.

Pikachu was not prompted in anyway to save this human. He did it of his own volition. Why would he care so much for a species that desire dominance over another? After the two rolled on the ground, Sora ended up on his back, with Pikachu standing on the boy's chest. The boy was drifting further away from consciousness. His eyes had closed.

"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu said. No response. He tried nudging against Sora's cheek. Still nothing.

Panic squeezed the back of the mouse's neck. He couldn't handle the thought of losing his first true friend. They had been through everything together; he couldn't bear the thought of Sora missing from that everything. Luigi and Yoshi stood up, also fearful for their friend. Yoshi especially.

He didn't want to relive the moment from Hollow Bastion again. To lose an important piece of his life, and never feel whole again.

Pikachu's last desperate attempt was to lick Sora's cheeks. At first, he remained immobile. But, then, he started laughing at the endless paroxysm of licks. Luigi and Yoshi let out a huge sigh of relief that echoed throughout the area.

"Okay, okay!" Sora said, in a weak tone. "Stop! I'm alive! How much more alive do you want me to be?"

As he sat up, Pikachu lunged himself into Sora's arms, letting the gravity of relief press against his head. Luigi and Yoshi soon ran over to join the boy in a hug.

"Easy, guys!" Sora said, grunting. "Can't a guy have a moment where he isn't glomped?"

Mewtwo saw how happy both Pikachu and Sora were together. It wasn't a reunion of master and subordinate. They were equals – friends. A relationship filled with positive air. It brushed itself across his face. Darkness fled from his heart as enlightenment shined a spotlight upon it. Color was painted over the black and white canvas. He was wrong about humans.

Sora and Pikachu's actions showed that humans had a far deeper bond with Pokémon. Not all humans shared Giovanni's ignoble desires to cause suffering. There were those that bathed within the primordial lakes of empathy and compassion. His anger had been carried off towards the highest mountains, never to be seen again.

This world didn't deserve to perish; the bond between Pokémon and humans is what kept it flourishing. He couldn't deny this world a wonderful life; to continue shining along with the other worlds in the universe like stars. But that didn't mean he had to share it with them. Perspectives can change, but trauma remained cogent.

It would be a long time before he could consider being amongst people. Every experience he had still hurt. Just looking at a person would elicit negative responses. And even if Mewtwo someday stepped out of the shadows, did he deserve to share the same air humans breathed? His power was dangerous. He lost himself in a fit of anger, and almost destroyed this world – an elegiac pocket of space would've forever lingered amongst the stars. Not one hapless person deserved to have their life revoked. Especially when they provided nutrients to this world's growth like the beaming sun.

He was a burden that needed to be isolated. It was his contribution to let life move forward. But, before he could leave, a warm presence nudged against his cheekbone. He spun around to see Mew approaching him. Mewtwo felt his stomach grow heavy from guilt, sinking like a battleship. Would Mew view him as a manufactured mistake? An entity that threated all of existence?

Mew stared at Mewtwo; inquiry reflected off its big bright eyes. But no other spectrum of emotion was noticeable. Mewtwo had a strong feeling that Mew would not have a prepossession for him. But, to his surprise, Mew smiled in response.

That was all the clarity he needed. Mewtwo was valued. And he returned the gesture with a soft smile of his own.

Giovanni had regained some of his strength. One of his subordinates had rushed over to help him. As the Rocket helped him up, Giovanni looked over to see everyone within a cordial, peaceful dome. The incurious lock had been released, falling to the ground. A revelation emerged from its imprisonment, speaking in truisms.

"Sir," the Rocket said, "that blonde haired swordsman is too much for us to handle. Most of us have retreated. Perhaps we should do the same."

Giovanni couldn't help but chuckle. No matter what he did, his ideals were always proven wrong. The bond between humans and Pokémon were vast – ineffable to the close minded. Only through opening your heart could you see the phosphorescence friendship that illuminated throughout this world.

Even Sora, an outsider, didn't see Pikachu as some inferior creature. Pokémon were invaluable, not lucrative investments. Giovanni could never douse that harmonious flame, regardless of his efforts. It would continue flickering until time itself was laid to rest.

"Indeed," Giovanni said. "I thought bringing Team Rocket back would finally ensure control over this world. The darkness seemed to have guaranteed it. But that failed." He closed his eyes, reflective. "Maybe we were never meant to be."

"Sir?" the Rocket asked, in surprised.

"Trainers and their Pokémon will always co-exist," Giovanni said. "Nothing we do will ever cause an inconstant. Perhaps…it's time we all moved on with our lives – find out what sort of endeavors await us."

"Is this your wish?" the Rocket asked.

"Yes," Giovanni said, without a hint of vacillation. "For now, let us retreat."

Nodding in compliance, the Rocket tossed down a smoke bomb, and then they vanished behind its thick form. They escaped from the arena, and began a pilgrimage into an unknown future – their choices going forward would make the path translucent. The Rocket was launched, but fell back to the planet. It hit the ground, exploding with a small whimper.

As Sora and his friends pulled away from each other, they noticed a change in the atmosphere. Quietude had settled onto the arena like a tired bird. A gentle warmth had encircled the group. They spun around to see Mewtwo and Mew exchanging a respectful smile with one another. The darkness' cold presence had become timorous from a sudden, radiant glow of pleasantness. It rose from the horizon like the sun.

