Chapter 78: The Final Journey
An aberration derailed Sora's train of torpor. It was from a sudden paroxysm of panic. He sprung from the unconscious chasm, finding himself within one of castle's many derelict rooms. Sora's eyes darted around the vicinity; his breathing was heavy and ague with alarm. Luigi and Yoshi, who had been sitting in nearby chairs, stood up in a hurry from the boy's intense dismay.
"What's going on?" Sora said, distressed. "Where's that guy!?" He remembered something. "Fox, is he okay!?"
Luigi and Yoshi ran over to the bed, sat on each side of their friend, and wrapped an arm around him, helping him become errant from the anxious path.
"Easy does it," Luigi said, in a calm, controlled tone. "Everything's okay now."
Their comfort and warmth engendered a sense of serenity. Sora's breathing was soon in perfect sync with his friends', like gentle, immutable waves – the same soothing waves he'd listen to while lying on the beach back home. The heaviness in his chest was grained into light sand. Soon, quietude's cogent murmurs revibrated throughout the room.
Sora had never experienced such permissive fear before. The mysterious cloaked stranger was an anomaly that existed in your nightmares. Not a regular monster or anything that lunged at you with scary faces. No. This person followed you down every corner – your own amorphous shadow – and let you espouse to paranoia.
Then, when the time comes, life would end in a second as you're absorbed into their dark form. Sunlight was effaced from memory.
"Feel better?" Luigi asked.
"A-A little," Sora said, with a hint of hesitation "Sorry. That guy was…intense."
Luigi let out an awkward chuckle. "That's one way of putting it. Heck, you know this guy is trouble when YOU out nervous me."
Sora responded with a small smirk, ameliorated because of the joke.
"And Fox is fine," Luigi said, in an assuring tone. "Healed him up after the battle. He's resting with the princesses now."
Sora felt his lungs shrink as he exhaled from relief. He laid down on the bed, strewing all the stress throughout the mattress, where they dug into its soft form like worms. Sora took a moment to further rest his senses. His mind was littered with questions; sweeping them away would not reveal any answers.
"What was that guy's deal?" Sora asked.
"Who knows," Luigi said. He hugged himself, trying to erode the anxious tension in his shoulders. "But, as long as he's no longer in breathing distance, that's one less nightlight to install at home."
"Least he gone," Yoshi said. "Princesses no longer detect him in castle."
Sora sat up, stretching from the aches and pains that stepped on his muscles with track spikes. "Still, I wonder what he meant about me being 'incomplete'"
"Maybe you missing teeth," Yoshi said. "All those fights with Riku bound to make one hightail it out of your gums."
Sora gave Yoshi a playful rub of the head. "I happen to take good care of my choppers, thank you very much! He probably didn't mean it literally!" He paused, reflective. "Or, did he?"
"It doesn't matter," Luigi said. "Our focus is on Ansem right now. Aside from his cryptic nonsense, there doesn't seem to be any indication that this person is in alliance with him."
Yoshi wanted to agree with Luigi, but a certain thought remonstrated the notion. Why did this mysterious person smell similar to Ansem? His nose was always accurate; it was tacit that they had a connection. But he had no way to adduce the how or the why – the answer was a riddle, just like the hooded person's dark appearance.
But the stranger wasn't exigent right now. Not when Ansem's motivations were far more tacit and dangerous. But the stranger would remain an addendum in the textbook of their mission – something that would be focused on at a later time.
"Then we should go see the princesses," Sora said, as exhaustion was debased from sudden esprit. "Surely they've located him by now."
"Mama-mia! Were you not installed with an off button or something?" Luigi asked, in shock. "You should take it easy for a bit." His expression became stern. "Besides, there's something we need to discuss first."
Sora's sudden energy suffered from a restive ailment, inferring as to what Luigi was about to say. Right now, Sora wished he did have an off button; it would prevent him from telling them the painful truth and be forced to endure their actions. Sora squeezed a hand against the blankets as nervous tension accrued within his shoulders. It became an overgrowth that was incapable of being weeded.
"We gave you enough time," Luigi said, his gaze steady and firm. "You can't keep this bottled up forever. It's eating away at you. And worrying us, too. Please tell us why you're being so secretive."
Yoshi whimpered, plaintive. "Me feel so stressed not knowing."
"Aw, I didn't mean to make you feel that way," Sora said, as guilt uttered imprecations within his ear. "Would never try to give you guys grief. But, saying the words is so hard for me. Thinking about it hurts enough."
"Keeping it from us isn't helping matters," Luigi said.
"Yeah. I know," Sora said, dejected. He took a deep breath. This moment was inexorable. All he could do was push against the tide. "Leon told me that…when we defeat Ansem…we're all going back to our own worlds. My island, your kingdom – everything will be as it was before the Heartless attacked." An intonation of sadness tottered within his throat, like a loose pendulum. "We didn't know about other worlds because a barrier kept us from going anywhere. The Heartless broke it down. Once Ansem is beaten, those barriers will return."
Sora hesitated on letting the next sentence break free; it would deliver an unruly swarm of mental agony upon his friends. But he didn't have a choice.
"We can…never….see each other again," Sora said; his voice started to crack.
The room went silent. To Sora, not a sound dared intervened. But constant static noise of jumbled thoughts hissed over Luigi and Yoshi's heads. It took a moment for them to process every single, painful world from the litany. And each one hurt worse than the last. They couldn't believe this to be true. Sora had become an important part of their lives – the three of them had endured so much hardship together. And every time, they surmounted the challenge, relegating it to nothing more than a incommode.
