Kingdom Hearts: The Nintendo Version Remixed

by KingdomKey23

A remake of my Nintendo Version Kingdom Hearts story. What if Sora visited Nintendo inspired locales instead of Disney ones? Well, let's find out, as he teams up with Luigi and Yoshi to find his missing friends across numerous, fantastical worlds! All the while battling mysterious, ferocious entities known as the Heartless.

78. Chapter 77: Enigma of Nothingness

Chapter 77: Enigma of Nothingness

Sora was stuck within an unconscious state – a black void where every sense was inoperable. But his time of torpor was ephemeral. Movement and feeling started to return, undoing the comatose chains shackled to them. Sora opened his eyes at a slow pace, adjusting to the sudden, overwhelming power of natural light. The consistent, monotonous sounds of a heart monitor started spelunking through his ears.

Sora opened his eyes, finding himself in a hospital room. The only light source came from the window: the sun's golden rays peeked in, adorning the room within a warm cloak. Sora leaned his head up and saw Pikachu at the foot of the bed, curled up into a ball, plaintive. He would not leave his friend' side – a loyal yellow pattern that had been etched into the blanket.

Resting his head against the edge of the bed was Yoshi – a giant, obeisant lump that could not be pried away from his spot. His expression was also weighed down by a crestfallen iron; only the strength of relief could lift it off him. Luigi sat in a chair to the right of Sora; he was playing on the 3DS, trying to obviate the homogeneous feeling of worry.

Sora sat up, letting out a soft grunt from the lingering pain that perambulated throughout an interconnected highway of muscle. "Man. Who pushed me down a flight of stairs? Where am I?"

Everyone stood up upon hearing his voice. Yoshi's eyes widened from the sudden conflation of elation and relief. Irrational thought impelled him to make a jump onto the bed. But Luigi extrapolated the dinosaur's intentions through his body language, and restrained him at the last second, surceasing liftoff.

But Luigi was unable to debar Pikachu from leaping into Sora's arms, giving him a paroxysm of sandpaper-like licks.

"Ugh!" Sora said, full awoke from the assault of saliva. "Come on! Have mercy! A guy with a ridiculously long sword almost put holes in me!"

It wasn't too long before Pikachu settled down, allowing Sora to reconcile with his senses. Yoshi walked over to Sora, resting his head on the boy's shoulder; he let out a sonorous exhale that started mingling with the other low noises in the room. The dinosaur felt light as dandelions; stress and anxiety were afield now, lost in a long, lush meadow. Their pessimistic cries could no longer reach him.

Luigi brought his chair close to the bed and sat down, joining the confluence of amelioration. "How're you doing?"

"Fine." Sora moved his neck, eroding the stiffness. "Just beat. Cloud wasn't kidding about that Sephiroth guy."

"Well, Cloud isn't exactly known for providing hardy giggles," Luigi said, narrowing his eyes. "Perpetual scowling is more of his forte, if you're looking to take the edge off your perfect day."

"So, what happened?" Sora asked. "I kinda missed the outcome to my own fight."

"Big explosion happen after clash," Yoshi said. "You last person standing. Erm, me mean, laying down on the floor. Sephiroth vanished."

"So you were declared the winner by default," Luigi said, smiling with pride. "Congratulations!"

At first, Sora felt his body expand like a balloon, replete with gaiety. But air started escape through the lips, as they grew vacillated over this victory.

"Pi?" Pikachu said, being the first to notice the change in Sora's countenance.

"Why the long face?" Yoshi asked. "Sora should be happy!"

"It wasn't a real win," Sora said, with an intonation of disappointment. "He ran away from the battle. Probably thought it was a waste of time. I wanted to win fair and square!"

"Hey, if the judges said it was a real win, then it was a real win," Luigi said, engendering him with encouragement. "Take what you can get." He sighed in exasperation. "Who knew you were hard to please?"

Sora let out a playful grin. "It's like looking in a mirror, huh?"

"I could unleash Yoshi in a second," Luigi said, with a faux threatening glare, "and he'd dive bomb this bed with both butt cheeks!"

Sora chuckled. "No, thanks. I'd like to keep my body parts intact." He closed his eyes, forming a soft smile. "You're right. Still won the match. Guess that's good enough for me."

Satisfaction soon surmounted disappointment, standing tall for the wide world to see. What he accomplished today was still impressive. Sora held his own against the one-winged warrior. He even managed to catch him by surprise at moments. And this was by himself. Things could've been different had the gestalt of his team been there. Maybe they would've overcome Sephiroth – a postulation that would forever be estranged with a conclusion.

Still, Sora was ready to face Ansem. He believed in both himself and his friends; together, they forged a power that was sharp, bright, and unbreakable. Not even small chips could ruin its shimmering, ornate design. It would shred through Ansem's ambitions like tissue paper, turning them into worthless scraps.

"Man, I'm going to brag to everyone when I get home." Sora's grin widened. "Think I'll start practicing right now. I'm the champion of the world!"

The air accrued jubilance from the loud cheers of Yoshi and Pikachu

"Technically, you were knocked out at that same moment," Luigi said.

Sora gave him a sly smirk. "Don't try backpedaling now."

"I know, I know," Luigi said, with a sad sigh. "Just never going to hear the end of it, huh?"

"There is a strong possibly," Sora said; his lineament was frozen within a teasing frame.

---

After being discharged from the hospital, Sora and his friends returned to the coliseum. Both Red and Professor Oak were waiting right outside the entrance; their deportment sunk into a recliner of relief upon seeing Sora in salubrious health. The group exchanged information over everything that transpired. Red smiled with pride over Sora's accomplishment; never would he have expected these four outsiders to win the whole tournament. They were an inconstant that bewildered expectations.

"Sora, you and your friends never cease to amaze me," Oak said. "When I first met you, I was indecisive about your skills. Becoming the champions quelled those reserves."

Red chuckled. "You're an old skeptic, professor. I believed in you guys the whole time."

"You made this first tournament very interesting," Oak said. "Would love for you to compete again."

"As long as there's no more Legendary Pokémon to fight." Luigi shuddered. "Frankly, moving Snorlax was less taxing on my mental stability."

Sora gave a him a playful elbow to the shoulder. "C'mon! You enjoyed it, too, Mr. Gonzales the Second."

"I'll definitely be back, too." Red's physiognomy was engendered by alacrity. "Gonna train real hard to beat you next time!"

"Well, if I continue improving myself at this current pace," Sora said, displaying his famous grin, "then the outcome is going to be rather predictable, huh?"

Red laughed. "Yeah, right! We're going to have a new, super-secret regimen that's gonna keep you paranoid! Can't win a fight if you're sleep deprived!"

Given what was going to happen after they beat Ansem, Sora would never see the results of Red's training. Only speculation would provide an axiom. Still, he had to cozen everyone; it wasn't time to open the blinds of truth just yet. Was he waiting for the right opportunity, or did he just not want to hear the painful words lunge out from his throat? Either way, the inexorable waited in eager silence.

"Well, I suppose we should start wrapping things up here," Oak said. "The coliseum will remain closed for the time being due to what transpired. I'll probably head back to my lab. Competition is fun and all, but researching Pokémon is my specialty. Knowledge should never be a derelict."

"We should get going, too," Luigi said. "We have some things to take care of ourselves."

"There is one thing we must attend to before parting ways." Oak turned to Pikachu with a look of regret. "While Pikachu has been an excellent asset in obtaining victory, he does not belong in this arena. Something must be done."

The room's jovial atmosphere was stifled from a despondent whisper. Sadness crawled underfoot, and ascended everyone's legs, until reaching the chest. Pikachu turned to his friends, ears lowered, a part of that crestfallen concourse. He didn't want to leave his friends. They had enriched his life with happiness. He no longer felt that predilection for living in the wild; to meander in the unknown. Pikachu was endued with the sensation of being amongst people.

Going back seemed like an untoward act of excommunication.

Sora assented that sentiment. Pikachu was more than just an animal – he was a friend comprised of complex thoughts and feelings. Sora couldn't bear the thought of seeing Pikachu wander the forests and fields. Who knew what dangers awaited in the wild, using shadow as subterfuge to stalk the little mouse.

Since Sora was never going to see him again, indelible, troubling thoughts would inset themselves into his skull. Nothing would ever be able to cleanse the dross of worry. The universe's law couldn't be vetoed, despite Sora searching through dockets in his mind for an expostulation.

"Professor, couldn't you take him with you?" Sora asked.

"Simply don't have the room at the time," Oak said, as guilt beetled his eyes.

Luigi gave the professor an incredulous look. "But you're a researcher of Pokémon. How do you not have room?"

"Another trainer I mentor brought in a copious amount of Tauros," Oak said, embarrassed. "My office simply doesn't have the capacity."

Red glanced at Sora; hopelessness cajoled his expression into pure sadness. Any moment he could cry, as a stream of emotions crashed into his stomach, trying to burst through. Red couldn't help but be commiserate towards Sora's plight. There were times where he had to release Pokemon into the wild for various reasons.