"Wh-What's going on?" Luigi asked, confused. "Why is Mewtwo—?"

"I don't know," Sora said, with curious eyes. "There's only one way to find out."

Sora stood up, and started approaching the two psychic Pokémon. Luigi tried to expostulate, but Sora turned back, reassuring him that everything was okay. The danger had been tranquilized, and would not lash out from its dark, miserable cavern. Nothing would hurt him now. Peace had cleansed the once downtrodden sanctum of Mewtwo's heart.

"Mewtwo?" Sora asked. The two psychics turned to him. "Are you al—?"

Mewtwo's eyes were engulfed within soft, blue energy. The Pokémon's thoughts flew into Sora's head like airwaves. Every piece of information had been communicated with the clarity of shimmering glass. Sora smiled, feeling the same sense of repose swirl though his chest like a gentle whirlpool.

Sora had made a difference in Mewtwo's life; he would keep that sense of satisfaction forever attached to a lapel of pride. Once Mewtwo's ceased his psychic link, he and Mew flew out of the arena together, and vanished into the cloudless sky. It was a new beginning – Mewtwo felt like he had been reborn, free from oppression. He would become adroit to the idea of life's everlasting beauty.

There was so much this world had to offer in terms of exploration. It could be a daunting task. But Mew would be by his side throughout this whole odyssey. He couldn't wait to take advantage of this second chance for a good life.

And it was all because of the indestructible bond between a human and Pokémon.

Sora watched them leave with a content smile. "You're welcome."

"What just happened?" Luigi asked, as he and the others walked over to Sora.

Sora turned to them, keeping his smile elevated on a plateau of optimism. Not once did it lose balance from doubt. "Mewtwo's happy now. He's seen this world for what is. And hopefully that lens will never be tinted again." He leaned down to Pikachu, brushing his head. "It's thanks to you that we're still in one piece!"

Pikachu pressed his head against Sora's hand. Relief sent a gentle breeze throughout his fur. Not only did they succeed, but Sora was still in one piece. He couldn't even dread the thought of losing someone that had such a massive impact on his life. It's a speculation that never needed to be pursued.

"Woo-hoo!" Yoshi said, pumping his fist into the air. "Team Gonzales have enough Ws to start a smorgasbord!"

"Yoshi, letters aren't usually eatable," Luigi said, chuckling.

"Me have policy," Yoshi said. "If me squeeze eyes hard enough, and it look tasty, then it going in Yoshi's mouth.

Luigi took a small step back from that concerning statement. Pikachu continued rubbing his fuzzy face against Sora's hand. The boy smiled; he had met so many incredible friends on this journey. They had a positive impact on his life, encouraging him to never quit in the face of adversity – to be reminded that he was never alone. And they shared their knowledge of combat with him. He had become so much stronger through the battles they faced together.

But he would never have a chance to thank them for all that they've done. He remembered what would happen once this journey was over. Every person he met would become a relic in his memories. They couldn't reach out and touch him. Nor share their ideas through wisdom and banter. They would be gone forever. Including Pikachu. Sora's smile started to stumble on the rough terrain, revealing sadness.

Pikachu noticed the expression immediately, and asked, "Pi?"

"I-I'm fine," Sora asked. "Just winded from the fight."

How long could Sora continue his purport that everything okay? The guilt was growing more cancerous by the second, creating a pang of agony.

With the battle over, everyone in the arena began a slow decent down the falling action. Many of the Team Rocket members were arrested for their abhorrent acts. Only Giovanni received impunity through the act of subterfuge. Meanwhile, Sora and his friends helped any civilians that were either hurt or distressed from the situation (Sora had to admit: it was nice being helpful in a way that didn't involve putting himself at risk for once). Soon, the arena was empty, saved for Sora, his friends, and the staff. Everyone left to find safety within the comforting, familiar walls of home.

Emptiness circulated throughout the halls like blood. It was an eerie feeling to be left walking through barren corridors. But that sense of nothingness was needed after being overwhelmed with panic and fear. To calm your thoughts and be reminded that peace had been obtained. Sora and the others met up with Red and Cloud in the lobby. He explained everything that occurred. A small smirk managed to form on Cloud's stoic lips – an acknowledgement of Sora's accomplishment.

Although a crimp of doubt held together the belief that Sora would not succeed against the next challenge that awaited him.

"Aw, man!" Red said, in utter disappointment. "You encountered THE Mew!? Trainers dream of coming face to face with one!"

Sora grinned, placing both arms behind his head. "Maybe becoming a Pokémon trainer wouldn't be a bad idea. That's what happens when 'luck' is your middle name."

"Luck?" Yoshi asked, blinking his eyes in bewilderment. "Me thought your middle name was—"

"There's more to being a trainer than just luck, man," Red said, rolling his eyes with a smile.

Still keeping that confident grin afloat, Sora wrapped an arm around Red's shoulders. "Oh, I get it. You're worried I'll become a rising star and kick your butt."

"Dream on!" Red said, laughing. "Just stick to hitting things real hard. That seems to be your specialty."

"Hey!" Sora said, pretending to be insulted. He got the trainer into a playful headlock. It brought him back to simpler times when he and Riku would volley harmless insults to each other during one of their games. Sometimes, he still pined for those halcyon moments.

"How's your Charizard doing, by the way?" Luigi asked, as Red and Sora concluded their playful skirmish.