The trio had become so close, like a family. But, now, circumstance beyond their control was going to issue an injunction, keeping them from seeing each other. Luigi felt his body become numb, as if the intense pressure from this revelation cut off circulation. Yoshi was taciturn, frozen in a blinding sheet of disbelief. The dinosaur wanted to believe he was mishearing things – that the ramification of exhaustion from their previous battle had warped his comprehension.
But he was just cozening himself. Lucidity was eminent. Yoshi saw Sora's countenance grow heavier from sadness. There was nothing to interpret.
"A-Are you sure?" Luigi asked, his throat tightening from a wire of emotion. "We can't even use the Labo ship?"
Sora's blue eyes veered away from them; he couldn't bare seeing their dispirited expressions. He just responded in silence with a nod. Luigi felt like air was vacuumed out of his lungs. First, he was in shock; then, the realization lodged itself into his chest. Tears started forming in his eyes. Wordless, he walked over to the corner of the room, placing a glove hand across his whole face.
Muffled sounds of crying broke through the crevasses, causing dour air to circulate throughout the room. It was contagious, as Sora's ears ingested the sour notes. The moment he dreaded was here. No amount of preparation could cushion the immense sorrow Sora would experience from their reactions.
Despite their disagreements, Luigi considered Sora a true friend – his ability to see the positive side of things was inspiring. The only other person to endue him with encouragement was Mario. But Sora had his own differences – his indefatigable personality replete Luigi with vitality. He knew how to make everything fun and exciting. It kept Luigi engaged, debarring the reminder that life can be rough.
To Luigi, it was like having a little brother of his own. Sora was someone he looked out for, but the boy kept him focused, too. Now, he was forced to forgo his newfound family member. Again, he was reminded that life could be rough. There was no recourse for hope; it had been eclipsed by an inexpressive, merciless moon.
But Yoshi was still wandering through an incredulous bog. Although a bright lantern offered him a way to the truth, he refused its assistance. This couldn't be the end of his time with Sora. The boy meant so much to him. He felt like Sora related to him on a deep, emotional level. Especially compared to others. Most of them were adults, and couldn't understand his adolescent mentality. But Sora saw both the world through the mind of a child and adult. He could convey those feelings to Yoshi without hesitation.
No one else could relate with him. Yoshi didn't want to believe that it was true – to lose that only person that understood you.
"And…that's it?" Yoshi asked, as his voice started to rise from anger. "Sora just…going to give up? No! You can't! There has to be a way around it!"
Sora sighed. He had a hunch that Yoshi would let denial gainsay to acceptance. "Yoshi, there's a lot going on...
"Why should it be complicated?" Yoshi asked; his voice was stumbling from an outbreak of emotions. "Has that ever-stopped Sora before!? You not give up! Not on our friendship! Sora promised we be best friends forever!"
"I know, but…"
Hearing the sound of surrender in Sora's voiced pushed Yoshi to the edge. It was an insult to the ideals they shared. An insult to their friendship. Tears began their downward decent from the dinosaur's innocent eyes. "You lied! How can we be friends when we far away!? Sora a liar!"
"Yoshi, I…"
But Yoshi ran way, refusing to let another excuse sting his ears. After going through the door, he slammed it shut, leaving Sora and Luigi behind to wallow in misery. Hearing that door slam was like a punch to the face. Despite just delivering the bad news, Yoshi's outburst made Sora believe it was his fault.
Maybe there was some truth to his claim.
Nothing seemed impossible before. But, in this moment, Sora felt helpless – that his action could not make a difference. Sora took a moment to step back and ruminate over everything. No. Blaming himself was a wasteful endeavor. Some things in life just couldn't be implacable. Throughout his journey, he was forced to become obeisant with that philosophy. Sora had to grow up, in some aspects, accept truths, and fly out of his halcyon nest.
So he tried to not let the dross of guilt affect him. Although he still lingered underneath a crestfallen awning, unable to feel the rays of gaiety. Seeing Yoshi in such a devastating state left a laceration on his heart, which throbbed in pain. Saying the words didn't make things better for him; it just dampened the bleak mood.
It wasn't long before Luigi sat next to Sora on the bed, placing a comforting arm around him. Feeling a sense of warm compassion did reduce the emotional swelling. Although the moment would only be ephemeral. Regardless, this bond reminded him that, even though their time together was coming to a surcease, they would face the dilemma together; with the same comradery that kept them trussed together since the beginning.
Their time to lament soon reached its conclusion, as Luigi pulled his arm away, saying, "So, that's it then."
"Yeah." Sora said, staring at the door, glum. "I'm sorry."
"You did nothing wrong," Luigi said. "Please don't think that. None of us were expecting this. All we're trying to do is make things right. But the rules of the universe don't have a bias; they just allow us to breathe." Luigi stood up, crossed his arms, and sighed. His eyes were rheumy. "I should be happy right now. We're all going home. My brother will be there waiting for me. And then the princess will throw a huge party. It'll be the best one ever, I know it!
Luigi faced Sora, heartbroken. "But the celebration feels incomplete. It wasn't earned without you. You've become a part of our lives. I couldn't imagine a time where you weren't there. And I couldn't now."
"I…don't know what else to say," Sora said, as his voice grew soft. "Can't even bring myself to say…good-bye."