But the bond Pikachu and Sora was prodigious – about the size of his own relationship with Charizard. He started to remember the whole ordeal with Mewtwo: the idea of losing Charizard was frightening to him. To live in a world without your closet friend. Life would be incipient; it would be night impossible to inure the grief.

And it wouldn't be fair for Sora to be the catalyze of that potential future.

"Sora," Red said, stepping forward with a smile. "I'll take him."

Sora turned to him with hopeful eyes. "Yo-You mean it?"

"You saved my best friend today," Red said. "It's only fair I do the same. I'll hold onto him until you come back. If that's okay with you."

Sora turned to Pikachu for confirmation. The mouse didn't need to consult the act of hesitation, and responded with a nod. Relief ameliorated the heavy grins of tension from Sora's body. There was at least some consolation for this heartbreaking valediction. Sora could move forward without interminable concern becoming obtrusive in his everyday life. Pikachu would be safe within Red's entourage of Pokémon – his own family of multicolored creatures that came in all different shapes and sizes.

"No objections here!" Sora said. "Thank you so much!"

"No, thank you for everything you've done for us," Red said.

Oak placed a firm hand on Red's shoulder. He remembered when Red first began his Pokémon journey: inexperienced, impulsive, but passionate about becoming a Pokémon Master. Through his many battles and encounters, Red became worthy of the title. He was strong, but showed compassion to everyone around him. For a long time, Red continued his training on a mountain. But, despite being in isolation, his maturity never tapered. It stood tall along with his fortitude, blossoming as the sun and moon made their everlasting pilgrimage.

He couldn't be prouder.

---

Red, Pikachu, and Oak escorted the group towards the exit of the outside vending area. There, Sora and his friends would depart for the Labo ship. Everything was calm. The breeze was timorous, leaving the sun to regale everyone with its omnipresent warmth. Pokemon in the distance let out their cries of contentment; they no longer felt threatened by the darkness that once encircled the arena. Life resumed its mediation of peace.

As the group headed towards the exit, they saw Cloud leaning against a wall. He stared at Sora; once again, his inexpressive features left it almost impossible to deduce his feelings. But Sora could sense a disposition of peace behind that rigid fence, grateful for him to be alive.

"Glad to see you didn't break anything," Cloud said.

Sora chuckled. "Gee, thanks. I went the extra mile to keep all my bones in their proper place."

"No, I mean it," Cloud said, walking up to them. There was infinitesimal pride scintillating in his eyes like an anemic flame. "Can't hide it anymore; you and your friends are tough. If you can survive against Sephiroth, nothing will get in your way."

Receiving a compliment from Cloud was a once in a life time moment. They would cherish every syllable uttered. This was the confirmation Sora needed; he felt ready to face Ansem.

At least, physically. Being separated from his friends forever was a story still in its infancy. Only the prologue had been written. Placing a pen on the next page was proving difficult. He couldn't bare seeing the words spelled out, giving him fate's harsh reminder.

"So, what happen to scary chicken man?" Yoshi asked.

"Don't know," Cloud said, forming a small scowl. "He's not the kind of guy to make his motivations clear."

"What will you do now?" Luigi asked.

"Keep searching for him," Cloud said. "He and I have some unfinished business."

"Like what?" Yoshi asked.

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," Cloud said, giving the boy a reproving look. "Seems like you enjoy meddling, huh?"

"That's what I've told them since day one!" Luigi said, swinging his arms downward in annoyance. "I feel like a connection is forming between us. Least, now that your giant sword isn't it cutting distance."

Sora and Yoshi shook their heads.

"Regardless, I have my own journey to make." Cloud turned towards the exit, viewing the vast world beckoning for him. It would show him the unpredictability of the unknown. But he wasn't afraid to face the challenge. Not when his desire to fight Sephiroth remained immutable. "Best head out."

Cloud passed through the large gate, making his way towards the dirt trail. But a sudden, cogent thought applied the brakes to his movement. Looking over his shoulder, he said, "Sora. Did you find your light?"

"I did," Sora said. Although upon reflecting for a moment, he realized his statement wasn't accurate, veering away from the target like a broken arrow. "Well, sorta. One part of it is safe; the other is still out there."

Cloud let out a soft smile, as if donating a trinket of reassurance to him. "Don't give up until it's whole. You'll never be satisfied if it's left fragmented."

"I will," Sora said.

Wordless, Cloud wended towards the dirt path, following its long, ambiguous, snake-shaped form. It could go anywhere. But that sentiment didn't intimidate him. In his heart, Cloud knew that, soon enough, Sephiroth would be waiting at the finish line. And only one person would be able to pass through it.

Despite a rough beginning, Sora had gained a new appreciation for the blonde warrior. He was a nomad with his own goal: to rid himself of the past. To no longer drag the chains across the ground, hearing them scape against his ears. He would do what it took to unhook them. Even if it meant competing in the tournament.

He wished Cloud the best in his journey.

Sora turned to the denizens of the Pokémon world. Good-byes were perforce to be uttered. The thought made Sora's heart sink into stomach. He would never see them again. And what's worse, he had to let them live with that false hope for a reunion. He had to stare guilt straight in the eye for the rest of his life.

Sora keeled over to the fourth teammate that fought with vigor in this tournament – someone that they relied upon when faced with a challenging adversary. They were about to lose that important piece in their group.

Forever.

"Pikachu," Sora said, as his body tensed from an uncomfortable pinch in his back, "this is hard to say…sometimes friends have to go away for a long time. I wish that wasn't the case. But…there are somethings we can't control."

The mouse lowered his ears, unable to circumvent the incoming chill of sadness.

"I'd take you with me in a heartbeat," Sora said, trying to keep his any semblance of composure from teetering over. "Without a second thought. You're such a great friend."

"Pikachu big help in tournament!" Yoshi said, in an upbeat tone. "Never be another teammate like you!"

"This isn't a permeant good-bye," Luigi said. "We just have to go somewhere really far away for a little while. Even then, nothing in the universe will ever disband us. Team Gonzales for life!"

"Yeah!" Yoshi said, enthusiastic. "We champions! That always be between us, no matter what happens!"

Pikachu felt reassure by their words. That title would always keep them close, regardless of how far apart they were. Just remembering their accomplishment would make Pikachu feel like were next to him, partaking in the festivities. Their time together would never be effaced. Before the conversation continued, Pikachu's ears wiggled, as if hearing something in the distance. He ran off towards the forest, startling everyone in the process.

"Hey!" Red said. "Where are you going?"

"How rude!" Yoshi said, puffing out his cheeks, offended.

"Little guy was always stubborn," Luigi said. "Can't take no for an answer!"

"We better follow him!" Sora said.

Everyone hurried outside, following Pikachu's trail. But he was too fast for them. He disappeared into the forest. Perhaps Pikachu couldn't handle being separated, and stormed off in anger. Sora didn't blame him. There were articles of thoughts and feelings to unpack. Most of them strewn across the floor, unable to form cohesive thoughts.

Sora wanted to pursue him, but was interrupted by bushes rustling. Pikachu leaped out from one of them, carrying what appeared to be a missing piece of Captain Olimar's ship. Resting on top of it were more Pikmin.

"Well, this is a nice parting gift!" Sora said, laughing. Pikachu handed the boy both the ship and the pieces. He looked them over. "Hey, this might be enough for Captain Olimar and Louie to take off for home!"

Luigi and Yoshi joined the esoteric carousel of gaiety. The odds of repairing the ship were on the spectrum of an inverted rainbow. But the beautiful array of colors reawaken from its dour mindset, bringing about success. Soon, the threatened lives of Olimar and his crew would be immemorial. They would be reunited with the comforting senses of home.

"What are those things Pikachu found?" Red asked. "Unlike any Pokemon I've ever seen."

"Let's just say that we're not the only ones making stops in unexpected places," Sora said, grinning.

Oak was disappointed, as he'd hoped the Pikmin were new species of Pokemon. Sora handed the Pikmin off to Yoshi, who let them rest on his saddle. Feeling comfortable on the dinosaur's back, the Pikmin sat down, enjoying some much-needed rest.

"Very funny fake out there," Sora said, chuckling to Pikachu.

The mouse responded with a cheeky smile. It didn't last long, though. Everyone was covered within a crestfallen shade. The mood became cooler, and smiles faltered. It was time for the two groups to part, separated by an invisible, implacable barrier.

"Hope to see you again soon," Yoshi said to Pikachu. "There are more bottoms that need a good kicking."

Luigi feigned indifference. "You were an okay addition to our team." Pikachu smirked, seeing pass the façade. "Nah. Gonna miss fighting WITH you, not against you."

Pikachu turned to Sora. The boy struggled in keeping his emotions trammeled. But his grip was slipping. He didn't want to go. Pikachu was such a good friend – loyal to a fault. Someone that was always there to offer succor. Never seeing Pikachu again widened the threshold of loneliness. Sora didn't want to exist in such an empty, dejected space.