Red pulled out his Pokeball from his pocket, and glanced right at it. His good mood become ephemeral from a sudden, grim recollection. "Fine. Just needs a bit of rest." He closed his eyes, unable to forget the life-threatening moment they almost experienced. His stomach rattled from unsettling thoughts of a future that could've come to fruition.

"You don't seem alright," Sora said.

Red closed his eyes, sighing, feeling sorrow descend down a deep slope. "Had you guys not shown up today…"

"Don't think like that," Sora said, trying to add an uplifting curve to the slope. "I barely survived my battle against Charizard. The two of you have an unbreakable bond. You could've beaten Mewtwo."

Red could feel a spring launch the heavy sadness out of his chest. Although some vestiges lingered. He still doubted they could've beaten Mewtwo. It seemed impossible. But Sora didn't seem like the type of person to keep the truth insensible (well, most of the time); it was salient, always candor. If Sora believed it, then perhaps there was a chance.

"Either way, thanks," Red said, cutting ties to those harrowing thoughts. "Charizard's my best pal. Couldn't imagine life without him. But I won't lament on what happen. Instead, we'll learn from this experience and resume training. We'll become even stronger!" He faced Sora. "And then we're going to have a rematch!"

"That so?" Sora asked with a daring smirk. "Well, I better not slack off either, then."

Red extended his hand to Sora. "Promise?"

The boy hesitated for a moment, remembering that this might be their last time together. Every vein in his body pulsated for the challenge. But he knew it would never happen. Still, he couldn't let their pleasant time together be debauched by dejection.

"Promise," Sora said, shaking his hand, trying to hide his grief.

But Luigi and Yoshi were not fooled by the façade. They had seen that hesitation make an abrupt appearance throughout the day, and then scamper back into the alleyway of Sora's thoughts.

"Luigi, something wrong with Sora," Yoshi said, whispering to his friend in concern.

Luigi assented, saying, "I know. Starting to get worried. We'll talk to him about this back on the ship."

Professor Oak soon arrived; although he wasn't involved in the fight, everyone could tell he was drained from today. His expression was drenched in exhaustion; not to mention, his skin was pale like paper. Still, the sense of relief took a small edge off the fatigue.

"We can't thank you enough for your assistance," Oak said. He appeared disappointment. "Sadly, we were unable to locate Giovanni."

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Sora asked, eager to bring the Team Rocket leader to justice.

Oak's solemn expression didn't flatline. "The police are conducting a search of the area. Chances of finding him are slim."

"Don't worry, Professor," Red said, in encouraging tone. He would not let this day end with a bitter taste rapping against their tongues. "If he ever shows his face around here again, we'll be ready for him."

Oak smiled. Red might've grown up, but his idealistic personality remained ageless as life itself. "I wouldn't expect any less, Red."

"I'm guessing that this is the end of the competition," Luigi said.

"Not entirely," Oak said.

Sora turned to the professor, as the switch of inquiry had been activated, lighting up his eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we are closed for now, but, as the winner of the competition, I didn't want your additional accolade to go on hiatus. You can still compete against the strong opponent I alluded to yesterday."

"Oh, right! I forgot!" Sora said. He began ruminating over his decision, and found himself faced with a wall of vacillation.

"Are you going to do it?" Luigi asked. "Cloud warned you about this guy."

"I know." Sora glanced over at Cloud, who stared back at him. His cold blue eyes remained neutral; although Sora could've sworn he saw remonstrance flash from them like high beams – a presage for an opponent that would put the boy through extreme agony.

Sora's options perched themselves on each shoulder, presenting their viewpoints. He couldn't count on recourse for his friends. Sora would be taking center stage by himself, relying on his own powers and abilities.

And maybe that's why Sora craved the challenge. To see how far his limits prostrated. Ansem wouldn't be easy; he was fortunate to have just survived their last battle. Sora needed to see if he was ready for the final challenge – one that would wager the fate of existence itself. And Sora wanted to be sure that the ball landed on his number.

Besides, he thought, I'll never get another opportunity to participate in a unique battle again. All I'd have back home are my friends. And dogging Wakka's Blitzballs would grow boring. He had reached a decision. It shouted the loudest in his ear, making him relent.

"I accept," Sora said with confidence.

Everyone gasped in surprise. Except for Cloud, as if he saw the first draft of this declaration be written. Yoshi felt his stomach rattle with worry. "Is…Sora sure? Me don't want him to get hurt."

"An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime," Sora said, remaining firm in his decision.

"Exactly," Luigi said, as his tone became disapproving. "And you only HAVE one life to give."

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu said in protest.

"Relax, guys," Sora said, adamant. "It's just a competition."

Luigi grew vexed. "Being a Heartless must've clouded your memory! Cloud said this guy doesn't show mercy to anyone."

"So let him go," Cloud said. "He's not going to change his mind. Words alone aren't enough. Sometimes first-hand experience is the only way to unlock a closed mind."

Feeling insulted by the pejorative, Sora frowned. "You're wrong. I'm not expecting it to be easy. But I'll never know how strong I truly am unless I come out of my comfort zone."

"See what happens, kid." Cloud turned away from the group; arguing would fill the room with dead air. It would languor, unable to make a different in the conversation. "It won't be fun."