Luigi's stomach churned. He agreed; the notion was disgusting – a boarder that forever separated you from a loved one. Their presence was incipient, nothing more than a memory. The world felt a little colder. But Luigi didn't want this to be their last moment together; to be reminded that their friendship had ended on such miserable terms. That would devalue the pristine vase of positive memories they kept on a pedestal.
"We don't have to right now," Luigi said, after mulling over the dilemma.
Sora looked at him, startled. "Huh?"
"Our journey isn't over yet," Luigi said. "We still have to stop Ansem. Let's make the most of what time we have left, and cherish every moment together. Might keep our spirits up for a little awhile."
Luigi was right. They had to keep their morale elevated. Especially when they confronted Ansem; his malodorous darkness grew stronger. Nothing would stop its arrogation of reality. Sora took a deep breath, calming his senses. Making the most of things would taper the sadness. Not entirely, but he didn't want to languish in pessimism; it belied with his upbeat attitude.
"I'll give it a shot," Sora said, lifting his head out from the shallow lake of despondence.
"I know you can." Luigi smirked. "C'mon, this is coming from Mr. Pessimistic here. I know you can do better than me."
Sora chuckled, and hopped off the bed. "Okay. Thanks. We better find Yoshi."
Much to duo's disappointment, Yoshi was nowhere to be seen in chapel. They caught Fox and the princesses up on everything that transpired.
"Oh, dear!" Peach said, in worry. "He must've run off in another direction! We never saw him come by here. And he could be anywhere!"
"Krystal, think you can find him?" Fox asked.
"After searching through that hooded weirdo's inner thoughts," Krystal said, "this'll be cake."
She concentrated on the environ, traversing the vast space of empty air for even an infinitesimal trace of brainwaves. So far, every intersection was bereft of life. But it wasn't long before she crossed paths with someone. Krystal's focused demeanor faltered from a sudden palpitation of sorrow in her chest.
"What's wrong?" Fox asked.
"I found him," Krystal said, as sympathy glided downward like flakes of solemn snow. "Poor thing. He's so heartbroken right now."
Luigi noticed Sora's expression retrograding into guilt again, as if to find solace in his reclusive shell. But he wouldn't let Sora continue blaming himself for something unavoidable. Luigi placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, offering reassuring succor. Sora exhaled, pushing the negative air out of his mouth. It wasn't your fault, Sora reminded himself. Blame fate's inability to remain inexpressive towards one's pleas for mercy.
"Oh, Yoshi," Peach said, clasping both hands against her chest, forced to share the gamut of sadness.
"Do you know where he is?" Sora asked.
"Follow me." Krystal led Sora, Luigi, and Fox down a few of the deary hallways. Their footsteps carried on an incoherent conversation that revibrated off the walls.
Sora ignored the noise, trying to delineate his next choice of words for Yoshi. Would the dinosaur listen to reason, or would the conflation of emotions prevent him from accepting reality's harsh avow? Worst of all: could he forgive Sora? The idea of resentment worried Sora more than anything else on this journey. Fighting monsters thrice his side? Not an issue. But feeling contempt from a close friend was disheartening.
It would be tantamount to how he felt with Riku.
Soon enough, as they turned a corner, they heard soft whimpering intrude on the mindless chatter of footsteps. Yoshi had curled into a ball; his back was pressed against the cold, diffident surface of a wall. Tears streamed down his face. The dinosaur's lips had curved into a frown, as he was being dragged back and forth between two different emotions.
Sora worked up the courage to walk over to him, while the rest would stay behind for support. As he leaned over, Sora felt his heart pound in his chest from nerves. He couldn't predict the outcome of this conversation. But this was something he had to do. He was the only one who could reach out to his friend.
"Yoshi…" Sora said, extending a hand towards the dinosaur
But Yoshi sensed the hand's presence, and pushed it away with his own; the well of emotions was overfilled with anger.
Sora took a deep breath, trying to remain composed as agitation blustered in his stomach. "I know you're hurt. All of us are. But there's nothing we can do."
"B-But you promised," Yoshi said, with shaken breath. "And Sora never breaks promises. Yoshi never going to see him again."
"But I never did break it," Sora said, forming a soft smile "We're still best friends."
Yoshi shut his eyes, feeling worse, as if Sora's words were a lie – false reassurance. "You no mean that. Best friends never leave each other."
"Well, why do we have to stop being friends when we're far away?" Sora asked. "If I weren't your friend, I'd forget about you. Trust best pals always keep other in their thoughts. I'll never, ever forget you."
Yoshi spun around to face Sora. His innocent, oval shaped eyes were drowned in tears. He could no longer keep denial sojourn with his soul. "But Yoshi don't want to think about Sora. Me…me want…." He broke down into a huge sob, lunging right in Sora's chest. "Me want Sora right here!"
Yoshi had come to accept the truth. It was painful. More painful than being struck by the sharp, elongated nails of a Heartless. Or feeling his back tremble from the great weight of those he carried. Sora meant the world to him – the big brother he always wanted. Someone who kept him smiling when the sun found itself immured behind dark, depressing clouds.
He helped Yoshi find confidence within himself – to never quit when the puzzle seemed unsolvable. There was always answer. You just had to remove the nearsighted lens surrounding your eyes. Yoshi cried non-stop in Sora's chest. The boy felt his shirt drenched in tears. But he didn't mind. He never wanted to let go, either. To savoir their last moments together in peace.