"I don't want to say good-bye," Sora said, engaged in an eternal conflict of emotions; they were forcing his will to concede.

Pikachu could sense the sadness streaming down Sora's face like a waterfall – it was hard and loud. In an instant, he jumped into the boy's arms, giving him a big hug. Sora returned the gesture by wrapping his arms around the mouse. Tears started streaming down his face.

"I promise to never forget you," Sora said, still fighting against the current of tears.

Pikachu concurred. He'd never have another friend like Sora.

Luigi and Yoshi exchanged glances with each other. Their concern for Sora was climbing at a quick rate, approaching the crest of alarm. His actions made no sense. Sure, their battle against Ansem would be difficult; there wasn't an incontrovertible chance of survival. But Sora was never circumspective when lunging into battle. Confidence was his servile ward, always attached to the hip.

So why was Sora so upset? What secrets were immured within the dark cellar of his mind?

After good-byes were exchanged, the group boarded the ship and ascended towards the sky. Pikachu watched with a saddened expression as the ship was consumed the sky's wide, blue jaw. They changed his life forever. He understood what it meant to have friends, and how the wonderful world of Pokémon didn't seem so intimidating. Pikachu knew he didn't have to face life by himself.

Red walked over and gave Pikachu a gentle pet on the head. "They'll be back. I know they will. I promise to take care of you. I owe it to them." He stood up, looking up at the inexpressive sky. "We all owe them so much."

"Why did Sora seem so upset?" Oak asked.

Red shrugged. "Maybe their next challenge will be tougher than the last one. Who knows what the outcome will be? There's always going to be some confliction about the future. It's never one sided."

"Indeed," Oak said. "The mind is both blessed and cursed with the ability to produce complex ideas."

"I know they will succeed," Red said, with an assuring smile. "Because they're the champions, and they earned that title from their impressive strength. No force in the universe can stop them."

Pikachu felt inspirited from Red's words. He was a part of that team, and knew better than anyone else. They would reunite one day. He couldn't wait for the day they entered the arena again, greeted by the boisterous cheers from the crowd. To be a part of the exciting action, and win the tournament all over again. He closed his eyes; for now, Pikachu would play that dream in his head, waiting for the day when it came alive.

And Red couldn't wait for their rematch. He would strive to improve. His rivalry with Sora was a new motivation to train.

It would keep him moving forward for years to come.

---

Night appeared within the blink of an eye. Bright stars let out a glowing yawn, waking up from their daylight slumber. The warm temperature was brushed aside by a cool breeze. But it didn't matter to the denizens of the Pokémon world. After an exhausting day, everyone was safe in their homes, hidden behind quiescent walls.

All except for one.

Cloud had deceived everyone. His objective was not reticent within the dark, labyrinthine trail of trees and tall grass. No. Its sojourn was within the heart of the coliseum, waiting for a private audience. Cloud stepped into the empty arena; his cape blew in the wind like a flag, flailing about, restless from the forthcoming encounter.

The warrior took slow, heavy steps across the arena; each one more intense than the next. It was like walking through mud. He gripped his massive sword; it was his protection – a vital piece of him he dared not misplace. The bleachers were filled with diffident air, indifferent towards his presence.

A lone black feather hovered towards the ground, landing in front of the warrior's feat. Although stoic, Cloud's blood pressure pressed against the walls with the force of a kick. But he exhaled, trying to keep inquietude from arrogating his senses. A cold, malicious presence soon shoved itself against Cloud's skin. He looked up to see Sephiroth staring right at him – his cat-like eyes weren't amenable in looking anywhere else.

Cloud did the same. He didn't even blink. Doing so would was beseeching him with a fatal invitation. They continued staring, letting time continue its stroll of leisure.

"Was wondering when you'd show up," Cloud said. "Didn't think the kid would slow you down. Unless you were too afraid to continue fighting."

Sephiroth couldn't help but smirk. "Never thought I'd hear a droll remake from you, Cloud. Being around that kid has influenced your attitude."

"Maybe a little," Cloud said, with a small shrug.

"Can't deny that he's strong," Sephiroth said. "But he was a waste of time. This whole tournament was. It was a means to an end. To find what I was looking for." His gaze was bedimmed in dark delight. "And now you stand before me."

"As long as you exist," Cloud said, "I'll never wake from this nightmare. You're my darkness."

Sephiroth extended both arms. "I'm a part of you, am I? Then join me in this eternal nightmare untarnished by light."

"Fine by me." Cloud griped his blade with both hands. "You'll never get a chance to be blessed by its presence, anyway."

The earth started to tremble as sparks of energy surrounded the two. Cloud's lone wing materialized on his shoulder. A whirlwind of heat from their redoubtable power twirled throughout the air. Although most of the world was lassitude, nature itself became an audience for this confrontation. It watched with held breath as their power peeked. Electricity discharged from their bodies and frolicked about the arena.

Then, silence. The two continued staring, trying to predict the others move. They both flew straight at other, and their blades collided, producing a loud clang that shredded the sound barrier's rough skin.

They leaped away from each other. Cloud lunged forward, swinging inward. Sephiroth flew at him, too, holding his blade straight out to block the strike. The blond warrior flipped over his opponent, spun around, and deflected an incoming swing from above him. Cloud went on the offense, leaping into the air with an upward swing. But Sephiroth swung downward, deflecting the attack.

Cloud flipped high above Sephiroth and tried bringing his blade straight down for the head. The white-haired warrior leaned left, and countered with a thrust. Cloud deflected the strike, spun around, and tried a horizontal attack. Nothing could breach Sephiroth's defenses. He curved his blade towards the ground, catching Cloud's next strike.

The two pushed away from each other, taking a moment to reorient their weapons. Sweat creped down the back of Cloud's next. He had to remain demur towards negative emotions. Concertation was essential if he hoped to gain the upper hand. The two rushed each other again, clashing back and forth. Neither combatant could overwhelm the other – a scale that did not stagger.

Cloud swung again, only for Sephiroth to vanish, reappearing right above his opponent. They flew straight into each other, birthing a blinding white light into existence. Incredible force pulsated throughout the vicinity, shaking nature itself. Although most of the world slept in peace, the battle would continue without interruption.

And it would rage on until the twilit hours, where not even a vestige of what transpired could viewable. Somewhere, in a far off, distant land, the impact of their blades was felt across the universe.

---

The hand of time rewound itself to when Sora and his friends departed from the coliseum. Once again, they traversed the endless, amorphous highway of space. The Labo Ship's engine purred like a content cat, functioning without an issue. Although the cockpit's disposition remained bright and color, the passengers' melancholy mood stood as a tacit contradiction.

Especially Sora. He stared out the cockpit, wordless. His eyes were bright red from crying. Stars passed by him like a parade. But they were unable to improve his mood. Leaving Pikachu was hard; saying good-bye to Luigi, Isabelle, and Yoshi would be an absolute nightmare. His thoughts and feelings were huddled together in a small, derelict shack, separated from society.

But the others peered through the cracks, seeing a glimpse of Sora's sufferance. Whatever he was keeping from them had accrued over time. It was overgrown, like grass, obstructing his usual cheerful disposition. The others were not going to let it fade into obscurity.

"Sora, are you going to be alright?" Isabelle asked, in a gentle tone.

Sora continued staring at the stars. "I'm not sure."

"You know we'll see him again, right?" Luigi asked.

Sora said nothing.

Luigi's voice rose at a steady pace, like dough, prepared to burst from worry. "Hey, snap out of it! This isn't like you! I think it's obvious to everyone here that something's up."

"Can we talk about this later?" Sora said, glancing over his shoulder.

"And do you think that'll alleviate the problem?" Luigi asked, lowering his brow, irked. "Whatever the issue is, keeping is bottled up is not healthy. Also detrimental to us. All pieces in a whole need to work in unison. It's our only chance at beating Ansem."

"Yoshi so worried about Sora," Yoshi said, whimpering. "Did becoming a Heartless do something to you?"

"No," Sora said, turning to them, feeling a bit defensive. "I just…don't feel ready."

"Ready?" Luigi asked, growing aggravated. "Ready for what? What are you waiting for?"

Isabelle interjected to stop the countdown towards a potential argument. "Maybe he's not in the right frame of mind right now. Why don't we give him some time to gather his thoughts? Dealing with both Mewtwo and Sephiroth took a toll on him."

Luigi opened his mouth to protest, but only air presented itself. He turned to Sora, seeing grief daubed over his bright blue eyes. Whatever he was hiding seemed painful. Delineating the proper word was a struggle. Logic and empathy were in a heated debate within Luigi's heart. A gavel soon slammed down on the desk, favoring the latter, although with disinclination.

"Alright, fine," Luigi said, with a long sigh. His expression hardened from sincerity. "Don't think I'm giving you a long break, though. Seeing you like this hurts me inside. I prefer your usual cheerful self." He smirked. "Besides, Yoshi can't annoy me by himself, can he?"