Cloud walked down one of the hallways, accompanied by the echoes of his footsteps; once again he faced the world alone. Part of Sora's pride started to swell from the sting of those words: he wanted to prove Cloud wrong. To show everyone that he wasn't to be underestimated. Just like those he fought before that viewed him in a similar light.

His heart started pounding. Now he wanted to face this mysterious warrior more than ever. Although his friends couldn't step over that confident boundary. They were stuck in a corner bedimmed with worry. And it grew darker and bleak with each passing second. Yoshi felt himself grow crestfallen. He approached Sora, nudging against his gloved hand, whimpering.

The boy kneeled down to the dinosaur and stroked his head. "It'll be alright. If things go bad, I'll get out of there. I ain't dense. Trust me." He patted the top of Yoshi's skull. "No one can ever reach the level of density that is your head."

Yoshi chuckled from the remark, ameliorated. Sora had a talent for brightening anyone's mood. To make them feel hopeful in any situation. Despite being worried for his friend's safety, Yoshi had all the confidence in Sora. After all, the boy was exculpated from darkness' eternal, implacable sentence of oblivion. Yoshi espoused that nothing could ever stop Sora. He was inedible from existence's thoughts.

But Luigi had retrograded from idealistic ideology as age impelled him forward. Luck made seldom visits. He wasn't sure it would beseech Sora with good fortunate a second time. Still, Sora never ceased to surprise him. The boy had grown into a capable swordsman in a short amount of time. Having some faith would keep Luigi from becoming distrait.

"If this is what you want, then good luck," Luigi said.

Pikachu concurred with a nod, plagued with the same disease of worry. He hoped that this wasn't the unfortunate end of the unstoppable Team Gonzales.

Walking out into arena felt different due to the lack of a crowd. Their screams and yells invigorated Sora. It shook the arena, vibrating against the soles of his feet. But now he was greeted by silence. It was unnerving, like stepping into a place of mourning: gaiety was a trespasser on this dour property. Sora could hear his heart pound against his head, as if banging on a door, solicitating for sanctuary from anxiety.

He had no regrets for participating in this fight. But the ominous mood wasn't doing him any favors. Fortunately, his nerves were somewhat quelled as his friends entered the stadium (Luigi, Yoshi, Pikachu, Oak, and Red). They took their seats on the bleachers located to the left of him. Their eyes remained locked on him the whole time. Although Luigi glanced to his left when he saw Cloud walking over to join them.

"Surprised you showed up, Mr. Sunshine," Luigi said.

Cloud took his seat, focusing on Sora, too. "Kid's got guts. More than any other person I've met in my life. I'd be lying if I said this fight didn't pique my curiosity.

"You've been hyping this guy up quite a bit," Red said. "Who is he?"

As Sora walked towards the center of the arena, he felt a sudden change of the wind; it pushed against his face, as if fleeing from an unseen force. Particles of light converged on the area like fireflies, and then flew into the sky, forming a white orb. It transformed into a flat golden circle; odd patterns appeared within the circle, ornate in design. Three smaller circles orbited around the large one. They soon ceased their never-ending journey, fire white energy towards each other, creating a giant beam of that struck the stadium like lightning.

As the light faded, a man donned in black appeared. He was leaned over, facing away from Sora; his long white hair flew in the wind. He stood up, and outstretched his arm, revealing a singular black wing. Sora felt a sudden chill envelop his body. It wasn't the usual sensation of the Heartless. Something about it was…frightening – malicious in intent.

Sora felt the weight of the Keyblade in his hand, as summoned through its own volition, sensing the danger. Cloud wasn't kidding, Sora thought. I need to be vigilant.

"He a giant chicken!?" Yoshi asked.

"His name is Sephiroth," Cloud said, crossing his arms. He tightened them, trying to suppress an uncomfortable knot in his chest.

Sephiroth turned to face Sora, indifferent towards the boy's appearance. In his right hand, he held a masamune; its length was unreal, taller than the man himself. Sephiroth stared at Sora with light blue, cat-like eyes, analyzing his prey; he was prepared to strike with his elongated nail, and be regaled by Sora's suffering. For a moment, fear festered in Sora's throat. But he managed to swallow it. Showing any sign of hesitation would be exploitable. He placed a golden, impenetrable locket of courage around his neck.

"And when his blade is drawn, your breath will be silenced," Cloud said.

Sora took a step forward, and the man swung his blade at unnatural speeds. The boy had just an infinitesimal amount of time to dodge. Sephiroth's speed was akin to lightning. Nervous sweat made its decent down the back of Sora's neck. He took a slow, deep breath, trying to compress the sudden anxiety in his chest. Receiving a harangue from such emotions was the first step to his demise.

Sephiroth flew straight for the boy, thrusting his blade straight at him. Sora swung the Keyblade, deflecting the strike. But Sora wouldn't have a chance to counter. Sephiroth went on a relentless assault, as he swung downward. Holding the hilt with both hands, Sora brought the Keyblade up at a horizontal angle to catch the strike. Sephiroth continued with a thrust towards the boy's shoulder. Sora leaned left to avoid it, and knocked Sephiroth's blade away with the Keyblade.

There wasn't a single opening. Sephiroth's reflexes were sharp as an axe. This wasn't a competition; it was a fight for survival. Sephiroth unleashed a horizontal swing towards Sora's torso; he leaned back to avoid it. The mysterious warrior in black tried a diagonal, downward attack. Sora swung his blade inward inner to block it. But the force behind Sephiroth's attack knocked Sora back a small distance.