The others looked on in sympathy. Luigi tried not to cry again. He didn't want to insert himself into this moment. The dinosaur could feel himself start to calm down from the warmth of Sora's chest. Sora rubbed his back, loosening the emotional knots that formed in there.
"Shhhh," Sora said, in a soft tone. "I know, buddy. I want you here, too. But there are some choices we can't make. It's frustrating."
Between each choke of breath, Yoshi said, "Me going to lose Sora forever."
"Now who said?" Sora said, feigning anger. "Tell me! I have a giant key sword waiting to knock some sense into them." He heard a small chuckle from Yoshi. Sora's expression softened. "We may not physically be together, but our memories can make them feel real."
Yoshi pulled away from Sora, staring straight into his friend's eyes. That usual confidence gleamed throughout the boy's irises, brightening the room somewhat. The dinosaur's body started to relax. Regardless of what happened next, Sora would mend the tear in the fabric of sadness. In this case, it would be incomplete, but the despair would remain feeble.
"What Sora mean?"
Sora smiled. "Think about all of our fun adventures together. We'll never forget them. Not just visually – the sights, the sounds, the feelings. They'll never go away. If you think about me, I'll be there. Spiky hair and all. Use your imagination – think of other adventures we can go on. I'll always be in your memories. They'll feel real to you."
"Will Sora do the same?" Yoshi asked, wiping away his tears.
"Do you even need to ask?" Sora asked, grinning.
Yoshi giggled. "Guess that silly question."
"Best friends forever?" Sora asked, sticking out his pinky finger.
Yoshi's lips flipped back into their usual, bright smile. Sora was right. He would always be in Yoshi's memories. That's something that no one could ever efface from him. They were his own, and Sora would be waiting there for him. Always.
"Best friends forever," Yoshi said, returning the gesture.
The two embraced each other. Yoshi closed his eyes, feeling himself grow calmer. Akin to Sora, he would enjoy every last moment of their time together – remember every sight and sound they encountered. He could collect them, putting them in a binder that would never be torn. Their friendship would never fade with time.
Luigi smiled. He would take Sora's advice, too, keeping the memories of their time together close. So close that it would feel real. Guess it was better than nothing. At the end of the day, life moves on, but the good memories would always stay with us. While the bad were omitted like trash.
"Fox," Krystal said, whispering in his ear, "I think we've just located Ansem. Should we tell them?"
Fox turned back to see Sora and Yoshi immobile in their warm embrace. "Nah. Give them some time. They won't get another chance to bask in quietude."
Upon their return to the chapel, Peach walked over to Yoshi and stroked his head. A part of her was upset that Yoshi ran off into the vast, dark catacombs of the castle. But his reasons were justified. She couldn't be angry with him. Not after being crushed beneath the underfoot of a terrible revelation. It was unjust. She continued stroking his head, providing comfort in these depressing times.
Soon, the princesses revealed that they've located Ansem's whereabouts. Sora faced Luigi and Yoshi – his longtime companions. His closest friends. They stared back at him. Time's spool spun faster; the thread was growing smaller. But they would treasure that small thread with all their heart. Either way, they had to put an end to Ansem's plans. Everyone was counting on them. Sora felt Kairi's charm rest against his hip. He wouldn't break her promise. They would return home – all three of them.
"We can sense a powerful darkness growing," Dixie said.
"It's southwest from here," Samus said. "Gonna guess that's where Ansem is."
"Then it's time we put an end to both Ansem and the Heartless," Sora said, uplifting himself with a surge of courage.
Peach faced both Luigi and Yoshi with concern. "Please be careful. I can't imagine what would happen if I lose both of you."
"You won't," Luigi said, as his attitude coupled to Sora's determination. "The three of us have overcome some pretty tough obstacles. It isn't going to get any easier." He sighed, somewhat perturbed. "As much as I want it to be."
Peach giggled. "Always have to add your own Luigi flair to every answer, huh?"
"Princess!" Luigi said, in surprise.
"Hey, can't expect every syllable from me to be coated in honey," Peach said. "Have to live a little. Being kidnapped can do that to you."
"Once Ansem is slain, all worlds should return," Mia said.
"Including my island?" Sora asked. "Will Kairi be there?"
"Most certainly," Mia said.
Sora could feel the tension in his shoulders disperse. Kairi would be safe, even if the outcome wasn't biased towards him. But that didn't mean his mission was over yet. Some checkmarks remained vacant.
"That just leaves Riku," Sora said. He looked at Luigi. "And your brother, too. Not going home without them."
Samus couldn't help but smirk. "Still got spunk. Ansem should watch his back, then. Heard you three beat Mother Brain. At this point, you're unstoppable. Better prepare myself for the trip home. It's going to be really soon."
"Thanks, Samus," Sora said, rubbing his head. He had earned the respect and trust from one of the most redoubtable bounty hunters in the world. Part of his ego expanded like a metal from prideful head.
Sora turned to his attention to Fox. Saying good-bye to him would prove difficult, too. When Sora found himself in an impossible situation, Fox was there to inspire him – to guide him through a narrow tunnel of doubt. Over time, it grew wider; he found it easier to breathe, and found a renewed sense of hope.
"I'm glad you were able to find Krystal," Sora said, struggling to keep his emotion balanced on an unstable tightrope. It started to vibrate harder with each sentence. "Thank you…for everything."