"Hey!" Yoshi said.

Sora felt a small smile form on his lips. He was so fortunate to have his friends in such dark times – how they always esprit him with joy. Sora was going to miss that feeling of elation from them.

"Thanks," Sora said. "Let's head to Traverse Town."

---

Time was growing short for Olimar and Louie. Days were retrograding into hours. Olimar leaned against his ship; he stared at a photograph in his hand. It contained a picture of his wife, son, daughter, and their pet: a dog-like creature named Bulbie.

The captain let out a soft sigh. He loved his job – to explore the unknown and unravel its mysteries. It was a never-ending quest for knowledge about the universe. You want to ask the who, the what, the where, the how, and why. Nothing was more exhilarating. But his family meant more to him than anything else. They were the pulse that kept his passion alive.

But, because of his situation, he would no longer feel that loving heartbeat. It would be obstructed by elegiac plaque – a family inconsolable for all eternity. He didn't want to bring such sorrow upon his loved ones. But fate wouldn't relinquish control to him. As a venerable explore, though, he had to remain optimistic that Sora would find the remaining parts.

He espoused to hope. It was his only comfort right now. His time of rumination was interrupted as a few Pikmin approached him, letting out soft sounds of concern.

"I'm fine." Olimar placed the photo back in his pocket. "Feeling nostalgic right now. That's all." He glanced around the table. "Louie? Where are you?" One of the Pikmin veered his direction towards the left. The captain slumped his shoulders in frustration. "Oh, good grief."

Louie was lying on the floor, resting both hands on his stomach, depressed. A white Pikmin sat next to him donning fake glasses and a beard; they were scribbled on with black sharpie.

"And then for my fifth birthday," Louie said, "we got to visit Pikpik Land. That is when I learned the harsh reality that my favorite mascot characters weren't real. I bit his mask right off. We were band for a whole year. How was I supposed to know munching on him was prohibited? Don't make your tagline: 'the most scrumptious place on earth!' That's false advertising!"

The white Pikmin spat acid out of his mouth, which landed on the table, eating away at the wood. It created a circle. A blue Pikmin walked by, tripping over the hole, and landing face first on the table.

"See?" Louie said. "Makes you sick to your stomach."

Olimar cleared his throat, and Louie spun around to see him standing there with a frown. "What are you doing?"

"Reflecting on my life, sir," Louie said, as sat up, dejected. "In retrospect, reliving my past traumas probably wasn't the best course of actions. Now I feel worse."

Olimar sighed. "This is getting ridiculous. Your constant pessimism is vexing. We have to stay proactive until the very end. Not lay around like a dried-up log."

"But our oxygen is close to depletion," Louie said. "Our friend might not make it back in time."

But Olimar balked the notion. "Sora hasn't let us down yet. I believe in him. It's what inspires me to stay positive. You should do the same. Take your mind off things. Didn't I assign you to watch the Pikmin? They can be quite troublesome if left unsupervised."

"Aw, they're fine," Louie said, waving a dismissed hand.

Olimar glanced at the Pikmin with its face planted in the ground. He heard the agonizing squeaks of more Pikmin, and spun around to them squished beneath a sleeping purple one. Olimar heard more commotion; he looked right to see a red Pikmin trapped within a large Ramune bottle. Its brethren gathered around to witness the show, as the hapless red Pikmin struggled to escape.

One of the Pikmin, amused, shouted, "Woo! Woo! Woo!"

"I had the chance to not ask such inane questions," Olimar said, exasperated, "and I botched it."

The physical representation of a nervous disorder convalesced when everyone heard a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Olimar said, shouting.

Louie grabbed Olimar by the shoulders. "No, don't! It's the Grim Reaper!" Olimar gave him an incredulous look. "For sure this time! There's no stopping him from reaching quota. And our helmets will do nothing for protection!"

Louie grabbed the white Pikmin, holding it in his arms like a rifle. Temerity had shed its diffident skin, becoming exposed to rays of confident sunlight.

"Let's give this guy our own form of vitamin D deficiency," Louie said. "Say hello to my little friend!"

Sora walked in the door and closed it. Upon facing the table, he saw small spurts of acid flying off from the table like a water fountain; they landed right on the ground. Nowhere near his location. Not even close to his foot. The boy looked up at the two explorers in confusion. Olimar glowered at his trusted companion. With a nervous grin, Louie throws the white Pikmin over his shoulder, and it landed head first on the ground.

It stood up, furious for being disposed like a rag doll, and started spitting acid all over the area. A group of Pikmin hurried over to restrain the livid creature.

"Well, look at that," Louie said, panicked. "Have a situation to defuse."

Louie darted towards the commotion, while Olimar shook his head in annoyance.

Sora walked over as confusion was etched onto his face. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes." Olimar sighed in relief. "And I couldn't be more thankful."

"You're…welcome?" Sora said, as the scion of his confusion took the throne.

"Glad to see you again," Olimar said.

"Sorry it's been a while," Sora said. "So much has been going on."

"I believe it. You seem tired."

Sora chuckled. "Maybe. But that hasn't stopped me from finding a few souvenirs."

Sora walked back to the door, opened it, and gestured towards someone outside. Lakitu flew into the room, placing more Pikmin and pieces of the ship on the table. Olimar froze in absolute shock; hopelessness disintegrated from his body, making him feel light from the sensation of utter joy.

"Can it be?!" Olimar asked, hurrying over to the ship pieces. He scanned them over, growing more excited by the second. "Yes, yes! This is all of them! I can't believe it! I-I'm speechless. It didn't seem possible…."

"Hey, if there's one thing I learned on this journey, it's that the word impossible can be a lie," Sora said, with a modest smile.

"I am forever in your debt," Olimar said, struggling to keep his emotions fliting about like a rowdy child. "You never had to do this in the first place."

"Well, no one else would've," Sora said. "Somebody had to, right?"

"I'll get these installed immediately!" Olimar began gathering the ship pieces together, beyond ecstatic. "Louie, we're going home!" No answer. "Louie?"

Sora and Olimar heard muffled grunting noises. Following the sound, they saw Louie had gotten his head stuck in the Ramune bottle, becoming an organic cork. His feet flailed around as he struggled to break free.

Olimar turned to Sora, as his emotions stumbled over a pothole of aggravation. "Um, would you mind…?"

"Oh, sure thing," Sora said. "Trust me. Getting him out will be easier than anything Luigi's been stuck in."

Once Louie was freed, everyone worked non-stop to reinstall the missing pieces of the ship. Even Sora assisted them, despite standing over the explores like a giant. His experience at building ships in a bottle facilitated their progress (although he made sure to be assiduous; one wrong move would make the ship fall to pieces like building blocks). Soon, the ship was no longer delict – worthless scrap metal that belonged in a junkyard.

The ship stood tall, beaming with pride, as if feeling useful again. Being welded into existence wasn't all for naught. Olimar smiled at his ship; he was content to see it in stellar condition. It was his pride and joy. Seeing it inoperable was heartbreaking, like tending to a wounded pet. Olimar boarded the ship, sat in the cockpit, and activated the controls.

There was final switch next to him; it would start the engines. Hesitation stunned forward momentum for a moment. Olimar believed the possibility that it may not start. It was a frightening notion. He was distrait, sinking deeper into that pessimistic viewpoint. One button dictated their fate.

But his descent into worry halted as he saw Sora's optimistic smile. It released a positive aura that brushed those negative feelings aside. Rational thought channeled out the cacophony. He had to believe this would work. But if it didn't, he wouldn't quit. He would hold onto what little speck of life remained – to leave this planet for good.

After hitting the switch, everyone waited in silence. Nothing happened. Until they heard the engines start up, letting out a big yawn, having slept for what felt like eons. Everyone, including the Pikmin, cheered. They no longer had to endure fate's litany of cessation.

Instead, they would hear the pleasant melody of the journey home. Olimar couldn't wait to fall into the safe embrace of his wife and children. To feel whole again, and put aside all the stress he had experienced on his journey. It wasn't long before the two explorers, along with Sora, started gathering the Pikmin and any miscellaneous belongings together for the long trip through an intergalactic highway of stars.

"Oh, happy day!" Louie said, displaying the gamut of excitement. "We're going home! I promise to never overindulge in food again! I'm going to eat right!"

A purple Pikmin stopped next to him, and offered one of the Pikpik carrots it was carrying. Louie frowned. The gamut was trimmed down to annoyance.

"Really!?" Louie snatched all the carrots from the Pikmin; the portly creature lowered its head in sadness. "Were you not listening to my life changing spiel?!"

"I wish there was some way we could repay you for everything," Olimar said, conversing with Sora.

"No need," Sora said. "Besides, whatever you give me will probably be the size of a thimble to me."

Olimar chuckled. "A fair assumption."

"So, where are you heading?" Sora asked. "Home?"

"First, to the Pikmin's home world," Olimar said. "We're not the only ones that pine for it."