Sephiroth thrusted straight for his opponent's chest. Fortunately, Sora took advantage of a small gap in time, and leaped to the right. A lucky display of speed, Sephiroth thought. But he wouldn't let that aberration intervene again. Sephiroth spun around to deliver an over the shoulder strike. Sora leaned his torso left to avoid being cut straight down the middle.

He couldn't stay on the defense forever. Only by taking a step forward would Sora be able to begin searching for a weakness. Sora tried thrusting the Keyblade towards him, but Sephiroth brought the masamune up to his chest, catching the strike. Once again, he used his strength to push Sora backwards. He ran towards the boy, preparing to deliver a fierce kick. All Sora could do was brace himself as the foot made contact.

A colossal surge of power dispersed through Sora's body; it was like being hit by a bus. The force was strong enough to send Sora flying straight into the wall. He fell onto the ground, catching himself with his hands and knees. His body was ague from the combination of the kick and the impact. He had never felt such pain move through his body like a rockslide.

Cloud's warnings about this one-winged warrior were incontrovertible: he stood as a precipice above all else in terms of strength. Winning this fight would be a rare luxury. Survival was perforce. Everyone in the bleachers (except for Cloud) watched in utter shock, mouths agape, from this one-sided duel. They couldn't fathom that a person this strong existed. Those were the types of people only heard through legends, shared in each other's ears around the campfire.

But his presence was frightening – he seemed ignoble in what little mannerisms was displayed. And that was a prescient for trouble. Yoshi gripped the edge of wall that separated them from the arena, as his back tensed.

Luigi looked on with a blank stare, and then turned to Pikachu. "Where did I go wrong, huh? I thought Sora and I had a mutual understanding of each other. You know, 'all for one' is a pretty important vow. Does he just not listen to my warnings on purpose? Or, since I'm older than him, he sees me as authority figure to ignore? I've always been like that. I was voted most venerable hall monitor in high school. Might explain why my friend circle was more shaped like a crescent."

"You know you are having a therapy session with an undomesticated rodent, right?" Cloud said.

"He's a good listener, okay?!" Luigi said, defensive, as his voice cracked.

"C'mon, Sora!" Yoshi said, keeping his hope immutable. "You can beat this guy! Clip off his chicken wing!"

Hearing Yoshi's voice motivated Sora, and he rose to his feet, panting. Although he felt his stamina start to funnel through a tube of fatigue, Sora would put a cork on it, stopping the outpour. He had more to give. His limits remained unbound. He would search deep within himself for that uncharted territory.

Sephiroth remained emotionless before his adversary. Although, deep down, he was somewhat amused by Sora's zeal. But it wouldn't save him from the might of Sephiroth's power. The warrior flew straight at Sora, delivering an upward strike. Sora rolled to his right, across the wall, to avoid it. The boy looked back to see Sephiroth's blade had cut the wall straight in half, as if it were butter.

Sora was aggrieved by the display of superhuman strength. A lump of trepidation lodged itself in his throat. Ignore it, his thoughts told him. I'm not giving up! Sephiroth spun around and swung at Sora with a horizontal slash. Sora thrusted the Keyblade upward at vertical angle to parry the strike. But Sephiroth wasn't finished yet. He thrusted his blade straight at Sora's face. The boy jerked his head to dodge, letting the tip pierce the wall behind him.

Instinct forced Sora to duck, as Sephiroth slid the blade across the wall, leaving a large laceration in it. Sora heard noises behind him, making it tacit that the top piece of the wall was about fall. The boy leaped forward, avoiding the large piece as it almost crushed him. It exploded into debris and smoke upon contact with the ground. A piece of the arena was the victim in Sephiroth's rampage. No obstacle would restrain him.

Sora ran forward, delivering a diagonal downward slash. But Sephiroth was quick to raise the masamune at a horizontal angle, right towards his chest, parrying the boy's attack. Sora stumbled back from the impact; he had just enough time to rest the Keyblade on his shoulder, deflecting a strike. Once again, Sora found himself on the defensive side of the sphere, facing away from the advantageous sunlight. At this point, his chances of success would grow cold from the lack of heat.

Sora swung the hilt of the Keyblade downward to knock away an incoming thrust. Sephiroth tried bringing his blade in low at Sora's feet, but the boy leaped high into the air, dodging it. Holding the Keyblade with both hands, he delivered a downward slash. Sephiroth vanished right in front of him. As Sora landed, he scoured the arena with frantic eyes.

"Sora, behind you!" Yoshi said

Sora spun around to see Sephiroth flying right towards him from the air, descending like a missile. He was prepared to thrust his blade right into Sora's chest. Unsheathing a knife of quick thinking, Sora jumped backwards, avoiding the attack, and landing on the area separating the bleachers. He countered with a fire spell.

It dispersed upon coming in contact with Sephiroth's chest.

Sora felt his arms descend to the ground, as they were paralyzed by overawe. Not even the conflation of dangerous gases could melt Sephiroth's impenetrable armor. He seemed invincible. Doubt started to become opinionated over Sora's choice in fighting this man. Was it worth it?