Fox placed a firm, compassionate hand on the boy's shoulder. "Hey, I only gave you a push in the right direction. It's because of you that we're able stand in this room together. I'll never forget everything you've done for us. Here and forthcoming. Just stay focused out there. Who knows what surprises Ansem has in store you."
Sora nodded, reassuring Fox that, despite feeling saddened over never seeing his friends again, he would keep that resolve burning, placed up high on a scone. Ansem and the Heartless would see his unwavering courage firsthand. The final notes of good-byes were exchanged. It was time to leave.
Sora and his friends started making their way down the dark hallway – a small group wandering away from the safety of the flock, entering the frightening unknown. Sora looked over his shoulder to see everyone one last time; he was going to miss them with all his heart. Never again would he be able to feel their cordial presence wrap around him like a shawl. But the memories of their time together remained, hung on a wall in his mind like a plaque.
And, regardless of how many flights of stairs his age had climbed, the words engraved would never fade.
Although Sora and his friends had entered the bright, colorful cockpit of the ship, they still carried the infectious gloom from the castle. The journey ahead was going to be far more perilous than ever before. They couldn't rest until Ansem and the Heartless were cleaned from the universe's surface – to let the stars continue their uninterrupted gaze over all of existence.
They heard sniffling intrude on the ship's pleasant humming, and turned to face Isabelle, whose face was hidden within her book.
"Isabelle, are you okay?" Sora asked.
"O-Of course," Isabelle said, in a desperate battle to keep her composure. Unfortunately, it was one-sided. "Just making sure everything's in order."
"Kinda hard to do when you're on the verge of crying," Luigi said.
"Hey, I don't mean to toot my own horn, but the things I wrote are really moving, okay!?" Isabelle peaked out to see Luigi staring at her with narrowed, unconvinced expression. She sighed, lowering the journal; small tears formed in her eyes. "Okay. Maybe my poker face needs work. I heard everything. Not exactly happy by the news."
Sora felt himself sink deeper into his current slump. He forgot about Isabelle. She was about to be forged into a memory, too. Her kindness and compassionate was much appreciated. She kept everything in order. Despite every daunting responsibility in writing the journal, her work ethic never took gainsay to the overwhelming pressure.
"We're pretty bummed out about it." Sora tried to remain positive; they all needed it for the fight that awaited their arrival. "But like Luigi said: we're going to make the most of our time together."
Isabelle sighed. "I'll try. Was never good at long good-byes. When our previous mayor retired, I bawled for an hour."
"Better make sure we're equipped with plenty of tissues, then," Luigi said. "Don't want Telly-Vision to get on our case over a soaked cockpit."
Isabelle giggled, as the sadness was somewhat alleviated. "I'll do my best to keep myself together. The journal will keep me busy."
The group sat down in the usual seats. Luigi started up the controls. Only the cacophony of noise from the ship talked amongst themselves. Sora and his friends were barricaded within deep thought. They had much to process. Especially Yoshi, who was still struggling to let reality nest within his soul. The scion of his heartache sat upon the throne of emotions, giving the command of melancholy.
Yoshi leaped into Sora's arms, resting his head on the boy's chest. He wanted to stay there forever, feeling at ease by his friend's steady heartbeat. Luigi and Isabelle spun around; their expressions plunged deeper into despair.
"Hey!" Sora said; he didn't want Yoshi to linger within a hopeless cellar. "Let's try to focus on other things right now. You always wanted to show me your world, right? How about you tell me about it. Can at least picture it in my head."
Finding encouragement, Yoshi pulled away from Sora, staring at his glowing smile. It helped in removing the crestfallen mold. "Me give it a shot. Mushroom Kingdom beautiful. It have big trees, small towns, and princess' castle. It beautiful. Perfect place for napping. Me know Sora like to sleep. We could've slept on castle roof. Me do it all the time. Angers roofers though. And sky beautiful. Although, clouds have faces. Makes going to bathroom awkward."
Yoshi did stop for a moment, as if regaled by the grim reminder of the forthcoming. But Sora shooed that sensation away as it were a repugnant rodent; he encouraged Yoshi to continue. The subject soon changed, as, along with Luigi and Isabelle, they began recollecting about their adventures. From the good to the bad; to the strange and wonderful.
They were huddled together within an esoteric igloo. They felt the cold of the future around them, but their laughter produced an incredible heat of merriment. It made them forget about having to step outside into the unknown; to confront the inevitable.
As they continued conversing, Luigi started the engines, and gripped both hands on the wheel. He sighed, releasing shaken breath into the peaceful air. This was going to be his toughest challenge yet. He had saved the day before, but not the whole universe! A herculean task befell to him. But he heard the laughter behind him, cushioning that worry. His friends would be there for him, regardless of the abrupt corners they'd have to turn.
But overcoming this incredible obstacle was the only way he'd reunited with his brother. That, too, kept him going. They would be together soon. He couldn't wait to cross that goal line. Luigi proceeded in the direction of Ansem's whereabouts – a place where light succumbed to darkness' eternal slumber. Not a single shimmering eye was opened.
The princesses posit over Ansem's location was one hundred percent correct. Everyone watched as the purple that surrounded them faded to pitch black; it was as if space itself had been injected with a needle of lethal black ink. Whatever stars remained sank within its haunting form. Luigi felt his hands tremble as they flew deeper into the maw. But he refused to be distrait. The thoughts of his brother acted as a secure pilar for his courage.