"I can relate," Sora said, placing both hands in his pockets. "Still trying to find my way back, too."

"It can seem daunting," Olimar said, with an encouraging smile. "But you never gave up on us. Now look where we are. Just maintain that positive attitude and you will succeed."

"Absolutely," Sora said.

Olimar's expression, like bright ink, faded into a light blotch of sincerity. "Again, I can't thank you enough for everything. For giving us a chance to go home and reunite with our loved ones. Had we run out of air—"

"It's a non-existent future," Sora said. "You never have to stress over it. Ever."

Olimar felt his body sink, conciliated from relief. He would accede to Sora's mindset. Moving forward was ideal. It was the true nature of an explorer – to keep a positive outlook on what awaits within the caverns of the unknown. He hadn't felt that rush of adrenaline in forever.

"You're right," Olimar said. "I'm just grateful."

Sora made his famous grin. "At least promise me you'll check your blind spots for any comets."

"You have my word." Olimar looked over his shoulder to see the ship. "C'mon, Louie. We have a long journey ahead of us."

He watched as his companion headed towards the ship's door, hugging the Pikpik carrots like a teddy bear. The purple Pikmon followed close behind, slumped over – a dilapidated caboose.

"His heart is in the right place, I assure you," Olimar said, turning back to Sora. "It just sometimes tilts like a loose picture frame." He noticed the fixity of sadness in Sora's blue eyes. "Something troubling you?"

Many things. He had to say good-bye. And it was a permanent, one. His chances of seeing them again only existed in a dream. It just hurt even more. "I'm gonna miss you guys."

"We will, too," Olimar said, expressing sympathy. "But you shouldn't view this as a sad occasion."

"What do you mean?" Sora asked.

"On this day, you saved a bunch of lives," Olimar said. "That act of altruism will never be forgotten. Parting ways is never easy, but doing so allows us to go home. You've given us that opportunity. Whenever you think of us, you'll always be reminded of your good deed, and how it left a positive impact. Always hold onto it."

Sora felt somewhat better from Olimar's words, as if an inspiring cold cloth calmed the painful headache inside of him. He had helped so many people on this journey. Although they would become memories, the sense of pride he had from helping them would uplift him upon recollection.

"You know what?" Sora said, enthused. "I will! It's the boost I need to keep me going."

"Good to hear," Olimar said. "Your kindness will always stay with us, too. Farewell, Sora."

"Good-bye, Captain. Safe travels."

A group of Pikmon formed a straight, variegated line. Sora watched with intrigue, and amusement, as the little creatures titled their heads left, in a pattern akin to falling dominos. They then performed the same action the opposite way, along with their small squeaking noises.

Sora chuckled. "Guess that's their way of saying good-bye, huh?"

"Yes," Olimar said. "Such intelligent creatures. They won't forget you, either."

Soon, Olimar and the remaining Pikmon boarded the ship, and he started the ignition. It soon ascended into the air – the engine hissed like a zealous snake, eager for repast. Watching the little ship hover in the air reminded Sora of when he an Riku used to fly their remote-controlled airplanes around the islands. Although, in this case, the ship teemed with life – life that would continue to breath in nature's nurturing air.

And it was all because of him.

Sora ran over to the door and opened it. The ship titled onto its side, and flew over towards the entrance. Its flaming tail wiggled non-stop, like an excited puppy. Sora looked in the tiny cockpit to see everyone waving at him. He returned the gesture. As the ship exited, it ascended into the night sky, swimming upstream through the darkness.

Their journey home had begun. They couldn't wait to feel their feet on familiar soil. To be surrounded by familiar, smiling faces. And it was all thanks to the kindness of a stranger – one that would always stay within their hearts as a savor.

More importantly, a friend.

Sora took a deep breath as he watched the ship fade into the darkness. He was going to miss them. But he let Olimar's advice take refuge within his consciousness. Sora would always remind himself of that pride. For making a huge difference in people's lives.

No world barrier could ever separate him from that notion.

---

Coming from Traverse Town to Hollow Bastion was like stepping out of your nice, cozy cabin into the dark, dreary forest. Dread and sorrow were omnipresent. There was a paucity of light; just walking into the shadows made turned it into a restive, barely perceivable speck. The air was cold, sharp as manchette.

So many memories of the struggles Sora and his friends faced in this forsaken castle crept around each corner. But Sora tried to shine a progressive lantern down the halls, causing the shadows to flee. Sora had to move forward, following the progenitor of his own advice he bestowed upon Captain Olimar earlier.

Sora, his friends, and Navi (she came along to tell Zelda that Hyrule was safe), arrived in the chapel, hoping to hear an update on Ansem's whereabouts. Although defeating the former monarch was exigent, Sora felt his abdomen squeeze together from slight hesitation. Victory would slay the darkness, but retribution for its service required the worlds to become separate again.

Was it selfish to be reluctant? He believed so. Nobody wanted to lose something important to them. But Sora had to peer out from the myopic door viewer, seeing the expansive horizon – not stopping Ansem would yield worst consequences. Sora was forced to learn that obtaining peace can come with the stigma of sacrifice. It was a law of the living that wasn't safe from impunity.

The princesses did not greet the group. Instead, their focus was on Krystal; she was meditating, traversing an ineffable plane of existence. Fox stood next to her for support. He, along with the princess, were showing signs of intrigue.

"Is she sleeping while sitting?" Yoshi asked, with a slight tilt of the head. "That nothing. Me can sleep using one bed. Sometimes half a bed if me feeling bold."

Luigi gave the dinosaur a blank stare. "Are you trying to induce confusion on a regular basis?"

"Me not trying!" Yoshi said, defensive. "Honest!"

Sora took a step forward, concerned. "Krystal, are you—?"

"Hang on, Sora," Fox said, in a hushed tone. "She's concentrating."

"On what?" Luigi asked.

Their conversation was interrupted by sudden grunting noises from Krystal. Her body started to tremble, as if an uncomfortable sensation slid through it like nails. Sweat started to descend from her hair, fighting through the trenches of blue fur. She opened her eyes in an instant, letting out a loud gasp that hovered around the chapel like vultures.

Her breathing was shallow, but she focused on gaining a sense of calm. Fox kneeled over, placing a strong arm around her. She started to feel the disquieting sensation disperse into harmless vestiges. Krystal felt safe and strong in Fox's presence. His warmth reminded her that everything was okay. She was alive and at peace.

"Are you okay?" Fox asked. "What happen?"

Krystal took another deep breath, letting the foam of incoherent thoughts fizzle out into clarity. "Such unusual thought patterns. I can't even begin to comprehend what it is. S-So empty inside. Yet powerful, too."

"I retract my earlier statement about you inducing confusion," Luigi said, glancing at Yoshi.

"There always someone better," Yoshi said. "Yoshi just need to accept that."

"What's she talking about?" Sora asked, ignoring the usual badinage.

Princess Peach approached him – worry had been applied to her face like blush. "A little while ago, a strange force appeared in the bastle."

"Ansem?" Sora asked.

"To be honest, we're not sure," Dixie said.

"It's currently residing in the room where the Koopa King was slain." Jenna gestured towards the room. "In fact, a portal leading to this entity has appeared. Perhaps requesting an audience. Its motivations aren't clear."

"Doesn't feel like darkness," Samus said, stepping into a laboratory of postulation. "Or even light. The heck is this thing?"

"Maybe it beige," Yoshi said. Everyone stared at him, nettled. "What, you have something against it? It happen to be the color of sand, for your information!"

"But there is one thing we do know," Zelda said. "Its power might be even greater than darkness."

Luigi felt a hook of sudden fear latch onto his neck. "M-Maybe that's not a bad thing. We could use it to defeat the darkness!"

"Its thought patterns show malicious intent," Krystal said, with a grim expression.

Luigi's pupil's shrunk as he became aggrieved. Dread ascribed to the sudden numbness in his legs. "Why do you have to ruin a person's happy thoughts?"

"We have to assume the worse if that's what she senses," Fox said, sounding firm. "It may try to harm the princesses. I say we investigate."

"Sure thing," Sora said, stretching out his arms. A little action would divert his attention from the upcoming fight with Ansem. "Got nothing better to do, anyways."

"Y-Yes we do," Luigi said, in a panic. "Yoshi. Weren't you going to show us your half bed sleeping feat?"

"But me not sleepy," Yoshi said. Luigi expression faltered into defeat. "It okay. Me disappointed, too."

"Please, Luigi," Peach said. "Everyone will need your help."

Luigi sighed. "I know. Forgoing my defensive mechanism isn't an easy endeavor. Let's go, guys."

Navi stayed behind to inform Princess Zelda, while Sora, Luigi, Fox, and Yoshi stepped into the portal. An inconstant in existence itself was prepared to make itself known for the first time.

One that may or may not have a profound effect on Sora's journey.