Luigi continued rambling to Pikachu: "And so I told him to stop eating burnt toast. He's going to break his teeth. Do you know how tedious is to take care of dentures? Heck, let alone buy them! I wasn't going to fork over the rare gold buttons I got for my overalls. Do you know how many Golden Flowers were sacrificed to get the just the right glare for them!? Not to mention sanity!? Because…"

Pikachu unleashed a small lightning attack to liberate Luigi's irrational thoughts from his mind.

"Thanks," Luigi said, trying to shake off electric tingling in his body. "I needed that."

"Cloud, isn't there something Sora can do to beat this guy?" Red asked, growing concerned.

Cloud never took his eyes off the battle. "Sephiroth is one of the strongest swordsmen in the universe. Finding a weakness is night impossible. But, if there's one thing Sora excels at, it's the ability to adapt to any situation. I have never faced someone with such innate talent. It may be his only chance at coming out of this with a barely salubrious body." He noticed Red glowering at him. "Sorry. I'm being realistic. Go read a fairytale if want a repast of lies."

Red sighed. Well, that's some comfort, he thought. He had to keep remaining hopeful. Sora was strong; he was the champion of this tournament for a reason. It was time to remind everyone why he carried the mantle.

Sephiroth glanced at Sora's Keyblade. For the first time in this fight, his expression was no longer stuck in the neutral zone. It skated towards the side of intrigue.

"That's an interesting sword you're using," Sephiroth said. He spoke in a monotone voice. Although a hint of menace surfed on the soundwaves. "I'm assuming you're it's chosen wielder."

Sora remained courageous, despite not liking the implications of that posit. "And so what if I am?"

"I'm curious to see if it'll change its mind once I have you on your knees, begging for forgiveness," Sephiroth said.

Nervous frost formed on Sora's fortitude. Even that threat intimated the boy. "Um, I need an adult."

"After today, you'll be forced to become one," Sephiroth said, smirking.

Sephiroth tossed a sphere of fire straight at his opponent. Sora leaped into the air, avoided it, and prepared an over the shoulder strike. Sephiroth raised the masamune over his head, catching the Keyblade; he then pushed Sora straight back into the air, and pursued him. The boy swung inward to deflect an incoming strike from the masamune. Sora, holding the hilt of the Keyblade with his right hand, tried a downward, vertical attack; Sephiroth parried it by raising his blade at a horizontal angle.

He flew above Sora, and prepared bring his blade straight down on the boy's brown, spiky head. Sora was able to beat the clock's second hand, just managing to block Sephiroth's sharp blade. But the force sent him crashing into the ground. His spine performed an inharmonious saltation from the rough impact. But Sora ignored the sensation that swam throughout his body like a school of needlefish. Despite how strong Sephiroth was, Sora refused to quit. Not this early, at least. That desire to test his strength was boisterous. It would remain insuperable until every ounce of stamina was desiccated.

This was a command he had to obey from his heart. Holding his own against this opponent would give Sora the confirmation that he was ready to face Ansem.

And that he was ready to save Riku.

Sora performed a kick-up and rose to his feet; he wrapped both hands around the Keyblade's hilt, squeezing it with newfound confidence. Sephiroth raised an eyebrow, somewhat amused by the boy's obstinance. He launched small, meteor-shaped fireballs right towards his opponent. Sora hopped left to avoid them, and retaliated by tossing the Keyblade at Sephiroth. The man vanished, reappearing in front of Sora.

As Sephiroth swung his blade, Sora cast Aero to deflect the strike. He called the Keyblade back to his hand, about to go on the offense. But Sephiroth vanished again. A sudden cold breeze flit through the jungle of Sora's split ends. Sephiroth was going to appear above him. Sora used his dash move to thrust himself away as Sephiroth reappeared, plunging the masamune straight into the arena's scalp.

Sora repositioned himself, and thrusted forward to Sephiroth, who swung upward, deflecting the boy's next attack. Although startled, Sora swung inward, and their blades collided, releasing an ear shattering clang that reverberated throughout the area. Nearby wild Pokémon fled towards the safe haven of the forest, where the tree's shadows would shelter them from the sudden, unknown threat.

Sephiroth pushed Sora backwards; he thrusted at the boy's face. Sora swung the Keyblade to deflect the strike. He then jerked his head right to dodged another strike. Sephiroth rammed his knee straight into Sora's diaphragm, forcing air to burst out like steam from a pipe. The attack was strong enough to send Sora back a decent distance; he ended up landing on his backside.

Sora got into a kneeled position, using the Keyblade for support. Sweat drizzled down his forehead from a fountain of fatigue. His lungs were dancing on charcoals from heavy gasps. But stubbornness remained on the bridge, shouting orders to continue. Yoshi wanted to join the battle, but Sora would disprove of the intervention. He'd never go against his friend's wishes. It was a dilemma that swayed back and forth in his stomach. But he wanted to believe Sora would overcome this situation. Yoshi could extrapolate how many times Sora had left the odds in awe at his feats.

Sephiroth approached Sora, staring him down with his cat-like eyes. They were devoid of mercy. "I must commend you for your tenacity. Seems someone has been sharing their techniques with you."

Sephiroth shot a glance at Cloud. The blond hair warrior remained stoic. Although a concourse of emotions gathered within his core – emotions that formed a collage of pain and suffering. Only the esoteric knew of the immemorial grudge these two had for each other; and it would only become stagnant once one of them found themselves trudging through the next life's endless morass.