Bursts of purple lighting flashed before the group's eyes. They were entering the storm. No, the first line of defense towards Ansem. Turbulence grasped itself against the ship, and started shaking it like a dice cup.
"Buckle in!" Luigi said, shouting to everyone in alarm. Yoshi hurried into his seat, yielding to the command. "The fight's going to start before we even land!"
Heartless ships emerged from the darkness, firing lasers at the group with aggression. Luigi tilted the Labo ship left to avoid the incoming blast. Another ship appeared in front of them, firing lasers, too. He was quick to tilt the ship in the opposite direction. The two Heartless' ships spun around, and fired more lasers at the group's backside.
Luigi forced themselves downward, but the Heartless continued the pursuit, with a non-stop barrage of lasers. Some left small scratches on the Labo ship, but Luigi was able to dodge most of them. But the Heartless were far more relentless than before, as if desperate to stop the group from reaching Ansem. Luigi tilted the ship again, spun it around, and counter attacked, destroying one of the ships. The other was able to ascend before being hit by a blast.
Luigi soon found himself right under the Heartless ship. It nosed dived towards him, but he decreased acceleration, missing the incoming attack. Luigi prepared to go on the offense, locking on to the defenseless Heartless. However, the action was aborted as another ship rammed into them from the side. They group spun out of control, but Luigi was quick to regain stability.
Another Heartless flew straight for them. Luigi tilted the ship left, allowing it to pass. Out of his peripheral vision, he saw another one preparing to ram them. Luigi rotated the ship, blasting it to pieces with one press of a button. But they weren't safe, for another one crashed into them. Sora felt like they were caught in a tornado, being thrashed back and forth. A moments reprieve would be like entering its eye. Sure, they'd be safe, but soon the group would be forced to suffer again. More ships appeared from behind them. It was growing cold from within the cockpit. The heat from the engine diminished, becoming lost within this frigid air.
The Heartless fired their lasers, setting the area ablaze with blue strobe lights. Luigi accelerated forward, dodging every incoming attack. Sweat was starting to build in hands. He had never partaken in a dog fight this intense. There was no way to destroy every single Heartless here. Stopping Ansem was the only way they'd reach a cease fire. He continued in the direction provided by the princesses.
Luigi destroyed another ship, dove down to avoid a second one, and then ascended at quick pace, blowing up a third from the underbelly. Upon redirecting the ship, they continued flying, with the ship's noise pointing at the abyss in defiance. Sora's squeezed the arms of his chair; he felt like his insides were spinning through a blender. But there wasn't much he could do, except put his life in Luigi's hand. The others expressed the same sentiment.
More ships chased down the four. As one flew next to them, Luigi rotated the ship a slight right, decreased acceleration, and cut the Heartless up with the Labo Ship's wing. Luigi saw missiles heading right towards them. He rotated the opposite away, dodging the incoming blast. They saw one flying straight towards them. Luigi made the ship rotate a full ninety degrees; the ship stopped right in front engine nozzle, becoming consumed by the roaring flames.
As another one tried ramming into them, Luigi performed an upside-down U-turn, and continued forward. Fortune, however, grew weary of their ability to escape danger, and raised the stakes. Missiles collided with the ship. If it wasn't for their seatbelts, everyone would've topped over. Sparks started to fly out from the control panel like a fountain. Alarms went off, as if the ship was crying out in agony.
"No, no, no, no!" Luigi said, panicking, losing control of the ship. "Stay with me! We're on the right track!"
As everyone else struggled to stay in their seats, Yoshi saw something ahead of them. "Hey, what that out there!?"
Everyone could see a world coming into a view – a pinkish sphere with black blotches scattered throughout it. Part of the world was bathed in a flat, bright circle of light. It extended outward, forming a transparent ring mixed with pink and blue colors. Blue fragments of energy descended towards the world's scalp, as if providing it with nutrients – veins that kept it alive.
"W-With luck," Sora said, keeping his body glued to the seat as they swayed back and forth in an abrupt manner, "Ansem's wonderful abode will be there."
They were soon hit by another laser. Control was becoming harder, but Luigi still felt a small pulse within the engines. He was beyond terrified. Survival had been retrograded to the art of luck.
"T-Think we can make it?" Isabelle asked.
Luigi closed his eyes. He pictured himself in the courtyard of Peach's castle. There, he saw Peach, Daisy, and Mario waiting for him. Their upbeat voices beckoned him forward. Nothing would deny him that satisfying moment. He would mold it into existence.
"We have to!" Luigi said. "Hang on!"
Pushing the engines to their limit, the group began their decent towards the mysterious world. The engines soon lost their proud roar, making nothing more than a whimper. Luigi steered the ship straight towards the world. They grew closer and closer. Everyone braced themselves for impact. Sora closed his eyes, praying that he'd be able to open them again. They were descending faster towards the ground, which comprised of water. It reflected the dark purple clouds in the sky.
Soon, the ship touched down on the ground; the water-like ground splashed from the impact as the underbelly slid across it. Everyone held on for dear life as the ship shook, as if enraged from being defeated by the Heartless. It wasn't long before the ship came to a halt. Sora felt relief pull him straight back into his seat. The others couldn't concur more.
But the damage to the ship was immense. Smoke escaped the cracks of the control panel, filled with wanderlust. It started traversing the cabin. Luigi swatted the smoke away, although some managed to find shelter in his throat, forcing him to cough. The others echoed the sound of irritation.