---

Returning to the giant room where they defeated Bowser was surreal for Luigi. He glanced down at the ground. Empty. Not a single trace of dark remnants was noticeable. Luigi still had difficulty processing this permanent aberration – Bowser was gone for good. The Mushroom Kingdom would enter a new era of peace. But it still felt strange to Luigi. He had become acclimated to the Koopa King's presence. His frequent kidnappings had become mundane – a normal routine.

Change, whether good or bad, still needed time to settle like dust. For Luigi, the dust would be thick. Even he still felt guilty for the Koopa King – how loneliness fueled unhealthy desires. Despite how one-sided the relationship was, the monomania remained an incurable disease; it only departed due to the lack of a living host.

Luigi looked away from the construct of complex thoughts, focusing on the present. He, along with the others, had more important matters looming overhead. Everyone scanned the area for an anomaly within the vicinity. But none were obtrusive amongst the concrete. Yet they continued searching. The princesses, in their wisdom, would not lead them astray.

"Maybe whoever in here invisible," Yoshi said. He held out his hand, with the palm facing the sky. "Hellooooooo. Come on out. We friendly. Yoshi offering invisible candy. It chocolate with little peanuts. Unless you allergic."

Sora saw a look of disbelief on Luigi's face, and said, "Hey, at least he's helping with the search."

"Boy, you really do see the bright side in everything, huh?" Luigi said, raising an eyebrow. "Even crazy."

"A blessing and a curse," Sora said, without a hint of irony. "Sometimes you just gotta live with it."

A strange sensation ruffled Fox's fur, as if combing over it at a rapid, unruly pace. Fox hugged himself in response. "Whoa. Did any of you just feel that?"

Sora soon felt something tantamount to what Fox experienced; it started an expedition from the boy's lower back, pinching at his skin like an ice axe, ascending higher and higher. But this wasn't the familiar chill expelled by the Heartless. This felt lukewarm; he couldn't sense its precise location. It seemed to hover all around him.

"Same here," Sora said, a bit unnerved. "It feels like it's coming….from inside me."

Yoshi noticed something behind Sora – a gray humanoid entity that fazed in and out of reality. It was a living specter. Even existence found its presence recondite. But one thing was apparent: it was walking straight for Sora.

"Sora, behind you!" Yoshi said, in alarm.

The boy spun around, gasping in shock as this tall entity fazed right through him. Pitch darkness filled the boy's vision. A deluge of voices called out from the subconscious mind; many which sounded familiar to him:

Hold on! What's that over there?

She arrived on the night of the meteor shower!

A huge black thing swallowed me up.

So, you're from another world?

A paopu fruit...

What? There's no way you're getting this!

I'm so glad that you're okay, Kairi.

The Keyblade...

The Heartless?

I wonder if I could find Riku and Kairi...

Don't worry about it, Samus. I promise that we'll meet again."

That's the power of the Keyblade!

Now I finally know what you mean about strength of heart.

Right, my friends!

Sorry about earlier. I got carried away.

Sometimes encouragement can be the best kind of help."

I promise.

You know they'll just swallow your heart sooner or later, you idiot!"

I've finally found her.

I still can't believe it.

I know this place...

No. Not without Kairi.

I know now I don't need a Keyblade.

I don't need a weapon. My friends are my power!

Give him back his heart!

There's no way you're taking Kairi's heart!

A Keyblade that unlocks people's hearts... I wonder.

What's... What's happening to me?

Falling...falling...into darkness.

Kairi, thank you.

Now, it's time to get Riku back.

Don't worry. I will. Promise.

Sight returned to Sora. He fell over onto his backside from the overwhelming roll call of memories. It was like he reexperienced his adventures in a single second. His head felt numb. He rubbed it to regain sensation. The others hurried over to him.

"What happened?" Fox asked.

"D-Don't know," Sora said. "Can't even think straight. So many voices…."

"Voices?" Fox asked, curious.

"Uh, guys," Luigi said, as tremors of fear rattled against his throat. "We have a visitor."

Everyone turned to see the entity had become solid, finding residence within the real world. Every feature was hidden within a gray cloak. they stared away from them, in silent contemplation, unmoving.

"Who are you?" Sora asked, hurrying into his feet. "What did you do to me?"

Voices started whispering within everyone's minds – too discernable to identify a gender. But they belonged to this person. "Ah, it seems you are special, too."

"It's in my head!" Luigi said, clutching his temples; panic shouted out from the promontory of terror. It was prepared to dive head first into an anxious ocean. "It's in my head! That's it! Fighting Ansem seems like the better option right now!"

Luigi ran towards the portal, but it soon vanished before his eyes.

"Escape is impossible," the figure said. "Not even your cries for help can penetrate these apathetic walls."

"You clearly don't know who I am, then, Mr. Scary!" Luigi said, as a distressed earthquake continued traversing every muscle. "Watch me put these air sacks of mine through the ringer!"

Yoshi started sniffing the air. Sora spun around to face him. "What is it?"

"Strange," Yoshi said, appearing baffled. "He smell like Ansem. But it not him."

The stranger glanced over their shoulder, displaying movement for the first time. "That name rings familiar."

Blue spasmodic electricity started to dance around the man's black gloved hand. Soon, it birthed a sphere of energy, pulsating violently; honeycomb patterns scintillated within the sphere's innards. Unstable pressure darted around the group. It felt tight, as if squeezing against the group's bodies like a rubber band.

This was unlike any sensation Sora felt before. It was aggressive. Yet there was an eerie calm to it. Nobody had even a smattering of the power being displayed before them.

"You remind me of him," the stranger said.

"Him? Who's him?" Sora asked.

Instinct pulled the trigger on Sora's senses, as the stranger started to spin around. The boy held up the Keyblade, catching the incoming sphere. He struggled against the hissing energy; every muscle started to tremble from the incredible force. Sora gritted his teeth, entreating for even a table scrape of extra strength. His prayers were answered, and he knocked the sphere into the air, where it collided with the rafters.

An explosion occurred; stone rained down from the sky, as if the castle cried from immense agony. Sora took a moment to catch his breath. Exerting a good portion of his strength was a presage for trouble; this person would be difficult. Maybe even on the same level as Sephiroth.

Sora was fortunate enough to catch the blast in time; any later and he may have been dressed in a suit of black, lethal burns. Although no one could see the person's face, they stared straight at Sora, inspecting every hair on his body.

"It means you are not whole," the person said.

The others (even Luigi) regrouped with Sora, knowing this person seemed interested in him. They would not let their friend ascend the impossible alone. Despite being terrified, Luigi was forever imbibed with the vow of 'all for one.' He would continue to redress for abandoning Sora earlier. History would never be cogent again.

"You are incomplete," the stranger said. "Allow me to test your power."

"A scuffle is the one thing I understand from all your nonsense," Sora said, gripping the hilt of the Keyblade with both hands. Nerves fluttered throughout his chest like moths. He knew this was going to be a challenge. But that's what he enjoyed most about a fight. It kept him excited. Allowed him to ignore the anxiety. "Bring it!"

Complying, the stranger vanished, reappearing right behind Sora. They raised an arm, summoning a red blade of pure energy. Sora had just enough time to spin around and catch the strike. Electricity dispersed from both blades, crackling from the sheer thrill of battle. The blade emitted heat, tapping its dangerous fingers against Sora's face – a warning for getting too close.

Sweat started dripping down the boy's forehead. Both from the temperature and distress. Passing this person's test was contingent on him staying alive. Luigi swung his hammer upward, forcing both blades to rise and release their grip; he then tried swinging straight into the stranger's chest. The hammer's head made contact with nothing but the air; their opponent vanished, rematerializing a short distance away from them.

Fox fired quick rounds from his laser gun. To everyone's shock, the stranger dodged each one, moving their body as if being tugged back and forth by strings. Every motion seemed unnatural; they were a being trying to imitate an actual person. But the laws of their existence forbade that transition.

The stranger launched a giant sphere of pure energy at Fox. Using his hexagonal shield, Fox deflected the sphere, sending it straight back towards the stranger; they vanished before the sphere made contact, and reappeared right in the air. The stranger flew downward, straight for Sora, with their energy blade pointed right at him. Sora brought the Keyblade up to his face at a horizontal angle; his hands were gripped to both ends.

Upon having the attack deflected, the stranger pushed themselves back, and landed a short distance away from Sora. Fox tried thrusting at the stranger from the side with his staff, but they swung their energy blade upward, deflecting the strike. They spun around, swung their blade in low, and deflected a strike from Luigi.

Fox twirled his staff around, swinging it inward. But the stranger jerked their elbow straight back, positioning the energy blade right nearby their shoulder, at a horizontal angle (the tip faced the ceiling), blocking the strike. The stranger darted towards Luigi, bringing the energy blade straight down on him. Time conciliated Luigi's luck, as he raised his hammer at a horizontal angle to catch the blade.

Sora leaped into air, performing an over the shoulder strike. The stranger vanished, reappearing a fair distance away from them. They clasped their hands together, forming a small ball of energy. As they raised both hands into the air, the ball expanded to the size of a boulder. They tossed the ball right at the three. Fox used his dash move to get him, Luigi, and Sora away from the blast.