"But I'm going to make sure every word sticks in your arid head," Sephiroth said. "No one can ever defeat me."

Sora looked up with a weak smirk. "That's because you haven't met someone like me yet."

Sora summoned a Gravity spell, which appeared over the silver haired warrior's head. Sephiroth remained indifferent towards the spell, assuming that history would remain obsequious towards him; he wouldn't be harmed.

Sora stood up, summoning a Thunder spell, and shouting, "Thunderforce!"

Lightning struck the orb, causing an explosion of yellow energy that hit Sephiroth. Everyone stood up in shock by this unforeseen circumstance. Even Cloud felt his jaw loosen from the lubricant of surprise. Once the explosion ceased, Sora saw that Sephiroth was paralyzed from the blast.

Sephiroth gritted his teeth, as muscles remained defiant of basic command. "Wh-What—? H-How did he-?"

"Heal!" Sora restored his strength from the spell, hurried over to Sephiroth, and delivered a powerful slash right across the chest.

Sephiroth slide back from the attack; minute pain slid through his system like a needle. He was at a lost for words. Few have managed to damage him. None have ever been a child before. It was almost humiliating to be pushed back by someone with incipient wisdom, or permissive maturity. He wouldn't let that mistake happen again.

"Yeah!" Yoshi said, pumping his fist in the air. "Get 'em, Sora!"

Sora leaped at Sephiroth, performing a vertical spin slash. Sephiroth escaped the cage of paralysis, and hopped left to avoid the attack. After Sora landed, he glanced left to see Sephiroth delivering another thrust. He leaned his torso left to dodge the attack. Sora spun all the way around, swung inward, and blocked an incoming one-handed, downward strike. Sephiroth leaped back, but Sora pursued him; this was his chance to turn the key on the offensive ignition.

Sora swung inward; Sephiroth knocked the Keyblade back by raising his blade at a horizontal angle. The boy tried thrusting towards Sephiroth's chest, but the warrior deflected it with a downward, vertical swing (one handed). Both competitors brought their blade in from each side, resulting in another clash. The impact was strong enough to knock them back somewhat.

Sora performed a sweeping kick, and was successful in knocking Sephiroth off his feet. After the man landed, Sora tried bringing the Keyblade straight down on him. He vanished before his chest was penetrated with the sharp end of Sora's blade. Sephiroth reappeared in the sky; he was nettled by the boy's persistence. It didn't know how to step back and accept reality's avow of futility.

Sora grinned, content in seeing Sephiroth's stolid demeanor erode from his efforts. It showed that Sephiroth saw him as a worthy adversary. Sora had come so far from his many battles. Sparring with Riku back on his island seemed like a lifetime ago. Sephiroth tossed a dark sphere straight at the boy, who dove right to avoid it. Sora retaliated with a Blizzard spell, freezing Sephiroth's lower right leg in a thick, large, diamond-shaped icicle.

Sephiroth felt himself start to descend towards the ground from the spell's great weight. Cloud's eyes widened in disbelief. How was Sora doing so well in this fight? Perhaps he, along with everyone else, only had a smattering of the capabilities Sora had with the Keyblade. His true potential remained diffident. But, at the pace Sora went in learning through every fight, there was no doubt it would manifest one day.

In that moment, Cloud gained a new found appreciation and respect for him. Throughout his life, Cloud reached points where he suffered from writer's block in his own story – where it seemed there was no where else to go. But seeing Sora's temerity against any obstacle reminded him that there were still pages left to write.

Cloud would never forget the influence Sora had on his life.

Sora hurried over to attack while Sephiroth was riding the downpour of gravity. The warrior tossed three more dark spheres at the boy. Sora swung his Keyblade to deflect all three. Sephiroth appeared above the boy, raising his foot that had been coated in ice, and swung it straight down at him. Sora shielded his eyes with a free arm, raised the Keyblade, and caught the ice, causing it to shatter upon impact.

Sephiroth flipped into the air to reorient himself, and then thrusted straight down towards the boy. Sora swung the Keyblade upward – in front of his face – to bat the attack away from him. As Sephiroth tried a downward, diagonal slash, Sora leaped back to dodge. Sephiroth swung his arm outward, causing a dark sphere to manifest behind his opponent; not even quick reflexes could prevent Sora from dodging them, as they hit him straight in the back. Sora stumbled forward, wincing as the burning pain crawled into his skin.

Sephiroth landed on the ground, and the flew straight for the boy. Ignoring the burning sensation, Sora gained the strength to toss the Keyblade at Sephiroth, who vanished, rematerializing behind him; he summoned a group of dark spheres that appeared around Sora. The boy had just enough time to leap into the air, and avoid being trussed by the lethal, dark rope.

Sora performed an over the shoulder strike, which Sephiroth blocked. He pushed Sora back, dashed forward, and swung his blade. The boy brought the Keyblade up to his chest at a diagonal angle, catching the attack. Small flames started emitting from Sephiroth's body, as if he was about to spontaneously combust. Intense heat started rising, as if Sora was standing on a gas burner. Danger was reaching the peek.

Sora leaped away, avoiding being engulfed within a giant tower of fire. A fierce, pulsating orange glow spread throughout the arena like a giant spotlight. Sora's stomach tensed from a sudden punch of fear; if he had been caught in those flames, his entire being would've become worthless soot, forever torpor on the ground.