"Mama-mia," Luigi said, after clearing his throat. "Everyone okay?"
"Fine," Sora said. He glanced at Yoshi, who nodded in response. He turned to noticed Isabelle hugging her knees, shivering from the release of absolute fear. "Isabelle? Isabelle!"
"What? Oh! Y-Yeah, I'm okay," Isabelle said, as Sora's voice chipped away at her frozen state. "Say, remember bicycles? Whatever happened to them?"
"Um, they're still around," Sora said, with a perplexed expression.
"Oh, is that so?" Isabelle said, her voice still shaken. "Then they should bring them back in a big way. Like make them the standard for every mode of transportation! I should write that down! I amaze myself sometimes!"
Sora gestured for Yoshi to help Isabelle pick up the shattered pieces of her sanity. Meanwhile, he went over to check on Luigi. The plumber released a loud exhale as he scanned over the damage done to the controls.
"Man, the Heartless aren't playing around anymore," Luigi said. "I hope the princesses' assumption in sending us home are true. Not sure if we'd be able to make repairs. It's pretty beat up." He saw Sora out of his perihelial vision. "And hopefully none of your bones are out of place. Because my form of being a chiropractor involves throwing L shaped pills at dancing viruses."
"All in one piece," Sora said. "No need to stress over the ship now. I'm just glad to be alive. Wouldn't be standing here had it not been for you."
Luigi blushed. He had never felt this much validation before. It reminded him that he wasn't just a shadow forced to stand behind his brother. A confident spotlight was placed on him. Everyone noticed and valued everything he did on this journey, despite his frequent cowardice. He absorbed that light into his being like a blooming flower, growing stronger every minute. Luigi would use that mentality to fight through the darkness, never once wilting.
It was the only way he'd see his brother again.
Isabelle, who had garnered the fragments of her sanity, glanced out the cockpit with Yoshi. They gaped in awe from the fantastical images that regaled their pupils. "Guys. Look."
Everyone turned to witness the strange beauty of their new surroundings: a resting place for the worlds of old. The area stretched for what seemed like miles. But, upon the horizon, they noticed a giant white dome of pure energy. Small, faded rings of light rotated around the dome in a clockwise motion. Mauve was the dominating color. Everywhere they looked, the area had been painted in an ominous purple. Specifically, the sky.
Below them was a feat that contorted the nature of science: solid water. The purple sky reflected off its surface. Rock formations stuck out from the ground. Some had been frosted with snow. Logic distanced itself from this anomaly in the mundane. Something about this place felt calm and peaceful. Yet, there was an undercurrent of dread tugging at the group as they continued staring. This world was unnatural – an enigma that provided a false sense of security.
A tranquil nightmare, prepared to pull you into its being with dark tentacles.
There was no time to continue admiring the scenery. They had a mission of the utmost importance. Everything was on the line. Lingering was a possible determent to their journey. Isabelle escorted everyone down to the ship's back hatch. She would soon have to say her final good-byes. After everything they had been through, it would be next to impossible.
She may have never found Digby without their constant support. Isabelle had found her voice because of them. And now, once they part, she would no longer hear theirs. They would only exist as echoes in her head. Upon reaching the engine room, the four were greeted by the robots.
Telly-Vision had an expression akin to exasperation. "So, how badly damaged is the ship this time? Sometimes I pine for arms; my driving skills would be ninety-nine point nine more efficient."
"Wait, so you saying there that one decimal point chance of failure?" Yoshi asked, nervous. "Yoshi shudder at the thought."
Sora noticed Luigi's hurt deportment, and glowered at Telly-Vision. "Give him a break! We would've been space dust if not for Luigi. The danger gets worse with every world! I'd say he's done a fantastic job keeping us alive."
Luigi responded to Sora with an appreciative smile.
"I suppose you're right," Telly-Vision said. "We did succeed in reaching our destination. If the Princesses of Heart's postulation is true, then repairs will be unnecessary. Chibi-Robo and I are unsure of our fate, though, given that we are not organic beings."
"Don't be silly," Sora said. "You exist just like any other person. That's how I see you guys as. For all we know, maybe you two have hearts between the circuits and wires. I just know you won't get left behind."
Telly-Vision and Chibi-Robo were taken aback by Sora's statement. They were designed for utilitarian purposes – tools that did their job without question. Yet, Sora saw beyond such basic functions. He saw the two of them as friends – living beings that were able to express their own thoughts and feelings. The robots didn't know how to process such a compliment. Every cog spun inside, stuck on a loop, intrigued by a sudden inclusion in their programming. Was this what it meant to experience an emotion such as gratitude?
Further research on this human concept needed to be pursued.
"That is a nice compliment," Telly-Vision said. "It'll be stored within our memory banks."
Sora grinned. "Here's another one: thanks so much for taking care of the ship."
"None required," Telly-Vision said. "It's what we are programmed to accomplish. But it'll take time to adapt to your permanent absents."
Something tapped at Sora's lower leg. He looked down to see Chibi-Robo waving at him. The boy kneeled over, patting him on the head. Chibi-Robo lowered his head, as if expressing sadness. No. That emotion was there. Something that strong could never be faked. Sora felt it resonate within himself.
"We're going to miss you guys, too," Sora said.
The conversation was interrupted by the strident sounds of sniffling. Everyone turned to see tears raining down Isabelle's cheeks. She couldn't fight against them anymore. "Oh, no. It's already starting."