While the three took a moment to reciprocate, Yoshi curled into an egg and rolled straight for the stranger. They extended a hand, unleashing a stream of electricity. This variant paralyzed the dinosaur, forcing him out of his egg. The stranger lifted Yoshi straight into the air. No matter what he did, Yoshi couldn't free himself. Every muscle had been wrapped in tranquilizing vines.

There was no escape.

The stranger summoned an energy blade, and pointed it straight at their opponent. They were going to induct him into far worse suffering; to start anew. But Sora tossed the Keyblade straight into energy blade, causing it to disperse. The stranger glanced at Sora, still stoic, seeing his act as a minor incommode. Yoshi was flung straight towards Sora, who dove onto his stomach to avoid collision.

"Yoshi!" Sora said, as he stood up, hurrying to the dinosaur's aid.

The stranger saw Fox running straight for them. They pointed their right hand right at him; every finger was locked onto Fox like the barrel of a bullet. Each finger fired pellets of red energy in rapid succession. Fox spun his staff to deflect the shots; he used his dash move to step right, then lunged forward. Fox thrusted his staff, but the stranger curved their blade downward to push the tip towards the ground.

They went on the offense by thrusting their blade forward; Fox, grasping both edges of his staff, raised it at diagonal angle, blocking the strike. He countered by bringing his staff straight down on the stranger. But the tip of his staff slid across an incoming energy blade, which was held at a diagonal angle. Small red sparks bled out, as if having been injured

As the stranger brought their blade down in retaliation, Fox stepped to the left, and swung inward towards their face. The stranger ducked under the attack, then swung back with an upward strike. Fox raised the dull end of his staff to deflect the blade; he leaped into the air, delivering another downward strike. The tip of the staff soon collided with the ground, producing a loud clang. Once again, the stranger had vanished.

They didn't go far.

Fox's ears twitched from an immense feeling of danger. Looking up, he saw the stranger launching an energy sphere at him. Fox dashed backwards, charged his fire attack, and launched himself at the stranger like a scorching missile. Unfortunately, its target did not land; the stranger vanished again, reappeared behind Fox, and kicked him in the back. He landed straight on the ground.

Looking over their shoulder, the stranger saw Luigi unleash a Thunder spell; they flew to the left, and threw an energy sphere at him in retaliation. Luigi swung his hammer straight into the sphere. Although there was a struggle to send it back at his opponent. The energy sphere belied its actual density. Luigi felt his arms trembled from exertion. But he was successful in knocking it back towards the stranger.

Remaining indifferent towards Luigi's feat, the stranger sliced the sphere straight down the middle, which birthed two smaller scions. The stranger outstretched their arms, commanding both spheres to cease movement. They tossed both spheres back at Luigi, only a couple seconds apart. All Luigi could do was deflect the first one, and then jump in the air to avoid the second. The stranger reappeared on the ground, finding themselves in a favorable position. They thrusted their hand forward, unleashing the same blast that paralyzed Yoshi. Luigi found himself unable veer away from fate's intersection; paralysis was eminent over basic movement.

The stranger slammed Luigi straight down onto the ground. Before they could continue their assault, Sora intervened, delivering a downward, over the shoulder strike. But the stranger was too quick, as they raised their blade at a horizontal angle to block. Sora thrusted upward towards the stranger's face, but they swung outward, deflecting the Keyblade.

The stranger delivered a downward strike, and Sora rotated around, not only dodging the energy blade, but countering with a horizontal swing from the Keyblade. But the conclusion to Sora's maneuver was unfulfilling, as he swatted at air again. The stranger appeared to the side of Sora, and fired a barrage of red laser beams at him. Yoshi leaped in to catch everyone one of them with his shield.

The stranger heard running feet coming from behind them. Fox was prepared to attack with an inward swing. But the stranger placed one hand over the shoulder, summoned the energy blade, and caught the attack. Sora entered the stranger's line of sight, intent on delivering a downward, diagonal slash. To the boy's surprise, the stranger summoned another energy blade, forbidding the Keyblade's inevitable collision.

"Guess you've been holding out on us," Sora said, pushing against the stranger's weight. They remained immovable, like a boulder. "I feel insulted."

The stranger pushed Sora away, vanished, reappeared behind the boy, and elbowed him in the back. Sora's body was cajoled by gravity onto the floor; pain drummed against his chest like a woodpecker's beak. But his will to fight was insurmountable. It ignored the wild disruptions in his body. Sora spun on his back, and swung the Keyblade up to deflect a strike.

Before the stranger could prepare the opposite blade, they saw Luigi running at them from the side. The stranger swung the opposite blade upward, knocking away the incoming hammer strike. They spun around, thrusting towards Luigi with the other blade. Luigi was quick to reposition his hammer, catching the blade with the head. As the stranger tried thrusting with the opposite blade, Luigi swung the head and intercepted its course.

Yoshi appeared from the side, and tossed an egg towards the stranger's head. Once again, as if being pulled by an invisible string, the stranger slid backwards somewhat. Luigi leaped forward, holding the hammer with both hands, ready to strike the stranger's chest. They crossed both blades in front of them, catching the attack. With incredible strenght, they shoved Luigi away from them.

The stranger swung both blades towards Yoshi, who was forced to raise his shield; akin to Luigi, the impact was strong enough to make him slide backwards. The soles of his rumbled from the intense friction. Fox hurried over, swinging his staff inward. The stranger did the same, deflecting the tip.

They then tried a downward strike, but Fox repositioned his hands, and raised the dull side to parry. Fox thrusted straight ahead; the stranger leaned their body back, and knocked the staff towards the ground. Using the other blade, they knocked Fox's staff into the air. Although unarmed, Fox wasn't deterred. Flailing an object around was not what ascribed to his skills.

He would not let this hooded anomaly harm Krystal. Fox was forced endure so much sufferance to find her again – to gaze upon those turquoise eyes that radiated within a dejected fog. He wouldn't return to that scenic view of emptiness. The stranger swung both blades in from each side. There was no time to dodge them. Fox concealed himself within his blue shield, catching both blades.

But it wouldn't hold forever. Already, the blades were cutting into them like a welding torch. Fox could feel the heat from the blades increase. Sweat made from a concoction of warmth and nerves emerged on his fuzzy brow. Meanwhile, Sora scrambled to his feet, and prepared the spiral attack. The tip of the Keyblade was engulfed within the large sphere of phosphorescence.

Seeing a sudden glow reflect off the wall as if it were golden wallpaper, the stranger spun around to see Sora launching the attack. Fox took this moment to escape; to avoid becoming a casualty in the blast's path. Unfazed, the stranger summoned a blue, square shaped barrier of energy, decorated with checkered patterns.

Every one of Sora's blasts dispersed upon colliding with the barrier. Everyone was taken aback. For the first time in a long while, Sora's fortitude started to fain before fear's ignoble desires. He had never faced an opponent of such high caliber. But, most of all, their appearance was intimidating. Not even a flicker of humanity waved out from their cloak. Only the mind could postulate on their true form.

And, the further we stare into the unknown, the harder it blinds us with fear. Sora's heart pounded against his chest, trying to keep him errant from courage. But he had to ignore those sensations. Sora knew there was a weakness. Living or not, for every positive, there was a negative – there was an anathema for everything.

The stranger disappeared, reappearing in front the boy. Keeping his courage sheathed, Sora swung downward. But the stranger flew to the left, then all the way around Sora, trapping him in a circle of red energy pellets.

"Wind!" Sora said; he then braced himself as the pellets collided with his Aero spell.

Sora transferred the whisps of wind straight into the Keyblade, and thrusted them straight at the stranger. The boy watched in horror as the stranger dodged each one at inhuman speeds.

Inhuman, Sora thought. That was the perfect definition for this person. They defied logic. More so than any other foe Sora's faced. This person was weaved together from the elongated hands of a nightmare.

The stranger flew at the boy, swinging inward. Sora clashed with the energy blade, and they both stepped passed each other. The boy spun around to bring the Keyblade up at a diagonal angle; he blocked a downward strike. Sora retaliated with an over the shoulder attack, but the stranger knocked him back with a thrust. Then, the stranger swung at Sora's head, who ducked and spun backwards, dodging the strike. As Sora faced his opponent again, the stranger punched him straight in the face. He stumbled back a few feet, but was quick to regain balance. But the stranger was too fast; the next attack was unavoidable.

However, they came to a stop when the Gravity spell fell onto of them. The spell was courtesy of Luigi. Sora exhaled in relief from the save. Although Gravity didn't flatten the stranger, they were paralyzed within its magical web. They were forced to wait for fate's eight legs to start its ascent up the silky form.

Sora felt uplifted; they found a weakness. His discouragement found itself trapped within the web, never to bother him again. He used his dash attack to slash through the stranger a few times. Putting every ounce of strength into his arms, Sora delivered the final strike, knocking the stranger straight into a wall. The others cheered, elated to have the advantage after trekking through a one-sided battle.