Sephiroth flew at Sora again, delivering a flurry of slashes. Sora did his best to block them. Defending was his only viable tactic. Sephiroth's attacks were too fast to counter. At one point, Sephiroth flew behind him, continuing his assault of rapid sword strikes. Sora caught the first one by sticking the Keyblade over his shoulder. Then, he spun around, swinging inward to deflect the next one.

The attacks continued until Sephiroth slammed his blade into the ground, releasing a vertical wave of dark energy that moved towards Sora, like a ferocious beast tunneling just below the ground; it was prepare to drag him straight into the earth, no longer under daylight's watchful eyes. Sora leaped back a great distance to avoid it.

"I can't deny your ability to drag this fight on," Sephiroth said. "It is most amusing. You keep managing to find a small quantity of strength hidden amongst the foliage. Perhaps it time I cease that irrigation's flow." Sephiroth rotated his hand in a clockwise fashion; he drew the shape of a halo with pink energy. "Descend Heartless Angel."

A ball of pink energy soon appeared around Sora's body. His shoulders tensed, afraid of what was about to happen. It soon popped like a bubble; small strains of yellow energy left Sora's body, beginning their perpetual journey into the stratosphere. Sora collapsed onto his hand and knees; every muscle trembled from extreme fatigue. He was rendered immobile. It felt like every ounce of strength was separated from his body.

Everyone in the bleachers (except for Cloud) stood up again from this errant development. Sora was helpless before his adversary. The boy tried using magic, but that was useless, too.

"Wh-what did you do to me?" Sora asked, in a weak tone.

"Made it so you can no longer avoid inevitable defeat," Sephiroth said, preparing his blade. It was time to put Sora out of his misery.

He ran straight for Sora, raising his blade in the air; his victory was within distance. Yoshi tried shouting words of encouragement, but nothing could help make even a small seed of energy bloom. It langured within the soil. He could hear the footsteps getting closer. Sora shut his eyes; he was blinded by ambition. Only now was the light of realization starting to become ajar.

But it was too late to undo his mistake; it pinned him down, waiting for the end result of his actions. He may not survive this battle. It was hopeless. And it was all because of selfishness – he wanted to prove something to himself. Maybe it was because he was afraid to lose the Keyblade again. That he was deemed unworthy. But, as the footsteps got closer, he remembered what he said to Riku at Hollow Bastion:

"My friends are my power."

He glanced to his left, seeing the utter despair on Luigi and Yoshi's faces. No. Those were not the last looks he wanted to witness. To bring eternal heartbreak to them. He couldn't leave them with such a heavy burden. Besides, to Sora, they were his power, too. And he wouldn't forgo them of such invaluable strength.

Sora's chest felt warm, just like when Kairi's heart found sanctuary within his own. It was no longer there, but that comforting sensation was wrapped around his heart like a loving embrace.

"Don't ever forget. Wherever you go, I'll always be with you."

Sora's chest expanded, as if something was growing within it. A power he needed to stay alive. He could the feel air growing sharp above. Sephiroth was in striking distance. Sora raised the Keyblade, catching the attack. For the first time, Sephiroth's aloof expression shattered, forming cracks of surprise. No one had ever found vestiges of their strength after losing it to his spell. Even Cloud stood up, trying to process what just happened.

Just what was Sora? It seemed the Keyblade had good reason to choose him, after all. Sora delivered a power slash to Sephiroth's chest, and went on the offense with his own flurry of strikes. First, an uppercut slash. Then, he delivered a downward strike; this was followed by a thrust straight in the stomach. Sora continued with an inward strike to the shoulder, and then brought the Keyblade in the other way, striking the hip.

His big finale involved a strike across the chest; it was so powerful that Sephiroth flew straight into the wall. Sora wouldn't let Sephiroth find solace with retaliation. He launched his spiral blast straight into the warrior, causing a miniature explosion. All of his friends cheered for Sora's major comeback. Cloud smirked, once again impressed by Sora's power.

The boy leaned over, using the Keyblade for support. His renewed strength was on a sharp decline. It wouldn't last long. Instinct delivered the regrettable news that Sephiroth wasn't finished yet. And they were right, as Sephiroth separated the debris with a burst of blue energy. His entire body was coated within this blue power. The pressure pushed against Sora's body. The predator was no longer playing with his food.

Sora stood back up, knowing the end was in sight. It wasn't looking too good for him. But he never regretted entering the ring with such an extraordinary opponent. This match would inspire him to train harder – to one day master the Keyblade's true potential. It was an incredible fight. Sora took a deep breath, scanning his body for even a spec of energy. He tightly gripped the Keyblade's hilt with both hands. It began glowing, charged with what little power remained.

Everyone felt the heat of their power swirl throughout the vicinity, unstable, like a violent storm. They were both formidable contenders in this competition. But only one would be left standing. Restless, anxious eyes stared at the two: not a single blink occurred. They didn't want to miss one second of this next clash. Doing so would deny them this once in a lifetime moment – a tale that could never be retold.

The two ran straight for each other; they were prepared to strike. Sora screamed at the top of his lungs, exerting every muscle in his body. The two clashed. A clang responded to the collision. Then, a pure white light burst from their blades, engulfing everyone's vision.

Then, silence intervened, putting an end to the conflict.

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