In an instant, she was swooped into the arms of her friends. There was no reason to hold back her emotions anymore. She let them crash into the group like a wave. Isabelle cried for a good while. It was hard to believe that this was there last moment together. They had a profound impact on her life. She could hear her voice loud and clear now; it was heavy with assertiveness. Her words would leave a dent in a conversation.
Isabelle wished there was a way to use that new voice to keep her friends. But nothing could pursue the rules of the universe. She knew it would be hard. However, in her line of work, people always came and went. It was a roulette wheel that had to be followed. Over time, you come to accept the choices made. But that doesn't mean she'll ever forget them. Their time together would always stay wrapped around her like a soft sweater,
Eventually, she started to feel a sense of calm, as their warmth pressed against her. Negativity was being filtered out from the pressure. She was safe with them. Nothing bad was going to happen in the moment.
"We can't thank you enough for everything," Luigi said, as they pulled away from each other.
"I hope my assistance was adequate," Isabelle said, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"No need to sell yourself short," Sora said. "You've been amazing! Documenting this whole journey took a lot of effort. No one else could've done it better.
Isabelle lowered head, as her rosy cheeks became bright red. "Th-That means so much to me. You're incredible friends – you helped my find strength in myself. I'll never forget any of you."
"We never forget you, either," Yoshi said, giving her an affectionate lick on the cheek.
"Tell Digby that we wish him well," Luigi said.
Isabelle let out a small sniff, knowing the end of their conversation was inevitable. "I promise. Please be careful out there."
Their voices were soon silent. The severity of their final adventure started to tighten within themselves like a bolt. There was no turning back now. An uncertain future prepared to usher them towards their fate. Only two outcomes were assured. Sora was confident he and his friends would stand on the correct side. They had been unstoppable throughout this entire journey – a plow that had pushed aside the heaviest banks of opposition. This wouldn't be any different.
The hatched lowered, revealing the vast realm of darkness. Already the familiar chill tackled their senses. But they ignored it, focusing on their mission. They stepped out onto the solid water, taking another gander at this strange world threaded together from dark, malicious string.
"So, is this all what left of worlds taken by Heartless?" Yoshi asked. "Or are we inside Waluigi's head?"
Luigi shivered, hugging himself. "Both sounds pretty frightening."
"I don't know what you guys are talking about," Sora said, perplexed.
"Sometimes, Sora," Luigi said, "ignorance can be a blessing."
Ignoring Luigi and Yoshi's usual dilatory, Sora said, "Ooookay. So, if we just beat Ansem, those worlds should be restored, right?"
"Absolutely!" Luigi said.
Sora was relieved to hear that they'd have a second chance to bath in existence's life-giving aura. But, as he mulled over everything, Sora started to see the ramifications of their action unravel in front of him; it was written on a parchment with concerning red ink.
"But, if we do beat him," Sora said, pensive, "and all these worlds become destroyed and disconnected – what's going to happen to this place? And to us?"
"Why that's easy." Nothing came out of Luigi's mouth, except dead air with empty ideas. "We…uh…um…live happily ever after?"
Sora frowned at him.
"A guy can dream, can't he?" Luigi said, a bit defensive.
Yoshi ruminated over Sora's questions. Thoughts were strewn about through his mind like broken sticks. He took his time, picking up each piece, and combining them to form a small raft. It guided him towards a lush island, where the answer awaited his arrival.
"Well, this a Heartless world," Yoshi said. "Wouldn't it disappear?"
Sora and Luigi spun around to face the dinosaur, in shock that he would reach such a logical conclusion.
"Y-You think so?" Sora asked, still trying to shake off the sudden surprise.
"Sure." Yoshi smiled. "But we no worry. Even if this place go bye-bye, our hearts go nowhere. Like princesses said: everyone return home. Me sure we do the same. We going to see our friends again. Yoshi know it."
Sora felt hopeful. Although things were going to change after the battle. But it would also return to normalcy. Normal. To be back on the island with Riku and Kairi. That's what he wanted most out of this whole ordeal.
"Yeah, you're right," Sora said.
"Yoshi….what you said was well thought out," Luigi said, impressed. "I'm proud of you."
Yoshi let out a modest chuckle. "Aw, thanks. This head ain't just for smashing things, you know."
"Oh, really?" Sora trapped Yoshi in a headlock. "I thought it was for this!" He gave the dinosaur a noogie.
"Stop that!" Yoshi said, laughing.
After everyone was calm, the three turned to see the white core upon the horizon. A cool breeze was beckoning them in that direction. They knew what must be done.
"What do you say?" Luigi asked. "Let's stop Ansem and the Heartless for good."
He extended his hand out, followed by Yoshi, and ending with Sora. Together, they said their famous vow one final time: "All for one, and one for all."
Sora felt the weight of their hands on top of his. He would never forget that sensation. It was a binding contract, signifying their friendship forever – a promise to never forget each other.
Then, he was reminded of another promise.
Sora went through his pocket and pulled out Kairi's charm. It protruded from the dreary background, shimmering in eyes. The connection he shared with her was deep. A piece of her would guide him through the deepest caverns of darkness.
"I'll return this. I promise."
And so, the three's final adventure began. The challenges ahead would be difficult. Maybe more so than any other world they've visited. But nothing would stop the three, for they were connected to a plethora of hearts, and would beat alongside them in encouragement.
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