But, to Sora's dismay, the stranger seemed unaffected by his attacks. There wasn't a hint of a grunt or groan – nothing to indicate damager. Did they have an immunity towards pain? Or were the group's attacks weak? Either way, he couldn't let discouragement break from that web. Sora had to believe they were leaving an impact.

It was the only comfort he had.

Sora tossed the Keyblade at the stranger, and they slid upward, avoiding the strike. Fox fired lasers at them from his gun. Once again obstinate towards the rule of gravity, they started running on the wall, retaliating with pellets. Fox ran around the arena to dodge the blasts, but continued firing lasers. None of which hit their target.

Luigi prepared his charging attack and leaped straight for the wall. But the stranger stopped mid-run, permitting Luigi to ram his fist into the stone, filling its fair skin with cracks.

"Aw, biscuits!" Luigi said, annoyed.

The stranger than kicked him into to the ground. Yoshi curled into an egg, and Sora kicked him straight towards the stranger; they raised both energy blades above their head to catch the egg. There was a momentary struggle. But the stranger pushed Yoshi back, sending him crashing into the floor, too.

Sora tried Gravity again, but the stranger kicked off the wall, gainsay towards the tactic again. After landing, he fired two giant spheres at Sora and Yoshi. The two rolled away, avoiding the blasts. Sora summoned Takamaru to help increase their odds (if they had any at all).

The samurai rested one hand on his sheath; the other on his sword. "Peculiar foe you face. No matter. A warrior that cloaks their identity will never be a recollection in my eyes."

Takamaru ran straight for the stranger, unsheathed his sword, and deliver a quick, fierce slash. Only to pass right through them.

"What trickery is this!?" Takamura asked in shock.

The stranger spun around, trapping the samurai within their electric stream of electricity. Sora watched in shock as Takamaru was erased from reality, returning to his slumber within an enigmatic realm. His lifeforce was drained in an instant. Sora decided not to let the other summons experience a similar fate. Or, worse: vanish from any plains of existence.

To be remembered as a worthless sacrifice.

The stranger summoned a ring of blue lasers, and launched them at the group. Everyone did their best to either deflect or dodge them. But this was all a distraction, as the stranger leaped into the air, cocooning themselves within another sphere of energy. Lasers emerged from the sphere, pursuing the four. Once again, they did their best to dodge each laser.

After the blast died down, the stranger slammed both fists into the ground, creating a thin wave of energy. It moved straight towards Sora. His only option was to leap right. But the stranger reappeared in front of the boy, delivering an upward slash with both blades. Sora deflected it, but the impact was strong enough to make him stagger backwards.

He spun around, regaining his footing, and held the Keyblade straight up at a vertical angle (the tip faced the sky) to catch the middle part of the 'X' that formed both energy blades. The stranger reappeared behind Sora, kicking the boy forward, and then grabbed him by the shirt collar.

They held Sora up to their concealed face. His opponent was a lot taller and imposing than he realized. Sora was forced to stare into the abyss that covered their hood. Nothingness. Not even a glimpse of their facial features. An unpleasant sensation alighted on Sora's shoulders. The weight pressed against them, and descended into his chest.

Absolute fear.

No other opponent had elicited such a strong reaction. It was like staring into realm where nothing existed. Your senses were relinquished. You remained stagnant forever. It was worse than when Sora found himself trapped in the darkness. There was no explanation for what he witnessed.

"Incomplete," the stranger said. "Tacit from this empirical bout."

The stranger tossed Sora towards into a nearby wall, and fell onto the floor. Sora was exhausted. His body was eclipsed by the shadows of fatigue. He heard his breathing scatter throughout the vicinity, growing louder and harder. Still, he couldn't ignore obstinate' s supplicates. Sora struggled to his feet, but he succeeded. Sweat trickled down his forehead like warm dew. Shallow breath was pumped in and out of his lungs.

"I don't care what you think I am," Sora said, as he let out strident gasps. "There's only one name I go by: Sora. And that's who you're gonna remember me as."

"Let's see if your words have weight." The stranger prepared another energy sphere, and launched it at the boy.

Sora caught the sphere, pushing against it with all his might. His feet started to slip, but he continued fighting. The sphere wouldn't budge, no matter how hard he tried. He was cornered – the outcome had been decided. Sora's body ached from the struggle. He couldn't hold on for much longer. The only thing more frightening than the stranger was losing – forced to forgo his chances at being with Riku and Kairi again.

Despondency stood imperious before Sora, making his spirits shrink like a desiccated violet. Each pedal started to break off, being separated from their brethren, making the sorrow worse. Sora squeezed his eyes shut, giving one final attempt. Still nothing. He kept his eyes closed. Witnessing the end wasn't the last image he wanted to see.

No, it would be of the halcyon days he spent on his island, watching the sunset with Riku and Kairi – an eternity he would welcome.

But the image become distorted when he felt a hand on the back of his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he looked to see Yoshi standing with him. Another hand pressed itself onto the opposite shoulder. He looked to see Luigi had joined the last stand. The two combined their weapons together with the Keyblade.

"And you gonna remember my name, too!" Yoshi said. "It Yoshi!"

"You tell him, buddy!" Luigi said, shouting in an encouraging tone. "And my name is Aloysius!" He noticed his friends glaring at him. "Fine. Fine. Luigi."

Sora felt tears stream down his face. He could've never asked for better friends. They were the fuel that powered his indefatigable confidence. Nothing seemed impossible when they fought together. He never had to feel alone. Although their time together was reaching an impending end, he was happy to be with them right now. To feel unstoppable.

Their motto would keep them trussed together forever. No matter far apart they were from each other.

Using all their strength, they sent the sphere straight back at the stranger. For the first time, the stranger reeled back, startled by this sudden development. The blast hit them, causing a miniature explosion.

"Bullseye!" Fox said, pumping his fist in the air.

Sora and his friend leaned over from hefting a large sack of exhaustion. This battle was by far their toughest yet. But it was something they were able to overcome, as usual. Their teamwork was immaculate, polished; not even an imperfect smear was noticeable. Although, right now, the potential for being tarnished still existed.

As the smoke cleared, the group saw the stranger staggering backwards; they were clutching onto a piece of energy lodged into their chest. Sora and his friends weren't the only ones spiraling down an eddy of fatigue. This was their chance for a big comeback.

But the prospect would be denied.

The stranger removed the energy from their body, tossing it into the air, where it disintegrated. Sora's jaw dropped in astonishment. There was no limit to the stranger's power. If that was the case, then this battle had been nothing more than a farce – a test, just as this stranger claimed to be conducting. Luigi's trembled, as his body gave an injunction of abject terror.

"Impressive," the stranger said. "You still have fight left in you."

"Hate to break it you," Luigi said, as his voice cracked from fear, "but the rest of that strength has been generously donated towards a hasty retreat."

Fox gripped his staff, refusing to relent. The stakes still dangled over feeble rope; if they didn't act, it would snap in half. "We can't let this person win. Who knows what he'll do to the princesses? I can't afford to…lose Krystal again."

Fox ran straight the stranger, and thrusted his staff at them. They leaned to the side, avoided the attack, spun around, and struck him in the back with an energy blade; Fox fell onto the floor, screaming from the intense pain that exploded. He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the sensations. But its domineering presence was too salient to ignore.

"You'll regret that!" Sora said, as anger awakened from its time of languor.

"This will be enjoyable," the stranger said.

Sora leaped into the air, preparing to bring the Keyblade straight down on the stranger. Through mysterious means, the stranger managed to suffocate time's steady breath for a moment. They moved to the side, allowing Sora to pass right by them.

"I…couldn't even follow his movements," Luigi said; his body had grown cold with from accusing so much distress."Are we even dealing with a human being?"

"A fascinating query," the stranger said. "But it is beyond your comprehension. For now."

"Do all mysterious people have to speak in vague sentences?" Sora asked, both annoyed and tired. "You're gonna tell us what you're doing here!"

"Such fire," the stranger said. "The Keyblade chose well. But continuing would be a fruitless endeavor."

"Think again!" Sora said. "The princesses told us you were bad news. And hurting my friend isn't helping your case!"

Sora tried to attack again, but the stranger paralyzed him within the stream of electricity. They tossed Sora straight onto the ground. His state of consciousness was on its last, defiant drop. Sora refused to let it spill. He stood back up, relying on the Keyblade as a crutch. His vision started to become blurry as exhaustion overmastered stamina.

"You have been misinformed," the stranger said. "There is another side to the story. One day you'll understand. Until we meet again."

"Wait, w-what are you?" Sora asked, letting that last drop fall onto the floor, dispersing into imperceptible particles.

"I am…."

Sora collapsed onto the ground, passing through the insensible threshold, where rational thought slumbered.

And that haunting voice accompanied him into that safe realm. "…but a mere shell."

---

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